Quick & Easy & Delicious & Family-Approved

I have been dreaming up a beef stroganoff recipe for awhile. What type of beef? What method--crockpot or stovetop?? When taking my first go at it, turned out exactly how I wanted it to! Everyone in the house loved it!!! It made a ton too! Paige ate it for 2 days after for lunches-because she begged for it!

1 lb ground beef (season to taste)

1 bag organic egg noodles 

1 can cream of mushroom 

1 carton fresh mushrooms (sliced) 

1/2 cup sour cream 

1 packet beefy onion Lipton soup mix (the powder) 

 Brown your meat and get your water boiling. Once the meat is browned and seasoned with Lipton mix. Add in your mushrooms to start cooking. Once the mushrooms are partially cooked, drop your pasta. Add the cream of mushroom to your meat mixture and simmer a few minutes until heated through and mushrooms are cooked. Add sour cream at the end until warm then add in your noodles. If your sauce is too thick add a tiny bit of your pasta water to thin out a bit. I liked mine the way it was so the sauce was nice and creamy, not soupy. Served this with broccoli and crusty sourdough bread! So quick and simple and yummalicious!

UPDATE--I made this again today and used about a ladle full of pasta water...it really depends how much water your mushrooms put out!  I thought about adding spinach this time but we have had enough spinach today i think!  

Things I Didn't Know I Loved...

Three years ago:

Kale

This beautiful deep green super food is packed with vitamins that are oh so good for you!  It has just the right crunch and is so yummy added to soups right at the end.  Trying it in a smoothie with peanut butter later from Jo the Baker's new cookbook my darling pal Leah sent me!!
My first experience with kale was  in the Zuppa Toscana soup from Olive Garden.  I make that soup exclusively at home now and fill a bowl with 2 or 3 huge handfuls of fresh kale then pour hot soup over it!  Divine!!!

Lentils

YUM...I could eat lentils every day!!  I love lentil soup and this particular rice/lentil medley from Whole Foods.  So creamy and delicious!!
 I can't remember exactly what my first experience was with lentils.  I remember reading about them a lot a few years ago when I started researching feeding our family better and trying to come up with healthier dinner options.  They sounded very weird. I think lentil soup may have been the first...I haven't ever gone back!!  Bought this rice mix a while back and everyone in the house loves it!!

Almond Milk

I did some research on the coffee creamer I have been using for two years.  I knew all along it wasn't good for me but after trying out regular milk and having no luck--the milk gave me a tummy ache and wasn't tasty in the least!!  So I kept going back to the over processed, preserved, sugared, bleached coffee flavoring.  When I recently read more about what I was drinking, I decided it was enough to make a change.  I prayed Almond Milk would be a good enough substitution.  Of course it wasn't as delicious as the coffee creamer but like everything else, after a few days, I came to really like it.  I used half creamer/half almond milk a few days then threw out the creamer and did only almond milk and a tiny bit of sweetener for a couple days.  Now I use vanilla almond milk with my coffee, no sweeteners!!  I DID NOT do this to cut out calories, I did it for health purposes.  But, an added bonus is almond milk has a TON of calcium and about 1/4 the calories of the creamer I was using.  Paige and I also like it in our cereal when we run out of our cow milk!  We have no intentions of giving up cow milk but its good to know we have a backup!  

My Girls

Okay, this was supposed to be a food post but when I was re-reading the title I realized 3 years ago I never knew how much I would love these creatures!!!  I was pregnant with Paige and already loved her so much but in no way did I ever understand how much!!  Each day I love them more and with Leighton my heart grew even bigger!!  Here they are watching cartoons together and holding hands.  Completely un-prompted! Heart melted right onto the floor...

Food for Thought

In a society of "ME" centered people, it is important to have constant reminders of the people and situations that surround us.  I harp on this topic not to beat it into the 5 peoples heads that read my blog (ha ha ha) but as a constant reminder to myself and hopefully my girls will someday read my blog and have little reminders that it just isn't all about them.  Have you ever caught yourself judging someone or their situation? "Oh I would never...".  Be careful, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." John 8:7  

Below is an outline of Dr. Fowler's guest appearance at a local church.  Words to live by! Notes graciously provided by Nonny. 

The Essence of Christianity

Notes from:

The Transformative Power of an Enlightened Eye—Who is my Neighbor?

Dr. Ronald T. Fowler, March 25, 2012

Based on Luke 10

We must become a community of “Healers of the Wounded”

•

We must have eyes to really see the pain and struggle that others are going through.

•

We must give people reassurance that they are not alone.

•

We must remind them to give God the opportunity to do a work in their life.

Give them Shelter

•

The shelter of God’s word. Give them a scripture to hold onto.

•

The shelter of our arms. Love them every way you are able.

•

The shelter of the Father’s arms. Remind them of God's unconditional love.

Most important:

*Don’t let another person be devalued because of his current condition.

"A friend loves at all times." -Proverbs 17:17

Interview with Paige

I was inspired to post an interview with Paige (Age 2.5 years) by my friend Jordan who recently did this on her blog with her daughter who is the exact same age.  It was so precious when I read it I told her I just had to copy!  I think I will do this every 6 months or so!  

1. What is something mommy always says to you? 

Hang on, I need a drink, mommy. (This is not something I say, she actually needed a drink break...such a diva...)
2. What makes you happy?

Leighton (baby sister) 
3. What makes you sad?

I was crying when I wanted you. (when mommy goes somewhere without her) 
4. What makes you laugh? 

Hey look mommy, there's a birdie in your flowers! 
5. How old are you?

Um, I'm two 
6. How old is Mommy?

 Your two mommy!
7. How old is Daddy?

 My name is Paige and I'm two.
8. What is your favorite thing to do?

 I don't like this game. I want to play with my headband and watch Caillou.
9. Who is your best friend? 

Daddy. Daddy is!  Daddy.
10. What do you want to be when you grow up? 

I don't want to work at Home Depot
11. What are you really good at? 

Riding my bike really fast. *Singing Elmo's riding, riding in the park, riding in the park. Can I watch videos now??
12. What are you not very good at? 

I don't do anything, mommy
14. What is your favorite food?

 eat cereal and hot dogs. (separately of course)
15. What is your favorite song? 

ABC's, mommy.  

16. What do you want for your birthday this year?

 A camera!! camera. a camera, please. (she has been begging for one for months!)
17. What is your favorite animal?

 Ummmmm, animal crackers!!  Yeah, animal crackers.  (HAHAHAHAHAHAHA)
18. What is love? 

Daddy. Da-ddy.  
19. What does mommy/daddy do for work?

Daddy-He works up there at Chesapeake

Mommy-Ummm I don't know?? 
20. Where do you live? 

I'm not going anywhere!!! (Glad she likes it here!)
21. Where is your favorite place to go?

Boppy's. I have to get on the airplane 

22. What is your favorite book?

Caps for Sale. It says "Belongs to Tyler Beaver" inside.  (Daddy's favorite book when he was a little boy)

23. What's your favorite color?

I don't know, I'm Paige.  Orange, Orange.

24. Who is your favorite basketball player?

Kevin Durant!!!!!!!!

-Interview by Heather Beaver who also goes by the alias "mommy" 

I would include a brief bio but no one is exactly sure what she does here:)

The life of a 2.5 year old...

I could post 16 pages of the funny things Paige says/does/wears/eats/etc. but I will just do some highlights for time sake!  She definitely has a mind of her own and we absolutely love it!  We love her independence, opinions, fashion sense, smarts, and her warm heart!

Paige is so in LOVE with her baby sister!  It is so obvious that they will be the best of friends!  They already are!  Leighton looks at Paige like she hung the moon!

I love when she picks out her own outfits and does her hair!  Such a creative little person!  

Her favorite "toy" is Mary her doll, Mary is more a member of the family than just a toy.  We had a small scare a few weeks ago when Mary was accidentally left outside overnight...and it rained...hard.  She had a little pneumonia but recovered with a nice bubbly bath and some medicine.  She takes such good care of Mary and worries about her when she's not with her!

Yoga is a little obsession for hers as well!  She gets very angry when mommy goes to yoga without her but we try to do it together pretty regularly at home! Here are a few poses:

Everyday is an adventure and we have so much fun pretending, playing, going to parks, riding her bike, singing and dancing.  Favorite songs right now are Wheels on the Bus, Bingo, Twinkle Twinkle,and  I'm a Little Teapot. Favorite show is Caillou on PBS.  We have his books and DVD also!  She has started to show an interest in movies!  We have watched Lady in the Tramp about 85 times now and she just became the proud owner of the Toy Story collection!!  

 

Arts and Crafts are another favorite around here as well as having special jobs!  She has been unloading the silverware from the dishwasher (minus the knives) for quite some time.  She also makes her breakfast by herself every morning--unless we have a hot meal.  She picks up her toys around the house each day as well as organizing bathroom toys after each bath or shower...oh how she loves a shower!  She will stay in there until every drop of hot water is completely gone!  

 

Her newest adventure is swimming classes!  She loves it so much and tells everyone she swims like a fish!

Legos, chocolate, watching basketball, grandparents and visiting the zoo are definitely honorable mentions!  She can't get enough of these things/people either!  We love our little firecracker and seeing the world through her eyes!

Anatomy of a Smile

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my beautiful girls smiling!  Leighton has a smile on her face most of the time these days and we just love it!  

 Her first smile caught on camera!!! 

 Her sweet and innocent smile...

 Her smile that proves she is indeed my daughter:)....

 Her I may be a newscaster when I grow up smile...

 Her "I know I am soooo loved by sooo many smile!

Unexpected Ministry

This season of my life is very busy! I do make time to help those in need that are close to me but its more of a challenge to notice strangers who are in need that I (we) could help.  We spent several hours at the hospital today visiting Tyler's grandfather.  He was flown to a local hospital yesterday morning after suffering a stroke.  He is doing very good and hopefully moving out of ICU to a normal room today.  Papa is such an incredible man and I haven't ever heard of him having a sniffle since I met him years ago!  

As Paige, Leighton and I were leaving the hospital, I was carrying the infant carrier on one arm, my bag on another, holding a milk, holding Paige's hand, holding my keys...you get the point...A man probably in his early 60's was behind me. There was some construction going on and he was giving me some pointers on how to get around when I came back. I thanked him but honestly didn't pay much more attention--because of the above referenced zoo i was traveling with and trying to be sure my toddler stayed right with me in the street.  He continued to make conversation about the beautiful weather and saying he hoped whoever we were visiting would be well soon.  We both were leaving the ICU.  

Finally it hit me--this man is very lonely and afraid.  So I said "who are you visiting, sir? I hope they are leaving soon too!" He said his wife.  She was originally brought to the hospital for heart failure. She recovered, went home, then a few days later returned and had her gallbladder removed.  Went home.  Back in the hospital in ICU now and no idea what is wrong.  I feel like that must be more difficult than knowing sometimes, even if you know and its scary you still know.  I looked him in the eyes and said sir, don't be afraid, she is in the Lord's hands.  "Will you tell me your wife's name?" He looked shocked that I cared.  Leighton and Paige were "starving" and were ready to go home.  But he needed us.  He said "Karen xx".  I said alright sir, we will be praying for her.  We will pray for Karen xx.  Paige looked him in the eyes and said "We will be praying for Miss Karen, sir!!  I promise we will!"  I love that kid.  This man seemed more at ease, not because we promised to pray but because we stopped what we were doing, we listened, he could tell us how scared he was and he is probably the one holding the rest of their family together.  Maybe they have kids, brothers, sisters, parents...I don't know but it was obvious this was the first moment he felt it was OK to say how scared he was.  

We've all been in a place where we are scared but we have to be strong but the moment when you can turn something over or get it off your chest how much better it feels.  As Christians we can turn our burdens over to God.  Is this man a Christian?  I don't know.  I do know that my children and I were able to show him God's love whether he has that relationship or not and I'm certain he felt it. I'm not a martyr. He practically had to force me to talk to him and it took awhile for me to see the pain this man was in and it was my duty to give him 10 minutes of my day.  We didn't change his life but I am certain we changed his day.  He had a sense of relief when he walked away.  

We all go through hard times and it feels so much better to turn it over to God.  But also to share our struggles with our family and friends--or a lady on the street if necessary, not carrying the load on our own.  I also feel like on the other hand, as Christians it is our duty to reach out and look for those in need.  This is so much more than writing checks or doing your hour of community service.  I'm definitely not downplaying those things!  But if you see an opportunity to bless someone by simply listening to them and showing them God's grace and love, what a difference we could make.  Reminding myself when I am juggling 2 babies, carrying a couple bags, snacks, drinks, keys, etc., to take time to see someone in need if only its just a smile or a quick hello.  You just never know what the lady behind you at the coffee shop might be dealing with.  

For Karen, for her precious husband, for me and for whoever reads this that needs to hear it...Thank you God for pushing me to share your love today.  I pray that you are with Karen and her husband--I know you are.  Let them feel your unending love.  Let them have peace in knowing you can get them through this no matter the outcome.  Wrap your hands around her and heal her body, whatever may be ailing her, Lord.  You were there and got her through heart failure, through gallbladder surgery.  I know you are still there.  Let her husband find peace in knowing you are in control and only you.  This burden is not his alone.  Guide those wonderful doctors on her care, let them finding the missing piece to this puzzle. What a precious man you gave Karen who has obviously been taking such wonderful care of her and loves her with all his heart.  We will continue lifting Karen up to you Lord.  Amen.

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. "You're blessed when you get your inside world-your mind and heart-put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. "Not only that-count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens-give a cheer, even!-for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (Matthew 5:3-12 MSG)