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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Spiced Pear Muffins


We were given some yummy pears a week ago and I thought they would go great in some muffins! We love muffins! So here is the recipe I came up with! The boys weren't crazy about these (they aren't big on nuts so if I make some more I'll do half without)... but I thought they were great! Perfect for these cooler mornings we're getting!

Spiced Pear Muffins

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sucanat (or sugar)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 cup oil (I used coconut)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1-2 cups chopped pears*
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda salt and spices together. In a smaller bowl mix eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Fold in pears and pecans. Line muffin tin with paper baking cups. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely so that muffin doesn't stick to paper cups.

*I used 2 full cups of chopped pears and it was A LOT. They were good but you could definitely use less and they would still be good!





A Full Day Button

Monday, August 29, 2011

Happy Day!

Today Eli turned three! Yes, you've heard it before but I'm going to say it... my baby is not a baby anymore. He's at the age where that baby face is turning into the face of a little boy. Oh me. Time is fleeting and may I relish every. single. moment.

Eli is such a fun little boy. He is mischievous, a sweetie, silly and a mamma's boy all rolled into one. He keeps us on our toes and keeps us laughing!

He requested a guitar cake for his birthday and he got one! He had so much fun! He loves to play his guitar and pretend to be a rock star! He's pretty good at it!



(Robby always asks me what I let them watch during the day when Eli plays his guitar. He's a little wild!)


He enjoys playing with his big brother! And they really play so well together. He is much better at sharing and 'letting things go' than his brother. Eli does like his alone time (don't we all!?) though and sometimes just wants to play by himself. We know he needs some time alone when he starts telling us "Luke is touching me!!!"But for the most part they love being with each other.. building towers for batman, playing police man and 'bad guy', pretending to go to school.. or the museum.. or to work!





Some of Eli's recent funnies:

~ Stripping down naked after we put him to bed and running out in the hall way grinning (or falling asleep with his brother!).

~ Spinning on the Sit -N- Spin while yelling, "My getting BIZZZZYYY!!"

~ Drawing all over the walls and being very proud of it!

~ Asking, "Did you hear that toot?"

~ Drawing mustaches on his face

~ Telling me to 'pretend' in situations where he doesn't want to do what I ask. For instance, Me: "Eli, go put on your shoes." ... Eli: "Just pretend they on!!"

Some of Eli's favorites:

~ Cheese!! He eats cheese every morning!

~ Hot Dogs on the "gill"

~ Being rocked to sleep by mommy (yes, he still wants to be rocked!)

~ Playing with his little trucks in my flower pots

~ Jumping off the end table to the couch! (no we don't allow it... but there is no telling how many times he's done it!)

~ Making messes

~ Helping mommy cook

~ Washing the car with Daddy

~ Playing with the "map" (iPad)

~ Cookies from Wright's Dairy




(result of a cookie from Wright's Dairy)


What a blessing and a joy Eli is to our family! And tonight I end this day praising God for my little guy....

"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."




Menu Plan Monday 8/29/11


Happy Birthday to Eli!! (that post is coming soon... hopefully today on his actaual birthday.. but it IS 10:15 pm...)

Yes, I'm late with my menu. It's been a crazy weekend with the birthday party and all. I am so behind on EVERYTHING. Oh, when will I catch up. It really is depressing. So, let's not think about all that I have to do. Let's think about what we're going to eat this week!

Here are our simple suppers!

Hot Dogs, Tater Tots and Fruit (you know me.. this is not a typical dinner but it was Eli's choice tonight!)

Sloppy Joes, Easy Potatoes and Onions with Dill, Sauteed Squash (I've got some pretty and 'different' squash from my csa box that I'm excited to use! Round zucchini and a type yellow squash called zephyr that is two toned)

Easy Chicken Noodle Stir Fry (using this recipe to go by)

Sour Cream Waffles, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit (didn't get to this meal last week)

Nachos (made with beef instead of chicken)

Other nights: Leftovers/Sandwiches

Check out Orgjunkie.com for more menu ideas!



Sunday, August 21, 2011

Menu Plan Monday 8/22/11



**Edited to remove one of the meals since we're celebrating a certain little boy's 3rd birthday this weekend! My mom and I are getting together tonight to plan the menu. Probably sandwiches and finger foods!

Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Carrots and Ranch Dip (the only meal we didn't get to last week, boiling the chicken today... which means homemade broth!)

Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans


Sour Cream Waffles, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit

Others- sandwiches/leftovers... and sometimes the boys and I eat with my parents when the Hubs has school! :)

I'm also going to make a batch of crunchy chocolate chip granola bars (except we make them into bites for snacking)! We're out of muffins too and according to my children that is just not acceptable. I'm really, really ready for fall so I think I might make pumpkin muffins! :)

Have a great week!

P.S. I have a book review coming soon! I'm really excited about it and I can't wait to share more! It's all about food and family! Two of my favorite things! :)

Check out Orgjunkie for more menu plans and recipes!