All Things Fall

It's hard to believe that we are wrapping up the month of October already!  The weather has been absolutely beautiful and it's been hard to stay inside on those nice days!  We've been doing some of the 'normal' fall activities: preparing for hunting, raking leaves, craft shows and making soup!

This weekend we had nothing planned.  I like that--this time of year things tend to slow down just a bit before we hit the holiday season and I try to take in all of that quiet time before things get a hoppin'.

  Saturday I got 10 miles in on the treadmill while it was still dark and most of the household was sleeping. Then we packed it up for a little adventure to Clarksville to a craft show.  And when I say adventure that's exactly what I mean...detours and all.  It took us longer than anticipated to get there and after two detours, lots of turning around, and muddy gravel roads, we made it!  The kids were real troopers and kept themselves entertained.  We walked away from the craft show with kettlecorn, warm donuts and a cupcake!  YUM! Nonetheless it was a good drive and good times to catch up with my mom and sis.

Randy and Nolan have been busy checking the deer cam and scouting for deer at dusk.  I love watching Nolan get so excited for hunting and spending time with his dad!!

Derek woke up rather early this morning as he has not been feeling well.  That gave me some time to get started on Christmas shopping!  We also tackled some house projects as well as taking care of some of the leaves that have been falling and prepping the yard for the upcoming winter. Eryn and Derek got busy making some molasses cookies this morning while I peeled and cut up apples to put in the dehydrator. After lunch it was time to head outdoors for some fresh air and sunshine! Our trees are about 1/2 done loosing their leaves but with SO many of them and a beautiful day today we decided to rake 'em up!

After a supper of homemade beef veggie soup, we are snuggling in to watch the World Series.  Nolan is hoping for a W for the Giants while I am rooting for the Royals.  Have a fantastic week!

Bread Machine Breadsticks

Giving this recipe a test run today along with homemade spaghetti for supper. YUM!

Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat

10 Servings - Serving Size: 1 Breadstick

I'm not sure about anyone else but the number one reason that brings me back to Olive Garden is their signature breadsticks. Their salad is very good as well, but even better when served with their breadsticks. These tasted exactly like the real deal. No more take out for me.

Ingredients:

Breadsticks
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2+1/2 cups bread flour
• 3/4 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 3 teaspoons bread machine yeast
Topping
• 1+1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions:

Breadsticks
1. Add milk, egg, oil, sugar, salt, flour and seasoning, in that order to bread machine.
2. Make a well in center of the flour and pour in the yeast.
3. Set bread machine to dough cycle and press start.
4. When bread machine turns off, place dough onto a lightly floured surface.
5. Roll the dough into a 9 x 11 inch rectangle.
6. Cut dough into 10 strips.
7. Roll the strips lightly to form them into rounded strips of dough of about 11 inches in length each.
8. Place them on a nonstick baking sheet, a couple of inches apart.
9. Place in a warm place and allow the breadsticks to rise until double in size, about 30 minutes.

10. Preheat the oven to 375F.
11. Bake until breadsticks are light golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Topping
12. Brush the tops of the baked, warm breadsticks gently with melted butter.
13. Sprinkle lightly with the garlic salt.

14. Serve warm.

Notes

Recipe from Recipe Secrets

Keepin' it Low Key

We've had a low key weekend which was much needed in our house!  Yesterday the kids (and I) got a ride in the combine with my dad.  I really enjoy this time of year, for so many reasons. The pretty leaves, the family farming traditions, getting ready for the upcoming busier months of the year.  As I think more about it, when I was a kid it was a busy time of year, for all of those reasons.  It was also my grandparents birthdays in late October/early November and I think that has many happy memories as well.  We gathered together, usually on a Friday night to celebrate their birthdays.  Lots of food, fun and laughs. That's what family is all about. I miss those days, but know that I can make many memories just like that with my family.

Derek went on another sleepover at Grandma's so we got in some QT with the other kids.  Catching up on tv shows, reading a good book or two, and snuggling up on a chilly fall night. I also got in a good long run outdoors yesterday.  I typically like to run first thing in the morning but our schedule didn't allow for that, so I went out of my comfort zone and ran outside in the afternoon. I think this run cured my fear of what time I run in the day to have peak performance.  Good to try something new once in awhile, huh?

That brings us to today.  I had plans of doing literally nothing.  Ok, nothing for me means no real projects but still getting the regular household chores done--and actually sitting down to watch a NASCAR race.  Up until early this afternoon that's just what we did.  Laundry, a little baking, getting those Christmas lists started. The kids were still in their jammies up until this time.  Doesn't get much more low key, does it?  As the day has worn on I realized it was another beautiful fall day and I didn't want to let it slip away from us.  So we changed clothes, packed up the baseball bats, gloves and ball, and headed for the park.

 It's days like this  that I really stop and realize just how blessed we are.  Happiness, health, beautiful Iowa fall weather, a roof over our heads,  food on the table, and great people in my life. Doesn't get much better than this.  I just need to remember that as I gear up for another week.  Seems like the weeks are so hectic and can get stressful and it gets so easy to focus on the negative. This weekend was just what I needed to regroup.  Enjoy the rest of the day and the sunshine!

The World of Essential Oils

I've recently jumped into the world of essential oils.  WOW. What an eye opener!  I have been learning so much about the health benefits of these oils.  My interest was first sparked by searching for an alternative to meds for my son's allergies to grass, trees and pollen.  I know-- yikes!  Instead of his prescriptions (which made him sleepy) we tried some essential oils diffused in his room.  We used lavender and peppermint.  I was so surprised at the difference in his demeanor as well as the other health benefits to the rest of the family.  That meant more research on just what other oils were out there.  I took the plunge and ordered a starter kit, which includes a really cool room diffuser. Now I am using them every day for a multitude of reasons, some of which I will list below.  If you want more info visit the Young Living website.

Lemon oil- I put it in a glass of water right away every morning and drink it up.  Good for your body!
Orange oil- cancer prevention. Again I put it in a glass of water whenever I think of it.
Lavender- great way to settle the kids down at night.  A swab on their wrists helps them get to la la land:)  I also use it in the bath to soak and relax. Helps me sleep great too!  Sometimes I put some on the bedding to help promote relaxation and sleep.
Peppermint- use it for sore muscles.  Paired with some coconut oil, it's a lifesaver for me due to my never-ending back issues.  I've used it for the kids when they are stuffed up with a cold coming on.  Mix it with some lavender in the diffuser and you've got a good virus and cold protector!
Purification- works awesome at taking the itch out of bug bites and bee stings!  Also good for cuts and scrapes.
Thieves-  is a good immunity booster. I've only tried a sample but my order is in the mail.  I know this one will come in handy in the upcoming cold and flu season!

I've ordered a couple of more so I am anxious to try them out!  I'd be curious to hear what others think about essential oils and how you use them!

30 minute treadmill workout

Got up a bit late this morning. I think the past two nights of lifting and hauling furniture around the house is taking a toll on me!  Doesn't help that I stay up watching my favorite show Chicago PD!  A visit to the chiro earlier this week makes for being a bit sore this morning. At any rate here's a quick but efficient workout to start your day!  Enjoy!


2 minute warm up (I walked at 4.8)
8 minutes @ 7 mph
2 minutes @ 8mph
5 minutes @ 7mph
2 min @ 8 mph
2 minutes @ 7mph
2 minutes @ 8 m
3 min @ 7 mph
2 min@8 mph
2 min cool down (I walked at 4.8)

The Comforts of Life

As we get ready to hunker down for the colder months of the year (sigh) I can't help but think of all the things we have in life that are comforting. Kids, health, family, happiness....the list goes on.  I was reminded of that this weekend in many ways.

I always enjoy to take the kids' pictures on the porch each fall next to their pumpkins.  Those pumpkins were grown at Grandma and Grandpa Carolan's this year so they are extra special!  It was a beautiful 55 degree fall day yesterday and the perfect opportunity to capture the smiling faces of my 3 favorite little people!

Feel the love!

Being silly!




I also had the opportunity this week to catch 10 minutes of my dad's time and help out a little on the farm.  And by a little I mean give him a ride from the tractor back up to the yard.  But every little bit counts, right?  It again was a beautiful fall day and memories of my younger years came flooding back of being on the farm.  The smells, the sounds, all of it.  It's times like that you realize just how short life is and not to take it for granted. I thought to myself, where have the last 20 years gone??!!

Today the boys and I were busy with getting the garden cleaned up while Randy and Eryn stayed back to work on her new room.  It took a couple of hours but all the fencing, posts, etc got picked up and put away until next spring.  Why is it that the take down and clean out of the garden is always much more grueling than when we are planting and planning in the spring??  At any rate it was a good job done and just in time before some rain came our way.  We finished up the day with laundry, more work upstairs, giving the dog a much needed trim and bath and making some good ol' comfort food to end out this crisp fall weekend.  What better comfort food than chicken and dumplings?  I came across this recipe about a month ago and it's now a household favorite!  Enjoy!

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Classic Chicken and Dumplings

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39K

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David Meredith

Browning the chicken first gives this comforting one-bowl meal its flavor—and eliminates the need for chicken broth. Voilà! Dinner’s on.

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Serves 6

 preparation 

30 

minutes 

 cooking 

90 

minutes

Ingredients

1 

tablespoon 

olive oil 

6 

bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds) 

kosher salt and black pepper 

4 

stalks celery, chopped 

4 

carrots, chopped 

2 

onions, chopped 

2 

tablespoons 

fresh thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons dried thyme 

2 

cloves garlic, chopped 

2 

bay leaves 

2 1/2 

cups 

all-purpose flour 

1 

tablespoon 

baking powder 

1/2 

teaspoon 

baking soda 

6 

tablespoons 

(3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted 

3/4 

cup 

buttermilk 

2 

tablespoons 

chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving 

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Brown in batches, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; reserve the pot.
2. Add the celery, carrots, onions, thyme, and garlic to the drippings in the pot and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the chicken, bay leaves, and 10 cups water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and transfer the chicken to a plate; let cool. Shred the chicken with 2 forks and return it to the pot (discarding the skin and bones).
3. Whisk together ½ cup of the flour, 2 cups of the cooking liquid, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly whisk the flour mixture back into the pot and simmer until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Make the dumplings: Whisk together the remaining 2 cups of flour, the baking powder, baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk in the butter, buttermilk, and parsley. Reduce heat to low and drop the mixture into the broth in 8 large spoonfuls. Simmer, covered, until the dumplings are firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

House Update and ApPLeS!

We've made lots of headway with our house remodel in the past few weeks. The laundry room is operational (just waiting for counter top and sink).  The upstairs now has carpet and as of today, furniture!!  We've moved the exercise equipment and we are so happy this project is nearing the end!  The kids have been just as excited.  With just a few odds and ends it's a sigh of relief to close this chapter of our home renovations!

This weekend was also busy because we had our first ever garage sale. It was a lot of work but definitely time to part ways with some of our things.  I think it will become an annual event!

Fall is definitely in the air as the temperatures have dropped, the windows are no longer open at night and the leaves are falling from the trees.  With all things fall, of course apples come to mind.  I came across an apple pie filling recipe last year and loved it.  So, today it was time to make another batch. I am pretty sure I posted this last year but I will leave you all with the recipe again cuz it's that good!

http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/canning/canned-apple-pie-filling/

Ingredients

• 8 jars Quart-Size Canning Jars With Lids And Rings
• 5 pounds Apples
• 2-¼ cups Granulated Sugar, Divided
• 5 cups Water, Divided
• ½ cups Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1-½ Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• ⅛ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoons Ground Cloves

Preparation

Place jars in the dishwasher to heat them up. They need to be hot when you put the filling inside.
Slice, peel and core apples. Set aside.
Combine 1 3/4 cups sugar and 4 1/2 cups of water together in a large pot; bring to a boil and make sure sugar is dissolved.
While it’s heating, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch, remaining 1/2 cup water and remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Stir in a bowl until no longer lumpy.
After sugar and water are boiling, whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Keep whisking to make sure lumps don’t form. Add in remaining ingredients (except apples) and bring to a boil to thicken.
Pack hot jars with apples. Ladle liquid into jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace. Remove bubbles and adjust 2-piece caps. Process in a water bath for 20 minutes (additional time may be needed according to your altitude—use standard canning practices). This is where a large pot is filled with water to completely cover the jars. This is done so that all the bacteria is killed and the jars are sealed and can sit on a shelf instead of in the freezer.
Makes 7-8 quarts (each one is enough for 1 pie).
Calories per quart: 400.

Along with all things fall thank goodness most of the seasonal allergies come to an end. However we face another beast--cold and flu season. We had our first trip to the Dr this week as Derek came down with a nasty sore throat last weekend. The strep test was negative but they treated him anyway. Not looking forward to all the "sharing" of germs that happens in school!

I've got soup cooking on the stove and prepping some meals for the week. It's been a great weekend to get projects done and start planning for the upcoming busy months. Have a wonderful week!