tortilla soup - make it the crockpot!

I know how it is to get into a rut with cooking. Sometimes we just need someone to share a great recipe with us. So, here's my great recipe to share with you.

It's Tortilla Soup from the Fix-It and Forget It Cookbook (Good Publishers) and it's done in your crockpot!

My husband LOVES this soup. Both our daughters make it frequently and everyone they serve it to LOVES it.

Ingredients:
4 chicken breast halves (cook, debone & shred chicken)
1 garlic clove, minced,
2 Tbsp. butter,
2 14 1/2 oz cans of chicken broth,
2 14 oz cans chopped stewed tomatoes,
1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot),
1/2 cup chopped cilantro,
1 Tbsp or more of ground cumin.

Melt the butter and add the minced garlic to it. Combine all the other ingredients in a slow cooker THEN add the sautéed garlic. Cover and cook on low for 8 - 10 hours.

Then shred or cube 8 oz of Monterey jack cheese - put this in your soup bowls. Ladle your soup over the cheese THEN sprinkle tortilla chips on the top and add a dollop of sour cream.

IT'S that easy and very yummy. I always double the recipe. It's great the first day and even better the second. And it freezes well— Enjoy! Let me know how you like it!

tortilla soup - make it the crockpot!

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/tortilla-soup-make-it-crockpot.html

guys - GO GET THE GIRL!

Recently I wrote this post: Resisting to Become Irresistible and the astounding number of "hits" communicated loud and clear that this whole dating thing subject is something women want to know about.

I have the privilege of mentoring many young and not so young women and one of their greatest tensions is living with the longing attached to the unanswered question: What's wrong with me? Why am I'm not married? Why does the guy not commit himself to me? What's wrong with me?

Many precious (worthy wife women) think that maybe God has no one for them. If they desire to be married - then God does have someone for them to learn to follow and show respect to.

My answer is: It's not that there's something wrong with you (except if you operate out of fear and start controlling - and if you haven't been mentored and don't understand biblical womanhood). - Many good men today are simply passive and don't know that God wired them with everything they needs to initiate, pursue and conquer The Girl. They let their fear of intimacy override their testosterone (the kick to pursue and conquor).

One thing I know and have observed is IF The Guy doesn't know WHO he is WHOSE he is and WHAT he's here for and WHERE he's going - his confidence wanes and he goes from girl to girl because he gets close enough - then fear sets in and he goes no further and then often he'll blame the girl for NOT being THE one - when in fact - she was. He doesn't understand that he can lead. He can have meaningful conversations. He can have vision that she'll follow. He can succeed with God on his side. And, he can Go Get the Girl!

Rarely, it's The Girl who gets freaked out and bales - even when she's committed to not doing that!

Here's my Ten Tips to Get The Girl!

1. Recognize that God made The Guy with everything he needs to pursue - not be passive but to hunt, initiate, pursue and conquer The Girl.

My husband says that passivity is the fruit of fear of failure or success. Thus men don't pursue. My husband says that when a man isn't CENTERED he struggles with pursuing. One of the reasons The Guy doesn't pursue is that he already "feels" as if he is a failure. It's often the big bulls eye on a The Guy's chest. Hunting for and pursuing The Girl sometimes only magnifies The Guy's inner pain of outright failure.

Girls - be the beauty worth pursuing.

2. Recognize that God designed The Girl (no matter what she thinks) to need and love being pursued and then gently conquered. It's difficult for a woman to give her heart to The Guy who isn't initiating and pursuing - because it's not clear how the relationship is defined.

Girls - be the beauty worth pursuing.

3. Recognize that it's The Guy's job to define the relationship and if she's a worthy woman (to be a wife) she'll wait until The Guy does so. If The Guy expects The Girl to define the relationship then she's being put in the control seat and should the relationship continue The Guy's at risk of resenting her. Why? Because The Guy's the leader, the conqueror and the one who gives voice and direction to the relationship.

Girls - be the beauty worth pursuing.

4. Recognize that Girls are responders and they were designed to follow. That's a hard thing today, but it's God's way and it works best. The Guy leads and The Girl follows. If The Guy doesn't take the lead then it's possible he'll feel manipulated by The Girl.

Girls - be the beauty worth pursuing.

5. Recognize that The Girl needs The Guy's strength, his kindness and to be delighted in by him. She truly is a princess and don't be intimated by her princess-ness - that's really God's gift to The Guy - in time - once he's Gotten The Girl.

Girls - be the beauty worth pursuing.

6. Recognize that if The Girl is trying to change The Guy - he should run. She's not ready to respect The Guy and appreciate his manhood and it just won't work. When The Guy believes he's the King and walks like the King (humility and gentleness) he'll have eyes to see the Queen. If The Girl isn't walking like a Queen and he's walking like a King - he won't recognize The Girl - because he's looking for a Queen.

7. Recognize that if The Guy hasn't pursued The Girl - it's of great value for The Guy to see if he's tied to his mother's apron strings, or tied to The Girl from his past that wounded his man-ness by rejecting him or if he has a wrong view of his man-ness by carrying around a yardstick that God doesn't even measure him by.

Girls - be the beauty worth pursuing.

8. Recognize it's really important that The Guy has finished his business with Mama in order to pursue The Girl.

Girls - be the beauty worth pursuing.

9. Recognize that The Best Girl The Guy can Go Get - is the one he sees serving and submitting. Girls this is a hint. Jacob found Rebbecca serving and submitting - by getting water for thirsty camels. Boaz found Ruth serving and submitting in the field. David saw Abigail serving and submitted by actually recognizing David's protection of her husband's riches.

Girls - be the beauty worth pursuing.

10. Recognize that gives The Guy vision for his family. The Best Girl understands vision and will come alongside The Guy's vision and be the wind under The Guy's wings.

Here's a man (my man) with vision!
Got questions - need help? Guy's can email my husband, Michael - onecor13@aol.com

Be Fair to The Girl
1. Girls already feel insecure and rejected and when guys are "just friends" with girls, it often makes them more insecure. That's not fair.
2. Don't string a girl along. Girls often give their whole heart away while the guy is still thinking IF she's a candidate. That can wound her. That's not fair.
3. Don't expect the girl to read your mind. Communicate your intent to her. Otherwise, that's not fair.

What To Look for In The Girl
1. You'll never find the 'perfect' girl. If she's submitted, serving and is willing to follow you to the ends of the earth and even live in a box, then she's The Girl. She follows your vision - not hers otherwise she's not The Girl (for you). Ask The Girl, "What do you want most? Marriage to your ministry or marriage to a man?" Her answer must line up with her behavior - after you define the relationship.
2. Don't evaluate The Girl by her outer beauty. That'll fade. See her heart, her inner quiet beauty that is worth more than a boat load of rubies.
3. Can you trust her heart? (Her answer to Question # 1 will reveal that.) Will she do you good? Then put the ring on her finger.
4. When looking for wife, look for one that's gentle and tender, frugal, creative, not a gossip, modest, a hard worker, wise, resourceful, compassionate, not argumentative, dignified, thinks ahead and is willing to serve and put her hands to the task. Look for a wife with a sense of humor - one that laughs and enjoys life.
5. Look for The Girl who has been mentored by an older woman - like myself! Get The Girl who reads the Lylah Blog and wants to learn from it.
6. Look for The Girl who loves and follows Jesus above all else, lives by His word and is running to win Him as her prize and seeking to get reward on That Day.

Now. . . GO GET THAT GIRL!

guys - GO GET THE GIRL!

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/guys-go-get-girl.html

alaska's sarah & the next possible usa vp.

So, just who is this small town mom that turned Alaska's political establishment and the good old boys club on it's ear?

We have Cindy and Michelle and NOW we have Sarah. Here's more about Sarah.

Here's what she has said:

Governor Palin Releases Statement to Alaskans
August 29, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin today released the following statement to Alaskans:

“It is the honor of my life to represent you as your Governor, and over the next two months I will continue to do so. As the mother of five, I know how to multi-task, and I will continue to promote the path of reform that we set out on together in the state of Alaska.”

“It is a great privilege to be John McCain's running mate and to be considered by the American people for the Vice Presidency. This honor is a testament to the reforms and progress we have made together in Alaska. Now is the time to take that spirit of reform to Washington.”

What do you think?

alaska's sarah & the next possible usa vp.

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/alaskas-sarah-next-possible-usa-vp.html

MOM Help 911 - Potting Training

Potting training a toddler can be a mom's most fun life challenge as she trains her children. Some little ones just seem to "get it" and with others it's a battle. As I began to research for this subject, I've been astounded at the different ideas, tools, chart and books available for moms today.

This one - Everyone Poops just makes me laugh.

My oldest was so smart. She could recognize her alphabets as an eighteen month old (yes, I read continually and talked about those alphabets) and understood more of life that I did. Because she was so smart, I assumed she'd get the potty thing too. Not. My efforts at trying every thing were fruitless. This child was going to go when she was good and ready and that was when she was two and a half +.

Her sister, on the other hand, surprised me. I can remember the day, as an eighteen month old, when she came up to me, grabbed my skirt and said, "Potty." I didn't believe her. Just wasn't possible. This child insisted. It came to me, "HMMM. . . what if?" And, the what if, proved to be correct. She did - and even through the night from that point on. I smiled. Life was good.

Today, moms have access to lots of different tools like activity books and charts, stickers, potty training equipment and books on potty training, stories to read your little about going potty.

Both Dora and Caillou have potty books. This one is almost my favorite and this one The Diaper Free Baby I find very interesting.

One thing I know is that moms are always looking for another moms tips of what worked and what didn't when it comes to training toddlers to "go potty." So, how about it moms - pass on your advice. Let's hear your potty training story. What worked and what didn't work. Did you read a book that helped? Did you use a bribe that worked? Did you use charts or stickers? What was your favorite book?

MOM Help 911 - Potting Training

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/mom-help-911-potting-training.html

what is a mentor?

What is a mentor?
· A mentor is a woman who is close and trusted and experienced.
· A mentor is a woman who is a role model and has a lifestyle exemplary of knowing, walking and loving Jesus.
· A mentor is a woman who is an older woman who is a godly role model who nurtures (provides that which is necessary for life and growth), assumes responsibility for a younger woman whom she is discipling (teaching the ways of the Lord – through prayer, God’s word) on a one-on-one basis.
· A mentor is reverent in the way she lives and has a lifestyle worthy of respect at all times.
· A mentor displays her lifestyle in the caring ways she listens to people of all ages; in her discreet but attractive appearance which mirrors her inner beauty; in her respect for others and their feelings and in all her relationships
· A mentor is a woman who is able to keep confidences, have nothing to do with gossip or idle talk or rumors.
· A mentor is a woman who is gifted with love to bring out the gifts in another woman.
· A mentor is a woman who has a reputation for kindness toward others and possesses Christ-like characteristics.
· A mentor is a woman who is available and willing to share in another’s life.
· A mentor is a woman who desires to listen with a receptive heart, perseveres and commits to the woman God has brought her into the mentoring relationship with.
· A mentor is a woman who is willing to spiritually reproduce herself in the life of another woman.
· A mentor is a woman who pours out her life into the life of another woman becoming a life-shaper.

what is a mentor?

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/what-is-mentor.html

MOM Help 911 - Part 7 - sleep deprivation

I love helping MOMS and here's another MOMS HELP 911 and the first one starts here.

Most of the precious moms I know are sleep deprived. Many of the older gals I hang out with also struggle with getting a good nights sleep. And, I know that it's just plain tough for a woman to function in the day to day home front responsibilities without good sleep. Sleep like time for self is often a longing unmet.

It's surely difficult for a woman to create sanctuary in her home when she hasn't slept. I acknowledge that a mom can't even begin to think about organizing her linen closet or evalute the needs in her kitchen when she hasn't had uninterrupted sleep. And what wife can think about creating sanctuary in the master bedroom when sleep sounds more like a foreign language? How can even think about what margins I need to fill if I haven't had good sleep?

Sleep is such a gift. It's God's way to restore and heal our bodies and effects from sleep deprivation can be serious. I made up a list of a few of the things that I know can cause sleep deprivation: new babies, children not sleeping, worry, anxiety, late night work, menopause, eating too much, alcohol, undealt with anger, unresolved resentment, fear, stressors not managed, continuous and unrelenting stress. I'm sure there are about fifty or so more.

Sleep deprivation can have serious effects on health and relationships - especially marriage. The body needs recovery time and relaxation time. The more adrenaline that is dumped, the more rest is needed so the body can heal itself.

It's a growing issue that demands attention, support and as much resolve as possible - especially for moms.

My dad sent me this article. It has to do with cell phones and the effects they can have on sleep. Because I wanted to write something on moms and sleep deprivation, I thought quoting this article here would fit in great.

Cell Phones Have Severe Effect on Sleep Research raises new concerns about the effects of mobile devices. Mobile phones severely disrupt sleep patterns, according to scientific research into their impact on human rest, funded by the Mobile Manufacturers Association. The research undertaken by the Electromagnetic Academy based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the United States, exposed 71 men and women, aged between 18 and 45, to mobile phone radiation as they prepared to sleep.

According to the study, monitoring under laboratory conditions showed the initial ‘light’ phases of sleep in the subjects were affected. In addition, “exposure to 884 MHz wireless signals, components of sleep, believed to be important for recovery from daily wear and tear, are adversely affected.”

The research also found that those exposed to mobile phones during their sleep appear to have more headaches, than those not exposed. The findings coincide with calls from UK company Exradia, manufacturers of the first device proven to neutralize potentially dangerous mobile phone radiation, for more government research into the health issues being raised.

David Schick, Exradia chief executive, said, “This study is yet another example of how using mobile phones can have a detrimental effect on humans. It is critical that the UK Government now undertakes a formal public inquiry into this issue.” France recently became the latest country to advise against excessive use of mobile phones, particularly by children. Other countries who’ve issued similar advice include Sweden, the UK, Israel and India. end of quote

I wonder sometimes if all our modern conveniences and hectic over scheduled calendars don't add to the issues we're trying to resolve in our life. If sleep deprivation is something you struggle with and I'm sure it is . . . consider the effects your cell phone might have.

MOM Help 911 - Part 7 - sleep deprivation

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/mom-help-911-part-7-sleep-deprivation.html

MOMS Help 911 - getting little ones to eat veggies

Kirstie is one of my friends from Basque Country - San Sebastian, Spain. I've had the privilege of spending time with this mom and on my last trip, she shared a new thing they've done with Mia that IS working. I begged her - pleased with her to write her story as I had this strong hunch that many other moms were in this same MOM HELP 911 situation. Kirstie is an American from the south married to a gentle French guy (a chiropractor) and living in Spain. She and our daughter Jenni have had times to share some play dates.

Hello, my name is Kirstie and Lylah has asked me to guest a blog about our experiences at the family table. Specifically how we engineered an environment conducive to a 3 year old eating all her vegetables.

The back story is that meal time in our house had become a nightmare. Nearly every lunch and dinner erupted into a scene from that Super Nanny show. (Which I've seen twice.) Our house was really affected by this, my husband dreaded coming home nervous awaiting a painful experience at our table.

My heart broke to watch his patient temperament stretched thin after a long day helping other people at his Chiropractic office. We reached the breaking point though when my husband, who typically comes home for lunch, left the apartment before we'd finished eating because of this battle of wills.

It was a horrible day and after the dust had settled with our daughter asleep we both said "This has to change". But what do you do when a 3 year old won't eat? Doesn't want to finish their vegetables?

There were times we said 3 more bites and you're done just to end the struggle. Mostly she wasn't eating her nutritious food and successfully getting a treat inducing pre bed hunger cries.

My husband and I sat down for about an hour and said what works for our family? We've had a few blissful mealtimes so what was different on those days? And we thought out a plan that's worked for our family going on two months. It works in restaurants and even at Grandma's house. Here's what we figured out.

First this new schedule and plan is posted visibly in our kitchen because we parents had a new routine. Rarely is the situation just fueled by a child; environment does affect outcome. We aimed for creating a meal time with consistency.

1. First on the list: set times for eating. We actually wrote down 1 pm for lunch and 7:45 for dinner. So now Mom has her task laid out. Before this our food was hitting the table with nearly 30 minutes difference every day, this inconsistency was a biggie.

2. We gave Mia a task, a job, to set her brain into table mode. Ten minutes before we sit down she sets the napkins out. It's a cue to her body and her mind and of course she's learning to work. She also helps make the meal.

3. She had been asking to hold hands, it got that bad, for emotional support to eat. That was on the list "No holding hands at the table." We were in a bad way, folks.

3. For dessert to be an option the meal must be finished. Now this will likely get some outcry so let me move on to the next point.

4. Mia size portions. That's my daughter's name and it's on the board for me to remember ; )

We have a partitioned plate so she's never getting too much food and also most mom's know how much their child can actually eat. We never require her to finish all her "meat" but veggies are never optional. She always has a tiny starter salad and "meat", vegetable and starch on her main plate. New foods have a one bite rule.

5. We know what's for dessert. Sometimes it's fruit with a little whipped cream or two tic-tacs but it's a motivator.

6. Here comes the rewards. Playtime with Daddy while mom cleans up. If she has received two smiley faces that day then she gets 10-15 minutes of a video and a story. If not it's only books, still not a bad deal. In addition to these things that we found list worthy we've created a chart with seven days of the week divided by lunch and dinner. If she eats her meal we draw a smiley face and if her attitude and table manners are proper she gets a round sticker. Whining means no sticker, more than one reminder of "it's time to eat" means no sticker.

We started with 3 reminders. This is for every meal. She can lose one sticker and still receive a special sticker for her collection book but to get a bigger prize she has to get all the stickers.

In eight weeks, it's happened twice. Still the real prize for us has been meal time itself. We went from gritting our teeth to anticipating casual conversation between the three of us. We are all more relaxed.

Some people are automatically not ok with making their child "finish the plate" but that's one of our components. I keep portions on the skimpy side as seconds are available and that divided plate makes it easy to see what is really on there. I've seen her polish off green beans, broccoli, steamed carrots because it's part of the deal. She's seen it set before and said I don't want "vegetable" and then still finished it with minor complaint.

By working in some legality we took out the ability for our daughter to "bargain" her vegetables. Our hearts were in the creation of this plan but if we flip flopped about the rules it wouldn't work! She would go straight back to bargaining. So are we really this fun, you might think.

The other night Mia really didn't want a normal meal and we allowed her to eat a rice cake with peanut butter and apple. It was a special option because kids are still kids. I had asked what she wanted and that was her response. Dad ok'd it and she was so happy and finished it all.

At restaurants the servings can be huge. We never require something like french fries to be finished, we usually see if there is another option, but again the rules apply. She knows we'll fill in the meal chart at home and we section off her required eating to gain access to dessert and get a smiley face. Or this weekend for example we went to a typical Spanish fish restaurant that doesn't really offer things for kids. Our daughter ate some bread, half a bowl of fish soup, a calamari, 2 bites of grilled sardine and a tiny apple and almonds we brought for her, all the while looking forward to sorbet. She got her smiley and sticker and we had a great time.

On weekends I can vary meal times a little. If it's going to be later than usual we give Mia some fruit and I count this towards meal time portions.

Snacking is something that can ruin little appetites make sure their tummy is hungry when sitting down to eat. What's interesting is after sharing this information with my mom she said it's similar to what they do at the group home where she works with severely autistic and other developmentally disabled people. It's really all about structure.

So, hopefully this helps some harried mom gain a little perspective. I didn't read volumes on this subject, I'm not a teacher by trade I am just a mom and housewife. I credit the Lord for His wisdom and how He answered my heart's prayer. We got fellowship back to our table and my kid is growing like a rose.

MOMS Help 911 - getting little ones to eat veggies

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/moms-help-911-getting-little-ones-to.html

the centered woman - part 4

Wednesdays are my Centered Woman Day and today's subject IS The Centered Woman – which is The Woman we all want to become!

So, just WHO is the centered woman?

First, this woman is anchored in WHO she is –WHOSE she is – and WHERE she’s going. She’s a woman of confidence and doesn’t get swayed by life’s uglies and dirties because she has PURPOSE and she LIVES with the end in mind.

She is one who is NOT preoccupied with how others are doing, but is more so focused on how SHE is doing.

A centered woman is working out her own salvation with fear and trembling. She’s conscious of those character growth areas (or weaknesses) that will be rewarded at the Bema Seat.

This woman UNDERSTANDS how THIS LIFE LIVED matters for how the NEXT LIFE is.

The centered woman understands that there are SIX (main) events in everyone’s life:
Life, Death, Destination, Resurrection, Repayment and finally Eternity.

The centered woman knows that she was created in the image of God for a life of purpose. And, she knows that according to A Life God Rewards, her real destination will be reached after she dies and what determines that is what she believed—or really who she believed while on earth. (John 3:16—18).

Scripture reveals only two possible locations in the after life: heaven or hell (John 14:2; Matthew 23:33). Both last forever.

The centered woman GETS it that she’ll not only have a resurrected body BUT that she’ll receive her reward on her retribution for eternity based on what she did (attitudes and motives) on earth.

Have you ever stopped to think that what you believe will determine how you spend eternity?

Although your eternal destination is based on your belief, how you spend eternity is based on your behavior while on earth.

Believers and nonbelievers will be judged by Jesus Christ at events called the Bema and the great white throne (John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11—15). The outcome will determine your degree of reward in heaven or retribution in hell (Matthew 11:21-22; 23;14).

The centered woman GETS THIS and lives her live according to this and that’s why she’s got purpose.

She knows that her TODAY will impact what her ETERNITY looks like. She knows that today’s choices and attitudes and motives in THIS VERY moment matter.

More next Wednesday on the Centered Woman.

the centered woman - part 4

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/centered-woman-part-4.html

my birthday is coming up & ...

I'd unashamedly LOVE this for my Simple Kitchen. I'm thinking, though, how good is it - to have nice equipment IF my working space is a wreck?!

Here's a Lylah Challenge (me too right now) - if you're kitchen isn't ordered or clean, then let's both make IT our day - to attack that baby by putting a sparkle in the sink (no dishes), a shine on the counters (get rid of clutter) and a pazzaz on the appliances! Is the floor clean? How about wiping off the cupboards and knobs? Oh, what's for dinner?

Here's some help to inspire you to get it clean and organized. My kitchen is MIP sanctuary space. Life flows out of and into that space. How about you?

Go attack that kitchen and then come back and tell us about it! I'm off to attack!

my birthday is coming up & ...

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-birthday-is-coming-up.html

lylah-isms on marriage

Here's a few more Lylah-isms on marriage.

Assess your idea of marriage.
Before you married your husband, what did you think marriage was all about? Did you have any idea of your role and his? Did you think that all your needs, desires and wants would be met in your man? Is your idea biblical or cultural? Did you know that God says the woman was made for the man and not the man for the woman? It’s true.

Everything about you—your wiring—is made to complement your husband. You were designed to come along side him as a support.

If a marriage is based on cultural ideologies verses biblical ones it will be at risk to fail. The flame will flicker and the foxes will spoil the vineyard blossoms.

Many wives, ignorantly, try to apply cultural philosophies to the Bible and think it will work. It won’t. It can’t. God won’t let it, because marriage is His idea.

Get real here—only if you want to grow and become mature.
1. Get a journal to write in.

2. Make a list of how you know/think you are critical.

3. Then, go to your husband and ask HIM how HE thinks YOU are critical toward HIM.

Really, you might be surprised. When I’ve done this, I’ve felt such shame—good shame that I could repent, change, grow. It’s a good exercise for a wife to do at least once a month.

lylah-isms on marriage

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/lylah-isms-on-marriage_26.html

michelle or cindy?

I'm sure many eyes and ears were attentive to the voice of Michelle Obama as she praised her husband's values and declared "I love this country" and equal numbers will be listening to the voice of Cindy when the Republican Conventions begins!

According to the Gallup Poll, Michelle Obama’s Speech Could Make a Difference! Fifty-two percent say a president’s spouse is important to their vote decision.

What do you think? What IS the value of a wife? What characteristics or character qualities do you think are necessary for a wife to be influential? Would it make a difference to you if they weren't married, but just living together? Bring on those opinions and thanks for being gracious as you do!

Career: McCain is the chairman of her family's business, Hensley & Co., one of the country's largest distributors for Anheuser-Busch. She's also involved with several children's health care organizations.

Marriage: Cindy Hensley married John McCain in May 1980. It was the second marriage for McCain, who is 18 years older than his wife.

Family: The McCains have four children together -- Meghan, 23; Jack, 22; Jim, 20; and Bridget, 16. John McCain also has three children from his first marriage.

Childhood and Education: Cindy McCain, 54, who was raised in a wealthy Phoenix family, has a master's degree in special education from the University of Southern California.

Style on the Trail: McCain "is more in the classic mold of the candidate's wife on the campaign trail," said one political scientist. She's been less likely to speak out on the trail.

Criticism: McCain had refused to release her tax returns. Critics said that move was at odds with her husband's message of government openness, and she eventually relented and released the information. Sources: nytimes.com, Reuters

Career: Obama gave up her job as a vice president at the University of Chicago Medical Center to campaign with her husband.

Marriage: Michelle Robinson married Barack Obama in October 1992. The couple met while working for a Chicago law firm.

Family: The Obamas have two daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 6.

Childhood and Education: Michelle Obama, 44, grew up on the South Side of Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton and her law degree from Harvard.

Style on the Trail: Obama has been known for being strong-minded and outspoken during her husband's campaign. Here, the couple bump fists before his speech on the night he earned enough delegates to claim the Democratic nomination.

Criticism: Obama sparked controversy when she told a Wisconsin crowd in February, "for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country."

Get this - over half of Americans say a presidential candidate's spouse is an important factor in their vote. What's your take on this? Why is the wife of the candidate important to consider? Or perhaps not? Bring those opinions on!

michelle or cindy?

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/michelle-or-cindy.html

what's lylah serving for dinner this week? 8/26 - 31

Today's margin space included scouting around for some new ideas for this week's Ledner menu. I've been wanting some fresh ideas with a lighter faire so I hopped on over to A.J.’s Farmer’s Market and bought not just ONE but three foodie magizines: Cooking Light (which I'll subscribe to), bon appetit and Gourmet. There

Tuesday night it's going to be grilled salmon smothered in lemon juice and butter. I'll add a simple salad for a lighter faire.

And, this is a MUST MAKE for Wednesday morning:
Apple-Cherry Dutch Baby - serves 6
2 T butter - divided
3 golden deliciouos apples, peeled and cut into 1/8 " wedges
1/3 cup dried tart cherries
6 T sugar, divided
1/4 almond extract
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/3 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup milk
1/4 t. salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 T powdered sugar
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Melt 1 T butter in a 10 - 12 inch cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the apples, cherries, 3 T of the sugar and the almond extract, and cook until the apples are lightly browned and tender,m 8 to 12 minutes. Add the apple juice, and cook until the liquid is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
3. Place the flours in a large bowl. In a seperate medium - sized bowl, whisk the milk and the remaining 3 T of sugar, salt and eggs. Stir the milk mixture into the flour, and whisk until well blended.
4. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a 10 " nonstick oven proof skillet. Pour the batter into the pan, and bake until puffy and golden, 18 to 22 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon the apple mixture into the center of the pancake. Sprinkle the powdered sugar on top, cut the Dutch baby into 6 wedges and, add that dollop of the yogurt. YES!

Wednesday Night - I'll fill the bowls with Tortilla Soup!

This looks fun to serve on Thursday night:
Cucumber, Asian Pear and Watermellon Salad with Ricotta Salata. It'll be for a dinner - my hubs is easy to serve!

This very fun, healthy and easy recipe from bonappetit will be great for Friday night:
Quinoa with Black Beans and Cilantro

Saturday? Left overs!

Sunday? more left overs! For more menu ideas, head on over to Laura's Organized Junki!

what's lylah serving for dinner this week? 8/26 - 31

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/whats-lylah-serving-for-dinner-this_25.html

baby steps day 23 - margins and your season

Baby Steps series continues . . .

Margins are my elements of time and it's important for a woman to evaluate the season of life she is in along with determining how to best manage her margins. What might be working for me might not be an effective plan for another woman. The point is, is that we must pray, evaluate and set up some sort of a plan, try it on and if it needs adjusting then be comfortable to make necessary changes. Because Michael and I have a weekly Marriage Staff Meeting (on Mondays), he's aware of my margins.

Different women set up daily schedules and routines in different ways. As you ponder establishing your margins, these mom bloggers have some great ideas and one of them might work for you.

Lindsay can help with her Simple Home Schedule.

Laura has help with a Monthly Organizing Round Up.

Stephanie will encourage you with her Kitchen Re-Organization and her Scheduling Series as she shares her experience in wrestling through establishing her margins.

The Simple Mom has a ton of posts and series on Scheduling and Commitment.

Leo at Zen Habits gives his expertise on organization raising six kiddos.

Post a comment and add a link to your blog where you've posted what you do on your homefront! Do share!

baby steps day 23 - margins and your season

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/baby-steps-day-23-margins-and-your.html

front doors and hearts

I love design and color and beauty. I'm drawn to spaces that have uniqueness and say "different." I also love front doors. It's crazy, but I do.

A front door says something about what's possibily inside the home. What's inside the home says (most likely) what's inside the heart of the woman of the home.

Did you know that you can generally tell what's going on inside a woman's life the first moment or two that you walk through her front door? What does your front door tell you about your home and your heart? On my recent trip to Spain, I walked around snapping pics of front doors.

front doors and hearts

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-love-design-and-color-and-beauty.html