Everything Thanksgiving- Blessings, Recipes, Crafts and More

Each year we spend Thanksgiving at my grandmother's. After we pray we have a tradition of asking everyone what they are thankful for. I know already what I'm thankful for. I've began to ponder on my blessings in life. From our Heavenly Father's Creation of beautiful fall colors that we Minnesotans were able to enjoy this year, to the white crisp snow that sweeps and fills the trees. 

A few weeks ago....

A few weeks ago my family and I went back to Iowa ( Legend had business meetings) and we were able to visit my parents and grandmother, who in beginning stages of Alzheimer's. We all know its sad to see someone's mind slip slowly away from them. But I felt peace within my family that day, because it seemed as if each of us felt an appreciation for who she is and has been in our lives. Even my oldest son's spirit calmed as he spoke to her gently.  We all sat in the living room while she played on the piano.And boy did she play. She is a wonderful,  extraordinary pianist. It was amazing! 

So to complete the title I just wanted to add a few things that I'm loving right now. This month during homeschool we have been teaching the bull about Early Exploration and Settlement of Columbus, The Conquistadors, and English Settlers. I used the following lesson plan this month for school:

• Land Ho Early Exploration and Settlement of The Americas

Y'all I can't tell you enough how tickled pink I was when I  stumbled upon a great animated movie to incorporate with this lesson. Animated Hero Classics: William Bradford: The First Thanksgiving from Nest Entertainment .The Animated Hero Classic Series consists of 20 inspiring and educational stories of heroic men and women, with the emphasis placed on their accomplishments in world history and social sciences. The series focuses on the role in which they contributed to developing social, economic and political structures as well as in establishing and spreading ideas that helped to transform the world forever.

Teaching historical empathy for those who have made important choices, overcame obstacles, sacrificed for the betterment of others and embarked on journeys that resulted in new ideas, new inventions and new communities throughout the world and history.

Children will expand their knowledge of these extraordinary heroes and heroines while developing an understanding of the economic, cultural and scientific contributions described in these biographies.

With a wide range and continuity of human experiences this series introduces the concepts of courage, self-control, justice, heroism, leadership and patriotism in America. While it is also reinforces and develops core curriculum knowledge, skills and builds positive character values by promoting personal, social, and civic responsibilities. 


At the end of our lessons I like to incorporate a day filled with activities or a field trip.Last year  we had a pow wow with activities, food and music. I listed below a few recipes I used.

Buffalo Stew

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs buffalo, cut into small pieces ( like stew meat)
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 5  potatoes, with skin
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 2 medium onions
• 8 ounces mushrooms
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 4 bay leaves
• oregano
• fresh ground pepper and salt
• 2 cups beef broth  

Directions

1. Dredge Buffalo in Flour, set aside.
2. Slice  Potatoes, place in bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Cut onions into large pieces and layer over potatoes.
4. Clean Mushrooms thoroughly, cut in half, and layer over onions.
5. Layer Baby Carrots over mushrooms.
6. Layer floured Buffalo over carrots.
7. Pour Diced Tomatoes and liquid evenly over Buffalo.
8. Season with Bay Leaf, Oregano, and Pepper.
9. Pour Vegetable Broth evenly over all.
10. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring towards end.

Were lucky enough to have a buffalo farm close to us. Last year Legend drove there with the bull and they loved it! I served our stew with corn and Navajo Fry bread. And it me tell ya- it was delish! Below is a few books we use for school. My favorite ones for storybook reading and storytelling  is I know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Pie. And this year I even have a really cool activity to go along with it.  The Activity involves the children retelling the story using the cards and printout. Click here for the activity.

So this year I would love to change it up a bit and maybe have the boys invite 1-2 friends over. Which brings me to crafts and ideas. I'm lovin' (like always) Martha Stewart's  celebrational ideas for Thanksgiving. Here are a few pics I wouldn't mind incorporating.

Well y'all, there you have it. I pray each of you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

God Bless

 

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Best Mexican Lasagna Ever

Mexican Lasagna

Legend absolutely loves this! Looks delish, huh...

Prep time: 20 mins Makes:4-6 servings

Ingredients

1/2    onion, chopped

1 lb.  ground beef

1       green pepper, chopper

2tsp   chili powder

2T     cumin

salt and pepper to taste on ground beef (or use about 1/2T each)

1        pkg.(10oz) of corn (I'm a born and raised Iowan. And I gotta say Target's Market Pantry yellow and white frozen corn is the best when you can't get fresh.)

3        tortillas

1/2c   sour cream

1c      sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 1/4c thick salsa ( I love the mild Archer Farms Thick Salsa)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375.
2. Brown meat with onions, peppers and seasonings on medium heat. Add salsa and corn; mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Spread 1c of meat sauce onto bottom of 8 or 9 inch square baking dish; next top with layers of 1 tortilla, 1/2c meat sauce, sour cream and 1/4c cheese. Cover with 1 tortilla, 1c of  meat sauce and 1/4c. of cheese; top with remaining tortilla and meat sauce. Cover with foil.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until lasagna is heated through. Top with remaining cheese; and bake uncovered for about 5 minutes.
5. Enjoy!

This is a lasagna dish can be prepared ahead of time. In fact, I think everything taste better once it hits the fridge.

God Bless


Today's Scripture

Sing Aloud to God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Psalms 81:1

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Fourth Of July Cupcakes And Crafts

I love celebrating the fourth of July. Teaching the bull the past few years about America and the flag has really given me an appreciation for our country and those who serve. One of the greatest songs that I love to hear is America The Beautiful. As I listen to it and ponder on the words, I thank our Heavenly Father for his blessings He has bestowed upon me and each of us as His children. 


So hold your head up high as we celebrate as a country the fourth. We all are truly blessed and have so much to celebrate as we live here in America, the land of the free. 
God Bless

Make your own fourth of July Confetti Popper Rockets with a few easy steps by Alphamom

Join the American Revolution with this fun take on silhouettes by no fuss fabulous.

Boy, don't he look good! I love cupcakes and these red white and blue cupcakes from tidy mom are darling. Below is a great recipe for the perfect cupcake. Its so easy and tasty that know one will know its not from scratch!


Gott'em Fooled Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 box mix - (any flavor but get a good kind. I love me some Duncan Hines!)

3 Large Eggs

1/2 cup butter, melted (use butter not margarine....trust me on this!)

1 cup of water

1t. vanilla extract

Directions

Place the butter in the microwave on HIGH for 1 minute or until melted. Allow time to cool so it doesn't cook the egg.

Add cake mix, eggs and water to the butter in large bowl. Add vanilla.

Mix on low for 1 min. Then mix on high for 1 min.

You'll be amazed by your batter looking so thick and creamy.

Fill cupcake papers - tip: use an ice cream scooper- One scoop is just the right amount per cupcake!

Pop them in the oven on 350 for 20 minutes.

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National Nutrition Month Giveaway *closed*

 

March definitely came in like a lion, and has zipped by fast as Superman! I wish I could have gotten this up sooner, but I've been extreeemly busy! I've kept it simple for National Nutrition Month. I used a few print outs from some websites:

For the bull: pyramid sheet, food pyramid matching game, and who am I? The food group

toothpick got a coloring sheet and a sticker. With the food pyramid, I asked the bull what foods he liked. Later I had him  tell me where they would fit on the pyramid. We finished with a healthy snack of cut apples:)

If you would like to incorporate a lesson around it, here is a good website.

So I've decided to have a small giveaway(YAY) Here is a  handful of coupons that I've had laying around (there all still good), some stickers, bookmarks, and a pyramid chart. The contest starts today and ends next Wednesday morning(March 31st). I'll have Legend send them out that day. Good luck! Click here to enter.

Here is a few recipes that I've been cookin' with this month. I hope you enjoy them:)

Mexican Bake

Legend absolutely loves this! I know want it...lol:)

Prep time: 20 mins Makes:4-6 servings

Ingredients

1/2    onion, chopped

1 lb.  ground beef

1       green pepper, chopper

2tsp   chili powder

2T     cumin

salt and pepper to taste on ground beef (or use about 1/2T each)

1        pkg.(10oz) of corn (I'm a born and raised Iowan, and I gotta  say targets Market Pantry yellow and white frozen corn is the best when you can't get fresh)

3        tortillas

1/2c   sour cream

1c      sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 1/4c thick salsa ( I love the mild Archer Farms Thick Salsa)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375.
2. Brown meat with onions, peppers and seasonings on medium heat. Add salsa and corn; mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Spread 1c of meat sauce onto bottom of 8 or 9 inch square baking dish; next top with layers of 1 tortilla, 1/2c meat sauce, sour cream and 1/4c cheese. Cover with 1 tortilla, 1c of  meat sauce and 1/4c. of cheese; top with remaining tortilla and meat sauce. Cover with foil.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until lasagna is heated through. Top with remaining cheese; and bake uncovered for about 5 minutes.
5. Enjoy!

Homemade Granola Bars

This is a recipe I got from the Frugal Home and Health. Thanks!  They were soooo good and I could really tell the difference between them and store bought!

Mix together in a bowl:
1/3c oil, 1/4c brown sugar, 2T (1/8c) honey, 1t vanilla, 2 eggs

Add and stir:
1c  flour, 1/2t baking powder, 1/4t salt

Add and stir:
1 1/2c oats, 2c crispy rice cereal, 3/4-1c of mini chocolate chips (want a coupon? check this out)

Press evenly into a greased 9x13 cake pan.  Bake at 350 for 25 minutes for more chewy bars, or 300 for 40-50 minutes for a crunchy bar.

Cut when you take it out of the oven, and then again when cooled completely.  I cut mine in half lengthwise first, then in half the other way. This will divide it up nicely into 4 [somewhat] even sections.  Cut each section in half and in half again - you should end up with one lengthwise cut and seven cuts the other way, for a total of 16 bars.  Store in a zip bag in or out of the freezer.

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Chicken Spinach Pasta Alfredo

This is a favorite with my boys and is so easy to make. Go below to find a link to a money saving coupon.

Chicken Spinach Pasta Alfredo
serving:6                            Time:25minutes or less

Ingredients
1        box of bow tie noodles
1c      frozen spinach
2        boneless skinless chicken breast (cooked and chopped ahead of time-about 21/2c)
1        jar of Alfredo sauce. (I use Classico. If you like less sauce like me, use half the jar)
1/4c  Parmesan cheese 


Directions:
Cook pasta and spinach as directed on package. Drain pasta. And mix it all together.  

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It's A Beautiful Morning. Have A Bowl Of Oatmeal

I decided to spread a little sunshine today on Marvelous Monday, and leave you with a  quick and easy recipe for breakfast and a tune to whistle to while you work!  I made this for my boys yesterday, and the hammer wants me to make it for the rest of the week:)

Baked Oatmeal

1/4c. cooking oil

1/2c. sugar (white or brown)

1 egg

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2t. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2c quick oats (or rolled oats)

1c. milk

Beat together all ingredients with mixing spoon; pour into greased 9x13 pan. 

Bake at 275 degrees for 30 minutes or until done. Serve with milk or orange juice and fruit.

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Best Ever Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

 

Toothpick's 3rd Birthday Cake

This is a OMG recipe you'll want to keep.

Best Ever Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

1 pkg. (2 layer cake) chocolate/devils food
1 pkg. (4oz) Jell-o chocolate flavor instant pudding
4 eggs
1c. sour cream (no fat-free)
1/2 c. veg. oil
1/2 c. water
1 pkg. bakers semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided (chop 2 squares)
1 tub (8oz cool whip)


Preheat oven to 350. lightly grease 2- 9 inch round cake pans. beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened. Beat on med speed for another 2 mins. until well blended. Stir in chopped squares. Spoon in pans.

Bake for 30-35 min. or until toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool on rack for about 10 mins. Loosen cakes from side of pans with knife. Invert cakes on rack. Let them cool completely.

Place remaining 6 squares chocolate and whipped topping in medium microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 11/2 to 2 min. Stir until blended and shiny. Cool 5 min. Place 1 cake layer on serving plate; spread about 1/4 of the chocolate mixture over cake. Place second cake layer on top; spread remaining chocolate mixture over top and sides of cake.

Makes 18 servings (or 2)

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