Beef Skillet

I said in my last post that I love meals that are nourishing and comforting for my family, but quick and easy for me!

On days when I'm busy or maybe out of the house and need something healthy that I can

throw together quick...

This Beef Skillet fits the bill!

This recipe is in one of my super cute cookbooks called Goodness Gracious.

             

You'll notice there's a post-it on this recipe. I like to leave notes for myself in my cookbooks. Notes like: Needs longer cooking time, or Used butter instead of shortening. 

This note says, Made on 10-12-15 with onions but no carrots. Make again! Yummy!

So... The recipe doesn't call for onions but I always like onions with beef...

(Also... Nothing personal against carrots! Haha... I just don't use them in this recipe.)

             

Brown up a pound of beef with the onions:

             

             

Once browned, drain and return to the skillet, adding vegetables and 1 cup of uncooked pasta.

             

The vegetables are not drained because the liquid is needed for the noodles to cook in. 

Add your spices at this time, too. I used a few shakes of crushed red pepper, but the recipe calls for chili powder. You could omit this altogether if you'd rather.

Cover and bring to a simmer:

              

While it was simmering, (about 15-20 minutes) I got out some yummy onion and poppy seed buns...

              

Wrapped them up and set the table:

             

When you're setting your table, remember to make it beautiful! 

Use real plates (even if they don't match), fresh flowers from your yard or the grocery store, and open the blinds! Turn on the lights! 

As you can see, there's nothing expensive, unattainable, or fancy here. When I set my table I just move all clutter out of the way and use what I have on hand to make it look as inviting as I can.

~~~~~~~

Once the cooking time was complete, I tasted it to make sure the pasta was done and that it was seasoned well. One of the best tips I've ever received about home cooking is to always taste what you're making before serving it! 

             

The final touch is a cup of shredded cheese,

           

sprinkled over the top:

            

Ta-Da! See?! Quick and easy!

            

The cheese melted nicely into the meat as we were eating it:

             

Here's a close-up of the recipe if you'd like it:

           

The main reason why I'm posting simple recipes with photos to go with them is because when I was a new wife I would have found something like this extremely helpful! I must be a visual learner because when I was in my early twenties, alone in my kitchen, I struggled to follow the instructions of a picture-less recipe (as most are in cookbooks). I would wonder if I was doing it right. I would have loved photos of the process that I could compare my work to! 

I would absolutely love to hear from you in my comments about if this is helpful to you and if you try any of the recipes I post. 

I'd love to post more recipes in the future! But for now, a beef and vegetable skillet with just biscuits or buns is a perfectly acceptable meal after a busy day! 

It's warm, nourishing, homemade, and simple!

Thanks so much for reading!

~ Courtney 

A Simple Meal

I'm in the mood to do a few recipe posts.

Today I have a simple chicken with salad meal that I'd like to share, and my next post will be a beef with vegetables meal.

I love meals that are nourishing and comforting for my family but also quick and easy for me!

I originally got this recipe from one of my Southern Living cookbooks, but over the years it's changed a little and I only lightly adhere to the recipe, so I'll just show you what I do.

                

I really don't spend time on complicated, gourmet meals. The times that I have gotten inspired to try something fancy, nobody cares! 

This past winter I spent an afternoon meticulously searing porkchops, slicing and then stuffing them with a homemade pear and sweet potato mixture, then baking them for 3 hours, etc, etc... you get the picture... THEN, after all that, my kids and husband turned their noses up to it!!! 

Oh for the love!!! I was fuming! 

(Have you ever tried slicing and stuffing a thin, half-cooked pork-chop?! It's no walk in the park!!!)

Well.... That cured me. I'm all about easy-peasy now!

This, my friends, is a simple, kid-approved, weeknight meal:

Start with cooked chicken.

               

I've told you before that I love to slow cook chicken tenders in cream of chicken soup and Italian seasoning for all of my chicken recipes. So easy!

After a few hours of cooking on low, chop it up and put it in a bowl:

             

You'll need an 8oz carton of sour cream:

           

I don't normally buy reduced fat! I would prefer and would suggest using regular sour cream. (The store was out of it in this size, though.) Oh well....

Use the whole carton. Scoop it out and plop it in the bowl:

         

The last thing you'll need for the chicken mixture is about a teaspoon of poppy seeds. Except... I didn't happen to have them on hand so I used Chia seeds instead:

        

And... I didn't measure. I just dumped...

I do what I want!

        

I'm a maniac livin' on the edge! 

(For some reason I don't have a picture of this, but I scooped out a few spoonfuls of the drippings from the crockpot and added it to the mixture.)

Mix it up:

        

And spread it out into a greased baking dish:

(A 9x13 is too big for this, so use something smaller like an 11x7. I just use my oval Corning Ware dish.)

       

Now, for the topping!

It's only 2 ingredients.

1 1/2 C. crushed crackers:

      

And 1/4 C. melted butter:

     

Mix it together:

     

And spread it out over the chicken:

     

This goes into a 350* oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes:

     

While it was baking, I put the salad together. I used a bagged salad, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and cashews:

   

I drained the oranges and put it all together in the bowl:

   

Earlier in the day I baked a cake for our dessert:

  

(It was just a box mix... Calm down! ;)

I got a little wild with the frosting and sprinkles, haha! The kids loved it, though!

  

Chicken casserole, fresh salad, and a vanilla cake...

This is a good supper in my opinion. 

  

I try to think about visual comfort when I set items and food on the table. Micah works in sterile hospitals all day long, so when he comes home I want him to see the table set with a warm supper waiting. It sends a powerful, positive message. We cannot underestimate the comforting power of home! And if we don't do it, who will?! It's up to us, girlfriends!

  

(There was a little bit of the chicken leftover so I put it on a piece of bread the next day for my lunch. It was perfectly good just cold, straight from the fridge. Kind of like a chicken salad sandwich! :)

I'll be back in a day or two with another simple recipe!

Take care, friends!

~ Courtney

Lessons From Bitterness

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm no stranger to talking about hard stuff.

I've had a few thoughts bouncing around in my mind for several days and wondered if I could create a post about it.

I've been thinking about bitterness and the lessons it's taught me.

When I look back on the one major trial of my life, I have one regret. 

I wish I would have leaned into it and embraced the pain.

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds." James 1:2

My marriage suffered a significant trauma about two years into it. My response to what happened was far from "pure joy". I backed off. I shut down. I turned off my heart. Sadly, I became bitter. 

(Of course, this happened gradually and subconsciously. It's a slippery slope.)

Here's the problem with bitterness, though; it never looks good on anybody! Bitterness is ugly. I knew it, too, and desperately wanted to rid my heart of it.

Here's what the whole fiasco has taught me...

Lesson #1: I learned that trials are actually what God uses to unlock our hearts.

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

You can't be, "mature and complete, not lacking anything" with a shut-down heart. But listen, here's the key... I had to choose to let God do this. I had to be obedient. 

            

Lesson #2: God is still good.

"You are good and what you do is good." Psalm 119:68

I remember feeling like I couldn't re-open my heart. It was too dangerous. I had lost trust. But God was gently reminding me that whenever I may not be able to trust people, I could always trust Him.

"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men who cannot save." Psalm 146:3

I slowly began to obey...

"The one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." Romans 9:33

For a while, I made the mistake of thinking that God was good, but He wasn't being good to me. But I began to realize that God was not the one causing the hardship in my life, it was the choices of others. 

Lesson #3: God can take the sinful actions of others, and weave it into the plan He has for our lives.

When I was really struggling, I found great comfort in Genesis 50:20. Joseph was talking to his brothers and he said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." I would read that over and over and plead with the Lord, Please! Let me see the good! 

For years I would tell the Lord, Nothing good has ever come of this situation. I can't think of anything good!!! 

          

One night I was driving home late, and Romans 8:28 came over the radio. I've known this verse my entire life. I could recite it by heart. But for some reason, that night it struck me.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

I know that this promise isn't for everybody. Only those who have a personal relationship with Him. Knowing that I belonged in that category, and that this promise could be mine, I began to pray, Ok, Lord, I'm holding you to it! Let me see the good! Before I die, let me be able to look back and identify some good that came out of this horrible mess!

That was several years ago, and I'm already seeing a little good.

You see, trials mark us with badges of honor, so to speak. The badges are things like, credibility, strength, understanding, wisdom, and love. 

My trial has shown me what I'm made of. When I think of what I had endured at such a young age, things that nobody else I knew ever had to experience, I feel proud that I survived it. I emerged a little banged up, but not destroyed. I learned a lot about myself. I'm tougher than I knew.

"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." 2 Tim. 4:17

#4: Bitterness is a choice.

When bad things happen to us we have two choices. We can become resentful, bitter, and offended... Or, we can allow it to open our hearts, make us a better person, and maybe learn something new! 

When I made the decision to let my trial make me a better person, that was when the bitterness melted away.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

I believe that I have forgiven and that I'm a more loving person because of what I've been through. I've seen myself grow in these areas and I've prayed over this verse that I will continue to develop these characteristics. (Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love certainly look far more beautiful on a person than resentment and bitterness!) 

Lastly, #5: God doesn't plan for us to stay in the fire. The trial will end.

When I finally reached the point where I realized that the trial I was under and had hated for years, was actually what God was using to cultivate a more loving heart in me, that was when I realized that I was finally emerging from it.

"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job 23:10

I love this! I will come forth as gold! Isn't that great?!

This verse has meant so much to me over the years. When I was in the fire I wrote it on my kitchen chalkboard and would look at it everyday. I would pray that this would be my testimony. I want to come forth as gold! I would say to the Lord. Let that happen for me! I would plead with Him. Until one day I was looking at my chalkboard and the words I will jumped out at me. I felt like I was reading it with new eyes. I will come forth as gold. 

I realized I no longer had to wonder if this would be my testimony. My trial would end. I would come out of the fire. I would emerge from the ashes. I just had to be patient and let God do His work in me. And once He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 

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What you have just read is the result of several years of God's work in my life. Like Mary, Jesus' mother, I've "pondered all these things in my heart" but it hasn't been until my blog that I've begun to record some of these ponderings. 

I'm writing for two reasons; To open up to others, share my testimony, and maybe even help someone who reads what I write. And two, is to record some family history that I can pass down to my children. 

"Future generations will be told about the Lord." Psalm 22:30

Thanks for reading...

~ Courtney 

Making Home Sweet

It's been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home.

When I want to make home sweet, I get to work in the kitchen.

               

As homemakers, we have the power to alter the atmosphere of our home. We can make it a nurturing place and a safe haven for our families.

~~~~~~~

My plans on this day were changed a bit. I'm usually out of the house every Wednesday afternoon for about an hour and a half because of my daughter's ballet class. My mom called, though, and offered to come pick her up and take her to her class for me. 

Suddenly I had some free time I wasn't planning on. (Thanks, Mom! :) 

The weather was wet and chilly. Perfect conditions for getting to work in the kitchen! Gloomy weather inspires me to bake. I've always felt this way. 

           

When I was a kid, the minute the weather would turn sour I would pester my mom to let me bake something. I guess what goes around comes around, because I now have a child like that, haha.

The moment we found out grandma was taking Nola to class and we could stay home, Roman said, "Can we make oatmeal cookies?"

We finished up his schoolwork for the day, and I turned on some appropriate cold weather/ baking music... (Ella Fitzgerald! Billie Holiday! Louis Armstrong! ...My, oh my!....)

I will never understand how anyone could think staying home is a dull and pointless life. Women today are being told that in order to be liberated and free, they should work. But I've worked various jobs throughout my life, and in every job I've had there have been the same things in common: 

-You have a manager telling you what to do, when to do it, and when you can or can't take time off. 

-You can only do what you've been hired to do.

-You spend your time and energy furthering the company's mission.

For me, the opposite of what our culture says about liberating women has been true. I've discovered that there's true freedom in being home! 

-I have no manger or over-seer telling me what to do.

-I decide my schedule; when I work and when I take time off.

-I'm not limited in what I can or can't do. (The homemaker has a sea of options open to her of various things she can pursue. Gardening, cooking, sewing, etc...)

-I spend my time and energy furthering my mission, which is my home, my kids, and homeschool.

So... On a Wednesday afternoon, I have the freedom to put on a floral apron...

           

And dig around for an oatmeal cookie recipe...

(I know that this is exactly what our grandmothers in the 60's worked hard to free us from, but I don't care. I love this life!)

Are you in need of an oatmeal cookie recipe? You can have mine:

(I like to use craisins instead of raisins.)

Roman helped me measure out ingredients:

By the time we reached this point I had to take a break to get the baby up from her nap:

(What a wonderful life this is...)

             

The music was on, the sleet was coming down, the kids were playing, and I was baking...

           

There is so much we can do to nurture our families and create a happy home. This is just one small thing. Mama's, let's make sure our kid's memories of home are filled with these things!

Bibles layed open, their mama in aprons, cookies in the oven, happy music playing....

...and a beautiful environment that's filled with love.

Let's do what we can to make home sweet.

Wish you were here. Would you like a cookie?

              

xo,

~Courtney 

Soren Jack

Hello friends!

I hope you all are enjoying your Spring.

April is a special month for us because it's our Soren's birthday!

He turned four this year!

As I'm writing this, I'm reflecting back on my pregnancy with him, and I remember thinking I was going to lose him. Even my Doctor was preparing me that I might lose him. 

Can I tell you a little story? 

     The first time I ever became pregnant, I delivered a perfectly healthy baby after a very normal and uneventful 9-months. That was our Roman, who is now seven. When he was a year old, I became pregnant again and almost immediately started having complications. It was a totally different pregnancy than what I had experienced with Roman. I knew something wasn't right. After a shaky and scary two months, I lost the baby.

  

     Several months later I became pregnant again, and this time the pregnancy reminded me of what I had experienced with Roman. Sure enough, it turned into a normal pregnancy, and I delivered a healthy baby; our Nola Josette. But when she was just a year old, I became pregnant again. 

     

     It was like dejavu. I had a bad feeling about this pregnancy. I was having similar complications to what I had gone through with my miscarriage. Things were getting worse until one day I knew I had to go to the Doctor. Just like with my miscarriage, they did an ultrasound and I was prepared for the worst. 

   

     A heartbeat was found! I was surprised and elated, but diagnosed with Placenta Previa. I was sent home on "Bed Rest". There was only one little problem with that, though... I had a toddler, a baby, and a self-employed husband who couldn't take time off of work! I simply couldn't be in bed! As time went on and the more I was active, the worse my condition got. 

     

     One day, in the Doctor's office, I can remember getting scolded and threatened with being admitted to the hospital if I didn't adhere to his orders. I went home in tears. My mother would come over to help, and Micah would do what he could, but no one can take the place and work load of "mom". 

     I really wanted to do my best to save the pregnancy, but I also really wanted to be a good and present mama to the children I already had. I felt torn... and guilty. My pregnancy progressed, even though my condition never cleared up. Before I knew it, I was 9-months pregnant:

     

            

     I hate admitting this, but if I were to be perfectly honest, I can clearly remember becoming emotionally unattached. The sharp pain of miscarriage was still fresh in my memory from a couple of years before. I needed to protect myself. My heart was ready to lose him. But the lesson that I learned through this turbulent pregnancy is that God does what He wants. Friends, I bled heavily and constantly for 9-months straight, and ended up delivering a healthy, full-term baby boy. Soren Jack:

Suddenly, I had three kids, ages 3 and under:

And this past Sunday, Soren turned four!

Every birthday is special, of course, but on Sunday I couldn't help but reflect back on all of this and feel so blessed!

We started off the morning with some presents:

           

Then we got dressed and ready for church:

         

After church we celebrated with cake...

         

and cousins...

        

and jumping and sliding...

       

Soren had a great birthday! 

Having my babies so close together certainly has come with its challenges. Things have gotten a lot easier, though, and I'm so thankful to have each of them in my life. 

I have prayed the same prayer over Soren since he was born, and I'll continue to pray it:

     Lord, 

Thank you for giving Soren to me, he's such a special gift. Please make me a good mama for him. Give him a heart that wants to obey. Give him a heart that wants to love and serve you all the days of his life. Grant him repentance and save him at a young age. Bless his life. Give him a good and happy life. Raise up a godly woman for him to marry someday. Protect her now while she's young. Bless her parents with a strong marriage and give them wisdom for raising her. Let her always know she's loved. Please let Soren always know he's loved, too. 

     Amen

Thanks for reading,

~Courtney