Love.this.song

Laura Story - "Blessings" Lyrics

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

And all the while You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

And what if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us, when darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can’t satisfy?

And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?

A recent project

This is mostly for Mom since she asked to see it. What do you think? Are the fabrics too busy or do they go well together?

It's an apron for a friend that just got married as part of her/their gift. I always have hang ups and mess ups, but usually things turn out okay in the end. I hope she likes it!

 Thanks to my little assistants/photographers. Sure love your stinkin' guts!

Japan

image source

Many people probably don't even know that I spent part of a summer in Japan or that I speak a little Japanese (a very tiny bit) from high school language classes. Maybe a couple of people know that I love Asian food and particularly sushi. And I also have a Japanese friend who lived with our family as an exchange student forever ago. Little things that add up to a strong interest in the little country in the ocean that's been torn apart.

I was in a bubble serving as a missionary when the twin towers were destroyed in 2011. I didn't really see pictures or footage of what happened. Maybe a handful of images. I still kind of feel in the dark about what really happened. I don't know if that's good or bad. So when the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan I've been kind of torn...do I want to see what it looks like? Do I want to know how bad it is? My husband has rattled off the numbers, how fast a tsunami travels, for instance. And to me and it seems impossible, not to mention heartwrenching. So many people. So much destruction. Life altered forever in seconds. My boys are too young to notice that much or care and I feel a little like I don't want them to know too much and worry. But, I am impressed with their faith. After I told my four year old about the earthquake he said, "Our house won't fall down. It's really really strong." (Yes, that's what they thought too. But I wasn't about to burst his bubble.)

But, there is so much good that comes out of bad. I am inspired by the stories of miracles here (see pic of cute little 4 month old here) and here. I am overwhelmed by the devastation   I cannot begin to imagine the emotions they must feel. The power of mother nature is unfathomable. Like I mentioned, I have never seen anything like it.
So while I was reading my scriptures last night, my Book of Mormon flipped open to this verse, "Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.

But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day."

Poignant, no?

Now it seems they are just praying for a tsunami of grace. 

Green Jello With Carrots

I found this cute site with really cute clip art, file folders, games, and freebies posted every Friday. Go check out the green jello with carrots blog to find out more.

T-shirt bag tutorial from Vanilla Joy

Do you have a million t-shirts lying around that you don't wear, but you don't want to just throw away? I love finding ways to repurpose things and a while ago I found this video. So easy. And she explains it so well. Go try it out and feel good that you are being green & resourceful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USAhz8N1g2E

With every Christmas card I write....

Our first Christmas card for the year came today!

And the packrat sentimental person that I am will probably save it and all of the others I get this year. I'll admit that I save Christmas cards that I've received from years past (only for a couple of years). I love to look at the photo cards especially and see how friends and family have changed. And I like to imagine what painstaking thought and effort went into choosing what card to send.

How can you decide when there are really cute cards like these: 

And these:

And these:

I find myself drawn to the ones with 3 images since I could fill each spot with each of my little guys' faces:

And I also like the idea of including a little family update, just a little more info right on or inside the card:

So I found the company, I found the cards, and now I just have to find the right pictures of the kids and we're set!

I have friends and family who have used Shutterfly to create their own Christmas cards and calendars for gifts in previous years. If you like what you see and you have a blog, go here for a great deal! You can create your own cards with your own pictures and personalize them to your heart's desire. I can't wait to narrow down my favorites to the perfect card.

*Hurry - the promotion ends Dec. 31, but registration ends Dec. 10! 

Prayers for Megan

Send a birthday card to this address.

You will feel better after you do.


 And that is all.

Vote for your favorite video - The Sean Hannity Show

We have a friend who entered this contest and his song is really good. Go and vote for My Hero by Nathan H.

Vote for your favorite video - The Sean Hannity Show

I watched every video and I like how his was an original song he wrote. They are all worth watching!

Forgiveness

There is no preface, YOU REALLY SHOULD TAKE 10 MINUTES AND WATCH THIS:

Forgiveness

Earth Day Swap 2010

Image from here 
Sale going on in shop TODAY!

The ladies at BLOOM are hosting an Earth Day Swap. It's such a great idea. Go here  to participate or here for more details on how it works. It's only going on today, so don't miss out! I'm off to go find something to share.

PW and Your Home Based Mom

If I don't get to meet her in person, maybe luck would help me win this. Crossing my fingers.

Simple Mom

A couple of friends were over and we were visiting  the other day and one of them asked me how I keep from getting the winter blahs. I don't? Well, I told her that I try to congratulate myself if I accomplish something good during the day. And that means even if I get a few loads of laundry washed or the dishwasher unloaded and reloaded. So I don't really have high expectations of myself, but it's tricky with two busy boys. They want to play and climb on the table and unload every cupboard and look at every book on the shelf and take apart all of the couch cushions to build a doghouse, yada yada.

I do also take a little time when they are off playing together or just after we have eaten breakfast or sometime when they don't need all of my attention and check emails and a few blogs. One of my absolute favorite blogs is Simple Mom. I can always count on it having quality material and I have learned so many things from her. I check her blog regularly, but not always daily. Well, today I learned that she has expanded her blog portfolio to include five blogs total. That's a lot to manage. There's Simple Mom, Simple Bites, Simple Homeschool, Simple Organic, Simple Kids,

She says it's "a family of five blogs, all with one purpose — to help people live simply. Each represents a unique topic related to simple living, but together, we’re united to bring you tips and tools to simplify your life, all while we learn alongside you. 

Sounds pretty good to me. Now, for a few days there are very cool giveaways on each of the sites. And I'm telling about it, so that means you have a chance now to win, but they are that cool.

Photo courtesy of Simple Mom

Because Babies Grow Up

My previous post was all about how much I love Christmas music. Well, I have a passion for all kinds of music actually. I learned to play the piano while I was growing up and I would love to learn a few more instruments, or at least give my children the opportunity to do so. My husband also appreciates good music so our kids can't help but enjoy music too. Often my 3 year old will wake up and turn on a favorite cd first thing. He has danced and felt the rhythm of music for much of his young life. His little brother has started a style of dancing all his own. It makes my heart happy to see them start loving something so important so young. I have memories of music playing in our home constantly and I hope my children will have the same.

Amber at Because Babies Grow Up gives help for ways to introduce music to your little ones through her ebook Laptime Songs for Mommies. Go here if you are interested.

Christmas Songs Top Ten

One of the best things about this time of year is the music. Hands down. I. LOVE. CHRISTMAS. MUSIC. So choosing favorites can be very hard for me. I decided to give it a shot and see what I came up with.  Here are my top ten several in no particular order:

 Where Are you Christmas - Faith Hill
I have always been a fan of Faith, but I think this song is truly one of her best performances and it has such a sweet message. 


O Holy Night- Josh Groban  and Celine Dion
 I love this song no matter who sings it, but these versions almost makes me cry all the time. Both singers have so much power and feeling in their voices. Go here to find a new rendition. 
 
Nelle Fantasia (Gabriel's Oboe) - Celtic Woman or instrumental
All of the women who comprise Celtic Woman have gorgeous voices and I really covet the voice on this one. Angelic! And who knew the oboe could steal the show?

 The Magic of Christmas Day (God Bless Us Everyone)- CelineDion
In my humble opinion, Celine is in a league of her own. This song is also sung by Andrea Bocelli (another fave) on the end of the Jim Carrey Christmas Carol. (Have you seen it yet?)

 Still Still Still - Mannheim Steamroller
 Is there anything by Mannheim Steamroller that isn't worthy of being top ten listed? This song is sublime.

 Believe - Josh Groban
 I love the song that goes with the movie, The Polar Express, and the magic that we find on Christmas Day.

Breath of Heaven - Amy Grant
I loved this song the first time I heard it as a teenager. I grew up listening to all things Amy Grant at Christmas and I still love her voice. Since having children of my own, this song has taken on new meaning for me and I feel so much for Mary and her burden as a mother, albeit her role as mother of the Son of God is one not to be taken lightly.

White Christmas - Bing Crosby
A classic. Maybe deserves to be on a different list among other more classic Christmas Carols, but I love the song, love the movie, love the voice.

The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole 
He is in good company with Bing. This is another classic that I love. The song says so much and his voice is calming and so rich.

 In The Bleak Mid-Winter - Sissel - I really like the lyrics of this one. I can't say I am really familiar with the tune or the song itself, but it's a newly discovered favorite.


*Bonus* Since I had a hard time limiting it to10 songs, I threw in a version of  I'll Be Home For Christmas by Rascal Flatts that is refreshingly simple and Christmas Eve in Sarajevo  by Trans Siberian Orchestra. There is something about TSO that is so entertaining and evokes so much energy. Have you seen this (a few hundred times probably?)

So what are your Top Christmas songs?

Subtle, very subtle

I want.

That is all.





Join the dinner party over here.

Dinner in a Pumpkin

 So this sounds a little strange. Have you tried this before? The first time I had it was at my boyfriend's grandparent's house my freshman year of college. I guess it was a family tradition or something.

First you start with this:

And then you have this :

And it ends up like this?

Something like that.

Some obvious notes....

• I made this because we had a lonely pumpkin that didn't get carved and rather than let it rot, I used it as a baking dish. This doesn't just have to be made the week after Halloween. Pumpkins are still plentiful in November, right? 

• Make sure you use a pumpkin that has not been carved, but you could decorate it with Halloween or Thanksgiving pictures with marker before you bake it.                                                                           
  
• It's cooked in a pumpkin, but it's more like a serving dish. You don't really eat the pumpkin. I guess you could. I'm curious if it's any good. Pumpkin in a can that we are used to eating comes from those cute little pie pumpkins, right? 
  

This recipe is a lot like stuffed cabbage and stuffed peppers; meat, rice, sauce, cheese, done.

You can vary it to your liking and the novelty of eating from a pumpkin is worth the little hassle of cutting a pumpkin and hollowing it out.

Here's how I made it:

1/2 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cups beef broth
3 cups cooked rice
1/2-1 cup spaghetti sauce (I had this already made )
sliced cheese (whatever kind you prefer)

Brown onion, ground pepper, and ground beef. Drain. Add broth and pour over beef mixture. Simmer 5 minutes. Add rice and tomatoes and heat through. Pour mixture into hollowed out medium pumpkin. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 to 90 minutes. Cut cheese in strips and place on top. Cover pumpkin and let cheese melt.  Serves ~6



I am posting this on Kimba's DIY at A Soft Place To Land. Go check it out!

Happy Thursday!

It's been a weird week. Yesterday felt like Friday. I have no idea why.

Then today didn't feel like Saturday or Thursday. Kind of like a Monday maybe.

It's a rainy day...haven't seen much of Mr. Sun today.

That's okay.

It brings out the baker in me. Homemade bread. Check.

We're going to have this for dinner. I haven't made this recipe yet, but based on the track record of her site, I'm sure it's delectable. And this is coming from someone who really strongly disliked clam chowder as a kid (me).

Maybe we'll have a smoothie afterward. I am always in the mood for smoothies. That's an entire post in itself. Have you ever put spinach in your smoothie? All I can say is, don't knock it until you try it. How I would love to have a smoothie elite to make it in.

How about you? What's for dinner? Any snow yet where you live? Has it dropped below 80 degrees yet?!

Wordfull Wednesday: Six Little Words

The assignment today was to write a six word biography. If it was truly an assignment I might get docked points for being late!!! But I've been racking my brain, in a fun sort of way. Here are six words:

Living Simply - Laughing Daily- Loving Eternally

I've seen the little phrase a lot that says, Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much and I wanted to change it to fit me better. It's hard to think of only six words, but here are some others I thought of:


*Life: seeking a balance every day (hence my blog title)

* Fastidiously Forseeing Family Faithfully Finishing First (Like I even know what any of that means!)

*Sunshine + Hugs+ Laughter = Piece of Heaven (had to mention how precious little children are)

Want to see more or join in the fun? Click here.

Pumpkin Bread

Today is the second time I have made this recipe in one week. So that means our place has smelled really yummy at least twice! This is a flavorful and moist bread or muffin recipe. It is fairly healthy, and it makes a lot. All the better to throw some in the freezer for later.



1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz.)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup water
3 1/2 cups flour (I use half white/half whole wheat)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger


Optional : 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease pans. Mix dry ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and water. Beat until smooth. Add in dry ingredients. Fill pans 2/3 full. Bake until toothpick comes out clean, depending on size of pan: regular bread pan-approx. 1 hr 10 min, mini-loaf pan -45 min., muffin pan-approx. 20-25 minutes. Cool for a few minutes and remove from pan (s). It makes 5 mini loaves or about 2 dozen regular sized muffins or 2 regular sized loaves.

*I have to put a qualifying statement that I like quick bread and muffins to generally be wholesome and not so sweet, so I cut back on the amount of sugar (represented in the above amounts, original recipe called for 2 1/2 cups) I like to eat them for breakfast and snacks and I have a hard time justifying cake that often!!

This recipe is linked to Tammy's In-Season Recipe Swap: Pumpkin.

Wordfull Wednesday : Who Am I?

I've never really been fond of getting my picture taken. Is it a girl thing? My hubby was taking the photos at this point and I just smirked. He said I wouldn't like the picture. He's always right.

But look at the pretty flowers, what a great background! And my sweater matches. And the lighting is great, but my expression...I wish I would have snatched the camera and hit the review button.
Then I would have hit the delete button.

Then I would have convinced him to take one that I really, actually liked.

Right.

But the reason I'm posting a picture of myself is because this blogger suggested it. And I went along with it.

So, I'm not photogenic. What else do you want to know about me?

I'm also very critical about myself and a perfectionist, but I am not overly critical of others and I'm pretty easy going about a lot of things. I guess it's kind of a double standard isn't it?

I love avocados, almonds, smoothies, ice cream, hummus, sweet potatoes, sushi. And chocolate. And really anything sweet, but I try not to. I love food. I love to eat.

I love to play the piano. (I used to play, now I plunk keys with two little helpers :)

I like to plunk keys on the computer to open friendly emails, discover good finds and inspiring words.

I love to read and find myself pining for 3 more hours every day after the dishes and the laundry and the vacuuming and the meals are done and then I could read. Sigh.

I love being a Mom. It's the only consistent thing I wanted to be when I grew up. Other than that I wanted to be a nurse, a teacher, a musician, a chef.... I guess I kind of dabble at them all. Jane of all trades? Hardly!

I find myself in the kitchen (with baby underfoot) often throughout the day and it's not always intentional that I linger. I just really enjoy making things and I believe that things are healthier, cheaper and tastier when made from scratch. Bottom line.

I am starting to learn how to sew things without having to unpick everything I make and it's enjoyable. Miss Richmann from 9th grade sewing would be so proud.

To sum up, I enjoy creating. My best creations will always be my boys and the rest are secondary. Sometimes I have inner panic attacks that I'm going to mess them up or something, but I am eternally grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted my husband and me with them.

Go check out the others who have borne their souls for you to read here.

Fruit -Indulgence or Necessity?

photo from stock.xchng

I love every fruit I have ever tasted. I've not yet partaken of many exotic fruits, but I have to say that mango has become a fairly new love. I wasn't fond of it at first, but I love it now. Especially when it's really ripe, juicy, and sweet.

One of my favorite ways to use it is in mango sticky rice. I first tasted it at Thai Ruby, a restaurant near my apartment in college. It is the best dessert following a spicy, fragrant Thai dish!

Since we all love fruit in this house, we decided to find a new recipe that uses mangoes. This was actually a while ago that we made this, but it sounds so good right now. Too bad we don't have any mangoes and too bad it's way past my bedtime. Over at Slightly Indulgent Mondays you'll see more yumminess.

Give this one a shot. It's so easy.

Creamy Mango Sorbet

2 fresh mangoes -peeled, seeded,cubed

1/2 cup sugar (the original recipe called for 1 cup sugar, cream, and ice)

1/2 cup cream (or half & half or evap. milk)

1/2 cup ice

Puree all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Freeze in ice cream maker or place in plastic freezer bag and freeze. Check a couple of times an hour and squish and squeeze until it is frozen to desired consistency. The freezing process will take a few hours, but it's worth the wait.

I want to learn....create this

I have looked longingly at these for a long time and want to learn how to make one. Does the idea of winning a free project motivate anyone to make something beautiful? Yes. Please.




Go here for more details.

Free Stuff

I promise I'll post something besides news about giveaways someday, but you really should go check this out. She is giving away this filled with awesome creations:

Giveaway

This is one of those blogs I like to check often because she makes cool stuff, has good design taste, and has funny stories about living in the country and more. I love, love, love the quilts she makes. You have to see them for yourself.

Look at this cozy room.

And that quilt:




Well, she is giving away some of her cool stuff at this blog. Go check it out before it's too late.

Boys Ties

I made these for my boys last week.



Thanks to her and an amazing giveaway, I got the pattern for free from this site. I won't be posting a tutorial. Copyright laws and stuff.

I am definitely not an expert seamstress yet, so this was perfect for me to "attempt." They really are simple and if you follow all of the instructions they should take less than an hour. I am working on a couple more right now. Cutting the pattern out is what takes me the longest, really. That and unpicking mistakes! Argh.

I was cutting out fabric last night after the boys were in bed and it was fun just sitting there and chatting with my husband. I'll let you know how the next batch turn out and maybe I'll post pictures.

Here are my little man models.

“I sometimes think that it is not the child who has attention-deficit problems, but the parents who give the child a deficit of attention.”

Oh. how. true.

How very, very true.


I pray they don't ever feel that way.

I guess I have a guilty conscience at times. We have been busy playing here

or

here

or here.

I wish.

Not really at the beach.

But isn't it just as fun tickling and playing steamroller on the living room floor? Just ask them.


E-mail, Google Reader, Facebook and all you other cajoling blogs and websites, just stay put for a while. You will just have to wait. I don't want to be diagnosed with ADM (Attention Deficit Mother).

Photo attribution links: #1 #2#3#4

Book Report for the day

I am actually reading an older print edition ('81) that I scored for a dollar at a used bookstore, but it's still good. I'll have to check out the "newer" ('94) pictured above version from the library. I was motivated to shell out the buck by the fact that it's by the creators of joyschool. Joyschool was so fun when I was a little kid and I hope I can introduce my children to such a fun curriculum and natural style of learning. I wanted to see how this related to joyschool and such.

I really like their goal oriented and needs based approach. It is not objective based but instead focuses on what comes naturally, like playing and having fun together. And they believe the problem with a lot of other books is parenting is based on reacting rather than acting. Now there's an idea for you. Do something before something else happens. Play with my children before they scream at me for attention and I scream back. Feed him before he pulls the whole milk jug on his head and dumps it. Help him enjoy cleaning up his clothes so I don't constantly nag.....you get the idea.

The first chapter is Preserving the Joy of Spontaneous Delight (read one chapter, focus extensively on it, and then move on-I strongly encourage it) . Kids know how to experience joy, the trick is recognizing it, not hindering it, and preserving that joy.

I mentioned a few posts ago that I am obsessed with food blogs. Maybe I am even more obsessed with food and nutrition. For several years, post college, I have been absorbing information about the food we eat. This book was right up my alley. It gives a lot of information for improving food habits; to encourage you to move away from eating processed and trans fat laden foods.

I am always thinking about food. It could be partly because I have a toddler constantly asking for a snack (he's a grazer), I'm always trying to figure out what to eat for b, l, & d, and I like to eat!

The authors give scientific basis to improvement in behaviors and reversal of ADD based on good nutrition. It's pretty remarkable to think of the impact food has on our total well-being. I know the last few times we have eaten fast food we didn't feel so great afterward. Both my husband and I noticed this. Dr. Sears says that is a good thing. He terms the food that is best for us as "grow food."

This book does come on a little strong, but the suggestions are really good and worth implementing. The majority of the book focuses on the following main points.

Ten changes every family must make:

• Shape young tastes early.
• Feed your family the right carbs.
• Feed your family the right fats.
• Feed your children grow foods.
• Feed your family fill-up foods.
• Begin the day with a brainy breakfast.
• Raise a grazer.
• Feed your child's immune system.
• Raise a lean family. Get active as a family.
• Teach your children to be wise supermarket shoppers.

While I think a lot of the suggestions may seem extreme to a lot of people, I think it is important to do something. Start small in improving the way you eat. I am most impressed with the studies that show what we eat directly affects our cell growth, brain strength, and general health and we can work to prevent major debilitating diseases by improving our diet.


So there. My book report is done. I could go on and on sometimes....I just did.

How Does It {Feel}

to be stepping into another decade?

I was going rather trepidatiously.

My friend asked me a couple of weeks ago what number this would be and when I said the dreaded number she said, "I didn't think you were that old!"

I know. I'm old.

photo by jynmeyer

But it's still cause to celebrate right? The slow waker that I am enjoyed eating breakfast in bed.

I didn't eat radishes and carrots, though if it's true that your metabolism starts slowing down as you age I should have!

I opened gifts with my hubby before he left for work.

photo by szantobett

And truly the highlight of the day was going out to dinner sans babies (we actually got a babysitter) to one of our fave dinner spots.

They take your picture for you on your birthday -- for free!

(A great thing since I forgot the camera anyway.)

Thanks for a yummy night honey!

It's been a week...and I am okay with this aging stuff.


****P.S.  I just read my friend's post. She said it all for me.

Ovenless Summer Cooking

by foodistablog

I attended a get together with women ( aka Enrichment for those who also go) a couple of nights ago and we shared summer dinner recipes that won't heat up your oven and consequently your kitchen and whole house! Not only did we get to taste the recipes, and enjoy some good girl time, we got to bring home a copy so we could make our own. I thought it funny that most of them were pasta dishes.

Here they are (sorry no pictures) if you want to try something new:

Rebecca's Pasta Ricotta

12 oz uncooked, any-shaped pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 T. dried basil
1 small can sliced black olives (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste

Boil water and add pasta. While the pasta is cooking, combine butter, ricotta, parmesan, olives, basil and garlic powder in a large bowl. Drain pasta and immediately add it to the bowl. Toss gently to coat with cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper; serve immediately. Serves 4-6.

Rich and Charlie's Salad

1 cup olive oil (or less)
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dry mustard
Mix together with whip and set aside.

Combine in large salad bowl:
1 head iceberg lettuce
1 head romaine lettuce
1 can artichoke hearts, drained
1 jar pimento, drained and chopped
1 red onion, sliced

Before serving, add 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese to salad. Toss and add dressing. Serve immediately.

*I think it would be great with some crunchy croutons as well!

Buttered Noodles

8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti, angel hair, or other pasta
1/2 cup yellow squash puree
1/4 cup nonfat (skim) milk
2 tablespoons trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon salt

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Drain, return the pasta to the warm pot, and stir in the squash puree (make sure the puree is very creamy), milk, margarine, Parmesan, and salt.

Pasta Salad (amounts are approximate)
4 cups cooked pasta
4 T. Salad Supreme seasoning
1 cup italian dressing
1/2 cup cubed cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, salami, or ham
3 cups chopped veggies : tomatoes, peppers, olives, cucumbers, etc.

Combine in large bowl. Toss before serving.

Chicken and Pasta with Peanut Sauce

1/2 lb dry linguini
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 Tbsp. oil
1 1/2 cups broccoli, cut into small pieces

Begin to cook linguini. Combine peanut butter, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and red pepper flakes in a blender and process until smooth. Brown chicken in oil. Add broccoli and stir-fry until it is crisp-tender and chicken is cooked through. Add peanut sauce and cook 1-2 minutes more until slightly thickened. Drain linguini when finished cooking and combine with sauce. Makes 4-6 servings.

Whet your appetite?

Here are some more and lots more.

Happy non-oven cooking!

For Today

2 July 2009

Outside my window... the sun came out for the first time today.

I am thinking... about a way to share all of the thoughts that are in my head.

I am thankful... for healthy bodies that can run in the sun.

From the kitchen... sits my crockpot cooking our delicious dinner.

I am wearing... casual capris and a polo.

I am creating... a quiet book for my son (so far just in my head).

I am going... to spend time with my husband tonight.

I am reading... my scriptures before I sleep tonight.

I am hoping... we have good weather for the holiday.

I am hearing... only the keys as I type.

Around the house... my two babes sleep peacefully.

One of my favorite things... is yummy food enjoyed together as a family.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

See fireworks. Eat watermelon. Celebrate life!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Please visit Peggy's blog to learn more: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

There is a really cute online (Etsy) shop that sells...well...cute stuff. That's why it's called the The SewCute Shop. She makes and sells things and donates the proceeds to a charity.

And not only does she sell cute stuff, she is giving something away through this blog. If you want to see an adorable new baby boy, click. And you can enter the giveaway yourself.

Are you Spring Cleaning?

My sewing machine is sitting on the floor in my bedroom trying to figure out where to live. There are winter clothes and bedding sitting in random places as summer clothes are slowly making their way into the drawers and on the shelves.

We have been cleaning out closets and figuring out whether to keep or toss things. Truthfully some of it just goes back in a box and back in the closet because we are too sentimental to get rid of it.

Are we packrats? I'd like to think not because we are willing to get rid of stuff.

As I've been going through fabric and craft items I've thought about rooms I've seen online that people have just for scrapbooking and crafts.

I doubt I'll ever have a room dedicated solely to put scrapbooking furniture in, or even have to deal with craft room organization. But it's fun to dream and think about what kind of pieces of furniture or storage units I would use.

These particular storage units wouldn't have to be just for crafts or scrapbooking. Maybe I could share the space with tools and coloring books. Then it's justifiable right, honey?

Everything needs a place!

I have been thinking a lot about discipline for children and what works and what doesn't. The behavior wheel idea (click on that link) sounds like it would be very effective.

I teach the six year olds at Church and sometimes I realize that I am focusing too much on the negative aspect of their behavior when we stop class to address an issue. So how do you reinforce the good things they are doing?

I wonder this several times a day with my own little boy who is learning to be so independent. He can do so many things on his own, but he also demands "do it myself" a lot when I am not sure I want to let him. I have to find him doing good things and reward that more often.

Parenting sure involves a lot of trial and error.

A great book that addresses the idea of accentuating the positive is "Whale Done, The Power of Positive Relationships" by Ken Blanchard. It's an easy read and gives a lot of food for thought.

You should check it out from the library and let me know what you think.