This is the traditional Christmas Day meal at my in-law's house and it is delicious! We look forward to eating it all year.
1 pkg Pepperidge Farm pastry sheets
2 T grated Parmesan
1+ cup grated white cheese (Swiss or Jack)
2 T. parsley
4-8 oz thin sliced ham
Flatten and roll 1 pastry sheet. Place in pie pan and sprinkle with 1 T. Parmesan, half of white cheese and half Parmesan. Spread ham slices over top and sprinkle with rest of parsley and cheeses. Top with custard:
3 eggs
1 t. garlic salt
dash Tabasco
2 T. whole or canned milk
Mix well, pour over ham and cheese mixture, saving a small amount for glaze. Roll out remaining pastry sheet. Seal to bottom crust by rubbing glaze over the edges and sealing to bottom edge. Cut 5-6 slits for steam. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes (until custard is set). Makes 6 servings.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Chinese Chicken Salad
I got this recipe from my friend Crystal and I really like it, it's such a nice, light but tasty meal, especially love it during the summer months when it's hot. It also makes a great side salad to take to parties. Last time I made it, it went fast!
1 head green cabbage (sliced thinly/shredded)
3 green onions, chopped
1 can mandarin oranges
1/2 bunch cilantro (I love cilantro but have actually never had it when I've made this but I think it'd be yummy with it!)
4 cooked chicken breasts (I NEVER use as much meat as the recipe calls for, usually I only do 1 chicken breast)
1 pkg Oriental Ramen Soup (we usually just have pork so I use that and it seems to work fine, so probably whatever flavor you have would be okay)
1 pkg frozen peas, thaws (I just add some, not necessarily measured or a full package)
1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional)
Dressing (add just before serving):
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup oil
6 T. rice vinegar
1 packet Oriental Soup Seasoning
Directions: Combine all items for salad and toss. Just before serving, whisk together ingredients for dressing. Toss together and serve.
1 head green cabbage (sliced thinly/shredded)
3 green onions, chopped
1 can mandarin oranges
1/2 bunch cilantro (I love cilantro but have actually never had it when I've made this but I think it'd be yummy with it!)
4 cooked chicken breasts (I NEVER use as much meat as the recipe calls for, usually I only do 1 chicken breast)
1 pkg Oriental Ramen Soup (we usually just have pork so I use that and it seems to work fine, so probably whatever flavor you have would be okay)
1 pkg frozen peas, thaws (I just add some, not necessarily measured or a full package)
1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional)
Dressing (add just before serving):
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup oil
6 T. rice vinegar
1 packet Oriental Soup Seasoning
Directions: Combine all items for salad and toss. Just before serving, whisk together ingredients for dressing. Toss together and serve.
Cole Slaw
5 cups shredded cabbage
1 small carrot, shredded
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 t. celery seed (I usually just do a dash or sometimes omit altogether, it can be a bit overpowering if you get too much! The full 3 tsp. is too strong my tastes, personally.)
3 T. lemon juice
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained (I've actually never tried it with this)
1/2 t. dry mustard
1 t. salt
1 t. prepared mustard
1 t. mince onion
1/2 cup sugar
Mix together and refrigerate for several hours. It will seem dry at first but will get jucier after several hours.
(from Battlecreek 2nd Ward Cookbook, recipe submitted by Karen Stueck)
1 small carrot, shredded
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 t. celery seed (I usually just do a dash or sometimes omit altogether, it can be a bit overpowering if you get too much! The full 3 tsp. is too strong my tastes, personally.)
3 T. lemon juice
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained (I've actually never tried it with this)
1/2 t. dry mustard
1 t. salt
1 t. prepared mustard
1 t. mince onion
1/2 cup sugar
Mix together and refrigerate for several hours. It will seem dry at first but will get jucier after several hours.
(from Battlecreek 2nd Ward Cookbook, recipe submitted by Karen Stueck)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Visiting Teaching
I received an email from my visiting teaching supervisor and was really touched by what she said, it was a good reminder to be of how I should be approaching ministering to the sister I have been assigned:
"Sisters, this month I want to encourage you to get your visiting teaching done early. Something that I really love is the "5-10-15-20" challenge for visiting teaching. The "5-10-15-20" challenge goes like this:
1. Contact by the 5th (check in, say HI, etc)
2. Schedule appointment by the 10th
3. Visit by the 15th
4. Report by the 20th
I know I always feel more loved and feel like my visiting teachers care a little more if they come earlier in the month instead of just trying to squeeze in a last minute visit at the end of the month. But, if the end of the month is all you can do, of course that is better than not visiting at all. We just want to make sure we let the sisters know we love and care about them.
Visiting teaching is a great blessing given to us to allow us to watch over our fellow sisters. President Kimball said, in an address given to visiting teachers, "Whenever I think of visiting teachers, I think your duties in many ways must be like those of the home teachers, which briefly are “to watch over the church always”—not twenty minutes a month but always—“and be with and strengthen them”—not a knock at the door, but to be with them, and lift them and strengthen them, and empower them, and fortify them—“and see that there is no iniquity … neither hardness … backbiting, nor evil speaking.” (D&C 20:53–54.)
I challenge you to not just visit your sisters, but to be their friends, and to pray for them. Also, if you have time, the article referenced above has some great thoughts and I would encourage everyone to read it. It's by Pres. Spencer W. Kimball and titled 'A Vision of Visiting Teaching'."
"Sisters, this month I want to encourage you to get your visiting teaching done early. Something that I really love is the "5-10-15-20" challenge for visiting teaching. The "5-10-15-20" challenge goes like this:
1. Contact by the 5th (check in, say HI, etc)
2. Schedule appointment by the 10th
3. Visit by the 15th
4. Report by the 20th
I know I always feel more loved and feel like my visiting teachers care a little more if they come earlier in the month instead of just trying to squeeze in a last minute visit at the end of the month. But, if the end of the month is all you can do, of course that is better than not visiting at all. We just want to make sure we let the sisters know we love and care about them.
Visiting teaching is a great blessing given to us to allow us to watch over our fellow sisters. President Kimball said, in an address given to visiting teachers, "Whenever I think of visiting teachers, I think your duties in many ways must be like those of the home teachers, which briefly are “to watch over the church always”—not twenty minutes a month but always—“and be with and strengthen them”—not a knock at the door, but to be with them, and lift them and strengthen them, and empower them, and fortify them—“and see that there is no iniquity … neither hardness … backbiting, nor evil speaking.” (D&C 20:53–54.)
I challenge you to not just visit your sisters, but to be their friends, and to pray for them. Also, if you have time, the article referenced above has some great thoughts and I would encourage everyone to read it. It's by Pres. Spencer W. Kimball and titled 'A Vision of Visiting Teaching'."
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Mothers Teaching in the Home
I was reading Elder Perry's talk during my scripture study this morning and was really touched by this line. Sometimes I get discouraged but it is such a good reminder of the power we have as mothers as we diligently work each day to do the little things (that sometimes are the hardest!) but that will reap the greatest benefits to our family and children.
"Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home" (italics added).
L. Tom Perry, “Mothers Teaching Children in the Home,” Ensign, May 2010, 29–31
"Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home" (italics added).
L. Tom Perry, “Mothers Teaching Children in the Home,” Ensign, May 2010, 29–31
reduce repeat c-sections
I usually at least flip through the newspaper real fast and was encouraged to see this article in the Daily Herald this morning, "New guidelines aim to reduce repeat cesareans". Anyone who knows my passion for birth (especially natural) will appreciate what this will hopefully mean for hospital and doctors' policies and practices. I especially liked the line that said if we can reduce the number of first-time c-sections that will help reduce the NEED for repeat c-sections in the first place! I know there are emergencies and times when c-sections are necessary, but I think overall perspectives and policies like this could be very helpful for women and births in general.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Free Forever Green Bags Today (only pay shipping)
If you're interested, here's today's deal; I haven't ever bought from this site before, anyone have any experience with them?
Free Pedometer from Nature's Bounty
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
8 oz cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 packet Italian dressing (or use Italian seasoning and garlic salt)
Blend all together. Then pour over 5 chicken breasts (I only used 4 in a batch that I quadrupled!!) in a crockpot on low for 4-5 hours. Serve over rice or noodles.
I also added shredded carrots and zucchini and it tasted really good together, plus added extra veggies into the meal easily. served other night over egg noodles and that was yummy. I liked this recipe because it didn't call for butter which a lot of other cream cheese chicken recipes I have do, and they always turn out really greasy. I had some cream cheese that was close to date and needed to be used. But this really is a great one to make extra of and freeze flat in quart ziplock bags for future meals.
from P4 Relief Society Birthday Dinner
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 packet Italian dressing (or use Italian seasoning and garlic salt)
Blend all together. Then pour over 5 chicken breasts (I only used 4 in a batch that I quadrupled!!) in a crockpot on low for 4-5 hours. Serve over rice or noodles.
I also added shredded carrots and zucchini and it tasted really good together, plus added extra veggies into the meal easily. served other night over egg noodles and that was yummy. I liked this recipe because it didn't call for butter which a lot of other cream cheese chicken recipes I have do, and they always turn out really greasy. I had some cream cheese that was close to date and needed to be used. But this really is a great one to make extra of and freeze flat in quart ziplock bags for future meals.
from P4 Relief Society Birthday Dinner
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Great blog and giveaway!
This is one of my favorite blogs that I follow, and Amy is doing a fantastic giveaway for cleaning supplies right now (ends tonight, so hurry!). If you visit her blog, make a comment and mention my name, thanks! Amy is a great example of faith, and gives great advice for mothers, women, etc. in every stage of life.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Reasons to use coupons
Great article if you've wondered about starting to use coupons but aren't sure if it would be worth it or a common reason people give for not using them, "they are never for things I use or it's only processed, unhealthy stuff." (not true!)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Ocean/Sea Animals Lesson
Homemade fishing poles: fish cutouts, floss, cut up squares of magnets (saved from random places/front of phone books, etc.), sticks from outside!
Craft: Painted sea creatures printout with water colors. The kids had a great time painting and were occupied much longer than I expected! This is always a favorite activity.
Snack: apple slices and sea creatures cheese crackers (I thought they tasted good but most of the kids didn't like them; they were only $1 at Buy Low and a no-name brand. But they were cute and theme-related!)
Craft: Painted sea creatures printout with water colors. The kids had a great time painting and were occupied much longer than I expected! This is always a favorite activity.
Snack: apple slices and sea creatures cheese crackers (I thought they tasted good but most of the kids didn't like them; they were only $1 at Buy Low and a no-name brand. But they were cute and theme-related!)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Living Providently
We can't buy it because we can't afford it. Or we can afford it but we don't need it. Good counsel.
What is Virtue?
I love these videos because they give me a chance to teach my children through a medium our tech-savvy children these days can really relate to. As I played this video this morning that was the question my 4-year old son asked, "What is virtue?" It was great because I then was able to have a quick teaching moment about what it means to live virtuously. What a powerful message this is--a return to virtue--exactly what the world needs today!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Utah Deal Diva Giveaway
Free Birthday Burger at Red Robin
Okay, so you might notice a trend here...my birthday is coming up soon (did I mention I love my birthday)...so I am being reminded of all the great freebies you can get around your birthday. And really, there isn't a lot better than free bottomless Red Robin fries and fry sauce (the sauce is a must for me!).
Join the Red Robin eClub and receive a gift just for signing up, a FREE burger on your birthday and all the latest Red Robin news! It's easy! Just enter your birthday and select your restaurant location and join the fun!
Join the Red Robin eClub and receive a gift just for signing up, a FREE burger on your birthday and all the latest Red Robin news! It's easy! Just enter your birthday and select your restaurant location and join the fun!
Cold Stone Birthday Club
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Time for what's most important
I just read this on a friend's blog and really liked it:
"Loving relationships develop best as fathers take time to play, laugh, work, read, pray, talk, walk, and engage in other wholesome family activities with their children. Parents often must plan and schedule these activities; they likely will not happen very often by coincidence. In fact, children grow up so quickly that if parents do not look for opportunities to change and adapt, to spend time with their children, precious opportunities may be missed" (Jerry Harris, "Becoming an Influential Father" Ensign February 2010).
"Loving relationships develop best as fathers take time to play, laugh, work, read, pray, talk, walk, and engage in other wholesome family activities with their children. Parents often must plan and schedule these activities; they likely will not happen very often by coincidence. In fact, children grow up so quickly that if parents do not look for opportunities to change and adapt, to spend time with their children, precious opportunities may be missed" (Jerry Harris, "Becoming an Influential Father" Ensign February 2010).
My Highest Priority as a Mother
I have been thinking a lot lately about what I need to do and how I should approach being a mother, wife and homemaker. I sat down one night and read through The Family: A Proclamation to the World from the prophet and apostles of the LDS Church, outlining line-by-line the principles and responsibilities found therein. I've read and learned about this document many times but it really stuck out to me that I do not need to feel so torn in my mothering and other responsibilities. It is quite clear that a mother's primary responsibility is to NURTURE:
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed" (excerpt from The Family Proclamation).
I also love how sensitive it is to individual adaptation based on family needs. As husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, we need to support each other in these responsibilities and though our specific roles may be a bit different, all are necessary for a happy, fulfilled home and family.
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed" (excerpt from The Family Proclamation).
I also love how sensitive it is to individual adaptation based on family needs. As husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, we need to support each other in these responsibilities and though our specific roles may be a bit different, all are necessary for a happy, fulfilled home and family.
Monday, February 22, 2010
good reminders
I am trying to find a balance with when and how much time to spend on the computer, especially on google reader. The problem is I really do see some benefits to the time I spend on there--I find great deals on grocery and other purchases (I'm constantly amazed how much money we have saved as I have changed how I approached planning and shopping) as well as fabulous parenting, personal and marriage ideas that really are helping me think and approach life differently and change the way I think about things. Here are a few recent blog posts that have really got me thinking:
- Being more present
- spending time and energy on what matters most (it really is always a choice between good, better and best)
- slow down and involve my boys in whatever I am doing around the house, including cooking
- feeling fulfilled in my chosen "profession" as a mother
- being creative in teaching children a variety of skills and values
So now I am left even more to determine how to approach my life! Seeing that we are all sick right now things are a bit different the last few days. But I am really hoping to start getting up early to exercise, read my scriptures; limit internet time to a set amount/particular time during the day; get to bed at an earlier hour, etc. And keep trying to balance, better spend time and focus more on my cute boys!
- Being more present
- spending time and energy on what matters most (it really is always a choice between good, better and best)
- slow down and involve my boys in whatever I am doing around the house, including cooking
- feeling fulfilled in my chosen "profession" as a mother
- being creative in teaching children a variety of skills and values
So now I am left even more to determine how to approach my life! Seeing that we are all sick right now things are a bit different the last few days. But I am really hoping to start getting up early to exercise, read my scriptures; limit internet time to a set amount/particular time during the day; get to bed at an earlier hour, etc. And keep trying to balance, better spend time and focus more on my cute boys!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Preschool "W" Weather/Winter
We had preschool (aka joy school, my husband can't stand calling it that so we refer to it as both...) at our house this week. It was letter "W" and number 18.
Day 1: Weather
-clouds
-watched "Part
-read "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"
-snack:
-songs
Day 2: Winter
-books: Strawberry Shortcake Snow Day, Itsy Bitsy Spider
-songs: Once there was a snowman, if all the raindrops..., rain/snow is falling all around
-activities: snowball fight with crumpled white paper while playing song ("new boots") from Wintersongs CD by John McCutcheon (the rest of the CD was just okay, this one way upbeat and fun). the kids had a ball with this!! made "snow angels" then threw the "snowballs" into a bucket
-hot potato with a mitten
-snack: kix (little "snowballs") and apples. had kids put kix on "W, w" printout before they ate them. instructed to count to 18 (one did it).
-craft: snow flakes (4 large popsicle sticks blued together, colored with crayons, cotton ball in the center)
Day 1: Weather
-clouds
-watched "Part
-read "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"
-snack:
-songs
Day 2: Winter
-books: Strawberry Shortcake Snow Day, Itsy Bitsy Spider
-songs: Once there was a snowman, if all the raindrops..., rain/snow is falling all around
-activities: snowball fight with crumpled white paper while playing song ("new boots") from Wintersongs CD by John McCutcheon (the rest of the CD was just okay, this one way upbeat and fun). the kids had a ball with this!! made "snow angels" then threw the "snowballs" into a bucket
-hot potato with a mitten
-snack: kix (little "snowballs") and apples. had kids put kix on "W, w" printout before they ate them. instructed to count to 18 (one did it).
-craft: snow flakes (4 large popsicle sticks blued together, colored with crayons, cotton ball in the center)
Monday, January 25, 2010
A good kind of addiction
Amy has a great blog "Your Life Uncommon" (just added her button to this blog)and I really identified with her post about using coupons. Amy and I were in the same ward growing up and I've always looked up to her, but she continues to amaze me with her attitude and approach to life, relationships, really about everything she does!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
i love books
"You'll be the same person you were last year except for the books you read and the people you meet."
I saw this quote (not sure who said it) on another blog I follow and really liked it. I love reading. And I really do appreciate all the wonderful people I associate with each day.
I saw this quote (not sure who said it) on another blog I follow and really liked it. I love reading. And I really do appreciate all the wonderful people I associate with each day.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Weaning off reliance on the credit card
We pay off our credit card every month, haven't carrried a balance in a few years, which has been a huge deal. But we are working toward doing more with envelope systems, especially for groceries/dining and it's been amazing how differently I am thinking about money now that it's not just swiping a card that I'll "pay off" at the end of the month, versus really being accountable for the money right then. I consider myself a pretty frugal (maybe even somewhat stingy/miserly person) but have really been amazed at how much I might spend here and there, maybe even justify as a "need" when I'm swiping a card without much thought (even if we pay it off every month!). We really do spend more when we use a credit card versus cash or a debit card--using money you actually have right that second, not something you'll reconcile with later. Interesting. I really liked this thought from a favorite blog I follow:
"We aren’t 'behind.' We belonged to the school of thought that said credit cards were okay as long as you paid if off each month. Well, that is still debt! We were always a month behind. Instead of the paycheck going toward’s tomorrow, it was paying for yesterday. I’d rather pay it forward than backward."
This really made me think. I like the direction we're going. I really do feel more in control telling our money where it's going rather than reconciling with the credit card balance at the end of the month--even if we never carried a balance. I think we'll be much more accountable, responsible and spend less this way. Ah, freedom and control.
"We aren’t 'behind.' We belonged to the school of thought that said credit cards were okay as long as you paid if off each month. Well, that is still debt! We were always a month behind. Instead of the paycheck going toward’s tomorrow, it was paying for yesterday. I’d rather pay it forward than backward."
This really made me think. I like the direction we're going. I really do feel more in control telling our money where it's going rather than reconciling with the credit card balance at the end of the month--even if we never carried a balance. I think we'll be much more accountable, responsible and spend less this way. Ah, freedom and control.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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