Conference!

I want my kids to grow up LOVING general conference. Looking forward to it, and counting down the days! Like, We're talking I'm going to throw a party bigger than Christmas, Halloween, birthdays, all of them combined. {I haven't in past years, because they have been so small, But they are getting to the age that they are excited to listen and watch it}
Why wouldn't I throw a party? It's a BIG deal...It is a sacred opportunity to listen to A Prophet of God, and those who serve with him. If you had the opportunity to listen to Moses, Noah, or Adam, you would right? I testify to you that Thomas Monson is a prophet in the same capacity as those of old. He is the Lords anointed. He speaks the words of Christ, and leads us to God. So it deserves to be a celebration.

I''m thinking decorations, games, food... let me elaborate...

Is it really a celebration without balloons? My kids love them.
And a cute little fireplace mantle banner? I was thinking one like this... You know the ones... one that says "happy conference" and have the pictures of the apostles and prophet on either sides of the letters.

Activities.... {See my Pinterest board here}

And of course, the food.
We always have breakfast casserole {recipe} 

 MMMMMMMMMMMM.......
Cinnamon rolls {recipe}

Fruit {you have to have something healthy to off set all that deliciousness}

 This year, We will be celebrating at my moms house, But starting next year, when we are in our forever home, We will start hosting the conference festivities! I invite you to listen, you will learn of Christ and his gospel, and be uplifted and edified. You can listen HERE.

Nana's bread

I've always said that I would be the mom who always made homemade bread when my sons were in charge of bringing it for the congregation sacrament. My mom does it, And no joke, You can count on there being a hot loaf at some point in the day any given day at her house. Yes, She makes bread everyday. And now, Blake refuses to eat store bought. I don't mind, If I haven't gotten around to making it that day, I steal a loaf from her house. {She has a giant bosch mixer, she can do 2 loaves at once... I have a weenie kitchen aid that only does one loaf, Actually, I have a heavy duty kitchen aid, But it's weenie compared to her bosch...} 

A few notes:

Grinding your own wheat is a bazillion times better and cheaper than buying wheat flour.

If you have a kitchen aid, DO NOT use all whole wheat flour, do 1/2 white, and 1/2 wheat. It will tear your mixer up! We learned the hard way. We have busted through 2 kitchen aids. LITERALLY BROKEN. They just aren't built tough enough to knead whole wheat bread day after day. Don't do it for real. {remember this post}

Nana's Sunday bread

1 1/3 cup hot water

2 1/2 teaspoons of yeast

3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

3 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

2 cups bread flour

2 cups fresh ground wheat flour

Put the water and yeast in the mixing bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes

Add the oil, honey and 2 cups of bread flour

Mix until combined 

Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 15-30 min

Add salt and last 2 cups of wheat flour 

With the mixer on low, knead for 7 min

Cover with plastic wrap and let rise til doubled (30-45 min)

Shape into loaf

{Press into a rectangle on clean surface approximately the width of pan and then roll it into itself} {This is the best video I could find on how we shape our bread}

Put in greased or parchment paper lined bread pan {This is how you fold it}

Cover with a towel and let rise til doubled (30-45 min)

Bake at 350 for 38 min or until 200 degrees with a thermometer or till its golden brown 

TIMING IS EVERYTHING!!! Everyone's oven is different... Use a thermometer!! 

Yes, It is time intensive, But its not working time, I just do the steps in between doing other things. And oh heavens it is so so worth it. And once you get into the habit of it, It's easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Easter

I'm just slightly obsessed with these egg cartons. No, They have basically nothing to do with this post, But I am in lust with them. I'd say that they are going in the kiddos baskets, However, The company that makes them doesn't ship to the United  States... Seriously? How is that even possible? You shouldn't be allowed to sell stuff online if you don't ship to America. Anywho, I'm still working on a way to get them in my possession... I NEED THEM, The possibilities are endless. {You must look here} Okay, anyhow, on to the baskets...

So, I've been thinking a lot about what to stick in the kiddos Easter baskets... I'm not a huge fan of filling their baskets with candy. They get plenty of that during egg hunts and such. So, I keep candy in their baskets to a minimum. So, Here's what I'm planning on stuffing those little baskets with...

a movie

a new football for blake {A little one}

books

socks and undies

bracelets 

toothbrushes

little kelly dolls

pool toys

stickers 

a new transformer {playskool transformers rescue bots, best toy ever}

chapstick or lip gloss 

a leap pad game 

 So, I know that if you add all of these items up, and multiply it by 4 kids, it equals a LOT of money... Here's how I keep it frugal. I picked up leapfrog games on clearance at target and used a target coupon on them, making them about $12 each. veggie tales movies are like $5 if you buy the pack of them at Costco. And socks and undies, I have been putting off buying them for about a month now, so that I could put them in their baskets, So that's money that had to be spent anyways...
As a tradition, I always grew up doing a money hunt, It was the greatest thing since sliced bread. So we put quarters and dollars in eggs and let the kids find those when they come down to get their baskets. Last year they didn't really care much, But Blake has recently taken a liking to "dollars" so hopefully he will enjoy that a bit more this year!

Emergency binder {important documents}

So, For the last oh i don't know year or so, I have been meaning to get around to this... Our emergency binder. {as a side note, I if you're considering doing this, I think you should click on the link and read the comments section because there are tons of great ideas and information}  Up until now, all of our important documents have been in a paper file box just waiting to be destroyed by water,  fire or kids...
Well, Today I finally finished it.

My fire proof waterproof safe is pretty small and a regular 3 ring binder wouldn't fit in it. So I had to get a flexible one.

 

•  Things I included in our binder {I just put them in clear sheet protectors

• Social security cards
• Birth certificates
• marriage license
• patriarchal blessings
• life insurance policies
• bank info
• medical info
• emergency contact numbers {If my cell phone were out of battery or lost, I would be up a creek, I don't know any phone numbers}
• As soon as I can get my act together, I'm also planning to put  a flash drive with our pics in there.

I'm sure the list will grow, and things will be added,  But I feel good that I've gotten it started.
And yes, The safe is small enough to be carried off, So hide it.

pot pie cupcakes...

So, I saw this recipe and had to give it a shot... The result... AMAZING... EVERY one of my kiddos licked their plate clean.  I just changed the recipe a teeny bit to accommodate our "no artificial crap."

Grease the cupcake pan. 

Preheat oven to 400

Smash the biscuits in the pan like so...

Throw all the other stuff in a bowl. And mix

• Cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 a bag of frozen veggies... I used peas and carrots. We don't fancy green beans in this house. 
• 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
• A can of drained fork shredded chicken breasts {I use sams club brand}
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 
• 1/4 tea onion pwd.

I used a cupcake scoop to put the filling in the biscuit. Bake at 400 for 12-15 min. Seriously, make them... You won't regret it. 

I needed this today

"It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. … If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Today was... Well, let's just say that I'm glad that its over and tomorrow is a new day. I don't really want to talk about it. But I do know that tomorrow will be brighter and that the Lord has never forgotten us. I know that we are living worthy of his blessings and know that he will provide all we need, spiritually and temporally.

Modest is hottest! Even if it costs an arm and a leg.

This month has been a HOT MESS when it comes to the budget. I feel like the spending has been out of control! No, It's not just that I feel like it has been, It really has been out of control! It makes me sick to my stomach to think about how much money we shelled out for the dog... Not to mention, ALL the kids need clothes and shoes...Dang these growing kids...And I've been too sick to even consider making the girls clothes. At some point, I will get started on that... But there are things they needed that I can't make...I can't make jean shorts, And I'd love to say that I went to the consignment shop and got them $2.00 shorts. But I didn't. We are very particular about the length of our girls skirts and shorts. They have to be to their knees. I don't care how much it costs for my girls to have cute modest clothes, {see this post} Anywho, The only place I  have ever been able to find knee length jean shorts for the girls is Gap. Oh, and my new LOVE Matilda Jane, I ordered a pair of capris and a pair of shorts. Anyhow, I have to get this dang spending under control... I have to stay focused on the prize... I have a beautiful new house that needs furnished...And that ain't cheap. No spending mode starts......NOW.  But just keep it in the back of your mind that when we move to the new house and I actually have room to put everyone, We are so having a huge Matilda Jane trunk show party... Just in time for Christmas! Hopefully no spending mode will be over by then! Hahaha! {Just kidding Mike, It's a lifestyle change, I know, I know}

Hawaiian Haystacks

I have been so lazy lately... Well, It's not considered lazy if you're sick right? Another sinus infection... Bleh... And To answer your question, Yes, I did just have sinus surgery to fix that...No, It didn't work.

So, In the midst of being sick, I still had to come up with some dinner options. So, one night, I totally copped out and didn't want to defrost meat and smell that nastiness, {I don't know what I was thinking because I really can't smell anything right now} But whatever, The point is, I needed a 10 minute dinner. I looked through the pantry and saw a can of chicken breast... HMMMM... I've been seeing all these slow cooker chicken taco recipes, I wonder if I could throw some taco seasoning in and simmer this for a few seconds and call it a day?... You wanna know what... It was pretty good. At least the meat was. I ran out of taco shells and baked my own... Yeah, Not so tasty. Gross chewy texture. I don't recommend that. But the other awesome thing... It cost me like $2.00 in meat vs. Like $5 had I used fresh chicken breasts. Eh, I'm not saying I loved it more than regular tacos, But in a pinch, If I'm short on time, or don't have ground turkey, It'll work.

My other go to meal, Is called Hawaiian haystacks. {It's Mike's all time favorite food, Well, It may rank right below Krystals}
It takes like 5 minutes of prep time.
And I think these may be a western food, because when I talk to people from the south, they have no clue what these are, But everyone from Utah, Idaho and California know exactly what they are and have fond childhood memories of mama them on Sunday afternoons... It's kinda like when you ask someone from Utah what grits are... They look at you like you're speaking Chinese... But everyone in the south thinks you're an idiot if you don't know what they are... Anyways, Sorry, I got side tracked...Where were we... Ahhh Yes, The recipe...


You start the rice in the rice cooker.
The gravy is way easy...You ready for this awesome-sauce?...
1 packet of pioneer brand country gravy.
2 cups of chicken broth
1 can of evaporated milk
1 can of cream of chicken soup
Combine the gravy packet and the broth and boil for a minute. Add the milk & soup, and warm.
That's it.

Then you serve buffet style...
Rice on the bottom then the sauce

then you can add any or all of these toppings: {Or whatever else tickles your fancy...}

• Chowmein noodles
  
• toasted coconut
  
• pineapple tidbits
  
• green onions, thinly sliced
• sweet bell pepper, diced or tomatoes
• Frozen sweet petite peas, some people like them thawed and not cooked, I like them cooked and Mike doesn't like them at all.
• water chestnuts, diced
• slivered almonds, toasted
  
• Grated cheese

Puppies are not priceless.

 This is Pepper... She is the newest member of the Hicks family...
We decided it would be best to get her now, for a few reasons. However, That's another post...
Mike is on his way to pick her up right now. 

But one reason was money... I didn't want to spend the money on a dog right now. We were going to wait until we got into the new house to get one. But Mike said, We are going to be spending a lot of money when we move, and we aren't wanting to spend it then either, Lets just go ahead and do it now. Okay,
So, Thursday, We pay for the dog... Holy cow. So that's a lifetime investment. Okay, I'm over the sticker shock now... Monday comes a trip to the pet store to get everything a dog needs.

• Crate
• bedding
• food
• flea and tick junk
• hair brush
• toothbrush
• food and water bowls 
• treats
• potty pads and mat
• id tag
• leash 
• collar
• eye drops
• dental chews
• vet trips
• getting her chipped
• getting her fixed... 
• grooming

So you remember those old credit card commercials?
Dog-$ 2
leash-$1
ETC...
Seeing your children meet their puppy for the first time = priceless....
Yeah, Cut the Crap. It is the farthest thing from priceless... It's very very expensive. Now, I understand that most of those things are a one time cost, However there are on going expenses. But you better believe that I am going to do everything in my power to make Pepper a budget friendly frugal little puppy.
For example, I was looking at the bedding in the pet store and they wanted $50 for some foam wrapped in fabric...literally that was all it was! INSANE! So, I started perusing online and came across a cute little doggie bedding set on Etsy... Well it was $93. Yeah that wasn't happening. So, I went to Joannes and got some foam cut, That cost me $10. I figured surely I had some leftover fabric and could scrounge something together. Yep, Sure enough, Some leftover Minky fabric and about a half a yard of scrap fabric, and voila! Oh, I did have to get a roll of ribbon that cost me $4. So for $14 compared to $50 or $93, Pepper should be nice and comfy.

I love this. It makes my heart happy. It pretty much speaks for itself, But it inspired a few thoughts. 

I am very pro "use it up wear it out make it do or do without,"

I love making my kids clothes out of an old sheet or t shirt. 

I love duct tape and jimmy riggin things so that I don't have to replace and spend the money on something. 

But It had never crossed my mind that this theory was applicable to marriage as well. 

Michael and I have a strangely easy marriage. We have never really had to work hard to like each other, or get along. However, We don't have a lot of common interests. Actually we are pretty polar opposite. 

I basically live on green vegetables and fruit. Mike doesn't eat either. AT ALL.

Mike LOVES fast food. I'd rather poke my own eye out than eat fast food of any sort.

I LOVE the arts. Music dance, etc. Mike wanted to kill himself 5 minutes into the Nutcracker ballet I made him take me to, And he completely forgot about the tickets to the orchestra he bought in plans to surprise me for my birthday, So we missed it. I'd be so excited I couldn't sleep! There's no way I could forget about something like that! 

I'm a gym rat, Mike is a field rat. {I'd rather be at the gym working out, and Mike would rather play football and call that his workout}

I think it's so cute when you see couples running races together, And It makes me sad that I know that will never be us. I love to run races, and Mike only runs if he is being chased by something or someone bigger than him. 

I love shopping, Or even just wandering the mall and window shopping, Mike would rather stab his foot and watch it bleed than have to go to store.

We have but just a few common hobbies... We both love football and we both love outdoor activities. {Which are rather limited with 4 kids under 5}

That about covers our common interests...  However,

 Our outlook on how to raise our kids is the same, 

our outlook on money has grown to be the same {That took some effort}

Our outlook on where we want to be in 10 20 and 50 years is the same. 

Our goals are the same

Our dedication to the Lord is the same. 

Our marriage works because of one thing...

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and our determination to raise our family to him, in his gospel and in his way. That makes it easy. We don't need fixed, Because we aren't broken because THE MOST IMPORTANT THING in both of our lives is not one another, or our children, But our relationship with Christ.

After that relationship, Comes our relationship with each other, And then with our children. 

Too often ones priorities can shift from Christ, to children, money, careers, possessions, etc.

That's when things become broken and need fixing. 

 If we ever were to be broken, because we shifted our sight from Christ, there is only one way to fix it. 

Christ and his gospel. 

 

Without the rain

You know, I was having a conversation the other day, and we were talking about the new house, and it was mentioned how we are really lucky to be able to build our "Dream" house in this housing slump. Well, Yes, We are...We are blessed to be able to. However, It hasn't been without many many trials, not too short of loosing every dime we had... Actually that's an understatement... We were worse off than that, We were in debt up to our earballs. {You know, Like your ears and your eyeballs... Never mind, It's a Hicks word.} We were in terrible shape financially, To put it lightly. Partially due to circumstances, Partially due to our lack of knowledge and concern for budgeting. However, We never doubted the Lord.
Knowing that the lord has known all along the things that were in store for us, he allowed us to go through the trials that we did, in order to be able to prepare the way for something greater. And to teach us how to not make the same mistakes twice. However, I didn't see the "light at the end of the tunnel" so to speak while we were going through those trials. I knew that the Lord was mindful of us and had a plan, But lets be honest, In the thick of those hard situations, Sometimes you question the Lord. Not doubting that he knows who you are or that he knows the situation, But you want to know WHY he's allowing you to experience them.
I was no different. I wondered that A LOT. Now, After almost 3 years, Just now, am I seeing how the Lords plan for our family was orchestrated perfectly.
Those 2 years of "worse than broke" Taught us what its like to have nothing, It taught us mercy and compassion, It taught us why preparing ourselves is important. It taught us how to manage money in the Lords way, The way in which we will forever be stewards over the things that God blesses us with. It made our marriage what it is, And what it will continue to be forever. During those times there was never a second where Michael or I got angry or placed blame on one another. We knew that we were in it together and that we would come out of it together. We knew that WE as a family were more important to keep together than fighting over or stressing over finances. Never once was there a feeling of contention over the "lack of." I didn't Blame him for not making enough and he didn't blame me for not managing it better.{Which he very well could have} Now I wont say that we werent frustrated with the situation, But we worked through it. We both were in the infancy of our financial  knowledge, And were patient with each other. I know I've said this before, But I am so grateful that the Lord allows us to experience hard things. Our lives and our relationship is forever changed and strengthened because of those short years of struggle, And now, Finally, Comes our rainbow.

Really? Sick again?

I went to pick up Blake from school today and his teacher told me that he didn't eat his snack at snack time today, {VERY unlike him} because his throat hurt... And then proceeds to tell me that strep has been going around... AWESOME. She said she took his temp and no fever, So maybe there's still hope that it's just a sore throat, Nothing a few popsicles can't fix right?!?

And I woke up this morning dreading getting out of bed because I could feel the gunk in my throat before I was even really awake...

I'm totally bummed that I am basically couch ridden! I am not sure if it's strep, Another sinus infection, or both, But I am SICK with a capital S. Thank heavens my kiddos have been relatively calm and easy today, {Which I think may be accredited to them feeling a bit under the weather as well.}  Anywho, I am so bummed because I have a million projects that I am super excited to do and share, And have no energy to carry them out. So, While I am under the weather I just wanted to post a little shout out to the things that have made my life a bit better. 

This is one of the worlds greatest inventions... 

Magic in a bag...

The rice pad... You can learn how to make one here. We have 4 different heating pads, including expensive Electric ones... But you know what, We use this one more than any of the others combined. Seriously between Mike's "sore old man after football muscles" and my "You don't stretch enough muscles" Its used at least 4 or 5 times a week.

This kind of Gatorade... The green wrapper is the best... I can't remember what flavor it is. I get my cases at Sams. Costco stopped carrying them :(

And you know of course some good ol homemade chicken soup!
I don't ever make mine the same, Otherwise I'd give you a recipe... But it's usually just some chicken broth, home made or home style noodles, and some veggies. And maybe if my tummy can handle it a bit of seasoning.
This has got to end soon... It's basically summer here in Florida, Shouldn't this junk be gone already?

To catch you up...

Well, There are a few reasons that I have been MIA. One, yes, I had a few down days, and didn't feel like writing. I'm happy to report that after a weekend to myself {kiddos at Granny's} And the river run, and a clean and organized caught up house, I am feeling much more myself. So let me catch you up as to whats going on in our little world.

                                        These are my cute gals Megan, {Me}, And Sarah.
We had a great time and it was just what I needed to clear my head and feel myself again. Let me first say, That running NOT pregnant is much more pleasant. Yes, I'm pretty positive this was my first year running it by myself... No baby in the belly. And, That that big ol' green bridge gets VERY windy... Especially on very windy days. I thought all 120 pounds of me was going to blow right off that bridge, Like someone flicking a toothpick... Not fun...Especially when you're deathly terrified of bridges in the first place. All in all a good race.

Last week we found out that Brent is allergic to milk. He had been extremely congested and lethargic, and had developed a terrible terrible rash all over. So, We have eliminated dairy, and he is doing a million times better. Hopefully he will grow out of it, but if he doesn't that's alright. Just glad we found out what the problem was and that it is relatively a simple fix.

Two weeks ago, My grandparents came. Oh how I love them. My Grandma has really gotten into our genealogy. She brought along with her the journals of her Dad, My great Grandpa. And tons of other books that had stories of our families history. Oh it was so fascinating to read them and to learn of their lives. I have to say, I am a terrible terrible journal keeper. However, I do seem to be able to keep up on my blog. So, In my small way, I am hoping that by continuing this blog, I am recording a record of our lives and a record of our families commitment to and testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hopefully my children and grandchildren will get a little glimpse into my life when they look back on these writings. {I plan to have my blog printed once a year.}

Next on the list... I got a Cricut... Where has this thing been all my life?!? AWESOME! And I am working on a little project with it right now to get my recipe binder more organized and much much cuter! I'll share that when it's finished. I splurged and broke the budget for the week... Whoops a daisy... But what's the point of saving money if you can't ever enjoy it. I'm not talking about indulging in everything you want, but every once in a while it's okay.

And lastly... It's official. The contract has been signed and the money has been handed over. 

 That corner on the far side of the street of this little cul-de-sac is where our forever home will sit. It's a beautiful community filled with families, parks, and tons of activities. The part you can't see is that our house sits about 100 yards from the baseball, football, lacrosse and soccer fields. It's a perfect setting for this little family of ours. 
If you'd like to see the cheesy neighborhood video it's here. {I told you it was cheesy}
We couldn't be more excited or happy about this next season of life. We are ready to build our dream house and start making our memories in the home that our babies will grow up in.
It's going to be a long {And stressful} 6 months...

What does grilled cheese have to do with anything?

 I think that this is a very taboo subject to talk about, But I know that I am not the only one who faces it, and in sharing my experiences with postpartum depression I hope that I can let someone else know that they aren't alone. I'd bet if you asked 5 mothers if they experienced it, at least 4 of them would say yes. I don't have any reason to be depressed. I have a very blessed life. And I don't want to be this way or feel this way.
I am determined that there are things that I can do to help myself, It's just been a journey trying to find what those things are...

The last few days have been rough for me. I thought that we had crossed the postpartum bridge. However, I don't think we have. I still have days that are rough, But it's rare that they stack up one on top of another. This week has been the exception, rough day after sad day after I don't care and I'm numb day. Hence the lack of blogging. The week has had a few moments of brightness.
Upon reflecting over the past few days, I realized that all of those shining moments had one thing in common. They were the moments that I was serving others.
 Now, I've learned that there's a difference from doing something for someone and serving them. For example...
I make dinner for my family because I have to. They will starve if I don't. Most nights I don't want to.
But last night, I wanted to do something for Mike, So I made him a grilled cheese sandwich. I wanted to do something that would make him smile. So at 10:00 at night, I made grilled cheeses for a bed time snack. Do I normally enjoy making grilled cheeses? No. However, those were the first moments of the day that that I wasn't feeling sad, depressed, checked out, whatever you want to call it. For those 5 minutes I was happy. Because I knew that he would be so happy to have that sandwich and it would brighten his day a bit.

The time spent working on things for my brothers eagle project, Those few hours, I was happy. I was happy because I knew that I was making his life easier and helping him accomplish his goal.

I think No, I know that there is a difference between doing something because you have to, and doing it in the spirit of love, wanting to help someone and make their life better.
And hey, If you stay busy doing things for other people, You don't have time to be sad and depressed right? So, Tomorrow is a new day. A chance to make someone elses' life better.
And A chance to help lighten someones burden, and by doing so, lifting your own.

The other day, I had promised to make Blake cinnamon rolls. However, The cinnamon rolls my mom and grandma make, take overnight. I didn't have that kid of time. I woke up at 7am and needed them by 9am. So, To my luck I tried this recipe and hit the jackpot the first time! 

Quick Cinnamon Rolls

I Adapted this recipe from our best bites.
Dough

1 cup milk

4 Tbs butter, cut into chunks

2 cups bread flour

1 1/2 cups wheat flour

2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg {I use egg powder}

 Filling

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, softened

 

For the Icing. {The worlds greatest frosting, You're welcome.}

1 stick of butter {Softened}

2 oz of softened cream cheese.

4-5 cups of powdered sugar

2 teaspoons of vanilla

3-4 {or so} Tablespoons of milk. You want it a bit thick...

{I never actually measure my frosting... Sorry. I just eyeball it.}

Dough: Place milk and 4 Tbs butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute 30 seconds. Butter should be at least partially melted. Stir and set aside. In a large mixing bowl whisk together 2 C flour, yeast, white sugar, and salt. When milk mixture has cooled to warm (not hot) add it to the flour mixture along with the egg while the beater (paddle attachment for those using a stand mixer) is running. Beat until well combined, about 1 minute. (Switch to the dough hook now) Add remaining flour only until dough barely leaves the sides of the bowl. It should be very soft and slightly sticky. Continue to let the dough knead for 5 minutes. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and let rest for about 10 minutes while you make the filling.
Filling: make sure butter is softened well. Mix with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Assembly: Roll dough into a rectangle about 12 x 14 inches. Spread brown sugar mixture over the surface and use your fingers or the back of a spoon to gently spread around. Roll up from the longer side of the rectangle and pinch edges closed. Score the roll into 12 equal pieces and then cut into rolls. Place in a 9 x 13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover pan with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. In the mean time, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
When rolls have finished rising bake for 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown. Spread with icing while still warm. Makes 12 rolls.

Baked wheat doughnuts... hot, gooey, & moist.

I used to be scared of "dough." Any thing that was of the bread sort scared the daylights out of me. I was scared it wouldn't rise right, or that it would be hard as a brick, or that it would be dry and gross and especially when using whole wheat. However, As we have been more diligent about no preservatives and eating from scratch for budget purposes, I have been forced to get over that fear. I have been shocked as to how simple and easy "dough" can be. And how fluffy and moist home ground wheat flour can be.
Because the grocery budget has been cut so drastically, Cold cereal is out. Now most breakfasts consist of eggs, bread, pancakes, waffles, or the kids new favorites, cinnamon rolls and baked doughnuts!

We don't eat these everyday, But they are very simple, and very yummy, and fill my babies bellies until the next meal. {Cold cereal never does that}

Baked Wheat Doughnuts

Makes: About 15 doughnuts (& doughnut holes) 

I adapted this recipe from a recipe I found on Pinterest...

For the Dough

3/4 cups Warm Milk

2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast

1 Tbsp. salted Butter

1/3 cup Sugar

1 Egg {I use egg powder}

1 ½ cup bread Flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

½ tsp. Salt

To make the dough, place ¼ cups of the warm milk in the bowl of your mixer.  Sprinkle the yeast over the milk.  Let sit for 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of milk with the sugar and butter.  Add it to the yeast mixture.  Stir to combine.  Add the egg and stir until incorporated. In the mixer with the dough hook, Add the flour, salt and stir until the dough starts to form.

Knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic and has formed a ball.
Cover with plastic wrap.  Let dough rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size. 

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until ½ thick. Then cut out the doughnuts. {I don't have a doughnut cutter, So I used a mason jar lid and a small circle fondant cutter that I have. We're on a budget, I'm not buying a doughnut cutter! LoL.}

Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 2 inches apart.  Cover with a clean towel and let sit for about 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven 375 degrees F. 

Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 7 minutes, until lightly golden brown.  Be careful to not overbake these.  You want them to be light and doughy inside. 

Glaze them while they are hot!

I had leftover cream cheese icing from the day before, So I glazed these ones with that. However, you could always do a traditional glaze of milk and pwd sugar, or some cinnamon sugar. Either way... You can't go wrong. 

And if you're wondering if I feel guilty giving my kids sugar for breakfast, No, I don't. There is such a minimal amount after the glaze drips off, I'd let them eat these every day. And, Yes, I think they are better than Krispy Kremes, You don't get that, "I'm going to vomit" feeling after eating them.