May Elmo RIP

Rachel, age 15 months

Bekah, age 4

Bekah, age 2

Elmo has been a part of our holiday for 5 years. We got him out this year and he wouldn't blow up. Chad didn't think he would make it after last year, the fan was getting pretty weak! I'm off the see what I can find on Google, we're missing Elmo already!

Morning Mayhem

This is a typical school day at 7:30 a.m. We have two extra kids that ride to school with us and lately they have been playing outside and trying to catch our cats... with butterfly nets. I looked out one day and say Rachel holding a baseball bat and looking under a car.

Not many dull moments around here!

Good Eats: Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole

Southern Living can't do wrong when it comes to food! We'll this eat for breakfast and on a breakfast for dinner night.

Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole

Southern Living

3 (5-inch) large croissants
1 (8 oz.) package chopped cooked ham
1 (5 oz.) package shredded Swiss cheese
6 large eggs
1 c. half and half
2 T. honey
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/4 t. ground nutmeg (optional)

Cut croissants in half lengthwise and cut each half into 4-5 pieces. Place croissant pieces in a lightly greased 10-inch deep-dish pie plate. Top with ham and cheese.

Wisk together eggs, next 5 ingredients, and, if desired nutmeg in a large bowl.

Pour egg mixture over mixture in pie plate, pressing croissants down to submerge in egg mixture. Cover tightly and chill for 8-24 hours.

Preheat oven to 325. Bake, covered for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 25-30 minutes and until browned and set. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Make New Friends

We've joined the Daisy Scouts and here is Bekah the first day to wear her uniform. Rachel couldn't resist and joined in the photo shoot.

It's That Time of Year Again

Good Eats: Pumpkin Pancakes

I made these this morning for my family, they are very light and I love a good seasonal food! I'm very themey, in case you haven't figured that out yet!

I did not have whole wheat flour, I just used 2 cups white flour.

Pumpkin pancakes from Taste of Home

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the milk, pumpkin, egg white and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
• Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until second side is golden brown. Yield: 6 servings.

Halloween Night

Rachel and friend, both dressed as Minnie Mouse!
Our very own Buckeye Cheerleader and Minne Mouse are ready for Halloween festivities that included and neighborhood party, hay ride, and trick or treating. Rachel often says, "Remember when we got candy? That was fun!" Our neighbors will never be the same for her, she thinks fondly of them all now.

Thank you to my mom for making Rachel's dress and my friend Lindsay for the Minnie Mouse face she monogrammed on! It's one she can (and will) continue to wear. And we always need a Buckeye cheerleader around!