By Nicole

The two things I need to do at the beginning of every week are plan our meals and my runs.  Life seems a little smoother when those two things are handled ahead of time! Monday -  Eat:   Stew in the crockpot.  I had some leftover venison and broth when I canned last weekend.  It is patiently waiting to be cooked up with carrots and potatoes.  Yum Run: Two and a half miles at lunch.  If I hustle, I could get in three. Tuesday -  Eat: Burritos.  I was smart last weekend and pre-made about two dinners' worth. Yeehaw! Run: Easy two miles at lunch. Wednesday -  Eat: At the church.  I love that they feed us on Wednesdays! Run: Easy mile on the track with a friend and some stairs if I can fit them in. Thursday -  Eat: Salmon patties and coleslaw.  Homemade tartar sauce. Run: Rest if I've ran all week.  Two miles at lunch if I skip a day.  I shouldn't be so flexible... but I'm not on a real plan right now...

There are so many things I would rather be blogging about tonight, but for some reason, all I can think about is my pillow. So, we are keeping it short and sweet. Meal plan for the week: Monday:  Leftover Ham and 15-Bean Soup with Corn and Chives Tuesday:  Breakfast for Dinner - Chorizo, Potatoes, and Eggs Wednesday:  We eat with Great Grandma Thursday:  Venison Stroganoff with Chanterelles, Squash, and Peas Friday:  Baked Halibut, Sprouted Rice Mix, and Asparagus Saturday:  Football Games!  We will probably eat on the road Sunday:  Steak, Beets, and Mashed Potatoes.  If I'm feeling really motivated, I might bake some rolls.

Now that I have a running plan in place for the week, I am going to make sure that the week's meals are planned out too! Monday:  Today is a little off since I am home with a sick kid.  But I'm sticking with the plan.  Crockpot Lipton Onion Venison Steak, Chanterelles and Potatoes with Peas. Tuesday:   BBQ Pork in the Crockpot, Rice and Steamed Veggies Wednesday:  Dinner at Great Grandma's.   Thursday:   Crunchy Tacos, Beans and Salad Friday:   Fend for Yourself.  I'll be making cakes. Saturday:   My sister is gettin' hitched!  She's feeding us.  And I will be stressing about the cake all day long.  I'm already having anxiety. Sunday:  Halibut, Beets, Roasted Asparagus and Homemade Rolls Yum!!   Hope I stick with this plan.  Sounds delicious.

I have fallen so far off of the Meal Plan wagon, that I can't even see the dust.  It's been that bad. We've started football and Wednesday church activities.  I've been canning like a crazy woman.  Gardening like a hermit.  Collecting eggs with joy and gratitude.  Dreaming of living on a farm with solar power and lots of ducks.  Not blogging.  Not cleaning (enough). And definitely not meal planning.  Or doing any kind of planning.  Truly. Anyway. This week will be different.  We will know what we are eating before we are eating it. Monday:  Chicken soup and sauteed veggies.  I have a sick little boy who needs comfort food.  The soup is for him.  The veggies are actually going to be various squash and some chanterelles.  Mostly for me. Tuesday:  Practice.  We will have tuna wraps with lettuce from the garden.  I just finished canning and a jar didn't seal.  Yummers.  When we get h...