Apple Cider Beef Stew

I came up with this great recipe for Beef Stew last fall and it was a huge hit at the taste-testing table!  I served it with my Autumn Spiced Cornbread and there was barely enough leftover for Daddy's lunch!

Apple Cider Beef Stew
 
Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 1/2 pounds beef, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup sliced diced celery
• 10 cups beef broth*
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 medium potatoes, cut into cubes
• 2 cups apple juice**
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. each of nutmeg and cloves
• 1 can corn
• 1/2 c. cornstarch
• salt and pepper

*A less expensive way to do your broth is to buy bullion cubes and dissolve them in water.  A jar of cubes is likely the same price as a couple cans of broth---yet 1 1/2 cube gives you the same amount of broth as a can.  You will get significantly more broth out of the cubes than the can for the same price.

**I used leftover apple cider from Bible study the night before.  If you use spiced cider, you can eliminate adding the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the beef in the oil.

Add onion and celery and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes longer.  Transfer to a large saucepan or stock pot. 

Add beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Add the carrots, potatoes, apple juice, and 3 spices; simmer for about 30 to 40 minute longer, or until vegetables are tender. Add corn; continue cooking 5-10 minutes.

In a small bowl or cup, combine cornstarch with 1 c. cold water until smooth. Add the mixture to the simmering broth, a little at a time, until stew is thickened. Taste and add salt and pepper.

Serves 8 to 10

I hope you all enjoy this recipe!  Please come back and let me know if you tried it and how you liked it.  I'd love to hear other variations.  Did you add autumn vegetables like squash, zucchini or pumpkin?  How did you like it with the apple cider/juice?

Today I'm wearing the cute pink apron that I won from the lovely Connie of Living Beautifully.  I've got a whole list of things I want to bake today---hopefully I'll get some of them done! 

No Matter Who Is President, Jesus is King

Click here for my updated 2016 version of this article!

Did you know our President is just a man?

Don't read "just a man" as in "yeah, men, they're such idiots sometimes...".  Instead, read it as, "he's NOT GOD...he's just a man."

While this may seem a pretty obvious point, so many of us this week are putting a much too large burden of responsibility on the shoulders of a couple of guys who were created with the same relative bone structure as any of our own husbands, fathers and brothers.

I am so not into politics.  In fact, I had fully decided not to vote in this year's election because both candidates disgust me and I don't feel comfortable endorsing either one.  It was just yesterday morning---6 days before the day---that I quickly registered my husband and I online to vote...just in case we change our minds.

What I dislike most of all about politics is how it divides normally peaceable friends.  This is most obvious to me on Facebook where I can't wait for election time to be over so I can actually enjoy my friends again!  We all have our opinions---that's fine---the part that gets me, though, is how much faith people are putting into our next President.

Did you know that no matter who ends up with the title next week, Jesus is still King?  He is.  He's King.  He's in charge.  He's allowing all these things that we think we have so much control over to happen---regardless of what we want.  In fact, it might not even matter how we vote (gasp!!) because Romans 13:1 tells us that God appoints our leaders.

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." ~Romans 13:1

I'm not saying that this gives us an excuse not to vote---though I'm also not going to advocate that it's everyone's Christian duty to vote---I really don't know how I feel about that.  What I do know is this:  God's laws and his plan for us are still the same---no matter what person or laws we vote into our small corner of the world.

Abortion?  It's the sin of murder, every time, whether it's lawful in America or not.  No matter how the baby came to be created.  There is never an excuse.  Making abortion illegal is not going to stop it from happening. 

Health Care?  God is the giver and taker of life and health---the healer and the one who chooses not to heal---no matter who is paying the doctor bills and whether or not one can afford care. 

Gay Marriage?  God established marriage as the very first human institution, not even a week into Creation.  One of the very first things he did is unite a man and woman in covenant for the remainder of their earthly lives.  So it doesn't matter what gays choose to do---any romantic/sexual union between anyone outside of God's established covenant of holy marriage under him is a sin.  No man-made law is going to change this.

Of course I'm not advocating that we all hide out and polish our holy halos, waiting for Jesus while the rest of the world goes to Hell---we are definitely called to fight evil in all places and be an example of Jesus to everyone.  One of the ways to do this is to be involved in influencing the way our country is run and what we allow it to stand for.

I am, however, definitely advocating that we don't put so much emotional energy into "fighting evil" that we end up fighting our friends, neighbors, fellow believers. 

No man is going to save us.  No laws, no freedoms, no lobbying, no nasty Facebook messages will make our situation better.  The only One who will bring change to the things we are so passionate about is Jesus.

If we put the same amount of energy, money and passion into sharing the Bible's truths that we do into political campaigning, just imagine the true changes that could come to America!

The Piano Playing Pilgrim

My weekend post is a little late today as I've been working on this since 7:00 this morning:

Tomorrow, Lynzie and Cainan have piano recitals.  Lynzie usually gets a new dress made for her recitals and this time she wanted a pilgrim dress.

Tuesday was my birthday and I was so blessed with well wishes and sweet gifts!  I'll try and put up some pictures of my gifts this week, but my favorite part of the day was this picture that Lynzie took of Jamie and I:

I sure love that guy!

Hope everyone's had a blessed week!  Now that I've got the dress done, I'm hoping to spend the weekend relaxing and getting some reading done.  Have you read anything good lately?

Blessings to you and your family---have a lovely weekend!

Linking with:

Beverly's Pink Saturday

Fall Foliage on the Porch

Can you believe November 1st is two weeks from today?  Where is this year going?  I have to admit that I'm actually liking this quick passage of time, as that means only a couple more months until our new baby girl arrives!

This weekend, I'm showing off my fall porch decorations.  Liam decided to jump into this first one---he's pretty cute, so I let him stay!

I bought this tall and very heavy antique window from my uncle who is selling a bunch of neat antique outdoorsy things.  I had originally planned on putting it in my living room, but after getting it and seeing how heavy it was, I decided it might not be safe with 3 babies in the house!  So, I put it out on the porch and surrounded it with these neat church bird houses that my mom gave me.  Lynzie, Michael, Elisha and I picked out this little scarecrow girl to add some color.  I also grabbed my leaf garland for the top of the window.  With all the wind we've been having, I'll probably be picking it up out of the flower bed in the morning!

I found this old bucket at a yard sale this summer.  It's in perfect shape and even has it's lid.  More decorations to blow into the flower bed...but it looks cute for now!

It's almost the weekend!  I'm planning on working on some sewing and getting Jamie, Michael and Elisha ready to go elk hunting.  It's that time of year!

Blessings to you and your family today!  Feel free to link up your homemaking posts below and have a great day!

Linking with:
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ Coloradolady 
Beverly's Pink Saturday 
Dear Creatives 

Pumpkins and Pinks

Today at Beverly's Pink Saturday, we're all showing off our pumpkins!  I have a couple pumpkins around the house but nothing too spectacular so I thought I'd start by showing you a couple of fabric pumpkins I've got in my Etsy shop for sale!

This cute Holly Hobbie pumpkin is made from a foam pumpkin covered with fabric and features her "Blue Girl" portrait.  It's 7x5 and, unlike any pumpkin from the produce aisle, it will keep indefinitely!

Here's a second one with lace and blue flowers instead.  Both are $12 with FREE US shipping!

I've also been busy recently stocking my booth at Strutt Your Stuff, a friend's gift shop here in town.  Yesterday I made this cute Jane Austen silhouette mirror.  My daughter, Lynzie, drew the silhouette template for me on a piece of paper and then I just glued it to the mirror, sprayed white paint around it, painted the frame black, and added some antique jewelry and vintage faux pearls.  It's so cute, I'm half hoping it doesn't sell!

My great-grandmother left us lots and lots of costume jewelery.  I know she'd be happy that I'm finding fun and crafty ways to use some of it!

A good BookCrossing friend sent me some gorgeous fabrics so I made a ruffled book bag.  I love this!  I think I'll make a few more for my Etsy shop...and maybe one for me too!

I also used some of the fabric and matching ribbons/buttons for a little pin cushion.  I used one of the four Depression glass sherbet cups I have sitting around. 

Have you been up to anything fun and crafty lately?  Tell me about it or link up your homemaking/crafty posts below for Homemaking LinkUp Weekend.

Blessings to all of you and thanks so much for stopping by---have a lovely weekend!

Linking with:
Beverly's Pink Saturday
Homemaking Link-Up @ Raising Homemakers 
Blue Monday @ SmilingSally 

Show Me Your Fall! Homemaking LinkUp Weekend

Brr!!! Is it cold where you are?  Fall came fast here in Eastern Oregon.  It's 56 degrees outside right now at 1:30 in the afternoon!  Just two weeks ago it was 95! 

Fall is my most favorite time of year!  I love the cooler temperatures and beautiful colors!  Today for Pink Saturday, we're showing off our fall decorations!

Yesterday, Lynzie and I went out to do a couple of errands and found these sweet praying Colonial kids at Rite Aid.  She named them John and Patience.  I think they look really cute in front of my vintage Ferris print, Christmas Morn at Plymouth.

My mom gave me a set of neat owls to display on top of the piano.  I really love owls!

This is our family's most treasured Fall decoration.  I bought this at a local craft bazaar a few years ago and the kids all get really excited each time I set it up.  Today, when they prayed at lunch, they mentioned that John, Patience, and the First Thanksgiving set were all praying along with them!

Up until a few years ago, I tried to get an annual Fall picture of all the kids.  This is the last one I took and it was 5 years ago!  Now that there's another 4 kids to add to the pose, I'm thinking we need to do another one!

What is your favorite thing about Fall?  Do you have a treasured decoration or tradition?  Tell me about it or, better yet, blog about it and link up with my Homemaking LinkUp Weekend!  Don't forget to visit Beverly and the other Pink Saturday bloggers for beautiful and inspiring Fall posts!

Linking with:
Beverly's Pink Saturday 

Pink Christmas Trees! Can You Help Me?

Is it roasting where you are?  We're supposed to hit 100 today and tomorrow and then cool off next week.  I'm so glad fall is coming!  It's my favorite time of year!

Some of you summer girls might be rolling your eyes at the idea of me talking of fall---let alone Pink Christmas trees---but we're on the last leg of the dreadful summer heat and I can't wait for it to be over!

Today I'm asking for some help from my creative blogging friends!  Last year, I played around with these rubber cone things I had found at the Dollar Tree and constructed this shabby little rose petal Christmas tree.  I decorated it with some of my great-grandma's vintage jewelery.

This year, I want to make a bunch more for my Pink Christmas-themed craft room.  I want to use Styrofoam cones but need some ideas on a way to stabilize them.

I'm wanting something that looks sort of like an upside down meat thermometer...but with a bigger base.  Any ideas?

It's been a few weeks since I offered my Homemaking Link Up Weekend.  I'm hoping to be more regular with it now that my favorite time of year is approaching and I'm past my early-pregnancy-sickies!  I'd love for you to link up below if you've got a favorite post to share.

Have a lovely weekend!

Also linking with:

Beverly's Pink Saturday
Weekend Spotlight Inspiration @ Dear Creatives
Pearls and Lace Thursday @ FGC 

The Burden of the Blessed Life

Survivor's guilt. 

Have you ever felt guilty for being blessed in a way that many others aren't?  Perhaps you've experienced a life-threatening situation and came out unscathed, while others suffered less desirable fates.  Maybe you've been healed of a sickness that many are still suffering from.

Many times in life, we find ourselves sitting in the good seats watching, often without any ability to help, while our friends and loved ones walk through very tough times.

This is where I'm finding myself lately.

I've got parents divorcing.  I've got extended family divorcing.  I've got good friends divorcing. Even more heartbreaking, a dear friend just lost a much prayed for baby to miscarriage.

My soul hurts for these people that I love---that I have relationship with---that are going through such a very difficult time.

What can I do to help?  I can't save a marriage...or a baby.  I want to pray.  But have I been?  Not as much as I should be.

To be honest, I'm experiencing wallowing in survivor's guilt.

Of course, everyone's got problems;  but when I look at the petty things I'm walking through right now, in light of what's happening to those around me, I see there's just no comparison.

Out of my 10 pregnancies, I've only lost one to miscarriage.  Losing that baby five years ago was the most difficult thing I've ever gone through---but I've been healed--and I think 1 for 10 is pretty good odds.  The baby I'm currently carrying is, as far as we know, healthy and strong.  So why, instead of thanking God for blessing our children with health, do I feel such guilt that they're healthy?

As for my marriage, Jamie and I just celebrated 14 years!  We've known each other since we were 13 and have been very best friends since we were 16.  We have walked through all kinds of heart breaking situations together.  At times, it's been a really rough road---but we're together.  Neither one of us is going anywhere---nor can we fathom anything that would be big enough to separate us.  Why then, instead of glorying in that, instead of thanking God every day for holding us together, do I harbor such fear that this beautiful bubble that I live in is going to pop any day now?

I feel helpless to offer prayers, advice, encouragement---especially in the situations where my loved ones are, (in some cases) so easily willing to end their marriages.  Marriages that, in each instance, began in a church, asking for God's sustained blessing.  I feel guilty talking about my blissful marriage when these others are having such a hard time.  I feel guilty sharing happy milestones of my pregnancy when one of my dearest friends is mourning the loss of her own.

Can a person who is living the blessed life really imagine themselves in the shoes of their hurting loved ones?  I say yes.  Absolutely.

The reason it's called survivor's guilt is because those who feel it are the ones who've survived.  We've spent time in the same den of lions but somehow, by the grace of God, we've come out in tact.  However, unlike the Biblical Daniel, who came out of the lion's den untouched, we survivors have not come out without scars. 

SO many people tell me that I have the perfect life.  Many see me as having a perfect marriage. Perfect children.  They say I am doing everything right to ensure a "til death do us part" marriage and children who grow into godly, law-abiding adults.  As flattering as that is, it's not true.  Nothing, outside of God and his plan, is perfect.  As much as I desire those wonderful outcomes, I'm human---as is the rest of my family---and we all make mistakes that tarnish our lives and leave scars.

The reason that people probably see me this way is that I don't share my personal problems publicly.  When I have issues with my husband or kids, I go to them.  Not to Facebook.  Very rarely do I share a personal issue with my own mother---other than that, there's no one that hears our private junk.  I am, however, very quick to praise my husband or brag on my kids.  I want others to see them in the best light possible.  Would I want my husband or kids broadcasting my flaws outside these four walls?

The problem with all of this, and the burden of the blessed life, is that others think I can't relate.  They think I have this "perfect life" because I have steered away from every possible sinful thing out there.  They think that devastating circumstances have passed me by.

The truth of that matter is very far from this thinking.  I am very much able to offer support, advice, sympathy.  I can very much relate because I have survived.  More than that, I've been healed of the hurt that many of my loved ones are experiencing right now.

I remember the devastation, self-blame, anger, and fear that come with the loss of a child.

I know the feelings of confusion, hard-heartedness, and inadequacy that follow a betrayal.

I have thought the grass was greener in someone else's pasture and have even tested the theory to find it sorely lacking in substance.  More than once.

I recognize the scary cycles of an addiction that seems impossible to overcome.  I'm still cycling.

I've experienced a depression so deep that leaving my family or even ending my life seemed like very logical answers.  Several years of it, in fact.

Many people think that those who are living the "good life" are unable to be of any assistance to them when they're going through tough times.  They think that we live in some la-la land and can't relate.  They're sick of hearing, "well, just trust God and it'll all work out fine."  (In reality, we should all definitely trust God---but that doesn't mean it's all going to work out fine.  Sometimes it all falls apart and it really sucks...but he's still worthy of our trust.)

While there are many who will read this and either relate to where I'm coming from or will roll their eyes and say, "she has NO idea", what I really want is for those who know me to read it and understand something.  I can relate.  I want to help you. 

When you're going through hard stuff, don't be so quick to make assumptions about the people around you who want to help.  There's a reason they've survived and their survival skills might be just what you need.

I'm Back!! VTT, Pink Saturday & Homemaking LinkUp Weekend

Thank you so so much to everyone who has been so sweet and patient to check on me these past few weeks!  I'm alive and well, just getting through my first few months of pregnancy with our sweet NUMBER NINE!

This weekend, I'm participating in my three favorite linky parties: Coloradolady's Vintage Thingie Thursday, Beverly's Pink Saturday, and my own Homemaking LinkUp Weekend!

To celebrate Vintage Thingie Thursday, I'm showing off the beautiful antique jam jar and spoon that my mom gave me last summer as a gift when I had Kynthia.  This was my favorite thing in her home!  This very delicate jar came from my great-grandma Annabelle.  It's such a tiny little thing---only about 3 inches high!

In honor of Beverly's Pink Saturday, I want to show how I displayed my favorite blue Ball jars.  These are sitting on top of a hutch in my living room.  So pretty!

Finally, for my Homemaking LinkUp Weekend, I thought I'd show off one other pink sweetie.  One of my favorite parts of homemaking is watching my kids be cute and silly.  Here's Avalon with her new pink sunglasses.  She's so proud!

How's the weather where you are?  We are ROASTING---but feeling so blessed with our air conditioner!  Hope everyone has a blessed weekend! 

Linking up with: 

Coloradolady's Vintage Thingie Thursday 

Beverly's Pink Saturday
Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home 

Muesli Bread and Homemaking Link Up Weekend

Happy Friday Everyone!  Hope your weekend plans are fun and relaxing!  Mine include: having fun, and relaxing.  Yay!

I recently made this yummy Granola Bread using Muesli that I got at the co-op. It was super good and really dense so it went a long way (ie: actually fed everyone with one loaf!)

 

Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter 1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs 2 mashed bananas
1 3/4 c. whole wheat flour (OR 2 c. white)
1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. granola 1/2 c. chopped nuts
1/4 c. raisins

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and bananas. Stir in granola. Add flour, soda, salt, nuts and raisins. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for about 40 min. Cool on rack.

I'd love to have you link up for my Homemaking Link Up Weekend!  Have a wonderful weekend and be blessed!

A Day at the Lake --- Homemaking Link-Up Weekend

Hello my dear, sweet, PATIENT readers!  Can you believe I FORGOT to put up the link up post today?  Ugh...pregnant brain!  Anyway, it's here now and I'd love to have you all link up your home-related posts!

I was going through some of our pictures from the last couple weeks and found all these adorable pictures from Elisha's birthday a couple weekends ago.  He wanted to go fishing at the lake for his big day so we planned a fun trip to a nearby mountain lake.  It took about an hour and a half to get up there so it was just right for a day-long get away!

Here are some of the highlights from our day.  Be sure to link up below and visit some of the other participants with an encouraging comment or two!

Elisha wanted a fishing-themed cake...it sort of melted on the way to the lake!

He was really thrilled with his birthday gifts.  This was a detective fingerprinting set he had been wanting.

This gift was a knife he's been looking at for about a year now!

Everyone was quick to point out the candle that he missed on the first try!

After the party, Jamie and the kids were ready to start fishing!  This is Penland Lake in Eastern Oregon's Blue Mountains.  This has been a favorite fishing and camping spot in my family since before I was born.  In fact, this is where I was when Mt. St. Helens erupted.  I wasn't quite 1 year old yet!

I was probably baby Kynthia's age, actually!  She had so much fun playing in her walker...until she got sleepy.  Then she slept the rest of the day on our laps.  We took turns! :)

This was also Liam's first fishing trip.  He had a good day all day long!

Avalon liked to walk a little trail that went back into these trees a ways.  She always likes to go off exploring on her own.

Selah spent most of the day keeping Mr. Darcy busy.

Here's the birthday boy and mighty fisherman with his Weed Fish.

My favorite part of the day was watching my kids enjoying a special and memorable place from my childhood!

Have a lovely weekend!

Chinese Style Pork and Rice & Homemaking LinkUp Weekend

Hope everyone had a great week! Today, for my Homemaking Link-Up Weekend post, I'm featuring a delicious recipe.

This is one of our family's favorites and it's pretty easy to make.  Let me know if you give it a try!

Chinese-Style Pork and Rice Dinner
 
2 lb. tender pork loin or shoulder roast
1/2 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. honey
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp. salt
4 c. cooked rice
1 c. scrambled eggs
1/2 c. green onions

Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and salt together and marinate pork 24 hours, turning every 6-8 hours.  Remove pork from marinade and bake at 400 for 1/2 hour.  Turn heat down to 300 and bake until internal temperature reaches 170 or the packager's pre-inserted plastic thermometer pops up.

Let pork sit on top of stove or counter about 45 min.  This will help the juices to settle (so the meat stays juicier) and will cool it off for easier slicing.

Slice almost all of the meat, saving a portion for adding to the rice.  Cut the saved portion into small pieces and set aside.  

In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, chopped scrambled eggs, green onions, and reserved meat.  Add salt, soy sauce, and, if you wish, garlic and other seasonings to taste.

Enjoy!

Please link up all Homemaking posts below and have a lovely weekend!

Dewey Diddy Diddy Dum Diddy Dew

Hello!  Welcome to the Weekend!  I hope everyone has something fun and relaxing planned!  We are headed to the lake on Saturday to celebrate Elisha as he will be turning 9 years old!  Everyone is so excited---it's not often that we get to take an outing like this and I just pray it will be a wonderful day for all!

For this week's Homemaking LinkUp Weekend, I'm reviving a post I wrote in 2008 when I first started blogging.  I'm reposting it because there's been a new development in this lifelong dream of mine!  I'll show you the post and then tell you the update!

Please feel free to link up your posts below!  The theme is Homemaking---but it's very general.  Just link up what you want---as many as you want---and I'll come around and visit you this week!  I even plan on picking a post or two to feature so show me your stuff!

Here's the 2008 post:

Last night my husband and I were watching the Stargate SG-1 episode where Sam's new boyfriend is teasing her about quirkiness. He makes a comment that goes something like: "as long as you don't have alphabetized bookshelves..."

My husband looked at me and grinned his "you have weird quirkinesses" smile.

You see, I not only want my bookshelves alphabetized---I want them arranged according to the Dewey Decimal System. This has been a dream of mine ever since I began collecting books in my early childhood.

People keep telling us we need a bigger place because we have a lot of kids. They're all only half way right. Yes, a bigger place is needed...but not for the kids' sake. If we were to have one more bedroom than we have now, it would not be for kids---it would be for my dream library.

All arranged as Dewey would do it.

So... Are you ready to hear the good news?  My husband, in his Software Developer Geniusness, is creating a program for me so I can arrange all my books according to THE DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM!! Isn't that awesome?!!  Ha!

I'll be able to store information for every book in our home library on my computer and search for books according to several different categories like title, author, and keyword.  You might think this is a little extreme...but, what you may not know is...we have about 1,600 books in our home!!  An organizational system is very much needed!

And, on that nerdy note, I invite you to this week's Homemaking LinkUp Weekend!

Also linking with:
Tesha's Encouraging Link Up