i missed posting last week’s meal plan. (yes, we ate.) last week…i know we all talk about insanity in our lives and we all live different types of insanity. here’s what was happening in our family’s life last week:

1. it was sycamore pumpkin fest. (if you’re from northern illinois, you know what this means. if you want to explore what this means, check out the link.)
2. i had two evening work events.
3. at work, the month of october has also been what we call “employee-ownership month.” it’s been a month-long celebration for us that i have helped lead.
4. my youngest had his first 4-H meeting! (this was super exciting!)
5. i had to help host a pie eating contest.
6. i helped manage a parade float for a town parade. (file this under “things i never ever thought i’d be doing in the world of marketing and communications.”)
7. i got a college visit organized for my oldest.
7. in addition: helping make sure the boys got homework finished, were prepped for their quizzes/tests, i had some semblance of self-care + made sure everyone ate.

there was just so much that went into the weekend, so it felt like there was no break at all before heading into our college visit early this week, which then blended right in to this week’s work/school week. but: the dinner plan got pulled together for this week AND the grocery shopping even got finished! here’s what we’ve got on the schedule for dinner this week:

monday, 10.27.25: dinner on the road (we were heading back from the first official college visit!)

tuesday, 10.28.25: cheeseburger crunchwraps / bbq baked chips / salad

wednesday, 10.29.25: slow cooker chicken noodle soup* / air fryer chicken tenders / french bread (*because of time and our evening plans, i adjusted this recipe to do in the slow cooker. i cooked the chicken in the slow cooker during the day, got home, shredded it, placed it back in the crock pot, then added all of the seasoning, broth, and noodles and set it on low for 90 minutes so everything would come together!)

thursday, 10.30.25: chicken taquitos / refried beans / chips + guac / rice

friday, 10.31.25: turkey pumpkin chili with protein pasta / corn bread muffins (i still make these with the classic jiffy boxed mix!)

saturday, 11.1.25: hawaiian chicken meatballs with pineapple

sunday, 11.2.25: dad’s taco stuff / slow cooker taco dip

how are your dinner plans coming for the week? what’s on your menu?