Boring Fudge...

Noah has been begging me to make some fudge (where that came from, I have no idea...). So I finally gave in (I haven't been wanting to because I knew I would eat it all:). We went to the store and got all the ingredients plus some extra yumminess to add to it. We made the fudge, and it was amazing, it had carmelly goodness throughout the fudge. However, Noah was not happy with it. He told me that the fudge looked boring. I needed to make it better. WHAT??? I have created a monster! I guess he likes his things in fun packages like his momma;)

So, our boring fudge went from this...
To this...nothing exciting, just a fudge pop. I guess anything is better on a stick. Noah was happy and now I can put the recipe on my blog...I always forget what I need to buy for this stuff!

Fantasy Fudge

3 cups sugar

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine

1 small can (5 oz.) evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup) (Do not use sweetened condensed milk.)

1-1/2 pkg. (12 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped

1 jar (7 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme

1 cup chopped PLANTERS Walnuts

1 tsp. vanilla

Caramel bits (the cute little ball caramel bits)

LINE 9-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan; set aside. Place sugar, butter and evaporated milk in large heavy saucepan. Bring to full rolling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 4 min. or until candy thermometer reaches 234°F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat.

ADD chocolate and marshmallow creme; stir until completely melted. Add a handful of caramel bits, stir. Add walnuts, another handful of caramel bits, and vanilla; mix well.

POUR immediately into prepared pan; spread to form even layer in pan. Let stand at room temperature 4 hours or until completely cooled; cut into 1-inch squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.

Birthday Weekend...Take 3

So we celebrated Noah's birthday with my family now...not only Noah's, but Taylors and Mimi's (my mom) last weekend. So...Happy Birthday! I sure hope Noah doesn't think he gets 3 birthdays every year! Above is Taylor and Connor.
Aunt Katie made the boys some super cute capes as a "big brother" gift. How darling are they? It is Taylor, Caden, Noah and Brent. Super Heros to the rescue!! Don't you love Brent's pose??
The backs of the capes...Thank you Katie! The boys LOVE the capes!
Aunt Whitney with Connor.
Birthday kids blowing out the HUGE cake!
I love this picture...Taylor has these boys wrapped around her finger! She is the Queen and the boys are bowing down to her...love that!!

Hawaiian Meal...

Alright...This is probably my most favorite meal...EVER! All the recipes came from my friend Sara several years ago when we were in a Lunch group together. I have made it ever since. The Pani Popo (the bread) came from my sis-in-law, Wendy. AMAZING meal. Try it all! One thing not posted which is a MUST HAVE with this meal is the Grilled Pineapple...you can't stop eating it! Hope you enjoy the recipes!

Pani Popo (Hawaiian Coconut Bread)

(This is always the favorite...)

1 (12 oz.) pkg. frozen dinner rolls, thawed (if you can't find Rhodes Rolls, you can use frozen bread and cut it up)

1 (10 oz.) can coconut milk

3 TBS sweetened condensed milk

3/4 c. white sugar, or to taste

Coat a 9x13 " baking dish with cooking spray. Coat your hands with cooking spray or shortening, and roll the dough balls in your hands so they have a light coating. Place in the prepared dish. Set aside in a warm place to rise until doubled, up to 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk and sugar. Pour this mixture over the top of the rolls as evenly as you can. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before separating and serving.

(This makes lots of sauce...use your judgement on how much you want to use...)

Orange Almond Green Salad

Salad:

1/2 head Romaine lettuce

1/2 head iceberg lettuce

1 (15 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained

2 celery sticks, chopped

3 green onions, finely chopped

1/2 c. slivered sugar* almonds

*to sugar almonds mix 2 TBS sugar plus a bit of butter with almonds in a frying pan then lay on aluminum foil until cooled.

Dressing:

1/4 c. oil

2 TBS vinegar

2 TBS sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

dash of pepper

Mix the salad and toss with dressing just before serving

Coconut Rice

3 c. long-grain rice

5 1/2 c. coconut juice**

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

Wash the rice and drain. Place in a sauce pan, add coconut juice, salt and sugar. Mix, cover and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, until done.

** For a richer flavor you can use coconut milk or a mixture of coconut milk and water.

Grilled Pineapple

1 fresh pineapple; peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 " slices (long ways, not circles)

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 TBS lime juice

1 TBS lemon juice (or use all lime or all lemon)

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Combine brown sugar, juices and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. Spread this mixture on each side of each pineapple slice. (or put in tupperware and coat it by turning it around). Grill pineapple 4-5 " from medium coals for 5-10 minutes, turning once, until sugar mixture melts an dpineapple is heated. OR grill pinapple for 2-5 minutes on a George Foremna two sided grill until sugar mixture melts and pineapple is heated and tender.

Chicken or Steak Kabobs

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 pineapple

1 pepper (and any other veggies you like: squash, red onion, mushrooms, etc)

1 c. teriyaki sauce or Gourmet Sauce or Soy Sauce

2 TB brown sugar

1/4 c. pinapple juice

Mix sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice together. Cut chicken breasts into chunks and add to marinade for 3 hours. Cut pineapples and vegetables into chunks and skewer, alternating with chicken. Grill until chicken is cooked through.

Fun at Grandma and Grandpas!!

My in-laws were so sweet and took the boys for the week! I"m so spoiled:) Here are some darling pics they took of their horseback riding trip. The boys look forward to going everytime they visit!

Caden rode with Uncle Cameron...

Noah rode with Grandpa...

Connor Rocks!!

My little boy must love me...ALOT! Here is how the last 4 nights have been...in regards to sleeping at night:

Night 1: 6 hours straight

Night 2: 7 hours straight

Night 3: 8 hours straight

Night 4: 8 hours straight...and he is still sleeping and it is 10 am!!

Thanks Connor! I will never forget this! And when your old enough to read this...I'm sure you won't let me:)

Noah's B-day Party...Take 2

There are so many B-day's in July/Aug. in the Thatcher Family that we had a group Birthday! Molly, Noah, Grandma, Logan and Chris. So, here is Noah with his cake. We went to the store together and he picked out what cake he wanted. He picked out a Basketball cake. Now...I didn't have time to do the cute stars that I usually do for a cake, he got quick squiggles...don't judge me!! I was lucky to get it this far!
The boys and Logan
Happy Birthday Molly!!! She is now 5! Crazy how time flies by sooo quickly!
Jon and my little cutie pie...notice his cute onesie I made him:)
Birthday boy and Connor.

Stay tuned for B-day Party...Take 3. We are going to Houston this weekend to celebrate all the July/Aug. birthdays! Should be fun!!

Lemon Cream Pasta with Chicken

I found this recipe on allrecipe and had to try it! It was REALLY good. Blogilicious:) (meaning blog worthy). I'll give you the recipe as it is written, but I made a few changes: I didn't bake the chicken, I sauted it in a pan and then add the cream to the pan and deglazed it to get all the yumminess off. Next time I wouold add some veggies to it. I added some fresh Parm. cheese on top. This part is up to you...the boys and I thought it was really "lemony" and Ben thought it was perfect. I might take out the lemon you add to the chicken and cut down a bit on the lemon you add to the pasta. Just a thought. Overall, Ben thought this was the best meal ever. Let me know what you think!!

Lemon Cream Pasta with Chicken

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 (8 ounce) package rotelle pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place chicken in a lightly greased baking dish. Squeeze lemon over both sides of the chicken breasts and season both sides using 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Bake for 40 minutes, or until juices run clear and chicken is no longer pink inside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, season the chicken broth with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil and add lemon juice and pasta. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
3. Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir into cooked pasta, along with the cream and lemon zest. Cook, stirring, over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Stir thoroughly before serving.

Hot Little Chocolate Chip Cookie Pies

Yes...you guessed it! These came from Picky Palate. I love her recipes! I had try this one out. Its two recipes in one. Hope you enjoy! They were yummy! Now...I was in a hurry so the pictures are, well, they stink. They don't do the little guys any justice.

White and Chocolate Chunk Butterscotch Cookies

2 sticks softened butter
3/4 Cup granulated sugar
3/4 Cup light brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla
2 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Cups Chocolate Chunk pieces, I believe my bag was Hersheys
1 Cup white chocolate chips
1 Cup butterscotch chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2. Place flour, baking soda and salt into a large mixing bowl; sift of stir to combine. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients along with all the chocolate/chips. Mix until just combined.

3. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet placing about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes or until edges just barely start to turn golden. Remove and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely. Enjoy!!

About 3 dozen cookies

Hot Little Chocolate Chip Cookie Pies

1 roll Pillsbury Pie Crust, thawed and cut into 12 2 1/2 inch circles (I used a cup to press out all the circles)
1 batch of your favorite cookie dough

1 egg white plus 1 teaspoon water
3 Tablespoons Turbinado sugar or normal granulated sugar
Powdered sugar for dusting on top

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place all 12 pie crust circles onto a baking sheet. With a small cookie scoop, place a heaping teaspoon of cookie dough into the center of each pie round, pressing cookie dough down slightly without touching edges of pie crust. DO NOT overfill each pie, if too full the dough breaks through the pie.

2. Dip your finger in water and brush bottom 1/2 of the pie crust edge with water and fold top crust over to seal. Using fork tines, press to seal around edges. Continue until all crusts are sealed. Poke each little pie on top once or twice for steam holes. Lightly brush each pie with egg white whisked with a teaspoon of water then sprinkle with turbinado sugar (normal sugar is also fine). Bake for 20-22 minutes or until pie crust is just barely golden. Note that some of the cookie will escape through the pie crust, if this happens, just cut them in half and no worries. To prevent it, make sure you don't overfill your crusts.

3. Just before serving sprinkle with powdered sugar and even ice cream if desired. Make sure to enjoy these warm, shortly after out of oven!!

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When the Boys are Bored...

The boys were haveing a "boring" day and were playing in their room. I heard all sorts of laughter and strange noises so I check on them and find this...

They are putting cars in the long tube and watching as it falls in the dump truck. Enough said.

Pears and Dots

I finally finished my 1st quilt! Yeah me!! Thanks to the help of my friend Gwen (gave me the pattern idea and helped me do the binding) and my mother-in-law (who quilted it for me). I have always wanted to make a quilt and this one is for Connor. I love it!! Hopefully this will be the first of many. I have already found another one that I can't wait to make...that one will take awhile...but it is super girly, that way maybe none of the boys will want to use it:)

1 Month Old!

I can't believe my baby is already one month old! The time has already gone by so quickly! He is such a good baby (except for last week when he decided that he didn't want to go to bed until 1 or 2 am...we nipped that in the bud real quick;)

Here are his stats from his 1 mo. check up:

Weight: 9 lbs. 6 oz. 25-50%

Height: 21 3/4 " 50%

Head: 14 1/2" 25%

Happy 4th Birthday Noah!

Today is Noah's 4th Birthday!! I can't believe my little guy is all grown up! He planned out the whole day for us! It started with some sugar...lots of doughnuts. We went to our favorite place and he picked out all his favorites.
Then he wanted to make some cupcakes all by himself...from start to finish. He did a pretty good job! Not too messy either!
Next came the decorating. Beautiful cupcakes with tons and tons and tons of sprinkles. I mean tons of sprinkles.
Next up...T-shirts. He wanted me to make a t-shirt for him. So last week we went to the store, he picked out his t-shirt, his fabric and his design. We had fun making it. (Unfortunately this shirt is Cadens...when we were about to eat pizza...his dinner choice...he spilt garlic butter all over it. Hopefully it won't stain).
Then we had a photo shoot with all of his projects for the day. His real celebration b-day will be on Sat. when we go to G'ma and G'pas house and go horseback riding, splash park, open presents, eat the cake he wants me to make and sing. Then we will celebrate again in Houston in 2 weeks. The boy is not lacking for b-day parties!!!

Happy birthday sweetie! I sure love you and all the randomness that comes with you:)

Family Tray

I made this project the other day and I love the way it turned out! I got the idea on a blog that I just love...Livin' Life. The one she shows is a Christmas Cookie Tray. Just think of all the possibilities!! You can change out the paper for Birthday, Summer Time, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. These were so easy to make. If you have a Cricut (which I just got one:) Yeah!!) You can do even more!!
This was so easy to do. Just get an 11 x 14 picture frame, make a cute scrapbook page depending on the season and then frame it. Get 2 pieces of cabinet hardware and then screw them into the picture frame. You might want to make sure that the picture frame is wooden...

Its a fun, quick craft you can whip out in no time!