when i say this week is madness, it is m-a-d-n-e-s-s.

on the schedule? three track meets. two soccer practices. one soccer game. mom with four work events. SAT prep class for the oldest. oh, and we threw in there an official college visit to iowa state. what else could we throw in? (currently, it appears that 75% of us in the family are currently coughing and congested (not me), so that should be a fun surprise to toss in.)

when there are weeks like this, i have to double-down on making sure the boys are eating well. protein, carbs, veggies, fruit + lots of water. but also: i am leaning on the easy recipes this week like my life depends on it.

sunday, 4.26.26: dad’s taco mess (i’ve shared this before, but if you’re going “what is this?” here it is. my husband makes like 3 lbs. of taco meat. he warms up queso. there are black olives, shredded lettuce, various taco shells / tortilla chips / soft taco shells, salsa, hot sauces, and sour cream all set out on the counter and everyone just makes their own version of a burrito bowl / nachos / tacos. it’s easy. everyone gets what they like. it’s genius for an easy night.)

monday, 4.27.26: leftovers from dad’s taco mess (i always recommend making enough of this for an easy leftovers night!)

tuesday, 4.28.26: slow cooker chicken enchiladas with rice

wednesday, 4.29.26: kid friendly turkey chili / grilled cheese (i don’t do anything special with this. bread + sliced cheese.) / salad

thursday, 4.30.26: chicken parmesan (it’s the night before a track meet, so that’s why you’re seeing this…again.) / protein pasta (i’m making extra for leftovers for friday! also: i have discovered that aldi is now carrying a protein pasta which we’ve been eating. it’s good!) / salad

friday, 5.1.26: foil packet shrimp picatta / leftover protein pasta / steamed peas

saturday, 5.2.26: one pot philly cheesesteak pasta (from the skinnytaste high protein cookbook) / salad

that’s about it for this week. making sure we’re eating + staying somewhat healthy. and staying sane (that’s where having dinner planned out helps me!)