Cooking With Kids

Homemade Mini Hamburgers – Make-Ahead School Lunches for Kids

Making ahead hamburgers is a great way to have a quick school lunch packed in less than no time! This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

I’m always trying to cut corners and find ways to make school lunch making easier. Those early mornings are rough and the kids don’t like cold lunches. So this mama is always up and about find creative ways to make their lunch something they’ll actually want to eat. Hamburgers are one of the foods I make-ahead to help cut down on lunch pre time in the busy mornings.

How to Make Hamburgers at Home

What you need:

Already made Burger Patties but if you want to make it from scratch, here’s a recipe.

Ground Beef, I like to buy the leaner one
Salt, pepper, spices such as Onion and Garlic Powder (or premade Hamburger Seasoning)
A Tabletop Grill like this one
Cooking spray
A Hamburger fork (what do you call those things again?)
A plate lined with paper towel, wax or parchment paper, or foil
Note: You could also not line the plate. I just like lining things. lol. The burgers would probably be even more juicer without the lining. Just be sure to cover them to save some of the juices. Nothing worse than a dry burger.

What to do:

Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and spices – You can always sprinkle with Hamburger seasoning after forming into patties, during or even after the burgers are cooked).
Shape meat into individual patties (large or small)
Spray grill with cooking spray. Place one or as many hamburgers on the grill as it would hold (mine holds up to 2 but sometimes I make one at a time if they are larger.
Grill 4 to 6 minutes turning half-way, or until meat is cooked through. Don’t overcook or the burgers would be too hard.
Place them on the lined plate. Cover with additional lining or another plate.
Serve burgers in lunch boxes along with some sides.

Shop This Lunch Box on Amazon (affiliate link)

TIME4DEALS Bento Box Bento Lunch Box for Kids

To Freeze the Hamburgers

Place burgers in a single file in a Ziploc bag or freezer container. When ready, remove from the fridge and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds (30-40 seconds). Add a couple more seconds if needed for burgers to be heated up. Pack burgers into lunch boxes with sides.

Favorite lunchbox sides for burgers:

1/2 a Bun
Cucumbers
Broccoli
Grapes
Strawberries
Fruit and Veggie Kabobs
Goldfish

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She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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Trip to LegoLand Florida

LegoLand Florida is a super fun theme park for families to enjoy! Read below to learn about our experience.

During our Spring break trip to Orlando, we went to Legoland. It was one of the two biggest events we did while on the trip. Did you catch our Trip & experience to Universal Studios? You can read it here.

LegoLand Winter Haven, Florida

This trip to LegoLand Florida was a total blast! At first I did not know what to expect when we walked in, seemed like it was just one little section to walk through. But then as we kept on walking, we realized there was a whole new world of LegoLand activities to do. We had visited a smaller Legoland in Chicago and thought it would be the same size. But this was a whole knew level – an actual theme park just for Legoland. Check out some of the images we got.

What Activities are in Legoland?

There’s so much to explore but here are some of what we visited in these images.

This photo here caught me off-guard, but it is such a realistic one.

Safari Tour – just a little small ride around a spot, with Lego animals making animal sounds. Catch a lion in the back of us.

The Cypress garden, we didn’t even do that one. There’s also a boat ride you can do close to this area. The wait was 1-1/2 hrs. We didn’t do it.

I love this Lego boy fishing photo

Lego Display Area

This area was AH-MAZ-ing! My second daughter and I were walking around while the others were with day and we came upon something like a Lego Green House. The Lego creations are unbelievable! There were buildings, cities, vehicles, government buildings, stadiums, just a whole of places and things you would see in communities. For example, the stadiums were not just the buildings, but included everything you’d see at a game (people sitting on the bleachers, sports happening on the field, people cheering on, etc. We eventually found the rest of the family and they got to see the wonder too! Just amazing!

We really enjoyed our visit to Legoland. Have you ever been to the Winter Haven location or any of the locations?

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Family Activities

Trip to Universal Studios Orlando – Spring Break 2023

Our family’s trip to Universal Studios during Spring Break 2023

It was our first time going to Universal Studios. We’ve been to Disney World several times and Disney Land one time but never Universal Studios.

This year, we decided that the kids are at ages where Universal Studios may be suitable. We’d heard that the theme park has rides and other park activities that’s geared to kids older than toddlers and smaller age range (say under 7). So we gave it a shot.

Birthday Trip to Universal

Around my birthday in March, I had casually mentioned going to Carowinds, North Carolina or Universal Studios. Of course, those suggestions were more about the kids rather than about me.

My husband had an out-of-town work arrangement that weekend so we pushed things back to Spring break. That gave us more days off. Instead of making a quick weekend trip to Carowinds NC, we chose Universal Studios, Florida.

How Was the Experience?

Well, I think it could have been much better. I don’t know if that’s because of the park of because of us. We got there around noon and left about 6pm. It also rained on and off while there. I think it warrants a two day trip to really get a good feel of the park.

Dr Seuss Landing was a fun spot to see.

Most of the photos I have is with this little one in view since she was with me while the others went with daddy to other activities.

Dr. Seuss’s Ride – That was a fun ride – Just inside a building with Seuss-Like Characters taking and popping out as you ride

Stone Building area was a fun site too – I don’t know what this area is called but it looks like some kind of “live show” area

These Snow-Topped Houses were cool

Food

I love getting those giant Turkey legs. The first time I had one was at Bush Gardens and it was so fun to eat!

The kids enjoyed pizza and our other daughter, Chicken Tenders and Fries (don’t think I have a photo)

Don’t worry, everyone else walks around eating their giant Turkey leg too.

Spiderman Area

The Spiderman ride was such a fun ride. It’s a pretend 3-D ride around town that has villains coming after you. Looks and felt like we were actually part of a movie.

Altogether, I’m glad we went so now we know what it is about.

Ya’ll, I think these are the 2nd set of selfies we’ve put up on the blog. The first here recently. Boy have things changed since the blogging world began – Selfies are now a thing:)

As we exited the park I took some photos too

Have you been to Universal Studios? How was your experience?

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Family Activities

Spring Break Trip to Orlando, Florida

This year for our Spring Break, we took a trip to Florida. We do travel frequently but some of these trips don’t make it to the blog because it seems like we post on Social Media and then move on.

The two main activities we did were Universal Studios and LegoLand. We also did the pool at the resort. I’m working on these posts to share with you. But here is where we stayed on our trip.

Windsor Hill Resorts

We booked our stay at the Windsor Hill Resorts, Kissimmee Florida. The room we got was amazing. We walked in and were like wooohhh this place is amazing! It looked like a condo. I think the rooms are actually called condos. There were 3 bedrooms and 2 bath, a laundry room, a full kitchen with appliances and dishes, dining area, a living room area, and a porch to hang outside.

It was beautiful and we were so pleased. There was a small waterpark and a pool onsite as well. We only used it about one time but it is something fun for families to do if you just want something to do but not get off the hotel grounds. Small shops and restaurants are also on site.

Photos from Universal Studios and LegoLand coming soon:)

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Gift Ideas

Bogg Bag Tote

The Bogg Bag is one of the best tote bags I’ve used for going to the pool and beach a long time! It’s functional and makes a very helpful and fun addition to our pool and beach trips! This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

If you don’t own a Bogg bag as a mom you’re just missing out! Kidding but this has got to be one of my favorite buys in a long time. There’s a reason why the Bogg bag is such a huge trend this summer. This tote bag is one of the best I’ve had for going to the beach and pool! Reasons to love the Bogg bag.

The material is something of hard plastic
Waterproof (yay)
Holes to get rid of water
Sturdy and holds it’s shape
Holds a ton of stuff
Customizable with fun accessories

When I first saw this Bag going around social media, I loved it immediately. But the price was very hot! Like over $70 for a tote bad didn’t sit well with me at all. However, after doing some searches I realized there are different sizes and different price points. The large bag is naturally more expensive.

But the thing about buying this bag is you never know what the actual size is until you see it. So how did I know which size to pick? Let me tell you how I ended up picking the absolute right size, which in essential is the large size.

XLarge

Large

Medium

Bag Fun accessories

At a Waterpark one day, a mom walked by with a bog bag. She was just entering the waterpark at the same time we were. I stopped to ask her about the size of her bag. I’ve seen it trending but couldn’t tell the size from online. She kindly told me she had a medium and it was the perfect size for her and how much she loved that bag.

Few minutes later, at pool, there was another mom with a larger bag. I went over and asked about the size. She had a large one. Well, I knew I saw it looked large but had to make sure. And what do you know, another person with a smaller size than the first two showed up. There was my answer!! I didn’t have to ask about sizes this time. I knew I needed the large one. So if you are unsure which Bogg bag to get but have lots of items to take to the beach or other outing, I’d suggest the large one or the x-large. This is the size you need here.

Now I have two, a large one and a medium. After purchasing the first one, I love it so much I decided to purchase another, this time a medium. I figured I could use the medium one for smaller outings such as going to the pool and that larger ones for beach.

Would love to know what you think about the All-Famous Bogg Bags if you purchase or is gifted one!

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She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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Edible Ocean Sensory Bin – Toddler Play Idea

Creating an Edible Ocean Sensory Bin is a great way to encourage safe, at-home toddler play during the summer.

I originally created this ocean sensory bin a little over 9 years ago when our first daughter was 2 years old. It’s easy to make and a it’s a great way to recreate an ocean scene indoors for your little ones. Not to mention, it’s edible. Oats and Jell-O are its base. Shells and small fishes could be optional for an even safter play time. Depending on the age of your child, he or she may just choose to use their hands.

How to Make an Edible Ocean Sensory Bin

You’ll need:

Disposable Tinfoil Baking Pan or a pan of some sort (size is a preference)

1 small Canister of Oats (more or less depending on the size of the pan)
Blue Jell-O
Sand play toys, shells, small toy ocean life, and even fake little trees

What to do:

Make the Jell-O according to package directions
Once the Jell-O is ready, crumble it up and pour it on one side in the pan
Add Oats on the opposite side, 1 cup at a time. Spreading the oats out.
Add rocks in the sand and some in the ocean
Add sea animals in the water
Add trees to create a super-duper fun Ocean scene
Add sand toys
The Ocean Sensory Bin is now ready for the kids to play

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She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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Fresh Peach Popsicles

These Peach Popsicles are made from real fruit and will be the next best Homemade Popsicle you’ve made in a long time:)

Summertime and Popsicles

Summertime and Popsicles just go hand in hand. Our fridge is always stocked with some kind of popsicle whether they are homemade or store-bought. Summertime is also perfect for trying out new Popsicles flavors at home. With a galore of Fresh fruits on the market, the options are endless. We’ve tried – Watermelon, lemon, peaches, etc. Here are other options you can try: strawberries, mangoes, grapes, oranges, a mix of berries, a mix of fruit such as Kiwi-Banana, pineapple-coconut, etc. I mean, so many options to choose from.

Recipe for these Peach Popsicles

Ingredients:

2 Cups Frozen Real Peaches (purchase in the frozen food isle of your grocery store)
1 Cup or two Tubs Peach Yogurt (I used a combination of Peach & Vanilla Yogurt)
1-1/2 Cups Milk (of choice)
1 to 2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar or Honey

Method:

Add peaches to the blender.
Add in yogurt, then Agave and then pour milk over.
Blend.
Stir in Diced Peaches.
Pour into Popsicle Molds.
Freeze.
Serve when ready.

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She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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First and Last Days of School Photos 2022-2023

Thesephotosof

Did you catch how they did in school this year? They did amazing. Check out their awards! Here are some photos of their first and last days of school for this year. I’m always amazed of how much children grow within a year. My little boy look so much taller in his end of year photos.

Our Son – 1st Grade

That first photo below is one of my favorite of his cute little face:)

2nd Daughter – 4th Grade

Always a star and makes sure she smiles for every photo:)

1st Daughter – 6th Grade

Here’s my model. So happy she took the plunge for 6th Grade:)

I love that I got these photos of the kids, including the unplanned last day of school photos.

And just for fun – And so excited for summer break!

I got some random photos of the kids and I as they finished up their last day of school. My son actually stayed home because they were basically done the day before with everything. Classroom was cleaned and everything packed up and ready to go:) The girls wanted to go that last day to see their friends and but also and finished up with whoever came that day.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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How the Kids Did in School Their First Year & First Year Back

Loving how the kids did in school this year. This is a recap of the school year and their first year back to an actual school building.

The kids went out to school this year and it was such a big moment for each of them. It was our son’s first time in school full time (he did a week in school the previous year). Since this was such a big year for the kids, I wanted to document that here. Each of the kids did so well, not only with grades but with how they carried themselves in school. Don’t miss their first and last days of school photos here to see if you could spot any differences.

The School morning hustle was rough. Getting up early, making lunches, dropping off to school buses, etc. is seriously a struggle. There’s got to be an easier way! Umm.. homeschool? Now I know why I love homeschooling! In any event, we’re praising the Lord that they made it through.

Our Son’s 1st Grade Year and Very First Year in School

At the beginning of the year, it was kinda rough because my son thought the school hours were long and wanted to stay home a couple days during the week. You got to understand, he was entering 1st grade and a first timer in a school building setting. Once he started making friends and figured out how school works, all of that wanting to stay home desires went away.

He ended loving school, his teachers, friends, and always wanted to go. Even on days he didn’t feel good with a cold or mild fever, he wanted to go to celebrate activities. Some we ended up missing of course because of illnesses and emergencies but overall, he went consistently. Now that we’re on summer break he misses his friends:)

1st Grade Awards Received

1st Quarter – Most Improved
2nd Quarter – Done in February for Nov/Dec (special award below)
No 3rd & 4th Quarter and End of School Ceremony. Although my son said they had awards given out in the classroom at the end of school.

Special Award

Generosity Award, Terrific Kid (this was done in February for Quarter 2 Nov/Dec)

Singing:

I loved that he got to sing in their Christmas program. I’ve always wanted my kids to sing in programs but they never did because they were not exposed to them. I was so happy for this time!

Our 4th Grader Daughter’s Year

She enjoyed meeting new kids and developing some friendships with a couple of them. For her 10th birthday, we had about 4 girls from her class over. Her teachers were loved and she acted so mature. Also, she maintained a straight A Honor Roll throughout the entire school year.

Awards Received

1st Quarter – A Honor Roll
2nd Quarter – A Honor Roll
3rd Quarter – A Honor Roll
4th Quarter – A Honor Roll

Special Awards:

Generosity Award , Terrific Kid, in Quarter 2
Citizenship Award in Quarter 3

Speaking Events

Black History Month Speech at school
To the 3rd Graders at the end of school about entering 4th Grade

Singing:

Singing in her classes program brought us much joy. I love that she got to participate since she’s never had an opportunity to sing on a stage with other kids before.

Our Daughter’s 6th Grade Year

6th Grade is not the easiest to adjust. Kids are developing and wanting to do their own thing. One thing that made us move forward with the in-school decision was because she showed excitement. At first, she too was hesitant to go out. But she did it and we got through. It was not always fun with some of the kids on the school bus being so naughty, fast mouth, and disobedient to the bus driver. But she learned and grew in several other knowledge and areas for her age group.

Awards Received

Our Eldest attended 6th Grade

1st & 2nd Quarter (Done together, I think) – Silver Honor Roll & Highest Average
2nd Quarter – Kindness Award
3rd & 4th Quarter – Science, Social Studies, and A/B Honor Roll
Special Award – Kindness Award in Quarter 2

Music:

Ah this was a favorite! She took violin classes at the school and played in music and band events!

Singing:

She sang in chorus and participated in several singing events at her school and other schools (as part of the program). In May, they had their final concert with all the coordinating schools in the district including the High School. That was so very fun!!

Altogether, it was a busy year for all. We’re happy to take a break from the super early mornings rushing out the door!

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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Amazon Favorites for Home and Family

Our Amazon favorites for Home and Family can help you discover new products that can be useful for your home. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

I’ve been a lover of Amazon ever since my first daughter was about to be born over 12 years ago. Wait, when did Amazon first come out? I don’t know but all I know is that it is one of my absolute favorite places to shop! Amazon is easy, convenient, find all the things and affordable (well, some products exact or similar you can find cheaper in a brick and mortar store) but either way, sometimes you just don’t have the time to always run to the store. Amazon it is! You can find almost any product you need on Amazon.

You can find all of my family’s Amazon favorites in our Storefront. I hope some of our favorites can be a help to you and your family also.

And as they are running Prime Day deals, it’s a great time to find products you’ve been desiring but was hoping for a lesser price.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (proverbs 31:27).

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Breakfast

Crescent Twists with Nutella

Crescent Roll Twist with Nutella is an easy breakfast, afternoon or after school snack for kids.

Cooking with Crescent Rolls

Freezer Crescent Rolls in a can is an easy bread can be used for different meals and in various recipes. The taste of these crescent rolls is soft and buttery and makes for a delicious treat anytime. When I first introduced pre-made crescent rolls to our kids they had zero interest. I’ve only made them homemade crescent rolls using this recipe that they love and only knew that taste. Now, they love the premade kind too.

Ideas for what you Can make with Crescent Rolls

Make a breakfast pizza (my husband absolutely loves this)
Pigs in a blanket
Add ham and cheese
Add Nutella
Make a sandwich
So many ideas

How to Make Crescent Roll Twists

What you need:

1 Can Crescent Rolls
1 Tablespoon Melted Butter
A dusting of Flour
A Baking pan (lined with Parchment Paper, optional)
A Rolling Pin

For serving: Nutella and strawberries or another Nut-butter and fruit your child prefers. This could be optional but it will add some Protein plus fruits to your little one’s diet.

What to do:

Heat oven to recommended degree on the back of the Crescent Roll can.
Lightly dust counter space with flour.
Open can of rolls.
Gather all pieces of rolls into a ball.
Roll out on floured counter with the Rolling Pin.
Separate dough into 16 pieces.
Use two pieces to make a twist. Repeat with remaining pieces of dough.
Place twists on baking pan. Bake according to directions on the can.
Remove from the oven. Brush with melted butter.

Fun Part: Place Crescent twists on a serving tray. Add a small bowl of Nutella and strawberries.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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Our Son’s First Real Low Haircut

Our son’s first real low haircut at 8 Years Old!

Why We Waited

We waited. Well, I waited. When my son was a baby, I wanted nothing more than to keep growing his beautiful soft curls. He had the most gorgeous head of hair. Around 18 months old when the conversation came about between my husband and I about when his first haircut should be, I mentioned that I wanted to grow it out. But eventually, that beautiful hair didn’t want combs in there. So one quick hairdo turned into several and before you know it, the hair became tougher and tougher to handle.

Fast forward to 3 years old and we were on our way to a trip in the Caribbean. We took our little boy for his first haircut at the Barber’s. That was a fail. Our son was terrified of the trimming machine. The Barber suggested we wait until he was able to handle the trimming. He mentioned that it was not his first time he had a kid who was terrified of getting a haircut and it’s in the child’s best interest that we wait. So we waited.

Around the age of 6, when we enrolled him in school, we got another haircut….although it was not a full cut. It was not a low cut. Both my son and I wanted something with a bit of a high-top. It was so cute.

But when his hair grew back and said hair was a became a mess, that even a comb couldn’t go through, we had to agree with the Barber that we needed to do a very low cut and start from scratch. That was such a tough decision for every one. My little one didn’t want to have his hair cut low like his dad and he didn’t want kids to make fun of his low cut. But we knew it was in his and our best interest to have his hair cut low so we could handle it better. So we braved up and did it.

The haircut turned out so cute and my son’s hair so neat and clean… that has never looked better! But the challenge came when it was time to go to school the following day. He was a little embarrassed to go to school. I felt for him because kids will tell you as they see and my son had a hard time accepting the fact that his hair was so low. I think hind sight, we should have cut it on a time when he had a few days off school to let it grow a tad. But we wanted fresh at the moment and I as a mom just couldn’t take that previous hair anymore, to be honest.

Did the kids make fun of him?

Oh, some of them made comments of his hair that he didn’t like at all… “You are bald” was what he heard from other kids. One day, a kid shouted across the room something about him being bald. At that point, I ended up calling the school and the office transferred me to the principal. She took care of that. I didn’t hear any more complaints after that and eventually, my son grew confident with his hairstyle. And eventually, it grew back but not as long as it was before. It’s still very low now but not as low as when he got that first very low cut.

Do you have boys you’ve taken to the Barber’s for a haircut? How was their first experience? Would love to know in the comments.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, ane eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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How to Make Hamburgers at Home

Shop This Lunch Box on Amazon (affiliate link)

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LegoLand Winter Haven, Florida

What Activities are in Legoland?

Lego Display Area

Birthday Trip to Universal

How Was the Experience?

Food

Spiderman Area

Windsor Hill Resorts

How to Make an Edible Ocean Sensory Bin

Summertime and Popsicles

Recipe for these Peach Popsicles

Our Son – 1st Grade

2nd Daughter – 4th Grade

1st Daughter – 6th Grade

And just for fun – And so excited for summer break!

Our Son’s 1st Grade Year and Very First Year in School

1st Grade Awards Received

Our 4th Grader Daughter’s Year

Awards Received

Our Daughter’s 6th Grade Year

Awards Received

Cooking with Crescent Rolls

Ideas for what you Can make with Crescent Rolls

How to Make Crescent Roll Twists

Why We Waited

Did the kids make fun of him?

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