Sweet Pea Pancakes

Several months ago I had to experiment with many recipes to get our little one to eat anything other than rice puffs.  I needed to find a way to hide fruit so she would eat some.  One of these recipes has morphed into a weekend breakfast staple in our house.  In fact, this dish has become expected by the ruler of the roost (yep- I admit it in writing) to the point that I find myself pulled over to the oven by little hands on weekend mornings as I hear "C'mon mommy....pancake." And who can resist then?  Our little sweet pea loves them! So here is our super quick recipe and these portions make 4 decent sized pancakes- the perfect amount for 2 people to share:

-1/3 cup flour (Ideally,  we use our own ground flour but I will also substitute store bought wheat flour if we haven't kept up with grinding)

-1/3 cup of your favorite oatmeal

-1 egg

-Cinnamon to your flavor preference

-Dash of vanilla extract

-Fruit: I have used mashed banana and/or frozen or fresh blueberries but the options are endless

-enough organic milk to bring the mixture to a pancake batter consistency

Prepare a cooking skillet with cooking spray or a small amount of oil and set on medium heat while you mix all ingredients together in a bowl.  Pour onto the skillet, two pancakes at a time, and flip accordingly.  Serve with a dash of real maple syrup, agave or even honey! Throw some fresh fruit on top and don't forget your coffee!

Happy Saturday! With this beautiful weather, we are gearing up for a weekend run later today!

They're here....and super cute!

I didn't think I would find these little guys so darn cute! All six came home Friday evening chirping away in a ventilated box.  I predicted my reaction would be something like, "Eh- when will my eggs be ready?" Nope- I was truly taken back by how stinkin' cute they are.  So here is the first photo of the newbies!



How did my sweet little girl react to them?  Well, at first she stepped away...seemed to be a little bit nervous.  Within minutes, that all changed and I have made numerous extra trips to the basement so she can check on the chickens.  Last night, I had to bring her back downstairs at bed time so she could say "Good night chickens."  Here is a quick video of her getting to know her chickens yesterday:

 

This morning, at the lovely hour of sometime before six, she was already awake and "chickens" was one of her first words.  Here she is going downstairs first thing to say "Good morning chickens."

So far they are a hit.  I know that none of the real work has started yet, but we'll keep you posted as we learn! Have a wonderful weekend!

And 6 More Makes.....11!

So I left off months ago and affirmatively established myself as the world's worst blogger....Well, truth be told I have been doing some blogging over at triblogs, which is where I try to keep some focus to my adventures in triathlon and fitness.  I have been debating about merging these two blogs for a few reasons.  First, I clearly do not keep up well on these two ventures that I have going outside of family and work.  Second, isn't fitness also part of this whole quest for simple, healthy living? Why keep it separate? I welcome any thoughts or suggestions for a makeover....

"And 6 More Makes....11!"  What on earth am I talking about? Well, my Happy New Year post referred to us thinking about getting chickens.  The thinking is apparently coming to an end because the little guys are arriving tomorrow....all six of them! Excited? Yes.  Nervous? Yes.  A little overwhelmed? Glad you asked....YES!  I know that these little guys will be part of the clan once we are in the swing of things.  I also know that there are many, many people out there with backyard chickens and have lists of positive things to say about the experience.  I also know that I love the idea of fresh eggs for the thousands of things that I want to bake.  Lastly, I love the idea of my little girl growing up with animals.  It just so happens that I do not know too much about chickens right now.  I have been reading...my husband went to a chicken seminar...we have notes of all the things we need to do when these darlings arrive tomorrow.  I just don't know how the time commitment will feel....Mom, Dad, Toddler, Dog, Cat and Chickens #1-6. Phew. Good thing we're morning people I guess...

The new additions will be living in our cellar under a heat lamp for a while until they're old and strong enough to venture outside to our coop, which is still in the design phase.  We have a few weeks before we even have to worry about that part thankfully.  So, hopefully I will be reporting back soon with some shots of these little babies! Wish us luck....or call us crazy! Your call.