What Makes My Kids Cry Today

By Lizzie @ What Makes My Kid Cry Today

Real Life. Real Laughs. Real Jesus.

“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” — Acts 2:46

It’s not always Pinterest-worthy. It’s often loud. Someone is usually complaining about a vegetable. But in our house, feeding seven people on a budget has become an act of worship — a daily rhythm of service, stewardship, and gratitude.

This month, I created a faith-filled meal plan to help stretch our dollars, fill our bellies, and recenter our hearts on what really matters: that every bite, even reheated coffee and freezer-night nachos, can be for His glory.

🙌 What This Meal Plan Offers:

Budget-friendly meals for a family of 7 Aldi-friendly pricing (Walmart works too!) Breakfast, lunch, and dinner covered Weekly grocery lists Recipes that honor what we already have Grace for the messes and microwave nights

💡 Why It’s Faith-Based

Because every dinner around our table is more than just food — it’s a ministry. It’s where we check in, say grace, and sometimes confess that we yelled too much or ate the last cookie. It’s where God meets us with His daily bread, even if that bread is French and topped with cheese and pepperoni.

📅 Full Weekly Meal Plan: July 7 – August 3

Week 1: July 7–13 — Grateful for the Gathering

Breakfasts: Oatmeal & Fruit, Eggs & Toast, Yogurt & Granola, Pancakes, Cereal & Milk

Lunches: Tuna Salad Sandwiches, PB&J & Carrots, Quesadillas, DIY Lunchables, Grilled Cheese, Mac & Cheese

Dinners:

Italian Chicken with Green Beans & Potatoes Tacos with Beans, Rice, Lettuce & Tomato Spaghetti with Sauce & Garlic Bread BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Baked Beans Pizza Night (Homemade/French Bread) Cheesy Quesadilla Nachos Chili Mac with Cornbread

Week 2: July 14–20 — Breaking Bread with Joy

Breakfasts: Pancakes, Eggs & Toast, Oatmeal & Fruit, Cereal & Milk, Biscuits & Jelly

Lunches: Tuna Salad Sandwiches, PB&J & Apples, Grilled Cheese, Mac & Cheese, Sliders

Dinners:

Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli Ziti Bake with Salad Chicken Quesadillas & Corn Chili Mac Pizza Night (French Bread) Breakfast for Dinner (Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon) BBQ Beef Sandwiches with Green Beans

Week 3: July 21–27 — He Provides in the Chaos

Breakfasts: Oatmeal & Fruit, Eggs & Toast, Pancakes, Cereal & Milk, Biscuits & Honey

Lunches: Tuna Salad Sandwiches, Quesadillas, DIY Lunchables, PB&J & Fruit, Leftovers

Dinners:

Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake with Mixed Veggies Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet Tacos with Beans & Rice Homemade Pizza Night Italian Chicken with Roasted Veggies Meatball Subs with Green Beans

Week 4: July 28–August 3 — Glad and Sincere Hearts

Breakfasts: Biscuits & Gravy, Eggs & Toast, Oatmeal & Fruit, Pancakes, Yogurt & Granola

Lunches: Tuna Salad Sandwiches, PB&J & Carrots, Mac & Cheese, DIY Lunchables, Grilled Cheese, Hot Dogs

Dinners:

Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli Butter Noodles with Peas Pizza Night (French Bread) Chili Mac Quesadillas with Rice & Beans Breakfast for Dinner (Eggs, Pancakes, Bacon) Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet

🍲 Sample Recipes

Italian Chicken Bake

2 lbs chicken breast, 1/2 cup Italian dressing, frozen green beans, chopped potatoes

Mix and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

2 lbs chicken tenderloins, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning

Coat chicken, bake at 400°F for 25 minutes.

Chili Mac

1 lb ground beef, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 can kidney beans, 2 cups elbow pasta

Brown beef, stir in sauce and beans, cook pasta separately, mix together.

Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake

2 lbs chicken breast, 1 pack ranch seasoning, 1/2 block cream cheese, 1 cup milk, mixed vegetables

Layer in dish, bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. Stir before serving.

French Bread Pizza

1 loaf French bread, pizza sauce, mozzarella, toppings

Slice bread, top, bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

🙏 Mealtime Prayer to Start the Month

“Lord, thank You for Your provision. For full bellies and loud kitchens. For peanut butter sandwiches and garlic parmesan chicken. Help us to see Your goodness in every bite and to feed others with the same grace You feed us. Amen.”

🛒 Total Grocery Cost: $218.35 (thanks to shopping our pantry!)

🛍️ Store Friendly: Aldi or Walmart

From my family to yours, may your kitchen be filled with laughter, your fridge be full enough, and your hearts stay hungry for Him.

Lizzie

What Makes My Kid Cry Today