Home On The Range

First Day Jitters

 

While Kinley handled this morning like a pro that is... until she hit the classroom and everything fell apart.  I think the nerves and build up just got to be too much for her to handle and all of her emotions started falling out all over the place.  I felt so sad for her.

 

I still remember the night before my first day of first grade.  I stared up at my bedroom ceiling the whole night, terrified of what the new school year would bring.  I never was good at the transition from the long, lazy summer days back to the rigors of the classroom. I remember them being definitely bumpy roads even in my college years.

 

Although many might not know this about me, I was a shyer-more sensitive-type kid growing up.  I had two older brothers who coddled me and did everything for me so leaving that comfort and security I had as the baby sister was a pretty difficult transition.  I guess not much has changed since those days except now I’m an adult and I just learn to wade through those anxieties and I’ve managed to learn they just go away after a few days. 

 

I think as a parent we love our kiddos so much and we are so aware of these amazing transitions that watching them move on is bittersweet.  In the end, I’m trying to keep this in perspective.  Just as it did last year, the jitters will eventually melt away and my baby girl will fall right into her new routine.  Until then I pray.

Pumpkin Bread

This post is dedicated to my children.  You guys LOVE these.  I make two batches just so I can freeze some for later.  Don't forget the baking soda! 

Ingredients

3 cups sugar

1 cup cooking oil

4 eggs

3 1/3 cup flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2/3 cup water

1 15oz. can pumkin

Directions

Grease 2 loaf pans or 2 muffin pans.  In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil.  Add eggs and beat well.

 Set aside.

In a different bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mix well.

Add sugar mixture and water to the flour mixture.

Beat in pumkin.

Mix well.  Pour into pans.  Bake at 350 for 55-65 minutes.  You can also add raisins or walnuts if you want.

Ta-da!  Girls, hold on to this recipe I know it will come in handy someday. 

Cream Cheese Sausage Rolls

I have to tell you about these Sausage Rolls.  I've made these for several different occasions and also freeze them for quick snacks they are deeeelicious!!  I originally got the recipe from a friend in MOPS.  Sara made these for one of our meetings and I begged her for the recipe.  The kiddos adore them, and they're super easy to make.  Here is what you need.

Ingredients

1lb. Jimmy Dean Sausage.

1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese

2 cans Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1 Table spoon poppy seeds

Directions

Brown sausage like hamburger meat (drain). While preparing sausage, soften cream cheese in microwave for 15 seconds.  In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage with softened cream cheese.  Note:  The hot sausage helps the cheese melt a bit, and lets you mix it until it's all nice and creamy.

unroll 1 can of dough and place on baking sheet. Spoon cooked sausage & cream cheese in the middle of the larger section of the crescent roll. 

Fold over the long sides of the pastry to cover the sausage.  Sprinkle with poppy seeds and bake at 350 or 20 minutes until golden brown.  I've also seen them rolled and cut up and served too.

  You can convince your kiddos to go anywhere with the promise of this yummy treat.  Enjoy!

What I needed to hear today

Thinking Positive

I weighed in this morning and I've lost 4lbs since I joined Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. Today's meeting inspired me to think positive and reflect on my long term goal.  When I feel the need to eat just one more cookie or one more scoop of ice-cream, I'm going to make the healthy choice to just say no.  I'm ready to lose this extra weight and donate my old clothes to a woman in need:)

Weight Watchers Taco Soup

I made this yummy recipe my friend Tina gave me.  I’m thinking it will be a great cold weather dish and it was super easy to make!  
 

Ingredients

1lb ground turkey
1 Large onion, chopped
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 can each: pinto beans, chili hot beans, corn, stewed tomatoes, and one can stewed tomatoes, one can rotel mild tomatoes.

Directions

Brown the meat onions, drain.  Add in dressing and taco mixes.  Then, without draining, add all of the other ingredients.  Simmer 1 hour.  Makes 12 - one cup servings

There are three points for 1 cup of sup.  If you add backed chips, add two extra points for nine chips.  I added a tbsp low fat sour cream wich added to extra points.  Enjoy!