Tex Mex Cornbread

Ingredients:
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 tsps. baking powder
1/2 tsps. salt
1 can corn, drained
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tblsps. oil
1 cup shredded cheese
3 tblsps. chopped jalapenos
1 tblsp. chopped green onions
red pepper

Mix the ingredients and pour into an iron skillet. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes! Great!

Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sorghum molasses
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tblsp. butter
1/2 tsp. soda
1 bowl popcorn

Boil the molasses and sugar to 250 degrees. Add butter and soda and then pour over the popcorn to coat. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Then, grease hands and make popcorn balls!
Fun for autumn!

Papas Rellenas

Ingredients:
5 large Idaho potatoes
1 cup Bechamel Sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sliced cooked young carrots
1/2 cup cooked baby peas
1/2 cup chopped white chicken meat
1/2 cup chopped boiled ham
1 can chipotle pepper chiles, chopped finely
salt and pepper

Bechamel Sauce:1 1/2 Tblsp. butter, 1 1/2 Tblsp. flour, 1 Cup milk, 1/2 tsp. salt,
pinch of white pepper

Wash the potatoes;dry them;bake them at 325 for 1 hour

Cut lengthwise and scoop out 3/4 of the flesh. Set potato shells aside.
Mash contents until smooth. Beat with butter and milk. Set aside.

To the hot Bechamel sauce, add grated cheese. Then, fold in vegetables, chicken, ham, and chiles. Spoon into the shells of the potatoes. Spoon mashed potatoes on top.

Bake at 325 for 20 minutes, until browned! Yum!

Perfect Sugar Cookie

1 cup sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 cup butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups flour

Cream the butter and sugar for 6 minutes. Beat in eggs, vanilla and the oil.
Add the dry ingredients. Put cookie scoops on baking tray. Sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, or until golden on the bottom.

Differentiated Instruction for Children

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3673/is_4_128/ai_n29441598/
Read the above article entitled:
Coming to our Senses: Incorporating Brain Research into Classroom Instruction
I think that the article promotes teaching children in a classroom of trust, safety and mutual respect. Utilizing techniques that offer the child opportunities to exercise their five senses promotes the greatest achievement! Here's a few highlights worth noting:

1. Students placed in light blue, yellow, and yellow green and orange rooms increased their IQ scores by 12 pts. on avg.
2. Red raises blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration and excites brain waves. It stimulates appetite. Blue tends to lower blood pressure and pulse rate - very tranquil. Yellow is the first color that the brain distinguishes and is associated with a certain degree of stress and apprehension, yet stimulates a sense of well being and optimism and positive feelings. Overall, researchers have found that bright colors increase creativity and energy.
3. Full spectrum lighting is optimal for learning - natural light.
   
4. The hearing environment - Some kiddos prefer complete silence to learn while others prefer a busy, noisy environment.
5. Listening to music engages the whole brain.
6. Peppermint and lemon scents are known to energize the brain. Vanilla, chamomile and pine are great for calming performance jitters. Floral aromas double the speed of learning.
7. Stress harms the brain.
   

my two baby boys

Look how they love each other!!

HOW TO GET A JOB

BE HAPPY AND WANT TO WORK FOR THE PERSON YOU ARE INTERVIEWING!

SMILE AND BE YOURSELF!

ANSWER QUESTIONS TRUTHFULLY!

BE WILLING TO WAIT!

GO TO THE PERSON YOU WANT TO WORK FOR!

Zulema's Great Advice

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day un rushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it..
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K..M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life..
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus ..'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30.. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?'(Romans8:31)

Bridal Luncheon Chicken Salad

1 whole baked chicken, diced
1 cup real mayonnaise
2 cups seedless grapes, sliced
3 green onions, diced
5 rib celery, thinly diced
1 cup pecan pieces
1 cup apple, pieces
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 basil leaves, diced

Combine and chill! Enjoy for lunches or snacks on crackers! Always a delight!

Everything in God's Time

God is faithful and He is never late! He is always on time!
http://www.biblesociety.ca/free_scriptures/escriptures/ecclesiastes3/ecclesiastes3.html
Enjoy!

Think of Others in Tough Times - Some Suffer More!

On the afternoon of May 12, 2008, just after the earthquake, about 100,000 people in a county were trapped in a mountain due to the collapse of a bridge. The Premier Wen Jiabao ordered the relief troops on phone:"No matter what, I want you to ensure these 100, 000 people are out of danger."

Here is the Chinese version:
不管怎么样，我都要这十万人脱险！
bù guăn zěn me yàng, wŏ dōu yào zhè shí wàn rén tuō xiăn!
Translation: No matter what, I want you to ensure these 100,000 people are out of danger.

生词 (shēng cí) Vocabulary:

努力 nŭ lì：adj/adv struggling
幸福 xìng fú： adj/n happy / happiness
安慰 ān wèi： v/n console / comfort
脱险 tuō xiăn： v get out of danger

Dearest Children, We labor for those friends that suffer greater calamities than our own!
Keep others in your thoughts and prayers and celebrate the goodness of God! We are blessed! - Oatmeal

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups very warm water
2 pkgs. yeast(not rapid rise)
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup honey
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 stick butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup white cornmeal to roll the bread dough

1. Mix the warm water, yeast, sugar, and honey.
2. Add the whole wheat flour very slowly.
3. Add the melted butter slowly.
4. Mix slowly for 5 minutes.
5. Pour out onto the cornmeal and carefully powder the outside of the loaf.
6. Place in a greased bread pan to rise.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
8. Lightly top with a little melted butter.
9. Serve! Delightful!

Commencement Address by "Dr. Dolly Parton"!

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born Jan. 19, 1946 in the town of Locust Ridge, Tennessee. She was the 4th of 12 children and had big dreams for herself and for others! At the University of Tennessee Commencement for the College of Arts and Sciences on May 8, 2009, Dolly gave a moving address to the new college graduates. Enjoy!

1. Dream More - Dreaming is not like a wish. She gave the example of herself as a little girl putting a can on the end of a broom handle and pretending it to be a microphone. She pretended to be dressed as a performer and when she sang to the chickens, she envisioned a large audience. She said that the dreaming built convictions and demanded hard work. She emphasized that there must be a fire in your gut to overcome obstacles. She spoke about her own graduation from high school and how her graduating class laughed at her when she expressed her desire to become a great star. She said that you mustn't blame others if something doesn't happen for you.

2. Learn More - She spoke of her mother reading the Bible to her as a young girl. She said that you must work at making dreams come true. She said that people must take chances and roll up their sleeves and try to win. She encouraged reading and learning as much as you can in your lifetime.

3. Care more - She spoke clearly that you must do your best in life. In other words, do your best to look good! She asked pointedly - how do you prepare? Never disappoint others by not being fully prepared. She gave the example of memorizing her own lines and also the lines of the whole cast.
She spoke about keeping commitments and being on time to everything. She carefully reminded the audience to not judge other people and to remember the uniqueness of each individual.

4. Hope more/Be more - She talked about counting your blessings and loving and caring for other people. Just like "The Little Engine That Could", she encouraged the can do spirit of caring the most! She gave special care to talk about her spiritual center - God. She said that heaven and earth met in her heart and she said that ,in that - "You will be special".

Dolly Parton is all that and more! She sang to the graduating class, of which my daughter was celebrated! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndEsn9gorKc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFFuBEK-0WY

Carrie's Cheese Ball

Ingredients:
1 8 ounce Philadelphia chive and onion cream cheese
1 pkg. mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic
4 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, outside coating
Mix cream cheese and shredded cheese in a medium bowl. Mix in the seasonings. Cook bacon, chop and add into the mixture. Roll into a ball and roll in the walnuts. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
**I might add chopped celery and green onions and a little fresh basil and oregano from the herb garden!

The Most Creative Job in the World - Homemaker

When I married in 1982, an article was published in the Wall Street Journal by United Technologies Corporation, Hartford Connecticut, 06101. The message will encourage many Mothers' hearts!
It involves
taste,
fashion,
decorating,
recreation,
education,
transportation,
psychology,
romance,
cuisine,
designing,
literature,
medicine,
handicraft,
art,
horticulture,
economics,
government,
community relations,
pediatrics,
geriatrics,
entertainment,
maintenance,
purchasing,
direct mail,
law,
accounting,
religion,
energy and management.
Anyone who can handle those
has to be somebody
SPECIAL!
She is.
She is a homemaker.

I framed the article and review the many "hats" worn by women! Now, we may add Technology expert! Never give up, ladies! Be encouraged!

Pico de Gallo

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup white onion, diced
2 fresh green jalapeno peppers
5 romano tomatoes, diced
cilantro, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
oil and vinegar, salt, pepper, to taste
salsa, medium

Combine all the ingredients and serve with Mexican food or chips! Fabulous!
( For a crunchy sweet addition, you may add jicama, diced!)

Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients:
garlic and onions diced
olive oil
fresh oregano
fresh basil
frozen Italian sausage meatballs
1 can stewed Mexican style sauce
1 large can tomato sauce
1 jar tomato basil spaghetti sauce
2 cans chicken broth
1 box spinach


1. Fry the garlic and onions in the olive oil.
2. Add the basil and the oregano
3. Fry the meatballs in the seasonings until brown.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients and 2 cups of water and simmer to a boil.
5. Add the frozen ingredients after the soup is boiling!
6. Serve with fresh Italian bread! Yum!

Dinner Rolls~ Good Everytime!~ Lisa from De Funiak Springs,Florida

Combine:
2 pkgs. yeast
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsps. salt
3 well beaten large eggs

Mix well.

Add:
4 cups very warm water
6 sups sifted all purpose flour

Mix well.

Add:
2 sticks of real melted butter
6 cups sifted all purpose flour

Mix well. Use dough hook on mixer.

Let rise in a greased bowl until double.
Punch down.
Refrigerate until needed.
Make rolss tenderly by hand.
Place on greased cookie sheet beside other rolls.
Let rise. Bake at 350 until brown - 8-12 minutes. Delicious everytime!

Basic Vanilla Almond Yellow Bunny Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1 cup softened real butter

3 tsps. Crisco

3 large eggs
2 tsps. real vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
3 cups flour
2 tsps. baking powder
1 cup buttermilk

1. Beat sugar and butter and Crisco for 5 minutes until soft and fluffy.
2. Add 3 large eggs.
3. Add vanilla and almond extracts.
4. Beat in flour and baking powder, alternating with the buttermilk.

Bake at 350 in two greased and floured 8 1/2 round pans for 35 minutes.
Check with a toothpick to see if it is done.
Cool and cut to make a bunny cake with ears and a bowtie! Fun!

Proverbs for Servant Leaders

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22 1-2

Humility and the fear of the Lord,
bring wealth and honor and life.
In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares
but he who guards his soul stays far from them.
Train (give your child thirst for righteousness and tame their wild ways)
a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22: 6-7

Think of Belita when you read these words:
He who loves a pure heart
and whose speech is gracious,
will have the king for his friend. Proverbs 22:11

Poppy Seed Bundt Cake from Charla 1981

!/4 cup poppy seeds
1 cup milk
2/3 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsps. baking powder
3 cups flour, sifted
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs

1. Place poppy seeds in the milk and allow to soak.
2. Cream butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Sift together baking powder, flour, and salt.
4. Add eggs to the creamed mixture.
5. Alternate flour mixture and milk with poppy seeds to the creamed mixture.
6. Spray the bundt pan with PAM and sprinkle the pan with organic sugar.
7. Then, sprinkle the flour and dust the pan well.
8. Bake in a moderate oven at 350. Check for doneness.
9. Cool and cover with a glaze of powdered sugar, melted butter and vanilla.

Sugar Cookies

1 pound of butter, softened
1 1/3 cups of sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 2/3 cups all purpose flour

Beat and cream the butter, sugar& salt until light and fluffy.
Beat in 1 yolk at a time and vanilla until smooth.
Beat in flour gradually, until well combined.

~~ Make pecan sandies by adding 2 cups of chopped nuts. Roll cookie dough and cut in rounds.

~~ Make raspberry thumbprint cookies by pressing thumb in each cookie. Place a tsp. of raspberry jam and sprinkle coconut and almond slivers over the top. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Can drizzle white chocolate over the top for a great tea party cookie!

~~Make chocolate dipped coconut sticks, by rolling dough in sticks and baking. Then, dip the sticks in melted chocolate chips and roll in toasted golden coconut - A beautiful luncheon cookie!

Be creative and adorn the cookies for every occasion with love and prayers! Make your home filled with the sweet aroma of time well spent in the care of your family!

Proverbs to Live By ~ From our Loved Ones

Waste not, want not.
You can do it, if you try!
Never give up! I won't give up on you!
Haste makes waste.
Finish what you start.
Tell the truth, no matter what the cost.
Listening is different from hearing.
When you look at someone, you usually listen to them.
It is right to obey.
We care for others.
Think for yourself!
We all make mistakes. Learn from them~ not to repeat them.

Live by principles that you have learned from your loved ones. Live by faith.

Tamales from Migsy

TAMALES
Clean and soak the corn shucks in warm water for several hours or overnight.
Dry well and set aside.

Dough:
2 cups Harina~Maseca
1 cup of white corn meal
2 envelopes dry yeast
3 heaping kitchen spoons of Crisco
Hot chicken stock (about 7 dippers)

Soak yeast in warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let rise about 10 minutes.

Mix 2 flours well: add stock enough to beat dough. Add yeast and shortening. Beat at a high speed until fluffy. Add salt to taste. Test dough, dropping a small amount in a cup of cold water to see if it floats.

Let dough rest for awhile until fluffy.

Form dough into tamales and palce mole and shredded chicken.

Cook over steam for 1 hour.

Can freeze afterwards and save until later. Celebrate! Ole!

Banana Bread from Ms. Gibson and Mary Margaret

Banana Bread

1 cup of Wesson oil
2 1/2 cups of sugar
4 eggs
1 cup of sour cream
2/3 - 1 cup of chopped nuts(optional)
2 tsp. soda
2 tsp. real vanilla
3 cups of flour
4 mashed ripe bananas

1. Cream oil and sugar together.
2. Sift flour and soda.
3. Add all the ingredients.
4. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans.
5. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes at 325*
6. Use toothpick to check for doneness.
7. 2 loaves of bread! YEAH! You can freeze them!
8. Serve with honey walnut spread!