Our Willie Wonka and FOOD FRENZY FRIDAY

Luke has been obsessed with Willie Wonka lately. I don't know what it is but he likes to dress up and pretend. This is what he puts on when he is Wonka.He makes me laugh, he likes to lick his fingers and say "but I taste so good." Agustus Gloop says this at the end of the movie. Anyway, to honor my little Wonka I thought I would post a chocolate recipe.

Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients:
1/3 lb graham cracker (1 pkg)
1/2 lb butter
1 cup Evaporated milk
1 lb (1/2 bag) powdered sugar
2 cups CHOCOLATE chips
1 cup peanut butter

Directions:
Combine crumbs, butter, peanut butter and sugar; work together till smooth. Press mixture into a 9x9 buttered pan. Melt chocolate chips over hot water (or double broiler) and spread over mixture. Refrigerate till firm. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Fun, Friends and Deodorant

I wouldn't want to imagine this world without friends. Friends make life fun! This Monday we went up the canyon to have a dutch oven dinner with friends. We had the kids put together a nature collage of leafs, berries, or anything else they could find. They had fun playing with friends while we chatted about anything from Vegas to the use of deodorant. I found out that one of my friends doesn't use it. I was shocked because for one she'd never smelled bad (not that I really tried to smell her) and two because I thought everyone used it. She said if you go without it your body will become accustomed to the change. So my question today is...... do you wear deodorant? he he Speaking about deodorant my little boy (Jacob) had to mow the lawn with me yesterday. It was sort of a pain but even though his head kept whacking the side he never let go until it was done. When we got inside I changed my shirt and put more deodorant on. He wouldn't leave the bathroom and kept pointing to the cupboard, I finally got my deodorant out and asked him if that's what he wanted. UHHHH....(he's still not talking much) but the smile and giggle gave it away and as soon as I put some on him he was happy and left. Crazy kid, only a year old and worried about perspiration.

I'M EXCITED!

When we got home late Saturday there was a message from a lady saying I had won a breast pump. I had signed up for it when I went to the Library. I went and picked it up today, so needless to say I'm excited. When I looked the product up online it's $200.00. I've never had an electric one and the last hand held one I had broke. I'm not big into pumping but It comes in nice when you want to get away for a few hours while nursing. Plus today was Andrews first day of Kindergarten. He had a good time. It will be nice that he and Danika can walk together.
Just for a side note, I got this in an email and it made me chuckle so I thought I would share some.
AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

1. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO
HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.

2. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW
MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.

3. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING
OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.

4. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE
AFRAID TO COUGH.

5. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND
SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.

Daily Thought: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

Okay so it's not very friendly but I still laughed at it!

Kevins Birthday, Grandpa and Bees

Kevin turned 31 on Saturday. I've been calling him an "old man" now he he. I'm sure I'll get it when I hit thirty in a couple years. We went to SL to see my Dad in the hospital. He had a stroke a couple weeks ago and is now in rehabilitation to regain his strength. We brought cake to celebrate Kevin's birthday with my Dad and when we got there my next door neighbors (from my home town) were there to see him. It just so happened to be his birthday too. So we all had cake! We found out they were married the year Kevin was born. I just thought that was neat that they both had the same birthday. After that we headed to Cabellas (I got Kevin a gift card) so he could pick out exactly what he wanted. I don't know about you other ladies but I can't just go pick out a fishing pole or golf club...I'm bound to get the wrong one. Later that evening we went to the BEES game. The kids did really well and they enjoyed the fireworks after. The kids got to hug Bumble again. Danika actually chased him down to hand him a note that said "I love you" on it. I guess she was tugging on him for a few minutes before he realized it and then after reading the note he showed it to the crowd. She felt pretty good! They were occupied for awhile taking pictures.
Now for a little contest. If you can guess who it is in this pictureYou will win a mini candy bar (granted you live close enough for me to get it to you.)

FOOD FRENZY FRIDAY

This is a recipe that Danika likes. It's been rated a 7 1/2. I don't know if I mentioned that I rate our meals. If I'm trying a new recipe Kevin and I will rate them from 1-10. 10 being the best ever (there have only been a few of those). Recipes over 7 I usually will make again. I like to get an idea of what my family likes and it doesn't hurt my feelings if a recipe that I make is given less than a seven (Hey, I'm just following a recipe). I've even rated some low before.

Sloppy Joe Pasta
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 envelope sloppy Joe mix
1 cup water
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6oz) tomato paste
1 pkg. (7oz) small shell pasta cooked and drained
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
In a lg. saucepan, cook beef, drain. Stir in the sloppy Joe mix, water, tomato sauce and paste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in pasta. Spoon half into a greased baking dish. Top with cottage cheese and remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Danika's First Day as a Second Grader

Kids grow up way too fast. I find myself saying that more and more. It's depressing in some ways (their need for Mamma slowly depleting) and exciting also (watching them grow and do more things). The fist thing she said when we picked her up was "I Love School!" I'm glad, I would feel bad if she didn't look forward to it.

Park Breakfast

My friend mentioned she wanted to do something to get her kids up in the morning. Since schools starting up and it's time to get them back on schedule she invited us to breakfast at the park at 8:00. It did get the kids up and going knowing they would be going to the park to see friends. And all she needed to say to me was doughnuts and I was there. Thanks we had fun time! I think it's a great tradition to start, the day before school starts to have doughnuts in the park for breakfast! Man that's a tradition I could do everyday he he.

Mom's endless jobs.

After cleaning all day the work seems to never end. Once you clean something you see something else which reminds you of another chore that needs to be done. One chore I dislike doing is changing and cleaning bed sheets each week. It starts to get overwhelming when you have five beds to change (soon to be six). I have split it up so I don't clean them all on one day but it's still a pain. Especially changing the sheets on the bunk beds. I'm sure there is a weight limit on the top bunk, and I'm sure I'm close to hitting that limit with my big prego belly. With school starting it reminds me that I need to change the clothes out for the season or to change sizes. The kids have been eating like crazy! I can barely keep the fridge stocked. I'm hoping they eat a ton now so that when winter comes they hibernate. There is the lawn and garden to take care of and the list goes on. Since we don't have a "boss" to tell us how we're doing, this is to all the mothers out there who clean and cook thankless meals and do a ton of other endless jobs. YOUR DOING A GREAT JOB, Keep it up! Ahh I feel better already. I guess I just needed to give myself a pep talk. Oh, by the way...those beds are so well made!

FOOD FRENZY FRIDAY and the Olympics

In lew of the Olympics I thought I would throw this in

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

I have been negleting my children lately trying to finish the last book in the Twilight Series, Breaking Dawn. So I didn't plan on posting a recipe today but I put it down long enough to get online. Man her books just suck you in. Anyway onto the food. This is a fun one to make. It's a brunch braid, yummy for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
8 eggs divided
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp. butter
2 pkg Crescent rolls (I've never tried the roll recipe I posted so I'll have to next time)
1/4 lb Ham thinkly sliced
2 oz cheddar cheese shredded.

Instructions:
Preheat oven ot 375. Place cream cheese and milk in microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Whisk until smooth. Separate 1 egg; reserve egg white. Add the yolk and remaining seven eggs, salt and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Melt butter in skillet and add egg mixture; cook stirring occasionally, until the eggs are set but still moist. Remove from heat and add ham and cheese.
Unroll 1 pkg of crescent dough; do not separate. Arrange longest side of dough across width of a cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining package of dough. Seal perforations. On longest side of cookie sheet, cut dough into strips 1 inches apart, 3 inches deep (there will be six inches in the center for the filling) Spoon mixture evenly over middle of dough. To braid, lift strips of dough across filling to meet in center, twisting each strip one turn. Continue alternating strips to form a braid. Brush lightly with egg white over dough with pastry brush. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Nothing New to Report

You ever wonder what in the world you could blog about? I could tell you all sorts of stuff, but I don't think it would be interesting. Like how my boys like to sword fight with a hanger and the twister thing that goes to blinds. Or that Jacob has tried to microwave the stapler a couple times. Or how Lukie has been sucked into Danika's family play and now calls her "hunny" and "sweetheart". Anyway you get my point....so there's nothing new to report!

PIZZA PIZZA PIZZA

Kevin worked at Sbarros Pizza for a few years in High school. Once he mentioned he could toss a pizza in the air, the kids have been asking to "see daddy toss pizza". So we looked up a tossable dough recipe online. I was impressed with how well he could toss. It brought back memories for him. It was fun to see the kids expressions as they watched. Then they tried tossing their own mini pizzas in the air. Lukes fell on the floor a couple times. Good thing I mopped yesterday. They had fun putting their own toppings on.
My favorite part was eating it of course! It turned out very very yummy. This will definitely become a traditional thing at our house!

Camping and Family

We went camping with the kids this last weekend. They were sooooooo excited, they were asking everyday if this was the day we would be leaving. We had a good time, roasted hot dogs for dinner and made smores. The only sad part was that Lukie burnt his finger by picking up a coal off the dutch oven when we were making peach cobbler. This picture doesn't do it justice, I took it a few days after and the blister had already peeled off. He got one on his thumb too, the one he sucks to go to bed so that wasn't fun. The next day Kevin made a great breakfast; pancakes, eggs and bacon ummm. He inherited a road trip grill when his Grandma Stanger past away and that has come in handy when camping. We both agreed though that we need to go for more than one night. We stopped and went fishing for a little bit before heading home. After everyone was cleaned up we went to Salt Lake to see Kevin's sister Karin. She lives in Missouri with her family and the kids were excited to see their cousins Joseph and MaKayla. I had to take a picture of the girls, it was funny to me that they were both missing their two front teeth.A fun weekend! We need to have more before school starts!!!

FOOD FRENZY FRIDAY

SALADS!!! I have two salads for you today....One somewhat healthy and the other not healthy at all j/k he he.

BLT Turkey Salad

In a large salad bowl combine:
6 cups torn romaine or leaf lettuce
4 cups cubed cooked turkey
1-1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
1-1/2 cups each shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped cucumber

Just before serving, whisk these ingredients for the dressing
1 cup (8 oz) plain yogurt
1 cup mayonnaise (I used Miracle Whip)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp. garlic powder

Pour over turkey mixture and toss to coat.

This next salad I'm sure you have all had before, it's pretty darn yummy.

Candy Bar Apple Salad

1-1/2 cups cold milk
1 pkg. (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
1 carton (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
4 large apples, chopped
4 snickers candy bars (2.07 oz each) cut into 1/2 inch pieces

In a bowl whisk milk and pudding for two minutes. Let stand for two minutes or until soft-set. Fold in whipped topping. Fold in apples and candy bars. Refrigerate until serving. Ummmmm.....

A New Goal

I've been awful at remembering birthdays. So I have a plan of action. I'm going to sit down the first Sunday of every month and write birthday cards to all my nieces, nephews, sister or brother in laws, siblings and grandparents who have a birthday in that month. I remember getting a birthday card every year from my aunt when I was younger and I think it stems back to that. Just to know that someone is thinking of you. I bought a card organizer from Hallmark a few years ago intending to do it but it never happened. I got cards at the dollar store. So it's not costing us a bunch to do it. Who wouldn't want a funny looking dog card right?

It's Over

We must say goodbye to Luke's nap time. It's always a sad time when a child outgrows needing a nap. He's three and a half so I guess it's about that timeI should be used to it, he's child number three. He has been having a hard time going to bed at nights when he has a nap but he's still kinda cranky come six or seven. I guess I'll let the decision be his now, but I'll still have him do quiet time while Jacob is down. The problem is, I'm at the point where I need a nap now. Oh well, goodbye...I will miss you nap time!

Baptism

We went to the pool for our activity tonight. The kids had so much fun, Luke actually scares me with how daring he is in the water. I was self conscious, I had bought a new Maternity swimming suit. I tried to stay in the water so I wouldn't show my cottage cheese thighs. Anyway, when we got back for FHE, I had the lesson. This months Friend magazine had a lot on Baptism. I can't believe Danika will be turning eight next March. I started to discuss what has to happen before baptism (ex: having a birthday, getting an interview from the Bishop). When I asked what happens after we get Baptised? I got an answer I didn't expect. I was expecting "we get confirmed" but instead Danika got excited and said,

"We get to wear a pretty new white dress!"

How Old is your Brain and FOOD FRENZY FRIDAY

Kevin left yesterday on a High Adventure Camp with the scouts. He will be back tomorrow and I'm ready for the break! Today started off crazy when I took 6 kids to the kids opera this morning. (4 of my kids, 1 neighbor kid I was babysitting and another neighbor that wanted to come along). The Opera was written by the kids and performed by them, their ages range from 5-14. I was actually surprised how well Jacob did, he sat and watched most of it. Later today wasn't any better as I took my four rowdy kids to the store. So between feeding, playing and running around with kids I think I'm entitled to get a romantic/comedy movie for myself tonight, and some ice cream! Anyway, my Brother sent this to me in an email and I thought it was fun and interesting. On my first try I was 39. Comment on what your Brain age is.
Read this carefully because the instruction on the site are in Chinese;

Procedure of Flash Fabrica Game:

1. Touch 'start'

2. Wait for the countdown to finish, i.e.: 3, 2, 1.

3. Memorize the number's position on the screen and their numerical order, then click the circle from
the smallest number to the biggest number. This sequence will repeat ~ 10 times until the game ends.

4. At the end of game, the computer will tell you how old your brain is in Years.

Good luck !!

http://flashfabrica.com/f_learning/brain/brain.html


FOOD FRENZY FRIDAY
I really like the sauce that go with these Swedish meatballs. Enjoy

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced onion
1 egg
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 lb hamburger
1-1/2 cups water
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1 Tbs butter
2 Tbs flour
1 1/2 tsp beef bouillon granules
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. nutmeg

* In large bowl mix first seven ingredients. Make into small balls. Fry meatballs in butter till browned and done. Remove and keep warm. Keep 2 Tbs. drippings stir in flour. Add water and bouillon. Thicken and reduce heat. Blend in sour cream, nutmeg and pepper. Return meatballs and heat through- serve over noodles or rice.