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.

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)

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'."

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

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.