The adventure of life...

I love to see the temple

First family temple trip to the DC temple, first time Pierce got to do baptisms, my first time helping in the font all equals a glorious day. It was cold and rainy, and bless our friend's heart for taking Gretel and Christian around the temple grounds while the rest of us were inside. Even though the temple is 3.5-4 hours away, I love the drive there. I have told Ryan multiple times that I would just love to live in the neighborhood near the temple, in Kensington, Maryland. I completely adore it. It is gorgeous, green, lush, full of walking/biking trails, charming houses and shops everywhere you turn, and who wouldn't want to live near such a breathtaking temple? Seriously, it took my breath away the second we drove up and saw it, even though I had seen it before, this time was special. I was so excited for the kids to see it, and the spires were naturally glowing so brilliantly, even on a cloudy day. It is simply beautiful. As a mother, one of the precious moments that will be etched in my mind forever is when I was able to wrap up Gwen, then Pierce, (then Ryan)  in a clean, white towel after they participated in the Lord's work.


First youth temple trip, September 17, 2011

Pumpkin Cream Puffs

Each fall I am on the lookout for new pumpkin recipes. You just can't go wrong with pumpkin, at least that is my experience thus far. A few years ago it was Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, a recipe that quickly made it to the top of my "favorites" list. The next year it was Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins, another win-win recipe and a staple in our house ever since (both recipes, along with many other pumpkin recipes on me and my sisters' blog, Delicious Dales). But since then I haven't been very adventurous in my baking with pumpkin. Until now.

Have you ever tried Pumpkin Cream Puffs? The idea popped in my head a few days ago. I love cream puffs. I was raised on cream puffs, so to speak. My mom has probably made thousands of homemade cream puffs through the years, but especially when I was younger when she had her catering business. I have fond memories of watching her make the cream puff dough, and stood by her side many a times helping to stir, hold something, or just to learn through her example. Sweet or savory, nothing beats a good cream puff.

So I went to Allrecipes, and of course, there was one recipe for Pumpkin Cream Puffs. I decided to try it, with a few alterations. I was a little worried they weren't going to taste that great...but the verdict was unanimous--they were delicious! Even Ryan liked them and said a couple times they were really good. He is not one for rich or overly-sweet desserts, which this one is not, so I think that's why he enjoyed them.

If you are looking for a new recipe to kick off Fall Baking Season 2011, or if you are planning on doing a little entertaining this fall, I really think this recipe would be something fun, easy, and different to try! And one thing I love about cream puffs-they are always pleasing to the eye, especially when drizzled with chocolate or dusted with confectioners sugar and then placed on a doily-lined tray or cake stand (something my mama is famous for Ü). I am happy to say that the making of cream puffs is being passed down to my children, especially my little Iron Chef Christian (he told me that's what he wants to be when he grows up) who was by my side the whole time.

Recipe HERE at Delicious Dales.

Canning woes

Do you feel the change in seasons coming where you're at? I have to say that the last couple of days have been really hot and humid, but that doesn't stop that little clock inside me who has been whispering nothing but sweet thoughts about autumn time. I love the restful feeling I get this time of year, and not just because the kids are all back in school, but there's something else. And isn't it funny how we women get the natural urge to stock up our food shelves, bake and can during these cooler, calmer months?

Canning has always been a summer/fall activity for us since we've been married, but unfortunately since we've moved to VA I have not canned. I've made jam...plenty of strawberry freezer jam...but our home canned jars of fruits and vegetables are dwindling very rapidly. I'm sad. Our garden was a failure this year. We now know what to do and not to do next year. We were gone on vacation when peaches and pears were available to can (it's an hour and a half drive to get them, mind you), and I just feel bummed. Fruit is in season earlier here than what I'm used to in Utah, and I'm mad at myself for waiting too long to look for it. There is hope for apples though. We will have to drive to the mountains to go pick some (3 hour drive anyone?), but it's going to have to be done. We can't have bare shelves and all these empty mason jars this winter. It simply won't do. I am determined to buy as many apples as we can and make as much applesauce as we can!

So here's to all you ladies who may be busy canning. I envy you. Be grateful for the bounty you've been blessed with, that even though it's a lot of work, there's nothing more satisfying than to see those beautiful, glistening jars all lined up in a row on your kitchen counter.


What once was our zucchini, crook neck squash, and cantaloupe patch. Got maybe a couple zucchini early in the season, the rest nothing. They stopped producing. 



The critters get to our veggies before we can-darn critters!

I didn't take pictures

First day of school today, and first time I didn't take pictures of my kiddies before they walked out the door! We all had so much on our minds, that by the time one of them reminded me to take pictures, it was too late. Gwen was already out the door walking over to the neighbor's house to get a ride to school with their two high-schoolers (seminary doesn't start until next week); 25 minutes later it was Gretel and Christian's turn and I walked them down to their designated bus stop; then 30 minutes later it was Pierce's turn, and I drove him to his "0" bell class, something new for him this year. They kept me hopping and I regret not getting my camera out. No one was hungry this morning. On the menu was banana muffins and grapefruit, and none of them were able to eat their whole breakfast. A couple of them had butterflies so bad we had a couple emergent trips to the toilet before leaving the house, if you know what I mean. Ahhhh, the first day of school! Gotta love it.

Lots of changes this year with school. Instead of my 4 kids going to 2 schools, we now have 4 kids going to 4 schools. Gretel and Christian are together still, but Pierce is all alone in middle school this year, and Gwen is going to 2 high schools. This creates for more chaos and more organization on my part. I finally bought myself a bulletin board (haven't had one for a year) and have vowed that I WILL get organized! The house has been in disarray this summer and I have piles of papers stacked here and there, just waiting to be sorted through. For my own sanity, I MUST get organized this school year!

So here I sit in a quiet house with the only sounds being the whirl of the ceiling fan and a little rustle here or there coming from Gus-Gus's cage in the girls' room. I feel a little sad. A little lonely, missing my kids and hoping they are okay. I like peace and quiet, but I sense these days of having a house full of kids slowly slipping by, and I don't like that. I don't want to work today. I can't even focus. This peace and quiet is driving me crazy. I would much rather have a house full of kids...fighting and all!