Mother of Seven + 2

3 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 1 can of corn, drained 1 orange, red, or yellow pepper, chopped 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes 1 cup chopped red onion 1/2 c. finally chopped fresh cilantro 1 medium jalapeno, finally chopped 1/2 t. lime zest juice from one lime or 2 T. 1/4 c. olive oil 1/4 c. white wine vinegar 1/2 t. chili powder 1/2 t. Cumin 1/2 t. salt Garnish:  1 avocado sliced In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and toss to combine.  Place sliced avocado on top right before serving.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Ingredients 1 2/3 c steel cut oats 4 c water 1/4 t salt Additional ingredients (your choice) milk (I use almond) cinnamon nutmeg cardamom raisins apples (chopped) other dried fruit nuts or seeds unsweetened applesauce honey 5 pint sized jars 1.  Place the oats, water, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring a few times to prevent sticking.  Turn off the heat. 2.  Using a ladle, evenly distribute oats and water mixture into pint jars.  Cover jars tightly with caps and rings, and leave on the counter overnight. 3.  The next morning the oats will be soft and ready to eat.  You can add spices, nuts, and dried fruit to each of your jars according to your taste.  Replace the lids and put the jars in the refrigerator. 4.  When you're ready to eat your oatmeal, remove the lid and ring and microwave right in the jar for 2-3 minutes...

So I haven't been blogging as much lately.  There is a reason.  I've resolved to make some lifestyle changes.  The primary change is to become more physically active.  My mostly sedentary lifestyle was catching up with me. It would seem with so many children to care for, I wouldn't have developed this bad habit.  However, as they grew older, I found more time to sit.  I sat when I taught school.  When there are a few extra minutes in the day, I sat down and checked my e-mail or Facebook.  In the evening, I was tired, so I sat and blogged and played on my computer.  I relaxed by sitting and reading a book or watching a movie.  Honestly, I sat whenever I had a chance. What happened?  I was out of shape.  My energy was lacking.  I didn't feel the best, and I had put on about ten extra pounds.  Fortunately, God blessed me with a fast metabolism, or I might have been in far worse shape.  However, I realized I was ...

Here is our new favorite fresh salad recipe.  Our family finishes off a huge bowl of this in one meal. Dressing: 1/2 c. white sugar 1/2 c. lemon juice 2 t. diced onion 1 t. Dijon-style prepared mustard 1/2 t. salt 1/2 c. vegetable oil 1 T. poppy seeds In a blender or food processor, combine, sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Process until well blended.  With machine still running, add oil in a slow, steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth.  Add poppy seeds, and process a few seconds more to mix. Salad: 1 head romaine lettuce or 1 bag with three romaine hearts in it 4 oz. shredded Italian blend cheese 1 c. sliced almonds (or slivered or whole) 1/4 c. dried cranberries 2 apples, chopped in bite size pieces. In large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, almonds, dried cranberries, and chopped apples.  Pour dressing over salad just before serving and toss to coat.  Makes about 12 servings. Do ...

This past month I've been on a quest to incorporate more healthful foods into our family's diet.  I thought I would begin sharing some of the changes we've been making.  My first priority has been to serve more vegetables.  I have tended to get stuck in the rut of serving green beans, corn, and every once in awhile peas. Here is one of our family's favorite ways to eat more fresh vegetables. We wrap them up. First, we take a flour tortilla and spread it with a thin layer of low fat cream cheese.  I like to use the whole wheat or whole grain tortilla shells.  However, in these pictures you will see the white tortilla. Second, we put a thin slice of deli meat on the tortilla. Third, we add our favorite fresh vegy's.  These can include cucumber, bell pepper (any color), fresh spinach leaves, lettuce leaves, thinly sliced tomato, etc. Fourth, we add some fun extras like black olives and dill pickle slices.  If you are watching...