Breadsticks!

Today was an on and off rainy day. I happened to be watching a friend's two boys and our outside time was limited due to weather. So we decided to make homemade breadsticks!

I threw the following into the bread machine:

1 cup water
1 egg yolk
3 cups flour
2 tsp salt
2 tbs olive oil
1 1/2 tbs sugar
1 1/2 tsp yeast

Out came a beautiful dough that I split between two of the boys. They each made their pile of dough into a long rope.



Then they cut the rope into small pieces and shaped them.






As you can see they did letters and then the traditional breadstick shape.


Then they spread a little egg white mixed with water on each one and sprinkled with toppings.

We used sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt, garlic salt, and Cinnamon Sprinkle. This last one was the favorite. I got this Pampered Chef "spice" when I did a show with my friend Jane. (Click on the link above for her site.)

Here are the breadsticks before baking....



And after!


An inexpensive, fun snack! We dipped the savory ones in a little tomato sauce! YUM!

Amazing Dinner!

When Big C asked what I would like for my birthday, I asked him to make me dinner! Since I cook every night, this would be a wonderful treat. I knew this was going to be a sacrifice for my sweet husband since he does not cook much. When we mentioned the idea to the boys, C2 asked if he was going to make eggs, since that is all that they have ever seen their dad make!

Well, much to my surprise, when he got home last night, he had a Trader Joe's bag. One by one, he pulled out the ingredients, portabella mushrooms, goat cheese, kalamata olives, and naan bread. ALL my favorites!

What he made was so delicious, his own recipe! Grilled Naan bread, slathered with goat cheese. Then he make a Kalamata olive spread to go over that and grilled up the portabella mushrooms!

I was so proud of him and so full! What a wonderful birthday treat!

Sandwich Sushi

I used to make fun lunches for my boys all the time, but with the hecticness of homeschooling and life, it was something that went by the wayside.

Yesterday, I decided to pull out one of my old recipes for "Sandwich Sushi". It is so simple, but the boys LOVED it!

In the morning, I threw a simple white bread in the bread machine. (That is the softest bread I make and you need soft bread for the recipe.) By lunch it was ready.

I cut slices for each of the boys and put on a paper towel (for easy clean up!)

First, they used a rolling pin to flatten it.

Then we spread it with a mixture of 3 tbs cream cheese and 1 1/2 tbs sour cream.

Next, they rolled a couple of cucumber and carrot matchsticks inside each and we sliced it up.

Finished product!

L, which normally wouldn't touch a cuke to save his life, loved it.

This recipe is so versatile. You could use any veggies or spreadable cheese. Goat cheese would be delish!

I served with fresh peach slices for a cheap, healthy, fun lunch! And everyone could do it themselves, except for J, but he had fun eating it!

Let me know if you give it a try!

Camp!

This past week, our big boys went to New Life Camp, their highlight of the summer. They had a wonderful time!

On the final evening of camp parents get to come and participate in some of the activities that their children have been enjoying all week. Check it out!

I know it is hard to see, but this is Callen taking Luke and I out in the canoe! He did a great job!

Then the boys showed us Archery! Even Big C gave it a try!



The two happy campers!

Since L is still too young to attend NLC, we thought we'd sign him up for an art camp, so he could feel like a camper too! He did a class on holidays. Here is a picture of him with all of his crafts. He has a great time!

Since his camp was only 4 days, on Friday I took L and J to Marbles Museum! Wow, they loved it! I've wanted to bring them for a while, but was unsure about bringing the big boys. It really turned out to be a great place for the little ones and a very special time for them and mom!

The house is finished!

As some of you know we had the house painted this summer. It needed it desperately. We had 29 boards and 2 windows replaced! We are so happy with the results.

Before:

After:

I wish we had taken picturs at the same time of day. Oh well....you get the jist!

Happy Birthday!

C2 is turning 8 on Tuesday! It is hard to imagine to that he is 8 already!

C2 is the boy who always makes us laugh, even when we don't want to! He has an amazing heart for others! He is always ready for fun! We are so thankful that is in our our family. We couldn't love him more! We are very excited to see what God has in store for this amazing kid!

He had two parties this weekend, a friend party and a family party! It was exhausting, but loads of fun! Here are some highlights!

C2 always likes to design his own cake. This year he wanted a sugar cookie cake with M&M's. Check out the look of concentration on his face while he is making it! The boys all loved it!

C2 and his cousin both have birthdays during the month of July, so we always celebrate together. More cake, more pool, for good times, what could be better!

Big Week for Big D!

This was a great week for L, full of new experiences. He went to VBS at a different church without his brothers. This is a big deal for #3, because he never does anything without his brothers. He had a blast!


Since the VBS was at night, he was wired when he got home and didn't fall asleep until close to 10! Here is a picture of him on the first night!


In the middle of the week we were finally able to move L into a big boy bed! He was thrilled when we surprised him with it one night after VBS!


At the conclusion of VBS, the church held a little "carnival" with some bounce houses, etc. for the whole family. Here are some fun pictures from that night!



Even with all that great fun, L managed to squeeze in a little time with J to do a puzzle.



Finally, as the week came to a close, L crashed, with a book of course, since he never goes anywhere without a book these days, in his new bed!

We love you Big D!

The 4th of July!

We had such a wonderful 4th! I think it was because we studied the Founding Fathers and the early history of our country this year. It was so much more meaningful for all of us.

We began the day by heading to the Apex parade! The boys did some sliding and bouncing and then they rode in the parade. At the end of the parade the firefighters sprayed their big hose on all the kids!

After that we had some great friends over for a BBQ and fireworks! After our boys did some sparklers together they all went down the street for a bigger show at a neighbors house! They had a blast....well the big boys did. The little ones didn't care for the fireworks too much, so they watched some Elmo at home!