The time has come...

to say goodbye! You know that saying, "Don't bite off more than you can chew"? I sure do! As much as I love this blog and the idea of this blog I am going to stop posting here and start posting ONLY on my family blog. No worries, I still will post our craft projects, recipes and family fun... Two blogs are just too much for me right now. It's hard enough to update just one! :) If you want to peek in on me and my fam our blog is edelbrockfamily.blogspot.com. It is a private blog so you will need to email me your email address so I can add you to our reader list!

Jeremiah 29:11

How cool are these??

click on the picture...

Cookie Dough!

I got this from http://mycomputerismycanvas.blogspot.com/ Check it out! Raw cookie dough that is supposed to be eaten.... raw! Thanks Jill!

(click here picture to read the recipe)

Fall Routines!

I recently read a blog that inspired me to kick our fall routine into high gear. We had a great routine last school year and I am actually really excited to get this year started. Tonight, my daughter and I sat down and made a morning and evening schedule and night one went very well! I will keep you updated as the days go on. This is what our fall routine looks like:

Morning:

Wake up

Make bed

Change clothes

Do hair

Eat breakfast

Put dishes away

wash hands/face/brush teeth

(if this is all done 1/2 hour before school, she gets to watch her favorite show... if not, she loses that privilege)

Evening:

Dinner

Put dishes away

Wash hands

Pick up toys

Lay out clothes for next day

Get back pack ready and place by the front door

Bath

PJ's

Teeth

Potty

Story

Prayers

Hugs

(If this is not done by designated bed time, she misses out on her story)

It's not too much to ask and it allows her to gain some responsibility and independence. Try it out with your kids... you might be surprised how much easier your mornings and evenings become! I could blog about my grown up routine but it might make your head spin... more on that later!

Un-meltable Popsicle!

1 package Jell-O

fruit juice or Kool-aid

Make Jell-O according to package directions,

but instead of adding cold water, add cold juice or Kool-aid.

Pour into popsicle mold

Freeze.

CLICK HERE for the original recipe and website

Theme Parties

There is no better way to entertain a bunch of kids then by throwing a party. We just had a Hula Party for the fun of it and it was a blast. It doesn't have to be expensive either! All you need to do is pick a theme. If you pick on that is just about to go out of season you might end up finding things at a discounted price. For us, because it was August, we got our hula stuff at 1/2 off! All you need to do is make a few yummy treats and have something for the kiddos to do. Because we chose a tropical theme the little ones came dressed in Hawaiian costumes, we had sprinklers, slip N slide, a mini pool and a Hawaiian pinata. To eat we had inexpensive candy, bright colored cookies and hot dogs rolled in crescent rolls. (so easy, right??) Because we got such a good deal, we also had the kids take home their very own pineapple mug and lei. Not that creative?? Thats ok! That's what party stores and party isles are for. Pick a theme and go for it! What fun to have a party for no reason at all!

Berry Crisp

A perfect tag a long to a BBQ, picnic or potluck. This is so easy I am giving you the recipe by memory.... here goes....4 cups berries (I used black berries)

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup flour (I used whole wheat)

3/4 cup oats

3/4 brown sugar

1/2 cup real butter

mix sugar and berries and place in square pan

mix flour, oats, brown sugar and butter until soft and crumbly

place topping on top of berries

bake for 30 minutes at 350

Told ya... easy. yummy. deeelish!

Nothing Like It!

You want to keep a preschooler busy for about an hour? Give them a cheap (or old) shirt and some puff paints! They will love to show it off the next day with a cute pair of shorts! If you don't have any of these things try old socks and a permanent marker... then put on a puppet show!

Get Creative!

Yesterday we finished off the oatmeal and had a left over oatmeal container. I couldn't stand to toss it. Surely there must be a use for it. So, I asked my four year old what we should do with it. I gave her paper, crayons, glue and scissors. She decided she wanted to make a pig... here is what she did:

Colored the paper just the way she wanted-

Draw and cut out the pig face-

Glued the paper, face, paper ears and rock feet onto the oatmeal container.

Waited about an hour for it all to dry and... you have a pig!

Watermelon Shapes!

Use cookie cutters to make watermelon shapes.

Your kiddos will gobble them up!

See the original recipe at: http://thislittleproject.blogspot.com/2010/07/watermelon-stamping-treat.html

4th of July Cheesecake

Cheesecake is always a hit at any party. How fun, festive and easy is this? You can use the recipe found here: http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/red-white-blue-cheesecake-688032/ or all you have to do is buy and make a no bake cheesecake mix (I used cherry) and when its finished, garnish with blueberries. If you want to go the super duper easy route, buy an already made cheesecake, top with red berries and garnish with blueberries. So easy!

4th of July Yumminess!

I was asked to make a dessert for our 4th of July family gathering. This is very simple, festive and not that bad for you either!

Ingredients

• 1 package (3.4-ounce) instant vanilla pudding
• 4 cups fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries), washed and hulled, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 24 to 36 ladyfingers

Instructions

1. To make the fillings, prepare the pudding according to the package directions and chill it.

2. Slice the strawberries, if you're using them, then toss all of the berries with the lemon juice and the 1/4 cup of sugar. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the berries to release their juices.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, whip the cream, vanilla extract, and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form. Set aside.

4. To make the layers, set a layer of ladyfingers (around 7 or 8) on the bottom of a large, clear serving bowl (ours was 4 quarts). Top with the berries with half of the pudding.

5. Add another layer of ladyfingers, another third of the berries and juice, and the rest of the pudding. Add a final layer of ladyfingers and berries. Top with the whipped cream and a berry garnish.

6. Refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Serves 8 to 10.

   
   

   For more info and original recipe: http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/summer-berry-trifle-683851/

   
   

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

How cute are these?

There require a lot of steps but are pretty easy!

Click on the above picture for the recipe

Thanks Michele!

Camping...

The weather hasn't been cooperating where we live so I was thinking about this to keep summer alive this season. Plus, it will be a trial run to see if I can actually take my kiddos camping outside when the sun decides to come out.

Camping in your living room:

Move your furniture and pitch a tent

Use sleeping bags

Use flash lights

Turn off all lights

Play card games

Read/tell stories

Open the window or screen to get some fresh air

Make smores

Grill hot dogs

Turn on the fire place

Get a wild life CD for wilderness noise

Use only camping gear when cooking

Go for a walk outside when you all wake up

I am sure you get the idea! Have fun with it... the kiddos will have a blast!

Crock Pot Breakfast

I wish I had a picture of this, but I don't... this is such a simple way to make breakfast, make your house smell yummy and to eat healthy. I found it on www.busycooks.about.com. Check it out!

This easy and delicious recipe for Crockpot Cobbler takes only a few minutes to prepare and tastes like apple crisp! Use your favorite brand of granola cereal in this recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours, 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups peeled, sliced tart apples
• 2 cups granola cereal
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 Tbsp. melted butter

Preparation:

Spray inside of 3-4 quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Combine apples, cereal and cinnamon in crockpot and mix well. Stir together honey and butter and drizzle over apple mixture. Mix gently. Cover crockpot and cook on LOW 5-7 hours OR until apples are tender. Serve this crockpot cobbler with fruit yogurt, if desired. 4 servings

Dad's kind of cupcake!

Click the picture to find out how to make these adorable cupcakes!

No Bake Summer Treats

Click HERE for some yummy treats! I can't wait to try these! Yummo! You may find THIS VIDEO helpful.

Teacher Gifts!

It's almost the end of the school year and here are some ideas that will get your creative juices flowing when trying to decide what to do for your teacher... some of them may be repeats. For the full list and original website click here: Teacher Gifts Remember, these ideas don't have to be used just for school teachers. They can be used for Sunday school teachers, Father's Day gifts, doctors or a friends birthday!

Bookmark: We'd like to "Thank You" with speed. So here's something for when you read!
Can or bottle...: We can't keep it "bottled up"...We just have to say thanks!
Cookie: Thanks! You're such a smart "cookie"
Flowers: THANKS For Keeping Our Friendship "Growing" !!
Grapes: When it comes to a Teacher... You're the BEST of The Bunch!
Gummi Bears: THANKS! Our job would be "Unbearable"
Hot pads: When it comes To giving of Yourself... You're "Hot Stuff"!!
Lotion: Here's a bottle of lotion for all the kindness you set in motion!
Peanuts: Please Don't Forget... How much you mean to us!
Soda: "Soda" you know how much we appreciate you? You are a LIFESAVER! (lifesaver candies-perfect for a substitute)
Mints - Thanks! You're worth a MINT to us!
Popcorn is a kernel that magnified its calling! (popcorn)
You are BERRY Special! (berry candy, small jar of berry jelly, pint of fresh berries, gummy bears, or bear stickers)
"Thanks a mint (place a small York Peppermint Pattie) for all you do in Primary..."
"Don't snicker (place a small Snickers bar), but we think you're great."
"Donut forget that the circle of your influence in Primary will go on forever" (Tied to a donut) "Thank you for your faithfulness in serving in Primary. You're worth more than $100,000 (place a small 100 Grand bar)."
Do 'uno" how much we love you? (Uno candy bar)
Thanks for being so "jolly"... (jolly rancher)
We just can't do without your "smarties"
Even just a "bitahoney" goes a long way... thanks!
Thanks a "mint" for all you do
We "treasure" the memories you are helping create (Treasure chocolates)
We think you "rock"... (pop rocks)
We're no "dum-dum" we know who to thank
We think you are "Mighty and Marvelous"! Thanks! (M&M's)
You're worth a "100,000 Grand" to us
You're "mounds" of fun
We'd be "nerds" if we didn't thank you
We can't "bear" the thought of not giving you our thanks... gummy bears
You light up our life... mini flashlight or birthday candle
We're lucky to have such "Sweethearts" as leaders... sweet tarts
By "gum" you're special... (gum of any kind)
Thanks for putting "snap, crackle and pop" into Primary! (mini box of rice crispies)
We "skored" big when we got you as a teacher... (skor candy bar)
It may seem like a circus sometimes... but we want you to know we love you. (animal cookies) We're "nuts" about the job you're doing... thanks! (peanuts)
We're "bubbly" all over with love and gratitude. (bottle of bubbles)
We can't "lick" any of our problems without you.... (lollipop)
We've gone "bananas" over the job you are doing... (bananas or banana bread)
An orange (orange you glad you were called to serve in our Primary!)
An apple (You're the apple of my eye and such a "polished" leader.)
A sucker (Thanks for never getting licked down. We really appreciate your efforts)
Lucky Charms (We're lucky to have such a charmin' good teacher!)
Jar/box of spice ("You really add SPICE to our Primary!)
Cupcake (When it comes to being a teacher, you're the icing on the cake!)
Chewing Gum (Stick with us--let's all serve together")
Cracker Jacks (You're a Cracker Jack teacher!)
Banana (We've gone "bananas" over Primary)
Packet of sugar (Isn't Primary "SWEET")
Krackle Bar (Thanks for putting snap, KRACKLE, & pop into our Primary)
Pack of Nuts (We're nuts about you as a teacher)
Pear (It 'pears to me, that you are a great Primary teacher)
Olives ("Olive" the nice things you do for our Primary are very appreciated!)

A candy gram using the small candy bars that come in 10 packs. We wrote, "Don't snicker but be twix you and me we think you are a delightful teacher. Thanks a bunch. Have a grand day." Depending on how many you need this is very inexpensive. It costs about $4.00 to make 10 of them.

Whopper candies- "Thanks for helping us have a whopper of a good time in Primary."
M&M's - You are a marvelous and magnificent teacher!
Soup or soup mix - You are a "Souper" teacher!
Apples and Hershey's Hugs - A teacher can't live by apples alone...She needs "Hugs" too!
Loaf of Bread - For being there when you were "Kneaded", for "Rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "Loafing" on the job, for helping others to "Heel" with TLC. No matter how you "Slice it", you do a terrific job being our primary teacher.
Nuts - We're nuts about you!
Candle - You make our primary so much brighter.
Any Sweet Treat - You sure are sweet!
Oranges - "Orange" you glad you're in Primary!?
Pasta - (Or any Pasta and a bottle of sauce) You are 'Pasta'-tively wonderful!
Rice Krispie Treats - "Snap, Crackle, Pop"
We think You're really Tops! Banana Bread - Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do...We also love you a whole "Bunch" too!
Chocolates - You're so Sweet...having you in Primary is really a treat!
Donuts - "Donut" you know we love you???

My Ideas:
Make a gift basket using your favorite tips from the above list!
Have your kids decorate a basket or jar to fill with one of these special treats!

Perfect Mother's Day Lunch

click on picture for original recipe and picture

Ingredients
1 head romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried, and chopped
2 bunches fresh spinach - chopped, washed and dried
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 Bermuda onion, sliced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Directions
In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, spinach, strawberries and sliced onion.
In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, milk and poppy seeds. Shake well and pour the dressing over salad. Toss until evenly coated.

My Ideas

The only thing I would change would be to take out the onions and add candied walnuts.... YUMMO!

Cinco De Mayo!

One of my favorite coffee places is having a special:

THE HUMAN BEAN: CINCO DE MAYO... $1.00 drinks (12oz and smaller) all day Wednesday, 5/5/10! Come try a Mexican Mocha or any of your favorite Bean drinks, and help us celebrate!!!!!

Make sure to check out your favorite local hot spots for Cinco De Mayo specials too!

You are what you eat...

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

FROSTING/DECORATING:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
6 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 to 4 drops red food coloring
Pink sugar wafer cookies
36 large marshmallows, halved
Butterscotch chips and miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a large bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, milk, vanilla and food coloring. Frost cookies.
Cut sugar wafers into triangles; place two on each cookie for ears. With a toothpick, poke two holes in each marshmallow half for nostrils; press butterscotch chips into holes. Place noses on cookies; add chocolate chip eyes. Yield: 6 dozen.

My Ideas:

For the frosting, I would just add a bit of red food coloring to your favorite premade frosting.

To make things easier, you could use premade cookie dough as well!

On a budget this May Day or Mother's Day?

Try this fun craft from www.kaboose.com.

Kids will have fun making it and

any grandmother, mother, aunt, sister or friend would love it!

click on picture to see original picture and craft

Let the children decide how to decorate the outside of the paper plates. The children can make their own flowers from construction paper to put inside. Any mother would love this, and so would a grandmother!

What you'll need:
2 Flimsy paper plates
Construction paper
Markers or paint, optional
Scissors
Decorative scissors, optional
Glue
Stapler
Hole punch
Ribbon or yarn

How to make it:
Cut one plate in half. Set aside one half for another project or for another child to use.
Decorate the outside (bottom) of the plates using markers, paint, construction paper, or whatever you wish. Let dry.
Staple the circular paper plate and the half plate together, outsides facing out.
Hole punch two holes in the top of the circular paper plate. (see photo)
Attach a piece of ribbon or yarn so you can hang the basket on the door handle.
Create flowers and leaves from construction paper. Glue pieces together.
Assemble in your basket. Glue in place.
Early on the morning of May 1st place it on your mother's bedroom door.
You can also make more baskets to hang on your neighbor's door, a friend's, or anyone special to you.
Remember, it's supposed to be a surprise!

My Ideas:

Fill with real flowers... even if that means using the dandelions from your yard.

Use cupcake holders and paper or pipe cleaners to make flowers.

Fill with candy!

Fruit Pie Biscuits

All I can say is I will make these for myself for Mother's Day if I have too... Yum. click on picture to see original picture and recipe

What You Need:

1 can Jumbo-sized biscuits

1 can of your favorite pie filling

Cinnamon

1 cup sugar
1-1 1/2 tbsp milk

1 sandwich bag

scissors

bowl

What You Do:

Bake the biscuits as directed on the can. Let cool. Wash your hands and dry them. Create a "basket" in the center of each biscuit by pressing your finger down into the center. Gently press the inside dough into the bottom of the biscuit, reinforcing it so that the filling does not leak through the bottom. Fill each biscuit with pie filling and lightly dust with cinnamon .

** At this point, the biscuits can be stored in a sealed container for up to 8 hours with no problems. To serve, place on a plate and drizzle with glaze. (see below) Warm Biscuits: You can reheat before serving (if desired) by placing one biscuit on a microwave safe plate and heating on high power for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and drizzle with glaze as directed below.

For the Glaze:

In a bowl, mix confectioner's sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Stir until smooth. Add more milk, a few drops at a time, until desired consistency. You can drizzle the icing with a spoon or use the following method:Fill a sandwich bag with confectioner's sugar icing, seal the bag and push the icing into one corner of the bag. Using scissors, slightly snip off this corner of the bag. Drizzle the icing liberally across the top of each biscuit. Serve immediately.

Celebrate Earth Day!

Click on the picture for an easy Earth Day project for you and your kiddos and it should be sprouting just in time for Mother's Day!

Want something yummy to eat on Earth Day?

Try this new recipe... looks deeee-lish!

Organic Old Fashion Strawberry Cobbler

Lemon Bars

These look divine!

click on above picture for website, picture and original recipe

Ingredients:
1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix with pudding
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/3 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon



Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Add the egg and oil; mix until well blended. Mixture will be slightly dry. Reserve one cup for the topping, and pat the rest into an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the baked crust. Crumble the reserved cake mix mixture over the top.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until filling is set and the topping is lightly toasted. Cool before cutting into bars. Refrigerate leftovers

My idea:
Mix in some blueberries and top with whip cream!

Eat Dirt!

Here is a fun spring time treat for you and your kiddos!

Dirt!

Make Chocolate pudding and place in individual cups

Sprinkle/layer with crushed Oreo Cookie crumbs

Top with a gummy worm

click on picture to see original picture

Kids will love it!

What's for dinner tonight?

Ground Beef Curly Noodles
click on title for original recipe and website

"This is a quick and economical recipe I've posted on Allrecipes a few years ago and it's received pretty good feedback. Kids like it a lot. It's tasty as written, and it can be further spiced up as desired. Some like to double or triple the ramen noodles. It's really good the next day wrapped in a tortilla." -Michelle Jones creator of Frugal Family Recipes

1 lb. ground beef
1 package ramen noodles (I use oriental flavored) with seasoning packet
1 can corn
1 can diced tomatoes

Brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain fat. Crush ramen noodles in their package to break them up slightly. Add noodles, seasoning packet, can of corn (undrained) and diced tomatoes (undrained). If using extra noodles add 1/2 cup water or broth for each package. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover. Stir occasionally to continue to break up noodles. Simmer for 10 minutes. Yields 4 servings.

My Ideas:
Use other broccoli, peas and/or shredded carrots instead of tomato's
Use shredded chicken instead of beef
Wrap in lettuce for a yummy lettuce wrap

Oh yes I did!

I never thought I would, but I did. Here it goes, I am going to say it.... I recently bought a child harness for my sweet 18 month old. See, I am pregnant and due early June. My outings will be filled with keeping track of a creative 4 year old, very busy 20 month old and a newborn! The thought of it overwhelms me. When my husband mentioned that we should get a child harness, especially for a family vacation coming up, I started researching... this is what I found: http://www.jackaboo.com/ I don't feel the least bit guilty about it and to be honest, my mind is actually at ease.... Can you guess what pattern I ordered??

FYI: Target, Walmart, Amazon and Toys R Us all have different types of child harnesses. If you have a busy toddler and you feel like your hands are full, its worth looking into!

Spring Time Treats

I know most of you have heard of ants on a log, I have never like celery so this has NEVER appealed to me... HOWEVER! Have you heard of Apple Ladybugs? They are so simple and sound so much more appealing..... give it a try!

click on picture to see original picture, recipe and website

Ingredients:
1 red apples
1/8 cup raisins
4 mini pretzel sticks
peanut butter

Directions:
Slice apples in half from top to bottom, and scoop out the cores with a melon baller or knife. Place each apple half face down on a plate. Using dollops of peanut butter as a 'glue', add raisins to the apple skin to form the ladybug's dots and eyes. Insert pretzel sticks into apple as antennae for the finishing touch!

Some of my ideas:
Instead of raisins, use dried blueberries or chocolate chips
Use a green apple to mix it up a little
Use cream cheese instead of peanut butter

Plastic Easter Eggs

Now that Easter is over, what are you going to do with all of those plastic Easter eggs??? Here is a very clever idea from THIS LITTLE PROJECT. Do you have 26 eggs laying around? If you are like me I am sure you do! Here is what you do: With a sharpie write an uppercase letter on the top of the egg and the same lowercase letter on the bottom. Separate the two parts and have your kiddos try and match them together. Do this with the whole alphabet and you have a fun, educational and colorful game!

Click on picture to go to see original picture and website

Coupon!

For those of you that live in the Salem area and want to see the Easter Bunny... click here!

If you do not live in this area find a website to the nearest mall and see what Easter specials they have! It will be worth it!

Bunny Bread

I came up with this one this morning....

Use bunny face cookie cutter and cut out shape in whole wheat bread

Spread cream cheese over top

We used pink yogurt (we used gogurt) for ears and nose,

Cheerio's for eyes,

and craisin's or raisins for mouth

SO simple!

Hippity Hoppity Easter's On It's Way!

Easter is almost here!

What are you going to fill your kiddo's baskets with?

How about some of these...

- The Easter Story ( I know you can get inexpensive christian books at grocery stores such as Winco)
- Craisins, yogurt covered raisins, chocolate covered peanuts instead of candy
- Packets of seeds, shovel and a small watering can
- Side walk chalk
- Water color paints and paint brushes
- Bubbles
- Use a pail and bucket instead of a basket
- Cookie cutters
- Magnets
- Sunglasses
- Tooth brush and tooth paste

For more ideas check out this thrifty site: THRIFTY FUN

Also, here is a cute idea for lunches or snack this week:

Easter Egg Sandwiches
www.pillsbursy.com

Cut a PB&J sandwich into an egg shape. Cut lines and shapes from a fruit roll-up snack to adorn the top of the sandwiches so they look like decorated Easter eggs. Use dots of jelly to adhere the shapes to the sandwich top. Double yum!

Healthy Breakfast Cookies

Busy week?

Need something for you and the fam to grab and go?

Make these a day or two before and

your breakfast will be ready to go as you start your busy day!

Click on picture for website and original recipe

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/

(this website is one of my FAVORITE recipe spots!)

Here is what you need:

Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 large)
1/2 cup chunky natural peanut butter (unsalted and unsweetened)
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat two cookie sheets with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, stir together banana, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, milk powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir the oat mixture into the banana mixture until combined. Stir in dried cranberries.
2. Using a ¼-cup measure, drop mounds of dough 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. With a thin metal or small plastic spatula dipped in water, flatten and spread each mound of dough to a 2¾-inch round, about ½ inch thick.
3. Bake, one sheet at a time, for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Painting Project

A friend of mine stumbled upon this blog: THE LITTLE PROJECT and it is so cute! Lots of super ideas for you and your kiddos. We did this activity at a baby shower I hosted and now my kids and I are going to do this project: The Village People . We are not going to go as far as they did on the blog, but we are going to paint our family as little wooden people. How cute is that? (Thanks Shannan for the idea!) I will post pictures when we are done. Here is a link where you can get the wooden dolls. DOLLS I bought acrylic paint from Wal-Mart and a pack of all different paint brushes. You might be able to do a one stop shopping trip at your local craft store too. Have fun and send me pictures if you do this project! I would love to show off your creativeness on the blog!

Sweet Stuffing

I know it's not "stuffing" season, but I decided to make a turkey dinner last night. I am NOT a stuffing fan (and I don't even know if this is how you make stuffing) but I made up a stuffing recipe that I would actually enjoy. Here it is and it is very simple to make!

2 apples chopped, cored and unpeeled
1/2 cup of candied walnuts
1/4 cup craisins
dash or two of cinnamon
A bunch of whole wheat bread crumbs (sorry I didn't measure those)

Saute apples, walnuts and craisins with a little bit of butter and cinnamon until apples are fairly soft. Place bread crumbs and sauteed items in bowl and mix around. Stuff turkey and PRESTO! It turned out really yummy!!

Branches

Have some old branches laying around your yard? I used some of our old branches at a baby shower I hosted this weekend. We hung white lights and lanterns off of them for a special touch. How cute would they be in a "fairy themed" room or a "forest themed" nursery? Obviously you don't have to go as big as I did, but you can spruce up your house for spring by putting branches in a vase with a sweet nest or birds perches on a branch.... oh the possibilities.

Home Made Biscuits

Is it sad to say that I have never made home made biscuits? (I usually use bisquick and add some of my own touch...) Well, today is the day! I am having family over for a turkey dinner and I felt it was finally time. Wish me luck!

Home Made Biscuits

click on title for original website

Ingredients:

2 cups sifted flour

2 tsp. baking powder

4 tablespoons butter or shortening

1/2 tsp. salt

about 3/4 cup milk

Sift Flour once, measure, add baking powder and salt, and sift again. Cut in shortening or butter. (this is where I use my hands by rubbing the butter into the flour). Add milk gradually, stirring until soft dough is formed. Turn out on slightly floured board and lightly "knead" for 30 seconds, enough to shape. Roll 1/2 inch thick and cut with 2 inch floured biscuit cutter. Bake on ungreased sheet in a 400 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. Makes 12 biscuits. You can also make tiny tea biscuits that are only 1 1/2 inches wide with a small cutter or glass bottom. These are great served with tea, jam or honey. Makes 24.

Now, should I make these sweet and add some vanilla or almond flavoring? Should I make them with some garlic and cheese? OR should I just leave them plain.... hmmmm....

GO OUTSIDE!

The sun is out and Spring Break is just around the corner...

Here are some outdoor things to keep your kids busy and you sane!

1. Side walk chalk (hop scotch, tic tac toe, draw a picture of everyone in the family or a welcome home sign for dad when the gets home for work, etc)

2. Bubbles (Poor bubble into a bowl and use plastic cookie cutters to blow cool shapes)

3. Wash your car (Kids love to help, although this might not keep you sane)

4. Plant some flowers (Local grocery stores usually have inexpensive flowers or seed packets that are easy to plant. Plus, kids love playing in the dirt!)

5. Nature Hunt (make a list of things for your kiddos to find while you go on a walk. The list can include pine cones, leaves, feathers, rocks, flowers, etc. Just make sure you bring a baggie or a bucket so they can bring their treasures home!)

6. Pick out a pet rock or two! (Search for the perfect rock, then stay outside and paint your new friend)

7. Go to the park (meet a friend or two at the park... surprise the mommas by bringing favorite coffee drinks for all to enjoy)

8. Bike ride (don't forget your helmet!)

9. Take your dog for a walk (Don't have one? Offer to take the neighbor's dog for a walk!)

10. Bake cookies (I know this doesn't require outside time, but it will when you walk them to your neighbors house for a sweet surprise!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Don't forget to wear green today and don't forget to pinch those who don't!

Here are some St. Patrick's Day dinner ideas:

*Use pesto, broccoli, lime jello, lime yogurt, cucumbers,

green peppers, avocados, etc to make your dinner extra special*

*Add green food coloring to your favorite casserole*

*Add green food coloring to milk*

*Place a piece of lime in every one's water*

*Sprinkle their dinner with green sugar or salt*

Dessert Ideas:

*Green Sherbet*

*Mint Ice Cream*

*Top anything with green sugar*

OR

add them all together...

*Add your favorite green ice cream to 7-up, top with whip cream and sprinkle green sugar on top*

Shamrock Pretzel

Here is another simple St. Patrick's Day recipe from familyfun.go.com

(If you can't tell, I love that site!)

click on picture to see website and recipe

Ingredients
Canned refrigerated bread stick dough

Colored sugar
Cinnamon

Instructions
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
To create the clover shape, mold 3 sections of bread sticks into hearts and press them together as shown. Attach a small stem, decorate, bake according to the package directions, and serve them up to your lucky guests.

Also, tonight is the night to set a trap for those sneaky leprechauns!

Here are a few fun ideas:

Leprechaun Traps

Over The Rainbow

Check out these colorful cupcakes!
Perfect for a St. Patrick Day celebration! TASTE A RAINBOW

click on above title to see website and recipe

Ingredients
White cake mix (we used an 18-1/4-ounce box)
Food coloring (red, blue, green, and yellow)
Baking cups
Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions
Prepare your favorite white cake mix, then divide the batter evenly among six small bowls. Following the chart below, dye each bowl of batter a rainbow color.

DROPS OF FOOD COLORING
Purple 9 red and 6 blue drops
Blue 12 drops

Green 12 drops

Yellow 12 drops
Orange 12 yellow and 4 red drops
Red 18 drops

Line 16 muffin pan wells with baking cups. Evenly distribute the purple batter among the cups, then the blue, and so on, following the order shown. As you go, gently spread each layer of batter with the back of a spoon to cover the color underneath.
Bake the cupcakes according to your recipe directions. Before serving, remove the paper wrapping, and if you like, top each cupcake with a whipped-cream cloud. I think they would be cute served on a plate with gold foil candy!

Here are the cupcakes we made today!

So much fun!

Also, here is a link to a printable St. Patrick's Day coloring sheet!

COLORING SHEET