Yum!

This is a really great recipe that

I get asked for all the time.

It is a nice dish to serve at baby and bridal showers,

my mother in law actually used it at the bridal shower

she threw for me almost 13 years ago :).

Spinach, Chicken and Pasta Salad

16 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked al dente

Dressing:

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup bottled Teriyaki sauce

2/3 cup white wine vinegar

6 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

Salad:

1 (10-ounce) bag fresh spinach

1 (6-ounce) bag craisins

3 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained

2 (8-ounce) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained

½ cup parsley, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted

6 ounces honey roasted peanuts

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small pieces

1. Blend dressing ingredients together in a blender or food processor.

2. Mix dressing and cooked pasta in a medium bowl and marinate for two hours.

3. Combine remaining ingredients in a large salad bowl, add pasta and dressing and toss.

My New Life

When suffering, we may in fact be nearer to God than we have ever been in our entire lives. That knowledge can turn every such situation into a would-be temple. Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised:

“I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left. My spirit shall be in your hearts and mine angels round about you to bear you up.”

That is an everlasting declaration of God’s love and care for us, including and perhaps especially in times of trouble.

Elder Jeffery R. Holland

monkey see, monkey do

If you know me, you know I label everything.

So I should not have been surprised to see Isabelle's

room categorized and neatly labeled.

Couldn't have done better myself!

(labels include; markers, pens, pencils, the "secret" box, trash, electronics, the nothing box)

Hershey Bar

Ryker- "Did you know that my friend can not have

brownies or chocolate chip cookies?!?!?

He is allergic or something."

Isabelle- "You mean to tell me he has never experienced

the delightful taste of a Hershey bar?!?!"

(said with a look of pure sympathy for the kid)

my guilt

Stop getting mad at me for not posting pics, geeeeeeze!

Rocco Bocco

Isabelle After School

More Rocco

Esther and Ryker

Translation Please

THERE!

xoxo

laundry, laundry, laundry

Again with the laundry!?!

Yes, again.

So here is how I keep on top off it;

(or at least not let it be on top of me, and the bed,

and on the couch, and in the car, and in the bathroom, and....)

Assign a category for each day of the week

for example:

Monday -Whites

Tuesday -Lights

Wednesday -Towels

Thursday -Darks

Friday -Linens

Saturday -Jeans

What this does is break down the monster

we call laundry into

manageable tasks,

and gives a

defined end or goal.

You end up with just a

few loads each day

and

really big ego,

because

you walk around all day saying

"I am so smart!"

(and couldn't we all get used to both?)

Next time I will tell you how I manage all the bedding, I bet you can't wait!

Meatballs Please

John Capua’s Meatballs

So yummy!

2 pounds ground beef

¼ cup water

1 1/2 cups bread crumbs

1 tablespoon oregano, dried

1 tablespoon basil, dried

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, dried

3/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

2 cloves fresh garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic chips, dried

½ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1. Place all ingredients in a 9x13 dish.

2. Combine well by hand.

Now you can not be grumpy when doing this step, for real!

So start whistling. Seriously, pick a tune and whistle.

Your meatballs will thank you for it.

3. Form into tight balls, use a little bit of water.

4. Heat ¼ cup oil in pan over medium-high heat.

5. Place meatballs in oil and fry till outside is browned.

6. Remove meatballs and place on paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Carefully add meatballs to spaghetti sauce.

8. Cook sauce as directed.

Right Dad?