Monday, January 23, 2012

It was a Gr-sk8- t day!

January is a very busy birthday month for us.  Between family and friends we acknowledge around a dozen birthdays.  K and I have jokingly  told the kids that starting this year we are going to only do one group birthday on an ambiguous day, like March 1st., and celebrate all six of our immediate b-days together then.  We will also do gifts on a six year rotation.  Since Z already had his b-day this year  he will have to wait another 6 years to get gifts.  Next year will be B's turn and so forth - LOL  The kids didn't appreciate this attempt at humor on our part : )

Anyway, this past Saturday we took all 4 kids, Z's girlfriend and best friend skating to celebrate Z's and C's birthdays; which are a week apart.  We only go skating about 4 times a year but the kids dig it, if we did it more they probably wouldn't and it is still affordable (especially w/the Volvo).  Here is a few pic's of the happy kids : )

Eli is trying to tell us the music is LOUD!


Ely is dreaming of being a skating disco queen!


Zach showing us how much he loves his sister, whom looks deeply concerned : )


The birthday couple, Zach and Colleen, whom have just turned 19.


Bre, thinking she is the only sane person in her family!  LOL

Dear hubby's b-day was last week as well.  We usually celebrate by attending the Nashville RV show and a trip to camping world with dinner after at Bob Evans.  However this year the RV show is the second week of Feb., so we are waiting until then to celebrate.  Since we only head over that way once a year, it is worth the wait : )

My family is my biggest blessing and I thank God for them, the good and the bad, every day.  And now there is a rumor that my oldest daughter an my grandson's are coming for a visit soon!  I feel unworthy of all this happiness.  Thank you Lord, in your son's name, AMEN.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Dog day

We have many pets and they do many funny things.  Sometimes I just feel the need to share.  This is one of those times : )  We have a green bench in our dinning room that the animals love to lay on while I'm at the computer, aka/ to busy to pet them.  It pour yesterday, this how two of them spent their morning. . .

My new preloved doxie, Smokey, and our wacky tuxedo tom, Chester.



Chester sleeps like this every chance he gets, and everywhere he can.


Look, even Smokey can't believe that crazy cat doesn't fall off!  LOL

Well it is raining again, wonder what the animals are up to today?
Blessings, Beth Ann

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Amazing Asian Pepper Steak for the slow cooker

Happy New Year all!  Hope it is off to a great start ; )  I have made a couple changes to my format to make reading easier, I hope - LOL  Believe it or not I don't read my own blog and didn't know there were issues with pulling up my full story page until yesterday when a friend mentioned it over coffee.  So, hope this helps.  Now on to the recipe, I had a FB friend request this last week.


Amazing Asian Pepper Steak for the slow cooker

2 lb. beef round steak
3 stop=light peppers (red, yellow,green)
2 onions, halved and sliced
1 can rotel tomatoes
2 tsp. minced garlic
10 oz. can beef broth
1/4 c. tamari or light soy sauce
2 Tbs. rice  wine vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
2 1/2 Tbs. cornstarch
8 oz. can bamboo shoots, drained

                   Cut round steak into serving size pieces or strips and place in sprayed large slow cooker.  Top with bell peppers, onions. tomatoes and garlic.

Wisk beef broth, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch and sugar in bowl and pour over steak and vegetables.  Sprinkly bamboo shoots over the top.

 Cover and cook on High for  4 hours or on low  for 7 hours.  Serve over your favorite rice!

                              Serves 6 - 8


This was great and I sprinkled a little crushed red pepper flakes over the top - yummy!  I hope you enjoy adding some spice to your night - LOL

Blessings, Beth Ann