Tempt My Tummy Tuesday!!! Cinnamon Rolls!

My favorite go to cinnamon rolls that are mixed in the bread machine.  Then you add that this is the Pioneer women recipe. This is one of my favorite bloggers and Food network personality.  So this is one recipe that is my go to when I want to make cinnamon roll.  I hope that you enjoy this recipe as well as I do.  

                                                                                       Start with putting all of the ingredients in the order they  are listed. 

Then roll out the dough with a rolling pin, 

To make the filling, melt 1/2 cup of the butter and spread evening over the dough.  

 Generously sprinkle half of the ground cinnamon.  

I can not stress this enough.  

You then need to begin rolling the dough to form the log.  Either way you choose to roll your dough, you’ll need to pinch the seam together once you’ve reached the end.  Transfer the log over to a cutting board and using a sharp knife begin cutting about 1 1/2-inch slices.  One log will produce 20-25 rolls.  I let mine re rise again for about an hour before baking. 

Dough

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast ( I found the one that works best for the bread machine) 
• 4 1/2 cups (approx.) flour **Without problem, I used an organic, unbleached bread machine flour
• 1/2 heaping teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2  teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 tablespoon salt

Filling

• 1 cup melted butter, plus more as needed **see what I mean about the butter!  Yummy I tell you, YUMMY!!**
• 1/8 cup ground cinnamon for sprinkling
• 1 cup sugar, plus more as needed

Meet Me Monday....

Instead of the regular MMM, let's do a summer recap on where we went and what kept us super busy! 

So many things happened during this amazing beautiful summer we were all able to enjoy!  Our family went on our first vacation to the Ocean. We spent three nights in Long beach, and then a few nights at Ocean shores. We played on the beach, went on a few day trips to Seaside, Astoria, and Cannon Beach.  Each visit needed at the ocean. It was a fun and lazy way to pass the time. 

The three of us had several fun playdates with friends. B man showed us at many of them that he would rather be away in the car then be with friends playing! He had a full summer of OT and now we start speech for him as well in a few weeks. Bman is really starting to flourish with all the extra help he is getting. Then there is Franky and he even did his first team sport, of course it had to be T ball! He loved it so much and showed that he will be in sports with the same love and passion his daddy and Papa have.... He is asking to go into swim lessons and we are looking into it for something extra for him to do outside of school. 

We moved to a fab home we will be able to enjoy for years to come. Its what I  call my sweet home my sweet country beach house. Its so amazing. I enjoy it and will be blogging a lot about the new adventures and DIY's and before and afters... 

I have some very fun things coming up and one of the things I am getting set to do is more hotel reviews! EEEK! Venue reviews and back in the swing of things for talking up events and things to do and places to go!!! .  I will be working with the local newspaper again as well. Exciting things for this girl right here!  

My life with Autism.

I saw you, looking at me as I was slightly frazzled and exhausted, as I worked out my food order for my son and I while we were eating at Elmer's in our little town of Poulsbo. I always ask to be seated way in the back and far from anyone around us. I know the two waitresses that work on certain days and when my cousin Henry will be the cook in the back.  Keeping that ever watchful third eye on my little boy, with his thick brown mop of hair and innocent exuberance. I see HIS energy, and lack of impulse control, flip flopping back and forth, lunging from seat to seat, starting to cry when the whip cream came on the pancakes they were no longer the same size and the chocolate chips were melted. That is when he lost his mind. 

I noted your exasperation and said nothing, simply smiling playful son. When you looked down and then glared at me because my child was having a hard time. Telling me that I should keep him home and not in public. Well saying it to your husband loud enough to have the three tables in our small out of the way section hear. I couldn't help but turn red faced and in a low sigh, I looked at the two little elderly ladies that were looking at me with understanding & pity, I said,"He's Autistic," my heart breaking, looking in the two ladies eyes I knew at that moment that their hearts broke for me as well. Because the one sweet lady looked at me and sweetly said I'VE BEEN THERE, and when you looked squarely at me and said, "My grandson has Autism. I get it, I also raised four boys all thirteen months apart." we locked eyes and I said, "Yeah, I thought you seemed like you understood" You got it, like we ALL do. Except those two, and I know it didn't seem very adult like but shooting the glare at the middle age couple that had been giving us the dirty looks and loud enough comments at the time made me feel so much better, even just for a few moments. 

I gave a deep sigh and said, "It's been a... LONG... three... years..." Perhaps I should not speculate ON YOUR THOUGHTS, but having SAID those words before, I'd like to THINK that more people out there would be more understanding... I always have the feeling of guilt for having to admit that I am so far from being superhuman, that yes, the years have been long; for perhaps being frustrated, or worn down, or unsure, or scared, or uncertain, or - yes- even royally pissed off... I totally thought that I would be a great mom. Looking at one public outing and having him have a melt down that I couldn't control or help calm him down makes me feel like the worlds worst mom.    

It's been almost a  years since B-man's diagnosis, and almost three years leading up to it and his diagnosis of Cerebal Palsy,  B-man's first year of life was super busy with Doctors and hospital stays, we knew something just was a little off and after a year in OT, Speech and Physical Therapy, Akami, Pam and Amber all had at one point or another told us the things that we had already known...that he was behind his twin brother developmentally, we were really unconcerned for the most part, until we began to notice more serious issues. Decreased speech to the point of being non-verbal... Constantly seeking out patterns; at two years old, B-man could literally sit on a kindle for HOURS, recite in actions his favorite Mickey movies. He had near photographic memory for numbers. His physical habits, such as the need to run headlong into the sofa as hard as he possibly could, and the constant need for physical contact, came in waves, directly contrasting the moments of utter "drop out," when he could literally walk in front of a speeding car if you didn't have him in a vice grip, because he just "wasn't there" at that time... 

It was and is very terrifying. We moved to our home in a new school district and B-man started to go to a head start pre-school and he even gets to ride a bus, with a bus driver that grew up with my Dad, its the best thing about being in a small town. Then there is his new teacher Pat she is simply amazing with him and the aides that help out in the class, because of this he is making small strides at getting to a better place and together him and I are finding our voices. 

The difficulty bringing him places, because of my own issues of inferiority as a mother... Concerns that were often reinforced by people's judgmental comments, cruel looks, and having no explanation for it... there was this beautiful, loving, amazing little boy in there. I was in denial about the Autism being part of what was going on. I thought that this behavior was just his way of telling us how he was feeling, that it couldn't be anything more then the CP that we were already aware that he had. Eventually though, denial grew into suspicion, as our parental instincts finally won out. Finally came the guilt, as I realized that my husband and I were in WAY over our heads. The only way that we would do right by our child and get him the proper care and diagnosis he needed was to bring in the experts. 

On August 13th 2014, as I sat at Children's Hospital in Seattle, with its child friendly decor and my mom by my side our little B-man not being able to sit sill for three minutes and finding only joy with putting his small little hands in the stream of water in the stainless steel sink. Dr McGlophlin look at me in my eyes and I heard the words, "Autism." and started to feel like my world was falling in on me.  He continued to talk and all I heard was the voice from Snoopy unable to really catch anything he was saying. 

And THAT was DAY ONE, not even a year ago yet.

I will be sharing my experiences not because I am an expert at any extent. Nor have I even be able to come to terms yet with things yet, but because my unknown friend that just stumbled across this blog right now, needed to find this, to read this and feel like its going to be ok.  That in the last three years, of fumbling to find what is wrong with my son.  Sobbing in the shower because it is a place that he can't hear me. In the car on the way home from one of the many appointments that I was told to something new.I have aged at least TEN YEARS, easily. 

Being an "Autism Mom" for a the little under a year now, has made me more tolerant, in public or otherwise, of every type of child, with the exception, oddly enough, of my own... I still have that underlying anxiety that my two beautiful boys are going to be beyond my control. I do the one on one time with them with ease and cancel a lot of times when we have plans. So please, if I seem stressed out or impatient, exhausted, or snippy please try to and not judge me a bad parent... And understand, that this is NOT an apology for my kids, or an explanation. It's strictly an explanation of myself. Also I will never applogize to the people that give the dirty looks, or make the ill-mannered and just at the volume that can be heard comments. Horrible comments that hurt and cut deeply. I often will snap back at you and the looks you give will pail in comparison to the look I will give back.  

What I know is that my baby is so unique, and will face many challenges, some so great it's going to feel very devastating, but there is not a single Autism Mom that I have EVER met that doesn't not believe that their child is anything but a million beautiful colors of the spectrum. 

I hope you enjoy my Journey. I would love to hear about yours. 

XoXo~

Wordless Wednesday!!!

This amazing picture is of my Grandpa and his sisters and brothers 

school in 1922. 

The same school that today my little 

Franky 

is going to for Pre-school. 

This makes my heart so full! 

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs....

I decided that I would do a recipe that is budget friendly and that is so yummy, quick and a recipe that is kid friendly!

Salisbury steak is always a cheap meat. Most of the time I use them to make cheap burger with a gravy over the top of the meat and a mashed potatoes under all of it. So good! 

SALISBURY STEAK MEATBALLS

An easy, comforting, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love. You can also make the meatballs ahead of time and put them in your freezer so you are able to use them as needed!

INGREDIENTS

8 ounce package egg noodles
1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup Italian style bread crumbs
2 tablespoon ketchup
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar BBQ sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

FOR THE GRAVY
2 cups beef broth, divided, or more, to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves


INSTRUCTIONS

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire and egg yolks; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Using clean hands, mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch meatballs, forming about 20 meatballs. Place meat in oil sprayed Cup cake pans. Cook in oven at 375 and for 30 minutes take out and set aside. 

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs, in batches, and cook until all sides are browned, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

To make the gravy, whisk together 1/2 cup beef broth and cornstarch in a small bowl; set aside. Add onions to the skillet and cook until golden brown and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Whisk in remaining 1 1/2 cups beef broth, Worcestershire and ketchup until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and gradually whisk in cornstarch mixture. 

Stir in meatballs until cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add more beef broth as needed until desired consistency is reached.

Serve immediately with egg noodles, garnished with parsley, if desired.

NOTES


Adapted from Pioneer Women & Damn Delicious

Meet Me Monday

1. What did you wear to prom? Include a picture if possible.

Ready for this amazing photo. I hated my hair. I was never in for the big hair look, but 

Cory my date was one of my best guy friends. I don't think he ever knew how big of a 

crush I had on him! He past away a few years after high school from a awful motorcycle 

accident.  It was our friends first loss of anyone we went to school with. He is always in my heart and thoughts I feel very blessed to have these pics! The other picture is of my best friend from High school Sarah. We had so very many fun memories and I love that I can look back at these pictures and smile....and laugh at myself. 

2. Would you rather be on the biggest loser or a food eating challenge?

 Food Eating Challenge for sure even though I probably could use to go on the biggest loser!  Not to loose a ton of weight but to become that much more healthier, but give me a food challenge with a food like say Ice cream or s'mores and I will be the winner every time!!! 

3. Name one favorite drink? Refreshing summer drink? 
I love sweet tea but I can't have any because there is way to much sugar and being a type 1 that isn't  a option. When my mom and I went to California McDonalds they had sugar free sweet tea and it was amazing so if we can get that up this way that would be amazing....  

4. What was your first car, and what did you call it?
A 1980's Honda Civic.....

 5. What's one thing your child or spouse does that sends you over the edge?  Oh there is so many things lol! The biggest one is the fact that I can tell him a hundred times to do something and on the hundredth and one time he will do it, but be mad that I was on his rear end to get it done... I only do it because I want to make sure that its done.  That and I might just be a wee bit of a control 
freak! Plus I kind like love this guy a lot a little...ALOT! Making up is so much fun!!!

Celebrating the Baptism of the twins.

Two weeks ago we had a lot to celebrate. Our ten year anniversary &

most importantly the Baptism of the twins. It was beautiful and so meaningful to our entire family. The first on my bucket list of doing milestones with the twins. There will be many of them. Many I never thought that I would be able to experiecne.

Over their isolette I prayed down upon each of them. Anytime at the begining I would hear a beep or a buzz I would feel my heart drop to the bottom of my tummy.  I would reach in and hand hold one of them at a time, always longing for the time that I could hold them and  be with them at the same time. Baby B was never able to be held for very long all the way until the end of his stay. It would just be way to much for him. Baby F would just lay on me and cuddle. He still loves to cuddle. Anyway's, when I would hand hold them I would pray with everthing I had in me, my entier being and with my entire soul. 

One day when both of my boys were having a pretty hard day, a really hard day on this mama. I prayed that I would raise them in a walk and relationship with God. Now until this I hadn't been to great with my own walk with God. It had been a number of years that I had in most was turned my back and walked the other way all together. The reason now doesn't make sense but this is what I thought at the time. I was so overwhelmed with being childless and not having a baby to call my own to hold close and to love was at times to much for me to bare. I couldn't understand why I was the one that couldn't have children when people I know could pop them out like thier Vajayjay was a freaking clown car!  I was angry with God because of that, so hurt and upset that I walked away from all my beliefs. I now know that this is what he needed me to go through to come back.  The first day that they were in the NICU I went to the Chapel at the hospital from then on I was there everyday, sometimes more then once. I prayed one day so hard in that prayer I prayed this:

Heavenly father,
I pray that you will save my babies, that you will show me how to parent and be the best mommy to the two of them. I will remember every second of everyday that you are the one the blessed me with these two precious gifts that only you Lord God could so wonderfuly give to us. I promise that I will raise them up to love you and honor you Lord, I promise that they will be children of God and I will show them by the way I live my life in a way that will honor you lord. Please just save their lives. I couldn't imagine what I would do if they were taken from me now. I don't think I could make it through that great of loss. I don't think you Lord would make it possible to have these babies created from Hubs and I, carried by Chrystal. Bringing famlies closer and truly showing people the great love our family has for one another.
Please Lord allow me to raise my beautiful boys for them to be men of God. They are made to do great things. The first thing I will do when they are strong enough is to have them be celebrated as your children at their baptism. Please Lord just make them live.

In Jesus name,
Amen.

Time past and they got strong enough to start planning their baptism. It is the first thing I did. I didn't ask that God would make them perfect, I prayed he would save them. No matter what they will always be perfect to me. Having them at the NICU made me remember my walk with God. It made me the person I use to be, before I was sick, before I turned into someone I wasn't that proud of. I didn't know how different I was without God or my boys.

Pastor Coe, from Grace Luthern Church  in Port Townsend was amazing to our boys and to our family. The entire service was centered around the boys and their goals we have to all hold them up to. We were so welcomed and so loved. The entire church was so warm and inviting. One thing I didn't know at the time that was going to happen was that we would find a church to call home. We will take the boys to this chuch and celebrate milestones and moments in our lives as a family.  Hub's will have Sundays off this summer so we are going to go up as much as we can to attend our church.

The God parents were choosen for the love they have showed our boys sense even before they were born. Baby F's God parents are Bon & Chrystal. & Baby B is Erin & Allie. The only sister that was left out is Kerry and she is the best Auntie in the entire world. Turth be told my boys have the best Aunties ever. They are so blessed with the family that they were born into. All the love they have for them is amazing. This event made us all so much closer.  I can't wait to cross the next event and milestone off the baby bucket list.

Our Beautiful Family!