Dessert for Breakfast, Anyone?

I was inspired by Sarah's version of baked oatmeal which she served us last weekend & tracked down a recipe from the following random blog. Yummy! Yummy! and made of ingredients that I almost always have on hand which makes any recipe a winner in my book. While probably better suited to a cold winter morning, I thought I would share the recipe with you all now so you can perfect it by the time the snow flies :)

3 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 whole milk or half and half (used 2%)
1/4 cup canola oil (used vegetable oil)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (used pecans, increased to 3/4 cup)
1 1/2 cups blueberries
2 tablespoons lightly packed brown sugar

· Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Lightly oil a 8 inch square baking dish.
· Stir together the oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.
· Whisk together applesauce, yogurt , milk, oil, eggs and vanilla. Stir into oat mixture, add nuts and berries, then pour into baking dish.
· Stir together brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle over oatmeal, then bake until wooden toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 30-40 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Serve with a tall, cold glass of milk. NOTE: The photo is not my oatmeal; just a stock image.

A Little Fish!

Here's a couple of shots of Blake & Xander's first time swimming in a pool together. They had the pool to themselves & had LOTS of fun. I loved watching...from my lounge chair :)

I have a hunch bath time might get a little more 'exciting' now that he's figured out the JOY of making big splashes! :)

Sun & Sand...

During our vacation we stayed at an oceanside cottage in Old Lyme, CT with grandpa & grandpa (Blake's parents), Peter & Penny and the boys (Jonah & Jared).

While the weather was a bit chilly (especially in the mornings) and we were rained out for an entire day, we were still able to get a few hours in the sunshine each afternoon. We went 'crabbing' in the rocks, 'swimming' in the ocean (okay, most of us only got our feet wet...Brrrr!). The boys spent hours playing in the sand with shovels, buckets, cars/trucks, etc. And...we visiting some recommended local haunts from some GOOD seafood!

Here are some pics of Xander and some of his cousins, too.

he's so inquisitive these days...

my attempt at artistic photography...I call this one 'Sandy Hands & Feet' :) Jonah concentrating on meticulously lining up his trucks...he did this SEVERAL times a day!a common scene: "No! That's my shovel." (from kids). "Boys! Be nice to Jared/Xander. You can share." (from moms).
just chillin'...

these boys were on the move ALL week. this is the ONLY picture I have all three & I believe it's while grandpa has each partially buried in sand...the only way to slow them down!

one of my favorites...

Signs of Summer...

We were able to stop in Indiana to see our good friends Jeremy & Sarah last weekend. Xander (16 mo) and McKayla (2-1/2 yrs) had a blast playing in the pool together on Saturday morning. It prompted me to buy one for our own backyard -- just in time for the 90+ degree weather we've been having.

Click on over to Megan's site and click on Mr.Linky to join the photo-sharing fun!

Observing the Amish Way of Life...

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life, for reasons which I cannot precisely put into words.

Thru some research, I've found that while I do not hold the same beliefs (faith) that many, especially the Old Order Amish do, I find myself inspired by the simplicity of their lives. INSPIRED but not particulary JEALOUS. Check out this image of 'laundry day' at one of the PA Dutch Country farmsteads. Hand-washed piece-by-piece & hung to dry! Now THAT's work!
NOTE: Amish culture forbids the taking of photographs where someone is recognizeable so I attempted to respect this by collecting photographs which do not clearly show the individual's face.

It was fascintating trying to figure out some of the farm equipment to see exactly what task was being accomplished. So different than our modern machinery.

this one's for my Aunt Karen with whom I agree...cows have SUCH amazing eyes!

We're Back!

After travelling some 2000 miles with a 15-month old, we're back from a family vacation in Old Lyme, CT. To prevent this post from running on...and on...and on...I am planning to post a couple of 'seperate installments...' chronicling our days away from it all :)

We broke the trip into three 6-hours segments on the way out (smart, SMART parents) and spent a couple of days in Lancaster County, PA before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. We had great fun visiting the local farmers markets, especially the Lancaster Central Market which started before 1730 and has operated in the same general location, a historic/rustic building since. YUMMY pastries, snacks, apple cider, ice cream, cheese, soft pretzels...

Since I am a country girl at-heart, I found the landscape of the area to be absolutely amazing! Here are a couple of shots taken during our numerous back road drives.

Hey, Mom! I'm Hungry!

I walked into the kitchen one day last week & saw this.

"Hint! Hint! Time to start on dinner, Mom!"