A Small Thank You

This is a post near and dear to my heart.   After having my brother serve across seas in Afghanistan and Kuwait as an Apache Helicopter Maintenance Test Pilot,  I know a small (and I mean very small) part of the sacrifice our Military men and women go through.  They leave EVERYTHING behind to serve our great country: Family, Friends and all of the comforts of home.   I appreciate so very much their courage and selflessness.  They are the bravest people I know. 

As a way to say, "Thank You"  our family joined the group Operation Baking Gals.  This is a group put together by some ladies who bake homemade goodies and send them to soldiers serving in the states and across seas.    All you do is go to bakinggals.com,  sign up with a group OR you can host a soldier that you know.  Email the Team Leader to get the address, bake something yummy that will last in the mail and ship it on it's way.  What could be easier? 

I know that when my brother was away, packages from "home" were priceless to him.   I want him and every soldier to know that we love them, appreciate them, and pray for their success and safety.  Thank you so very much Military men and women!  My family is safer because of you!

As a family, we spent an evening writing letters and coloring pictures to our soldier and then baked good old fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies.  This was his favorite cookie and what he wanted most.  We packaged up the cookies (the web site tells you how to best do this.) and sent them to Iraq.  I hope when he opens our package he knows of our appreciation.

Please, Give This One A Whirl....  what better way to teach about service than to serve those who are serving us!  After we sent our small package, my heart felt like bursting and I smiled the rest of the day.

bakinggals.com

Hearty Oatmeal

What better way to start a cold, rainy day than with a warm bowl of oatmeal?  This is a recipe that will have oatmeal critics begging for more.  It is hearty, healthy and delicious.  If you think you don't like oatmeal... Just Give It A Whirl and see what you think.

Hearty Oatmeal

2 cups of your favorite dry oatmeal.  Not instant.

4 - 6 dried apricots cut into small pieces

1/4 cup craisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - toasted 

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar (or to taste)

Milk

Begin cooking your oatmeal according to its directions.  (Usually you double the water) 

Add your apricots, craisins, vanilla, cinnamon and brown sugar.  Stir and cook until done.  The water and heat reconstitutes the dried fruit and makes them plump and delicious.  Dish your bowl and then add a handful of toasted walnuts on top.  Pour some milk in your bowl and enjoy!   

OATMEAL FACTS

* Low glycemic index

* Can lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure

* May reduce the risk of heart disease

* May reduce type 2 diabetes

* Contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Easter Family Treat - The Empty Tomb

I realize Easter is over, but I thought this fun treat was worth documenting. After having a Family Night about Easter, we indulged on these yummy, sweet treats that carry a message with them.

I did find this idea online but added a little something to make them extra sweet! Put this recipe in your files for next year and Give It A Whirl! You won't be disappointed.

The Empty Tomb

Your favorite roll dough

Large Marshmallows

Melted Butter

Cinnamon sugar

Choose your favorite roll dough recipe or defrost some Rhodes dough.

Get a small piece of dough and flatten it out. Wrap the dough around the marshmallow and seal all the edges. Cover the roll in melted butter and then roll it around the cinnamon sugar.

Place on a jelly roll pan and cook at 350 for about 10 minutes or until done.

When you open the roll, it will be hallow. The marshmallow melts creating an "Empty Tomb" The kids thought this was really amazing.... and DELICIOUS!