The Bithell Curse Strikes Again!

Earlier today I needed to take some Christmas presents downstairs. I had a huge box that I was carrying down and I couldn't see over it. When I hit the basement floor my foot landed in around six inches of water. I hurried and put the box down and saw that my whole basement was flooded with water. I could deal with the water being everywhere (if you're a Bithell, you're use to it!), but I totally broke down when I saw all of my Christmas presents ruined. Every single gift was water logged. I got on the phone and had Rick come home from work, and of course tried to reach my parents (their pro's with water problems!), but they wern't home! Rick brought one of his plumber friends home with him and he was able to get the sump pump working. It only took around 20 minutes for all the water to drain....now everything is soaked and ruined. We've been hauling garbage bags to the curb and have a cleaner here at the present moment trying to get things squared away. I do have to say, I have an amazing insurance company. I called them and told them what was going on and they had the cleaners out here with in two hours. Not to mention, I'm compiling a list of all that was lost and they will be taking care of it. I guess that $40 a year sump pump rider that I have on my home owners insurance really came in handy! And, I guess the situation isn't too bad....I get to go shopping all over again!

Who's George?

When Nicholas was around age 4 he had an imaginary friend. He always talked about his friend "George". Rick and I didn't think much of it, other than Nicholas was a little odd (which he still is!). About a year ago, Ellie started talking about George, her friend. We laughed and thought it was a little freaky that our kids had the same imaginary friend. Now for the kicker- Aiden adores his friend "George"! He talks about George all the time. When you ask him questions about George he gets so giddy. He loves talking about him. So- who's George? Do I have a realative named George that's passed on? Maybe there's a spirit that's just really taken a liking to my family. Than again, maybe I've gone some odd kids....they did get my genes!

The Cruise!

What an amazing vacation! We went to Key West, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. My favorite destination was Grand Cayman but the most gorgous was Jamaica! In Jamaica we climbed the Dunn's River Falls- what a trip! I haven't had that much fun in a long time!

In Grand Cayman we went to a Sea Turtle Farm and snorkled.

When we weren't on land we relaxed by the pool....there we're many to choose from! We also spent WAY too much time eating! I've never eaten soo much food and sooo much GOOD food! Lobster tail, prime rib, tons of deserts!!!! Yummy!!!!

As much fun as we had, I'm glad to be home. I really missed my kids (more than I even thought I would!). I think I'll be ready for another vacation next year!

Beef Stroganoff

I've never been a huge fan of Beef Stroganoff, don't get me wrong, I liked it I just didn't love it. Last night I was in the cooking mood so I decided to cook up a batch (it's one of Rick's favorite dishes). I went online and got this recipe- I can honestly say that I am now a true lover of stroganoff!

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, divided
1 large onions, chopped
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
1 (4.5 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup sour cream
cooked rice or noodles

DIRECTIONS
Dredge meat in flour.

In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat; saute onions until tender. Remove from pan; set aside.

Melt remaining butter and brown meat on all sides. Add broth, basil, salt and pepper, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce and onions.

Cook until mixture thickens, about 15 minutes. Just before serving, stir in sour cream. Heat through, but do not boil. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

It's even better the next day for lunch!!!