I'm a fan of the Rachael Ray show & yesterday she made a dish that looks special enough to serve for Valentines Day dinner. I'll post in February how it turned out :) Yummo!
Orange-Cashew Chicken with Broccoli
Dinner
ingredients
5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
7 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 6 ounces each, cut into large bite sizes pieces
Salt and pepper
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 red bell peppers, sliced
1 16-ounce bag of broccoli florets
1 rounded teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon (half a palmful)
ground coriander
2 oranges, zest and juice
1/2 cup tamari dark soy sauce (eyeball it)
3 tablespoons honey (eyeball it)
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon corn starch
1, 2 or 3 cups -- as many cups of roasted, unsalted cashews as you like
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped, 2 generous handfuls
Preparation
Preheat a large, deep skillet over high heat with 3 turns of the pan of vegetable oil, about 3 tablespoons. Season the chicken with some salt and pepper and brown the meat; brown it in 2 batches if necessary. Once the meat has browned, remove to a plate and reserve. Return the skillet to the heat, add 2 turns of the pan of vegetable oil, the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, broccoli, crushed red pepper flakes and coriander.
Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes or until the veggies start to get tender. Add the orange zest and juice, soy sauce and honey. Stir, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot. Add the chicken stock and bring up to a simmer, add the browned chicken back to the pot and cook another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Put the corn starch in a small bowl along with a little splash of water and stir, once combined add to the pot to thicken up the sauce a bit. Add the cashews – as many as you want! Serve the cashew chicken over ginger noodles or rice and garnish with some of the chopped cilantro.
Yields 8 servings
aired on: January 30, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
So Long Status Quo
One one my favorite songs, "Brave" by Nichole Nordeman has made me do some soul searching since the beginning of the year. Websters dictionary defines status quo as: –noun " the existing state or conditioning". I began to think about this and realized who I am is not defined by what I own or status I hold in the world.
Just take a look at everyday advertising in the world & people who are trying to live the "American Dream" by buying cars, houses, and all the latest in technology-- mistakingly thinking that defines who they are. Who I am is defined in Jesus Christ, not by the world standards. We all are special to God & we are the "apple of God's eye" ("Keep me as the apple of your eye" Psalm 17:8)
The truth is that all of us have a deep desire to be loved by God built into us. It seems easier for us to believe that God loves the world, but we have a hard time accepting that God loves us specifically. But, when we just let go of the world standards and start focusing on who we are in Christ, it is easier to find our purpose in life-- which is building the Kingdom of God while we are here on Earth. :)
So, so long status quo--I think I'll just let go, you make me want to be brave!
Just take a look at everyday advertising in the world & people who are trying to live the "American Dream" by buying cars, houses, and all the latest in technology-- mistakingly thinking that defines who they are. Who I am is defined in Jesus Christ, not by the world standards. We all are special to God & we are the "apple of God's eye" ("Keep me as the apple of your eye" Psalm 17:8)
The truth is that all of us have a deep desire to be loved by God built into us. It seems easier for us to believe that God loves the world, but we have a hard time accepting that God loves us specifically. But, when we just let go of the world standards and start focusing on who we are in Christ, it is easier to find our purpose in life-- which is building the Kingdom of God while we are here on Earth. :)
So, so long status quo--I think I'll just let go, you make me want to be brave!
Monday, January 29, 2007
An Ah-Ha Moment!
Some of you might or might not know that my 5 year old son was diagnosed with a mild form of autism (PDD) when he was 3. My husband, Joel and I have struggled with this & the many challenges of raising Noah. You laugh, you cry and just pray to God that one day your child will completely be healed. Ive known the challenges-- some people just dont understand what it is like to raise a child who is different (or special--as my husband and I like to call Noah)
A relevelation came to me the other day while watching an interview with Anne Graham Lotz (who happens to be Billy Graham's daughter) She was talking about how she received a gift from her Mother--a basket. Unknown to her, wrapped in tissue paper inside the basket was a rare ring ( linked back to Queen Esther in biblical times) that she threw away, thinking the basket was the gift.
The revelation came to me when she said that she threw out the ring wrapped in tissue-- just because she didnt like the way it was wrapped. This spoke to my spirit immediately about Noah. Okay-- Noah may be "wrapped" differently than other children, but I shouldnt disregard Noahs disability-- as there is a rare gem inside of him & always will be. :) :) :)
I love how the Lord speaks to our spirit using other peoples experiences. I pray that my revelation will be a word of encouragement for other parents facing the challenge of autism (or any other disability) as well. :)
A relevelation came to me the other day while watching an interview with Anne Graham Lotz (who happens to be Billy Graham's daughter) She was talking about how she received a gift from her Mother--a basket. Unknown to her, wrapped in tissue paper inside the basket was a rare ring ( linked back to Queen Esther in biblical times) that she threw away, thinking the basket was the gift.
The revelation came to me when she said that she threw out the ring wrapped in tissue-- just because she didnt like the way it was wrapped. This spoke to my spirit immediately about Noah. Okay-- Noah may be "wrapped" differently than other children, but I shouldnt disregard Noahs disability-- as there is a rare gem inside of him & always will be. :) :) :)
I love how the Lord speaks to our spirit using other peoples experiences. I pray that my revelation will be a word of encouragement for other parents facing the challenge of autism (or any other disability) as well. :)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Feeling Creative
I am trying to pass the time & distract myself while I am recovering from bronchitis; so I am dabbling with some digital scrapbooking. Here is my latest creation of my son, Noah.
Friday, January 26, 2007
We're Going on a Field trip!
The joys of having children is getting to share in the fun & discovery. On Wednesday; I volunteered to go on a field trip with Noahs preschool class to Bainbridge Island & back. It was a surprisingly rare, sunny day-- so this added to the fun. All four preschool classes, parents & teachers enjoyed the view on the 30 minute ride to Bainbridge Island. It was fun to watch the children who have never been on a ferry before-- they were absolutely mesmerized by it all.
I was able to get some great shots of the scenery as well... :)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
20 Things....
20 Things You may or may not know about Me...
1) Im a self confessed, bona-fide neat nick. Its a must that my house has to be semi-clutter free at all times. I have heard that psychologicly that clutter can cause stress, so I dont feel so bad cleaning-- as I am just reducing stress, which does make me feel better... LOL)
2) My first full time job was a Certified Nurses Assistant. ( although I ditched the bedpans to change diapers when I was pg with my first born) I originally wanted to be a Licensed Practical Nurse, but it worked out for the best cause my life went in a different direction-- I discovered on year while volunteering in my son Josh's kindergarten class; how teaching ECE was so much fun!
3) Im lactose intolerant. Its a pain in the patotties (parden the pun!)
4) Im a chocoholic.... especially dark chocolate... oh, and coffee and chocolate are the bomb! You can find me visiting Starbucks at least once a week in the Winter months. :)
5) I have blue eyes, so sunglasses are a must have! I even keep the light turned off in the bathroom when I first wake up in the morning to let me eyes adjust!
6) Im a transplanted Californian. Moved to Washington State when I was 10 years old when my Mom re-married.
7) I love to write & wrote my first published childrens story in 2006; inspired by my son, Noah :)
8) My oldest son is 19 and my youngest son just turned 5. I think that the Lord thinks Im better off raising boys, then girls... LOL
9) I went back to college and got my college degree when I was 33! I have an associates degree in Early Childhood Education.
10) Depending on my mood, I can be a social butterfly. I have a small group of friends, but I also enjoy total solitude. Im pretty much a quiet, laid back person.... but, I also can be chatty at times!
11) I believe you can make or break your own destiny... just by the pattern of your own thought patterns-- positive or negative. In other words, "Where the Mind goes... Man follows"!
12) Im not a morning person! I cherish Saturday mornings when I get to sleep in until at least 9 am!
13) Im known to procrastinate.... I tend to put off things, a habit Im trying to break!
14) Been to my 1rst off broadway play in 2006 in Chicago! (The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee) I'd love to see a real Broadway play in New York in the future. Cats? Pippin? maybe??
15) I have Southern roots-- both on my Mom and dads side of the family. (Oklahoma & Texas) I think I'd make a better country mouse than a city mouse.
16.) I can be described as a glass half full type of person.
17) I sometimes consider myself to be quirky & eccentric... but, hey, Id rather be that than try to copy someone else. Im an original & God doesnt make no junk!
18) My favorite seasons are Spring (Season of rebirth, plus celebration of Jesus overcoming the cross!) and Fall (Harvest time, pumpkin pie and the pretty fall colors on the trees are amazingly breathtaking!)
19) Purple, green and burgandy are my fav. colors.
20) I follow Christianity & accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior when I was a teenager. The older I get; the more I dont trust the world and its values. I'd rather put my trust in God, who has already overcome the world! :)
1) Im a self confessed, bona-fide neat nick. Its a must that my house has to be semi-clutter free at all times. I have heard that psychologicly that clutter can cause stress, so I dont feel so bad cleaning-- as I am just reducing stress, which does make me feel better... LOL)
2) My first full time job was a Certified Nurses Assistant. ( although I ditched the bedpans to change diapers when I was pg with my first born) I originally wanted to be a Licensed Practical Nurse, but it worked out for the best cause my life went in a different direction-- I discovered on year while volunteering in my son Josh's kindergarten class; how teaching ECE was so much fun!
3) Im lactose intolerant. Its a pain in the patotties (parden the pun!)
4) Im a chocoholic.... especially dark chocolate... oh, and coffee and chocolate are the bomb! You can find me visiting Starbucks at least once a week in the Winter months. :)
5) I have blue eyes, so sunglasses are a must have! I even keep the light turned off in the bathroom when I first wake up in the morning to let me eyes adjust!
6) Im a transplanted Californian. Moved to Washington State when I was 10 years old when my Mom re-married.
7) I love to write & wrote my first published childrens story in 2006; inspired by my son, Noah :)
8) My oldest son is 19 and my youngest son just turned 5. I think that the Lord thinks Im better off raising boys, then girls... LOL
9) I went back to college and got my college degree when I was 33! I have an associates degree in Early Childhood Education.
10) Depending on my mood, I can be a social butterfly. I have a small group of friends, but I also enjoy total solitude. Im pretty much a quiet, laid back person.... but, I also can be chatty at times!
11) I believe you can make or break your own destiny... just by the pattern of your own thought patterns-- positive or negative. In other words, "Where the Mind goes... Man follows"!
12) Im not a morning person! I cherish Saturday mornings when I get to sleep in until at least 9 am!
13) Im known to procrastinate.... I tend to put off things, a habit Im trying to break!
14) Been to my 1rst off broadway play in 2006 in Chicago! (The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee) I'd love to see a real Broadway play in New York in the future. Cats? Pippin? maybe??
15) I have Southern roots-- both on my Mom and dads side of the family. (Oklahoma & Texas) I think I'd make a better country mouse than a city mouse.
16.) I can be described as a glass half full type of person.
17) I sometimes consider myself to be quirky & eccentric... but, hey, Id rather be that than try to copy someone else. Im an original & God doesnt make no junk!
18) My favorite seasons are Spring (Season of rebirth, plus celebration of Jesus overcoming the cross!) and Fall (Harvest time, pumpkin pie and the pretty fall colors on the trees are amazingly breathtaking!)
19) Purple, green and burgandy are my fav. colors.
20) I follow Christianity & accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior when I was a teenager. The older I get; the more I dont trust the world and its values. I'd rather put my trust in God, who has already overcome the world! :)
Friday, January 19, 2007
New Years Goals
Its been more than two weeks into the New Year; so I thought I would jot down my goals for 2007. I prefer to set goals rather than resolutions, cause goals are more easily attainable. They say a Goal isnt a goal until they are written down, so here goes:
Spiritual Goals:
Feed my spirit daily by reading a morning devotional & a chapter in my bible.
Attend church & continue to serve in childrens ministry.
Pray with my husband & solitarily
Keep tithing 10 percent& giving (as the Holy spirit leads).
Personal Goals:
Believe for the best year EVER!
Exercise at least 3-4 times a week... 30 minutes a day
Eat more healthier foods (more veggies, fruits, etc)
Drink more water (something that I really have to work on!)
Complete one scrapbook album
Volunteer once a week at son's school.
Home Improvement Goals:
Interior walls of townhouse painted by Spring/Summer
Declutter/Organize as needed
Family Goals:
Take a fun family trip this year
Spiritual Goals:
Feed my spirit daily by reading a morning devotional & a chapter in my bible.
Attend church & continue to serve in childrens ministry.
Pray with my husband & solitarily
Keep tithing 10 percent& giving (as the Holy spirit leads).
Personal Goals:
Believe for the best year EVER!
Exercise at least 3-4 times a week... 30 minutes a day
Eat more healthier foods (more veggies, fruits, etc)
Drink more water (something that I really have to work on!)
Complete one scrapbook album
Volunteer once a week at son's school.
Home Improvement Goals:
Interior walls of townhouse painted by Spring/Summer
Declutter/Organize as needed
Family Goals:
Take a fun family trip this year
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Its all about Attitude
I was reading this in one of my magazines that I subscribe to & thought this is a fresh new way of thinking to start out the new year; as life is just to short to sweat the small stuff. As I get older, I have come to realize that what you put out into the universe, eventually comes right back to us, even with our attitudes:
"I have come to realize the impact our attitude has on our lives. Attitude is more important than facts.
It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. And so it is ...we are in charge of our attitudes."
"I have come to realize the impact our attitude has on our lives. Attitude is more important than facts.
It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. And so it is ...we are in charge of our attitudes."
There is Just something about a new calendar
One thing about the New Year that I love is getting a brand new calendar. In fact, it has become a tradition for my husband to get me a calendar as a Christmas present every year. I love the idea how the days are like blank slates... the year is fresh and new, just waiting for the days to be filled in. Joy! Everyone gets a fresh start to start over again in their lives, leaving their past mistakes, bloopers & not so great days of their lives behind them.
This devotional caught my eye today about slowing down & enjoying the journey. Now, that is a great concept. I heard someone say that the the days are long, but the years are short. So very true-- 2006 just whizzed past us & all of a sudden, my not so little anymore baby is 5 now & my oldest and middle sons will be turning 20 and 18 this year!!!!! I intend to slow down & enjoy the journey that the Lord has placed before me in 2007....
How about you? Happy New Year!
Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey
Today's Scripture
"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You that You have my best in mind. Give me patience as I wait upon Your timing and make the journey one step at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.
This devotional caught my eye today about slowing down & enjoying the journey. Now, that is a great concept. I heard someone say that the the days are long, but the years are short. So very true-- 2006 just whizzed past us & all of a sudden, my not so little anymore baby is 5 now & my oldest and middle sons will be turning 20 and 18 this year!!!!! I intend to slow down & enjoy the journey that the Lord has placed before me in 2007....
How about you? Happy New Year!
Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey
Today's Scripture
"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You that You have my best in mind. Give me patience as I wait upon Your timing and make the journey one step at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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