Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Here is an easy and tasty recipe for a warm spring or summer day! It is refreshing and won't heat up your kitchen!

Taco Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 3 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup Catalina salad dressing
• Tortilla chips

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the taco seasoning; cool.
Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into meat mixture. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onion, green pepper and dressing; toss to coat. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield: 6 servings.

Spring Thoughts...

What things have you noticed and enjoyed on these spring days?

...my rosebush blooming with pretty pink flowers.
...little baby sprigs of grass poking through the front lawn.
...the robins and other birds coming to take a drink or a bath in the puddles when the sprinkler is on.
...the beautiful sunshine in the clear blue skies.
...the snow-capped mountain view.
...the new leaf buds and baby leaves on our big, old tree in the backyard.
...the warm, balmy days and the refreshing, cool days.
...the night sky full of stars.
...the smell of dinner on the grill.
...the open windows and the fresh breezes in our home.

Spring Campaign-The Civil War!

Today was the first day of our Spring Campaign at our church-Lighthouse Baptist.
The theme for these five weeks is the Civil War. We have divided the adults of the church into two teams - the North and the South. Each team or army has a general - Bro. Shaun Traynor for the South and Bro. Mark Cabagnon for the North. Bro. Mark and Bro. Shaun are actually brothers-in-law in our church...married to twin sisters!
Today, we had 25 adult visitors come for the first day of the campaign! It was Family Sunday...you received double points for your team if you brought an adult family member who was a visitor.
There was a great spirit in the church! Everyone is excited to serve the Lord together as a church family...or army!
The auditorium was decorated by our Pastor's wife-Mrs. Carla Ralstin. She did an awesome job! The pictures of General Lee and General Grant were actually drawn freehand by one of the men of our church...with a Sharpie! So amazing! It was all amazing!
Oh yes...do you notice the fountain in one of the pictures? This is a real working fountain. During the invitation during the evening service...people at the altar praying...the invitation song being played at the piano...a visitor being led to the Lord in the front pew...the Preacher giving the invitation to come forward...
and...
a man climbing the platform and throwing coins into the fountain!
I am serious! A visitor actually walked up onto the platform and tossed coins into the fountain during the invitation! I don't think anyone that saw it will ever forget it! You know...those times that you are supposed to be quiet and you are dying to laugh!
Oh yes. That was tonight.
Praise the Lord for another wonderful day to serve Him!

A New Addition...

Yesterday, we had a blessing from one of our church friends, Bro. Vern. Also known as Papa Vern to our daughters! :)
One of his daughters was buying a new loveseat for their bedroom and was getting rid of the old one. Bro. Vern thought of our family and was able to get the loveseat for our home. This morning, I steam cleaned it...and it is ready to go in our living room! It rocks as well as is a double recliner!
So nice! The girls are breaking it in right now watching Little House on the Prairie before their bedtime.
God is good to bless us with such wonderful Christian friends!

Frenchman's Lake, CA-Day Trip!

On Monday, we took a family day to Frenchman's Lake in California! It was our first daytrip in our truck. Eric's dad - Papa Tastet - came along for the day. I packed a big lunch full of goodies...the fishing equipment...chairs...towels...etc. and off we went! The weather was gorgeous...80 degrees and sunny! Eric was able to take his kayak out of the lake to do some fishing. The girls played along the water and in the sand. I sat back in my chair...enjoyed the sun...and read my Reminisce magazine. :)
We didn't catch anything but a couple of nice fishermen gave us four trout that they had caught.
Some days...it is just wonderful to kick back...and enjoy everything around you!

Ladies Jubilee!

Our church ladies that attended the Ladies Jubilee.

Me, Shannon, Mrs. Ralstin (our pastor's wife) and Rachelle (our pastor's daughter.)

The pastor's daughter of Rock of Ages, Darlene, and me. We were friends from HAC.

The lady speakers for the Ladies Jubilee.

I have so much to catch you up on...yet no time to do it! LOL! So I will take it one post at a time!

The weather has been gorgeous here in Reno! Three days in the 80's with beautiful sunshine! I am trying to take advantage of it...working outside while the sun shines!

I will start with Saturday...
"Ladies Jubilee"
The ladies of our church went to a neighboring church on Saturday to attend their Ladies Jubilee. The church was Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Fallon, NV. It was my first time to attend. We had 8 ladies/teen girls from our church attend. The conference was held from 9AM - 4PM. There were many wonderful lady speakers from Nevada, California and Oregon. I believe my favorite for the day was Mrs. Ray from Napa, CA. What a blessing her talks were! So real and down to earth. The church provided a delicious free lunch for all the ladies. It was a Mexican theme with enchilada casseroles, quesadillas, chips and salsa, salad and a variety of yummy desserts. We also participated in a Bible Bowl.
It was a wonderful, encouraging and inspiring day of Christian fellowship and teachings!

Pajama Day!

Today, I am having a proclaimed "Pajama Day"!
LOL! You see, I am usually up by 6AM every morning to go babysit at 7AM-9AM. So I don't have any lazy days...sleep in...lounge in the PJ's. So since today is cloudy, cold and blustery (sounds like a Winnie the Pooh day!)...I think I will stay in my PJ's...for awhile anyway!
I will finish my laundry, make a batch of chocolate chip cookies for a neighbor who is having surgery tomorrow, drink some warm tea.
And tomorrow, I will go back to my regular schedule. :)

A Tastet Easter in Reno, Nevada!

"A Tastet Easter in Reno, Nevada"

I hope you had a blessed Easter! This morning, I got up at 4:45am to finish preparing my food for our church Easter breakfast. While the food was cooking, I was able to enjoy a cup of coffee and read the account of Jesus dying on the cross and then His glorious resurrection! We then all got ready for the day in our Easter outfits...so fun! My Easter outfit was special to me because of the great deals I got! My sister sent me a cute coral flowered skirt...and I found a tan purse, white sandals and a white suit jacket...all at the Goodwill! I matched the skirt and jacket with a coral tank top that I already had and a new necklace that I got for my birthday from my mother-in-law! It was one of those times...it just couldn't have came together any more perfectly and I thank the Lord for His goodness!
We had a wonderful "Son-Rise" service at 8:00 AM outside on the church lawn. The Lord also blessed us with an absolutely gorgeous sun-filled day - 70 degrees! After the service, we had a delicious potluck breakfast with lots of egg casseroles, breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, donuts, fruit salads and more! In my husband and my SS class, we had our highest attendance so far of 25! Eric gave a wonderful and thought-provoking lesson on the Resurrection. We also had more blessings...Eric's boss - the manager of the camping dept. where he works - Brandon - came to church for the first time! Also another fellow camping employee - Heather and her mom, Loretta, visited our class as well. For the church service, Eric's friend, Don and his dad, Jim, came for the second week. God is so good!
For the afternoon, we enjoyed a nice, quiet afternoon at home. Eric grilled some hamburgers on the grill. I made a ranch and bacon pasta salad, baked beans and strawberry shortcake for dessert! Mmm-good! Nothing says spring like strawberry shortcake!
And tomorrow, I will sleep in for it is spring break! No babysitting this week!

Easter Dinner Recipe: Pineapple Mustard Ham

Getting ready for your Easter dinner? Here is an Easter ham recipe for you!

Pineapple Mustard Ham

Ingredients:

• 1/2 spiral-sliced or semi-boneless fully cooked ham (8 to 10 pounds)
• 1 jar (12 ounces) apple jelly
• 1 jar (12 ounces) pineapple ice cream topping
• 1 container (1-3/4 ounces) ground mustard
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon pepper

Directions:

Place ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Cover and bake at 325° for 1-3/4 hours.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients until blended. Pour over the ham. Bake, uncovered, 30-45 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 140°. Yield: 16-20 servings.

Easter Breakfast Recipe: Hearty Breakfast Egg Bake

Happy Good Friday! Here is a delicious egg casserole to make for your Easter breakfast! It is my favorite morning casserole...I will be making it for our church's Easter breakfast.

Hearty Breakfast Egg Bake

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds bulk pork sausage
• 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 eggs
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk

Directions:

Crumble sausage into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with hash browns and cheese. In a large bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients; pour over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Yield: 8 servings.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #9

Tip #9: Check Batteries & Stay Safe!

1. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

2. Perform all required safety checks.

3. If you don't own a fire extinguisher, purchase one. Learn how to use it and keep it in the kitchen.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #8

Tip #8: Wash Your Windows!

1. Wash your windows inside and outside.

2. Use a commercial glass spray, or try a homemade solution of two tablespoons of ammonia or vinegar and a quart of water. Then use lint-free cloths, strong paper towels, or crumpled newspapers to rub away streaks.

3. Don't forget to clean storm windows and screens.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #7

Tip 7: Clear Out Your Kitchen!

1. Take time to clear out your pantry, kitchen cabinets, and drawers.

2. Wipe out and install fresh shelf paper.

3. Store or donate equipment you don't use, such as small appliances or cookware.

4. Discard stale spices or dated items such as baking powder.

5. Clean the refrigerator and freezer.

6. Vacuum the cooling coils under or behind your refrigerator.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #6

Tip #6: Clean Your Bathrooms!

1. You may scrub your bathroom every week, but now it's time to battle clutter and refresh old products.

2. Go through your medicine cabinets and safely discard any outdated products.

3. Replace worn bath mats, shower curtains, and liners, or wash and dry shower curtains and liners.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #5

Tip #5: Clean Up, Down, and All Around!

1. Clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and mirrors.

2. Dust or wash window blinds, and replace bent or worn mini blinds.

3. Wash and iron curtains or have them cleaned.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #4

Tip #4: Clean Floors & More!

1. Wash and/or wax floors, depending on their material.

Then, deep-clean rugs or have them professionally cleaned.

2. Wash baseboards.

3. Vacuum upholstery and draperies.

4. Dust and wax wood furniture.

5. Flip sofa and chair cushions.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #3

Tip #3: Freshen Bedrooms!

1. Rotate and flip mattresses.

2. Wash blankets or comforters or take them to be cleaned.

3. Wash mattress pad and bed skirt.

4. Have pillows professionally cleaned or hang them outside in the fresh air, or freshen with the air (no heat) cycle of your clothes dryer.

5. Wash or dry clean rugs.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #2

Tip #2: Make a Wardrobe Transition!

Now that it's warm outside and Easter is coming close, it is time to make the transition from winter clothes to spring and summer clothing.

1. Have your winter clothing cleaned.

2. Put away gloves, winter clothing items, and boots.

3. Unpack from storage your spring and summer clothing. Wash or freshen and iron as needed. Hang in closet or fold into drawers.

4. Don't forget to bring out your sandals and flip flops! Tis the spring season!

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tip #1

Yes, it is spring! Along with spring should come a fresh start in your home...open up your windows and let's get started! For the next few days, I will be posting tips on spring cleaning.

Don't feel overwhelmed...just pick one and do it! Pretty soon, your work will be done and you will be ready to go outside and enjoy the fresh breezes of summer!

Tip #1: Get Organized!

Kick off your spring cleaning by getting organized:

Pick up and eliminate clutter in each room before you start cleaning. You will not be able to properly clean if you have clutter sitting around.

Sort through your shelves, cabinets, and bedroom and hall closets. Dig into the places that you don't face everyday and find out what's there! You might be surprised!

Spring cleaning time is a great time to go through your belongings. Ask yourself...do I really use or need this? What am I storing this for?

The golden rule of organization:

A place for everything and everything in its place!

Reminder: In order to have a place for everything, when you buy something new - you must either have a place already for it or you must get rid of something to make a place for your new item.

Example:

My clothes closet is only so BIG! If I keep buying clothes and do not get rid of ones I don't wear or need, I will eventually run out of space. Then the clothes get laid on dressers, on the bed, on the floor...Then you are back to Square #1! We have become unorganized again!

If we only can get to the point of facing our clutter AND dealing with it...we could change our entire life!

Easter Recipe: Peeps Sunflower Cake

This would make a great centerpiece or dessert for your Easter dinner! And hey...it would also use up the Peeps in your Easter basket (that you always get and never eat!) LOL!

Peeps Sunflower Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) chocolate frosting
• 19 yellow chick Peeps candies
• 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using two greased and waxed paper-lined 9-in. round baking pans. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely; carefully remove waxed paper.
Level tops of cakes. Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of cake.
Without separating Peeps and curving slightly to fit, arrange chicks around edge of cake for sunflower petals. For sunflower seeds, arrange chocolate chips in center of cake. Yield: 12 servings.