Oatmeal Casserole

In attempts to keep the boys from asking for second and third helpings of cereal, I made this yummy oatmeal casserole.  In speaking to many moms, I understand that even when it's a hearty eggs and bacon breakfast, they still seem to be starving a half hour later.  However, I was looking for something more enjoyable for myself as well....and it worked. It was delicious! 

Funny thing, I followed a recipe that called for chocolate chips but used raisins instead, and the kids actually said they could taste chocolate.  Bonus...no chocolate but tastes like chocolate (I think it was the buttery baked pecans). 

the recipe: 
2 cups of rolled oats 

1/3 cup brown sugar (I substituted with Organic Coconut Palm Sugar)

1 tsp baking powder 

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp salt 

1 cup pecans or walnuts

1 cup berries (your choice)

1/2 cup raisins

2 cups milk

1 large egg

3 Tlbs butter (melted)

1 tsp vanilla

1 banana, peeled and sliced 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 2 qt baking dish. 

In a large bowl mix together oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, half of the nuts, half of the berries and half of the raisins. 

In another bowl mix milk, egg, butter and vanilla.  

Add oat mixture to baking dish.  Place the remaining nuts, berries and raisins on top of the mixture.  Place the banana slices on the mixture. 

Pour the milk mixture over top of the oat mixture and shake the dish so that the oats are all moistened. 

Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the milk mixture has set.  

Enjoy!  

Snippets from my Heart

For the past few months, it has seemed too overwhelming to write a couple of paragraphs on anything.  That is why my posts have been made up of activities and photos.  It may because there are far too many interruptions in the day to be able to formulate a thought long enough to communicate it in a post or that the things I have been pondering are too complicated to put down in one post.  However,  I have been feeling quite shallow in my blog as of late, so am leaving you with 10 things that I have learned and have been praying/thinking about lately.  If there are any topics you would like me to expand on in future posts, please let me know.

1. I will find true joy when I fix my eyes on things above and not on the things of the world.
That is, instead of stressing over my kids behaviour, how my living room would look if it was decked out in all Ikea or how much happier I would be if I could own a pair of tall boots "like everyone else", I will give praise for the abundant grace of God in my life, each day as I make mistakes and am forgiven,  praying for friends and family who don't yet know the great love and relationship that is available with God through Jesus and how I can exercise more fruit of the Spirit like love, joy, peace patience, kindness….

2. I am responsible for my own feelings.  
People "can't make me" feel anything. I choose to feel and respond to people's actions in the way that I do.  I can choose to respond graciously and with forgiveness in all circumstances.

3. This is the stage of my life where there is more death.  
Aunts, uncles, grandparents and even friends are more prone to sickness and long-term illness.  I need to get my will done.

4. Why am I surprised that my kids want to be on our i-technology all the time….we are.  
How do I find the balance in my face time and FaceTime?

5. Consistency in discipline is key.  
It is so hard to do with a cute 15 month old but if I am not consistent now, I will have a monster of a 3 year old.

6. Marriages are falling apart all around me.  
It doesn't just sadden me, it literally breaks my heart to pieces.  Many men are not rising up to role they have been given and many women are giving up on those men.

7. I must constantly surrender my family to the Lord. 
 I could do all the "right" things as a parent and they could still make poor choices and even though I have made many mistakes my kids could still turn out "normal". ha ha

8.  Nobodys family is perfect, even if it looks like that from the outside.  NOBODYS.

9. Generally, most Christians do not live in the victory and freedom that is offered to them through Jesus Christ.  
They do not walk in their new identity but are still living in the lies of their past and their circumstances.  What does it take to get us into that freedom? 

10. I am so grateful for the abundance in my life.  
I have food to choose from, I have a safe home and I have friends and family to call on when in trouble.  I am rich.  There are many people that I can share this abundance with, I just needed to look.  

Enjoy the next few days before Christmas.  Thanks for stopping in! -Angela 

Winter Fun-crafts and soup time!

I have to admit, after my boys sat and marvelled at the snow for a few minutes, I closed the blinds and turned on some good halogen lights and pretended it was Summer again.  I know, I know, I could hardly wait for Winter a month ago.  The grass is always greener...literally!  
In spite of my "bah snow' moment, I brought out the paper and scissors and as we talked about the beauty and wonder of snowflakes, we each made our own individual paper snowflake. Moms, do not underestimate the joy of making a paper snowflake...,duh! they get to wield scissors (what kid doesn't like using scissors?!)  
I learned a little something in this exercise too...my husband can make a prettier snowflake than me. I actually found myself studying his and trying to find ways to make mine better but I...just...couldn't.  He is so wonderfully creative!  It was a great way to celebrate the coming snow. 
In keeping with the celebration with snow, here is a great website that has wonderful winter themed ideas.  I especially LOVE the ice ornaments. However, with Calgary's fluctuating temperatures, I wonder how long they would last.  

Courtesy of: Hands on as we Grow

I am not much for soup in the warmer seasons but once it gets chilly out, I am all over it!  Here are some of my great finds on Pinterest. 

This is a picture of a yummy Tomato and basil soup that I found.  However, when I went on the website to get the recipe I realized that it was in a language I do not know.  So, I found another recipe from erecipe.com with a less tantalizing photo but I am sure is just as yummy.

If you have not yet discovered allrecipes.com yet, you must today.  I first found them when my friend Karla sent me the easiest and most amazing cinnamon bun recipe (I share the recipe in my post On the Lighter Side ). This Cheeseburger soup is something I think the kids might even enjoy. 

Keep warm and stay safe on the roads!  

-Angela   

Flu season

This last week has been one of many guests in our home...but not the welcome kind.  We have had puke (minimal), fevers, headaches, body aches, stomach aches, stinky gas, stinky diapers and exhaustion.  Strangely enough, I have enjoyed the cuddles and extra naps but nothing is greater when your littles are up and playing again.  The kids are now almost 100 % and Ryan and I are trying to get by, both feeling yucky at the same time. My favorite remedy for the body aches and chills is The Hot Toddy.  Ryan reluctantly takes it but I chug back, bundle up and sweat it out! 

Here is a simple recipe:

2 Tbsp rum

1 Tbsp honey 

1 slice of lemon and one 

1 cinnamon stick 

Boiling water

Mix all ingredients into boiling water. Once mixture is at a tolerable drinking temperature, drink quickly.  Bundle up and get to bed. 

Hope this finds your home healthy and happy. 

-Angela

On the Lighter Side-Smashing Cinnamon Buns

It has been a good week.  I love people and I love food.  This week is full of getting together with some great people for meals and great conversation.  I am very grateful for the variety of friends and acquaintances (friends-to-be) that I have.  I appreciate that God encourages us to break bread together and enjoy fellowship.  There is just something so comforting to me about sitting around a table with a group of people. 
Speaking of comfort and food, I have the most amazing cinnamon bun recipe.  I am no expert baker but I can sure fool people with these yummers.  They are so easy to make too. Enjoy!  

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cinnamon-rolls-ii/detail.aspx

I know you were just dying to know how to make those smashable cotton balls I mentioned in My Highlight Reel post.  Super duper easy.  I made them the Pinterest Best Activity of the Week.  Just keep them away from small children and animals because once they come out of the oven, they look and smell like food. Just ask Stewart (our dog).  

http://www.playcreateexplore.com/2010/08/baked-cotton-balls.html?m=1

If you are blog-crazy like myself, check out some of the ones I follow.
http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.ca/
http://www.raisingarrows.net/
http://homewiththeboys.net/
http://www.kidsactivitiesblog.com/
http://houseofroseblog.com/

Today, was one of those lock the bathroom door kind of days. Mom, you know what I am talking about. If that door does not get locked, it gets opened...every....time!  

Have a great weekend. 

Angela