A boy and his bike

This boy could spend an entire day in the backyard, riding his bike.
Love his homemade ramp.
Gotta love a ten year old boys imagination.
Over a few days I'm sure he'll be improving his ramp, probably with the help of his older brothers.
Lord, help me.



Homemade Lasagna


Homemade Lasagna
This recipe serves 8 - 10.

Meat Mixture:
1 lb. - Lean Hamburger Meat
1 lb. - Italian Sausage
2- 28 oz  cans - Crushed Tomatoes
2- Diced Sweet Onions
1 t - Salt
1 t - Black Pepper
1 t - Garlic Powder
Brown hamburger meat and sausage.  Add diced sweet onions, crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper and garlic powder.  Cook thoroughly.  Simmer until ready to layer lasagna.

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
1 - 32 oz Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
4 c  - Mozzarella Cheese -  total 8 c ( 4 - ricotta mixture and *4 - topping)
1 c - Shaved Parmesan
2 T - Parsley
1 T - Basil
1 T - Oregano
2 - Eggs
Hand stir ingredients in large mixing bowl.  Set aside until ready to layer lasagna.

Lasagna Noodles:
2 pkgs - No Boil Noodles (approx. 24)
Soften noodles for about 20 seconds in warm water before layering lasagna.

Layers:
1.  Spray pan with cooking spray.   I used a 13 x 21 pan to serve my family of 7.
2.  Lay one noodle at a time until bottom of pan has one continuous layer of noodles.
3.  *Spoon meat mixture on noodles.  Gently spread.
4.  Lay one noodle at a time until you cover meat mixture.
5.  Spoon ricotta mixture on noodles.  Gently spread.
6.  Lay one noodle at a time until you cover ricotta mixture.
7.  Repeat from * until your pan is full.
8.  Spoon any remaining meat mixture and ricotta mixture on top.
9.  Cover entire top of lasagna with *4 cups mozzarella cheese

Bake:
at 375 degrees for 35 - 45 minutes uncovered on middle shelf.
Lasagna is done when noodles are soft and cheese is melted to golden brown.
Let set for about 15 minutes before serving.
(Otherwise it will fall apart.)

Add a side salad, garlic bread and ENJOY!

I have more recipes to share, but for now click on links below for a Sunshine Strawberry Cake recipe I posted awhile ago.  Also some photos of homemade enchiladas and pizza.



My not so little | Littles

I don't know what to say, other than, they are my babies.  And even though they aren't "little" so much anymore.  They will always be my littles and will always melt my heart.
I love them to pieces.



Drivers Education for the Home Schooled Student | Part Two

Rodney got his permit back in June.  Tracking his driving on the road hours began. Going well. I happily update a safe driving experience.  I couldn't be any more proud of this boy.  As of today his hours are all complete.  Moving on (soon) to take the final drivers education test.  Stayed tuned for results.
You can read Part One: HERE

One of my favorite Sunset Shots

The other day I was flipping through my landscape shots on instagram.  They are all fun and I love them, but this one is the one, that takes my breath away.  I used my Canon to capture this.  Frame worthy?  I think so.

Teenage Boys


Crazy how fast the boys are turning into handsome young men.
Here we go: Riley #55 (lucky double nickel)
Rodney running #20.
And the adventure continues..... stay tuned.

Fall and Football | Football and Fall


The two just go together.
More this year than ever before.
I'm not talking Sunday - Snoozing football.
I'm talking: everyday. till dark.
Constant laundry of teenage boy(s) .... well .... if you have a football player .... you understand.
This is my life (right now)....
an ever changing organized chaos of busy.
However, throw in a beautiful sunset under Friday night lights and I suddenly forget the chaos that got me there.