Crispy Orange Beef with Broccoli

This recipe looked so delicious I had to try it :)

Here is the link to the original recipe:

http://comfyinthekitchen.com/2012/01/crispy-orange-beef-with-broccoli/

I decided to tackle this meal while my boys were napping, so unfortunately I didn't get to serve it immediately (I stored the beef and broccoli in the fridge and left the rice cooker on warm until dinnertime) so the beef lost some of its crispiness. However it was still SO DELICIOUS and extremely flavorful!

The recipe called for some basic ingredients that we already had on hand - soy sauce, garlic, rice wine vinegar, sugar, rice, cornstarch, and frying oil. I bought broccoli florets, an orange (for the "zest"), frozen OJ concentrate, fresh ginger, and sirloin.

The sauce called for garlic, orange zest and freshly grated ginger, among other ingredients. I had never bought fresh ginger before, nor had I grated it but let me tell you the smell was DELICIOUS, especially combined with the orange peel.

I am always intimidated by frying anything... however, I am learning to use a splatter screen in the process so I don't get burnt by hot oil and so my stove top doesn't become a complete greasy disaster in the process.

 I used peanut oil for frying the beef, and it actually went pretty smoothly. The cornstarch coating made the beef crispy and delicious.

 Overall I'd say the prep and cook time for me took about 90 mins (about double what the recipe says... pretty typical for me the first time I make anything new). However the flavor was amazing! Honestly I liked this better than the same dish at most take-out restaurants. I'd definitely recommend trying this if you have an hour or two of time to invest!

"she gives instructions with kindness"

Turkey Week

 This Thanksgiving is special for me because it will be the first Thanksgiving that I've ever hosted Thanksgiving dinner at my house and also done the legwork - meal planning, cooking, etc.

Last year I had just had my second baby and so my parents came to our house and my wonderful mother cooked everything. The year before that my in-laws were here and my wonderful mother-in-law cooked everything (I'm a lucky girl, aren't I?!)

Over the past year, though, I have really worked on my cooking and meal planning skills and so this Thanksgiving I told my parents that I would be cooking. Granted I bought jar gravy, bag stuffing, and canned pumpkin... but I will still be mixing ingredients and producing an edible (hopefully) dinner.

 

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.

Turkey Handprints

It was rainy this morning and the perfect weather for another Thanksgiving craft with my 2 year old. Turkey handprints are as basic as crafts get, but my son has a current obsession with tracing things so it worked out nicely.

We simply traced his hands, added beaks and feet, and colored in the "feathers." I cut our turkeys out while he painted a background paper in fall colors.

 And voila!

Creamy Beef Taquitos

Tonight I tried a new recipe: Creamy Beef Taquitos from Comfy in the Kitchen:

http://comfyinthekitchen.com/2012/03/creamy-beef-taquitos/

Thankfully, this recipe was SUPER easy, because my boys were not down with me cooking tonight. Somehow I managed to scrape everything together amidst a high level of background noise and little people tugging at my pant legs.

Although the recipe calls for ground beef, I think if I make these again I will try using shredded beef as well as a bit more cream cheese in my "Salsa Fiesta" mixture. But overall these were a hit (my toddler could even be convinced to try them... that's a win in my book!)

Breakfast Hot-Pockets

I saw this recipe for breakfast hot-pockets on a blog and they looked deeeelicious, so tonight I decided to make breakfast for dinner!

Here is the original recipe:
womenlivingwell.org/2013/11/homemade-breakfast-hot-pockets/

I couldn't find the brand of rolls that I needed and my boys were, shall we say, less than cooperative at the grocery store... so I came home with a smaller version of the same thing and ended up using two rolls worth of dough for each hot pocket.

My husband didn't seem to share my opinion that these were a dinner food so next time I will probably make a batch, freeze them, and then have a week's worth of breakfasts stashed in the freezer! These are definitely worth a try; just keep in mind that the rolls need to thaw and rise for 4-6 hours before you can make the hot pockets.

Thankfulness Tree

Lately I've seen a number of different friends/bloggers making fun crafts with their kids to foster a spirit of thankfulness in the season leading up to Thanksgiving. Thankfulness is something that naturally flows from a heart directed to God, but it is also an attitude that we can choose even when we feel we have little to be thankful for.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Hebrews 13:15 

I decided to make a thankfulness tree with my 2 year old. Here are two examples of much fancier ones:

http://www.nurseryofthenation.com/2011/11/thankfulness-tree.html

http://www.meaningfulmama.com/2013/11/thankfulness-tree.html

We had crayons, brown paint and paper on hand, and it was cold this morning, so voila! A thankfulness tree was born. I was planning to trace my son's hands and use them as leaves, but he also wanted me to trace his feet... so we ended up with hand and footprint leaves (you win some, you lose some.)

I asked my 2 year old what he was thankful for, explaining that it could be things like food, his brother, our house... things that we thank God for at night when we say prayers or at the table before meals. I then wrote something that he is thankful for on each "leaf:"

In addition to mommy, daddy, eggs, airplanes, and bounce houses my son is thankful for... GIRLS. Yep, he came up with that one all on his own. I better watch out for this one...

Weekly Meal Plan

4/5 recipes are new this week... I find myself more motivated to cook when I have new yummy looking recipes to try :)

If all turns out well perhaps I will post pics of the finished products. No promises. My cooking is a work in progress, and that's being generous :) Eventually I hope to add a recipe index to my blog... I've received a bunch of great recipes from friends and family!

I found this menu plan template here:
http://organizedhome.com/printable/household-notebook/weekly-menu-planner
(One of the blogs I read linked to it:
http://thankful-homemaker.blogspot.com/p/homemaking-binder.html)

Your home, your ministry.

I love the following excerpt from the Thankful Homemaker blog:

"If you have a family to serve, you have a ministry.  You are making eternal differences daily as you tend to the needs of your family and daily learn to die to self through God's help and loving care.  In each of those moments the Lord is molding and shaping you more and more into the image of His Son.

Don't look outside the walls of your home to find your purpose - look to the Lord Jesus Christ.  May you gain your strength from Him to love and serve your family to His glory.  

Be faithful to where the Lord has called you - do all things to His glory.  Serve and love your family as unto the Lord." 

http://thankful-homemaker.blogspot.com/2013/09/living-in-mundane.html

Occupation: Homemaker.

I love fall. I think it is my favorite season. The cooler weather, the colorful trees, the smell of pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, and other delicious seasonal treats. Fall festivals, hayrides, the holidays, family traditions, and the coziness of your home and spending time with loved ones as the days get shorter... not to mention my anniversary and my son's birthday! :)

Recently I have been reading a series on one of my favorite blogs called "Making Your Home A Haven" (see below). The series spans five weeks and challenges women to bless their families through prayer, showing gentleness and love, as well as in a number of practical ways such as cooking family meals or special treats, decorating for the holidays, and creating special family memories. It has really spoken to me by highlighting the ways in which I can bless and bring JOY to my family through the seemingly "mundane" tasks of motherhood... be it cooking, cleaning, or even folding laundry.

There is an inherent difference between "housekeeping" and "homemaking." One brings to mind a list of chores and drudgery, the other a feeling - a pleasant one, at that. When I first got married I had little to no cooking skills. I could do my own laundry but had never been responsible for keeping multiple people in constant supply of clean clothes, towels, sheets, and looking presentable (still working on that last one). I knew how to dust and vacuum but had never had a five bedroom house to keep clean and fresh for a family and visitors. These tasks can become overwhelming, boring... burdensome, even. But when we view our roles as wives, mothers, and homemakers as part of a higher calling... when we realize that God has entrusted us with one family and one house to bless, we start to see the joy in the mundane.

"We aren’t responsible for every home on the block…just the one God has given us.
God has given us one home to turn into a haven for his glory.
One home to use to shine brightly for him.
One home to subdue, manage and cause to flourish.
And when one home is flourishing – the souls that pass through that home are forever touched and changed by the work of your hands."
 http://womenlivingwell.org/category/homemaking/making-your-home-a-haven-challenge/

Continue On

Continue On
One of my favorite poems by Roy Lessin:

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life.

She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother.

She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference. At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. "Is it worth it" She often wondered.

"Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"

It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart.

"You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be.

Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye.  But I notice.

Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward.

Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.

Your children are precious to me.. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for me. What you invest in them is an offering to me.

You may never be in the public spotlight, But your obedience shines as a bright light before me. Continue on. Remember you are MY Servant.

Do all to please me."

Love is Patient

It all started with a trip to one of those indoor play places. Some sneaky little virus was camping out on the toy that my toddler decided to lick and now it's 7 days later and mom, dad, toddler and baby are all getting over the never-ending cold.

It's hard having a sick toddler. They whine. They cry. The world is over if they can't have animal crackers for breakfast or if the blue spoon is dirty and they have to use the green one. It's also hard having a sick baby.  They cry. And they cry. And they cry. And their crying makes your toddler cry, whose crying makes the baby cry more and then you want to cry.

On days like these I have to pray for patience. I remind myself that love, patience, gentleness, and self-control are fruits of the spirit and I double my efforts to speak kind, uplifting words despite my feelings.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Love is patient. Love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Colossians 3:12-13

Today my toddler shoved pebbles up both nostrils at the playground while I wasn't looking. He woke up at the break of dawn banging on his bedroom door. He didn't want to nap, didn't want to sleep at bedtime. He didn't want to eat dinner. He only wanted to play with toys the baby was holding. He spent a considerable amount of time before bed nursing an imaginary booboo with an ice pack on the couch. He wanted to swing at the playground, but cried because the seat was too narrow. He didn't want to leave when it started raining.

After feeding lunches, changing diapers, putting both boys down and then realizing my toddler had no intention of napping, I lay on the floor next to his toddler bed, praying and holding his hand until he fell asleep. I asked for some sorely needed encouragement and what God gave me was the image of His hand holding onto mine just as I was holding onto my son's.

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13

Fall in NoVA

Find a list of area fall festivals here:
http://dc.about.com/od/childrensactivities/a/pumpkinpatches_2.htm

Summer Fun Around NoVA

In addition to my lists of indoor and outdoor places to visit (some of which have different schedules during the summer months), here are some additional fun summer options for little ones with lots of energy!


Water Parks & Spraygrounds:

Atlantis Waterpark @ Bull Run (Centreville)
Kings Dominion Water Park (Doswell)
Signal Bay Waterpark (Manassas)
Splash Down Waterpark (Manassas) - have $4 mornings on Thursdays for little ones under 5yrs
The Water Mine Family Swimmin Hole (Reston)
Volcano Island @ Algonkian Regional Park (Sterling)
Pirate's Cove Waterpark @ Pohick Bay Regional Park (Lorton)
Lee District Spraypark "Our Special Harbor" (Franconia)
Fairfax Corner Fountains (Fairfax)
Reston Town Center (Reston)
VA Gateway Fountains (Gainesville)
Village at Leesburg Fountains (Leesburg)


Free/Cheap Summer Movies


Summer Fairs/Carnivals

Outdoor Places to Visit Around Northern VA

Now that the weather is getting nicer, I've started a list of some of our favorite outdoor venues around Northern VA:


Clemyjontri Playground (McLean)
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri/
Talk about a kid's paradise. This is the largest playground we've ever been to, and it has a carousel.

Frying Pan Farm Park (Herndon)
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fryingpanpark/
Animals to visit, a carousel to ride, 2 playgrounds, tractors to sit on... love this place!

Claude Moore Playground (Warrenton)
 http://www.warrentonva.gov/ParksRec/WARF/AbouttheWARF.aspx
Adjacent to the Warrenton Aquatic & Recreation Facility, this playground is very large with many slides, ramps, swings, rock walls, and unique play structures. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and a lake, and sits on top of rubber flooring.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Playground (Chantilly)
 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ecl/

Ashburn (Dinosaur) Park (Ashburn) 
 http://ashburn.patch.com/articles/discover-dinosaur-park
Very large playground (well, multiple playgrounds) with a dinosaur theme. Lots of swings, trails, nicely shaded.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna)
http://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens
A great spot to take pictures of your children... lakes, bridges, beautiful flowers, fish & turtles (just beware of the geese... not so friendly). 

Ticonderoga Farms (Chantilly)
http://www.ticonderoga.com/
Large outdoor jumping pillow, hillside slides, tractor rides, playgrounds, animals, tractors, tons of fun!

Cox Farms (Centreville)
http://www.coxfarms.com/
Awesome fall festival every year, but they are also open year round so your little ones can see the animals, play on their fun boat play structure and wooden train, and sit on old tractors.

Burnside Farms (Haymarket)
https://www.facebook.com/BurnsideFarms
Gorgeous tulip festival in the spring... great for photos and you can actually pick the flowers for $1/each. 

Victory Lakes Elementary School Playground (Bristow)

Victory Lakes Community Playground (Bristow) 

Bristow Run Elementary School Playground (Bristow)

Reston Zoo (Reston)
 http://www.restonzoo.com/

Leesburg Animal Park (Leesburg)
http://www.leesburganimalpark.com/

Fantasy Playground (Woodbridge)
http://www.our-kids.com/static/?f=fantasyplayground
Wooden castles, bridges, metal slides, a small sandbox, swings, a tire swing, large and very fun!

Great Country Farms (Bluemont)
http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/
Jumping pillow, animals, toddler play area with sandbox, swings, play houses, farm animals to visit, playgrounds, etc.

Manassas Battlefield (Manassas)
Large open fields in which to go exploring, see wildflowers, bugs, and civil war cannons. Wear bug spray. Great for photos in the spring :)

Fairfax Corner Fountains & Train 

Lake Fairfax Park (Reston) 

Burke Lake Park (Fairfax Station)

The National Zoo (DC)

Here is a great tool for finding playgrounds in Fairfax County:
playgroundfinder.blogspot.com

And a website that reviews NOVA parks:
novaoutdoors.com

NOVA Indoor Attractions for Toddlers

Live in northern VA? Here are some of the places that my boys and I have visited over the past 2 years...

*Note that schedules often change during the summer months*

National Children's Museum  (National Harbor, MD)
http://www.ncm.museum/
In addition to the main museum, they have a play area for ages 3 and under with a small infant play area. Have lots of fun imaginative play areas such as a general store, a fire truck, a kitchen, an airport, etc. If you plan to go on a weekend you need to purchase tickets online for a specific time slot.

Milla's Playland (Gainesville)

Bounce Mania (Gainesville)

Skate N Fun Zone (Manassas)
http://www.skatenfunzone.com/
They have toddler skates on Tuesday mornings, $5 per skater. They also have an indoor play structure in the back.

Sky Zone (Manassas)

Billy Beez (Manassas Mall)

Rebounderz (Manassas) 

Play N Learn Playground Superstore (Chantilly)
http://playnlearn.com/party-play/free-play/
They open their showroom and offer 2 hours of play for $8/child.

nZone (Chantilly)
http://thenzone.com/
The nZone offers toddler classes (soccer, etc.) on their indoor fields/courts. They host birthday parties, toddler fun days (now every Tues and Thurs morning!), and parents night out babysitting services.

Chibi's Indoor Playground (Ashburn)
http://www.chibisindoorplayground.com/
Chibi's offers open play Mon-Sun, $10 for 90 minutes of play. They have a soft infant play room, a toy room, a play kitchen area, and a large indoor play structure with a large slide, ride on toys, etc.

Kidz Plaza (Ashburn)
 http://kidzplazaplayground.com/

Sport Bounce of Loudoun (Ashburn) 
 http://www.sportbounce.com/

The Little Gym (Gainesville)
http://www.thelittlegym.com/GainesvilleVA/Pages/default.aspx
Offers gymnastics classes for infants through age 12. Hosts birthday parties and offers a free trial class.

 Kids N Motion (Woodbridge) 
 http://www.kidsnmotion.biz/OpenPlayTimes.html
This place has bounce houses, relays, small slides, medium slides, large slides, a soft playroom for the toddlers, ride on toys and climb on toys. Although some of the equipment looks a bit older and shows some wear, my son thoroughly enjoyed himself and wasn't bored for a minute. You spend 45 minutes in the first playroom and 45 minutes in the second playroom for a total of 1hr30 mins of play. Check the website for open play times.

 Alexandria Soft Playroom (Alexandria) 
http://alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=12352#SoftPlayroom
This indoor playroom is entirely padded and perfect for little ones who may fall a lot but who love to climb. When we went it was a weekend and rather crowded, so if possible I would recommend visiting on a weekday. Also be sure to call ahead to make sure the room hasn't been reserved for the time you wish to visit. They have soft stairs, a small slide, a small ball pit, foam blocks, balls, etc. $4 per half hour.

Chuck E Cheese (Manassas)
 http://www.chuckecheese.com/locations/get/118

Kid Junction (Chantilly)
New indoor playspace with an arcade, train table, pretend play areas (grocery store, pizza shop, post office, veterinary clinic), large play structure (in progress when we went), etc.

Monkey Joe's (Dulles)
http://www.monkeyjoes.com/Dulles

Pump It Up (Manassas)
2 rooms with inflatable play structures (slides, standard bounce houses, obstacle courses, etc.) There is an age/height requirement to enter and they make you watch a safety video first.

Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center (Manassas)
http://www.freedom-center.com/aquatics/
Indoor leisure and lap pools, swim classes.

Warrenton Aquatic & Fitness Center (Warrenton)
http://www.warrentonva.gov/ParksRec/WARF/AbouttheWARF.aspx
Indoor leisure and lap pools. Claude Moore playground is right outside.

Little Lords & Ladies (Chantilly)
http://www.littlelordsandladies.com/Welcome.html
Okay so this is a children's consignment store (that I am in love with!) but they offer story time, occasional fun events/crafts, and they have a small play area with a train table that my son loves. 

Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum 

Play areas at the Fair Oaks Mall (currently under construction), Manassas Mall, Chick Fil A (Manassas, Gainesville, etc.)
Can become very crowded, and you may want to bring some (read: LOTS) of hand sanitizer.