~~~~~~ Child Like Faith ~~~~~~~~

God said; "Come to me like little children". When you tell a child almost anything, they take you at your word. They have such trust and no reason to doubt.
They don't toss and turn at night thinking about the electric bill or the food in the fridge. They sleep with peace! Their minds are at total rest knowing that their parents are in control. Today, rest in the Lord knowing that your life is in His hands, the best hands out there!!

Who's the special woman in your life?

Tomorrow is a special day for special people..MOMS!! There are many other woman to celebrate as well, how about your sister, an aunt or a great friend. Woman have a very special role on this earth. They get to be co-creators and share in the miracle of birth. They are the Nurses, Chauffeurs, Cheerleaders, Chefs, Teachers, Counselors and Friends all wrapped up in one!!

I have the privilege of enjoying many special women in my life. I have a Mommy in Heaven, a Mommy on earth, an amazing Aunt, a wonderful Sister and many great friends! So, tomorrow, go hang out with these special women and let them know how deeply loved and appreciated they are. 
 
To my Mommy in Heaven..I just want to say that I love you! I think about you almost everyday! I would love for one moment where I could grab you and give you the biggest hug and kiss. I miss you soo much and I look forward to the day when we can be together forever, until then just remember..

 

You Are My Sunshine!!
Happy Mother's Day..Love Your Pumpkin xox

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these Yummy Chicken Quesadillas!!!

This recipe is so versatile, you can add almost any kind of Spanish  flavors. In this one, I put a pan on med-heat w/ a small amount of EVOO (about 1tblspn) and added:

• 1 cooked chicken breast (chopped)
• 1/2 Cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 Cup chopped onions 
• 1/4 Cup Lentil and Bean Chili

Mix until everything is incorporated and onions get soft.Transfer the mixture into a bowl and set aside. Keep pan hot and grab two whole wheat wraps. Line one of them with some shredded Mexican cheese (not too much, about 1-2 tblspns). Add the chicken mixture on top and add some more cheese. Place second wrap on top, give a little press and transfer to hot pan. Place a heavy plate on top of Quesadilla for about 5 minutes then flip (be careful) and repeat for another 5 minutes. Slice it into quarters and serve it with yummy Guacamole and fresh Salsa..it was ridiculous..ENJOY!!!

Here's a fun way to stay active!!!

Ok, so you think you can't have fun while getting some exercise..check out this video. I'm totally going to learn this..look for future video of me!!! Let's see who can remember this dance and has the guts to post it, I know I do!!!

http://youtu.be/5L1tr0PIx20

Today's Thought and a Recipe

Thought:

When choosing an activity do you immediately choose anything that involves sitting on the couch? Though I highly believe that couch time and relaxing is vital, I also believe that getting up and moving around is just as vital. Take the dogs on a nice long walk, go bowling, play tag with your kids, kick a soccer ball with a friend, go hit some golf balls, or possibly just go hit the gym for 30 minutes. I mean..WOW, they even have video games that encourage movement and activity. Make a conscience effort to move around through out the day. If you sit at a desk all day..do some squats in the bathroom, full time Mom..take the kids to the Zoo. Whatever your lifestyle is..I believe you will always have time to keep your body active. Did you know that 10 minutes of walking a day can improve you immune system by up to 17%? Who says only the kids get to play...so get up, move around and make it fun..it'll be good for your health and your heart!!

 Recipe:     GET OUT AND HAVE SOME FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

COMFORT FOOD AT ITS FINEST!!!

 ~ Grandma's Homemade Chicken Soup ~

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 Bag of carrots (peeled, cleaned & cut..about 8 carrots)

1 Bag of Celery (cleaned &chopped)

1 Bag of Parsnips, (peeled and chopped)

1 Lg Sweet Onion (peeled and quartered)

1 Cup of Fresh Dill (chopped..no stems)

About 3-4 Cubes of Knorr Chicken Bouillon

1 Container of Chicken Stock

1 Box of Matza Ball Mix (optional) 

Some cooked thin noodles (optional)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Fill large pot with chicken stock (add water if you need more liquid), Heat to med high then add raw chicken. When chicken is white, add everything except bouillon cubes. Add bouillon, salt & pepper as needed to taste. Lower heat to simmer and cover. If you want Matza Balls, just follow instructions on box. Soup should take at least 2 hrs. but gets better tasting after each day...ENJOY!!!

Today's Thought and a Recipe

THOUGHT:

I dare all of you to try something that might be foreign to you: Before the world starts..before you have to wake and feed the kids, your spouse, your animals and yourself...go get alone and get quiet. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, go find a quiet spot and chill out. Don't watch the news, don't check your cell phone for calls and my goodness, Facebook is not going anywhere! What you focus on in the beginning of your day will set the course for the rest of it. Think about all the good things in your life (and if you live in America, you have thousands), think about future vacations, think about the day when you'll be financially free and can be a blessing to other people or just grab your favorite book and enjoy. I promise you that when you start the day right, you will feel lighter, less stressed and more prepared for your day.
             Don't believe me...try it, I dare you!!!


 RECIPE: Leftover Pizza

Anytime I can't figure out what to make for dinner, (or I kinda don't feel like cooking a big meal), I take leftovers...throw them on top of thin whole wheat wraps and shove them into the oven on 425 for about 10-15 minutes. This week, I had crazy veggies from all my Kabobs, so I made the family Thai Chicken Pizza. 
I used the Hoisin Sauce as a base, threw all the cooked chicken and veggies on top..cooked it up and chowed down...it was awesome..ENJOY!!!!

DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!!!

Most people know that laughing is actually good for your health. There is medical proof that laughing and enjoying friends and family can actually lower your blood pressure and increase joy. So, this week..go grab some loved ones and have a ball. Get out of the house, enjoy some good food, good laughs and enjoy your life..you only get one!

Today's Thought and a Recipe

Thought:

When is the last time you stopped your busy life to call an old friend or family member? Today, I challenge you to call someone and tell them; "You were on my mind". Sometimes I get so caught up in my own world that I tend to forget that we are not here to just serve ourselves but others as well. Someone today needs to know that they are loved...who is your someone??

Recipe: Hawaiian Shrimp Kabobs (soooo good)

1-2 lbs of uncooked shrimp (deveined)  

4 Bell Peppers (any color) cleaned and cut

2 Red Onions (cut into small chunks)

Cherry Tomatoes

Fresh Pineapple (cubed)

Fresh Squash or Zucchini (cubed)

Your favorite Hawaiian Marinade 

Your favorite rice (I used a Whole Wheat Pilaf)

2 tblspn Extra Virgin Olive Oil

6-8 wooden skewers (soak in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning)

Marinate everything in a big bowl for at least a 1/2 hr. Heat grill or grill pan to med-med high. Skewer as many as your mix will fit. I use at least 3 shrimp per skewer. Grill for about 3 minutes each side or just until shrimp turns pink. Place over your favorite rice. I had leftovers, so I just threw the rest of the mixture in a pan with some olive oil, cooked until shrimp was pink and threw it all on top of rice and it was so awesome...ENJOY!!!!

Today's Thought and a Recipe

Thought:

Are you waiting for an answer today? Have you been waiting a while and feel like giving up in the process? Did you know that Patience undergirds and sustains Faith until the result  manifests?
Today, if you're in the waiting room and feel like hitting the road...press in a little longer. Try and picture the answer in your head and see yourself already with the answer. Don't give up, it usually feels the worst right before the miracle happens..so hang on!


RECIPE: Thai Chicken Wraps (this one ROCKS)


Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts
Hoisin Sauce 
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Toasted Sesame Oil
Sesame Seeds
Sliced Red Pepper
Sliced Carrots
Sliced Cucumbers
Diced Scallions
Iceberg or Bib lettuce
Your favorite Asian dipping sauces


Marinate Chicken Breasts in Hoisin sauce for at least 1/2 hours. Heat pan on medium, add small amount of oil, grill for about 6 min. each side or until chicken doesn't spring back to the the touch and clear juice comes out. Turn off heat..lightly drizzle a small amount of toasted sesame seed oil over chicken and then sprinkle some sesame seeds over them.


Set all sides on separate plate. Slice chicken, add sides and chow down. It's so good..ENJOY!