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www.firststreetonline.com

Promises, Promises: Understanding and Encouraging Your Husband

By various authors (12 Wives of Prominent Christian Leaders)and Denalyn Lucado (Foreword)

This book is very inspirational for new wives and even those that have enjoyed the privilege for a while. It will help in gaining a new outlook from various viewpoints that will enhance your marriage. This would make a wonderful bridal shower gift or a Christmas gift for any woman but particularly for one recently engaged even.

Are You Coming To The Mom Squad Luncheon??

TIME IS RUNNING OUT AND WE WANT TO SEE YOU THERE!!! Come on out, this Saturday, December 1, 11AM to 1PM, Mapleside Farms, Brunswick, OH for Food, Fellowship, Fun and a chance to win some wonderful Prizes. Order your tickets today and get a bit of relief from the hustle bustle of the holiday season. Below is the direct link.

http://wfhm.salemwebnetwork.com//
subpage.asp?StationId=WFHM-FM&PageNo=667

Great Meals...Great Companies to Simplify Your Life

We know you want your family to eat delicious, nutritious meals. We all do! And we also know that time is of the essence. So, we wanted to make sure you are aware of the following AND we hope you take advantage of these companies at least once. Then write us and let us know about your experience. Each company has its own flair and has its own special offerings.

1. My Girlfriend's - It's Dinner Your Way Every Day - www.mygirlfriendskitchen.com
2. Super Suppers - Your Answer To 'What's For Dinner?' - www.ssgreenoh.com in Ohio
also www.supersuppers.com
3. Tastefully Simple - The food you love, the time you deserve - www.tastefullysimple.com

General Premise:
Make one meal or many meals. Make small meals or large meals. Make meals to eat right away or to freeze for a later date. Company reps can make the meals or you can make your own meals, alter recipes to accommodate your family needs. Save money, save time, bring a friend or 2 along and have fun working on meals together. These companies are phenomenal!!!

Recipe Of The Week - Spinach & Orzo Salad

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Yields: 8 servings

"Orzo pasta is tossed with spinach, red onion, feta cheese, pine nuts, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, creating a delicious, colorful cold salad."

INGREDIENTS:
1 (16 ounce) package
uncooked orzo pasta
1 (10 ounce) package baby
spinach leaves, finely chopped
1/2 pound crumbled feta
cheese
1/2 red onion, finely chopped 3/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground white
pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in spinach, feta, onion, pine nuts, basil and white pepper. Toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Refrigerate and serve cold.

Thank You Messiah International Ministry !

As you all know, The Mom Squad is comprised of Moms AND Dads! And one of our favorite Dads wrote today to inform us of a wonderful ministry that helped many people have a loving place to come to and provided a wonderful meal for Thanksgiving Day. We appreciate Messiah International Ministry and all that reach out to provide a meal and other services throughout the year. Thumbs Up to Messiah International Ministry from The Mom Squad.
- - - - - - - -
The Messiah International Ministry at 98 Center Road in Bedford offered a Thanksgiving dinner to all who came on Thursday. "Daddy" whom you may remember from The Forum had not had the time or resources of late to get together a real Thanksgiving dinner. He called to make sure they would have room for four children and himself. When he arrived, the welcome was phenomenal. The dinner was complete with ALL the trimmings. They had over 15 different items. Everything was wonderful. The hall was set up for hundreds, clean, and well staffed. While he and his family were there, Channel 5 came over and filmed them. They ended up on the 6 o'clock news yesterday. The couple that founded the Ministry are Rev. Harold and Phyllis Carter. This is a Non-Denominational Congregation that is making a difference. If you would like to make a donation or volunteer please contact them messiahim@yahoo.com

WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR - BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY!

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

LET'S PRAY FOR THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. LET'S PRAY FOR THOSE WHOSE LOVED ONES HAVE GONE TO THEIR HEAVENLY HOME THIS YEAR. LET'S PRAY FOR OUR TROUPS AND THEIR FAMILIES. LET'S PRAY FOR THOSE IN HOSPITALS AND THOSE THAT MAY BE ALONE. LET'S PRAY...

Keep Stainless Steel Appliances Looking New

The Mom Squad is always looking for ways to make our lives and yours easier. Stainless Steel appliances have to be the most difficult appliances to keep looking nice and clean. Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit ($7) from 3M makes it easy to keep those appliances looking like new. The kit includes a rectangular handle and six pads, pre moistened with a cleanser that polishes. Six pad refill packs are about $4.00. With all of the upcoming holiday cooking, you just might want to have a pack of these on hand.

500+ Toys Not Made in China

Check this list before you shop! Good information thanks to Toys R Us.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/500-not-made-in-china-50110507-3

Recipe Of The Week - Pork Chops & Pears

Ingredients:
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
4 (3/4-inch) boneless loin pork chops (3 to 4 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
1/3 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 firm ripe pear, cut into thick slices (about 3/4 inch thick)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:
Combine the flour with 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper on a shallow plate. Add the pork chops, tossing to coat.

In a large skillet (a 12 inch skillet is just the right size), heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook, turning once, about 8 minutes total or until cooked through. Remove to a plate; cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

In the same skillet, add the wine, scallions, cream, lemon juice and remaining salt and pepper, stirring to scrape up any browned bits and until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.

Gently stir in the pear slices; cook until just heated through, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour over the chops; sprinkle with parsley.

Don't Let Holiday Partys Sabotage Your Waistline...

Everyone wants to enjoy this time of year. There will be many party opportunities November through January and there is no need for those of us watching our weight to hide out. Here are some suggestions that may make this time of year a bit easier.

1. Contact the hosts and offer to either assist with the menu or at least supply a dish or two. That way you can add things that are delicious and low cal.

2. Whatever recipes you enjoy during this time of year, can be prepared using some low calorie alternatives (skim milk instead of whole, low fat cheese, apple sauce, yogurt and honey instead of sugar in preparing cakes and cookies, low fat soups for sauces).

3. Try a variety of Whole grain rolls and breads instead of white flour breads.

4. Try brown rice or a variety of rice types or whole grain pastas for side dishes other than white rice or white flour pastas.

5. A refreshing Punch can be prepared with low cal ginger ale and cranberry juice. Stick with sparkling waters and low cal drinks opposed to regular soft drinks and ice cream punch.

6. Bake meats instead of frying or covering with butter sauces. There are so many seasonings, herbs and broths that can perk up any meat. Be creative.

7. Baked potatoes instead of mashed potatoes are a nice change. Add veggies and a bit of butter along with salt and pepper. Low fat or fat free sour cream and cheese crumbles are a nice touch.

8. Don't forget the veggie tray or a nice huge salad. The Paul Newman's Low Fat and Ken's Light dressings are my favorite for dipping.

9. Fresh fruit makes a beautiful centerpiece as well as a tasty appetizer.

10. Seafood platters, salmon pinwheels and clump crab meat cakes are special treats.

Boundaries, By Drs. Henry Cloud & John Townsend

It is amazing the amount of people that come into our lives and overstep their boundaries. Sometimes it is very subtle and other times it feels like a big boulder is rolling over you but YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE APPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES FOR YOURSELF. Maybe your boss is demanding a bit too much of your time, family members are constantly being irresponsible and expecting you to dig them out of a hole or how about the neighbor that is becoming a bit too chummy and consequently puts a strain on your marital relationship... YOU MUST SET BOUNDARIES so that you can function in a manner that is comfortable for you from an appropriate level of character, integrity and spiritual awareness. I recommend everyone read this book. Your eyes will really be opened to situations that may be happening to you that you did not realize were damaging or to situations that may happen to you in the future, and you will gain insight into how to handle them appropriately.

God is Like Television Commercials....

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God

God is like:
BAYER ASPIRIN - He works miracles.
A FORD - He's got a better idea.
COKE = He's the real thing.
HALLMARK CARDS - He cares enough to send His very best.
MAXWELL HOUSE - Good to the very last drop

God is like:
TIDE - He gets the stains out that others leave behind.
SEARS - He has everything.
ALKA-SELTZER - Try Him, you'll like Him
SCOTCH TAPE - You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

God is like:
GENERAL ELECTRIC - He brings good things to life.
DELTA - He's ready when you are.
ALLSTATE - You're in good hands with Him.
VO-5 HAIR SPRAY - He holds through all kinds of weather.

God is like:
DIAL SOAP - Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?
THE U.S. POST OFFICE - Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.
CHEVROLET - the heart beat of America
BOUNTY - He is the quicker picker upper. . can handle the tough jobs. . .and He won't fall apart on you

Turn Off The Tube

It’s natural to become less active as the winter approaches, but make sure you and your family don’t turn into complete couch potatoes as the ice cold temperatures draw near. Studies indicate too much time in front of the TV is harmful as it increases the obesity rate for children and adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than two hours of TV (screen time) daily. For some wonderful suggestions on how to turn off the TV and tune in to alternate fun activities, go to www.tvturnoff.org! The official Turn Off The Tube week was April 23-29, 2007 but the information is great for any time...any year.

Recipe Of The Week - Over Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

4 medium-sized Idaho potatoes
Extra-virgin olive oil
salt & pepper
1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
About 2 cups, plus more for topping, shredded sharp Cheddar
2 heads broccoli florets or 1/2 bag of frozen broccoli, steamed in salty water
1/2 pound bacon, medium dice, cooked until crisp (optional)
2 tablespoons chives, chopped

Cook potatoes either in the microwave (wash, dry, rub with olive oil, place in microwave safe bowl and sprinkle with salt, cook about 15 minutes then test with a fork to see if potatoes are done - if not, cook a bit longer) or bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F. (wash, dry, place potatoes onto a baking sheet, pierce with a fork, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, place into preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour.)

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the stuffing. Make a mornay sauce by combining the butter and flour over medium heat and then whisking in the milk. Fold in about 2 cups cheese and stir until melted. Once melted, remove from heat and fold in the drained, cooked broccoli florets, crispy bacon bits, chopped chives and season with salt and pepper.

When the potatoes are done make a cut across the top and squeeze it from the bottom so a small pouch opens up and the bottom is squared off. Spoon the filling over the top of each potato, sprinkle with cheese, season with pepper, to taste, and then pop in the oven for 2 more minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Hop On The Highway Before The Weather Gets Rough

There's still time to take a few family weekend trips before Mr. Winter comes calling. The further south you travel, the lower gas prices become. The colors of the leaves at this time of year are so beautiful everywhere. Take a moment to notice the different colors that you may not see in your particular area. Take time, as you travel along scenic routes, to park and really enjoy the overlooks, especially in the Virginia area and along the Shenandoah Mountains. Simply breathtaking. Let the children gather some leaves, nuts and take a few photos and just maybe they can obtain extra credit in school for an impromptu report. See the Travel Folder in The Mom Squad Forum for great ideas to make your family travel an educational experience.

Making Peace With Your Past....

This is an excellent book and one that many churches use as part of their Counseling Ministry. It is an amazing journey into yourself, how things have affected you and steps you can take to move forward. As we learn how important we are to God and how much God loves us, we can couple this information with that to put things in perspective. It is a marvelous book!

Great Gadgets Make Great Gifts

SmartShopper™ - This is an easy-to-use electronic kitchen gadget that helps you easily create your grocery list. It uses Nuance's state-of-the-art voice recognition technology to record, and adds to your list, any grocery item or errand you tell it. Once your list is complete, it will print an organized list out for you to take with you. The Mom Squad likes things that make life easier! $149.95 For more information and to see more gadgets go to www.FirstStreetOnline.com

A Great Idea For The Christmas Holiday...

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Feel free to pass this info on to everyone you know!!!

New Stuff We Love!

Clean and fresh! This great new product from Dawn combines dish soap with an air freshener at the bottom. Check out the website: www.homemadesimple.com for more information and a coupon! This is definitely a new product we love!

Recipe Of The Week - Easy Chicken Pot Pie

From: Campbell's Kitchen
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)*
1 pkg. (about 9 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup cubed cooked cooked chicken OR turkey
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose baking mix

Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 400°F.

MIX soup, vegetables and chicken in 9" pie plate.

MIX milk, egg and baking mix. Pour over chicken mixture. Bake 30 min. or until golden.

TIP: *Or use Campbell's® Cream of Chicken with Herbs Soup.

Serve with a tossed green salad. For dessert serve pineapple tidbits.

Eating Healthy...It's all in the Bible

God has truly, via His Word, given us the answer to every problem and the best way to handle every situation. There is truly nothing new under the sun. His Word is the same today, as it was yesterday and as it will be tomorrow. He loves us so much, that He wanted to make sure we had a love letter from Him...an Owner's Manual as I like to also call it, so we would know what He knows to be the BEST possible steps to keep us going at peak performance. If you have been struggling with health issues, weight management or possibly you have a child that is struggling with attention deficit, autism or behavioral problems...examine the diet. Excess sugar, processed "fast food" is not good for our bodies. You don't have to make major changes all at once. But every step you take to improve your temple (body), He is right there to take it with you and in the long run, every step adds up.

Exodus 15:26 (NLT) reads: If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, obeying His commands and laws, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians for I am the Lord who heals you. Daniel 1:8,12,13,15 reads: But Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. Test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water Daniel said. At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king.

Yes, He gave us free will. But how about using that will, to take positive steps.

Wonderful Things To Do With Leaves

Autumn is falling upon us once again, gifting most of us with more crispy, colorful leaves than we know what to do with. Sure, they make a decent mulch additive for our gardens, and a wonderful portion of our compost, but wouldn't it be great if there was something creative we could do with them besides rake and bag? We thought so, too. To that end, here are a few things you can do with those crunchy bits of red, yellow and orange:


Stuff a scarecrow. In fact, maybe they would be great to stuff any stuffed animal you may wish to make.
Spice up a BBQ supper. Apple and Maple leaves make a flavorful addition to an outdoor cooking fire.
Hot-glue dozens of leaves to a wreath base, easily obtained at any craft store, like Joanne Fabric! Add a few seed pods for an especially lovely door decoration.
Make a bouquet by attaching single leaves to a straw or bamboo skewer and arrange in a vase. You can also spray paint them to add brilliance.
Slip a few leaves into a greeting card with a Fall theme for someone special. It is especially touching if the person lives long distance because you are bringing a bit of yourself closer to them.
Pile the prettiest leaves into a basket for an instant Fall time centerpiece.
Fill a clear glass lamp base with leaves for timely, temporary decor.
String leaves, alternating with cranberries, for a gorgeous swag which can be draped over a curtain rod or wrapped around a banister.

Cleveland Loves Kids - Weekend Events

The ABCs of Invention - In three exhibitions (Art & Animation, Bubble Bonanza, and Cranks & Gadgets), young visitors to the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in Akron can do a multitude of wonderful things. Held during regular museum hours Sat 11/3 & Sun 11/4. Reservations are recommended; exhibition runs through the end of November. [Call 330-849-6877 or visit http://www.invent.org

HOT Anarchy in the Pre-K- Wee lads and ladies are in for a real hoedown when Farmer Jason's Kid's Show, presented in conjunction with Arts Collinwood, kicks it at the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo this Sat 11/3 at 2PM in the Tavern. Snacks and crafts for kids are just a part of the fun. All ages, doors open 1PM. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

Experience – First Hand – Masterworks in painting, drawing, prints, and sculpture by the most important and influential artists of the modernist era: Monet, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Brancusi, Duchamp, and Dalí. Check out the impressive “Impressionist and Modern Masters" exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art now through Sun 1/13/08. www.clevelandart.org.

What The Bible Is All About

This magnificent Quick Reference Edition is based on a best-selling classic by Dr. Henrietta Mears with the Forward by Billy and Ruth Graham. If you have a hunger and thirst for the Word or if you would like to have a hunger and thirst for the Word, this is the book for you. It gives a basic overview of each chapter and breaks chapters down to the most basic of explanation so it is easy to understand the connection of people and places mentioned in the Bible. There are illustrations that are interesting and amusing too. Maps and beautiful color pictures help bring the information to life. This book is a treasure and recommended for each and every believer to read and refer to over and over again.