Asian Salad Recipe

Thought I'd pop in to share another recipe with you. I fixed King Ranch Chicken & this Asian Salad for dinner on Thursday. I got the recipe from my friend, Julie, and it has become a favorite! Adjust amounts of ingredients to your liking...Enjoy!

Asian Salad
16 oz bag of shredded coleslaw mix (I make my own coleslaw mix by cutting up cabbage and shredding carrots-I use more slaw than 16oz)
1 c. slivered toasted almonds (toast @ 200 degrees for 30 min)
1 c. sunflower seeds
2 pkg Ramen chicken noodle soup mix (set aside seasoning packets)
1 bunch of green onion, chopped
Mix ingredients together and set aside.

Make dressing in blender:
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. vinegar
¾ c. canola oil
2 pkg seasoning from Ramen soup mix
Mix dressing over salad right before serving. Enjoy!

Happy Friday!!

Last week I wrote about a fun way my sister and I stay in touch across the miles. (see post) I would love to hear some creative ideas from you on ways you enjoy connecting with special people in your own life. Come on lurkers...jump on in and give us your two cents worth! Also...still looking for ideas on favorite books to use in a ladies home Bible study. (see Wednesday's post below)

Thanks to Crystal at Biblical Womanhood for hosting an interactive way to encourage each other in the art of frugality. These are skills we all need to be reminded of from time to time! I, for one, enjoy reading all the great ideas from other homemakers. I'm submitting a fun recipe to use with the younger set (or at least the young at heart ;-) I like this recipe for it's simplicity, high success rating with kids and the wonderful smell! Forgo the store-bought Play Dough...make your own with stuff straight from your pantry!

Play Dough
1 cup flour
1 package Kool-Aid (store brand is cheaper-use any color, makes it smell good)
1 T. cream of tarter
1 T vegetable oil
1/4 cup salt
1/2 cup boiling water (may add more as needed for proper consistency)

1) Mix all dry ingredients in bowl. Add oil, then pour in boiling water and mix thoroughly.
2) Wrap in air tight container or zip lock bag and store in fridge.
3) Should last a few months

Enjoy! Blessings, Diane

Forgiveness is hard work

World magazine had a great read on forgiveness by Andree Seu: http://www.worldmag.com/articles/12263

I'm On A Quest...Please Help!!

A dear neighbor and I were talking yesterday about the privilege of being homemakers and the blessing of having husbands that enthusiastically support our efforts at home. Also, how society in general does little to encourage women who have chosen mothering and homemaking as their full-time career. My friend expressed an interest in pursuing further study on the spiritual / Biblical growth of women in such a position. Although I've read some great books on the topic in the past, I haven't perused the bookshelves recently to see what is available. I know one book that seems to be popular in the bookstores right now is; Captivating, by John & Stasi Eldredge. Although I have not personally read their books (also Wild At Heart), I know several people who have enjoyed the Eldredge's writings. I actually ordered Captivating to explore whether this book would work for our study, but now have concerns after doing a little research and reading the following reviews: Read here and here. So, although I have my own "favorites" list, I would love to hear from you any input on what you consider the very best book for encouraging women in their role as: believer, wife, mother, friend...all from a strong / solid Biblical world view. (Preferably using alot of scripture throughout the book-or a Bible study that focuses on women) Thanks so much!! Blessings, Diane

It's all about me...or is it...

Have you ever been sitting in church when you quickly realize the Pastor probably got his inspiration for this week's sermon while sitting in your back yard? You know, just like in the movies where the stalker hides behind a tree and points one of those "guns" at your house that allows him to listen to every word, thought and deed of the inhabitants? Scary thought. That happened to me a few weeks ago while attending church with our daughter and son-in-love. Actually, as the Pastor talked; I waited for his first illustration to flash up on the overhead screen with a full blown picture of me...complete with name and address. Let's be fair...I had endured, what I consider, an unusually bad hormonal week (you women in "mid-life" know what I mean). I was convinced that anything that had breath was specifically put on this earth just to irritate me. Actually, the irritation didn't even have to be breathing; the unfinished remodeling of our home, un-ironed clothes, dirt on the floor, piles of items stacked around a room where I am in the midst of decluttering and organizing the closets... you name it and it qualified as an irritant. Anyways, you get the picture. So, the title of his sermon was “It’s NOT about me”. Ouch! I’m afraid I’d been having a major “It’s all about me” week; complete with justification for each frustration I had recently voiced to anyone who would listen. (and some who wouldn’t) The Pastor’s words gently turned our thoughts to John 13 where Jesus’ example of servant hood is aptly taught. We were reminded of how Jesus set aside his position and knelt before Peter to serve him by washing his feet, thus fulfilling the job of the lowliest servant. Lesson: Our SERVICE is superior to our status. We were also challenged to consider if our "busyness" robs us of our blessings. In other words, does my agenda keep me from serving and get in God’s way? Sometimes we just need to do what needs to be done and not just what brings me comfort. Double Ouch! I had spent the week feeling burned out, put upon and unwilling to serve my family. In fact, more than once that week I had been complaining about ways that they should be serving me! I could quickly see it was one of those weeks that the Lord was speaking directly to me; it was providential that I was there and I was thankful the words were falling on an open heart. Thank you Lord for speaking to my frustrated heart. Thank you for caring enough to “grow me up” in You. Thank you for your example of humbling yourself before others and teaching me to do the same. What a small world it would be, if it were all about me!

“And so when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and reclined at table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right; for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither one who is sent greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things you are blessed if you do them.” John 13:12-17

A Mother Who Prays...

I recently ran across this poem I had slipped into the pages of my Bible some time ago. It is a wonderful reminder for me to be committed to praying for our children. Also, to be thankful that Brad and I have parents who pray for us! Lord, thank you for this gentle reminder to lift up those I love!

A Mother Who Prays
Some have had kings in their lineage,
Some to who honor was paid.
Not blest of my ancestors-but,
I have a mother who prays!

I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
Oh what a difference it makes for me,
I have a mother who prays!

Some have worldly success,
and trust in riches they've made.
This is my surest asset,
I have a mother who prays.

My mother's prayers cannot save me,
Only mine can avail;
But mother introduced me to Someone-
Someone who never could fail.

Oh Yes...I have a mother who prays for me,
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
Oh what a difference it makes for me-
I have a mother who prays!

I'm sorry I don't have the authors name to give credit to... but none-the-less... what a great reminder for us to take our own children before the throne! Even if you don't have believing parents to cover you in prayer...you can become that prayer warrior for someone else!

The "Fam"

I wanted to take a minute to share some pics of "the Fam"... Six of my favorite treasures and blessings on this earth...

<----First, my handsome husband & best friend, Brad

Together, we are priviledged to be "Mom & Dad" to three wonderful daughters. And now...our family has grown to include two great guys I call our "sons-in-love"!
Micah, Erin, Megan, Ashley, Casey
Now for a little Nostalgia... The girls in 1986...
Erin, Megan, Ashley

God's Daily Word

I just discovered this site and it looks like it will be such an encouragement to focus daily on scripture. Check it out here. I especially appreciated the post titled: The Cry of Our Heart. I couldn't get the link to work...so just do a "search" for it within the site. :-) Blessings, Diane

HAPPY FRIDAY!

My sister and I are very close. The main problem is that she is in Ohio and I am in Texas. This means that we have had to develop creative ways to stay in touch. I don't remember when it started, but we have been fairly consistent with what we call the "Happy Friday" phone call. Hardly a week goes by without one of us picking up the phone to call the other at some point throughout the day on Friday. Of course, the trick is to be the first one to say "Happy Friday" upon placing or receiving the awaited phone call. We won't dwell on the fact that I am the only one with caller ID and therefore have an unfair advantage in achieving winner status of our little contest to be first with the "Happy Friday" greeting. She gets back at me by using a calling card that shows up on my ID screen as some random phone number...often from Georgia, Colorado, or some other unsuspecting location. That way I am never 100% certain that it is indeed my sister placing the call which makes me more hesitant to yell "Happy Friday"...thus giving her the advantage to greet me first. With being the busy woman that she is, I could never quite figure out how she had the time to travel so much...calling me from a different state each week!! When questioned, she would assure me that she was happily stationed at home base in Ohio and the faulty location identification was due to her calling card. You can't always be sure about these things...maybe she is actually living a dual life...traveling the country in their Pop Up Trailer as a band groupie or something exciting like that. (Her husband does in fact have a prominent position as a musician in a jazz band) On second thought, I doubt that is the case as I know she has a very busy career as Jr. Associate Director of Human Development, Education, Transportation and Environmental Services there in her hometown. (ADHDETES - That was for those of you that need a "title". For the rest of us READ: Wife, Mother, Home Educator, Taxi Driver and Homemaker) This has, at times, posed an availability problem making it difficult for her to carve a few fleeting moments between music lessons and date night with hubby each Friday to converse with her favorite sister (READ: only sister). But not to worry, I am not bitter...so we miss a few Fridays now and again. Besides, we probably spent two hours on the phone the day before…so see… I'm a big girl and can handle it. After all, I, on the other hand, have my own busy career to deal with and am happily installed in my position as Sr. Associate Director of Continuing Human Development & Environmental Services-Texas Branch. (SDCHDES - READ: Old Wife, Mother, Homemaker & Homewrecker (we are remodeling :-) Anyways, I digress...Bottom line is, I am so thankful for our friendship and for all the fun things we do to keep in touch and connected. The fact that our children have graduated from homeschool and are gainfully enrolled in various classes in the University of Adult Life while she is still in the thick of things raising teenagers, homeschooling and running van pool, only proves to add richness and continuity to our circle of life. I want her to know she is a great Mom and the job she is doing will reap eternal rewards in the life of two very special young people. (And really, all who know her) Love you Sis! Happy Friday!

Photo Info: This past summer while in a local shop I ran across this bag of "Classic Candy". These pepto bismol colored mint candies were just like the ones Sis & I used to buy (40 some years ago) from the book store at church camp. After all, they made a great addition to the camp meeting service each evening, somewhere between the sing'in, preach'in and the Hallelujah corner. Of course I could not resist buying the bag and delivering it to her during our July visit. Yes, we are both sappy sentimentalists :-)

Fall is in the air!

You have to live in the south to appreciate what a treat it is to walk outside first thing in the morning and realize that maybe; just maybe, today will be the day that heralds the arrival of "Fall". The crisp, cool air is such a welcome relief after years, ok, maybe not years...but at least months of heat and humidity. Although I enjoy living in Texas, it is no secret that I dearly miss the vibrant colors of the trees, the cool crispness of the air, the sites, sounds and activities I loved each fall while growing up in Ohio. You just can not match the incredible magnitude of color painted across northern hillsides as far as the eye can see. A final mosaic from God’s hand before the earth settles down for a long winter's nap. To be fair, I haven't quite decided yet who wins the prize for most advantageous environment; fall in the northeast or the bright sunny sweater weather of a temperate Texas winter. (during which time, of course, the overcast north is immobilized under 10' of snow and ice) That is a discussion for another day. Right now, suffice it to say, I am in need of my annual "Fall Fix"! So I pushed the envelope a little this year by pulling out my fall decorations and began burning our spiced pumpkin candle before the traditional September 1st kick-off date. I won't admit to just how far in advance I began this arbitrary ritual, except to say that we are on our third candle (and we're not talking votives here!). So, in honor of my favorite season of the year, I want to share one of our favorite recipes that have become a part of celebrating fall in our home. I recently took a large platter of these spicy treats to a gathering of women I am involved with from our church and everyone asked for the recipe. I placed the pumpkin dip in a special ceramic pumpkin shaped bowl that my dear husband gave me for my birthday a few years back. You could easily duplicate my ceramic pumpkin by purchasing a miniature pumpkin from the produce department of your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Cut a lid from the pumpkin, scrape out the insides and spoon your prepared dip into the hollowed out serving container. I like to place my pumpkin full of dip in the center of a large “fallish” serving platter I bought years ago at Wal Mart. The cookies taste great and come out picture perfect every time. I seldom roll in the additional sugar or dip in the vanilla baking chips as they are wonderful without the added sugar. So experiment to your heart’s content and have a taste of fall on me! Blessings, Diane

Gingersnap Cookies
2 c. white sugar
1 ½ c. oil
2 eggs
½ c. molasses
4 c. flour
4 t. baking soda
1 T. ground ginger
2 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. salt

Optional:
Additional sugar to roll dough in
2 pkg (12 oz each) vanilla baking chips
1/4 c. Crisco
Combine sugar & oil, mix well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in molasses. Combine dry ingredients, gradually add to creamed mixture and blend well. Shape into 3/4” balls and roll in sugar. Place 2” apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake @ 350 for 10-12 minutes or until cookie springs back when touched lightly. Remove to wire racks to cool. Melt chips with Crisco in small pan over low heat. Dip cookies halfway; shake off excess. Place on waxed paper lined baking sheets to harden. Also, can use with “Sweet & Creamy Pumpkin Dip” below. These freeze very well! From: Country Woman Magazine. Runner-Up Contestant for Best Cookies.

Sweet & Creamy Pumpkin Dip
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened
2 c. confectioner’s sugar
1 can (15oz) pumpkin
1 T. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 t. Orange Extract
½ t. Ground Ginger

In a food processor, blend cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar until smooth. Remove cover, add pumpkin and remaining ingredients. Blend thoroughly. Chill at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Serve with Gingersnap cookies, Red Delicious apples or pears, cored and cut into 1/2” slices, leaving skin on for color. Tip: Toss fruit with a little lemon juice mixed with water to prevent browning. This is adorable served in a small pumpkin shaped dish or clean out a real pumpkin (mini size) and use as serving bowl. Yield: 2 1/2 cups.

I saw this in Sunday's comic section of the newspaper: For Better or For Worse, by Lynn Johnston. I thought it applied :-)

I'm Blogging!

Well, it’s official! I am embarking on the maiden voyage of posting for the first time on my very own blog. Whew…there, I did it! I was introduced to blogging by our oldest daughter, Erin, and have enjoyed reading her posts and links over the past several months. (Visit her at: http://unfoldingmoments.blogspot.com. She is such a gifted writer. Ok…so I’m her Mom & ever so slightly prejudice…ok, yes…I’m very prejudice...about EACH of our daughters and their talents!! Shameless, I know.) Anyways, Erin has been gently encouraging me to venture into the blogging arena. I must admit, however, the idea of putting my thoughts, ideas and “happenings” out there for anyone to read leaves me feeling rather nervous. I think I can twist the arms of a few family members and friends to come visit me here… but I am also hoping to have the privilege of meeting some new friends as well. I am open to new ways to be stretched and challenged to grow! (Lord knows I need it! :-)