Mother of Seven + 2

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...

"Mom, has the mail come yet?" my son asked as he entered the kitchen where I was working.  This was the fourth time I had heard that question in the last two hours.  He had been waiting for some game cards he had ordered to arrive.  We had been going through this mail routine for three days now.  He couldn't get his mind off the coming mail.  Anticipation was literally keeping him from living life to the fullest each day.  He was caught up in the waiting for what was to come. photo from freedigitalphotos.net Just last week I realized I sometimes am guilty of the same thing.  I long for Christ to return.  I am waiting.  This world has lost much of it's appeal as I've seen evil and the consequences of sin run rampant.  Somehow, though, in the midst of the daily grind of life and in my anticipation of the future, I have missed what God wants me to see around me each day. This was brought home to me a week ago Sunday.  My husb...

I remember hating Valentine's Day when I was in high school.  So many of the girls received flowers from their boyfriends.  I never did.  Feelings of loneliness and longing consumed me.  I often went home and cried. Everyone needs to feel special and loved.  It doesn't matter how young or how old.  This afternoon I was thinking about those who might find Valentine's Day difficult.  It occurred to me that we knew several single older ladies who just might dread this day as much as I did in high school. My boys and I worked together to make the day special for them.  I ordered carnations wrapped in paper from the flower shop.  Then we made a card.  This was the front:    Every woman dreams of a handsome young man bringing her flowers on Valentine's Day. Inside the card it said:   Well, I am here to make your dreams come true. Happy Valentine's Day! Each of my boys had a lady to deliver their special ...

I was out shopping yesterday looking for that perfect gift for Valentine's Day.  As I picked up a big box of Queen Anne Chocolate Covered Cherries I thought about how thankful I am that my husband is easy to please.  A little bit of sugar makes him a happy man.  Next I head over to the card aisle.  I always feel like I have to get a card.  I look through several and finally find one that meets my criteria.  I turn it over.  $5.00!!!!!  That's crazy.  I put it back.  No way can I pay five dollars for something that has no practical use and will just get thrown in the trash.  My husband would prefer another box of chocolates to an expensive card anyway. I admit I'm not gifted at being romantic.  Sometimes my practical nature overrules spending money on sentiment.  However, I don't think it's my lack of romanticism that has caused me to reject many of the "expected" gestures of love.  I've been thinking a lot about the...

Teens--You gotta love them! They long for independence. They want to make their own decisions.   They don't want to be told what to do. I find it difficult to transition to giving more freedom. I want to protect them from poor choices. And honestly I have a hard time giving up control. Here's a peek into life at our house these days: " Mom, can I buy ______________ ? " One part of me is thinking, "We've taught you about saving, spending, and giving.  I know the money is not making it into it's allotted categories.  We've asked you to write down "wants" in a book and think about them for a month first.  That didn't happen.  No, of course, you can't buy ________________!" Then my other side argues, "They are teens now.  They need to make mistakes and learn from them.  Just let them spend the money.  It's their money.  They earned it.  And hey, the good part is they won't have enough mo...

If you are in the mood for pizza but want to try something that's just a little different, this is the recipe for you.  This is a favorite at our house.  The good part--it is packed with healthful vegetables.   2 cans refrigerated pizza crusts or make your own dough cooking spray 2 T grated parmesan ½ t garlic salt 4 T ranch dressing 12 oz cooked, cubed chicken breast meat 2/3 c red bell pepper, chopped 2/3 c red onion, chopped 1 c torn baby spinach 2 c Italian blend cheese 2 t pizza seasoning Place pizza dough on pizza pans. Lightly spray dough with cooking spray. Spread/divide parmesan and garlic salt over each crust. Bake 10 minutes at 400. Spread ranch dressing on each crust. Spread each crust with chicken, bell pepper, onion, spinach, cheese, and pizza seasoning.     It is a beautiful pizza!     With yummy cheese on top.  Bake 8 more minutes. Serves 6.