Tuesday, December 28, 2010

We've moved...


I have moved! Well, not really, but I created a new blog. I have had a homeschool blog and a family blog for the past year or so. But, it's too hard for me to maintain 2 blogs (well, 3 if you count my Disney Travel blog). So, I've combined them under a new name, and I would love if you would stop by and follow me over there. My new blog will be my 'life' blog. I'll blog about whatever is on my mind - school, life, family, you name it. This is my last post on this blog. All further posts can be found at...


Feel free to check it out. I'd love it if you would follow me over there. Make sure to leave me a comment so I know you stopped by. See ya soon!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

Foodie Friday – Whole Grain Pancakes

This is my favorite whole wheat pancake recipe. It makes a TON. I like to make a triple batch and freeze the leftovers. Then, the kids can just pop a few in the toaster for a warm breakfast when I’m not in the mood to cook.

Whole Grain Pancakes

(adapted from King Arthur Flour)

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Gather all of your ingredients. You will need:

  • 4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 cups old-fashioned or rolled oats
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 cup vegetable oil

 

To make the mix:

1) Grind the oats in a food processor until they're chopped fine, but not a powder. DSC_0151

I tried using my mini-chopper for this, and it takes way too long. I will go back to using my food processor next time!

2) Put the flour, oats, and all other dry ingredients into a mixer with a paddle. Mix on slow speed, and drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl slowly while the mixer is running. (I use a big bowl and a wire whisk. )DSC_0154

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3) Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature, or indefinitely in the refrigerator or freezer.

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To make pancakes:

1) Whisk together 1 cup of mix, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 TBSP orange juice, and 1 large egg. Let the batter stand for at least 20 minutes before cooking. The oats will soak up the milk to thicken the batter. DSC_0156

Here, I like to add any mix-ins I may want to add to the batter. My kids like chocolate chips (which I chop in the food processor). Sometimes, I add cinnamon and vanilla or a banana or two.

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2) Heat a lightly greased griddle to 350°F (if you've got a griddle with a temperature setting; if not, medium-hot will do). DSC_0157

3) Drop the batter onto it the griddle. I use a 1/4-cup measuring cup.

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4) When the edges look dry and bubbles come to the surface without breaking (after about 2 minutes, if your griddle is the correct temperature), turn the pancake over to finish cooking on the second side, which will take about 2 minutes.

5) Serve pancakes immediately, or stack and hold in a warm oven. I love to serve these with sugar-free syrup, and my kids EAT.THEM.UP!!

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Wordless Wednesday – Little Ladybug

Halloween 2010

My Little Ladybug

Halloween 2010

Monday, October 25, 2010

Follow Us Monday Morning

 

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 Question of the Week: Will you be dressing up for Halloween this year? If not, when were the last time you dressed up, and what did you dress up as?

We celebrate Halloween, but I do not dress up. The last time I dressed up, I was working at a preschool. I dressed up as a pumpkin. Yep, big orange pumpkin costume, striped tights, and pumpkin stem headband. That night, Logan (then 3) and I went to a nearby neighborhood to trick or treat with friends. I got out of the car and walked around to his side to get him out of the car. Can you guess where this is going? Umm…I locked him in the car!! So, the neighbors started to congregate while we all debated how to get him out of the car. Remember, I’m still dressed like a pumpkin!! We finally called the police. We learned that they will not normally unlock a car due to liability, but they will unlock your car if you child is stuck inside happily sucking his thumb while strapped into his car seat!!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

WDW Day 3 – Animal Kingdom

More from our trip to WDW in Sept. On our third day at Walt Disney World, we visited the Animal Kingdom. We started our day with breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort.    DSCF3481  DSCF3486 

Then, we headed to the Animal Kingdom for the day. At the Animal Kingdom we enjoyed the Finding Nemo live show. This is one of my favorite shows at WDW. We hit Dinoland and rode the Primeval Whirl and Dino Spin. The kids (and Grandma) really love the safari ride. Seeing the animals is always a highlight of the day spent at AK.

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We ended our day with a dinner at Whispering Canyon. Whispering Canyon is located in the Wilderness Lodge. It’s a great place to take the kids for a loud, rambunctious meal! We ended the evening with some great food, giant jars of soda, and HUGE desserts we had to take back to the room with us.

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Friday, October 15, 2010

Exploring Nature at the Heard Museum

Last weekend, my aunt and her boyfriend came to TX for the Titans/Cowboys game. While they were here, we spent Friday walking on the trails and exploring the museum at the Heard. The trails are so nice, and we all had a really good time.

 

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We were all intrigued by this tree. You can see where it was hit by lightning. What’s neat is that it is full of beautiful, green leaves.

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Can you see the spider web in the tree?

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Can you read this sign? No? Let me type it here for you. Maybe you can help us understand what it means. 

The Dimetrodon was the dominant carnivore of the early Permian period, but it actually existed before the dinosaurs appeared on the earth.

Hmmm…Well, ya see…This was seen at the dinosaur exhibit. So, is a Dimetrodon NOT a dinosaur? Or …I don’t even know what else? LOL!

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Sweet little log cabin with a moss-covered roof

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Monday, October 11, 2010

WDW Day 2 – Magic Kingdom

When we visit Walt Disney World, we spend several days in the Magic Kingdom. There is just so much to see! Here are the highlights from our first full day in the Magic Kingdom:

 DSCF3349 We posed for pictures as we headed into the park for the day. We stop here every year for a photo.

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We visited with our favorite characters! I love this one since it has my Papa and all of his great-grandkids.

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We admired my favorite castle. One day, I want to live here. Think Walt would mind?

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We explored ‘a whole new world’ on our ‘magic carpet ride’. (Emma was so excited every time the camel ‘spit’ on Daddy!)

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Some of our crew got to participate in the Frontierland Hoedown – where they sang ‘Rocky Top’ (appropriately enough they are from TN!).

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We rode Haunted Mansion MANY times. It’s a family favorite. My mom looks forward to it every time she visits WDW. My kids love the ‘hitchhiker’.

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Emma watched the Country Bear Jamboree twice with my mom. The rest of us only had to suffer through it watched it once.

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One magic carpet ride was not enough. So, we went back for more…

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Lots of lovin’ going on in that oh so magical place!

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And, our annual trip to O’Hana…

I was not feeling well during this meal. Therefore, I have no pictures of the beautiful Polynesian Resort. I have no pictures of the fantastic food or the ‘cousins’ who serve it to us. I have no pictures of the kids’ activities. But, I do have this one picture of E and her daddy (who loves having his picture taken – can’t you tell…).