Fall Fun

Pumpkin Cream Pie

2 graham cracker pie crusts

2 8oz. packages of cream cheese (not low-fat)

1 14oz. can of sweetened condensed milk (see recipe below for recipe if you would rather make it)

1 cup cooked squash or pumpkin

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Mix together with mixer and put in pie crusts. Cool for at least 2 hours.

For this recipe, since it is fall, I changed a favorite pie and added pumpkin. I took it to church for lunch and it was finished quickly with good compliments. I hope you like it.

Sweetened condensed milk

1 c. nonfat dry milk

1/2 c. boiling water

2/3 c. sugar

3 Tbsp. melted butter

Put all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Makes the same as a 14 ounce can.

(from Audrey Rohrer, my neighbor growing up, in Meals and Memories, my Lancaster Mennonite High School Cookbook)

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Elena made this cake yesterday. We made a cooking show of it, but were not able to upload the video here. She does great cooking shows!

This is a simple recipe, and delicious! You can't taste the pumpkin, but it makes the cake moist and healthier.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix

1 15 oz. can of pumpkin

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons oil

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 min.

Danielle Ray told me about this recipe, then I found it at http://www.allrecipes.com/

Since we are talking about important things...
Michael, the love of my life must be mentioned here.
He is a wonderful husband. He is also a super daddy to the kids. He takes time for us, talks about what he is learning about God, fixes whatever breaks, tackles big projects, brings home special treats, teaches character in speach and by example, helps me relax and enjoy life, and always encourages us to keep homeschooling and seeking after the Lord. He is my biggest fan.
God has blessed me beyond measure.

Beginning School 2011

We began school at the end of August. Our goals this year are to focus on the basics. With Blane awake during some of the morning, we must seize the quiet moments. We have a good schedule now; Math, Writing, Spelling, Science and History, with each child doing Reading, Penmanship, and Grammar independently. When one child is working independently, then I am able to work with whoever needs help.

Summer gone

Summer has flown by...

Lots of vegetables, sunshine, busy kids, and holding Blane.