Just a little bragging

I completely forgot to mention...bragging moment coming...I RAN MY FIRST 5k in June!!!

This photo is anything but flattering, but I'm proud of it; I finished in 36:19 minutes. My next challenge... a triathlon in February.


Since I'm already bragging, I might as well continue. Benjamin received 100% plus had the bonus words correct on his first spelling test...or should I say his first graded test ever!

 

Never Enough Hours in the Day!

Wow it’s been a long times since I’ve touched this blog! I have thought about updating often, but there never seems to be enough hours in the day…especially with two kids in school and involved in activities! A lot has happened/changed since my last post in 2011:

I am working full-time, doing what I love- graphic design field. John left his employer of fourteen years, started working at a sister company, and within three years he was promoted to a senior developer in a team leader position (LOL-that isn't the technical job title).  John joined our local volunteer fire company, earned his firefighter II and EMT certification. On August 7, 2014 we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary.

 

 

Benjamin started 1st grade on August 25th, he's doing well and coming home daily with positive marks on his class chart :-). I can't get over how much homework a 1st grader brings home- Reading, writing, math, spelling words and vocabulary words!!! Yep, I miss the easy carefree days of the 3 year old preschool program  ;-).  Benjamin played T-ball for a season, but we quickly realized that wasn't a sport for him. Benjamin started taking swim lessons around 18 months, he's moved up the "ranks" of swim America and on September 12th he'll be evaluated for the Swim America Diplomat swim team. He is starting boy scouts this month and has shown interested in joining FFA (Future Farmers of America).

 

Ben has a kind heart, but since he tends to be a follower, he has occasionally gotten into trouble with peers. He is shy at first, but quickly opens up; Ben is the type of child that is friends with everyone and does well when placed with new students. At times, Ben shows signs of anxiety; he is also sensitive and empathetic. He will ask about kids that are out sick and tries to comfort those that are hurting. Benjamin is very organized and thrives on routines.

 

Benjamin enjoys reading, math, art, crafts, video games, bike riding, swimming and being outside. With the exception of swimming, Benjamin is not very athletic and quickly loses interest in sports.

 

 

Hayden started pre-k on September 5th; John and I are excited to see him learn, grow and mature this year as he prepares for Kindergarten in the fall of 2015. Hayden played Spring soccer in 2014, and is also moving up the "ranks" of Swim America.

Hayd is EXTREMLY active, sociable, the class clown child, and at times has an aggressive side. Hayden has an awesome imagination, he loves to play make believe and dressing up in his superhero costumes.

After a lot of research-I realized Hayden has an allergy to synthetic dyes (this describes Hayden on synthetic food dyes), I'm constantly reading Nutrition ingredients these days, but it's helped our family eat healthier. We've come along way, at four years old- Hayden can looks at a food, know if he should eat it or not. On his own doing he'll choose healthy foods over junk foods; LOL- as I was writing that last sentence, Hayden handed me a chocolate fruit popsicle asking "you take the chocolate off and leave me the mango?"

 

Hayden enjoys running, swimming , fishing and riding his scooter. Hayden is not one to sit still long, he needs to be constantly moving and engaged in activities.

 

 

Unfortunately we haven't been doing a lot of at home art/creative projects; however one of the creative Christmas traditions we added to our family three years ago was the Elf on the Shelf. While Elfie isn't half as mischievous as some of the Elves out there (he'd be kicked out of the house if I had to clean up after him daily), we still have a fun together.

 

 

For the second year, we purchased season passes to Hershey Park.

 

 

 

 

We also have a family membership to the Lancaster Science Factory

 

 

 

We've taken family vacations over the years; August 2014 we spent a week in Ontario, Canada.

 

 

 

The big news for 2014 is we sold our house and are in the process of building; I'm still in shock, we sold our house in 15 days and had to be out within six weeks. Talk about answered prayers, not only did we sell our house within a short period, but we had two offers on the table to choose from. We wanted to keep Benjamin in the same elementary school, John wanted to stay within his fire district; that left us with three development choices. Two of those were a no, one is a swing area for redistricting and the other we couldn't foresee it being our forever neighborhood (until nursing home/grave), that left us with one choice...to build. We moved out of our house in July and are currently short-term leasing, while our apartment is nice and we have friendly neighbors, we are anxious to begin the next chapter in our new home. The house is scheduled to be complete October 31st, we settle November 14th and plan to move in November 22nd (we want to take a week to do painting before moving in). I'll be honest, as excited as I am, I initially had some worries. I can now say God has been in control the whole time and he's bestowed so many blessings, and "slapped" me in the face reminding me this is his plan and he's in control.

 

 June 6th- Sold our house,  Benjamin's last day of Kindergarten. 

 

 

July 7th- the 12th anniversary of our 1st date,
we signed the contract on our new house

 

August 15th- 7 years to the date we closed on our first house,
the superior walls were installed.

 

September 5th- Framing began, Hayden's 1st day of pre-k.

 

 

 

 

A Response to Tragedy

I’m not one to preach, but I have to share the sermon from church today. Our pastor put a pause on advent and lit 27 candles...grown men were in tears.

http://hempfieldumc.com/sermons/2012/aresponsetotragedy/20121216.mp3

But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 32:35

Merry Christmas

25 days of Christmas projects didn’t go as planned, or should I say my children’s health throw us a curve ball this year? Two rounds of the stomach bug for Benjamin, bronchiolitis for Hayden and a “Merry” Christmas Eve from the Urgent care for Benjamin…soooo yah…crafts weren’t very high on our list.

Santa made two little boys’ day a whole lot brighter :)



The boys gave me an WONDERFUL & AMAZING gift, 8 HOURS OF SOLID SLEEP AND THREE HOUR NAPS AT THE SAME TIME!!!! I’ve been sleep deprived, I was at the point I was becoming delirious and sick myself…SLEEP IS GOOD!

Stomach Bug- Day 13

I received a text message from my husband around 9am; Benjamin was vomiting and my husband called off work to attend to our sick "baby" boy. Needless to say today's Christmas activity has been postponed but I can share two yummy recipes. Snickerdoodle Muffins- I made these for Benjamin's snack day at school. Roast Chicken with Caramelized Shallots - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this recipe! It's so simple and easy, I recently discovered it can be made in the crockpot (toss all the ingredients in a crockpot, cook on low for 8 hours) which is better yet :)!

Play-Doh Gift Tags- Day 12

Instead of handing out candy for Halloween, we handed out mini containers of Play-Doh; we had a lot left over and I decided to give them out as “gifts” to Benjamin’s preschool friends. I created labels, using double sided tape I affixed them onto the Play-Doh lids.

Labels

Christmas in the Big Woods

Avent Sunday Week 3- Day 11

Luke 2: 10-11
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

There are many ways to serve God and other this season, embrace new means of celebration to breathe new life into the holidays.

Lumina- Advent Project
Lumina is the Latin word for "light". This advent season from November 27-Christmas Eve donate Visa gift cards or monetary donations to support the ministries of Lumina, a Lancaster organization supported by many United Methodist churches that serve in places where poverty and despair are common in people's lives.

Food Drives
Donate a few cans or even a bag of groceries to help feed those in need during the holiday season.

"Adopt" a child for the holidays
Bring a smile to a child in need by purchasing a present for an underprivileged child. Work with a local charity that organizes events to bring gifts to children in hospitals or in foster care.

Bring some joy to a public servant
Police offers, fire fighters, military personnel, doctors, nurses... many of these workers do not get off for the holidays. Threat these people to something enjoyable when they may be missing their own festivities. Cook or cater a meal for a fire house, deliver cookies or put together care packages for military personnel.

FEAR NOT, GOOD IS WITH US!

Bedtime story day 11- The very first Christmas

Christmas Cookies- Day 10

Every year a great group of girls that I've known since high school get together in December for our annual Christmas, we've been doing this since 1998. Last year we started a new tradition of awarding a golden spatula (an inexpensive kitchen spatula spray painted gold) for the best recipe that year, it was decided the golden spoon would be awarded for best Christmas cookies in 2011. Last year I won for my peppermint patty recipe; last night I gladly handed over the golden spatula to this years winner for her cookie truffle (I came in second).

This year I made Pecan Sugar Cookies and dark chocolate, chocolate chip cookies.

Pecan Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie
1/2cup butter, softened
1/2 cups hortening
2 cup ssugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt

Pecan Filling
3 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans


Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat mixture until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour.

Press a rounded teaspoon of pastry evenly into the bottom and up the sides of 24 ungreased 1 3/4-inch muffin cups.

For pecan filling, in a bowl beat egg, brown sugar, and the 1 tablespoon melted butter until combined. Stir in pecans. Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of filling into each pastry-lined muffin cup. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until pastry is golden and filling is puffed. Cool slightly in pan. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes 24 cookies.


Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® chocolate chip (or sugar cookie) mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1 egg 1
1 package Wilton dark candy melts

Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, orange extract and egg until soft dough forms.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

In small microwavable bowl, microwave candy melts uncovered on High for 45 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips are melted. Dip each cookie halfway into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on waxed paper and let stand until chocolate is set, at least 2 hours. To quickly set chocolate, refrigerate cookies 15 minutes. Store between sheets of waxed paper in tightly covered container at room temperature.

Bedtime Story Day 10- The Little Shepherd Girl: A Christmas Story

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane- Day 9

"The magic of the holidays comes to life at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. With two million twinkling lights, rides for all ages, festive decorations, and Hershey's Product Characters decked out in their holiday best, there is something for all to enjoy!"



I leave you with one of our family tradition, Christmas stocking pictures; my mom knitted all of us personalized stockings and requested I take a picture of the boys next to their stocking ever year.






Bedtime story day 9- Clifford's Christmas

Magic Reindeer Food- Day 8

Magic Reindeer Food- Day 8

I'm "cheating" on today's post, this is from 2010...hey, magic reindeer is a yearly activity!

When googling reindeer food poems I came across this warning "please do not use any non natural ingredients. These may harm birds and other animals looking for food during the cold winter days." Adhering to the warning I ditched the oats and glitter recipe and came up with my own recipe with ingredients in the cupboard.

Materials
Oats or Bird Seed
Colored Sugar Crystals
Baby Food Jar
Crushed Colored Cereal (we used Trix)
Tag (print template file)
Ribbon
Scissors
Hole Punch
Love, Hope and Faith

Directions
Layer ingredients in a baby food jar for a "sand art" look. Place lid on jar, cut out tag, punch hole and attach to jar with the ribbon. Sprinkle the magic reindeer food on your lawn Christmas Eve after dusk.

Tag Template

Bedtime story day 8- The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book

Marshmallow Christmas Tree- Day 7

Marshmallow Christmas Tree- Day 7
Planning with Kids


Materials:
Mini Marshmallows
Melting White Chocolate (I used Wilton)
Wax Paper
Cellophane Bags
Ribbon


Instructions:
1 Heat chocolate on high for 45 seconds in a microwave safe bowl, stir.
2.Heat on high for further 10 second intervals until completely melted.
4.Line a small tray with wax paper.
5.Dip a marshmallow into the chocolate, so it is covered with about 3mm chocolate on the base.
6.Place marshmallow onto the wax paper and begin making row of 5 marshmallows. Gently press marshmallows together as you build the tree.
7.Continue this process, making rows of 4, 3, 2 and 1.
8.Add the final marshmallow to the base of the tree. Keep excess chocolate.
9.Place in the freezer for 10 minutes.
10.Take marshmallow Christmas tree out of the freezer and peel off baking paper.
12.Place the tree gently back on to the baking paper and place in the freezer for a few more minutes until the chocolate has set.
13. Place the marshmallow Christmas tree into a cellophane bag and tie shut with a ribbon.




Bedtime story day 3- Olive, the Other Reindeer

Hot Chocolate- Day 6

Need something to go along with all those yummy Christmas cookies, why not a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate?

Ingredients
Half a milk chocolate Hershey bar, broken into pieces
2 cups milk
Whipped cream, optional

Directions
Heat milk and chocolate on low heat until chocolate is melted, stir occasionally so chocolate doesn't burn. Garnish with whipped cream


For the over 21 crowd!
Ingredients
4 cups milk
4 pieces milk chocolate Hershey bar, broken into pieces
2 Tbsp Creme de Coco
3 Tbsp Amaretto
Whipped cream, optional

Directions
Heat milk and chocolate on low heat until chocolate is melted, stir occasionally so chocolate doesn't burn. Garnish with whipped cream

Bedtime story day 6- A New Improved Santa

Festive Paper Pines- Day 5

Festive Paper Pines- Day 5

Materials
Red and yellow paper (or other colors you like for lights)
Green card stock (we used construction paper)
Scissors
Hole punch
String or ribbon
Glue
Printing Pattern from below

Instructions
Sandwich the red and yellow paper between 2 pieces of green card stock. Using the pattern cut out a tree shape.

Remove the red sheet and punch a few random holes through the 3 remaining layers. Then remove the yellow sheet and replace the red one. Punch several new holes through the stack.

Glue the layers together in the following order, green, yellow, red, green.

Use the pushpin to poke a hole through the 4 layers, about 1/4 inch from the treetop. Thread a length of string or ribbon through the hole, knot the ends of the line to create a loop for hanging.





Bedtime story day 5- If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
A book for the moms- The Handmaid and the Carpenter

Avent Sunday Week 2- Day 4

For the last twenty-seven years our church has given crèche figures to the Kids Konnection program; today the kiddos received their nativity piece. Each age level receives a different piece of the nativity beginning with the two year old class, six graders receive the stable completing their set. 2 year old class receives baby Jesus, 3 year olds- Mary, 4 year olds-Joseph, 5 year olds- shepherd, Kindergarteners- sheep, 1st grade- donkey, 2nd grade- cow, 3rd grade- kneeling king, 4th grade- camel, 5th grade- king with box, 6th grade- king with vase and stable.

I love this tradition; it is so meaningful on many levels and reminds adults and children the reason for the season. Luke 1: 28-33 The angel went to Mary and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”




Bedtime story day 3- Room for a Little One, A Christmas Tale

John Deer Country Santa & Painting- Day 3

I’ve been told many times that Benjamin should have been born into a farming family, he LOVES digging, dirt and planting; when he and Hayden received their John Deere Gator over the summer, I had two little boys who thought they were in toy heaven. A few weeks ago I saw an advertisement for an afternoon outing at our nearby John Deer Country (we live in farming [Amish] country), I marked my calendar, I knew it would be something my boys would love!

They boys had a blast at the John Deere store; they enjoyed the tractors more then seeing Santa. Hayden is terrified of Santa this year, unfortunately I won’t have my yearly photo of my boys together with Santa :( and when Benjamin saw the John Deere reclining chair seated next to Santa he refused to sit on Santa’s lap.



If you’re looking for something for the kiddos this year, a friend referred me to personalized video from Santa, Benjamin LOVES it…he made us watch his video at least five times in a row.


Ornament Painting

Materials:
Premade unpainted wooden cutouts (I purchased ours at AC Moore for $0.20)
Paint Brushes
Acrylic Paint
Cup of Water (for rinsing paint brushes)

With the exception of painting himself, or trying to eat the crayons/makers/glue/paint/etc, I’ve quickly realizing Hayden will not be an artist, he rarely wants anything to do with my craft/art projects; Benjamin was only to happy to paint Hayd's cutouts. Once the cutouts were dry, Benjamin had the idea to use rub on stickers for the snowmen; I plan to have my husband drill holes in each of the snowman to be used for ornaments & decorate Christmas packages for the grandparents.



Bedtime story day 3- Merry Christmas Stinky Face
Saturday family movie night- Polar Express

Holiday Craft Night- Day 2

Holiday Craft Shop- Day 2

Tonight, Benjamin's preschool hosted a holiday craft shop/night.








Bedtime Story Day 2- Elf on the Shelf

What's Been Happening

It’s been forever since I updated; I’ve been very busy and when I finally have time to sit down in front of my computer…well, that’s the last thing I want to do!

After approximately 2 1/2 years working M-F 5am-10am, then being unemployed (laid off) for 11 months, I was fortunately to find an employer hiring in my field and began working full time on February 14th. For the most part I enjoy my job, like any place of employment there are small things that can slowly irritate an employee; I quickly realized, though I greatly cherished my SAHM time with my children, I am not a long term SAMH! However, now that the weather is FINALLY getting nice and we have a pool pass I’m finding myself longing to be outside with my boys instead of cramped up inside.

With staring a new job I don’t officially get vacation days (two weeks) until my one year anniversary in February, however after my six month anniversary I’m allowed to borrow a week. We decided to forgo the family week vacation this year in order to save as many days for 2012 (I’m hoping we can go to Kingston, Canada or Savannah, Georgia where my brother-in-law is stationed); I/we decided however to take two days off this year. We’re going to Sesame Place the end of August and the other day is so I can be present for Benjamin’s first day of preschool.

We’re all doing well, John’s EXTREMELY busy with firefighter training course classes (after four years of talking about it, he finally volunteered with the local fire company); I became a member of the support group (auxiliary) and joined the local Rec Center. We’re spending a lot of time at our local community pool and playing outside every minute possible…overall just crazy busy! I've been doing special activities/adventures with the boys while John's in class, it keeps them busy and from driving me batty ;) .

Benjamin had pink eye three weeks ago, poor little guy woke up freaked out because his eye was “glued shut”; John took him to the doctor ASAP. Big brother Benjamin lovingly shared his pink eye with Hayden a week later, unfortunately the doctor wouldn’t just call in a prescription stating she needed to see Hayden to diagnose him herself, even after explaining multiple times that his brother had it the week prior and Hayd has the same symptoms…so yeah, we got screwed with a $$$ bill for two doctor visits.

Benjamin, who is three years old, 42” and 35 lbs, thinks his firefighting daddy is the coolest thing ever, “daddy’s my hero!” Ben baby loves to hang out at the fire station, sit in the trucks and go for rides. He started Swim America classes over the winter and I’m thrilled to say they are paying off, Benjamin is able to swim; he swims 8-10 feet underwater and the doggie paddle! Benjamin starts preschool on August 29th, I’m excited for him to begin this new chapter but incredibly sad that my first born is old enough to be a preschooler.Benjamin is inquisitive as ever, he enjoys taking things apart, putting them together, everything is hands on with him, wants to know how everything works and a total outdoors boy. Benjamin has also taken to photography, he loves to carry around Leap Frog Click n' Create Digital Camera and take pictures. He’s been helping me with our vegetable garden and with minimal assistance, I allowed him to pick out flowers, dug his very own flower garden under our deck stairs (we have a daylight basement) and plant the flowers however he chose. God has been working through Benjamin to reach me, out of the blue Benjamin started asking to go to church; thanks to my little man we’ve become regular attendees at church again.

Hayden, whose 21 months, 29lbs and 34 3/4”, has become my wild NO FEAR child…holy moley; he’s a three year old trapped in a one year olds body! ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that big brother does, Hayden has to do, when I try to stop him- he’ll have a mother of all temper tantrums. He tries to jump into pools, plays soccer & football, climbs rock walls, counts to two, sings part of happy birthday and twinkle little star, bounces on beds and sofas, talks/babbles non-stop…I’m constantly looking at him and saying “really Hayden, really, you’re ONE!” Hayd transitioned into a big boy bed (toddler bed) about 2 months ago, we had no problems what so ever with the transition…he took right to his “new” bed; since the transition the boys have had sleepover in Hayden’s room. We decided not to enroll Hayden in Aqua Tots (sorry buddy, the joys of being a second child ;-P ), main reason is we figured could the techniques we learned from Benjamin’s classes and “do-it ourselves”; I’m thrilled he’s taken to water just as easily as his big brother…LOVE MY WATER BABIES! Hayd puts his head underwater, blows bubbles, floats on his back with very little adult contact and with the assistance of his Puddle Jumper, able to doggie paddle to wherever he wants to go.

Brotherly Love

Cooking & Baking

Crafts

Outside Play

Benjamin's Photos

Family Bucket List

I've been meaning to document my family bucket list for sometime, but for whatever reason never got around to it. Some of the things on my list are activites my family enjoys doing ever year (marked with an *), there are also activites on my list that we've done with Benjamin and not Hayden (I'm putting them back on the family bucket list).

A friend recently wrote asking for ideas stating "you tend to have good ideas for kids activities"; I figured since I wrote her a list, I might as well jot them on here. I was honored that she felt she could ask me for ideas, especially when I wonder from time to time if my boys are getting enough "adventure" in there life.

Hershey Gardens
Lancaster Airport air show-August 20-21, 2011
Sandy Point State Park or North Point
Sesame Place
Lake Tobias
Tucquan Glen*
Gifford Pinchot*
Baltimore Aquarium
Port Discovery
Please Touch Musuem*
Smith Kids Play Place http://smithkidsplayplace.org/
Camping
Family bike ride on the Lancaster (E-town) Lebannon trail*
Long's Park petting zoo*
Hershey Adventure Sports
Landis Valley Museum
Toy Train Museum*
Train Musuem*
Strasburg Railroad*
Schreiber Pediatric Rubber Duckie Race http://www.schreiberpediatric.org/ducks/
Renaissance Faire
http://www.eastlandalpacas.com/events.shtml *
Columbia Bridge Bust
Gettysburg
Philadelphia Zoo
Washington Zoo
Visit Philadelphia
Visit New York
Visit Washington DC
Visit Arizona- I want the boys to see where their mommy grew up :)
The Caribbean- The boys can experiance beautiful crystal clear blue water
Knobles
Bowling
Mini Golf
Whitaker Center
Lancaster Science Factory
Disney World
Central Market
http://www.cherryhillorchards.com/
http://www.shenkberryfarm.com/
http://www.cherrycrestfarm.com/
http://www.wolfsancpa.com/
Hayride & Corn Maze http://www.countrybarnmarket.com/

Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Instructions
½ cups water (add more water later if required)
½ cup oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup oats

Directions
Blend wet ingredients together. Whisk dry ingredients together and mix into wet mixture to form a ball of dough. Roll out and shape. Put onto a non-stick cookie tray or lightly greased one. Cook 20 minutes at 400 F. Turn off oven and allow the biscuits to cool in oven until crisp and hard. Store in airtight container.

Biscuit Donuts

Biscuit Donuts
My husband shared this recipe with me years ago, it's from his Boy Scout days.

Ingredients
Refrigerated Biscuits
Vegetable oil

Directions
Preheat deep fryer to 375 degrees. Open biscuits, separate, place a hole in the center. You can use the holes for donut holes or roll them into a few large donuts.

Have an adult place the doughnuts in the deep fryer one at a time. As you see them browning on one side, carefully flip them over and let them brown on the other side. Once both sides are brown remove from oil and let cool on a paper towel, you can then coat the donuts (powder sugar, cinnamon & sugar, glaze, chocolate frosting...)