2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins...

Once again, I have snagged a GREAT recipe from Pinterest.  This recipe was super easy and I even had the ingredients in my kitchen.  While they aren't the most beautiful muffins I've ever seen...I couldn't resist a shot in front of my Pumpkin Patch sign.  Also, my boys loved them!!  These are perfect for a cool, fall morning.

Ingredients:

1 Box Cake Mix (I used Yellow Cake Mix from Aldi)

1 15 oz Can of Pumpkin (also from Aldi)

Mix both ingredients until most of the lumps are gone and bake at 350 degrees.

That's It!!   

For the record...I added in a couple of shakes of Nutmeg and Cinnamon.  I guess, technically, that would make these 4 ingredient muffins...but who's counting.  I'm making these again today with a Spice Cake mix.

Enjoy!

Jackie

Gracie Says...

"Have a Great Weekend, Folks!"

Oh, September...

I love September,

especially when we're in it.

-Willie Stargell

As I write this...it is 41 degrees this morning.  I have the oven on and the door open to warm up my kitchen...I'm drinking my coffee with vanilla caramel creamer.  I love cool, fall mornings.  Something about this time of year makes me want to bake some of this and while it's in the oven set to work on some deep cleaning in this house.  In the garden, I'm enjoying watching the blooms fade and some of the leaves start to fall.  We have a new friend who has moved in under our driveway...a groundhog...a large one.  Maybe he, too, is enjoying fall and looking to spruce up his home before the cold sets in.   I'm guessing he is all huddled up in his new home this morning though, since there is a chill in the air.  I suspect we don't really want a groundhog living under our driveway since kids are playing in that area all the time.  Hmmmm...if it weren't for the possible dangers...I kind of like the thought of a groundhog living under the driveway.

I hope it's feeling Septemberish wherever you are today. 

Jackie

Welcoming Fall To My Home...

Every Leaf Speaks Bliss To Me,

Fluttering From The Autumn Tree

~Emily Bronte

I've been doing some decorating around the house.  While it isn't officially here yet...I'm Welcoming Fall.

I can smell the Pumpkin Spice, Apple and Pumpkin Cheesecake candles burning now.  Here is a peek at what I've been up to...

Little Fall Tree In The Dining Room...

Fall Vignette Above Hutch In Dining Room...

Our Little Scarecrow Witch Friend In The Foyer...(she's been here longer than the kids I suspect...many years)...

Grandma's Old White Cabinet Decorated For Fall...

Inside The Cabinet...

Mmmm...My Favorite Scent...

Jackie

Surprisingly Satisfied...

¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 
Philippians 4:12-13

This weekend I'm mediating on the verse above in Philippians.  I feel this one. I know what's it's like to not know if you're going to have a roof over your head or food on the table.  Although my Mom did a great job providing for us...this was a very real part of my childhood.  A part of my past that I'm grateful for now. 

I know the feeling of lack. 

This weekend I plan to sign my first Resolution.  A Resolution To Be Content.  

The Resolution reads like this...

I do solemnly resolve to embrace my current season of life and will maximize my time in it.  

I will resist the urge to hurry through or circumvent any portion of my journey but will live with a spirit of contentment.

Resolved,

Jackie

*photo source: My Finding the Faith Pinboard on Pinterest.  Original Source Sherbert Blossom.

The next step...a new cast for Kyler...

Someone is a little nervous before getting the old cast off but he is smiling anyway...

Ahh...look at that cute little orange cast...

Some people think the best part of having a broken leg is getting to bring the old cast home...

Today was a milestone in Kyler's broken leg recovery.  The huge long leg cast was removed and a snazzy bright orange walking cast was put on today.  He will walk again as early as next week and our little kindergartener will be running around the playground with his new friends in a couple of months. 

His recovery has gone so well and we are still amazed at how he has adjusted to life in a wheelchair.  From the very first day, he just accepted it and continued on with his life the best he could.  I'm feeling much better about things than when I wrote this post a few weeks ago. 

We have been fortunate to have a great Doctor and insurance to cover most of the expense.  Broken legs and ER visits are very expensive as you can imagine.  It will be months before we know exactly how expensive it all is.  However...all is well.

He is healing.

He likes school.

He will walk again soon.

It's Good!

Jackie

Inspiring Words...

These words just make me want to be better...to DO better...

Inspired,

Jackie

What Is The Hurry?

This whole summer I have been running at a hectic pace.  I haven't taken the time to enjoy much.  As a result, I have burned out, have had some depression and I can't even really tell you anything we did this summer.  Sad. How I've lived the past few months is opposite of the title of this Blog.  I haven't Embraced much...except work..at home and at the office.

Recently the question was asked, "What have you been hurrying through?"  My answers sounded something like..."work days...crazy evenings at home...weeks...months...pay periods...hot summer days".  Life.  

The next questions stopped me cold.  "What have you been hurrying to get to?"  Silence.  The only word I had was..."Nothing". I have been rushing through my days, weeks, and months to get to....what?  Nothing. 

God intended for that question to be asked of me.  I have to live these hard questions sometimes so that I step back and take a look at how I'm living my life.  I won't get those summer days back.  I can do better.  I can resolve to not miss things in my life anymore.  Rushing through my life and not taking the time to enjoy every moment is not God's plan for me.  I can choose to spend my time in a way that is pleasing to Him and blesses my family. 

What is the hurry anyway?

Awakened,


Jackie

Curtains blowing in the cool breeze.  
Quiet days.  
Food on the grill.  
Lovely weekend. 

Fall is heading our way...

Jackie