Thursday, October 24, 2013

Best Lasagna Soup (My New Favorite)

Yes, that is a snowflake bowl I am using in October.  Don't judge.


October is my favorite month of the year, mostly because I can start making soups and stews again!  I got this month's issue of Taste of Home magazine in the mail and it was packed FULL of delicious soup recipes.  This girl was super excited to try out the Best Lasagna Soup.  It did not disappoint!

I changed the recipe just a little, omitting the green pepper (yuck!) and the corn, and adding only 1 can of tomatoes instead of two.  It was delicious!  

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium beef broth
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese


Directions

In a large saucepan, cook beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking up beef into crumbles.  Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.  Drain.

Stir in tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce, corn, tomato paste, Italian seasoning and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Stir in pasta. Return to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer covered for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.  Sprinkle with cheese.


And that's it.  Easy peasy!  We will definitely be making this soup again!

Check out the recipe at Taste of Home online here.

Until next time,

Friday, October 11, 2013

Life Lately

Life of late has been a whirlwind, y'all.  We have been so busy and so incredibly blessed in the last few weeks.  I just want to share a little bit of life lately with you.

On the 18th of last month, Abraham and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary.  THREE YEARS that I have been wife to this sweet, amazing, Godly man.  Sometimes, it feels like just yesterday that I was getting ready to walk down the aisle.  Then other times, it seems like we've been together forever...in a good way, like I can't remember ever being without him.  Love my man so much and we are looking forward to many more anniversaries together.


This guy = <3
Also in September, my sister-in-law got married and we were able to attend the wedding festivities!  Some of you who know our background with my in-laws know how special this was for us.  For those of you who don't know, Abraham is a former member of the Amish church.  When a member leaves the church, they are considered "outside of the flock" and are generally not allowed much communication with those who remain part of the Amish church.  It has taken many, many years to get to the place where we are with my husband's family now.  God has blessed us tremendously!  We had a wonderful time celebrating his sister's wedding day with all of the family!  (Unfortunately, the Amish do not allow their picture to be taken, so I have no photos of the wedding...bummer!).

In addition to all of that, my youngest nephew turned ONE in September!  Seriously, guys, where does the time go?  Is it just me, or do the days seem to be passing by quicker than ever?

Sigh.

Here are a few pictures of sweet baby Z at his birthday party.  He is such a cutie!






I am really, seriously going to try to be more regular about posting here.  I love all of the sweet friends that I have made through blogging!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Much love,

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Never Have I Ever...

Tonight, I am linking up with Amanda from The Lady Okie for a fun little game of Never Have I Ever.  If you have never read Amanda's blog, you must go visit.  She is hilarious!  And an amazing writer, too!

Now, without further ado, my list of Never Have I Evers...

Never Have I Ever...

- Been drunk or done drugs.  Not once.  Like, ever.  (Did you just hear that Taylor Swift song in your head?  Because I totally did.)


source

Never Have I Ever...

- Swam in a public pool.  One word...GROSS!

Never Have I Ever...

- Watched Duck Dynasty.  I know, I know.  But seriously, I can't get past the beards.  They creep me out just a little.


CREEPY BEARDED GUYS
source
 Never Have I Ever...

- Been to California.  I WILL visit there one day, y'all.  It's on my bucket list.

Never Have I Ever...

- Had a baby.  This is something I would like to do one day, but we are in no hurry.  We will follow God's lead on starting a family in the future.  In the meantime, here is my sis with my sweet nieces and nephews.


Cutest.Kids.EVER!

There you have it, friends.  My list of things I have never done.  What are some things that you've never done?