Stepping it up

To-do lists are always a mile long over here--I'm sure we're all in the same boat on that one, yes? But at the end of the day, when it's dark and the thermometer outside rarely reads anything as high as zero degrees, motivation tends to be lacking.  Checking things off of that list doesn't happen as frequently or as quickly as I crave.  I don't have anything ridiculous on my lists these days.  Pick up the house, meal plan, exercise, do a project I enjoy, try new recipes etc... There is absolutely no reason why these things can't be accomplished, and it's time to start checking things off around here!  I'm already looking towards the weekend right now, and there are a few small things I'm determined to make happen.  I've already started a new exercise program and I'm feeling great about that.  I need physical activity to feel good, and unfortunately it has been so cold here recently (-20) that I can't even get outside for a walk with Henry.  So I've committed to some indoor programs and already I'm loving the sore muscles letting me know I've made them work.  Needless to say, Henry and I, while enjoying this winter, are very much looking forward to spring so we can stroll outside and explore and stretch our winter legs.
But back to this weekend, I'm really hoping to accomplish a few things that will be good for our family, and maybe make the flow of our weeks go a bit smoother.  On the list:
I'm making a quiche for breakfast.  A ridiculous item to put on a to-do list you think? Perhaps.  But the past two weekends have been go go go and we have missed those mornings when we wake up and get to relax as a family with breakfast, coffee, and sunshine coming through the windows.  During the week Eric is gone before Henry and I are up, and H and I rush around the house trying to get out the door before the sun comes up.  So I plan to make a breakfast for us all to enjoy while we slow down for a morning.  My brother in law gave me this wonderful, decadent recipe (I'm not sure where he got it, but I think it might be Paula Dean so it's sure to be good... I didn't say it was healthy) and it will be a treat to have it again.
Then the slowing down will end and time to get to work, starting with the ridiculous amounts of laundry.  I feel like I'm being smothered by it, so that is something that must be tackled to maintain sanity.
We also are hoping to make some breakfasts for the weeks ahead, to help the mornings be less rushed and free up more minutes for reading stories with Henry before heading to work.
We'll be making pancakes with wheat germ and flax to freeze so we can just pop them in the toaster before eating, hard boiled eggs that are easy to grab on the go, and I'd like to make some individual oatmeal breakfasts as well (Like these)
I need to clean out my messy car and finally, get outside in the mountains for some fresh air and a hike.  It's supposed to warm up quite a bit so if that happens, we will be running for the door.  Anything exciting on your to-do lists this week??

Our friend Josh has been doing bike races and we like to go even though we have to sit in the car for most of it due to the temperatures.  But here we hopped out to watch him win. Brrr!

Bacon, Spinach and Swiss Quiche Recipe: (A few changes added in)

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach, packed
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (We're subbing turkey bacon)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust, fitted to a 9-inch glass pie plate
• (We made our own pie crust with olive oil rather than butter or any other heavy ingredient. It's healthier, and I love the flavor and texture.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Combine the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Layer the spinach, bacon, and cheese in the bottom of the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the egg mixture is set. (Mine took a bit longer last time, and since I was new to quiche cooking I thought I had surely ruined it when I went to get it out of the oven after 40 minutes and it was crispy-edged liquid... an extra 15 minutes did the trick and it was so. dang. good.)

Cut into 8 wedges. ( I would have preferred to just split it in halfsies. But oh well. Portion control is key, I suppose, when dealing with bacon and cheese.)