If you need me this week, I’ll be somewhere between a hot and humid 5 a.m. run, a sixth-grade classroom, a pile of end-of-year paperwork, a kitchen wondering who keeps eating all the bananas, or in the backyard checking on the kids/animals.
This is Week 2 of marathon training, and while the mileage is slowly growing, life is doing the complete opposite. We’re heading into the last full-ish week of school (with no school Friday), which means less structured days for my boys, classroom clean-up for me, end-of-year events for everyone, and all of the kids who have completely checked out for summer.
On top of that, Mom is still here visiting, which is wonderful. But let’s be honest, any change to the routine makes sticking to a meal plan a little more challenging.
I’ve learned that if I don’t have a plan, we end up grabbing a bowl of cereal, throwing together a late night pot of spaghetti, or standing in front of the refrigerator hoping something magically appears. So here’s what’s on the menu this week.
Breakfast Prep for the Week
Egg & Turkey Sausage Muffins
These are my grab-and-go breakfast all week long.
I make a batch on Sunday, store them in the refrigerator, and pair two muffins with a banana each morning before heading out the door.
Monday: Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls
This feels like takeout but is actually pretty simple.
Chicken, rice, broccoli, and a homemade honey garlic sauce. It’s sweet enough that the kids will eat it and balanced enough that the hubby and I don’t feel like we went off the rails. Bonus: leftovers make a great lunch.
Tuesday: Taco Bowl Tuesday
Some weekly things are almost non-negotiable.
Ground turkey or beef, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. Everyone builds their own bowl exactly how they like it. I add in the beans; everyone else leaves them out. It’s one of those meals that never gets complaints, which automatically makes it a winner in my book.
Wednesday: Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Midweek always feels hectic (even when we are no longer in soccer season), so this dinner keeps things simple.
Chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. That’s it.
Thursday: Family Spaghetti Night
All of the boys love spaghetti, the little ones and the big one. Actually, saying they love spaghetti might be an understatement.
If I announced we were having spaghetti every day for the rest of their childhood, my two boys would celebrate.
Friday: Burgers, Corn & Watermelon
Honoring Juneteenth. No school today!
We’re officially sliding into summer mode and keeping dinner easy with burgers on the grill (hoping the pergola/outdoor kitchen area is finished and the grill is put together), sweet corn, and watermelon.
Food tastes better outside, and if the weather cooperates, that’s exactly where we’ll be.
Saturday: Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Saturday is for having fun while dinner cooks itself.
The pork goes into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, it’s ready to shred and pile onto buns.
Add some coleslaw on top and call it a day. Bonus: leftovers make for great lunches
Sunday: Easy Chicken Parmesan
Sunday is long run day. Also, we are having my little’s 5th birthday party today. After being outside all day and eating pizza for lunch (he specifically requested a pizza birthday party), a prepped homemade meal waiting for me in the fridge will be a lifesaver.
Chicken, marinara, mozzarella, pasta, and salad. Warm, cheesy comfort food that’s exactly what I’m craving after a busy week of training and end-of-year school chaos.
What I’m Learning This Week
Things may pop up, but having a plan gives me something to come back to when the week gets chaotic.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a teacher, runner, wife, mom, chicken keeper, gardener, and professional chaos manager, it’s that perfect isn’t realistic.
Having a plan is.
What’s on your menu this week?
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