RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Steffani's Quick & Yummy Salsa

• 2 cans petite diced tomatoes (or 4 large, ripe tomatoes, diced)
• 1 large white onion, finely chopped
• 1 fresh jalapeno=mild; 2 jalapenos=medium; 3 jalapenos=hot; 4 jalapenos=flaming hot, finely chopped
• 1 hand full cilantro, finely chopped
• 3/4 can tomato sauce (add until the consistency is what you desire)

-Mix everything together in a bowl.  I love using the Pampered Chef Food Chopper, it makes everything easier and less messy.  Feel free to add more or less of anything to your liking.

-Serve with chips!

*This recipe receives 5 stars!*****

"MUST-HAVE" MONDAY

Extra Large Ziploc Bags

I love these giant Ziploc Bags!  They're perfect for storing anything.  Before I found these, I put my kid's clothes in big plastic bins.  They were awkward and took up too much room.  Now I use these handy Ziplocs!  I put different sizes in different bags and then label them with a marker.  They are airtight, inexpensive, and don't take up nearly as much room.

SNOW SNOW GO AWAY, COME AGAIN ANOTHER.....

WINTER!!!!

This is what we woke up to this morning! Blah!!! My pretty purple and orange pansies were covered in SNOW! I am so ready for, well, I would say SPRING, but it is already SPRING!!! I am just ready for it to be continuously warm! Good thing pansies are frost hardy!

THE OFFICE

Just a reminder to all of you Office fans. It's finally on again tonight after the long break due to the writer's strike! I am so excited! YIPEE!!!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Meatball Pie

• 1 Pillsbury refrigerator pie crust dough
• 18 cooked meatballs, thawed (I buy frozen)
• 1 can corn
• 1 c. thick & chunky salsa
• 1 c. grated cheddar cheese
• sour cream

-Mix meatballs, corn & salsa in a bowl.  Spread and flatten the dough on a cookie sheet.  Place the meatball mixture in the center of the dough and fold dough up and press together making the shape of a bread bowl.  (There will be an opening at the top.)  Then sprinkle the top with cheese.  Bake @ 375 degrees for 40-45 min. or until golden brown.  Cut into slices and serve with sour cream.

*The Pillsbury pie dough comes in a red rectangular shaped box with 2 rolls of dough.  You will only need one roll of dough for this recipe.

*This recipe receives 3 stars! ***

MOTHERHOOD

Recently I signed up for a Facebook account. I have been able to see all of these people from my past that I went to high school and college with. Looking at their profiles, I have been amazed at their successes! Some have their graduate degrees, others have traveled the world. Some of the women have incredible paying jobs in corporate positions. Many of these people aren't married and most of the people who are married don't have children. Looking at all of this has honestly made me wonder about my own life and accomplishments. I haven't traveled the world and I didn't even finish college.... I am a mom.

Elder M. Russell Ballard

~Listen to his talk here.~

The talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard yesterday at General Conference, is exactly what I needed to hear. (Every husband should read this talk!) He gave his talk on the importance of being a mother. He says, "No role in life is more essential and more eternal than motherhood." His talk was very funny and oh so true. He made me feel appreciated in what I am doing with my life.... being a mom. He says, "The family is central to the creators plan for the eternal destiny of his children."

At the end of Elder Ballard's talk he spoke to the children, telling them what they can do to help their mothers. He told them to pick up their toys, make their bed, help do the dishes and other chores, remember to say thank you after dinner or a story book is read, and always hug your mom and say, "I love you." Addi actually listened to this part of the talk. She was very excited that the man on the T.V. was talking to her. All day today she has been reminding me of what he said, "Mommy, remember what the Apostle said yesterday? He told me to pick up my toys and make my bed and say thank you and I love you." She knew that the man on the T.V. was an important person and without question she has been doing what he told her.

Indeed I have felt a little insignificant surrounded by so many successful people, but I do know that the choices I have made for myself are correct.... in God's eye and in my own eyes. I love being a mom and wouldn't trade it for the world! My kids means so much to me, I can't help but tear-up while writing this entry. No job, travel, or physical possession will ever bring me greater joy than being a mom. This is confirmed to me everyday when I look at my two beautiful and precious little girls.

"MUST-HAVE" MONDAY

Yes, I know that it is not Monday, but my sister has been bugging me to post because, oh no, I haven't posted in 4 days!!!  In that case I am posting this early.  I have decided to try and post my "must-have's" (maybe not every Monday, but sometimes).  "Must-have's" could include house-hold items, favorite apparel, and what ever else I decide is "must-have."  

Definition-

"Must-have:"  An object that I can't necessarily live with out, but makes my life just a little bit better, easier, or happier.

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap

I don't know what it is about this product, I just love how it smells (many different scents), how it looks sitting by my sink & how it feels on my hands.  I have to have it... it is a "must-have."