MENU Plan (3/1/10) Going International....

REMINDER: Lil Daisies Bloom Away (Giveway) ends March 1st: Monday night at 11:59 PM! So get in your entries. The winner will be revealed on Tuesday. Be sure to share with your friends! There will be more REALLY fun giveaways later this month! I am REALLY excited to share these giveaways with you. Love, love, love!

Funny thing is that in the course of planning my menu this week, I realized that I was "ordering" up quite the array of international dishes! So, I decided to continue with the rest of my days in the week following suit -- we are eating internationally this week!

Which reminds me of THIS BLOG -- where Erin goes once a week on a culinary adventure with her family to places all over the world. I am hoping to try this in the next few months. I love the idea -- of trying new culinary dishes, but also experiencing the different foods and learning about the culture behind the bite!

I hope to share with you my MENU PLAN this week... I shared a little bit about it previously. I hope to share a bit more! AND of course, I have a new surprise meal planning idea that Lil Daisies is currently in the process of creating -- we will be starting this next week! So, look forward to that!

Okay my friends ~ Here is what Lil Daisies crew will be indulging our tastebuds this week! Lots of links!

What is on your menu?
You can find more delish menus over at Organizing Junkie!~

SUNDAY: (We just came back from a weekend trip away -- so, easy fixin' tonight)
Oatmeal for the kiddos
Leftovers for us big kiddos

MONDAY: (INDIAN)
Garbanzo Bean Marsala
Quinoa
Naan Bread

TUESDAY: (ASIAN)
Asian Vegetable Salad with Apricot Dressing (See Recipe Below)
Shrimp Gyozas
Egg Rolls

WEDNESDAY: (ITALIAN)
Spinach and White Bean Lasagna
Garlic Toast
Green Salad

THURSDAY: (MEXICAN)
Taco Soup Slow Cooker
Fruit Salad

FRIDAY: GERMAN (In Honor of my Best Friend Sister, Kristin, who is German -- it is her birthday this week!)
German Noodle Bake (with homemade pasta noodles)
Cabbage Tossed Salad
Sweet German Rye Bread -- Roggenmishchbrot


SATURDAY:
(We are having Guests) -- I have yet decided.

Asian Vegetable Salad with Apricot Dressing
SOURCE

1. Cook some brown rice (I used brown Basmati)

2. While rice is cooking, make the dressing:

• 1/4 cup tamari(soy sauce)
  
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 apricot preserves
• 1 Tbl minced ginger
• 2 tsp. chinese 5 spice powder

put all these in a blender and blend!

3. Chop up some veggies of your choice-- some ideas include:

• baby corn
• snow peas or sugar snap peas
  
• bean sprouts
• carrots
• water chestnuts
• red pepper

Mix them all together.
Then server over a plate of mixed greens!

Cleaning up the Poop -- A Tip for your Toilet

Source

Yeah, I know -- I have shared quite the clever post title this time, however, I think it to be quite the clever little tip!

The cost of commercial, chemical-based products can consume a big portion of your budget. I have been soaking up information the past several years about how to create my own non-toxic cleaning products, not only to save money, but the long term health concerns for the family, and environmental pollution has also played into the challenge to use more safe and inexpensive household cleaners.

I thought I would share one particular recipe with you right now....in the future I hope to share more! But, for now I will get to the poop of it and share one in particular!

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.


There you go my friends... a tip for your toilet!


Do you have any recipes for non-toxic household cleaners?

Oh, for more fun, fabulous frugal ideas -- head on over to Frugal Friday!

FOLLOW ME

Soon there will be buds blooming, birds chirping, green grass and the beginnings of SPRING budding forth! In the spirit of the season of Spring... Lil Daisies will be having several giveaways - A BLOOM AWAY in the months of March and April!!

For our first fabulous giveaway, Lil Daisies will be giving away the book called "FOLLOW ME" by John MacArthur.

Follow Me reiterates the call of Jesus, offers insight into ways people respond to it, and encourages readers not just to follow, but to follow through. Women followed Jesus to learn His teaching and to support His ministry. The sick followed Jesus to receive divine healing. The rejects followed Jesus to receive God's acceptance. The disillusioned followed Jesus to receive His hope. All those reasons--and many more--still hold true today. This broad-scoped study of Jesus' followers gives bite-sized portions of insight for followers of today and provides them with the tools necessary to continue heeding the call to follow Him. (Amazon Review)

I think that the Book title is appropriate for what I would like to accomplish -- more Followers! I would love to have more readers join the Lil Daisies Journey -- so tell your friends, family, neighbors! So, this is Lil Daisies' call to Follow!

**To enter to win this giveaway, just become a follower of this blog {Click "follow" to the left} and then leave a comment letting me know that you're following me!

**If you are already a follower, you can still have a chance to win by leaving me a comment.

For extra entries:

• Share with your friends on Twitter or Facebook
• Post about this on your blog.
• Follow Me on Twitter

Each comment counts as one entry so please be sure to leave one comment for each entry!

If you do all of the above, you can come back and enter once per day!

You have until 11:59PM on March 1st

So FOLLOW ME!!

SCRUB A DUB DUB.... NO MORE BARK IN THE TUB!

I decided that I was going to take a nice hot relaxing bath so that I could help my body settle down from the day and also in hopes it would help settle some heartburn.

I look into my towel cupboard in hopes to find some sort of smelly good bath flavor.... well, I found some organic mint bath salts --the only other thing I could find was some Aveeno anti-itching bath powder for bites, poison ivy, hives, etc. I don't think I really needed that....so, I opted for the minty bath salts.

I pour it into the bath water and out comes minty bath salts and bark...what?? bark?? Now, there is floating bark all over my bath water. Well, I figure it must be organic, natural and do something good for me, so I went into my time of soaking and relaxing.

It was a pleasant bath for the most part -- as long I didn't imagine soaking in a pond or river! I emptied the bath water. The water disappeared nicely down the drain...but that minty bark...it was STILL there -- ALL OVER MY TUB!

I tried the shower to rinse it off, but seriously this bark was not going away. So with a prego belly, heartburn, and baby knee somewhere in my right rib, there was not a chance I was going to be able to scrub my tub.

And, when "nesting" settles in...( I want things clean!) A minty bark covered bath tub is NOT my ideal. So what is this bulging belly mama to do? RECRUIT!!

That is what I did....I waited until the morning (which was hard to do-- I think I dreamed of bark) and recruited my little daisy to scrub the tub -- what more fun than to climb into the tub in a swimsuit (or bare birthday suit) with a spray bottle and sponge in hand?

I have such great little helpers. But, let's just say...I am not into using the Organic Minty Bark Bath Salts again...

What's on the Menu (02/21 - 02/27)?

I will be sharing with you this week about how I meal plan...so, stay tuned! AND...I am in the process of changing it up a little bit too! I am excited to share with you about a "new" idea for meal planning!

But, for now I will share with you what is on our menu this week. Last few weeks, I have been using up beans, legumes, whole grains, etc. and well I think I am going to give our digestive tracks a little break from the beans this week!

SUNDAY:
Polenta w/ Italian Sausage and Basil Cherry Tomatoes
Artichokes
Rustic Bread


MONDAY:
Tortellini w/ Shrimp
Green Salad

TUESDAY:
Lentil Tacos
Fruit Salad

WEDNESDAY:
Meatball Soup (See Recipe Below)
Cheese/Garlic Herb Bisquits

THURSDAY:
Hamburgers
Homemade Potato Fries
Fruit

FRIDAY- SUNDAY (We will be eating out)


Meatball Soup
1 - 16 oz bag frozen Italian style meatballs
3 cups of broth (any kind )
2 cans diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
1 cup diced potato
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped carrots
1/4 tsp garlic powder (I use 1-2 garlic cloves instead)
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 cups frozen veggies

In crockpot, combine meatballs, broth, tomatoes, potato, carrots, onion, garlic and pepper, cover and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours until potatoes and onion are tender. Stir in frozen veggies and cook on HIGH for 1 hr longer.
Note: Can add some pasta with the veggies if you like!

Ride On!

A little bit of sunshine after days of rain makes a great day for learning to ride a bike without training wheels!

Running into the house with a big toothless grin, Sophia runs to tell me, "She did it, She did it! Lydia has rode her bike without training wheels!"
I put up my messy deranged hairdo into a buntail and then grabbed my camera to go outside to record this lifetime event for Lydia.


As a mom, these are moments that you just cherish as parent -- to see your child take a next step in life --learning to ride a bike! It is also a time where memories just flood in from your own childhood. Memories of when you first learned to ride a bike and all the experience and fun times you had riding your banana seat bike down the gravely driveway.


WELL...it wasn't just enough to have one child ride her bike today. Sophia had a "new" bike that Papa bought for her a little while ago. He found it at a yard sale for only $10. It only needed some new tubes put into the tires. (The bike that Lydia was riding was a hand-me-down from Sophia and Papa had bought that bike at a yard sale for only $2!! Great deals -- My husband is quite the bargain shopper!)

Sophia, Lydia, and Papa took a trip down to the local Walmart and found some new tubes for Sophia's bike. Sophia was getting her mind set to ride her bike too.

Soon enough, Sophia came running back into the house with her toothless grin, this time sporting a jumping up and down motion --She road her bike all by herself around the whole block!

So, yep I went out to record the miraculous riding of Sophia. I call it miraculous because Sophia has taken quite awhile to just get on her bike. She is a very cautious child and has many fears of falling, hurting herself, etc. So, she rarely tries things in fear that it will be the death for her.
Of course, it works wonders when your younger sister starts to ride her bike first -- an incentive that "maybe I CAN do this??" sets in her mind and she gives it a try!

Now, of course if our two year old Rosi started to get on her bike and ride around...that would truly be a miraculous day! But, instead she put her baby on the tricycle and was content to get her baby settled onto the bike with pillows and blankies.

It was definitely an exciting day of riding into the next stage of their little lives!

How many pairs do you wear?

I kid you not...she is wearing 21 pairs of panties!
I counted them all after I helped her take them ALL off...she had put on that many of her own, Sophi's and Lydi's panties. Oh, the joys of potty training. This so made me laugh for quite awhile.

BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

I have been on a kick lately to use up our dried beans in our pantry. I seem to have a bag for every kind of bean or legume that exists! So it seems.

So in the process of doing this, I was looking for some recipes to use black beans. I came across a recipe from one of my favorite food blogs 101 Cookbooks. I received her book Super Natural Cooking for Christmas and have fallen in love with it. I have been going through lots of her recipes using whole grains and legumes! They have been delicious and healthy!

The Amazing Black Bean Brownies were not only fun to make, but easy using simple ingredients. I liked that it does not use flour -- but, I suppose if you wanted a more cake like brownie that you could add oats or flour to it. I, however, liked them as is.

When I made the recipe, I used semi-sweet chocolate instead of the unsweetened because it was all I had and it worked. I like serving these brownies with a raspberry sauce on top, with whipped cream, or just by themselves. Delicious!


AMAZING BLACK BEAN BROWNIES
original recipe from by Ania Catalano

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups soft-cooked black beans, drained well (hs: canned is fine)
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup (granulated) natural coffee substitute (or instant coffee, for gluten-sensitive)
¼ teaspoon sea salt
4 large eggs
1½ cups light agave nectar

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 11- by 18-inch (rimmed) baking pan (hs note: or jellyroll pan) with parchment paper and lightly oil with canola oil spray.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a glass bowl in the microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on high. Stir with a spoon to melt the chocolate completely. Place the beans, 1/2 cup of the walnuts, the vanilla extract, and a couple of spoonfuls of the melted chocolate mixture into the bowl of a food processor. Blend about 2 minutes, or until smooth. The batter should be thick and the beans smooth. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup walnuts, remaining melted chocolate mixture, coffee substitute, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

In a separate bowl, with an electric mixer beat the eggs until light and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the agave nectar and beat well. Set aside.

Add the bean/chocolate mixture to the coffee/chocolate mixture. Stir until blended well.

Add the egg mixture, reserving about 1/2 cup. Mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 1/2 cup egg mixture until light and fluffy. Drizzle over the brownie batter. Use a wooden toothpick to pull the egg mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the brownies are set. Let cool in the pan completely before cutting into squares. (They will be soft until refrigerated.)

Makes 45 (2-inch) brownies.

SCHEDULE YOUR DAY - PART 3

ROUTINES

Flylady was probably my first introduction into routines. I have then read, looked at, adapted, adjusted many other routines from websites, books, etc. over the past few years. I am working on routines that will work for me and my family. Yours will be different, but you can get an idea of what I hope to work for us.

I have found that keeping a house looking nice doesn't need to take hours and hours; five to thirty minutes can do wonders. The ultimate goal is to keep our homes picked up, clutter eliminated, and dirty clothes, and trash in their correct places.

I once again, apologize for my photos...they are really poor quality...because I ended up taking them at night without good lighting...and still in their protector sheets, which caused a glare. I will try to take better pics and repost them again soon.

I have established a morning routine that is simple for me to start with (remember, I am not a morning person) This routine is probably my biggest hurdle for me, but I am trying to work through this time with God. Here is how I have set up my morning routine



Weekly Plan is just a basic plan that I have set up (usually three times a year September, January, June) -- I adjust to what we are doing at the moment. Usually school starts around September and thus begins a new array of schedules for myself and girls. January I check the weekly plan and adjust if needed. And, then I adjust the routine in June when Summer break begins and we have a whole different routine that goes with Summer time --sleeping-in is on that one!! (wink, wink)


** I try to schedule one day a week that I do a home blessing day (sometimes I split it in two days): I chose Mondays and Tuesdays. I chose this day because it helps me organize my week. This is when I do heavy cleaning and laundry, change beds, dust, organize, grocery shop etc.

** Schedule a "Playing" Day: I chose Fridays. This is when I can take kids to park, friend's house, games, etc. during the day...but, at nights I try to plan a Family Night. I also try to schedule in on the main calendar days/evening where my hubby and I can have dates with each of our children...and dates with each other too! But, date nights are not necessarily on Fridays.


** Schedule a Project day: I try to schedule a time where I can sew, create, declutter, scrapbook, compose music. This gives me time to be creative and get those "projects" that I want to do a little bit closer to completion.


CLEANING ROUTINES
I have tried to set these to be as a simple as possible. Flylady was great with all of her ideas to show different routines. I loved them...but, I feel overwhelmed with getting them all prepared and written out --that I ended up with too many routines and trying to remember on what day I do what??? So, I simplified it for me and my family.

SIDENOTE: I am working on creating a cleaning plan that involves the children and their duties.

Here are my cleaning routines:

I made a list of areas in the house and under each of those areas I listed what needed to be cleaned on a Daily, Weekly, Monthly basis. Here is for my kitchen. I have one for bathrooms, bedrooms, living/family room, laundry/office.


And here is my weekly cleaning list where each of the "Daily" routines are listed -- if that makes sense?

LOVING idea...Craft

We received a package in the mail from my mom for valentines day. Inside contained adorable matching dresses, candy, and these cute cards.

I LOVED the cards. I found out that my brother's girlfriend hand made these cards. I love handcrafted things.


The cards were made out of pieces of material. I thought that it would be a great idea to make cards like this --not just valentines themed card -- but other themes too. So, I think I am going to give it a try and see what I come up with!

Simply Adorable!

SCHEDULE YOUR DAY - PART 2

SETTING UP COMMAND POST

This is actually an area of which I have been working on for quite sometime. I had a friend, who is also a professional organizer, come and help me to "organize" our office. Unfortunately, to my husband's demise and he would dream of it being a place of organization, I have failed to get it to any place of order...sadly, it is more of a dumping "closet" where everything goes when I am doing the: "quick clean up because we have guests coming over so shove it in a closet --oh, that would be our office."

So this post is really a "spank in the rear" for me too. And to portray total honesty on my part, I posted a current pic of the office (my command post) to show you that I am truly working on this area in my life too. Currently, it is completely unorganized...but, little step by step I am working to making our home a little more organized! I hope to someday soon show you a better looking command post! (This is adapted from 12 Steps to Becoming an Organized Woman by Lane P Jordan)

So, let's set-up our command post! Because we are COO (Chief Operating Officer) of our households, we should have center where we can function the organization of our household.

Make sure you have your own desk area, even if it's just a card table.

*On your desk keep accessories just for you: tape, scissors, ruler, notbook paper, stationary, stamps, etc. Keep it simple. A picture of your family would be nice!

* Have a special place on your desk for phone calls that you need to make. Keep pen and paper by all phones for taking messages if needed. Making list of calls to be made keeps from feeling overwhelmed.
I have a Home Blessing Notebook that I am working on creating to hold most of organizational duties,etc. (Routines, Cleaning lists, To-do lists, Goals, Menu Plans, etc.--I will show you more later)

* Keep your telephone book up-to-date. If you keep it on the computer, in a regular book, or in your home blessing notebook...

* Keep your desk as neat as you can. (Laughter inserted here-ha ha --on my behalf). You won't lose important papers or phone numbers if your desk is organized. Purchase file cabinet, folders, hanging files if you have funds to do so. Or put them in a box. Folders are excellent for organizing important papers, receipts, bills, children activities, etc.

Have a Calendar close by, either near your phone or in your purse and check it daily.

I have a calendar on my computer and a 2 month at a glance calendar in my home blessing notebook. Eventually, I would like to be able to sync up my computer calendar with my phone so that I have an updated calendar where ever I go. I am just not that techy yet...

I apologize at the poor quality...I was taking the picture at night with poor lighting.
But, I hope you get the idea.

On Sunday night review for next week. I circle in red or highlight doctor appointments or anything else I don't want to forget.

Check to see if their are birthdays or anniversaries listed on your calendar for next week (or month if it easier). Add names to grocery list so you can pick up cards or presents -- I pull cards from a card box I have that is stashed with cards, stationary etc.

Every December fill next year's calendar with important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries. My on-line calendar has a nice feature that allows you to book a birthday or anniversary and it will appear every year on the calendar.




Next....Routines and coming soon..... Home Blessing Notebook, Meal Planning,

Let Us Greet You With A Smile...

There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all.

A smile so sweet is simply irresistible. But the smile is just a hint of the true sweetness that can't help but escape form inside this little one.

SCHEDULE YOUR DAY - PART 1

She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. ---Proverbs 31:15

I have learned that the main reason to be organized is to have more time for the important things in my life, taking care of and spending time with loved ones. The Proverbs woman rises early to prepare food for her household. She would have to be a wise manager of her time and resources for this to occur.
All my close friends and family know that early morning is NOT my best time of the day. In fact, I will do almost anything I can to keep from waking up very early. In my mind I strive for waking up early and having private devotions, sipping on tea, taking a shower, preparing breakfast, lighting a warm fire if it is cold --all before the rest of my family wakes.
So, I am thankful for this verse in Proverbs because it shows me what God thinks is important in running and organizing of my household. And whether I like it or not, I need to be up in the morning to minister to my family.
This is very difficult for me to swallow (there is a bit of confession, guilt and strong will in me here) BUT...I believe that God does not want us sleeping in in while our children get their own breakfasts and leave for school. (Yikes, that hurts to say because I am so guilty of doing this!)

Ephesians 5:15-16
"Therefore be careful how you walk,
not as unwise men but as wise,
making the most of your time,
because the days are evil"

To make the most of our time can also be translated as "making the most of every opportunity"
It suggests an attitude toward living that sees every situation as a perfect occasion to do God's will and influence others for him. During these evil days, we are to live out the goodness God has placed in us through faith in Christ.

To keep going from morning to evening caring for children and a household, you need more than just pure energy (because let me tell you that I lack a lot of energy lately).. "A woman has to feel called and motivated by God to please both God and her family if she is to succeed."

The following can help motivate you as to take another step toward becoming a more organized woman. I know that it has started to help me ....

SETTING GOALS

* Plan your days, weeks, months, years...
Let every hour count for something so that at the end of the day you have accomplished something worthwhile.

Establish your goals --WRITE them down. (The success rate for people who write down their goals is about ninety times greater than for those who don't.)

Let me share a little bit of mine:
What do I want to accomplish this day, week, month, current year.
I have separated them into different categories.

• Housework
• Husband
• Children
• Personal

One other area of goal setting that I have not done yet and would like to do soon is to set FAMILY GOALS. I would like to sit down with my family and discuss what goals they would like to set as a family.

Here is the beginning of my goals. I apologize at the poor quality...I was taking the picture at night with poor lighting. But, I hope you get the idea.


Okay...it is your turn to go and write down your goals! Come back and let me know when you have written them out.

Next Time... Setting up a Command Post. And coming up soon... Routines!

Bless the Children

Bless the children.
Bless their questions and their un-jaded answers.
Bless their hands that hold my face and peer guilelessly into my eyes.
Bless their lips that kiss without embarrassment, their arms that hug without restraint, their mouths that shape the deep truth in simple words---- "I love you"

Bless their minds that know no roadblocks to their quest for knowledge no obstacles to their curiosity, and no cynicism to block their trust.
While they still know purely, let the children teach us.
While they believe openly, let the children pray for us.
While they trust without restriction, let the children lead us.
While they know no disillusionment, let the children love us, that we may be healed, that we may trust again . . .
that we may regain our faith . . .
that we may recover our innocence . . .
that we may become children of the Father of Life.
Gloria Gaither: a book of simple prayers

HARLEY BABE!

I don't want a pickle
 Just want to ride on my motorsickle
 And I don't want a tickle
 'Cause I'd rather ride on my motorsickle
 And I don't want to die
Just want to ride on my motorcy...cle
 The Motorcycle Song, Arlo Guthrie

Well, I guess she isn't ridin' a Harley, but rather a Honda...

Lydia really wanted to ride her Papa's motorcycle for quite sometime. So, last Sunday, when it was finally sunny and beautiful outside, she got her chance. Her Papa put on a helmet, sat her up on the motorcycle and took a cruise around the block. She LOVED it! In fact, over the next few days, she would ask almost ALL the time if Papa would ppppppleeeease take her on the motorcycle again.?
How could he resist such determination and cuteness -- so a few days later when the weather was nice again, Lydia got to ride on her motorsickle!

His name is Lary

Weekend Project:

Here was a project that Sophia and her little neighbor friend created a couple of weeks ago on a weekend...

They were so creative and SO PROUD of themselves when they made their new friend "Lary" with one "R"~ ( I love the way kids spell!)

And Lary was pretty amazing....he could even MOVE and GROOVE!

Meet Lary!

Menu Plan (Using up Some Beans!)

My Menu Plan is a personal challenge for me to use all the dried beans/legumes and whole grains I have --over the next few weeks. I have an abundant amount of beans and quite the variety too! So, I think it I will be bringing out the baking soda, air freshner, and cookbooks these next couple of weeks to get us through all the legumes!

Here is our menu for this week.

**Lentil and Barley Stew (I misplaced the recipe for this...when I find it I will post it)

**Yellow Split Pea Dahl --recipe below
brown rice

**Italian Sausage with Penne Pasta
Garlic Cheese Bisquits

**Curried Quinoa and Grilled Salmon
Steamed Veggie

**Mark Bitmans Autumn Millet Bake
w/ black beans

**Amazing Black Bean Cookies -- to use up those black beans. I haven't had this yet, but I am hoping it tastes good.

**Black Bean, Corn, and Shrimp Quesadillas



Yellow Split Pea Dahl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow split peas, uncooked
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp margarine
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin, whole seeds or ground
• 2 whole cloves
• dash pepper, to taste

Preparation:

In a large pot, place the peas and water or vegetable broth, and bring to a slow simmer. Add the turmeric, cayenne and salt, and cover. Allow to cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the onion, cumin and clove in the margarine. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until onion is soft. Add the onion and spices to the split peas, and allow to simmer for at least 5 more minutes.

Add a dash of pepper and more salt, if desired, and serve hot with rice or alone in a soup bowl.

Makes four servings of yellow split pea dhal.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 207
Fat: 3.5 g; Saturated Fat: .6 g
Cholesterol: 0mg, 0%
Total Carbohydrates: 32.8g, 11%
Dietary Fiber: 13.2g, 53%; Protein: 12.5g

Don't Leave God Behind

Time is the most valuable resource a person can spend, and maximizing the use of it is critical
to successful living. Time is a precious resource. We need to purposefully, worthily and
accurately manage our time. Otherwise, it will be lost on something that doesn’t line up with
God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

Don’t leave God at your prayer closet door when you leave to go about your daily duties. Be occupied with God throughout your day, everywhere you go, communing and talking with Him from your heart.

Here are just a few ways to commune with God through out our day:


Scripture: A good friend reminded me of this last week at Bible study...to place God's Word around our home. I have been working on this for awhile now and desire to have Scripture throughout my home. Another friend gave me some Scripture verses typed on computer paper before she moved away...it was a gift to share, encourage me to find the Lord in all places. These were verses that had impacted her life over the last few years and she would have them placed around her home. God had given her these specific verses to a certain time in her life. This was powerful!

* Take printed Scripture and back it with scrapbook paper. You can place it in a frame if you have some leftover frames lying around and place them around your home: kitchen, bathroom, hallways, bedrooms, front doors, laundry room, living room, even your car!

Worship Music: I have done this for quite sometime...and days that I do not have God's songs playing, I can feel the difference in my attitude and my heart's direction for that day. I try to have the music playing in my home when my girls wake in the morning, while doing daily chores, and while doing any other tasks. I also have music playing in my car.... and one thing that is reflecting the use of God's music in our homes and lives, is that my girl's are singing Praises constantly throughout their day. They love to create songs and now they are creating more songs about God. I love that!

Prayer: This is probably the easiest for me to do while I go along my day, but it is also the easiest to forget to do. I started a prayer journal to hold names and prayers. I also have certain groups of prayer I do on certain days. For example: Pray for Country, Leaders, Military, World Affairs on Mondays, Pray for Missionaries, Organizations, etc. on Tuesdays...and so on.
But, it is easy to forget to pick up the journal and pray --as well as write down prayers. (I am working on personal time with the Lord and more intimate prayer time) However, I am trying to just pray while I do the mundane things like laundry, dishes, driving... These are just short, little prayer/thoughts...I just talk with God through my day.

What are some ways that you try to connect with God during your day/week?

TACO SOUP -- SLOW COOKER

Today I made this soup for my family -- it is pouring rain here and this is a perfect warm, delicious COMFORT food for a rainy day! I am serving the Taco Soup with some Nacho Cheese Tortillas chips I found from Trader Joes.

This is one of my favorite easy crock-pot meals. Probably because it is easy to throw together and you can really vary it however it suits your tastes, what you have on hand in your pantry, and whatever dietary needs you may have. I adapted the recipe from here... and I have made it many times with different variations.


TACO SOUP - SLOW COOKER

The Ingredients:
--2 cans of kindey beans

--2 cans of pinto beans

--2 cans of corn

--1 large can of diced tomatoes

--1 can diced green chiles

--1 packet taco seasoning

--1 packet ranch dressing mix
--1 32oz box of broth (veggie or chicken--whatever you prefer)

--1 lb browned ground turkey or hamburger (optional.) I used Trader Joes Veggie Sausage Links

--shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green scallions, and/or avocado for embelishment

The Directions:

--brown whatever meat (if you are going to use it) -- I sometimes add a small diced onion.

--add to crockpot

--sprinkle seasoning packets on top of meat

--drain and rinse the beans and add

--add the ENTIRE contents of the corn, tomato, and green chili cans
--stir.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5. I think the longer you cook soup, the better, so if you have the time, opt for cooking on low. Stir well, and serve with your favorite toppings!

Pity Party -- You are invited, Please RSVP

Okay it has started and I have about 4 months left before I can drink a glass of water again without feeling the pain...

HEART BURN

What can I do about it? Not eat? Well, that is not an option...because, uh, I have to eat. But, I tell you even drinking water makes me burn.

Yes, I am complaining. Yes, I am having a pity party....even if I am the only one who RSVP to this event...it is still a party where I am showering myself in pity.

What could bring about such a crazy idea?

Um, I am pregnant. Nuff said for why....

I can feel that burning sensation inside me, and it's really so distracting.

I have no appetite to eat anything. Annoying burning sensation in the chest and throat with some sour and acidic taste in my mouth....

So, if you are pregnant and want to join in the pity party...or maybe just a mom that needs to have some pity showered on them because potty training a two year is just about as debilitating, or your throat is sore from yelling at the kids all day and your head hurts from high pitch shrieking noises...join in the, uh, fun?

Oh, I hate peeing all the time too...

NOTEWORTHY:
I’m suffering from debilitating mood swings. I really do like being pregnant. I really do like my kids. I really do not yell at my kids all day long. But, potty training is not fun for me, no matter what and I will still have a pity party for that any day of the year.

THE QUEST FOR UNCOMPLICATED LIVING

It sometimes seems as though this world is like an
octopus always trying to grab you with its tentacles.
If you don’t watch out, it will wrap itself around you
until you’re completely tied up in the trivial things
of this world.
- Kenneth Copeland

One area in my life that I struggle with is DISCIPLINE. I have many areas in my life that become chaotic because I surround myself with "busy-ness" and large amounts of things to do, places to be, etc. And, of course I become frustrated, feel worthless, uncapable of ever "getting it right", failure....these lies can so easily entangle and trap my thoughts about who I am.

Over the last few years, I have tried methods of trying to simplify my home, my heart, my finances, my family, my possessions....it has been a journey and I still believe that God is working continually on cleansing all areas of my life and helping me to become the woman HE has designed me to be. I still struggle daily, monthly, yearly in many areas of life...but, dying daily to these struggles and becoming dependent on God's Grace and Strength drives me to continue to make my home and heart a pleasing aroma to HIM.

I want to share with you in the next several posts about how God has been transforming me, my family, and my home...creating a place of simplicity through organization.

TRUTH #1
In many ways, being BUSY has become a measurement of our self-worth. Whether it's with work, activities with our kids, household duties and even our church projects, we have become a society that prides itself on being busy for busy's sake.

This is not how God intended life to be. We must simplify our stressed-out, overly complex lives. We must choose those things that are needful, instead of simply doing what would seem good or right to the natural mind. All the resources we're managing as woman and mothers ---including our own lives--- are, first of all, God's property. This truth has a great power to simplify our lives because in reality, we don't own anything.

God's Word holds the very wisdom we can apply that will make our lives simpler, less stressful, and more fertile soil for the transforming power of God. The Word shows us how He wants us to live our lives and the principles that should govern us.


HEB. 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Mark 4:18-19 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; ¹⁹but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 2 Cor. 1:12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. Rom 16:19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Gal 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

I throw off everything that hinders and
easily entangles me. I won’t let cares,
anxieties and distractions choke the
Word out of my life. I lay aside every
weight which so easily besets me.
I make the decision right now to set
aside time to sit at Jesus' feet. I will
daily “choose the good portion,” and simplify my life.