Oh My! Breakfast Hit!

We love cinnamon rolls. For awhile it was our Sunday morning breakfast tradition, but I soon grew tired of Saturday evening kneading and rising that cinnamon rolls require. Until I found this recipe for dough that is made in the bread machine. No more kneading. Just rolling, cutting and 30 minutes of rising. Then, pop them in the refrigerator until morning. Bake, ice, and impress the family!

I like to do the preparation the night before and keep the rolls in the refrigerator and bake them in the morning. 

This recipe is SO easy. If you love cinnamon rolls, you will not be disappointed with this one!

Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. water
2 Tbsp butter
3/4 tsp salt
3 c. flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 c. white sugar
1 egg

In a saucepan, heat the milk, water and butter until very warm. Place milk mixture and remaining ingredients in bread machine pan and select the dough cycle. Press start and let your machine do the work!!!

3 Tbsp butter, softened
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 c. white sugar

Once dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine and punch down. On a floured surface, roll into a large rectangle. Smear with the softened butter. Combine the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle over rectangle. 

Roll the dough into a log, starting with the long side. Cut into 12 slices. Place the rolls into a greased 9x13 baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until doubled.

Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove and cool for 10 minutes.

1 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 Tbsp milk

Whisk together the above ingredients and spread over rolls.

Why We Homeschool

There are many reasons a family choose homeschooling as an alternative to the traditional education system. For some, it is for religious reasons. Some parents want to control social influences that naturally happen when you throw a group of peers together for the majority of their waking day.  For some students, homeschooling is an option that allows them to get specialized help. Some feel that the public education that is offered is not sufficient. Some may be rescuing their children from social conflict. None of these reasons played into our decision for alternative education.

If I could rewind my life and play it back 5 years ago, I would never guess that homeschooling our children would consume my days. The plan was as follows: Megan would start kindergarten and Emily would be in 1st grade. I would try my hand at substitute teaching. I thought I had it all figured out! But, there was another plan for my life. 

Re-wind. Emily is in kindergarten. Megan is in pre-school at the same public school. One really warm spring day, the school bus pulls into our driveway, as it does five days a week at 4:15 p.m., delivering our two daughters. The girls' clothes are soaked through with sweat. Their faces are beet red and they look exhausted. I ask them how their day is and we go inside for a snack. 

Emily asks, "Mom, can you homeschool us next year?" The question comes out of nowhere. I didn't even know she was aware of homeschooling as an option. She loves school, loves her teacher, loves her friends. She gets good grades, has a good attitude at school. So, I am puzzled at her request. 

Her reasoning is a valid one -- school takes her away from home for so long each day. It is true. And, she and her sister spend an hour and a half each day on a big bus. It isn't practical to make two 20-mile round-trip drives to their school each day, so the bus is the most logical way to get them to and from school. Unfortunately, our rural school district is spread out and we live on the outskirts of the district, resulting in an early pick-up and a late drop-off. When they get home, not much of her day is left before supper, baths and bedtime. 

I talk it over with Matthew. Should we homeschool? Can I homeschool? Is it right for our family? We pray about it and feel that it could be where God is leading our family. 

So, we leapt into a new adventure. And I am so thankful we did! We have enjoyed the last four years so much, and I truly feel that God is guiding us. I have learned A LOT and grown a lot. We have laughed a lot, and cried a few tears along the way. We have taken family field trips. 

As corny as it may sound, I truly believe God has purposed me to be at home -- with all three of our children. I didn't see it coming, but I am so glad that I don't have it all figured out, because we would have missed out on so much!

 ^"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Cheeseburger Casserole

I knew this recipe was a keeper when our pickiest eater took two bites, and then gave me permission to make this dish again! I found it on skinnytaste.com. It was delicious, but I didn't get a photo before we dug into this tasty meal. You'll have to trust me without a photo -- this is a good one!

Cheeseburger Casserole

2 c. uncooked rotini pasta (use brown rice pasta for GF)
2 tsp oil
1 1/2 c. onion, finely chopped
1 lb ground beef
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp tomato paste
28 oz diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 c. chopped dill pickles

Cook pasta and drain. Heat oil over medium-low heat and add onions, cooking until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add meat and brown, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes and mustard. Let mixture bubble until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Toss the meat mixture with the pasta and spread into greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped pickles over the top and serve.

Caramel Brownies

You can't go wrong with this recipe if you love caramel. And chocolate. And brownies. This is a great dessert to make for a potluck or gathering because they are bars (which means they travel well) and make a 9x13 pan (which means it will treat many mouths). It is quick and simple, which is a plus!!

This is a photo of the uncut bars shortly after cooling. These bars are so moist and rich! Make sure to serve with a glass of cold milk!

Caramel Brownies

3/4 c. butter

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate

4 eggs

2 c. sugar

1 1/4 c. flour

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. chopped pecans

1 bag chocolate chunks, divided

1 pkg. soft caramels, unwrapped

1/4 heavy cream

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together butter and chocolate in microwave for 2 minutes; stir until smooth. Whisk in eggs, sugar, flour and vanilla. Stir in pecans. Spread half batter in a greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with 1 c. chocolate chunks.

In a medium-size saucepan, melt together caramels and heavy cream over medium-low heat until smooth, about 5 minutes. Evenly pour batter in pan. Spread with remaining batter. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chunks.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes or until top is dry and shiny. Let cool completely before cutting into squares!

A Night at the Home Theater!

Last night we had 17 friends over to join us for a viewing of the movie, "Turbo." It might seem crazy to some, but I love filling the house with young friends and hearing them talk and play. There was a lot of laughter and fun!

We started the evening with pizza and fruit, and ended with a full concession stand! Each child had $5 in Monopoly money that they could spend. Popcorn was $1, pop and candy were $2. And fruit and water were FREE! Don't you wish real theater concessions were priced like ours?????

I have to give credit to my wonderful husband, Matthew, who is a great sport when we have friends over. He ran the concession stand like a pro, selling pop, boxes of candy and popcorn! You were the best! I know it was a busy evening, but just be thankful it wasn't a sleepover. :)

To be honest, I didn't see much of the movie, so I can't give a review. The clips that I did see were funny, and the kids seemed to like it.

So, this is what 20 kids looks like for an evening! Just a few snapshots of the fun evening! 

I found these cute paper straws at Hy-Vee,
and the popcorn boxes at Dollar General!

Bird Watching on the Mississippi

All winter we have wanted to take the kids in search of the majestic bald eagles that live and fish along the river all winter. It seemed like our schedules never allowed for the trip to the river. I know that it is late in the season for eagle spotting, but we took the chance, not knowing what we would discover.

We drove to Nauvoo and followed the river, stopping along the road to watch the wildlife and take photos. Our trek took us into Keokuk. 

At first, we saw a lot of gulls. When I say a lot, I mean thousands, without exaggeration! These birds were everywhere. If there was a log floating in the river, they would be lined up -- wing to wing -- along the floating log. They were bobbing in the water. They flew with grace overhead. They were a lot of fun to watch. 

We saw ducks and geese. No eagles yet. But we did see a crane which was beautiful also.

While we were all admiring the river birds, Matthew looked along the road and announced our first eagle spotting! Sure enough, and eagle was flying over our van, following the road to the north. I was thankful that we had seen one, so the girls wouldn't be too disappointed. 

We drove a little further and on a log floating in the river sat two beautiful bald eagles -- one on each side of the log. Interestingly, no gulls dotted the log between them. They were not sharing their "raft" with any of the lesser significant birds!

We saw several other eagles either in flight or resting in trees. They were beautiful. Next year we hope to make it to the river in January or February for a better viewing and to watch them fish in the river.

Although we didn't see a lot of eagles, we did see a lot of pelicans. And I mean A LOT of pelicans. There were hundreds and hundreds of these awkward looking birds. The largest congregation of these long-necked birds was south of the dam, across from Keokuk. We stopped and got out to watch them and play a little bit on the boat ramp.

I am not sure what this fish is, but the kids were amazed at the long row of tiny, sharp teeth. This was among several dead fish that we found among the rocks. Of course, Emily was thoroughly interested in examining the carcasses.

St. Patrick's Day

It doesn't take much time to make an ordinary day into a memory!

The night before St. Patrick's Day I snuck around the house and hid scavenger hunt clues. So, the morning began with a scavenger hunt around the house to lead them to the ultimate prize -- a jar filled with a candy rainbow.

Then I sat the kids down on the rug with a breakfast treat -- Lucky Charms. They ate while I read a book about Saint Patrick, and discussed the hardships he overcame because of his passion for his beliefs. I pulled out some fun leprechaun books to end our reading time.

Of course, rainbows are fun to make with fruit, so Emily helped me make a rainbow of fruit before swimming lessons. My fruit-eating family cleaned the plate!

After swimming lessons we came home to a treat -- leprechaun floats. Simple and fun -- a scoop of lime sherbet topped with Sprite.

Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs

We just finished up a study of ancient Greece, so I decided to try a few Greek recipes. This one is simple and always tasty! Marinated and grilled chicken with red onion. I served this with rice on the side. Thank you, Taste of Home, for a quick and delicious meal!

Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs

1/2 c. Greek Vinaigrette dressing

2 Tbsp. real mayonnaise

1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 red onion, cut into small wedges

1 lemon, halved

Combine dressing and mayo. Pour into large resealable plastic bag or sealable container. Close and toss to coat chicken. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to marinate.

Thread chicken and onions onto soaked skewers. Grill over medium-high heat until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, grill lemon. Squeeze lemon juice over kabobs just before serving.

Taco Spaghetti

Do you ever need a great potluck meal, or a meal that throws together quickly? I found this one in a Taste of Home magazine, and it was so delicious!

We are big fans of the taco. Imagine putting all that Mexican goodness in a casserole dish. With some pasta. Yummy!!!

I will admit that this recipe was a little too spicy for the younger palates in our household, so I'll make more mild for them next time. 

Taco Spaghetti

12 oz. uncooked spaghetti noodles
1 lb. ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
3/4 c. water
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
2 c. (8 oz.) shredded Mexican cheese, divided
2/3 c. salsa

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Break spaghetti and cook until al dente. Brown meat; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir in beans, tomatoes, 1 c. cheese & salsa. Transfer to a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese.

Sharing Milkshakes

We are on a milkshake kick at our house. Vanilla, chocolate, peppermint. I think we are willing spring and summer by rejecting hot chocolate and bringing on the milkshakes (although, truthfully, ice cream is not seasonal at our house). 

I caught this sweet moment after Eli had finished his milkshake and Megan slid her mug over for him to share. That mug is big enough for two straws!

Octopus Spaghetti

I don't buy a lot of hot dogs. I guess I just don't crave them much. And they don't seem like part of a wholesome meal. Unless they are going to be suspended over a campfire until perfectly roasted. But, every once in a while one of the kids talk me into a package.

So, I boil up part of a package for a lunch and then we have leftover hot dogs in the refrigerator. I found this "recipe" once and it is a hit with the kids and uses up the last few hot dogs. We call it octopus spaghetti.

I cut the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces. Then I break a handful of "octopus tentacles," otherwise known as uncooked spaghetti noodles, and thread four noodles into each hot dog bite. Throw into a pot of boiling water and boil until the spaghetti is done. 

I boil a full pot of spaghetti along with the octopus spaghetti, and cover with sauce. 

The kids think it is fun. And Matthew and I skip the octopus and enjoy our fine Italian cuisine while the kids get a little "seafood."

Banana "Cereal"

We were talking about gross food combinations in Sunday school last week. Believe it or not, it did apply to our lesson. We couldn't come up with any really gross combinations, but it made me think of this -- banana "cereal." 

My girls think this is an odd combination, and they won't touch it! My mom ate this a lot when I was growing up, so I did too. I never thought is was odd, but now that I think of it, I don't know anybody who eats this!!

It is tasty, easy to make and satisfying. It is a cut up banana, covered in milk and lightly sweetened! 

FishTail

Our oldest daughter definitely goes through phases with her hairstyles. For several years she wore a ponytail -- every day. 

Right now she is in the braid phase. Every day she asks me to braid her hair. I love playing with the girls' hair. But the same style does get a little monotonous. This summer, my sister-in-law showed me how to do the fishtail braid. It is cute. It is SO easy, and it is different from the traditional three-strand braid! Thank you, Julie, for bringing a little bit of variety to our house!