I imagine our family is very similar to many families in America right now.  Everyone is coming and going on different schedules.  This has posed a problem for me since I don’t know who will be home for dinner on any given night and who will be eating dinner.  But I think I have solved this dilemma.  I purchased a slate board for my kitchen island.  Each night, before I go to bed, I write on the board what I will be serving for dinner the next night and the time it will be served.  Every family member has the responsibility of checking the board and making a check mark if they are planning on eating what I fix.  If there are two checks, I only fix enough for two people.  This has worked great so far and I have had to make modifications such as:  if someone doesn’t like what I am fixing for dinner and they fix their own, they are responsible for cleaning up and washing the dishes, pots, and pans they use to make their dinner.  (It was beginning to look like a restaurant in my kitchen with all the dirty dishes!).  Also, by including the time, everyone knows when they need to be home if they are planning on eating with the family.   This system has also forced me to plan ahead and check the freezer to see what is available for food.  Needless to say, I have more people showing up for and eating what I fix.  I think it is because they are allergic to dishwater and cleaning – maybe I’m wrong but I don’t think so.