Monday, September 28, 2009

Where does the time go.......



Exactly one year ago today I delivered our second son Benjamin James. I can't believe he is one! Here's a little look at how he has changed.......



Just a few moments after he was born!




Trey with his new baby brother.....



Being dedicated back to the Lord...haha it looks like he is praising Him already!



His First Christmas!



What a Mess!!



Boating for the First Time!



His Classic Snort....



Silly Boy!



*Tear*Tear* How fun this past year has been! Now its party time! More fun party pics to come!! hahaha.....

Blessings and Love!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Menu Plan Monday Sept 14th-18th

Hey There! Well my first week of using Menu Plan Monday was some what of a success....:) My birthday was last Tuesday and it kinda threw off some of my meal plans but that was totally fine with me! My husband and I had a great time out without the kids *SIGH*. Well back to this week...hahahahaha.....I am trying some new things and I hope they turn out well! Well here it is!

Monday- Out with Friends!

Tuesday- Smoked Country Ham, Sour Cream and Chive Potatoes, and Green Beans

Wednesday- Beef Enchiladas

Thursday- Chicken and Rice Casserole

Friday- Chicken Caesar Wraps and Baked Seasoned Fries

Check out more Menu Plans at Organizing Junkie!!

http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/mpmfall1.jpg

Monday, September 7, 2009

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

I love this recipe! Wednesdays are usually crazy days at the Jones house. We don't get home until late in the evening so crock pot recipes are a great go-to-meal! And since it is getting cooler outside beef stew sounds really good!!! :)

This recipe usually takes 20-30 minutes for prep time and serves about 5-6 people.

Salt and Pepper (generously)
3 lbs of beef for stew, like chuck, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
3 T olive oil
1 large onion, cut in half and sliced thin
3 cups of beef broth
3 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 bay leaf
1/2 t whole black peppercorns (I omit this part but you might like it with them:) )
1 cup canned tomato sauce
1 t dried thyme
2 cups of frozen peas
1 T minced fresh parsley

1. Lightly spray slow cooker with cooking spray

2. Salt and pepper the beef. Heat the olive oil on medium high and then brown the meat in it in batches. Remove the meat and then add the onion to the pan and cook until soft. Remove the onion from the pan. Pour 1 cup of the beef broth into the pan, bring to a simmer, and scrape off any brown particles. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. Layer the carrots, potatoes, and cooked onions in the slow cooker. Top with the browned beef, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. In a mixing bowl, combine the liquid from the skillet, the remaining 2 cups of broth, the tomato sauce, and thyme. Pour over the meat and vegetables.

4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until beef and vegetables are fork tender.

5. Stir in the peas 15 to 20 minutes before serving and cook on high. Add salt to taste. Stir in parsley before serving!

Then eat up before it is all gone!!

Menu Plan Monday Sept 7th-11th

Well I recently came across an awesome idea to keep my life a little more organized! It is called Menu Planning Monday through a website called Organizing Junkie. Basically every Sunday evening I will put together my week's menu and post it on my blog to share. It then lets everyone in my family know what we are having for dinner and a great way to share some recipes with friends!



Monday- Labor Day Dinner with my parents.....Organic Burgers on the Grill and Corn on the Cob

Tuesday- Chicken Casserole and Green Beans

Wednesday- Old-Fashioned Beef Stew ( slow cooker recipe)

Thursday- Ham Steak, Sour Cream and Chive Potatoes, and Fried Okra

Friday- Dinner Out

This post is linked to I'm an Organizing Junkie