3rd Grade Basketball Champions!

Payton's 3rd Grade basketball team, the Clemson Tigers, won the championship this weekend!  The boys had a great season and I think they all learned a TON about how to play basketball all while having fun at the same time!

The video that I created for the DYF of Indiana

A Fun Video of Payton from almost 6 years ago!

Another Good Recipe...Fried Rice!

This is one of the newest "favorites" at our house.  Came across this recipe in a coupon flyer that we get in the mail, tried it and love it.  It's great just the way it is as a side dish, or make it the meal by adding chicken.  I double it when I make it, just to have leftovers (gotta be planning ahead for the next meal too!).  When I double it, I just use one 14.5 oz can of chicken broth and add a little water to make up the 1.5 oz difference in liquid.  I also add a few extra tablespoons of soy sauce and replace the vegetable oil with olive oil.

I'm not one to choose the fried rice over steamed rice, but this dish is yummy!

I forgot to add the best part.... you can literally be eating this within 20 minutes of starting it!  Sometimes the prep/cook times posted with a recipe are not accurate, but these are!  When you are in a hurry to get dinner on the table, this makes a quick and delicious meal.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Makes: 4 servings

What You Need

2	EGGS (lightly beaten)
1	cup chicken broth
1	cup frozen stir fry vegetables, thawed
3	Tbsp. Kikkoman Soy Sauce
2	cups Minute White Rice, uncooked
1	Tbsp. vegetable oil

Here’s How

1. HEAT oil in a large skillet over medium heat. ADD Minute Rice, brown slightly (about 3 minutes). ADD eggs. SCRAMBLE until cooked thoroughly.
2. ADD broth, vegetables and Kikkoman Soy Sauce to skillet; bring to a boil. REMOVE from heat.  Let stand for 5 minutes.

Good Cookie Recipe

A friend at work brought in cookies that she made with egg whites and black walnuts... they were called Black Walnut Meringue cookies.  I LOVE meringue.  Don't even care to eat the pie that it might be attached to, just want the meringue!  We were talking "cookies" and thought this recipe would be even better with.... chocolate!  So, I came home did a search and found this recipe.  Made them during our latest ice storm and we all loved them, so I had to share the recipe here.

Meringue always reminds me of Grandma Denny and Granny.  They always had the best chocolate pies with even better meringue on top!  I loved it when it would get a little too brown...yum that was the best!

I made these cookies again tonight, but this time I used Splenda instead of sugar.  This makes the calories and the carbs even less.  Not sure the exact carb count with Splenda, but guessing around 7 instead of 10.

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies Recipe

Photo by: Taste of Home

24 Servings

• Prep: 20 min. + standing Bake: 20 min.

Ingredients

• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
• 3 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons finely crushed almonds or walnuts, optional

Directions

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and salt; beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 6 minutes. Beat in cocoa. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if desired.
• Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert # 806 round pastry tip. Fill the bag with meringue. Pipe 1-1/2-in. hearts 2 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 300° for 20-25 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 2 dozen. 
  
  Editor's Note: Meringue can be dropped by rounded tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake as directed.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 43 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 32 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 1 g protein.

Old Pictures, But Fun Memories

Michelle, Grandma, Felicia, and Larry

Grandma, Felicia, and Michelle

Michelle, Grandma, Felicia, and Larry

The last 2 pictures have hung on my Grandma Bessie's walls probably since they were taken.  Right now I'm not sure what year they were taken, but I know it was a long time ago!  At least 28 years ago for the one with the dolls and longer for the others.

Funny thing is, I remember having these pictures taken.

I remember when Michelle and I laughed at Larry's flower shirt!  He reminded me of the episode of the Brady Bunch when the oldest brother Greg and the rest of the bunch were singing as a group on TV.  Not sure why, because Greg doesn't wear a flowered shirt... but Larry sure made me think of him!  I've posted a few links to view old the Brady Bunch episodes that I've mentioned below this post.  Also, if you want to check out the entire show, watch it on www.hulu.com!  I think this picture was taken at one of the hotels on 231 as you are going into Greencastle, I remember riding in Grandma's big car and picking Larry up on the way.

I remember having to take my Cabbage Patch Kid with me for the other picture.  Not sure if it was me or Grandma that wanted the dolls in the picture.  I think the doll that Michelle is holding is one that Grandma made for her.  I'm pretty sure this picture was taken at the Reelsville Fire Dept.

The Brady Bunch Season 1 Opening

Sunshine Day

Time To Change