So, I have been walking with my neighbor when she gets home from work. This is teh same neighbor I babysit for, so we take the kids. It's very hilly so pushing 50 pounds of kids up hill is a great workout, plus I get to talk to a grown up for a change LOL. So I really want to keep it up.

But...She gets home at 5:30, buy the time she changes, and we get the kids in stroller, we walk then we come home, I gather my stuff, load my kids in the car ect it's 6:45 when I get home. My delema is that by the time I have cooked dinner it's 7:30-8:00. My kids are tired by then, I am tired, it's bath time and bed time.

Does anyone have ideas on how I can put a nutritious meal on the table without cooking an hour (heck even a half hour is long these days LOL)? I can utilize my crockpot but not every night, and I am happy with salads which can be made ahead, but DH and the kids aren't big salad eaters. I am really feeling a time crunch. Any ideas?

you could try using any extra time u have on weekeds to cook, and then store the bulk of it in the freezer to use on nights when u have a time crunch! a frozen dinner made by you, and some freshly steamed broccoli or carrots or chickpea salad (which would only take about 15 mins) could be your dinner...

Misty... first off ... and his brother for the walking! Good for you. And I know how hard it is for you to get the opportunity to chat with adults. So this is good all around.

I have to agree with Sugah's suggestion about freezing your meals and then taking them out as needed. Also, could you maybe find recipes that can go in the oven before you leave for your walk and be ready when you come home so all you have to do is heat up some veggies or put out salad that you made earlier in the day? There's also the possibility (maybe) of DH doing dinner duty once in a while so that it's ready when you come home.

Try a combination of all these things. But do whatever you have to do to make this time for yourself. You deserve it!