3 years for Andrew

Andrew has been home 3 years.  Part of me can not imagine life without Andrew.  He brings so much energy to our lives.  He still loves to play and run.  He would have mom and Dad throwing football, playing basket or playing tag all the time if he could.  But he is also reading and absorbing so much.  He is still a pleaser but is learning to stand on his own.  We are encouraging his Ravens fandom in Steeler country.  He still plunges ahead and thinks later but he is learning to take responsibility.  He can be kind and thoughtful.  He wants to fix things.  Lately he has been saying he wants to be a football player when he grows up.  We will see.

I thankful for God's amazing gift to us.  Our family would not be the same without our Andrew.

Recipe

Sometimes there is a recipe that looks really easy and quick but an ingredient can't be found.  So the result is something that takes a little longer but is just as good.  I couldn't find the pre-made beef tips with gravy.  I am going to post the link to this recipe the way it was originally and it looks like it could be made in about 10 or 15 minutes. It says it feeds 3 but the version I made easily feeds 4 to 6 depending on the amount of rice made and other sides.  So here is the link http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Mushroom-Beef-Tips-with-Rice .

Amanda version Mushroom Beef tips

3 cups cooked rice
1.5 pounds beef pieces
2 cups beef broth
1.5 cups water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups sliced mushrooms
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup sour cream

Place the beef pieces and beef broth in a slow cooker on low for 4 to 5 hours.  Then combine cornstarch and water and add to slow cooker.  Increase the temperature to high.  Let cook a half hour or until the gravy is thick.  Once the gravy is thick.  Saute mushrooms in butter for 2 minutes then add gravy mixture to skillet.  Mix together. Add sour cream. Serve over the rice.

In the original recipe they kept some of the mushrooms separate - I did not but you are welcome to do it.  It would probably look prettier.

By doing this in the crockpot/slow cooker I was able to leave it and not fuss with it and it is super moist.