Pistachio Chicken and Pudding Cups

PISTACHIO CHICKEN

We tried this new recipe last night. It was super easy and delicious!

*chicken breasts pounded thin

*1 cup chopped pistachios

*1/2 cup bread crumbs

*2 T. dijon mustard

*2 T. olive oil

*2 T. honey

*salt and pepper to taste

Combine nuts and bread crumbs and spread on a plate. Combine all other ingredients in a bowl. Dip chicken in bowl and cover with honey mixture. Then dredge in nut mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

PUDDING CUPS

You can custom make this dessert to suit anyone's tastes! Feel free to substitute ice cream for the pudding (just assemble and then freeze until ready to serve).

*12 mini (3-inch rounds or so) Graham Cracker prepared pie crust shells (or feel free to make your own)

*1 large package of pudding, made according to directions

*toppings of your choice

Fill half of Graham cracker cup with pudding. Add toppings (sliced strawberries, chopped Heath bar, etc.). Fill to the top of the cup with more pudding. Sprinkle toppings on top or place one slice or chunk of the topping to hint at what's inside! Chill and serve.

Keeping Up With the News Outside of Your Mommy World

Days filled with catering to the needs of young children can keep us so busy that it's hard to stay current on news regarding those in our immediate vicinity, much less those in far away places across the U.S. and around the world. I've been struck again recently, however, with how important it is for us to be aware of local, national and global news. It's important to keep up for several reasons. For one, the Bible calls us to pray for our leaders, nation and world. We'll best be equipped to do this when we are made aware of the specific needs out there. On a more personal level, we need to realize that what's happening out there, will most certainly - in some way, shape or form - affect what is going on in our own homes as well as those of our children and future grandchildren.

If you're interested in reacquainting yourself with the news of the day, or are in the hunt for different news sources, here are a couple of our family's favorites.

1. NBC Nightly News - there are several nightly news broadcasts available, but we like Brian Williams and in 30 minutes (less with DVR), we're caught up on the day's big events.

2. The Briefing - this 10-15 minute "briefing" is well-known pastor, author and theologian Albert Mohler's review of some of the day's headlines from a Christian perspective. While you will not be getting a recap of every top story of the day, he will provide great insight and thought-provoking questions for Christians (and hopefully others) to ponder pertaining those he addresses. You can access this on-line at AlbertMohler.com.

3. WORLD magazine - a Christian magazine with news articles on various happenings around the world. You can get many of the articles on-line at worldmag.com.

The Kissing Hand

If you have a child who does not like for you to be out of his/her sight for any amount of time, and they're old enough to comprehend what you're reading, then I highly recommend The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. This is a precious children's story about Chester Raccoon's hesitation to leave the comfort of his home and his mother's constant presence for the first day of school. To assuage his fears, Mrs. Raccoon gives Chester a kiss on the palm of his hand that he can "carry" with him throughout the day. Whenever he needs a reminder of his mother's love, he can put his hand up to his cheek and recall her words, "Mommy loves you. Mommy loves you."

This book is also a great gift for grandparents or other relatives and friends who live far away from your little ones, but want to remind them that, near or far, they're always loved!

It's Just a Material Thing

I just finished glueing a ceramic bowl back together. It doesn't look perfect - not even close - but I'm convinced that if I put it high enough on a shelf, no one will notice the cracks that run through it like a family tree. Since I mention this on a mommy blog, you've probably guessed that the broken bowl is the result of an incident involving one of my children. If so, you've guessed correctly.

I know it's just a material thing, but that bowl happened to be one of my favorite material things. Fortunately, as I heard it drop to the floor, I instantly remembered a saying that a friend shared with me a couple of years ago: "Don't let your children think that material things are more important than they are." Well, of course they're not, so does this statement have anything more to offer? I think so, primarily because of how how we sometimes respond when accidents occur. If something breaks and we respond with a shriek and look of horror, a young person might be led to think that the "thing" is of greater value and more important to you than they themselves are.

Of course children need to be taught to be careful and to respect things as good stewards of all that the Lord has given us, but we can teach a child a whole lot by how we react when things break. For one, we can remind them (and ourselves) to value spiritual things over material possessions. We should be storing our treasures up in heaven, after all, where moth and rust (and kids) do not destroy. So the next time something special breaks, or gets lost, ripped, or colored, remind yourself that you can build up your children at that very moment. You can teach them that some things are unbreakable and irreplaceable--like their status as our children. You can glue into their hearts things like responsibility, stewardship, and teamwork (clean-up, clean-up). Finally, you can demonstrate to them that our priorities should reflect those of the Lord, namely Christ and the salvation that we have in and through Him!

ZEST!

Have you discovered the joy of zest-ing? If not, I highly recommend this simple addition to an assortment of dishes for a burst of flavor that will transform a routine meal into something special! Use lemon zest (on fish or in pancake batter - see below), orange (in Asian dishes) or lime (great with Mexican).

Lemony Blueberry Pancakes

Add a little bit of lemon extract and lemon zest to your pancake batter and you might decide that you can't go back to regular blueberry pancakes again!

Regular pancake mix

blueberries

lemon zest (to taste)

lemon extract (1/2 t. or to taste)

Add zest and extract to the batter. Stir well. Cook pancakes as directed, adding blueberries after batter has been poured on the skillet.

Dry Hands?

While most people suffer from dry and cold air damage to their skin this time of year, mommy's hands take an extra beating. The beating comes not only from outdoor elements, but from constant hand washing. In an effort to clean up, wash off and rid our hands of germs before they do any damage, we moms spend a lot of time with our sinks and Purell bottles. If your hands are starting to resemble the surface of a raisin, and/or one that's been through a shredder (sorry to be so graphic, but this is a close description of what my hands look like right now!), then try the following treatment. It's easy, effective and works while you sleep!

Lather your hands generously with moisturizer before going to bed. Put on cotton gloves and wear overnight. Wake up to soft, smooth skin!

*This method works for dry feet as well! It may feel a little strange sleeping in gloves and socks, but the result is worth it!

Love Your Valentine

Well, Valentine's Day is just two days away and, depending on who you are, you either love it or you consider it to be terribly overrated and can't wait for February 15th to arrive. I happen to love it. Besides the glorious excuse for a date night, it can be a wonderful opportunity to assess the health of your marriage and reflect on how you can love one another better. Of course you should be doing this continually throughout the year, but why not take advantage of a day set aside for this purpose!

Here are a couple of ideas for making this Valentine's Day extra sweet:

1. Start your date early. Instead of waiting until the kids are in bed to go out, get a sitter to come early. Enjoy a dinner out from 5-7 or 6-8. Then come home to a quiet house and delight in a dessert and movie together. Your evening will be extended and you'll only be paying a babysitter for half of your date!

2. Skip the gifts. My husband and I crave time with each other more than a material token of our affection (this is just a personal preference). So we decided (earlier this evening actually) to skip the gift-giving component of the occasion and spend a little more on our date. This meant opting for a restaurant with a more romantic ambience than the Pizza Box down the street.

3. Intangible Props. If you decide to skip the gifts, but don't want to forsake the fun and thoughtfulness that goes into gift-giving, come up with "mental props" that will remind you both of a precious moment in the past. Share them over dinner and enjoy reliving the memories!

4. Be spontaneous. As young parents, it's likely that your chances for spontaneity are few and far between. So take advantage of this occasion to do just that! Grab a quick bite to eat and head to an Art Museum, the Aquarium, or a coffee shop in some part of town that is typically too far and out of the way to venture to with small children.

It's Just a Material Thing

I just finished glueing a ceramic bowl back together. It doesn't look perfect - not even close - but I'm convinced that if I put it high enough on a shelf, no one will notice the cracks that run through it like a family tree. Since I mention this on a mommy blog, you've probably guessed that the broken bowl is the result of an incident involving one of my children. If so, you've guessed correctly.

I know it's just a material thing, but that bowl happened to be one of my favorite material things. Fortunately, as I heard it drop to the floor, I instantly remembered a saying that a friend shared with me a couple of years ago: "Don't let your children think that material things are more important than they are." Well, of course they're not, so does this statement have anything more to offer? I think so, primarily because of how how we sometimes respond when accidents occur. If something breaks and we respond with a shriek and look of horror, a young person might be led to think that the "thing" is of greater value and more important to you than they themselves are.

Of course children need to be taught to be careful and to respect things as good stewards of all that the Lord has given us, but we can teach a child a whole lot by how we react when things break. For one, we can remind them (and ourselves) to value spiritual things over material possessions. We should be storing our treasures up in heaven, after all, where moth and rust (and kids) do not destroy. So the next time something special breaks, or gets lost, ripped, or colored, remind yourself that you can build up your children at that very moment. You can teach them that some things are unbreakable and irreplaceable--like their status as our children. You can glue into their hearts things like responsibility, stewardship, and teamwork (clean-up, clean-up). Finally, you can demonstrate to them that our priorities should reflect those of the Lord, namely Christ and the salvation that we have in and through Him!

Household Tips

Here are some more tips from What Didn't I Think of That:

Enjoy!

"Want to extend the lifetime of your mop and broom? Tie a knot at the end of each mop string for longer wear. Dip a new broom in hot, salt water to toughen the bristles."

"Recycle those expensive paper towels. After using them to dry your hands, store them in a clean milk carton under the sink. They're dandy for wiping up spills or scrubbing remaining grease from the skillet."

"Stains on clothing are no problem with these tips...

*Ball point pen ink is removed easily by spraying with hair spray then wash as usual.

*Blood stains wash out readily after a good soaking in cold water. For a more stubborn blood stain, add a cup of vinegar to the water.

*Iron rust departs when the garments are boiled in a solution of four teaspoons of cream of tartar to one pint of water...or rub with diluted peroxide or lemon juice."

Try and See...

Do you have a picky eater? Or do you have a good eater who won't touch certain foods (i.e. like veggies)? Don't give up! I have been amazed that my boys will eat certain foods only in certain forms. Carrots, for instance, are apparently only edible when cooked in chicken broth in the oven (or straight off a snowman, as my eldest demonstrated today). Other vegetables are devoured, but only when smothered in hummus. Cucumbers will not be touched when diced, but they will be if they're sliced thinly in the round. You can provide various dips, or try it roasted, sauteed, boiled, steamed, seasoned, raw, or pureed. Give them a try and you may be pleasantly surprised that what was once despised is now enjoyed (or at least tolerated)! :)

Best of luck!

Stepping Heavenward

Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss is undoubtedly one of my favorite books. I'm reading it now for the fifth or sixth time and I plan on reading it once every year (maybe twice). If you are a wife and mother who long to love the Lord more, this book provides precious encouragement on your journey heavenward. Written in the form of a journal, Katy comes to faith in Jesus and, through battles with her own sin and various life circumstances, is molded into a vessel who seeks to honor God above all things.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

"I have heard Mother say that we might love an earthly object as much as we pleased if we only love God better" (p. 175).

"Yes, I suppose I am as happy in my dear precious husband and children as a wife and mother can be in a fallen world, which must not be a real heaven lest we should love the land we journey through so well as to want to pitch our tents in it forever and cease to look and long for the home whither we are bound" (p. 278).

If the name Elizabeth Prentiss sounds familiar, it's likely because of the well-known hymn she wrote, More Love to Thee, O Christ. I've included the lyrics because they are as clear a window into the writer's heart as they are into that of the book's protagonist.

More love to thee, O Christ, more love to thee!

Hear thou the prayer I make on bended knee.

This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to thee;

more love to thee, more love to thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;

now thee alone I seek, give what is best.

This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee;

more love to thee, more love to thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief and pain;

sweet are thy messengers, sweet their refrain,

when they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to thee;

more love to thee, more love to thee!

Then shall me latest breath whisper thy praise;

this be the parting cry my heart shall raise;

this still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee;

more love to thee, more love to thee!

Cabin Fever? Part 3

"Spring Clean" now, play later!

Whoever came up with the idea of "spring cleaning" clearly did not live in the north. On these bone chilling winter days I often dream of spring and all the fun we'll have outdoors when the inches upon inches of snow melts and we can finally see our grass again. Why would I save my cleaning and organizing for then when I could be taking care of it now?

In an effort to beat cabin fever, satisfy your need for activity and get your house clean at the same time!

Cabin Fever? Part 2

Exercise Indoors

If you've experienced cabin fever with a toddler or young child, you know that the greatest factor to contend with is lack of exercise (i.e. inability to empty their energy tanks for the day). If the tanks stay full throughout the day, things can get ugly, and they can get ugly fast.

Try these exercises/games and enjoy the process of wearing them out!

*Lead them in exercises. You can do jumping jacks, somersaults (yes, furniture will need to be moved), make a bridge with your body and let them craw under you, run in place, etc. Let them run, skip or walk around until you blow a whistle, then give them a command and let them practice following instructions (Simon Says can work, too). Get creative and get involved. Chances are you'll be craving the movement, too!

*Act out books/songs. There are several books and songs out there that are conducive to this activity. Here are just a few:

*Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

*From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

*The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears - act these out

*Hide and Seek. This game came keep just about any age entertained. Even if they can't grasp the concept of staying hidden or waiting while you hide, you'll get to run around and it's bound to produce lots of laughter from you and your little guys!