April Fools

Every year my children expect me to "fool" them in some way.  Here is a list of a few of past pranks:

1.  after school snack--Oreos with toothpaste for the filling--This one was funny!! :)

2.  plastic bugs in cereal box

3.  red jello in clear plastic cup with straws. (this one they like me to do every year for dinner even though they know it is not juice)

4.  super glued quarters on the sidewalk.  We live next to the elementary school and the kids liked watching kids try to pick up the money when they walk by. :)

5.   We once woke up the kids at 11:00 pm and turned the clocks forward and said it was time for school.  After "breakfast" we told them to open the blinds and there was a sign "April Fools" on the window. 

6.  tape forks/spoons to table with clear tape.

7.  meatloaf cupcake with mash potato frosting.

8.  paper in sandwich that says April Fools.

9.  sewed the bottom of my husbands pj pants close.

Today I will freeze some milk in bowls and then add a little cereal to it in the morning with an additional milk.  I also may seran wrap some of my children's doors tonight.  The only problem now is that my kids are all getting old enough to trick me back.  My one daughter called from school last year and told me she was in the nurses office and they found lice.  I was horrified and sort of freaked out until she said April Fools!!!  I guess I have it coming to me!

More wordfull Wednesday here.

Teenage jobs

This is Jake's first year to ref FEFA soccer.  Natalie has done it for the past 2 years.  Each year they must re-certify by going to 12 hours of class and then take a hard test and score over 75%.  They refereed their first game tonight.  Natalie has always hated it, especially if a parent or coach yells about a call, but getting paid 16 dollars a game outweighs the negative.  Not too bad for 1 1/2 hours of work. Natalie is trying to get the courage up to be a center ref where she would get paid thirty dollars a game.  I am very proud of them--I just need to find someone to referee their tickle and poking fights!

Favorite Granola

RayAnne gave me this recipe and we love it.  I make a batch at the beginning of the week and it is gone by Sunday.  John takes some on the road for a snack.  I have recently substituted the canola oil it calls for with coconut oil, which I have learn is healthier.  This has replaced any cold cereal I used to purchase.

Granola

Combine:

6 Cups rolled oats

1/2 C sunflower seeds

1/4 C sesame seeds

1 C unsweetned coconut

1/2 C. wheat Germ

1 Cups chopped nuts ( we like almonds)

1/3 cup canola oil ( I use a glass measuring cup and add oil first then honey and then the honey comes out easier)

2/3 cup warm honey (or more if you like, original recipe had 1 cup)

Mix well and spread on two oiled cookie sheets.  Cook for 30 min at 275-- Do not over bake.

Mix in: 

an additional 1/3 honey (warm in microwave) --adjust this to more or less depending on the sweetness you prefer--I think the original recipe had up to 1/2 of cup.

add 1-2 Tlbs Vanilla

       1/4-1/2  tsp almond extract (opt)

       1/2 C ground flax seed (opt)

Let cool and store in sealed container. Refrigerate if storing for long periods.

You may add raisins, craisins, other dried fruits, cinnamon, or other spices. 

* I sometimes add a cup of 6 grain flakes also. I purchase most of the items in bulk at the health food store.

Happy Birthday Josh!!!

Josh just turned 18. I now have 2 adult children!!

 Great things about Josh: 

He is a happy person

He works hard and doesn't give up

He is kind to all those around him

He is great at reading directions and manuals and following their directions

He is good with electronics and computers

He likes the outdoors

He is great big brother

He is responsible and respectful

He is a good listener

He is smart

He keeps his room more presentable than most teens

He is good with kids

He has a hole in his toe and is always hungry!

    WE LOVE HIM AND SO GLAD HE IS PART OF OUR FAMILY!!! :)

 

Mid Summer Night's Dream

Natalie and Joseph have been very busy this week performing 8 times in Shakespeare's Mid Summer Night's Dream at the junior high.  This is just a few short clips from the play.  They both had a great time and we are very proud of both of them.  Joseph favorite part was bowing at the end.

Hawaiian Retreat

I just returned from a wonderful short vacation to Hawaii.  John was there on business and busy most of the 41/2 days, but it was nice to see him at night and relax on the beach during the day.  One of my favorite things was waking up whenever I wanted to and  running along the ocean each morning.  I also love the day when John and I kayaked to a small island and then to a secluded beach and went snorkeling.  While kayaking a turtle came right up to us and took a breath.  The water was so clear and beautiful.  The kids did great at home, in fact Joseph said, "Mom I like it when you are gone because I get to play with friends everyday." It is nice to know I was missed--ha-ha.

Pizza --economics

Almost every Friday we make homemade pizza.  John was gone and I was a little bored, so I was curious to see how much we save making our own pizza.  I figured this out from my recipe that follows, which makes 3 large (12-14 inch) pizzas.

flour                                           .65

yeast                                          .10

sugar                                         .08

pepperoni                                 .22

cheese (5 oz per pizza)          1.72

pizza seasonings                      .24

tomato paste                            .41

salt                          

Total                                       $3.42  for 3 large pizzas

I usually make the crust with 1/2 ground wheat flour which would bring the cost down even more.  More importantly, I am happy I am serving my family pizza which is healthier (a little wheat,less grease and no preservatives, etc).  I also usually zap the pepperoni in the microwave for 40 seconds to dab off most of the grease.

Here is my Pizza Crust Recipe(turns out great every time!!!)

2 Cups warm water

1 T Yeast saf instant yeast

5 C. Flour

3 T brown sugar

1 tsp salt

cornmeal

In mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water.  Add flour, salt, and sugar. mix well and knead for 3 minutes.  Divide into 3 sections put olive oil on hands and shape into balls.  Set on baking sheet with seran wrap over and let rise 1-2 hours.  Preheat oven to 500 (we heat a pizza stone).  Roll out pizza on pizza board sprinkled liberally with corn meal.  Brush with olive oil and spread with sauce and toppings.  Slide onto hot pizza stone.  Bake for 6-7 minutes.  If you don't have a pizza stone or board, just roll out on counter and put in your regular pizza pan.

Variations:

Wheat--add 2-3 cups

Honey Pizza-- (my kids love this--had some at a restaurant in Moab) spread with honey and sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese.  When done you may put a little more honey on top.

BBQ Chicken pizza:    brush dough with olive oil, and top with about 1/3 cup BBQ sauce.  I prefer Sweet Baby Ray's.  Sprinkle with cheese, sliced red onions and cooked BBQ chicken.  Bake 6 minutes and sprinkle with chopped cilantro when done.

I make this recipe in my 14 C cuisinart and put dry ingredients in first then pulse and then add water and let knead for 45 seconds once in a ball.  So FAST!!!

It's Greek to me!!

Johnny's mission president sent a dvd of the interview and training he did with Johnny and his companion.  This is a little clip from that dvd.   It was fun and a little strange to hear Johnny speak Greek so fluently.  I really enjoyed watching this even though I have no idea what he is saying.  Its Greek to me!!! ha ha

5th Grade Wax Museum

Caroline choose Gloria Estefan who is from Florida to dress up as for the wax museum.  The classrooms are full of different famous "wax" people from each of the states.   This is a fun event to attend and learn about all the amazing people from our wonderful country.

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Sweet Hearts Dance

                                  Josh had a fun time on his date last weekend.