Mock Beef Stew

Ever had one of those days when you get an idea for dinner but don't have the right ingredients? I did today. When I finally remembered to go through the freezer to figure out what to make for dinner, it was already 5 o'clock. I had considered defrosting a roast and putting it in the pressure cooker, but I don't have roasts anymore. So I looked for some stew meat instead, but we're out of that too. The only other option I had at such a late time was hamburger. But you can't make beef stew out of hamburger... or can you? I did!

If I had had more time I would have boiled some fresh potatoes and carrots, but especially up here at 7,000 ft it takes at least 30-40 minutes before they're done. So I used canned potatoes and carrots instead.

And now that I've gotten all that out of the way, here's the recipe I came up with!

1 lb hamburger
About a teaspoon of garlic powder (fresh garlic would have been better, but I'm out of that too right now)
Half a teaspoon of onion powder
1 can of tomato soup
1 cans worth of water
A few tablespoons of oregano
1 can of carrots
1 can cooked potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste

Brown hamburger in a large skillet over high heat with garlic and onion powders. Once browned, add the rest of the ingredients, stir well, then simmer for about 15 minutes.

All told, it only took about a half an hour to get this meal on the table!

First Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from our little Angle Cakes!
I hope you had a blessed and loved day with your loved one's. :-)

Growing up so fast!

Why do our children grow up so fast? How in only 9 short months could my little Angle Cakes go from just barely able to lift her head off the floor for a couple of seconds...
To holding on to her highchair to stand with one hand!
How I wish time could slow down, just for a little while at least.

Baby's 1st Autumn

Our little one has learned to sit up by herself by discovering the autumn leaves!

A New Home

Our little family recently moved out of town into the country. We now live in a cute little double-wide. We knew we were lucky to have such a big house for our first home, and didn't have any problems filling it up with our junk. Now we've had to figure what to get rid of, and how to fit the rest into our new house!
We have a gorgeous view from our front porch.
And it's even possible to see the beautiful sunsets now!!!

Now that's a Bargain!

One of the gifts we received in honor of Princess Zana's birth was a $50 gift card to Babies R Us. After some thought I decided it would be best to use it to buy some more winter clothes for her as that is what we lack the most of. There is no store front near where we live, soI kept checking their website, but everytime I went on they still had the "New for Spring" tab up. Even in July. Weird huh? Plus, I just couldn't find anything in the clearance section that was the right size.

So when I was getting ready to visit my parents for 3 weeks this last month, my mom suggested I bring the card and we could go to the Babies R Us within driving distance to their house. This was perfect as now I also didn't have to worry about using some of the card for shipping too.

At first I looked through their new for winter clothes and found some that I liked. But I didn't like the price tag. A cute set of warm looking pants and hoodie jacket for $22.99. Ouch! That would be half the card right there. So we started looking through the clearance racks. There was found some winter clothes from last year. Things marked done to $2 or $3! The most expensive thing I bought was a pair leggings for $7.99, and the cheapest was a long sleeved turtleneck onesie for $1.60! Thus with $50 I was able to purchase 12 items!! Now that's what I call a bargain. :-D I don't think I could have done better at a thrift shop either.

A Baby Dedication

On Wednesday, the 29th of June, Zack and I formally dedicated our little girl to the Lord and His service.
Even though the occasion was to dedicate Princess Zana, it was also our time to make a public commitment to raise her in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. We heard many verses read (by Zack's dad, who is a minister) about how much children are a blessing from the Lord, and how to be Godly parents. Then it was Zack's turn dedicate his daughter to God. What a lovely experience and time it was.
She is such a wonderful blessing to us! I thank God so much for loaning her to us for this time, I only hope we can do the best job we can. Parenthood is such an experience that nothing can prepare you for. I still wonder how I can possibly be a mother? And yet, there she is!
Zana was fussy when we began the ceremony, so I gave her to Zack, and she calmed down almost instantly. Daddy's touch. :-D
Asleep in Daddy's arms. So precious!
If you would like to read about the beautiful dress my mom made for the dedication, you can visit my other blog HERE.