Menu Plan Monday

Here's what's cooking in our kitchen this week!

Monday: Pork Tenderloin & Sauteed Kale with Lemon and Parmesean & Cous Cous & candlelight :)
Tuesday:  Our version of Chipotle Burrito Bowls
Wednesday:  Quiche & Salad
Thursday:  Blake's Bday Dinner (his choice!)  Steak, Mac & Cheese and Broccoli
Friday:  Birthday celebration with the MOMs!

Birthday Roadtrip for B

Saturday we decided to take a much needed day off of work to take a getaway to a place on our "Texas Bucket List" as a pre birthday celebration for B.  We had thought about taking a road trip somewhere but are quickly realizing being back in Texas, that getting out of the state is easier said than done.  We miss that about AZ.

We slept in that morning and got a late start on the road with just enough time to stop in Lockhart for some BBQ.  This town is supposedly famous for their Texas BBQ and have multiple well known smoke houses and meat markets to get your carnivore fix.  B chose Black's BBQ.  I think he chose wisely.

We walked in and saw dozens of options for serve yourself sides to choose from.  From creamed corn, mac and cheese to cornbread dressing and even sweet potato casserole.  The meats were cut for you on the spot.  We sampled some brisket and sausage and decided to go for a little of both.  The brisket was by far the best thing we had.  The place was a legit Texas BBQ experience, complete with old pics and road signs adorning the wall.  Our booth had a picture of Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley and Stephen McGee from their visit together in 2006.

Happy Husband about to be very full

With full bellies, we climbed back into the car and headed about an hour down the road to Shiner, Texas.  Living out of state for the past several years, we always were on the hunt for Shiner on tap and it was a special treat when you could get your hands on it.  It's always been one of my favorites, maybe because it's a Texas beer, maybe because it's really a great beer. :)

We got a full tour of the brewery.  The most fascinating part was seeing the bottling process.  Being in the CPG industry, I found it particularly interesting.  Yes, nerdy I know.   Outside it smelled like freshly baked sweet bread.  Yum.

We traded our wooden nickels in for 4 tastings.  Our favorite was by far the Shiner 102, an anniversary brew.  Not sure what makes it a "Double Wheat" beer, but it was smooth, easy to drink and oh so good. Stock up if you see it, it's only in a limited production.  Shiner, Texas was a success.

Saturday night we entertained at our casa with a bunch of friends and family to celebrate him again.  I love love love to stretch birthday celebrations out as long as possible.  Blake was a master griller and made some killer burgers.  The night was filled with good friends, good beer, a fire pit, a few games of bags, bocce ball and even a 7 pound chocolate cake!

Can't wait to keep the celebrations going for my hubby!  I love birthdays!  AND I love him!

This was a good week....

I can't believe Friday is already here!  This week flew by, but it's definitely been a good one. I don't usually sing the praises of my Monday-Fridays but this one was a good one.  I also know that this week is usually about my non-work life - but I wanted to share the great work week I had as well....

Sunday was spent catching up from the fun weekend and then spending some much needed down time with B since I kicked him out of the house all weekend for girls time.  He was such a good sport.  :)  We headed to church later that afternoon and then joined some friends for a Superbowl Party and indulged in some junk food.  My Superbowl highlights were the Usher cameo during the Black Eyed Peas halftime show and watching the hilarious commericals. 

Monday was a busy work day after having multiple distractions the week prior due the power outages and snow.  It felt good to check a lot off my to do list.  That night I made tasty dinner and we enjoyed a glass of wine too and just had some one on one time to catch up. Our sweet friend, Tina, joined us later too.  SO glad she came over! 

Tuesday morning I headed out early to a team meeting in San Antonio.  We stayed at Hotel Valencia on the Riverwalk.  A really productive meeting filled with good brainstorming sessions, team building and goal setting.  I love feeling motivated and energized to go be my best after meetings like that.  That evening, we went to the San Antonio rodeo to see Reba and eat tons of fair food.  I think I gained 20 pounds this week between the Rodeo and the Superbowl!  The best thing we ate was a fried PB&J.  YUM!

Wednesday we wrapped up our meeting session and then I drove back to Austin.  Blake and I had a nice dinner at home and then he headed off for his small group.  I had some awesome time with the Lord.  It's amazing how just being alone will quiet my heart and allow me to focus on Jesus.  I sipped on some decaf coffee and read cozied up under a blanket.  Just what I needed.  Why don't I do it more and more and more and more?  God's working on me in discipline and consistency.  Thank you Lord for grace.

Thursday evening was my night for small group.  We met for the first time last week, but had the full group this time around.  I am so blessed by the honesty, vulnerability and love of this group.  It's going to be a good one.  I know it.  A couple weeks back I wrote about craving the intimacy of the girls group I had in AZ.  Look what the Lord has now abundantly blessed me with!  He.  Is.  Good. 

And today, Friday, we both decided to take the day off to head to Shiner, Texas for a pre-birthday celebration for B.  I know we will be enjoying some BBQ and Beer and most of all eachother.  I love our roadtrips!  Can't wait to tell you about it when we get back!  Pre-Valentines dinner tonight too.  I can't wait to try this place....I've wanted to go there for years!  Yay for celebrations!

Here's to a great week and the start of a great weekend!

Catherine's Bachelorette Weekend!

C's bachelorette weekend was a great time! She is truly blessed with a great group of friends.  It was clear that she surrounds herself with wonderful women.  I loved getting to know each of them better as we celebrated Catherine.  

The weekend flew by and I was pooped by the time it was said and done, but it was well worth it!  It was the perfect mix of relaxation, yummy food and drink, fun on out on the town and some good ole fashioned girl time.  I hope Catherine felt loved and celebrated and had a wonderful time! It was so so good to be with her!

Here are a few scenes from the weekend:

Some photos of the decorations to turn our casa into a festive party scene.  I recreated the pom garland that I did for Liz's shower and made it bachelorette style complete with bras, panties and martini glasses!  If you look close, you might even find Joe in the picture too!

After eating a make-your-own pizza meal we enjoyed some coffee and watched Catherine open gifts.  I didn't post the pictures in attempts to make the post PG rated :)  She certainly was a blushing bride!

Even with a snow day on Friday, we managed to have incredible weather on Saturday for wine tasting near Fredericksburg! We took a limo out to the hill country and sipped on mimosas on our way there.  Our first stop was Becker Vineyards and then headed to Torre di Pietra for some live music, a picnic lunch and shared a couple of bottles of vino. I can't wait to go back. 

My dear college friends all together!  I love you girls!

The whole group pictured with our pourer from Becker.  He offered Catherine some excellent marital advice.  A sweet old man :)

Joe came along for the ride too!  :)

Can't wait to for the wedding weekend in just a couple weeks.  So looking forward to more celebrations and the honor to stand up by Catherine's side.  So happy for you C!

Winner Winner Chicken (Breakfast) Dinner: Gloop

This week's favorite recipe was actually from Catherine's Bachelorette party and not from my weekly menu plan.  It was a perfect "sustenance" pre wine tasting for all of the ladies! 

This recipe is near and dear to me since it is what my family eats for Christmas morning each year.  The official name of the casserole is "Gloop."  It's one of my favorites to bring for brunches and is really simple, plus you can prepare it the night before and just bake it up in the morning.  I love adding mushrooms to the mix, but if you don't have them on hand it is just fine without.   Hope you enjoy as much as I do!

6 eggs slightly beaten

6 slices of bread cubed
1 cup grated sharp cheese
2 cups milk
1 tsp. salt (or less)
1 t. dry mustard
1 lb sausage.

Brown sausage and drain. Meanwhile beat eggs and add rest of ingredients followed by sausage.  Refrigerate at least 12 hours in a 13 x 8 pan.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.  Optional extras: mushrooms, onion