Autumn Thankfulness

Autumn is natures grand finale of color fireworks.

The harvest colors are so warm and comforting as the temperature starts its decline. They beg you to snuggle in and get compy for a long winters nap.

It my favorite season. I look forward to the beauty nature creates each and every year. If only it lasted just a tad longer.

Happy November!

Leave A Comment

Thankful Heart

When my blog friend Heidi proposed the Thankful Heart Project, I knew I wanted  to join in on the fun. I had high hopes of featuring one of the many blessings in my life each day with you during the month of November. Well, as you can tell by the date, I haven't exactly achieved that goal. So, instead of stressing out, I'm going to bend the rules just a tad and do what I can with my crazy schedule this fall.

I am so thankful that I was chosen to be Nicholas' mom. He has grown into a wonderful young man. Now that he is an adult, I have the pleasure of enjoying a new, and different, role in parenting. No, he isn't finished growing or learning but he is well on his way and my hard work of parenting in his younger years is paying off!  Whew!

Nicholas was home a couple of weeks ago for fall break. His visit was nothing short of  fabulous. We had a great time together filled with family fun. I'm planning on sharing his visit in the next few days {read I'm really behind on blogging!}

Leave A Comment

I'm dreaming of ...

A white Halloween!
{not really music to my ears}

The day started out gloomy

Changed over to rain

then

Slushy rain

and finally ...

Snow!

I must admit that I'm not even the slightest bit excited about the white stuff falling from the sky.



We never even had a fall this year. I feel cheated out of my favorite season. 

It has gone from the dog  days of summer to a winter wonderland almost over night!

Due to the hurricane {a mere few weeks ago} our trees are all out of sorts. Most of the trees in our area are still hanging on to all their leaves. Usually most leaves have fallen by now and the branches are bare.

Branches full of leaves + heavy snow = no power

The only one, in my home, that was excited to play in the white stuff falling from the sky was Bentley. He was looking at Bozley trying to convince him to join in the fun.

Bozley, sharing my thoughts, looked at him like he was CRAZY!

This morning I awoke at 5am to the sound of snow plows ~ ugh!
We had a very bright white view from the window ~ double ugh!

I am praying this isn't an indication of what is in store for us this winter!

Leave A Comment

My Week

It's been a crazy busy week but I'm really enjoying the ever so slight hint of autumn in the air. I'm really stressing the word "slight" as it's been very hot and humid here in my little part of the world.




Dressing for school has been a challenge. I don't own many {read any} clothes designed for fall in the south. My fall wardrobe features heavy cottons, down, and wool. Since going naked isn't an option, I've had to get creative instead of cute. Not fun.



Anyway ...



My week in review has managed to bring about one of my favorite ingredients .... PUMPKIN!

Our neighbor recently lost his father. His life was celebrated as he enjoyed 94 amazing years of life full of adventure. It's so cute to hear his grandsons speak of him with such love and admiration.

After all the family had left, and their lives had quieted down a tad, {as much as it can with little boys and all their activities} I dropped off a dinner basket on their porch. I made my families lasagna, my friend Lori's amazing bread, and easy peasy, but oh so yummy, chocolate yam cupcakes. Yes, you read that correctly ~ yam. Pumpkin is at an all time shortage in my stores so I've resorted to using yams. You cannot tell the difference. Seriously! Give it a try {Susan :)} and you'll be delighted.

*Recipe listed at that the bottom*



On Sunday, before church, I warmed up the over and made pumpkin cinnamon rolls. These were good but didn't have as much pumpkin flavor as I had hoped for so I'll keep looking for a tastier recipe.

While strolling through Trader Joe's I spied one of my favorite treats. Figs! They don't make an appearance often here in the north but when they do, I take full advantage.

I'm making a fig and brie appetizer this evening to take to a friend's home for dinner. I'll let you know how it turns out. If it passes our strict panel of judges (ha), I'll share the recipe with you.

*anything with brie passes with flying colors!*

Chocolate Yam Cupcakes with Yam Cream Cheese frosting

Cupcakes
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 cup mashed yams {from a can}
1 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cream cheese frosting
8 oz. cream cheese {I use the low fat}
1/2 cup mashed yams
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1tsp. cinnamon

Cupcakes:
Mix all the ingredients together and beat for about 2 minutes on low.

Spoon into desired cupcake tin of choice {I like the mini}

Bake for 12 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Remove to wire rack and let cool.

Frosting:
Beat all the ingredients together until creamy.

Pipe onto cupcakes

Sprinkle with a little autumn sugar

Enjoy!

Happy October!

Leave A Comment

You are Invited

Next week I'm having some girlfriends over for

Friday Night Happy Hour

The weather looks like it will be nice so we'll be able to spend the evening outdoors on our patio.


We will enjoy an outdoor fire, munchies and cocktails.

I LOVE to entertain this time of year!

Keeping with the outdoor theme ....




These are my simple and sweet invites

{yes, they can be redeemed Friday night :) }

I thought it would be fun to "treat" the girls to something fun rather than just a random email inviting them over for the evening.

Hey, kids can't have all the fun of the season.

These brought a smile to their faces.

Last year for Halloween I made up s'more bags using the ghost Peeps.
My students and neighborhood childrened loved them.

{so darn cute!}

Yep, I'll be making those again this year as they were a huge hit!

Since it's not quite Halloween, I tried to go with just a pumpkin theme and use orange and brown {it looks black in the photos} ribbons.
I used what I already had on hand.

The actual invitation is somewhat hidden in the photo since I didn't want my personal information shown for all to see. I used a pumpkin die cut {orange with white polka dots} and printed the time and date in brown ink.

Fun and festive!

For safety purposes {ha,ha} I tested these out ;)

yummy!

Leave A Comment

Autumn Eve

Let's start the new season off with a hearty {and yummy} breakfast. I'm not sure if this is more breakfast or more dessert. Either way, it's delicious! 

You can thank me later :)

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal


~Hearty


~Yummy


and semi ~ healthy!

1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup syrup {don't use the good stuff}
2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried blueberries {or any dried fruit of choice}
3/4 cup diced apple
1 cup low fat milk
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 large egg

Combine all ingredients and stir well. Let this rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows them to combine and moisten. Divide into four greased small bowls. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until golden brown.



* I make a double batch for the work week and just reheat it in the morning. It's a great way to start the day and smells wonderful! :)

Enjoy!

* I don't remember where I found the original recipe. I've adjusted the recipe to please our tastes. This recipe is very forgiving and welcomes new ideas.

Leave A Comment

Back from the DARK

It has been a l o n g 7 and a half days (whose counting!) of living on the Prairie, but we are back and enjoying ELECTRICITY!

Let me just tell you that flushing a toilet has become a luxury and once power was restored, it was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. I will never take this for granted again. Most of us not living in the "city" have wells. Once the power goes ... so do they! Ugh, double ugh!!!

I have much to share, but will have to wait a day or two until we are back to normal. Thankfully our home is fine but we lost several large branches and our yard is a sea of leaves, small branches and debris.

However, I didn't want to wait to thank those that have emailed me, called or text over the past several days. Sadly, we lost a lot of tower strength and my communication was very limited.

With giddy delight, I introduce my new besties ... the power guys! They are from all over the United States. They are gift giving gentlemen that are working 16 hour shifts far from their families. A big thank you for their hard work and their families for sharing them when our state needs them so desperately. We were told that without outside help, we wouldn't have power for 3~4 months. That should give you an idea of how hard Connecticut was hit by Irene.

When they arrived in our sub division I wanted to kiss them! In fact, I think my husband wanted to kiss them. Actually, there was booth set up and a very long line to show such gratitude! This little *adventure* took its tole on us and taught me a few lessons. I'll share those next.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Enjoy those around you ~ that's what's most important.

Leave A Comment