I'm pretty sure I would never say "Mmmm... I really want a casserole to eat!" but let's face it, casseroles are in every busy moms recipe box. I use them as go to meals when we have a busy night. I often make them ahead of time or make double and freeze them. Here are a few of my favorites:
Unstuffed Pepper Bake:
1 lb. ground beef, 1/3 c. chopped onions, 1 1/2 c. diced peppers (1/2 c. each of green/red/yellow), 2 garlic cloves (or 1/2 t. powder), 1 can diced tomatoes (drained), 1 1/2 c. instant white or brown rice, 1 t. Worcestershire sauce, 1 t. Italian seasoning, 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cheddar cheese, 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
-Saute beef with onion, peppers, & garlic until beef is browned and veggies are tender. Drain fat and season with salt & pepper.
-Stir in tomatoes, rice, Worcestershire, & Italian seasoning. Stir in 1 cup of cheese.
-Spread mixture evenly in 13 x 9 baking dish and top with tomato sauce and remaining cheese.
-Bake at 375 degrees uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
*To switch it up I make "Pizza Casserole"--Sub Sausage for beef, add other pizza toppings (peperoni, mushroom, etc.) in place of or in addition to peppers and tomatoes. Use half cheddar & half mozzarella cheese. Sub pizza sauce for the tomato sauce.
Chicken Casserole (my Mom's Recipe):
1 c. uncooked macaroni, 1 c. milk, 1 can cream of mushroom, 1/4 lb. Velveeta, 2 eggs hard-boiled & chopped, 1 c. cooked diced chicken
-Mix all ingredients together and let stand overnight (or at least an hour!)
-Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
*This recipe does not have veggies, but I sometimes add corn, peas, or carrots.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole:
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen broc, 2 c. cheddar cheese, 1 pkg (6 oz.) stuffing mix, 1 sm. onion chopped, 1 egg beaten, 1 c. milk, 1 c. chicken broth.
-Combine broc, cheese, stuffing mix, onion, & egg--mix well. Gradually stir in milk and broth.
-Bake in a 2 qt. baking dish uncovered at 325 degrees for 50-55 minutes.
*This recipe is a side dish, but I often add 1-2 c. diced ham and serve it as a main dish.
Santiago Skillet (my Mother-in-Law's Recipe):
1 lb. hamburger, 2-3 T. chives, 8-9 eggs, 1/2 c. sour cream, 1 c. cheddar cheese
-Cook & drain hamburger, set aside.
-Scramble eggs. Add chives, sour cream & hamburger to scrambled eggs and mix. Top with cheddar cheese.
-Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Vacation--Part 2
Our friends Tim & Liz invited us to Santa Claus, IN for a mini-vacation. The last weekend in July (as soon as VBS was over) we left for the Casey house. We stayed there Friday night and left Saturday morning to ride over to Santa's Cottages. We arrived after lunchtime and spent our afternoon exploring.
Our cottage was very cute. We stayed in "Rudolph". It was a two bedroom/two bathroom cottage with a full kitchen & living room. We also had a patio with a porch swing, table & chairs, grill, and lounge chair. Our back doors opened to a little lake.
We were very impressed with the family friendly atmosphere. As soon as we checked in, they took us to our cabin and told us where things were. They also brought a bucket of fish/duck food for the kids.
Liz and I took the kids to check out the play area. This little play house was called the "elf house". There was also a HUGE sandbox, lots of outdoor toys, "horse" swings, and a playground area.
That night we grilled out and then made s'mores over a camp fire...
On Sunday we spent the day at Holiday World. Once again I was super impressed with how family friendly this place was! We loved the free sunscreen & drinks all day long. We also loved the short lines and the huge selection of rides our little ones could do.
This was the kid's first ride. After getting into the park, renting a wagon, trying to get sunscreen on everyone, trying to figure out where things were... we had some whiny kids and some cranky adults. Cam needed to eat, Kinnick & Hannah wanted to do this boat ride but were too scared, Macey almost jumped out of the boat... Thankfully our day got MUCH better!
Both of our families enjoyed riding on these old fashion cars. They were fun b/c the kids could actually steer them, but they were on a track so they couldn't crash them.
This little splash pad was in "Holidog Funtown." It was an entire area just for the little crowd. There was a huge play house that wrapped all around this little area. There was also a little roller coaster that Sadie & Hannah could ride (Kinnick was 1/2 inch too short to do some of the things they could do!)
We enjoyed a dance party with all the holiday characters.
The water park section was HUGE. There were three separate play areas just for little ones. There were also several rides that Sadie & Hannah could go on (poor Kinnick!)
We got to keep Cam while Tim & Liz took Hannah on a water slide. I couldn't believe how awesome he was all day long!
The water park closed 2 hours earlier than the amusement park, so we changed back into our dry clothes and had some more fun. We spent a lot of time hanging out in "Christmas" because it consisted entirely of rides for short people!
Sadie was so pumped to ride this one... it lifts you up and drops you straight down. She had seen the bigger one earlier in the day was really bummed that she was too short. I loved watching her face as she did this--as it was going she yelled "This isn't scary at all." Right after it made the first drop she yelled "It's a little scary!"
Tim & Liz graciously watched all the kids for a while so Marc and I could do one of the big roller coasters... pretty sure that was our first roller coaster ride married!
My Crazy Kids
Kinnick loved seeing the ducks.
Our cottage was very cute. We stayed in "Rudolph". It was a two bedroom/two bathroom cottage with a full kitchen & living room. We also had a patio with a porch swing, table & chairs, grill, and lounge chair. Our back doors opened to a little lake.
We were very impressed with the family friendly atmosphere. As soon as we checked in, they took us to our cabin and told us where things were. They also brought a bucket of fish/duck food for the kids.
Liz and I took the kids to check out the play area. This little play house was called the "elf house". There was also a HUGE sandbox, lots of outdoor toys, "horse" swings, and a playground area.
That night we grilled out and then made s'mores over a camp fire... 
On Sunday we spent the day at Holiday World. Once again I was super impressed with how family friendly this place was! We loved the free sunscreen & drinks all day long. We also loved the short lines and the huge selection of rides our little ones could do.
This was the kid's first ride. After getting into the park, renting a wagon, trying to get sunscreen on everyone, trying to figure out where things were... we had some whiny kids and some cranky adults. Cam needed to eat, Kinnick & Hannah wanted to do this boat ride but were too scared, Macey almost jumped out of the boat... Thankfully our day got MUCH better!
Both of our families enjoyed riding on these old fashion cars. They were fun b/c the kids could actually steer them, but they were on a track so they couldn't crash them.
This little splash pad was in "Holidog Funtown." It was an entire area just for the little crowd. There was a huge play house that wrapped all around this little area. There was also a little roller coaster that Sadie & Hannah could ride (Kinnick was 1/2 inch too short to do some of the things they could do!)
We enjoyed a dance party with all the holiday characters.
After several hours in the amusement park we took a break to go back to our cabin for lunch and rest. Next, we geared up for the water park. As we were driving back into the parking lot it started sprinkling and as we re-entered the park there were HUGE amounts of people heading for the exit. We were getting nervous, but the rain held off, it cooled down, and the park was much less crowded.
The water park section was HUGE. There were three separate play areas just for little ones. There were also several rides that Sadie & Hannah could go on (poor Kinnick!)
We got to keep Cam while Tim & Liz took Hannah on a water slide. I couldn't believe how awesome he was all day long!
The water park closed 2 hours earlier than the amusement park, so we changed back into our dry clothes and had some more fun. We spent a lot of time hanging out in "Christmas" because it consisted entirely of rides for short people!
Sadie was so pumped to ride this one... it lifts you up and drops you straight down. She had seen the bigger one earlier in the day was really bummed that she was too short. I loved watching her face as she did this--as it was going she yelled "This isn't scary at all." Right after it made the first drop she yelled "It's a little scary!"
Tim & Liz graciously watched all the kids for a while so Marc and I could do one of the big roller coasters... pretty sure that was our first roller coaster ride married!
We got back to our cabin at almost 9 and gave the kids baths while we cooked our homemade pizzas. We had a great day... when we come back we decided we should spend at least two days at Holiday World!
Monday morning we made a big breakfast and the Caseys had to take off. Our kids enjoyed some more play time while Marc and I took turns packing & loading. 
The owner came by while we were playing. He told them that if they help straighten the elf house they will definitely be on Santa's nice list. They quickly agreed to help!
The owner came by while we were playing. He told them that if they help straighten the elf house they will definitely be on Santa's nice list. They quickly agreed to help!
My Crazy Kids
Kinnick loved seeing the ducks.
On our way home we stopped at the big Christmas store in town. The kids all got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. We also enjoyed some fudge.
Our drive home was longer (about 5 hours) compared to the 3 hour trip from Tim & Liz's. We packed a lunch and stopped at this park in Flora where my friend Bethany lives. It was a short, but fun visit--the kids loved playing together at the park. Overall this was a fun and successful vacation--we would love to go back in the future!
Our drive home was longer (about 5 hours) compared to the 3 hour trip from Tim & Liz's. We packed a lunch and stopped at this park in Flora where my friend Bethany lives. It was a short, but fun visit--the kids loved playing together at the park. Overall this was a fun and successful vacation--we would love to go back in the future!Partners in Crime
I LOVE watching
these two kids interact
even when they're getting into trouble!
Best Buds for sure!
These pictures were taken the night I was trying to pack for our mini-vacation to Santa Claus, IN. I had taken cookies out of the oven and they decided to help themselves. (4 cookies total--all the ones Kinnick could reach while standing on the ground!) About 5 minutes after I cleaned their little chocolate faces & hands I heard squealing coming from Kinnick's room. I found them jumping on the bed... gotta love these little sweeties!
these two kids interact
even when they're getting into trouble!
Best Buds for sure!
These pictures were taken the night I was trying to pack for our mini-vacation to Santa Claus, IN. I had taken cookies out of the oven and they decided to help themselves. (4 cookies total--all the ones Kinnick could reach while standing on the ground!) About 5 minutes after I cleaned their little chocolate faces & hands I heard squealing coming from Kinnick's room. I found them jumping on the bed... gotta love these little sweeties!
VBS
This year for VBS our church did "Pandamania". This was Sadie's first year to experience VBS (not in the nursery!) She had fun going with the pre-school class while Kinnick, Macey, and I hung out in the toddler room. 
Sadie & Mikenna--Sadie LOVED singing the songs (probably her favorite part!) We had to find a few songs on I-tunes after VBS week--including the theme song "God is Wild About Us". (We couldn't find the actual song, but I did find a pod-cost video of another church's VBS program. Sadie LOVES watching it and is constantly singing the song!)
Snacks in the toddler room--cupcakes with blue frosting! We averaged 20 kids each day (mostly 1 & 2 year olds!) Only two non-walkers, and only 1 3-year old. It was pretty much chaos but we had fun doing a lesson, snacks, games, and crafts each day.
Sadie's whale from the day they learned about Jonah.
Kinnick & Macey made hats and little binoculars one day!
Day 4--we went swimming after VBS (Macey took her nap at Ms. Jennifer's. By the time we got home it was almost 5--this little boy was exhausted from his busy day!
The kids loved making these little stuffed bears!
Sadie & Mikenna--Sadie LOVED singing the songs (probably her favorite part!) We had to find a few songs on I-tunes after VBS week--including the theme song "God is Wild About Us". (We couldn't find the actual song, but I did find a pod-cost video of another church's VBS program. Sadie LOVES watching it and is constantly singing the song!)
Snacks in the toddler room--cupcakes with blue frosting! We averaged 20 kids each day (mostly 1 & 2 year olds!) Only two non-walkers, and only 1 3-year old. It was pretty much chaos but we had fun doing a lesson, snacks, games, and crafts each day.
Sadie's whale from the day they learned about Jonah.
Kinnick & Macey made hats and little binoculars one day!
Day 4--we went swimming after VBS (Macey took her nap at Ms. Jennifer's. By the time we got home it was almost 5--this little boy was exhausted from his busy day!
The kids loved making these little stuffed bears!Happy 6th Anniversary!
For our anniversary this year... we went to see Harry Potter! We realized it was coming out on our anniversary weekend and were hoping to make it. We were in Cedar Rapids and Andy & Lindsey graciously agreed to watch our crew (with Liam!) while we went. Thankfully we had LOTS of choices for show times. It worked out for us to go to an afternoon show while the kids napped. Maybe it wasn't my "dream" getaway/date but I spent it with the perfect person! In Marc's words "If you stick with me I promise our anniversaries will get better with age." Sounds good to me!
Vacation--Part 1
*Warning* Lots & LOTS of pictures on this post!
For our vacation this year, we did some traveling! We started with a weekend in St. Louis, then to Burlington for some fun at Grandpa & Grandma's house, next a day in Grinnell, IA to visit two Great-Grandmas, and finally a few days in Cedar Rapids with Andy & Lindsey. We logged lots of miles and had lots of fun!
St. Louis:
We met up with Nathan & Cori in St. Louis on Friday afternoon. We all went out for dinner then the guys walked over to Busch for a Cardinals game. (Yes, Kinnick's first game was a Cardinals game--no they didn't win).
Us girls walked down to the arch. Sadie & Emmy had fun running around on the grass. They also loved seeing a "princess" horse & carriage.
We went back to Nathan & Cori's hotel to swim and hang out while we waited for the guys. Sadie & Emmy enjoyed playing Barbie Girl on the iPad.
We stayed at "Hotel Casey" during our St. Louis time. It was great to finally meet baby Cameron. Sadie loved helping take care of him!
ALL the kids! Macey, Kinnick, Emmy, Jaren, Sadie, Cam, & Hannah
Jaren & Kinnick always have so much fun together--it's fun to listen to them interact.
Macey was such a tired girl--she enjoyed some snuggle time in Cam's sling.
Snuggle time with Cam!
Burlington:
We're almost there! (Notice the marker all over Kinnick's face & legs!)
Presents for our new cousin--Baby Camden! (Nathan & Cori are in the process of adopting a baby boy from Ethiopia. We've been talking about and praying for our new cousin. Each of the kids picked one of there toys to share with baby Cam.)
Presents from Grandma--Grandma Janet made these adorable crayon aprons for the 3 girls. Jaren & Kinnick got marshmallow guns (which were a huge hit!)
Andy & Lindsey came for a day so they could see Nathan & Cori and so the guys could golf. Sadie loved meeting baby Liam!
Aunt Nee Nee challenged the kids to the annual Gorsch water fight (she was drenched & covered in silly string!)
Kinnick checking out Grandpa's bike--he insisted on the helmet just sitting in the driveway!
The day before visiting the Great-Grandma's we had an all day bake/craft-a-thon! Cori helped the kids paint sun catchers. We also made a cake for Great-Grandma DePauw's birthday and decorated cookies for her.
Emmy picked out the cookie cutter and colors...
I'm so glad she did b/c they turned out adorable!
For our vacation this year, we did some traveling! We started with a weekend in St. Louis, then to Burlington for some fun at Grandpa & Grandma's house, next a day in Grinnell, IA to visit two Great-Grandmas, and finally a few days in Cedar Rapids with Andy & Lindsey. We logged lots of miles and had lots of fun!
St. Louis:
We met up with Nathan & Cori in St. Louis on Friday afternoon. We all went out for dinner then the guys walked over to Busch for a Cardinals game. (Yes, Kinnick's first game was a Cardinals game--no they didn't win).
Us girls walked down to the arch. Sadie & Emmy had fun running around on the grass. They also loved seeing a "princess" horse & carriage.
We went back to Nathan & Cori's hotel to swim and hang out while we waited for the guys. Sadie & Emmy enjoyed playing Barbie Girl on the iPad.
We stayed at "Hotel Casey" during our St. Louis time. It was great to finally meet baby Cameron. Sadie loved helping take care of him!
Saturday we were off to the zoo:
ALL the kids! Macey, Kinnick, Emmy, Jaren, Sadie, Cam, & Hannah
Jaren & Kinnick always have so much fun together--it's fun to listen to them interact.
Macey was such a tired girl--she enjoyed some snuggle time in Cam's sling.
Snuggle time with Cam!
Burlington:
We're almost there! (Notice the marker all over Kinnick's face & legs!)
Presents for our new cousin--Baby Camden! (Nathan & Cori are in the process of adopting a baby boy from Ethiopia. We've been talking about and praying for our new cousin. Each of the kids picked one of there toys to share with baby Cam.)
Presents from Grandma--Grandma Janet made these adorable crayon aprons for the 3 girls. Jaren & Kinnick got marshmallow guns (which were a huge hit!)
Andy & Lindsey came for a day so they could see Nathan & Cori and so the guys could golf. Sadie loved meeting baby Liam!
Aunt Nee Nee challenged the kids to the annual Gorsch water fight (she was drenched & covered in silly string!)
We took a trip to Fun City Water Park:
Kinnick checking out Grandpa's bike--he insisted on the helmet just sitting in the driveway!
The day before visiting the Great-Grandma's we had an all day bake/craft-a-thon! Cori helped the kids paint sun catchers. We also made a cake for Great-Grandma DePauw's birthday and decorated cookies for her.
Emmy picked out the cookie cutter and colors...
I'm so glad she did b/c they turned out adorable!
Grinnell:
We met at a restaurant to visit and celebrate! We had a hard time with the fondant for Grandma DePauw's cake, but it turned out cute.
Great-Grandma Gorsch
"Best Friends" Emmy picked out these best friend necklaces for her & Sadie in Iowa City. I love it when they are together!
Cedar Rapids:
We visited two different parks with Knopps. One had a splash pad. The kids loved it and it was so fun to just relax and watch them play.
Love this pic!
The kids loved spending time on the porch swing.
One last fun part of our trip--a little shopping date with Sadie. She had been asking me to go shopping to pick a new outfit. We didn't have too much time, but Marc dropped us off at Children's Place Outlet--our goal was 10 minutes and $10... we did pretty good! Sadie found this hat (the same one her cousin Emmy had!) and this pillow for $3 each! She spent much longer deciding on a dress to purchase. We exceeded our total by $2. We had lots of fun--I'm looking forward to many more shopping trips in the future!
We met at a restaurant to visit and celebrate! We had a hard time with the fondant for Grandma DePauw's cake, but it turned out cute.
Great-Grandma Gorsch
"Best Friends" Emmy picked out these best friend necklaces for her & Sadie in Iowa City. I love it when they are together!
Cedar Rapids:
We visited two different parks with Knopps. One had a splash pad. The kids loved it and it was so fun to just relax and watch them play.
Love this pic!
The kids loved spending time on the porch swing.
One last fun part of our trip--a little shopping date with Sadie. She had been asking me to go shopping to pick a new outfit. We didn't have too much time, but Marc dropped us off at Children's Place Outlet--our goal was 10 minutes and $10... we did pretty good! Sadie found this hat (the same one her cousin Emmy had!) and this pillow for $3 each! She spent much longer deciding on a dress to purchase. We exceeded our total by $2. We had lots of fun--I'm looking forward to many more shopping trips in the future!
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