Pie Heaven

"When you die, if you get a choice between regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven. If might be a trick, but if not, mmmmm, boy!"
-Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy


Since I am hosting my family for Thanksgiving this year, I decided to try making my own pies from scratch. I had never made a pie crust before today. I was very nervous.





Miraculously, it worked! Apparently the trick is using really cold butter and water. I made two pies, a pumpkin and a pecan. Here's the pecan before it went into the oven:




And here they both are after coming out of the oven:





I hope they taste good! For the record, I'm choosing "pie heaven." Happy Thanksgiving!

A Hair Raising Experience

We spent this weekend at this lovely cabin in the woods, courtesy of our friends Stoney and Emilee. We had a great time relaxing, playing games, eating good food, and riding four wheelers.

Doesn't Addy look thrilled?

Until...(Duh, Duh, Duh...scary music)....

On Saturday, we decided to take a drive further up the mountain to a lake about an hour away. There were three families and we all piled into two cars. Our family was in our Xterra, with Brandon at the wheel. The weather was fine when we headed out. The drive up the mountain was beautiful, but was on a very windy, curving road with sheer cliffs on either side (about a 1500 foot drop off). About 30 minutes in, we came to a small tree that had fallen and was blocking the road. It was easy enough to drive over. It also started to snow slightly with just a few flurries coming down. As we continued along, we came to another tree blocking our path, big enough that we couldn't drive over it. One of the guys, Stoney, was able to remove it using his truck and a tow strap. I started to get worried about the snow as it was quickly coming down faster and heavier. I told the rest of the group that I felt we should turn around so we did not get stuck driving down this dangerous mountain road in a snowstorm. Of course, the guys all disagreed. I was met with "We'll be fine," "Don't worry," and "Just let us handle it."

We kept driving as the snow became worse and worse. At this point I was sick to my stomach and was literally begging Brandon to turn around, to no avail. The other women in the group agreed with me, but the husbands were not to be pursuaded. To them, it was just a chance to use their four wheel drive vehicles and show their masculine bravado. We finally came to a third tree blocking the road, a huge one with a trunk 5 feet around that would have been impossible to move. At last, the guys agreed that this must be a sign from God to turn around and we all had a good laugh.

Before turning around, we all got out of our cars and let the kids play in the snow for a bit. It was Addyson's first time in the snow and she was so puzzled and intrigued by it. It was so cute to watch her.

I was amazed that no one else seemed to be worried about the drive back down the mountain. We loaded back in and both cars got stuck in deep snow drifts trying to turn around. It took the men 90 minutes to dig themselves out of the snow. The whole time I was sitting in the car, panicked and almost hysterical. The snow was still coming and it was getting dark out. Luckily, I had some Christmas music to play and that helped me calm down. As we started to head back, everyone else suddenly realized the gravity of the situation we were in. We decided to have a prayer for safety. I felt some peace but was still very, very anxious.

Let me just say that the next two hours were the scariest of my entire life. The road had iced over and was covered with 6 inches of snow on top. There was no shoulder almost the entire time, just sheer cliffs with no room for error. Several times we slid and stopped just at the edge of the road. We were going about 5 miles per hour the whole time. I kept imagining the worst and was seeing newspaper headlines in my head:

"3 Families Die Because of Masculine Egos"

"SUV's Roll Off 1500 Foot Cliff: No Survivors"

"Cabin Weekend Turns Deadly"

You get the idea. I was near tears the entire time. We tried to distract ourselves with music and conversation but it was so tense you could have cut the air with a knife. I was fuming that the men didn't listen to me in the first place and that they put their families in danger. Don't they know women are always right? Luckily, Brandon is a good driver and we FINALLY made it safely down the mountain. I wanted to kiss the ground. We all breathed a sigh of relief that we were no longer clinging precariously to the edge of death.

When we got back to the cabin, we said a prayer of thanks for our safety. It's a good thing Heavenly Father still watches out for us when his SONS make stupid decisions.

The Best Mothering Advice I Have

Have you heard of this book? I think every new mom should read it. I am a devoted fan. I credit Baby Wise with molding Addyson into a happy, content child who is a great sleeper. Baby Wise teaches you how to put your baby on a schedule (both feeding and sleeping), beginning at about 2 weeks old. You follow a three hour pattern: feeding, awake time, nap until next feeding. This schedule is repeated over and over throughout the whole day. Baby Wise promises that if you follow this schedule religiously, your child will be sleeping through the night by 8 weeks old. (Addy was doing this at 9 weeks.) Gradually, you lengthen the time between feedings and naps. I truly believe that you train your child to sleep. Ever since Addy was a few weeks old, I put her in her bed for bedtime or naptime wide awake. There was no rocking or nursing to sleep. She had to learn to fall asleep on her own. Now, when it is bedtime, I place her in her crib and leave the room. She doesn't make a peep, and I don't hear from her for about 12 hours.

I realize that this book is controversial. Some people argue that it is cruel to feed your baby according to a schedule, instead of on demand. I disagree. I think you are actually creating a happier baby who knows what to expect from his/her daily routine. Her sleeping and eating times are consistent, and the baby knows that to expect. Also, the baby is happier when regular sleep patterns are established. The mood and temperment of the baby (and the mother!) is better when he/she has had a full, uninterrupted night's sleep, instead of waking up several times during the night.

Obviously, each mom has to choose what is right for her and her baby. But, I'm telling you, YOUR LIFE WILL BE EASIER if you follow the patterns set in this book. I just don't understand it when people with kids who are six months, twelve months or eighteen months old tell me they still aren't sleeping through the night. It doesn't have to be that hard.

Yes, it is difficult to stick to the schedule at the beginning. It's hard to keep newborns awake. It interferes with going out. You are a slave to the cycle. But it's worth it. I was so anal about following the schedule that when my in-laws came to see Addyson for the first time (she was about four weeks old), I wouldn't let them see her until the next day because she was already in bed. Call me crazy. But at least I'm a well rested crazy.

I realize that my experience as a mom is a drop in the bucket compared to many of you. But this worked so well for me I had to share. So, to all of my pregnant friends, consider reading this book. You'll thank me later.

Can I or Can't I?

Since I seem to be having major blogger's block, I am responding to Ashley's tag.

10 Things I CAN do:

1. Lead music in front of a group and sing relatively well.

2. Bathe a squirmy, wiggly, screaming baby.

3. Plan a party and successfully carry out the plan.


I am currently planning an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" Party.

4. Vacuum the house while holding said baby who is deathly afraid of the vacuum.

5. Corral 10 3-year-olds and have them successfully complete an art project.

6. Write a convincing essay in the proper format (opening paragraph, three paragraph body, closing paragraph).

7. Send a proper thank you note promptly.

8. Find two kids to give talks EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY for my calling as Primary secretary. ( I didn't say I enjoy it.)

9. Make an impressive dinner for guests.

10. Check and fill the oil in my car.


10 Things I CAN'T do:

1. Manage to keep the laundry folded.




My laundry room-truly a scary place.

2. Go an entire day without giving Addyson her binky (I'm trying to wean her off of it during the day).



3. Sew. I really wish I could.

4. Sit through action movies. They bore me to tears.

5. Read music.

6. Allow my eyebrows to go unplucked and groomed.

7. Make my bed on a daily basis.

8. Be rude to telemarketers.

9. Throw out old love letters from former boyfriends.

10. Play team sports.

Do any of these things surprise you?


I tag Brooke, Melissa, Holly and Liz.

To Err is Human, To Eat Pumpkin Divine

One of the best things about Fall is, in my humble opinion, eating pumpkin. Of course I make all the usual suspects (pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake, etc.). This year, I thought I would try pumpkin in some new and interesting ways. I found and tried two recipes that I loved. Try to keep an open mind before you judge them.

This first one is a Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup, courtesy of one Miss Rachael Ray. Black beans are another of my favorite ingredients, so I knew I would love this soup. It sounds odd, I realize, but is so delicious. The pumpkin flavor is very mild. Would you care for the recipe? I knew you would!

Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup

2 Tbsp. EVOO
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cups vegetable stock
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes in juice
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained
1 1/2 (15 oz.) cans pumpkin puree (NOTE: not pumpkin pie mix)
1 cup heavy cream (I tried to lighten it up with half and half and it was fine)
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, or more if you like it really spicy
Salt
Fresh chives, if you desire, chopped for garnish

Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add oil. When oil is hot, add onion and saute for 5 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, beans and pumpkin puree. Stir to combine and bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add in cream, curry powder, cumin, cayenne and salt to taste. Simmer 5 minutes, adjust seasonings and serve garnished with chives.

This recipe is so yummy for a cold fall night. I made cheesy biscuits for dunking! Even The Pickiest Eater in the World loved it. It makes a big pot with lots of leftovers for lunch.

Okay, here comes the second one. Pumpkin pancakes! How good does that sound? They are so comforting and great for a lazy morning. I made them for my in-laws when they were here visiting recently to rave reviews. Here's the plan:

Pumpkin Pancakes

2 c. flour
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. milk
1 c. pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. vinegar

In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt and stir into the wet ingredients just enough to combine. (HELPFUL HINT: The vinegar makes the batter taste really bitter. Don't worry, it will cook out. It's in there to help the pancakes rise and get fluffy.) Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium high heat. Pour batter onto griddle, allowing about 1/4 cup for each pancake. Batter is thick, so use a spoon to spread it out a little on the griddle. Brown on both sides until done. (These pancakes don't get the little bubbles traditional pancakes get so you know when to flip 'em over. You have to watch these to know when to flip.) Enjoy pancakes with warm maple syrup and chopped pecans.

Yes, you read right. Serve with chopped pecans. If you're really feeling gluttonous, you can do what I did and candy the pecans the night before. (Coat them in egg white, brown sugar and cinnamon and bake at 400 degrees until toasted.) Serve this breakfast with bacon, and your tummy will be extremely happy (if not a little larger, too)!

Please Refer to Me as Miss Nikole

You will now find me on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings not sleeping in, not going to the gym, not watching "The View", but teaching preschool at Challenger School. Recent economic circumstances have made it necessary for me to bring in a little extra income for our family. If I have to work, then this is the job I want. I am really excited to be returning to teaching and to get my creative juices flowing again. I don't feel too horrible about leaving Addyson since it's only 12 or so hours a week. Perhaps I can even justify an occasional pedicure, and some new "work" clothes. Wish me luck!

Click here to learn about Challenger Schools.

Just a Small Soiree

Addyson turned one yesterday! Before I had a child, I always swore I would never subject my friends to attending a birthday party for a one year old. I caved. Who can resist? This is the kind of stuff you become a parent for! (Unconditional love, raising a responsible person, giving of yourself...that's not what it's about.)

I figured a few decorations couldn't hurt...






What's the harm in a few cupcakes?




Every party needs guests!







And of course the birthday girl must have a cake...just a tiny one.




She was such a dainty eater. She just sort of picked at the frosting with one finger for a while.



Finally she got more into it!




Brandon decided to show her how it's done. He didn't want her to feel foolish.





A few presents from us were in order.











Then we all headed out back for pony rides.



Just kidding.




Here are a few things I want to remember about Addyson at this age.


1. She loves peekaboo. She initiates herself and does the hiding and peeking on her own.

2. She was a great nurser and nursed until the day she turned one (then I cut her off). Sniff, sniff.

3. She HATED cow's milk at first. We had to put strawberry Quik powder into it for a week or so to get her to drink it. Now she'll drink it straight up.

4. She's very close to walking. She can take 8 or so steps before falling down, but still prefers crawling.

5. She's still holding onto her binky for dear life.

6. Her favorite foods are bananas, rice cakes, cheese, peas and ham.

7. She knows what the words "clap," "dance," "kiss," "sit," and "cup" mean, and can respond to these requests.

8. She will occasionally say "dada" or "mama."

9. She loves to swing at the park.

10. She has four top teeth and three bottom teeth.



Okay, I promise...no more posts about Addyson for a while. Thanks for humoring me!

You'd Be Lion If You Said This Wasn't Cute

Addy had a ferociously fun first Halloween.

First, she got to visit Daddy at work!

Of course, I got to go too!

Next, it was off to trick-or-treat! She got to see her favorite boyfriend, our next door neighbor Logan. He gave her a stuffed animal, a ball and 2 books for Halloween!

It was great collecting candy for Daddy to eat later. (Who am I kidding? Mommy, too!)

I never could get a decent shot of us on the front lawn. Oh, well.

Then we all had Addyson salad for dinner. Who knew lion was so tasty?