Author: thefamilyo

Our Trip to The Shoppe

After our exciting field trip to the United States Mint we wanted to take the boys some place fun to eat. So that is what I googled “fun places to eat in Denver”. BINGO, one of the first results was for The Shoppe, a cupcake and cereal eatery! I have always wanted to go to a place that served cereal. Don’t think of those lil boxes that Dennys serves. This is more like a “Cereal Bar”. It is a fairly new trend, they stock a mind-boggling amount of cereal, you get to try any kind and can add extra toppings if you like.

Delicious Varieties!

This place has such fun decor too!

They have a massive game collection! Craig and Preston jumped at the chance to play Monopoly while Oliver and Adam played Chutes and Ladders. Samuel kept himself busy with Don’t Spill the Beans.

Our order, pretty huh?!

Oliver and his cupcake…

…it was Death by Chocolate

Sam ordered the Cookies n Cream, he gobbled up the Oreo that was on top before I could snap a pic. This was delicious, it was ice cream looking frosting on top, there was an Oreo inside too!

Craig and I shared a Salted Caramel Cupcake, this was amazing. The cake is to die for. Amazing.

My sweet Nephew and his huge bowl of Corn Pops

We had such a fun time hanging out, playing games, enjoying yummy food and great conversation.

Did I mention that you can write on the bathroom walls? Too cool, the entire bathroom is made of dry-erase walls and there is a big basket of colorful markers. Loved this idea!

Make time to go down and check this place out, your kids will LOVE it!

You will love the cupcakes!

February 2, 2012
Denver Mint Field Trip

Today we went to Downtown Denver and took a tour of the Denver Mint. We went for two reasons, homeschool and Cub Scouts. We are learning about money in Homeschool and my oldest is in Cub Scouts, their assignment is to start and display a coin collection. He decided to collect State Quarters. So, I thought we should take a trip to the Unite States Mint. I went online to get the scoop and it turns out you can make a reservation online. Convenient, easy and guarantees you a spot on the tour.

We lined up and waited, an armed guard came out to tell us the “rules”. No cameras :O( for obvious reasons. We went through the metal detectors into a 2 story room with diaramas and other displays, placards on the walls gave us the history of the Mint and of money. The Tour Guide was so friendly, he took the time to take my kids to a display and talk about it before the tour started. We came face to face with a giant tube filled with 147,000+ shiny pennies, the boys were in awe.

We moved on and watched a video, then on to a room that overlooks the machines. We saw samples of the sheets that the “blanks” are cut out of. We learned how coins are made blank, then heated up until they soften, a die stamps both sides, to finish them off they put a rim around the coin. The rim helps keep the impression on the coin, extending its street life. This Mint can produce up to 50 million coins per day!

We also got to see 100k in gold dollars, so pretty!

To end the tour, they take you thru the original building that housed the mint since 1906. Miners used to bring gold down from the Rockies and trade it for money. We got to see a replica of the Assay Office, very neat & cool!

This part of the building has original light fixtures and gorgeous marble walls. We ended up going down stairs that were one side of a gorgeous, double staircase. wood banisters, iron fixtures, we could see up a few stories to an atrium. We got to see the 350 pound Tiffany Chandeliers, exquisite wood molding, it was truly breathtaking. I was blown away. I wish I could have taken pictures.

The kids really liked seeing all the coins, my oldest was so attentive when it came time to listen to the tour guide. He was very much into it.

Since I knew we would be downtown I researched some fun places to eat. I came up with The Shoppe. That post coming up next… this place deserves a post all its own!

February 1, 2012
Feeding Little Ones Healthy Meals with Rice

It’s the age old battle. Kids vs. Parents. Junk vs. Real Food. Food vs. Healthy Food.

Growing up, my Mom always made sure we had a complete and healthy meal every single evening. She worked full time and so I imagine this was a challenge for her but she always came through. Now that I am a stay at home Mom I strive to have a healthy meal on the table every night. That is not always the case though. I started working evenings and this has proved to be a big challenge when it comes to feeding my family.

For our family, it is quality over quantity. We try not to buy a lot of junk food even though it is usually always cheaper than whole, fresh food. I try not to use items that have additives and preservatives too. Who needs the extra garbage in our bodies?

Luckily my children LOVE fruit, love it. We can’t keep it around long enough though because they gobble it up. As far as veggies go, that’s a different story. My kids don’t really love raw veggies, even though I would always try to force them to eat them, they refused. I had to get creative.

BINGO – my husbands all time favorite staple is rice, and I agree, it is so versatile, yummy and healthy! I decided to try stir fry veggies with veggie seasoning and serve them over rice, my kids cannot resist. Looks yummy and TASTES delicious!

We went the vegetarian route for a couple of years, which was great! Did you know rice and beans together make a complete protein? A very healthy meal and good for you too. There are so many veggies that go great with rice!

Another way I have incorporated rice into their diet is by using rice/sushi molds. They are so cute and come in a TON of different shapes. My kids love them and they like dipping their Rice shaped bite into Soy Sauce. My husband and I love them with Sriracha.

I must say that our family’s absolute favorite rice dish of all time? It is a tradition passed down through both sides of our families and it is = Rice Pudding! Love it! You prepare it as a dessert and it is heavenly. Creamy, sweet, mellow, smooth, delicious!

Speaking of rice, did you know that Uncle Ben’s is giving away $20,000? You and your children can create a video demonstrating your favorite healthy rice recipe and you will have a chance to win $20,000!! It is called Ben’s Beginners Cooking Contest and it open to submissions until Feb. 26th. Start coming up with ideas now! Did I mention the winner will get to be ON the Rachel Ray Show!?!?!

Think of all the fun you will have with your kids creating a recipe, testing it, making a video and submitting it! Talk about quality time!

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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Uncle Ben’s blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://BensBeginners.socialmoms.com/about)

January 30, 2012
A Field Trip to the Denver Zoo

A Field Trip to the Denver Zoo

Thanks to Groupon we were able to spend 5 wonderful hours at the Zoo. We went in late November. It was chilly that morning but I checked the weather and it promised to be warm. It ended up being about 57 degrees, for a Coloradan(oan?) that is practically Summer, lol.

When we arrived we were all bundled up and the skies were gray, it was 9:45. By the time we left, we were hot, without coats and the skies were blue. I love Autumn in Colorado, bright blue skies, brisk fresh air.

There were not many people there, so we took our time, enjoyed every sight to see. We rambled along and learned a lot, talked about everything. We sat and had a leisurely lunch next to the Seals, they are so cute and fun to watch. We were happy to have Cousin Adam along with us. The entire field trip was fantastic.

How far can you jump?

Cute little Snow Fox

A Unique Creature – The Okapis – a cousin of the giraffe (look at his head). He had a super-velvety coat.

The Majestic Lion

Samuel with a lizard, I love his reflection on the glass!

Playing iSpy fish

Climbing the Hippo Statue

I love these animal flags! This picture was taken on the way out, check out the blue sky and compare to the first picture, that is why I love Colorado!

After such a fun-filled gorgeous day, we didn’t want it to end so we topped it off with some choclate milks at a downtown Starbucks.

Brothers enjoying a beverage.

Checking out the sights

In the words of my oldest “This was one of the best days ever!”

January 25, 2012
A True Inspiration, a Man After God’s Heart

Video – Bailey Knaub inspires Tim Tebow. This aired right before the start of the Denver/New England playoff game Jan 14, 2012. Showcasing Tim Tebow meeting with ill kids and adults before and after games. Bailey Knaub from Loveland Colorado has had 73 surgeries and is the focus of this report. Bailey is a lovely young woman, I’m so glad she had the chance to get to know Tim. Bailey…wishing you the best!

January 15, 2012
Merry Christmas

Here we are once again! Waking up today to a white Christmas, all the kids are still cozy in bed and I am getting ready for a wonderfully joyous day. After the boys open presents and see what is in their stockings we will have breakfast at my Mom’s. A family tradition, where we will have cream of wheat, toast and bacon. This has been my Christmas breakfast as long as I can remember, I love this warm breakfast. It is nostalgic for me.

After that we will head to my Sister in Laws house to share present and enjoy delicious food prepared by her Swedish Chef husband. The boys get to run around and have fun with their cousins, while we can all hang out and visit.

I love this time of year. What do I love especially most? It is when we celebrate God coming to earth to dwell among us, Emmanuel. I love that Jesus came to earth in the most humble circumstances, the King of Kings, so that we may have a relationship with God and become children of God. We celebrate the birth of our Savior.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”^[c]

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babylying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Merry Christmas from the Family O!

December 25, 2011
Cookie Exchange 2011

Tis the season for get togethers in all shapes and forms. Last weekend I had a relaxing, fun time with my Mom, Sister, Aunts and Cousins, Sister in Law and her Mom and Daughter too. What a nice time we had, it was our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange.

We each made a 6 dozen cookies and other goodies to share, see my recent article at Social Moms on how to host a Cookie Exchange.

My cousin made enchiladas while my Mom whipped up chips, delicious salsa, and the best guacamole. We had conversation, yummy food and door prizes! I won a really nice apron, I was so happy – I never win anything!

Extended list of goodies:

Carmelitas

Homemade Twinkies

Buck Eye Balls

Black and White Cookies

Peanut Butter bars with Chocolate Granache

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Pretzels

Pizzelles

Blondies

Chocolate Cookies

Homemade Fudge

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Matzo Toffee

No Bake Cookies

Rocky Road Bars

I highly recommended doing this with the ladies in your life! It is the perfect break from all the hustle and bustle.

All the beautiful women who participated, love you ladies!

December 16, 2011
Melted Snowman Cookies
I must say that Pinterest has inspired me to do many things I could never think of. For instance, this time around, I came across these adorable Christmas cookies – Melted Snowmen, so cute! It was posted on the Crazy Domestic blog, hers turned out really good! She credits another blogger for the inspiration: “To see the originalMelted Snowman Cookie, and meet the inventor herself, go check out Meaghan (great name) @ The Decorated Cookie!” Thank you Ladies!

I wanted to try making the melted snowman cookies for our 2^nd grade class.

Mine certainly did not come out as cute, but 2^{nd^{graders are forgiving! They gobbled em’ up and loved them. I had made enough that we were able to share with the Kindergarten class that our middle son is in. Smiles all around!}}

They turned out perfectly golden and crisp.

Frosted, add partially melted marshmellows

For the frosting I used this recipe from allrecipes.com. It is not pure white like the pre-made stuff but it is good!

Frosting

Ingredients
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening (I used butter crisco)
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- food coloring
Directions
1. In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners’ sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.
Couple of notes: I mistakenly bought gel frosting, not a good idea! Definitely need a thinner frosting tip too.
These taste really, really good! Crisp, not too sweet, great with milk!

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December 7, 2011
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders

*speechless* these are amazing sandwiches! simply tasty and amazing!

Honestly, I have never really been a huge fan of ham. I don’t mind it but I never before did I used to buy it or order it. This past summer we were invited to dinner with some of our wonderful friends. The hostess made the most heavenly delicious ham and cheese sandwiches ever! They were hot ham and swiss (I have never liked swiss either) these were amazing.

I asked for recipe recently. She said she obtained this super secret recipe from a cousin who caters. She was only given the recipe if she promised not to give it out. I completely understood, these are some good sandwiches!

Off to my favorite place, Google! Answering all of lifes questions. I typed in hot ham and cheese sandwich. I came across this recipe from a blog called “The Girl Who Ate Everything”. Love this blog!

Followed it to a T, except for the poppyseeds. These are so delicious, everyone in my family loves them. So good, so worth the extra effort.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

adapted slightly from the Recipe Club

24 good white dinner rolls

24 pieces good honey ham
24 small slices Swiss cheese
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup miracle whip

Poppy seed sauce (you probably could half this…I had plenty extra)
1 Tablespoon poppyseeds
1 1/2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 Tablespoon minced onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and miracle whip. Spread onto both sides of the center of each roll. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss inside of each roll. Close rolls and place them into a large baking dish or heavy cookie sheet. Place very close together.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the poppy seed sauce ingredients. Pour evenly over all of the sandwiches. Let sit 10 minutes or until butter sets slightly. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for 2 additional minutes or until tops are slightly brown and crispy. Serve warm.

** sandwiches can be assembled a day ahead and kept in the fridge ready to bake.

Preparing them in the pan, this time I used Ciabatti rolls but I have also used

Kings Hawaiian Savory Rolls and regular hard rolls, all are good.

This is after pouring the dressing on and letting it set for 10 minutes

Hot and fresh outta the oven!

December 3, 2011
Golden Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls
Bread. Glorious bread. I love any type of good fresh bread and I think you’ll love these cloverleaf rolls. I always prefer to make and bake from scratch but I do not do it as often as I would like. My Mom hosted Thanksgiving festivities this year and asked me to make rolls. I was a bit scared because the particular kind she had in mind takes hours to shape. I ran to my favorite recipe resource, Allrecipes.com. I found a highly rated “Golden Dinner Rolls”, as I read the reviews some people suggested Cloverleaf style. I was excited to try because it sounded so simple.
Ingredients
- 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 6 cups unbleached flour
Directions
1. Soften yeast in warm water. Place sugar and salt in large mixing bowl. Set aside. Heat and stir milk and shortening until shortening melts (120 degrees F-130 degrees F). Add to mixing bowl along with eggs and yeast mixture. Stir in 1 cup of flour at a time to form a soft dough that can be kneaded. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place in a large greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into desired rolls or loaves. Place on greased baking sheets or in bread pans. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake rolls at 375 degrees F for 15-18 minutes or until golden. Bake loaves at 375 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until bread tests done. Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.
They are scrumptious! Bon Appetit!
November 30, 2011