Fun Friday!

I am so glad that this week is over.

It has been a stressful one, to be sure. I'm bummed that Jeff, Jill and Hannah couldn't make it out, but with all of the snow in the forecast, it is probably for the best.

Tom took his test today - he had to write a report on ... something. I don't honestly know. I REALLY hope that he did well. We could really use the boost - ego-wise, being done with school-wise, and moving-wise. Not that we need to move, because we love Manhattan, but getting out of limbo would be a good thing, and the sooner, the better, in my opinion. I just hate not knowing what is going to happen. I'm too much of a planner.

So that's our news. Not much to tell - looking forward to getting snowed in and a possible snow day on Monday (of course, now that I have said it, it won't happen).

Weekly menu

Since tomorrow is Fat Tuesday, it marks the final day of carnivorous activity in our house for the next 40 days and 40 nights.

Tom makes it a habit every year to give up meat. It is funny, because we do it almost every year, inevitably are asked, "Did you lose weight?" and always answer in the negative.

Anyway - this week's menu:

Tonight: Tater Tot casserole. I've just recently discovered this gem and love it! It is super easy.

Recipe:
Brown 1 lb. meat (I like ground turkey but ground beef works just as well).
Place in a sprayed 9x13 casserole pan
Cover with some type of veggie. Today's was green beans and corn. Both from cans.
Place 2 cans of cream of soups on top, spreading evenly. Today's was a mixture: 1 can cream of chicken and 1 can cream of mushroom.
Pour one can milk over the whole thing.
Top with a bag of tater tots (I use a small bag).
Place in a 350 degree oven for 30-45 mins and eat! Super easy and made with stuff that most people have in their freezers/cabinets.

Tomorrow: Left-over casserole! (The great thing is that it makes lots of meals and is super filling).

Wednesday (Lent begins): Grilled cheese/tomato soup (I'm fasting that day).

Thursday: Either mushroom risotto or Real Simple's Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower. I usually make a few small changes to Real Simple's recipe, but it is good as is (I just usually use premade bread crumbs rather than making them myself).

Friday: TBD - Jeff and Jill are coming in town and I have a concession stand to work, so dinner might be a late affair (and J&J might want something meaty, so we may go out).

Well - that's our meals for this week! I've been trying to meal plan ahead of time (at least a week) to help cut down on unnecessary trips to the store (another New Year's Resolution!).

Trip to St. Louis

Tom and I were just recently in St. Louis (as in this past weekend and yesterday).

Tom was there interviewing for a job that we really want him to get. Any thoughts and prayers in that strain would be greatly appreciated.

While we were there, we had the opportunity (once Tom stopped practicing his presentation long enough to see them) to visit Jeff & Jill and meet their daughter, Hannah, and spend some time with Jennie, Scott, Juliette, Donny, and our niece, Lucy!

It was a really good weekend overall - lots of family time, which was really nice. Both of my sisters went out of their way to spend time with us (lunch and dinner on Monday!), and Jeff and Jill allowed us to finally meet Hannah (alright - they would have allowed it anyway, but it was still really good to spend time with them!). Poor Lucy wasn't feeling well - she had pink eye, and, we found out today, double ear infections and a sinus infection! That poor girl was trying to blow her nose the whole time we were there (which is just too cute).

The dogs traveled with us - they are seasoned travelers, thank goodness. They just hop in their crates and go to sleep!

I'll update as I know more about the job. It would really be ideal to get this, but I hate to get hopes up too high this early.