Adventures in Being

Cabbage Roll Casserole

2 lbs. ground beef
1 med onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce, divided
1 t dried thyme
1/2 t dill weed
1/2 t rubbed sage
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/4 t cayenne pepper
2 c cooked rice
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 med. head cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
1 c (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

SERVINGS 12
PREP 20 min.
COOK 55 min.
TOTAL 75 min.
*Taken from Taste of Home

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Leo Buscaglia

With Summer officially here, it is time to enjoy the outdoors by planning some creative outdoor fun! But first, how about a special book that will help preserve our special adventures for all time?!


Noticeable Notebooks

Your child can turn her notebook into a creative art project!
by Dina Anastasio


What you need:

* Notebook
* Plain paper
* Crayons, markers, or watercolors
* Clear plastic sheets
* Transparent tape

1. Buy some sheets of clear plastic at an art supplies store.

2. Take out a sheet of plain paper, and some crayons, markers, or watercolors. Have your child create a picture that she thinks would make an interesting notebook cover.

3. Take out the notebook she'd like to decorate. Cut a plastic sheet so that it is one inch larger than the notebook cover on three sides.

4. Place the picture on the front of the notebook, then place the plastic on top of the picture. Align the left edge with the spine of the notebook.

5. Fold the plastic over the notebook top, bottom, and right edges and tape it to the inside cover of the notebook.

You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Co 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps
(Pro. 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says:I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Tim. 1:7)

You say: "I'm worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Chicken Roll-Ups

1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - or 1 - 2 cans of chicken
1-2 tubes of croissant rolls
1 stick of butter, melted
1 cup crushed corn flakes
8 oz. cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup sour cream

In a bowl, mix chicken and cream cheese. Unroll the croissants on a cookie sheet and place 1-2 TBSP of the chicken mixture into the middle of each one. Roll up the croissants and tuck the ends. Dip each roll into the butter, and then coat with crushed corn flakes. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes on 350, or until they are golden brown. Mix sour cream and cream of chicken soup in a microwave safe dish, and heat. Pour over chicken rolls.

Frozen Fruit Cups.

3 c water (or one of Welch's fruit cocktail drinks)
2c sugar (or 12 small packages of splenda)
5 large banana
1 12 oz oj
1 20 oz pineapple (or fruit cocktail)
1 small bag of straw berries

heat and dissolve water and sugar
add frozen oj and 1 can water
add strawberry and pineapple

*makes 15 to 20 small cups.

My Uncle Hubert sent these to me and I couldn't resist.
Thanks Uncle Hubert!

Mediterranian Wrap:



2 med. zucchini, sliced lengthwise about 1/4-inch slices
2 tsp. olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper or Mrs. Dash
1 c. hummus (mayo can also be used)
4 whole-grain wraps
1/4 c pine nuts (optional)
2 large tomatoes, cubed
2 c spinach leaves
1/2 c onions or garlic
1/4 c fresh mint leaves
1 c. organic brown rice (optional)


-I sautee the zucchini and garlic (or onions)
-Spread the wraps with hummus or mayo
-If using rice, spread rice to cover wraps
-Add spinach leaves, zucchini and garlic, and fresh mint leaves.

Roll together, cut in half and enjoy!