Easy Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls for Breakfast

Here is one of our new favorites for breakfast!

I make these just like the recipe, only right before cutting the log into individual rolls, I put the whole log (on a little cutting board) in the freezer for 3-5 minutes (makes the cutting easier).  

I also double the frosting.

3 Happy Sons!  They asked me to make a double recipe next time.  We've made these about 5 times now and loved them each time.  Enjoy!

Tear-Off Pads for Chores

Household chores are a big part of homeschooling.  A family home all day creates more chores to be done because more meals are cooked and more messes are naturally made.  I like to switch up the way I manage chores every few years or so.  Starting the summer of 2013, I made tear-off pads for each of our sons, and a more open-ended one for me.  Due to the rotation of chores we have, it made sense to have a Monday - 1, Tuesday - 1, etc. and then for the next week's rotation Monday - 2, Tuesday -2, etc.  I took these into the local Office Max store and had them make 3 months' worth, cutting theme down the middle vertically and then horizontally, and putting tear-off glue on the top end of each.  It cost $13.  The boys have to turn them into me at breakfast and then again at the end of the day.  This is how they earn their morning snack and drink.  We've done this since June of 2013, and now it is January of 2014, and I just had my next set of 3 months' worth of pads made.  It worked out so well!  Here is a copy of our Monday - 1...

Keep in mind I've been working on chores with our sons every year for many, many years, so these are a compilation of all of the chores I've taught them.  If starting chores for the first time, you'd want to chose 1-2 chores for each child and teach them diligently for several weeks and then oversee them doing the chores more independently for another several weeks.  I've found it best to have each of our children keep the same chores for 3 years or so, and I usually add 1 new chore for each of them to be taught each summer.  I usually move one chore down each year or two to the next youngest child, and and teach the oldest something new.

I try to take into account what each child likes.  For example, my oldest son loves to do outdoor chores, so most of his chores are outdoors.  My middle son loves to do special things for me, so I added making my K-cup coffee and smoothie each morning.  He also loves to use the spray bottle, so cleaning the counters in the mirrors and bathrooms are a favorite.  My youngest son loves running our morning IPOD praise music as he does the chores, so many of his chores are near that.  He also loves to run water in the sink, so I added that for him to do as we rinse the breakfast dishes anyway before putting them in the dishwasher.  They are all quite happy with this arrangement.  In fact, none of them wanted to give up any of their chores for new ones last year, so we left them as they are for this school year.  HTH as you all try to figure out how best to do chores in your home!

In Christ,
Julie

Our Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

Another year is coming to a close, and it has been a year to recognize the joy the love of

family brings.  Though Rich’s work at Graybar and my work at Heart of Dakota and homeschooling remain important parts of our lives, we find it is our children, our parents, and our extended family that are constantly on our minds, and in our hearts and prayers.

Wyatt turned 14 years old and is officially taller than Rich.  Sometimes I look out the kitchen window and see Wyatt walking and think he IS Rich - they look so much alike!  Wyatt is a freshman in high school and our right hand man at home.  He continues to love the outdoors, taking excellent care of our 7 cats (I know, that’s a LOT) and 2 dogs.  He likes to hunt and fish with Rich, and shooting 2 deer and catching lots of walleye were the highlights of the year for him.  Anything physical is a hit with Wyatt – sledding, riding 3-wheeler, and working alongside Rich; playing football, basketball, baseball, and bowling with his cousins and Uncle Mike are all favorite things to do.  School comes easily for Wyatt, and when he’s not on the move, his head is always buried in a book – preferably a G.A. Henty or J.R.R. Tolkien book.  Wyatt spoils us with his cooking talents – thanks to Wyatt we are well stocked on homemade ice cream, popcorn, smoothies, and donuts.  Wyatt is a wonderful big brother and a sound leader in our family.  We all depend on him for something, which works out well because he is incredibly dependable.  Wyatt has an easy smile, an ear for listening, and a heart made for serving – we thank God for blessing us with Wyatt!

Riley turned 10 years old and remains the official fix-it guy of the house.  If it’s broken and has tiny miniscule little parts that must be put back together just so, Riley’s the one we call.  Riley is always on the move, and loves to be coached in all things sports-minded by his big brother Wyatt.  Riley throws caution to the wind, and it often takes a toll on his body.  Bumps, bruises, and scrapes are a common sight on Riley, but for all that rough and tumble side to him – he also has a big heart.  From bringing me coffee in the morning, to making me a fruit smoothie, to giving me a hug when I need it – Riley brings sunshine to the day.  Rooming with little brother Emmett has also given Riley a different role as ‘big’ brother, and it is certainly stretching him in new ways… mainly in patience.  All things creative come naturally to Riley – from singing to drawing to building to creating – somehow, in the midst of a mess (and I do mean a mess) it all just comes together and turns out right for Riley.  Riley has a quick smile, sparkly blue eyes, and a compassionate heart – we thank God for blessing us with Riley!   

Emmett turned 6 years old and brings needed comic relief to the family.  We never have to wonder what Emmett is thinking because he is quick to tell us.  What we DO have to wonder is WHY he is thinking it?!?  Emmett is quotable, for sure.  Everything he says includes a larger than life vocabulary and is witty, offbeat, or just plain surprising, and yet we find ourselves nodding our heads and laughing right along with him.  Emmett enters a room with swagger, often with a cowboy hat, a clown hat, a ninja mask, or a cape of some sort – and never quietly.  He loves to lead the conversation at the dinner table, but in no particular direction.  If things are quiet, it’s never a good sign.  Making a science ‘experiment’ up, mixing things together that should not go together, and painting or gluing things not meant to be painted or glued, are a staple of the quiet moments of Emmett’s day.  However, amidst all the chaos, he reads like a champ, writes neater than any 6 year old should, and thinks those he loves walk on water.  Emmett has a hearty laugh, a toothless smile that lights up a room, and arms just made to give the best hugs - we thank God for blessing us with Emmett!

Along with the blessing of children this year, a few highlights were Rich earning a trip to Hawaii through his work at Graybar (which I was blessed enough to go on as well) and a beautiful addition, attached garage, and wrap-around porch we were able to add to our house.  Another blessing was the health of our parents and the gift of extra time with my beloved dad, who is now in at-home hospice care in Rock Rapids, with my mom by his side.

This year has taught me more than ever to hold tight to the ones I love and depend on the Lord for the rest.  The truth is, there is never enough time with the ones I love.  Given the choice, my dad would live forever… but then again, he will, because I know where he is going, and heaven is a better place than here.  Letting go is never easy.  I may never truly be ready, but the beautiful thing is, I don’t really have to be, because my Savior built us a mansion in heaven, and I’m going there someday too.  This Christmas season, hold tight to the ones you love.  Thank the Lord for the blessings He has bestowed.  But, above all, know where you are going – it is the best gift you can give not only yourself but also the ones you love because amidst darkness, Jesus still brings hope and light.  God bless you and your family, and Merry Christmas!

Love in Christ,

Rich, Julie, Wyatt, Riley, and Emmett Grosz

Homeschooling with Planned Breaks - A New Schedule

For the past decade of homeschooling, we have used the shotgun approach... and LOVED it!  The shotgun approach, for us, was homeschooling from early morning straight through to a late lunch, and it worked splendidly!

However, due to increased responsibilities in my life (and I also think increased AGE on my behalf), I needed to do something different.  So, I tried to schedule an afternoon break this year.  It didn't work.  Why?  Old habits die hard.  We just pushed harder, talked faster, got up earlier... not good.  After talking to my wonderful sister Carrie (who still finds time to help her little sis even though she's the author of Heart of Dakota guides), I moved lunch so early and planned such a big afternoon break, that it would be impossible to do the shotgun approach.

The results?  TOTALLY HAPPY SUCCESS!!!  I cannot tell you the difference in our days.  We work hard and STOP at 12:30 PM, no matter what, and we finish from 3:30 PM to whatever time is needed (never later than 5:30 PM).  We leave 3 independent boxes for the end for my 2 oldest sons, and 1 or none for my youngest.  We don't always have that much left, but most the time we do.  It works!  My oldest high school student is doing the Heart of Dakota World Geography guide, our middle school student is finishing Heart of Dakota's Creation to Christ guide and soon to be starting the next guide Resurrection to Reformation, and our youngest first grade student is doing Heart of Dakota's Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory guide.  Click here for my SCHEDULE!

I have enjoyed all of my years with Heart of Dakota - it is such a blessing in our home!  Whether the shotgun approach or a planned breaks approach is your cup of tea... Heart of Dakota is something I want to share with everyone.  Hope this helps some of you as you think through scheduling your homeschooling days!

In Christ,
Julie

A New Year's Resolution Taken from "Kisses from Katie"

New Year's Resolution... try to add something to my blog more often than last year (shouldn't be hard, right?!?)

I just finished reading "Kisses from Katie,"  which is a book used in Heart of Dakota's Living Library for World Geography...
http://www.heartofdakota.com/hearts-for-him-through-high-school-descriptions1.php

This book was just incredibly inspirational, and I can't help but think it was God's nudging for me to read it RIGHT NOW, at this moment in my life (especially as her book ended with Christmas celebrations).  Yes, I do believe God is in the details of my life like that.

Katie is a young Christian lady living in Uganda doing amazing things amidst terribly difficult conditions.  I'll admit, reading about Katie's average days made me repeatedly think, "How in the world am I so tired at the end of my quite predictable and admittedly easier days?!?"  Then, I remember I am in my 40's, and Katie is in her 20's, and it makes a bit more sense (those of you in your 40's get what I mean, those of you in your 20's - go attack your day gals!).

So, do I feel my purpose in life is to be a missionary in a foreign country?  No - surprisingly that is not the message of "Kisses from Katie," though I imagine God will put that purpose in the hearts of those who read that book who it is His purpose for.   So, do I feel my purpose in life is to adopt a child from Uganda?  No - surprisingly that is also not the message of "Kisses from Katie,"  though again, I do believe God will put that purpose in the hearts of those who read that book who it is His purpose for.  What I did take from this book that profoundly affected my life outlook is to LOVE THE ONES GOD PUTS IN FRONT OF ME.  That is what Katie continually does, in the midst of extreme poverty with countless people in need, she just helps the THE ONES GOD PUTS IN FRONT OF HER, one at a time.

Hmm.  I can do that!  And do you know who I looked out and saw?  My husband - weary from work and in need of my love.  My children - growing up in an uncertain world and in need of my guidance.  My parents - in the throes of dealing with pancreatic cancer and hospice care and in need of my help. The gal at the checkout counter at Walmart, who needs someone to smile at her and thank her for her hard work.  The gal at the chiropractor's office showing me her tattoos and telling me she's contemplating getting a cross on her back to bear the sins she inflicted on her parents through the years - like I said honey, 'No need to do that!  Jesus bore them for you already!'  And the list goes on. One person.  One moment at a time.  Whoever you put in front of me.  I can do that, Lord, with You by my side.  I can do that.  If you get a chance, ladies, get "Kisses from Katie" from HOD and tell me how it affected you!

So this 2014... I'm going to LOVE on my husband - a lot!  I'm going to LOVE on my children - with joy!  I'm going to LOVE on my parents - with gratitude!  And should I be blessed enough to meet any of you, and have you be THE ONE GOD PUTS IN FRONT OF ME, look out - love is coming your way!

Happy New Year - may it be a good one!  God bless!
Julie

Christmas Truffles Made Easy!

These Christmas Tuffles are lovely and easy to make!  Here are a few tips to make this recipe extra easy...

Here is the station I set up. You can put the balls in the fridge in a cake pan to solidify them a bit.   Next, you can melt the chocolate in a fondue pot and use the fondue skewers to dip the balls in the chocolate.  Then, just make holes through an empty cardboard box (I used a Wheat Thins box), and prop the box on a bowl.  This make it easy to put sprinkles on the tops before they harden... 
pictured below...



Give them 30 seconds or so, and you can move them to a paper cup lined mini-muffin pan...
 pictured below...

The liners make it easy to move to Christmas platters for serving or Christmas tins for gifts!  I had some with crushed peppermint sticks on top, some with red and green sugar on top, some with Christmas sprinkles, some with white chocolate and some with dark.  Such fun!

• Here is a link to the All Recipes site, which has a ton of great pictures of different ways to dress these truffles up!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-oreo-truffles/kitchenview.aspx

Here is the recipe...

• Ingredients:
• 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Step-by-step View

Directions

1.

Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.

2.

Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.

3.

Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Using Photos to Say Thank You or Give Encouragement

One of the things I struggle with is getting thank you's written on time.  I feel terrible about this!  Relatives send cards with money for b-days, Valentine's treats, Easter eggs, Halloween stickers - and I cannot seem to get thank you's out on time!  Or, someone is hurting and needing encouragement - in the hospital or struggling, and I don't get a card written.  Weeks pass, and then it's too late.  So, this past year, I had an idea - what if I just snapped a picture of the boys and thanked or encouraged them that way?  Then, I email it with a short message, or print a 4 x 6 photo and jot a message on the back.  The response has been great!  They love the pics of the boys, and often hang them on their fridges!  Here are a few we have done this year...

A thank you for a b-day card and money for each of them - they were both born in March!

A thank you for Easter candy, crayon water shooters, and eggs sent for an Easter egg hunt!

A thank you for my Dad giving each of the boys a refurbished CD of his Christian Quartet record he and his "Reformers" quartet made back in the day!

Another part of the thank you - as the boys sang one of Dad's quartet's songs just like their Papa!

Encouragement for my Dad after his whipple surgery to remove his cancerous tumor - it says....
LOVE YA PAPA...

...THIS MUCH!!!
He had these pictures hung on his wall at the hospital for the month+ he was there.
He showed every nurse and doctor them!

My parents have taken our sons to a lot of Journey Bound Quartet concerts.   For my parents' 50th wedding anniversary  celebration at their church, I sent this picture to Journey Bound along with some money to ask them to record a short message and possibly a song for their anniversary.  It shows all of the Journey Bound cd's my parents or my children have gotten through the years - they are their biggest fans!  Journey Bound recorded a DVD of them singing "Happy Anniversary", gave a special message as they remember all 7 boys coming to many concerts, and sang "In His Shoes," one of their favorite songs about how our children (grandchildren too) walk in our shoes, so we should walk in HIS (the Lord's) shoes.  They even wrote an extra special verse about my parents and the boys.  We played it at their anniversary celebration as a surprise - what a neat part of that special day it was!

A thank you for Halloween card and stickers and money!

Happy Valentine's Day picture I printed that says "We Love You!"  to all the family the boys love so much!  I just laid a dollar store red table line on the floor with the heart in the middle and had the boys lay in a heart position.  It was on all of their fridges when I visited their homes months later!

Just thought I'd share this idea in case any of you other busy moms have the same struggles I do with getting cards out on time!

In Christ,
Julie