Granola and Homemade Yogurt!

I can't take credit for this great Granola recipe. I got it a long time ago from my sister in law, Erin. I'm sure it hasn't stayed the same for her over the years. I really should get an update, but I really love it as it is right now.  I can only take about 5% credit for the posted recipe because I've added some things. I have a hard time leaving a recipe alone . . . even if it's pretty great to begin with.

Granola
5 cups old fashion rolled oats
3/4 cup flaked coconut
3/3 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup honey
1/4 cup apple sauce
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup flaxseed meal 
3 cups dried cranberries (add after baking)
I've also made this with dried blueberries before and it was SO good. This week I used dried cranberries and golden grapes. Maybe my favorite so far.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Spread onto a cookie sheet. Bake @ 300 degrees for 30-35 min. stirring at 15 mins. I always have to bake it WAY longer when I make a double or triple batch like I usually do. It depends on how you like your granola.

Payton had so much fun pouring and mixing all the ingredients in a big bowl. She was very proud and excited to eat the finished product! Our kids love this granola and just eat it like cereal with milk. FYI this jar is almost gone and I made it on Monday. Good thing there's another batch in the freezer! I prefer it dry as a snack or on top of yogurt. Yum.

Speaking of yogurt! I also made homemade yogurt this week . . . in my crock pot! It turned out great and next time I will be making a double batch for sure! Yay for Probiotics that my family really needs right now after several months of being in and out of sicknesses!
The steps to making your own yogurt are so easy and way cheaper then buying a good quality yogurt! My dear friend, Caitlin, got brave with me this week and decided to make some too. She saved me a step and blogged about it.  Thanks Caitlin! Check it out here-Crock pot Yogurt! Dessert for me tonight was yogurt with granola on top! Just wish I had some frozen blueberries!

embrace the camera-march31

"Hey Mom, want to play headbands?"
I never knew playing "headbands" was so fun!

A Royal Tea party

This Papa just adores his girls and this is evidence of that! And that's why I just adore that Papa!

an old fart

Saturday was Jason's 30th birthday! He's an old fart now! Friday night I threw him a surprise party. Wish I would have taken more pictures but here's a few.
I'm not sure what the heck I was thinking but for some reason I forgot to put the candles on the cake before cutting it. So I squeezed 30 candles onto two pieces of  Angel Food cake.

Payton must have heard me calling Jason an old fart cause the next day on his actual birthday she said to him, "Happy Birthday. Now you have old farts!"

I have three more months before I have old farts too, but for now I'm enjoying teasing Jason about his old fartedness. Happy Birthday Love!

embrace the camera-march 10

I feel pretty oh so pretty. Not really. This weeks photo comes to you from the couch where I've spent a lot of time the last day and a half. My kids are so good to share their germs with me. Moms shouldn't be allowed to get sick I think. Especially when her kiddos are sick too.  My sweet Caedmon has been doing a great job taking care of me when he's not feeling like poo himself! At least I get awesome snuggles and homemade Get Well cards! Swoon! That's how I feel right now. In the middle of the night it's a different story and I haven't been a very nice person. Just ask my hubby.

embrace the camera-march 3

 new hairs!

killer dance moves and lip sinking skills!

I may not use these beaters for baking as often as I'd like, but they still get lots of use!

"Try them! Try them and you may! Try them and you may I say!"

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
In honor of all the wonderfully whimsical writings of Dr. Seuss, Caedmon and Payton enjoyed an after school snack of Green Eggs and Ham. Minus the ham.

It's amazing how one drop of food coloring can make for a fun and delightful snack!