Today I have the pleasure of introducing my friend Karen Ehman. Many of you might know her as one of our Proverbs 31 devotion writers and speakers. She’s also the author of five books, including “The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized.” Some of you might know her as a speaker, including being a favorite at Hearts at Home conferences. You might also know her as the author of the upcoming release “Let. It. Go. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith.“ Is it obvious how much I respect and love this lady? And I’m sure you will too.
Today she’s sharing a fabulous tip to help your mornings go smoothly – and it’s a great follow up to my tip yesterday about planning a weekly menu. But Karen is getting even more helpful with some specific ideas. I hope you enjoy today’s guest post:
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Whether you are a homeschooling or carpooling mom (I happen to be both!) weekday mornings can be crazy! Misplaced backpacks, not-yet-made lunches and homework papers gone awol. What can a mom do to ensure that the mornings are a little less crazy and a little more peaceful?
Make sure you pre-plan breakfast.
While there certainly are those days when the only breakfast you can muster up is a half-toasted Pop Tart or quick bowl of cold cereal, kids perform better in school when they have a healthy breakfast. But who has time in the midst of the morning rush to make one?
Here is the secret: make them the night (or week or month) before.
Here are a few make-ahead favorites that can be assembled the evening prior or even frozen for up to two months. They will get you one step closer to a less-crazy morning send-off!
Breakfast Sandwiches
These, grab-and-go simple sandwiches are a hit with kids. Customize to your liking.
Ingredients
1. Bread:
- Biscuits (either homemade, frozen ones that are fully baked or the whack-open canister type jumbo size fully baked) or English Muffins
2. Meat:
- Pre-cooked bacon slices
- Ham slices
- Cooked pork or turkey sausages (meatless soy ones work great too!)
3. Eggs and/or cheese:
- Poached or fried eggs
- Cheese slices (American, Pepper Jack, Colby, etc…)
Split biscuit or muffin. Top with your favorite combo (egg, meat & cheese). Wrap individually and tightly in foil or freezer plastic wrap. Freeze. To serve: Wrap frozen sandwich in paper towel and microwave at 30% power for 1 ½ minutes. Then, microwave at full power for 45-55 seconds.
These next two recipes can be made the night before.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
1 pound cooked meat (ground sausage, bacon, chopped ham, chopped sausage links)
1 cup lightly sautéed chopped onion and green or red pepper (optional but yummy!)
6 slices bread, cubed
8 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste (we also like a pinch of basil or sage)
Combine eggs and milk. Fold in remaining ingredients. Place in a 9-by-13-inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45–50 minutes. Serve with fruit (cut up the night before, of course) or juice. This reheats well so it can provide breakfast for two or three days! Serves 12.
Crock Pot Oatmeal
(From my friend Janelle at http://www.comfyinthekitchen.com)
Ingredients
▪ 2 cups steel cut oats
▪ 6 cups milk
▪ 1 tsp vanilla
▪ 1/4 cup brown sugar
▪ 1 tsp cinnamon
▪ Enough water to fill Crock Pot 1/2 way.
▪ “Fixins” and extra milk as desired.
Instructions:
In a casserole dish, add all ingredients except water. Fill Crock Pot with water. Place casserole dish inside Crock Pot. Cover and set on low for 8-10 hours {overnight}
Add your fixins in the morning {brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, raisins, cinnamon, chunky peanut butter & diced bananas (our family’s favorite!), etc… …pour on additional milk to desired consistency}
To celebrate back-to-school and creative, healthy breakfasts, Karen is giving away a signed copy of her book, “The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized” and a $10 Target gift card so you can buy some kitchen supplies … or something that makes you smile.
To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment. (If you are reading this in an email, click here to be taken to my blog, or click the “comment” button at the bottom of this email.) Your comment can be about any back-to-school topic, organizing tip or recipe idea (for breakfast, snack or an easy dinner). I’ll announce a winner on Monday. I know it’s Labor Day, but I’ll still be continuing the series. Thanks so much for joining me today and have a great Labor Day Weekend.
In His love,
Glynnis
Hi, I have to say , breakfast on those cold winter school mornings can be the worst. I make a breakfast pizza we all like very well .I would love a copy of your book!Keep up the good work.
I always try to make lunches the night before. My teens get up and make their own breakfast, I just put out a variety of choices the night before. My 6 year old is not an early morning breakfast eater. She doesn’t care for your typical breakfast food fare. She wants chicken noodle soup or cream of mushroom soup. Go figure! I also love the oatmeal crock pot recipe!
Thanks for the ideas for breakfast.. I will have 2 very different children in school this year and I am a teacher.! Figuring out what to eat is a challenge on busy, exhausted days with my disability.. Unfortunately, they have eaten too many poptarts in the last few years.. The oatmeal with crunchy peanut butter sounds yummy!
Thanks for the tips. As my kids grow older, the demand for becoming more organized also grows. After school activities and 6:30 am bus pick-ups don’t allow time to ponder over breakfast decisions. As a single parent of 2 active preteens, organization is key. My family would definitely benefit from Karen’s book.
ROUTINE is how I juggle life with 9 children ages 1-16.
We always get our clothes the night before and have lunches back to make mornings go smoother.
I love your idea of making breakfast sandwiches ahead of time. Sunday mornings have always been hard for us. Often I will make a healthy low fat banana bread the night before. Warmed up and topped with peanut butter, it’s a complete meal.
Can’t wait to try the oatmeal recipe!
I love the idea of crockpot oatmeal and all the fixins. Organized is my goal….getting rid of clutter is something I would love to conquer. One room at a time…right? Thanks for all of these back 2 school ideas.
Love it.
I like the ideas for the make ahead breakfasts. I also enjoy the helpful organizing tips. Both of my sons are in college this year and I am beginning to work through the process of organizing my life and home. Any additional organizational tips are appreciated and welcomed. Thanks so much for your encouragement!
I had never thought about premaking breakfast, but your post yesterday got my wheels turning. I actually made breakfast casserole last night and it is baking as I post this! I am trying the breakfast sammies next! I know this will help our mornings. I already feel more relaxed…….
Our evenings run better when I have time to throw dinner in the crock pot as well! My go to favorite for our kids is meatball soup. If i set the cans out the night before, i can put this together in less than 5 minutes. Toss a bag of frozen meatballs, half a bag of tater tots, and a bag of mixed veggies in the crock pot. Add a can of diced tomatoes, a can of beef consume, a jar of beef gravy and 4 cans of beef broth. Let cook 8 hours on low. Serve over bow tie noodles. It sounds funky, I know. But the tater tots fall apart and make a nice thick broth full of potato pieces. Three bowls each for picky eaters, and I won’t complain!
The back to school breakfast ideas this morning were great! Thanks for helping me remember nice ideas on how to care for my family
I appreciate all the tips, especially the devotions and scriptures! My youngest daughter loves pancakes. I like to make whole wheat pancakes and so I always make extra and freeze the left-overs. We just put the frozen pancake on the plate and heat it up in the microwave. My husband works out of town and often my youngest and I go with him, so basically we have two households. Karen’s book would be wonderful to help keep me organized.
Thank you so much for the daily back to school “inspirations”! I am a full time working mama & my husband works evenings. We have 3 boys ages 11,5 & 1 needless to say, I need all of the organizing & uplifting tips I can get. I have to be at work at 6am so I miss the morning school hustle. But I know that these recipes will help make my husband’s morning a little easier. I need all of the tips I can get! I appreciate you girls! Keep up God’s work. You are uplifting my days
The breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal sound great! Can’t wait to try them. I would love your book AND especially that Target gift card!!! Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the great posts on organizing in the kitchen/meal prep area… this really does relieve stress when I do it… I just don’t always do it!
I have a favorite breakfast make ahead…Healthy and yummy oatmeal pancakes. I have experimented with the recipe over the years and have gotten it down to where I mix all of the dry ingredients in a large batch and then I just need to add the “wet ingredients”. This is put together in the fridge the night before so the oats are soaked up and you are ready to pour the cakes on the griddle the next morning. These take a little longer to cook since they are more dense that “flour and water” type recipes, so get them on early and then get dressed….
If this is too much to deal with and you want to just make a healthy addition to your usual pancakes , you can use regular or whole wheat pancake mix and add cottage cheese, eggs and buttermilk until it is the right consistency to pour…I did this for years when my kids were younger and I wanted to give them a better start than flour and water pancakes. They never noticed the cottage cheese back then and now don’t like them without CC.
Try topping your cakes with yogurt (greek is good) and fresh fruit or Peanut butter and bananas or applesauce rather than syrup.
Healthy eating!
Since you’ve perfected that oatmeal “dry mix” recipe please DO share! I too try to not only prepare quick meals, but healthy ones too. That sounds great!! Tell me tell me
And thanks for the tips!!
I just did a post on my own blog the other day titled “A day in the life” where I talked about for one thing our crazy mornings. I do prepare alot ahead of time like making pancakes on sat. and either freezing or storing in the frig. and I also whip up a batch of biscuits and some sausage and have ready to be thrown together, etc.. as often as I can. Thanks for the recipes and tips.
Since today is only our third day back to school, I am still in the “organized” state. That typically goes out the window by mid Oct./Nov. These breakfast ideas will come in handy for my 16 year old athlete with a man size appetite. A bowl of cereal just won’t do when he is out the door before 7:30 and often puts in a 12 hour day with school and after school practices. Thank you for sharing!
My two oldest ate pop tarts on the way to the bus stop throughout their high school careers. They’ve both graduated now, and it’s just my middle schooler left. She likes oatmeal but even in the microwave it uses precious minutes that aren’t always easily come by on school mornings. The crockpot oatmeal may be just the solution. And I just happen to have a bag of steel cut oats in the cupboard.
Thank you for these ideas for breakfast. In our house this is the most challenging meal on a school morning because of the time crunch. But I truly believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I don’t like to just throw sugary cereal at the kids and send them out the door. I look forward to trying some of these ideas real soon. Thank you for the tips and the encouragement!
Thank you for the great ideas. Its help me stay organized in the morning. I love sitting w my children before they go off to public school and having morning devotional or just that time together to pray or share a scripture. getting breakfast ready earlier or cooking during the night, helps not have such a crazy morning. I love having that small window of time w family before they face the world and having Gods word in them helps them start the day off right good breakfast and Gods word. Would love a copy of the book I would share the recipes with a ministy I am starting single christain mom doing it w God.
This breakfast casserole recipe is a bit different than the one we use. Ours uses hash browns instead of bread. Thanks for the chance!
Having to take food allergies and dairy free and gluten free meal plans into consideration, we have been making breakfast “smoothies” with fruits and veggies. We choosethe smoothie menu for the week so that each child can have one day of their choice. We put ingredients in a container the night before. In the morning we add rice milk or water to a blender and toss in fruits & veggies. It is surprising how many veggies you can add and you can’t even taste them! A quick breakfast for all of us to drink and rush out the door!
Karen, can you share what veggies you have tried. I’m not too creative, but my grandchildren love fruit smoothies with spinach. I haven’t tried other veggies.
Thanks, Susan
Susan:
We have used kale, dandelion leaves (both of these are pretty strong flavors so you will want to use a strong fruit flavor to hide some of the veggie flavor), cucumbers, brussels sprouts, fennel, green beans, cabbage, celery, the list goes on. We too started with spinach and went from there. Try some recipes at vitamix.com/recipes. Good luck!
Thanks for the crock pot oatmeal recipe – my son eats oatmeal every day, and I’ve been looking for a good overnight oatmeal recipe! (Tried a few that were not-so-good…) Working on getting myself better organized so our mornings with getting three kids ready and off to school are not so crazy!
Thank you for sharing these great ideas. I already menu plan dinner and look forward to breakfast now as well.
Just bought our kids their own alarm clock and we’re all up at a routine time this year…well, most of the time. =-) That really has helped with having more time to get school in during the day and therefore, more time other things as well.
My kids are such picky eaters. I really need to start experimenting because most days breakfast consists of cold cereal – their favorite. Thanks for the ideas above. I think the breakfast sandwiches may go over well.
I love to make breakfast muffins. They are quick to make and easy to grab and eat when you are having a rushed morning. Planning ahead is the key. Thanks for the great tips!
Do you have a hearty healthy recipe to share?!?
I like to make a bunch of waffles and pancakes and then freeze them. Pop them in the toaster just like the kind you’d buy at the store. A little work up front, but worth it on a rushed morning!
I love the idea of breakfast sandwiches made ahead of time. My children are both gone by 7:10 every morning. No one wants to get up any earlier to eat. This is something they can eat while waiting for the bus. I try to have some breakfast muffins or something for them but these are some thing that they can grab and go. Thanks!
As a mother of 5 (ages 6-22) one might think I’d have to be organized…but somehow that’s escaped me! I love all of these tips and hope to implement MANY of them. I remember learning g long ago the simple task of laying clothes out the night before. Makes sense to do the same thing with breakfast! (beyond the pop-tart bag!!!). The book sounds like something I must have in my library!!! Thank you!
Thanks for the breakfast sandwich tip! We make them quite often but I’ve never tried freezing them. I will now!
Love the crock pot oatmeal recipe. We also wrap our breakfast…egg, cheese and whatever in a whole wheat wrap to eat on the way. We also love protein smoothies with fruit in the morning…drink on the way!
I finally have both boys in school at the same time. I feel I’ve reached a new phase in my life. I’m a single parent and struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, but I am trying so hard to not let anything stop me from being the mother God wants me to be. These breakfast ideas and all of your blogs are so valuable to my plan at achieving organization, structure, and hopefully peace in my family and life. Thank you and God bless you!
Love it! Great reminder of how I need to plan ahead every aspect of my life! Mornings are so rough in our house… I want each day to start happy…. But I need a system!
I love the ideas you have/are giving to help each day become a success as we track back to school. These are things I think we all have thought of yet need to be reminded we can do it. We can get on task an stay there in this high speed life we lead
The fall schedule is so busy! If I can get a menu down, and at least start the family off with peace and not “rush” it will hopefuly help set the tone for the rest of the day. Thank you for the ideas!
As my kids have gotten older, they just don’t want breakfast anymore….they would rather sleep! Teenagers! So I plan on changing their alarm clocks….of course that will only work the first day so breakfast on the run will be necessary.I have one that likes those little tiny quiches, and the other would rather drink his breakfast…..so fruit and protein smoothies it is! I dread the start of the school year (we don’t start till after Labor day) and welcome it at the same time…..maybe then I will be able to clean my house!!
Thank-you for the great ideas! Smoothies, eggs, or peanut butter toast are our breakfast regulars. New suggestions are always refreshing!
Pre-making breakfast is a fabulous idea! I know my mornings tend to get crazy and keeping kids on schedule is often difficult. Thank you for the great recipes and ideas! I love your back to school series!
God bless,
Emily
Thanks so much for the great breakfast ideas. One of my goals this school year is to cut down on the number of cold cereal mornings and give my 3 kids a better nutritional start to their day. I can’t wait to try the oatmeal recipe!
I make up a batch of muffins, let them cool and put in a big zipper bag and pop them in the freezer. The kids can grab one and pop in the microwave for 30 seconds and they are good to go! Add a glass of milk or yogur or a banana to round things out. It makes breakfast SOOOOO easy, and I know they are getting something healthy because I made it.
These are great ideas! Both, too, home schooled and car pooled years ago & still remember how frequently I lost it due to morning chaos
. Now our children are grown but the economy being what it is has caused our son to move back home, work part time and go back to school for another degree. He is a type one, insulin dependent diabetic so having nutritious foods ready is huge! You haven’t lived until you start your day w/a blood sugar issue in the home! Egads…I plan to make these breakfasts to ease that stress. This is great resource, just what we needed this morning.
Thank you the great ideas. I have been making breakfast sandwiches every morning this week, but preparing them ahead of time (and even freezing them) never occurred to me. This is exactly what I needed to hear.
I love your blog and emails; you have inspired and helped me so much. Just the fact that you steadfastly encourage and remind me of different priorities helps me stay focused and determined when the going gets tough.
I am like you doing homeschooling and public school concurrently in my house. We are still adjusting to the new schedule of back to school. These ideas, along with all your regular ongoing organizational suggestions, are just what this struggling to stay organized mom (and woman) needs. May God continue to bless you and your work.
Blessings and Light,
Cindy
Those breakfasts sound delicious and easy. Why haven’t I implemented them before.
Blessings
Oh the best laid plans…it such a hit-or-miss with me! I would love to read about (and implement!) more ways to be more organized!
I make fruit breads (i.e. apple bread, banana bread) and muffins (i.e. apple, blueberry, pumpkin, etc.) en masse when the particular fruit is on sale or when our apple tree has a “prolific production” like this year. We eat some, and a LOT goes in our freezer. Even if I forget to take it out the night before, it’s easy to thaw in the microwave. Good for breakfasts and for lunches. I also try to make extra pancakes on the weekend that can be reheated on Monday.
My mom was great at planning and having breakfast ready for us growing up, and I definitely believe that breakfast is very important! Thanks for the tips! Great idea, never tried freezing the sandwiches.
I also like to make extra waffles or pancakes and they are easy to heat up.
Great tip to make breakfast the night before. Another quick idea would be breakfast tacos or quesidillas. They are so very versatile and can be used in place of bread when needed. Love your blog!
I love all these great ideas…I just wish my kids weren’t so picky! We usually stick with freezer waffles or cereal most mornings. Special days (first day of school, birthdays and the like) get cinnamon rolls. I will definitely keep all these ideas for future use!
I was just doing my meal planning. My kids are super picky so I need to try fun ideas for breakfast. I do the same breakfasts weekly….example…Monday is muffin day… Berries…yogurt…Tues…Toast….with eggs bacon…cheese cut out with cookie cutters for fun shapes…waffle we’d. I try to do a fun catchy name…Muffin Monday…Tuesday toast day…I’ll change up the sides…depending on sales but always have a protein carb and fruit. I love ur tips…thanks
Thank you so much for this post!! This has been my little boys first week of Kindergarten and this blog series has really been insightful and a blessing to me all week! Thank you for the great and easy recipes!
I have recently started using my crockpot more because I’m a mom of 2 school aged kids & a Teacher!!! I have been looking for a crockpot oatmeal recipe for a while. I will definitely try this one. I thank God for all of the P31 sistas! I really feel like you all are my really good girlfriends with special skills. I can’t wait to meet you in person 1 day to explain the impact on my Christian walk all of you have had.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! I agree…the best way to stay organized is to do as much as you can in advance!
I am actually a grandma but I love your ideas about getting organized. I remember those hectic days of getting the kids ready for school!! But I think getting the kids involved is a good way to stay connected with them and give them a little responsibility. Have them do age appropriate things, like get the bread for sandwiches or put the mustard on with a plastic knife, something to have them help mom. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect!!
God bless all you young Mother’s!
Ger
My kids also love frozen whole wheat waffles toasted then with nutella & banana slices on them. May not be able to freeze but are quick & can even be eaten on the go like a sandwich!
Breakfast is such an important start to the day. It’s our time at the table together instead of dinner. Can’t wait to try the crockpot oatmeal. And would love a copy of Karen’s book!
I look forward to trying the crockpot oatmeal this winter sometime!! Thanks for the posts this week and the recipe’s.
Blessings,
Heather
I love you idea of make ahead, plus getting organized for snacks too. I have to make 3 kids lunches every day and each one wants something diff. So I would love to learn any ideas of how to make lunches easier. On another note with all the paper u receive from school or print off. I did learn taking a 3 ring binder for each kid and on front I put there school pic of that year. And every note and ck I make copies for field trips and put any info in each one. Also there birthday invites and then at end of school year store away and get another for next year. It’s really helped me out. That’s why I would love you book to get many other ideas to help out. Tks for all ur ideas and help.
I love the crock pot oatmeal. What an awesome idea.
Quick, healthy breakfast: whole wheat tortilla (warmed) with peanut butter and a cut up banana served as a “roll-up”. Yum! Thanks for the giveawayband ideas.
Thanks for the breakfast sandwich recipe. My kids will be all over those!
Thank you for the breakfast ideas. Over the years mornings before school & work have been rather hectic & chaotic. Breakfast time among other things has never been a high priority. Thankfully the Father got my attention over the last year or so and mornings are so much smoother because I have made time to be in his word at the start of the day no matter what else the morning holds. This has added such a peace to our home that I can’t explain it completely. However, breakfast has still not made it as a priority. I guess that’s the next thing I need to work on in our home. My teenagers and nine yearold would have an even better start to the day with a healthy breakfast too.
I have made that base crock pot recipe several times each time with different add-ins and it is amazing! Apples are a great one to head into the fall. The house smells SO yummy when you wake up! Thanks for this blessing this AM reading your blog!
Thanks so much for the ideas! Mornings can be so chaotic! I would love to win the book…I can use all the help I can get:)
Since we usually hit the trail to walk a couple of miles first thing in the morning, I’m always looking for ways to make sure we have something healthy in our tummies before we go. Thanks for the ideas. My whole family likes breakfast bisuits. I wonder if the same thing would work with a tortilla to make a breakfast burrito. Any idea how well tortillas freeze?
Bless you for helping us all with your wonderful tried and true ideas. We all need help often, and just need to admit that.
Thank you for your wonderful tips and words of encouragement!!!
I am young widow with two small children… Four and two.
My oldest is starting Kindergarten next week and is suppose to be picked up at the bus stop at 7:27am!!!!! I have been doing many little things to be organized in our daily lives and trying to show and teach them the things that will help us all… Like organizing the front hall closet with personalized baskets for shoes and hats and mittens so they will put their things away when the come in the door. I plan our weekly meals but I have never taken into consideration “breakfast for the bus” because our mornings have never been rushed!!!! Believe me they will be rushed very soon!!!! I would love a copy of Ms Ehman’s book as I am ready and willing to try any new and old organizing tips for a fast paced life with two little people in my life!!!! Have a wonderful day!!!!
Can’t wait to make the oatmeal this weekend. I teach so any help I can get in the mornings is very much appreciated. Your book would be a welcome breath of fresh air in my chaotic life. A favorite, fast breakfast for us is quick grits with a slice of american cheese melted over the top.
Thanks for the helpful ideas. Right now I am blessed that my boys stay with ladies during the day that provide breakfast. However, next year with one starting school we need some great breakfast ideas. I have to confess that I find cheerios in my bed at night after allowing them to watch cartoons with dry cereal and milk in a sippy cup.
Can’t wait to try the breakfast sandwich and the oatmeal ideas… sound yummy and easy! We all need ways to help our mornings so smoother! Thanks, Karen and Glynnis!
another idea make extra pancakes on weekend put in freezer take only 1-2 min to heat in microwave
My best morning tip: To maintain a benchmark not just for “wake-up time”, but also for “must be downstairs for breakfast” time. Previously my daughter would wake up OK but then dawdle so long getting dressed that breakfast became rushed. This year, with her younger sister headed to school also, we implemented a two-part morning routine. If you’ve come downstairs, your hair must be brushed and your shoes on, because you’re not going back up except to brush teeth! And it all needs to happen by a certain time. One week into it, we may have had some trouble getting out of bed, but everyone has been downstairs for breakfast, well, like clockwork!
Elementary school for my kiddos starts at 7:30. One has to be there by 6:50 for safety patrol, so we prep the night before to sleep a little longer! Hadn’t thought of breakfast sandwiches. Definitely plan to make them!
simple tip and common sense tip that we strive for but don’t always follow thru! ~~~ Have everything ready THE NIGHT BEFORE! i.e., you shouldn’t have to LOOK for anything in the morning! (books, homework, shoes, gym clothes, etc).
Regarding menu planning; I have a rotation of 20+ meals that my family enjoys. I try to plan around our schedules–my son taking night classes (1 to 3 nights a week) and my husband teaching night classes (twice a week). I also work full time so I try to make ahead my meals for the week–usually Sundays and Wednesday evenings. Sun–Fish, Mon–Mexican, Tues–Italian, Wed–Chicken, Thurs–Crock Pot meal, Fri–Turkey. We also use the dinner leftovers for lunches the next day for three of us. I must admit, I usually let my family handle their own breakfast but I love the ideas and will probably incorporate them. Thanks
Love the ideas! I need to be more creative with my breakfasts, because my family doesn’t like cold cereal and pop tarts (weird I know!) Thanks for the recipes!
Breakfast is so hard during the school year. My son gets on the bus at 6:15, so he eats at school. My daughter and I usually eat convenience foods, but I know I should attempt to cook more often.
Hi Glynnis and Karen! I am desparately trying to get organized. My family needs me to be. 5 busy boys ages 1-10, run our own business, and just keeping track of everything including MY NEEDS is difficult for this King’s daughter. HELP!
Great ideas!!! Thanks!!!
Thank you for the helpful handy morning tips.
I blessing as I am in need of organizing not just my mornings.
I love the breakfast sandwich idea! Thank you for all of your tips!
I like the crockpot oatmeal idea, I’m looking forward to trying it. I like to make a large batch of pancakes, waffles or french toast and then freeze the extra for warming up busy mornings.
I’m really enjoying the back-to-school series. My kids don’t care for oatmeal or any type of casserole, but my HS freshman eats some type of breakfast sandwich every day! I’m trying to teach my girls that a good breakfast = protein + carb/starch + fruit, so I also give the “sandwich girl” some fruit. My 6th grader prefers cereal, so she has cereal, milk, and fruit. I’d love the chance to read the organizing book!
Making a big pot of oatmeal right now! We love to have it ready to warm up in the fridge on busy mornings – my husband too loves it before work. Our favorite combinations: (I’ve been using a 10-grain hot cereal): vanilla protein powder, honey, peanutbutter, vanilla almond milk, raisins OR no honey and dark chocolate almond milk. My 20 month old gobbles this up and is full until lunch – sometimes past lunch!!! It packs a lot into these active little boys and keeps my hubby full all morning while at work too. Would love a copy of your book and really enjoy reading your blog. This is the first time I’ve left a comment!
Ohh! I love the sound of the breakfast sandwiches! I can’t wait to try them. Thanks so much for all your tips this week. r
THANK YOU for the breakfast ideas! I, too, am a carpool and home-school mom and mornings are always hectic! I have found that setting up a “breakfast station” in our kitchen island has been very helpful! I keep the toaster, bowls, cereal all in an area together. A quick meal that we do is crescent rolls with turkey sausage links and cheese. We roll them up and stick in the oven at 350 for 12 minutes! Serve with fruit and yogurt! I would LOVE a copy of your book! We do University-Model Christian school so I have my little guy home three days a week while I drive my daughter 20 miles to school, and my teenager home two days a week, while I drive my 3rd grader 20 miles to school! With their home days filled with school work and extracurricular activities that take up 40 minutes of my day each trip I make to town, I could use some organizing tips! I need to quiet the chaos in my life and would love to get to bed at a “normal time” instead of having to stay up until 2 am to get my house and life in order! Any tips would be a HUGE help!
I’m a stay-at-home mom and I REALLY need this book!!!
I really liked the ‘crock pot oatmeal’ idea!! I’ve never heard of this before and would have never thought of using the ol’ crock pot for OATMEAL!
What a super neat way to easily incorporate a healthy breakfast (whether on school mornings or simply on the weekends, feeding a lot of mouths). Thank you!!
These are great breakfast ideas! If I make pancakes on the weekend, I try to make extras and freeze them. Thanks for the inspiration and the new blog topic!
Thanks for the crock pot oatmeal recipe. I think my kids will love that!
I like to make ahead breakfast burritos with eggs, ham and cheese. I make a few on Sunday and wrap in foil. A quick unwrap and zap in the microwave and you’re good to go. Can’t wait to read (and hopefully win) the new book.
My children made their own “back to school” chart a few weeks ago. They set goals & left blocks to track their progress with homework, projects, etc. I was VERY impressed since they aren’t normally that organized. So far this is their 2nd week at school & they are keeping up with their goals. I think it REALLY helped that they came up with the idea of the chart & goals themselves, so they feel ownership of that.
Love the crockpot oatmeal idea! Another quick fix – 1-2 beaten eggs in a mug or small Pyrex (cooking spray 1st), just pop in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (depending on microwave). You can add cheese, ham, veggies…
I’m loving the insight and tips. I’m the mother of two wonderful and active boys so busy is the name of our game right now. Thanks for the breakfast tips and sandwich ideas – I’ll definitely give them a try. I know I would love your book – organizing is my challenge this year! Wow the clutter you accumulate once you have kids!
Thanks for the help I really need it!
Breakfast burritos are a make-ahead favorite for our family. We like to stuff them with potatoes, eggs, and cheese as well as different meats like sausage, bacon, ham, or chorizo. Roll, and wrap in plastic wrap or paper. 45 seconds in the microwave gets them nicely warmed.
I can cook with the best of them, but I am organizationally challenged. This book might just help my haphazard home
My two oldest are away at school and I have just our 11 year old at home. I have never been so unorganized! We both require a lot of structure to function, and I need help. Thanks so much for all of your helpful posts.
I hate the feeling of being unorganized. I did the study from your book, and I have to say there were so many great ideas. Now I just need to “organize” all the ideas and start to implement them. I love the plan ahead breakfasts. Something I definitely need to try.
Thanks for sharing with us. God Bless
Great breakfast ideas. I also like making backed oatmeat (Lynn’s Adventure Kitchen). I can make and portion off — freeze or use immediately. It would be nice to swith off — maybe then my college age kids will grab a breakfast sandwich.
My mom did make-ahead breakfast sandwiches I so loved them! I think I’ll try the crockpot oatmeal sounds delish!!!
I am loving this series. Practical ideas and “step by step” instructions to get more organized. Thank you thank you thank you! I am excited to try the oatmeal recipe
I think it will work nicely to have hot food waiting for my hubby in the morning when he gets up.
Thank you!
Jessica
thanks for the great tips for healthy breakfast and organization tips! Love your blog!
I am actually a grandma but I love your ideas about getting organized. I remember those hectic days
Thanks for the great tips for healthy breakfast and organization tips! I really appreciate your blog and the wisdom you share…
Thank you so much for this useful post. New recipes are always helpful, and I love the suggestion to make ahead and freeze them! My son will love these! Thanks!
Thanks for the great ideas. I’ve been making breakfasts ahead for awhile but look forward to your book and some fresh recipes because my kids get tired of the old standbys. Breakfast is a must for learning brains!
Great ideas!! One of our favorite make-ahead breakfasts are burritos – scrambled eggs, cheese, whatever meat you take a likin’ too, and prepared hashbrowns or tater-tots all wrapped up in tortillas. My hubby and the kids LOVE them, they freeze great, and reheat quickly. I’m not organized by nature, but I’m always looking for ways to keep my shopping lists, menus, and meals on track. Blessings!
I LOVE all of the ideas that I get from you, your guests, and the comments! Thank you!
I love the biscuit sandwich idea and I’m trying it tomorrow!! The oatmeal sounds good too, but I’m not sure the kiddos would eat it. The book would be great too:)
Great ideas-I try to convince myself I’m organized but sometimes I’m not so sure!
I’m not a morning person so I love the ideas about make ahead breakfasts! One easy protein I’ve done for years is cooking hard boiled eggs that keep for days in the refrigerator and are quick to peel and eat in the morning served with a variety of bread and fruit to mix things up!
I am definitely going to try the sandwich on the go. I am all about breakfast on the go. Sometimes I cut up fruit night before such as any type of berries and in the morning before leaving house I just open a yogurt toss in fruit and stir. Yay! My little man loves it, and he doesn’t do breakfast first thing when he gets up so any breakfast on the go ideas are great!
Thanks for sharing this today! I’ve been enjoying this little play on sounds to be organized and keep us from wondering what’s for breakfast each morning! — Muffin Mondays, Toast Tuesdays, Waffle Wednesdays, Thrifty Thursdays (yes, I know breakfast isn’t an expensive meal anyway, but I couldn’t think of another word! So this is they day we just usually end up something simple), Fruity Fridays, Cereal Saturdays, Cinnamon Roll Sundays. I often mix it up based on a play on the word as well, so toast may be french toast or regular or bagels, etc. As I look at the list I realize it looks awfully carby, but I do add a protein (egg, bacon, sausage, cheese or nut butter) as well to make sure to kickstart their brains for the day! This just gets me geared into what to plan for the day!
We make huge batches of waffles and french toast on the weekend and freeze it for the weekdays. Our favorite, protein-filled breakfast is cheddar-bacon waffles.
Love these tips. On that Breakfast casserole, can you use ground beef? If I use the other stuff, I can’t eat it.
You can use ground beef, or any other meat that you can eat, chopped up. I also like to divide mine casserole up into muffin tins for individual servings. But you have to adjust the cooking time.
Great ideas for a less hectic school morning! Thank goodness my 2 teenage sons are creatures of habit and want the same thing every school morning. For my youngest, I make him an Eggo multi grain peanut butter and jelly waffle sandwich. Just toast the waffles and put pb & J on it and that’s it! My older one wants oatmeal every school day (he has a nut allergy). I buy, yes, the instant oatmeal. One packet of regular and one packet of 1/2 the sugar maple and brown sugar. Very quick and easy!
This is a GREAT post! Also, I have read that sliced apples can be added to the crockpot oatmeal. I will definitely be trying some of these ideas this week; Thank you!
One of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts are egg cups. Beat some eggs (the more you use, the more egg cups you’ll have). If you want to make these healthier, use egg whites or a mixture of whole eggs and egg whites. Stir in your favorite omelet ingredients. We’ve used bacon, sausage, cheese, ham, spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms (not all together)…the sky’s the limit. Pour into a muffin tin coated with non-stick spray (each muffin cup should be about 3/4 full), and bake at 350 until eggs are set. After cooling for a little while, you can eat them right away or put them in the refrigerator for another day’s breakfast. Simply reheat them in the microwave.
Planning and building in margins is what is key in my home. If you think it will take an hour to get out the door, plan for an hour and ten minutes. Everyone can catch their breath and feel ready for the day.
Thank you girls for these Back to school tips & “inspirations”! I am a full time working mama of 3 boys ages 11y, 5y & 1yo. My husband works evenings & I go into work at 6am. So Lord knows that we need all of the organizational tips we can get
I am not home during the morning craziness so these breakfast recipes & tips will be a great help for us! Hopefully I can organize & implement some of these ideas so that I can help make the mornings a little easier.
Thank you girls for your help with life ! Keep up God’s work. You are such a blessing to my mornings.
Thanks for the breakfast ideas. Crockpot oatmeal sounds great!! Would love to read the book!
Thanks for the great ideas on make ahead breakfasts. I love to feed my four year old daughter a hearty and healthy breakfast before she goes to school. At my house, breakfast is the favorite meal. This is probley due to the fact that we have a newborn and I only have enough energy to cook in the morning! Love to get ahold of that book! Thanks!:)
I love all the great recipes, but the breakfast sandwiches are a new one for me and sound both easy and yummy : )
Thank you for all the great ideas! My family loves a little something we call egg cups for breakfast. They also freeze really well, so you can double the recipe and freeze the leftovers. You can pop them in the microwave for 2 minutes and have a hot and delicious breakfast in no time. Simply spray a 6-cup muffin tin. Place 3 Tbsp of shredded frozen hashbrowns in the bottom (I have also used leftover baked potato slices). You can add your own meat (bacon, sausage, or ham) or you can go meatless. Over your potatoes and meat, pour egg mixture. I use low-fat egg product in the carton – 1 cup, or you can use 4 eggs mixed with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and 1/4 cup of skim milk. Then sprinkle with favorite cheese and bake for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees. For a pic and few more lunchbox ideas you can go to http://mansionmoms.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-time.html
loved all the recipes, think i will try the crockpot oatmeal. my favourite breakfast recipes are the following and they take less than five mins to make : fruit smoothies that can be whipped up using fresh fruit, yoghurt, milk and you can add instant oats, avocado, honey, etc the combinations are endless and very nutritious too. I also make cheese toast with meat or veg filling. we always serve fruit which we wash the nite before and which are easy to prepare like berries, grapes, watermelon cut the nite before, which kids can eat with cereal or yoghurt.
I love the breakfast sandwich idea! I don’t know how I would fit a casserole dish inside my crock-pot though. Thanks for the tips. This was a very helpful blog!
I love the make ahead breakfasts! I loved warm breakfasts as a kid but find my mornings too hectic…this way my girls can still get those warm breakfasts!!
Thanks so much. I make those breakfast sandwiches a lot, but didn’t think about making them ahead and freezing them! Thanks for the freezing/microwaving info!
loved the Breakfast ideas….made me hungry!
I’m hoping my son will eat one of these. I love breakfast and cannot fathom not wanting to eat before school, but I’m lucky to get him to eat 2 bites of a granola bar! And he’s my first in school (my other kids are stepkids who are older) so I’m really having to learn organization in the morning and would LOVE to win the book!
You’ve hit a nerve! Fast and easy breakfasts, that the kids will eat, have always been a challenge. I like the crock pot oatmeal recipe as well as the sandwiches. Most of all, I like that either will work for a single mom of 3 kids who all leave at different times every morning! Thanks and I would LOVE the book!
I’ve been reading your blog for about a month now. I love how you break things down into realistic, daily tasks. I’m new to school, routine and orginization…it’s not easy, but at least I’m enjoying getting there!
Thank you for the great breakfast ideas! My guys are always wanting egg and meat breakfasts – what great make-ahead ideas!
This back to school series is so helpful, as I am struggling to become more organized with everything!!! Blessings-
We try to keep up a “typical” morning routine knowing that doing so provides stability for all of us. However, life sometimes happens (getting up late, etc.) so we also have to try to squeeze in a little flexibility to help through those days that don’t start or end up “typical.”
Especially when the tropical weather kicks into gear like we just experienced with Hurricane Isaac. Everyone gets anxious and tries not to be, so routine is extremely necessary!
Thank you so much for this back to school series and the chance to win Karen’s book! My make-ahead has always been biscuits or pancakes, that can be re-heated quickly and topped with whatever is handy. I am going to try that breakfast casserole this weekend! Thanks again!
Love the breakfast ideas! Getting organized has become my new project for the next few months.
TRAVEL OMELETTE RECIPE: Prepare your favorite omelette recipe and place the omelette mixture into oil sprayed foil baking cups and place them in a 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes and then they are ready to take and eat.
Thank you for these great ideas. It is always so stressful on school mornings. This will be one step to making it a bit better for both the kiddos and myself.
Being a homeschool mom doesn’t always mean that breakfast is on the table every day! I also work a part-time job and someday’s it’s tough. Thanks for the tips! They are greatly appreciated. I would love to have a copy of you book! I love an organized home! New ideas are always welcome. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Great ideas!!
In our house, a make ahead favorite is a spin on the breakfast casserole. We put half of a small biscuit (dough) in the bottom of each muffin tin. Then pour over it a mixture of cooked meat (sausage, bacon, ham), eggs, onion, bell peppers, mushroom, cheese, salt and pepper until muffin tin is just over 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes. Then my husband and kids can grab and go or eat it at home!! Great post, thank you
Organization is one of my favorite words!!! I usually do grocery shopping without kids; but I took them with me yesterday knowing that starting school is just a few days away. I told boys to tell me what their ideas of breakfast and lunch (I fix their lunch for school). It went fabulous! I feel less stressed because I know their preferences better now!!!
The breakfast recipes sound good. I like to make egg and spinach muffins. Just add beaten egg, fresh or frozen spinach, and shredded cheese in a bowl. Add any herbs you like – I prefer basil or oregano and a little salt & pepper. Mix together. Put in a muffin tin and bake until set. These freeze well and taste yummy!
Wow – I have been looking all over for a good breakfast casserole and just haven’t found one that every member of my family likes. Can’t wait to try the one you posted. Thanks so much! Every little tid bit helps – especially during the first few weeks of getting kiddos back to school.
Love the breakfast sandwich idea and that you can customize it for different tastes!
I pre-bake French toast sticks and microwave when needed- works great for toddlers
Thank you for the great ideas! I am working on sitting down with my kids for a healthy breakfast this school year and love the idea of cooking the night before!
We loved the oatmeal one! We also make yogurt cups and gronala in the am for when we are running out the door. And a fiber one bar in the car, se we have some protien to get us moving all morning long!
I almost didn’t follow Karen’s emails to this link. I mean…my oldest is out of the house and my youngest is a senior. Glad I did…it’s given me ideas to help my day. I work full time, am taking classes myself, am my church’s financial secretary and am the accounting chair for the American Cancer Society events in our area. I NEED to get and stay organized or I will lose my mind.
This gave me the idea to make up some food over the holiday weekend and stick it in the freezer.
Thanks!
I never thought to freeze the breakfast sandwiches! Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the breakfast sandwich recipe. Even if your children are grown, just fitting in a good breakfast in the morning is tough!Always up for quick and interesting ways to get and stay organized!
I have to prepare before I go to bed! My husband is the carpooler and I am already at work when they are off to school!!! Love any kind of breakfast ideas… We plan at night what will be lunch the next day and they work together if we can’t fix it at night. Getting MORE organized is what I need to do!
Thanks for the breakfast sandwich recipe. Even if you don’t have children it is hard to fit in a good breakfast in this fast pace live we have-love all the ideas!
Your blog is my new favorite!!! I have a four-year old and newborn and need all the make-ahead recipes (plus organization tips!) I can acquire! Love both recipes…have made a similiar breakfast casserole and look forward to trying the oatmeal. We also do muffins the night before so they are ready for the morning! Thank you for the ideas! What a blessing!!!
Thanks for sharing, very helpful to start the first week of school!
My slow cooker is my most used appliance – can’t wait to try the oatmeal.
My morning idea to help us stay on track is a ring that hangs on the door we use to leave the house. On it there is a card for each day of the week. Each day then contains a list of the things we do or things we need – for instance, Wednesdays is clarinet lesson day so we have to make sure the clarinet goes to school! It really helps us reduce the things forgotten and lower our stress. We put sticky notes on it for the once in a while things like bringing the science project on Friday, since it doesn’t happen every Friday. Can’t miss it since we have to reach for the knob to leave home.
LOVE this idea!
We like to have a breakfast quiche for the first day of school. It’s a treat because that quiche is usually only made on Christmas morning. They get to use the personalized plates that I made for them at a paint your own pottery place and they like that. I want to try the slow cooker oatmeal. I like all of these ideas! Thank you!
I like the breakfast sandwich idea! I like to make a double batch of baked oatmeal with blueberries and freeze in individual portions. In the morning, unwrap and pop in microwave for 50 seconds. Add milk or other delicious toppings. Currently, we are enjoying fresh peaches. Yum!
I need to get more organized. Starting school next week.
We love freezer cooking for all meals. Just added the breakfast sandwiches this year and we love it. We do burritos, muffins, pancakes, and waffles as well. I have not mastered the smoothies in the morning though.
It is a struggle to get my daughter to eat breakfast in the mornings. She says she is not hungry when she gets up in the mornings, but I know by mid-morning that she will be hungry. I have her at least eat a banana or a slice of toast. Now my son on the other hand will get up in the morning and head straight to the kitchen to fix his own breakfast, he is 15 & loves to cook himself a big breakfast.
Thanks for these yummy recipes!
I’ve made the overnight oatmeal once before and it was a hit, but I’m so excited to try the breakfast sandwiches! Freezing them ahead of time is such a super idea! Thanks for the encouragement and great tips
Would love to read this book!
Thank you for the recipe ideas. I don’t do too well in planning a good breakfast for the boys so really appreciate this post. Blessings to you!
My daughter has gotten in the habit of not eating breakfast – going to try the sandwiches so maybe she will eat one in the car. Thanks for the ideas! This mom can use all the organization ideas she can get.
I so wish meals would just make themselves! It’s wearying keeping food on the table for a growing family! But experience shows it definitely helps to plan ahead!
Thank you for the breakfast sandwiches! Have to put that together for my family. Have a joyous weekend!
I pre-plan smoothies – blender at the ready, protein powder, add-ins (chia seeds, cinnamon, etc) and frozen berries in one of the lidded cups we drink from to thaw overnight in the fridge. Whips up so easily in the morning. Would love a copy of the book – thanks for the ideas and giveaway (and just seeing Target makes me smile).
Great ideas, will be putting some of them to the test. Thanks for sharing these with us and for all your encouragement!
I am a cold cereal breakfast kinda mom but this is all really do-able it seems. I’M gonna have to try it!!
I would dearly love a copy of the book – but also just thank you for the blog. I have now also discovered some of your friends’ ones since you are always linking up. Karen is one I enjoy.
We ventured to Target this week to find snack stuff for our homeschooling co-op day and it was such insanity. I really felt bad for the families who were struggling to find all the back to school stuff they needed!
I am working on our new fall schedule, and I definitely have to be more disciplined about making breakfast ahead of time! Thanks for the reminder!
I have a a week to learn how to get my oldest ready for K with a healthy breakfast before school. Love your ideas.
and I really really want to read Karen’s book!!
Thank you for the wonderful breakfast tips and recipes! This year I will have one in high school and one in kindergarten, plus my one year old granddaughter! Decluttering and becoming organized has long been a desire of my heart – thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway!!!
Blessings!
Love all these ideas and recipes. We LOVE our crockpot. It makes life so much easier. Our latest favorite recipe is making Lasagna in the crockpot. You can use any kind of noodle. (no need to pre-cook them.) I pour a little of the sauce in the bottom of the crock ~ so the noddles don’t stick. Break noodles into bite-sized pieces. Add all the “regular” lasagna ingredients in layers and sprinkle with cheese. AWESOME!
I Would love to win a copy of Karen’s book.
Thanks so much for these great ideas!! Mornings are always crazy, but these sound like pretty easy & nutritious meals that my kids would like. Now to apply them!!!!!
The oatmeal sounds yummy! Wish my kids would eat the other stuff because all recipes sound delicious!
Excited to try the crockpot steel cut oatmeal recipe—YUM! So far our family is off to a great school year, but just super-duper tired. Any and all organization tips are a real life-saver, so thank you!
Thanks for all the great ideas I need them I have a hard enough time coming up with all my dinner ideas so this has been very helpful you ladies are awesome!!! Gonna Try oatmeal one of my favs.
I love the breakfast sandwiches idea! I’m going to add them to the list I’m working for breakfast ideas. I tend to get stuck in a rut of making the same things over and over. This year, I want to try a few new breakfast ideas so having the list on my refrigerator will help me when I’m planning my grocery list!
Great ideas for breakfast recipes! And with school starting, they’ll come in handy. I usually get “fast” food breakfast for my daughter, like donuts or McDonald’s but I’m wanting her (& the whole fam) to eat healthier. Now, I just got to get organized!
Granola bars are my son’s favorite morning on-the-go. Enjoyed learning about some healthy recipes I can make the night before so I have more on-the-go options for him.
Thank You for this opportunity. We enjoy Baked Oatmeal. I prepare the dry ingredients the night before in one dish and the wet ingredients in another dish. In the morning I combine everything and bake 35 minutes. It’s been a blessing to prepare it this way. Depending on the fruit that is in season, have that ready to serve with this breakfast meal.
I love make ahead breakfasts!
I’m gonna try the breakfast sandwich idea! I felt good on the days I made muffins…from a box
I have 3 little boys and my oldest just started school…and my husband started his own business.. Needless to say it can get crazy and try as I might I can’t stay organized 
I need all the help I can get and the little tips are great!
I like to make two batches of smoothie at a time, and have one ready for the morning.
For different seasons in my life I have made large quantities of things. This recipe is delicious and allows you to have many meals ready to go.
http://iowagirleats.com/2012/03/27/diy-frozen-breakfast-burritos/
Frozen muffins are easy to dethaw and can be great for a quick breakfast
Well, we finally have an empty nest, but I work outside the home two days a week, help care for my 87 yo dad who lives nearby, and run several online businesses, including one for which I make jewelry, so I too need to be organized. My main tricks are laying out my entire outfit the night before, down to jewelry and shoes, packing my lunch the night before, and making a big batch of homemade granola once a week, which I eat with almond milk and fruit. On really time sensitve mornings, I even set out my breakfast the night before (except for the milk), prep the mini coffemaker (which I only use for tea), and am ready to eat in minutes. I may add making up whole wheat waffles and fruit breads ahead, though, for a change of pace.
My husband is not a morning person and will not eat breakfast, but making stuff ahead for his daily packed lunch has helped us both get ready faster. On Sunday I cut up and bag 5 days worth of raw veggies, make up five bags of some kind of healthy snack, and set aside fruit for the week. Then, all that needs done is making a sandwich and putting yougurt and the rest of the food in his lunchbag. Your books sounds like just what I need to read!
Thank you so much for this! I have been working on our home school schedule this week and these breakfast ideas are awesome!
)
A very good way to begin the day on the right foot….from a Grandmom,who did not do it all right, is to be sure to plan time to sit down with the children at breakfast before they leave the house.
Thanks for the breakfast ideas. I always have good intentions and then they fall apart. I try to spend time shopping the school supplies as they go on clearance to pick up good deals for next year or even when they need more supplies in the middle of the year.
This is our first school year, so I like the suggestions you made. School starts Tuesday, and I was trying to find something healthy, long lasting, and most of all yummy. It won’t work if he won’t eat it. Thank you for your suggestions. I don’t have any suggestions, but I have been collecting good ideas from you and your readers. Thank you.
Thanks for the great ideas. I let my 3 kids each pick a breakfast during the week and I do the other 2 days. If it’s something like cinnamon rolls, I prep them the night before and bake them in the morning while I work out. Muffins and coffee cake, I measure out the dry ingredients and gather all the supplies needed. In the morning I finish putting it together and bake it. Just takes minutes to prep in the evening.
Thanks for the ideas for breakfast…looking forward to trying oatmeal. Would like your book. blessings
Hi! My daughter isn’t “back-to-school” yet because she is two, but my teacher husband started this week. I still can’t help feeling like getting into a better routine once the school year starts! I have been really working on my organization lately, and I’m still tweaking, but I’m so ready to have some structure in my days again now that summer is over.
I admit that morning breakfast has become the quick bowl of cereal.I am definitely going to try the crock pot oatmeal and the make ahead sandwiches.
This school year has brought some new to our life. My daughter is in a new school (2nd grade). My 17 year old son is a senior this year. I decided to home school him instead of paying him in a new school. I am praying not only for them, but also for myself. I need help getting organized. As hard as it is to admit…I can step up and do a lot for many family, even in ministry, BUT… being organized is harder. Please pray for God to work a miracle in this area of my life.
This book sounds amazing. I would be sharing it with younger moms that I know.
My tip is omelet in a bag. You could read the recipe on Allrecipes.com It’s easy.
Thamk you so much for posting these! I can’t wait to try them next week!
I have made Karen’s crock pot oatmeal before and it is delicious!!!
My kids love pig in the blankets for breakfast…sausage links wrapped with crescent rolls ( I cut them in half) and topped with a cheese slice triangle. Paired with yogurt and fruit, a very yummy breakfast. The leftovers (if there are any) make great afternoon snacks too!
I am excited to try these make ahead breakfast recipes. I like to prepare the night before, clothes, school bags.
Thanks for the oatmeal recipe! I’m going to try that, since oatmeal is part of our breakfast rotation…one day cereal, one day oatmeal, one day eggs (served some desired way).
I keep hoping if I try a different recipe my kids will learn to like oatmeal. I look forward to trying this one.
We always use the egg casserole on holidays. I’m looking for an egg-free version! Cheese is fine, but no sausage or eggs for me. Any ideas? Thanks for your helpful suggestions. Our main problem in the morning is having enough time for our son to eat breakfast. He never wants to get up. Would love to win the book – I’ve always wanted to read it!
I struggle greatly with organization. I am good at starting but never finishing the project. UGGHH! I NEED this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you so much for this series. I like the breakfast ideas. I usually make most of my girls lunches the night before so that saves some time but had not thought to do breakfast the night before. I have also enjoyed the organizational tips too.
Great ideas!! I need some help since I leave before my kids and my hubby has to get everything done. I would love the book!
Love the freezer breakfast sandwich idea! I’m a freezer meal kinda girl and it makes all the difference in my sanity when I can save a few extra minutes for something important by using premade meals. Thanks!
Lisa
Thanks for the timely back to school series. It’s been a blessing and helpful as we’ve been getting back into a routine. God bless you and your family!
Night before prep is key.
I’m not sure I have a lot of great tips to share, I’m still very much learning on this journey. As a second year homeschool mom, I’m still trying to nail down the routine and figure out how to manage our time well.
My only son starts preschool in two weeks. I need all the help I can get to figure out this organizational stuff. I so deeply appreciate your words of wisdom.
Hello,
I love all the tips and tricks to help us out as we get into a new school year. I still cannot bear to part with any art work. It is taking over my house!! When I manage to swim my way through it I find that in a pinch (most mornings) a quick and premade breakfast of frozen waffles, pancakes or french toast combined with greek yogurt and a fruit cup is easy and makes a hungry kid (and Mom) happy!
Thank you so much for these organizational tips. I am trying to tackle on drawer, shelf at a time and can see progress (under all that art work of couse)
Thank you again
Although I don’t have small children in the house anymore, the breakfast recipes are great, even for an on-the-go mom and student as myself. I appreciate so much the words of encouragement you offer for me and so many other moms.
I pray you keep up the organization movement, I will get their one day, one way or the other.
Thanks,
Carmen
All of this talk about pre-planning breakfast has really convicted my heart to put more heart into cooking breakfast! We usually alternate between cereal and eggs or waffles. Since we homeschool, I serve three meals just about everyday since we are home all day– and I must say–I am guilty of slacking on being creative at breakfast time. Thank you for the creative ideas!
I have goals of making breakfast burritos and freezing them. My kids have started liking oatmeal so I will need to also try that recipe! It will be nice and warm on the cold mornings.
Thanks for the breakfast ideas. We’re a family of ten who don’t use a microwave so every meal is a real production. I’m eager to try the crockpot oatmeal…just need to find a casserole that fits inside my 6qt oval pot
…Blessings for a smooth start to the school year!
Thank you for the thoughtful posts and great ideas. Mealtimes are difficult for me — I don’t care what I eat but I should put more thought into it for the healthiness of my son and husband. I really appreciate your encouraging blog!
I have actually made the crockpot oatmeal before, but we didn’t use the casserole dish going to have to try that.
Thank you all so much for sharing your ideas and inspiration… so deeply appreciated.
I love adding kefir to drink in the morning my kid’s favorites are peach and raspberry
I love these ideas as a hospitality way to encourage our friends. I know the make ahead idea was supposed to be to help our busy mornings to run smoother, but why not encourage someone at the same time? The casserole or sandwich idea is so yummy and simple you could make an extra for a friend–maybe someone who became newly single recently–or a new mom to your area-or even a pastors wife! what a way to start someone’s day off with love! Also, some little additions–my friend makes the breakfast casserole with mini slider rolls, it creates portion sizes! I make it as French toast- I use stale bread and let it soak over night in the pan in the fridge. In the am when I wake up, I pop it into the oven. It’s a yummo kind of bread pudding/ French toasty treat. Thanks Karen E and Glynnis for all of your great ideas! Your blogs and ideas are inspiring and uplifting!
Oh and I forgot one more idea– when my friend makes banana bread she makes a ton and freezes it in small sandwich bags. Then when she knows she’s gonna have a crazy am, she takes one out of the freezer the night before and voila shes got a homemade breakfast all set for the am–or for a mothers grip meeting or church fellowship!
Group not gripe meeting…though there can be those too! Sorry auto type!
I love that since we have a little one that planning our meals on the grocery sales has been crucial and having a calendar to mark them has been essential to “what shall i Make” question every meal time…love a copy of the book anyhow…
I have made smoothies and bacon, egg and cheese burritos ahead of time to help with breakfast in the morning. Thanks for the new ideas!!!
Excited to try the breakfast sandwiches. We do a version of the breakfast casserole – but in a muffin pan. Bake and freeze! Makes 24 individual portions. I move themuffins to the freezer the night before, then heat for 30s in the micro.
Flylady has an awesome before bed routine to help us all in the mornings! It can certainly be modified to include prepping one of these amazing breakfasts for our kiddos to start their day off right, too!
I love all the great ideas on your post, especially the oatmeal. My daughter loves oatmeal and I cheat with the instant kind. Actually embarassed to admit that!
Thanks for a wonderful post.
We just do a cold but healthy cereal or banana with peanut butter. Sometimes toast with peanut butter and sliced banana on top.
Hi, I’m an empty nester but have trouble getting myself out the door in time. I want to try the oatmeal recipe but was wondering when it said water to fill crock pot halfway – does it matter what size crockpot you have?
I’ve tried other crockpot oatmeal recipes. This one is different in that the oatmeal is not in the actual crock. Very excited to try.
I love this post…..I walked through the cereal aisle this morning thinking that I need different school day breakfast options. Thanks for the inspiration. Crock-pot oatmeal will be on the list this week and I’m going to freeze some breakfast sandwiches!
I am making waffled and freezing them for quick healthy breakfast. We are aloe making and freezing our own uncrustables.
A quick breakfast I love is to pop a whole grain, low fat frozen Eggo waffle in the toaster, top it with peanut butter and Simply Fruit red (seedless) raspberry jam. Yummy and filling. I usually eat a banana or other fruit too.
I’m enthused about trying the breakfast sandwiches. With all the various combinations, it will add variety to my breakfast menu. Thanks for all the wonderful tips and recipes.
My back to school tip is to get up a bit earlier than you want to. Cutting the rush enables me to make breakfast and wake my kids up praying with/for them rather an rushing them around like a crazy banshee…
Thanks for the ideas! I love the crockpot oatmeal, but make it straight in the crock. I was always a fan of waffles with peanut butter and raisins on top when I was in school.
Most of the times breakfast on school mornings consist of toaster pastries and yogurt. Not too exciting, but my boys will eat it.
It’s fun to get out if the box & make a cereal bar on a tray or nook in your kitchen
Set up a tray or nook in your kitchen with
have disposable bowls spoons & a trash can handy so clean up is their responsibility! Also can do an oatmeal bar with toppings with Karen’s fab crockpot oatmeal! Make it pretty & once in awhile like on Fridays write a sweet note to each child & have fresh flowers on the table! You can open little nixes of cereal & put a toy or sticker or even money of course in a mini baggieJust be standing by to see their excitement Kind of like cracker jack idea! You could decorate each time with their favorite cartoon character or colors! Set everything up the night before so when the kids start rolling in you are calm:)!have fun!
the mini boxes of cereal put milk in a fun tea jar with a dispenser so little ones can do their own milk! Have bananas & any toppings you want
Thank you for all your great ideas. Being ahead-of-the-game is so important with keeping ones sanity;) I’ll try the Breakfast Casserole out and make it for dinner one night and then have left-overs for breakfast for a couple of mornings…since there’s only three of us, we don’t go through food as quickly.
Make waffles on the weekend — make extra and freeze. Pop in the toaster and spread with peanut butter or whatever suits your taste.
My 11 year old is not a big breakfast eater but she does like Carnation Instant Breakfast. Sometimes we will do a banana split in half length wise and spread with peanut butter and then sliced into bite size pieces with a glass of milk or some yogurt mixed with granola. I did start this school year making her lunch at night and mine! We also started picking our clothes out the night before, this really saves a ton of time, especially with girls! Would love some other healthy options for her for breakfast and would love to read the book! Need all the help I can get being organized!
Thanks for the tips. Here is a variation on the breakfast sandwich. I don’t remember where I first read about this, so I can’t give credit. Wrap the following in a tortilla: slices of hard-boiled egg, ham, and cheese. Add mustard (or topping of your choice) if you like. Then wrap the filled tortilla in wax paper, place in a plastic bag, and refridgerate. Can be warmed in the microwave or eaten cold if in a hurry.
I have found I use pre-cooked bacon to make life easier in the morning. Also this kids pick their coffee mug (not for coffee) and I make their egg’s to order in the mug and microwave about a minute. Easy and fun. I also have shredded cheese, salsa, canned mushrooms and bell peppers as choices for the eggs
I’m new to the school thing but getting papers and lunch together the night before helps with the morning rush. Why must there be so many papers??
Thanks for the great recipes. Can’t wait to try them. Though I only have a preschooler for now, at times mornings can be a challenge when you also have a 2 year old and an 8 month old
I like your ideas with the crock pot oatmeal and make ahead breakfasts! The advance planning and short cuts are great with the back to school rush in the mornings. Your book sounds very practical and relevant. Thanks, Rita
Thank you so much for the ideas. Every little bit helps. And who doesn’t wanna make their house a better place for their family and that includes orginization. Which I could use some help.
As my husband and I continue to adjust to our “empty nest”, and as I seek to live a more intentional life, I know there are some areas that need a re-organization. I would love to read her book and learn from some of her thoughts and ideas. Have a blessed day, Belinda
These are some nice recipes, I was just telling my husband that I could make ahead and freeze some breakfast meals. Yummo, thanks
I never thought about using my slow cooker for breakfast. We make sure everything like book bags, gym clothes and special projects are all on the table before the go to bed. It makes for an easier morning at our house!!
Even though we don’t have to get our kids ready and out the door for school since we homeschool, getting around in the morning to get ready for school is still a challenge. This year I am going to try something called chore packs. Each child has their own pack which includes cards showing the tasks they need to accomplish to be ready for school. We will see how well it works. I’m hoping it saves me the time by not having to constantly ask them to brush their teeth, take take their vitamins, take care of their PJs etc.
This would be a great book to win. I am really unorganized! LOL
My youngest child is the only one left in school. Even though everyone else has graduated, working, looking into schooling etc. I find my life a lot more busy! Sometimes it seems as though my head is spinning while I try to keep up with the day. I have definately taken the extra time to prepare breakfast and lunches for the next day. I could use some additional organizational ideas and would be interested to see what Karen’s book has to offer. Thank you for the recipes – they were easy and everyone enjoyed them too!
I love your breakfast ideas. Morning is very difficult at my house and finding your blog will help me find the peace that we so desperately need. Thanks!
Angie Williams
thx for these ideas! Usually mornings are so rushed, we just eat toast or cereal so these ideas are great.
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Wow!!! What great ideas, and not just for school but for those of us that run out of the house hoping our coffee is ready before we go.
I love the breakfast ideas! I have twin 12 year-olds and have so much trouble getting them breakfast by 6:30 am. They want something healthy, but also quick. When I ask them what they want (at 6:15), I always get a shoulder shrug or “I don’t know.” We need to get a little better at planning ahead of time. We’d love a copy of your book!
For years my “hobby” has been to read and try out clutter-free and organizational ideas, and I love those I’ve read here! So practical! To have a book full of them would be wonderful!
Here’s one that we implemented when our children well very young, and it cuts out many minutes of my unnecessarily sorting laundry: I have separate labeled receptacles (hamper, basket, cardboard box) for each category according to the way I like to do laundry (i.e. whites, pastels, jeans and reds, etc.). Each family member is responsible to take his/her dirty clothes, towels, bedding to the laundry area and put them into the correct, receptacle. Then when one basket is full, I throw it into the washer. Makes better sense than for me to have all categories jumbled together, then I have to spend time sorting it out and have dirty laundry scattered all over the floor on laundry day. Has worked for years! Even hubby does it. (^_^)
So eager to try the oatmeal recipe! My idea of pre-planning breakfast was to sit bowls with spoons by the cereal box on the cabinet before bedtime. It just goes to show, you’re never to old to learn…thank you for sharing!
Love the ideas! Will be a licensed single foster parent soon and have been looking for some great ideas to make meals times easier.
Finding a variety of quick breakfast ideas is tough. Boxed cereals are too expensive to use all the time { plus all that sugar (ugh!)} Love the idea of doing meals the night before. I had never thought of using my crock-pot for breakfast. Thanks for your suggestions.
Love your ideas for getting breakfast ahead of time ! Organization is a struggle for me – I asked the Lord to help me get organized, and my house flooded!! Started my road to better thinking and planning- ten years later, and two more kids – I would love to read Karen’s book. Thanks, Geri Hutson