Mother's Day is coming!

  Mother's Day is fast approaching! Mother's are so special!  Mother's have great influence! When I say Mothers I am speaking of WOMEN. Women who have given birth to children, and also to those GREAT women who touch the lives of all those around them. They sacrifice and give so much of themselves!  What a responsibility and privileged it is to be a mother! Years ago my sweet mother gave me this beautiful book entitled Heaven's Touch A Tribute To Women. This book has fantastic art and tender quotes about womanhood.  It is a touching and inspiring book!  It would even make a great gift! I am so grateful to be a women and have the opportunity to be a mother. Although there might be challenges that come with the calling of motherhood..There is nothing that can completely describe the blessings and the JOY that accompany women and their efforts in doing such GREAT service. It is important to tell the special women in our lives how much we appreciate them every day, through our words and actions. Mother's Day is a day to give that extra gratitude! Here is one of the quotes in the book..

     

   "Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels."

Lasagna Recipe!

    Lasagna is one of our family favorites!  I always feel happy when I make something for the family that they like..There is a special rewarding feeling that comes when there are fed tummies and happy faces.  I love to cook and bake for my family! I make many things without a recipe. Needless to say, a certain dish may taste slightly different the next time.  I learned how to cook from helping my mom. She was always putting things together. She is a SUPER cook. In fact, the lasagna that I make comes from the recipe my mom made when I was young.  I am sure the way I make the lasagna is different than how she makes it, but I decided I would write down the lasagna recipe that I make and share it. The next time I make lasagna it may be a bit different then this time. You may want to alter some ingredients or try adding new ones..I do it all the time.  For example, you may want to use ground beef instead of ground turkey or add spinach, YUMMY!
     When I was at the grocery store getting the lasagna noodles, (which were on the very top shelf) I thought they were out, because I couldn't see them. As I stretch on my tip toes ( I'm 5' 3" ) I saw some in the way back. Hmmm, I couldn't reach! Lucky for me a taller lady walked by and grabbed herself some.  I asked if she could get me a box too. When I got home, I notice the kind lady handed me oven ready noodles vs regular noodles you boil.  I have never used oven ready noodles before, until now. The lasagna in the picture is with oven ready noodles and I must say, I liked the noodles.  Use whatever works for you.  Both noodles turn out GREAT!

RECIPE:

 8-10 lasagna noodles

   2lb lean ground turkey

1 medium onion diced

2 (15oz cans) tomato sauce

1 (14.5oz can) Italian recipe diced tomatoes

1 (6oz can) tomato paste

 2 tsp crushed basil

 1/8-1/4 tsp ground pepper

 1 tsp ground garlic

 2 1/2 cups of cottage cheese

  1 Tbsp parsley

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4-1/2 tsp pepper

 2 beaten eggs

 3 cups mozzarella cheese

    For the noodles cook as directed on the package or use oven ready. If boiling your noodles, cook and brown your turkey and onion while the noodles cook. Also, you can add some salt and pepper to meat while browning.  When turkey is cooked all the way and onion is tender drain off any excess fat. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, and paste.  If the tomatoes seem too big, even though they are diced, you can cut them smaller. Add the basil, pepper and garlic. Stir and let simmer for at least 20 min.  This allows the flavors to mix. While sauce is simmering put the cottage cheese in a small-medium bowl.  Then add parsley, parmesan cheese, pepper, and the eggs.  Mix well with a fork. If using noodles you boil, after you drain them, rinse them so they won't stick together.  

Time to put the lasagna together!

    Get out a 9x13 baking dish.  Line the bottom with noodles about four across the bottom. (they will overlap some.) If using oven ready put a little sauce on the bottom first..The noodles need the moisture. I also noticed the noodles were smaller, so I did about five noodles across and one on the end opposite direction. Then spread half the cottage cheese mixture on the noodles. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese. Spread half the meat sauce.  Repeat layers again. Noodles, cheese mixture, cheese, meat sauce.  Sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese on the top center for garnish.  Turn oven to 350 degrees and cook for about 30-40 minutes. Should be bubbling and cheese garnish melted. When I used oven ready noodles, I put the lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees and baked it for 60-75 minutes (until noodles are tender when poked with a fork).  Let it cool 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow it to set. If not set enough and too hot, it will fall apart when cutting a slice and dishing it out. It is still yummy though! It came out DELICIOUS! If you need a good bib, click HERE!

Fabric Flower Shirt Front!

  Spring brings flowers right?  It may be warm in some places, but it is still chilly at our house.  I don't think the flowers will be out for a while. So we made some of our own. :)  I added three small pink fabric flowers to a purple shirt my little girl had.  The flowers made the old hammy down more lively and fun! My little sweetie loves the new shirt..which makes me smile!
1. Cut three 1"x11" strips of fabric.

 2. Fold fabric in half long ways. Sew a basting stitch down the frayed edge if you want it clean or down the folded edge if you like the frayed look. Pull thread to gather strip.

3.Start making the flower by wrapping it into a spiral. If I was making a clip I would use fabric glue to hold it together. I wanted to be sure they could go through the wash okay, so I took a needle and thread and sewed the back together. Just keep going through the layers securing the flower.

 4. Sew flowers on the shirt.

                                              Sweet and Simple!

Save That Art!

 I have this wall hanging mini plate rack that my mom gave me years ago.  It's real cute, but I only had some holiday plates for Halloween and Christmas.  I found some small wood frames that I painted a long while ago that fit..so I decided to embroider some artwork from my kids and frame them.  Turned out SUPER cute! I love it and the kids love it! They LOVE to see their art on the wall!

                              Find a frame, fill it up and hang it on the wall!

                                     PERFECT for saving all that cute little art!!

Spring Feast!

  Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons!  I love the weather and the smell in the air!  Both seasons have a motivating effect on me.

 In the spring the sun shines warm and blooming begins. Everything starts to turn green and become alive. I also love these seasons because of the words I am able to hear..words of the Lord's servants. Every April and October members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints all over the world gather to hear the words of the Prophet of God. For two days we receive counsel and have an opportunity to be taught. As I listened this last weekend to the words spoken, mostly the quiet whisperings and impressions of the spirit, I felt as though I had been FED. I was spiritually fed..inspired and moved to change and become better. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and can see His hand in my life. Everyone, every being on this earth, those who lived and will yet live, are God's children! We have divine qualities and characteristics! He LOVES us and has prepared a plan that can bring us happiness in this life and eternal JOY in the next. Our Heavenly Father sent his Son Jesus Christ to show us the way to live. Jesus Christ teaches us how to find happiness and to become like our Father in Heaven.  Jesus made it possible for us to change, and to return to our Father in Heaven. My gratitude overflows for the continued opportunities the Lord gives me to change, to grow and find TRUE happiness. Each of us will have our own opportunities for growth. Although sometimes this growth may not seem easy, we can be assured that we are never alone.  The Lord is ALWAYS there and is ever so willing to help us along the path of life. I am grateful for the rejuvenating strength..the spiritual spring feast I received once again at conference! God's plan is perfect and made for ALL!

The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints