Presenting....

.....the number one best autumn breakfast treat. I say treat, because they truly are wonderful. I am of course referring to the Pumpkin Pancakes referenced to in a previous post. Because I have had many people inquire about this recipe, I have decided to include it for all of you to enjoy.

PUMPKIN PANCAKES

2 cups flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. salt
1 3/4 cup milk
1 cup pumpkin (canned or fresh)
2 eggs
2/3 cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla

Whisk the dry ingredients together. Beat the wet stuff by hand and mix into the dry mixture. Some good toppings may include: sweetened sour cream (sour cream with brown sugar and vanilla), applesauce, soaked raisins, toasted walnuts, sprinkle of nutmeg, and butter with maple syrup.

Enjoy! And don't forget to share how you think this recipe rates.

Philip's Birthday Pictures

Happy Birthday Philip

So, it's official, Philip turns the big one today. We celebrated last night with all of the family, and I'm not sure if Philip had more fun with the paper and bows or with the contents they surrounded. He did thoroughly enjoy his cake, much more than Levin did, but as a result he had a bit of a sugar high, resulting in a later night. Thankfully he is sleeping in today.

For his Birthday breakfast we will be enjoying these pumpkin pancakes, a favorite of mommies.




Stay tuned for the birthday pictures, from last evenings festivities.

Walking together with friends

This week, we have been able to enjoy some beautiful weather. Each day has been just perfect, not too hot, but sunny and warm enough to be outside. Rather than spend our days inside, I thought it would be nice to enjoy the last days of sun before the rain sets in. As much as I am looking forward to the rain, I have convinced myself that it would be good for us all to be outside.

On Monday the boys and I spend two hours in the morning casually walking along Ruston Way, taking time to comb the beach for a bit. We had such a good time enjoying each others company.

Then again on Wednesday, we were able to go out walking, but this time we invited a few friends to join us. It was nice to share the walk with others along to talk with. Michelle and her girls had to get going earlier then Aria and I were ready to, so we ended up spending another two hours together on the beach. They had fun throwing rocks into the water and watching the splash.

Thursday morning, Sharletta called and was needing to get out of the house, so once again we packed up and went for a walk, but this time we went to Owens Beach. The kids all had a great time watching the fishing boats come in and get carried up out of the water by an elevator of sorts. We were also able to watch the Vashon Ferry unload and load.

So, to summarize, our week has been full of walks and enjoying the great outdoors.

"Do my get a hug?"

Last night we had some new friends over for dinner. They have girls about 10 months younger than each of our boys. My boys definitely need more practice being around girls and we so enjoyed conversing that I'm sure we will have to get together with them on a regular basis.

There were many cute stories, but one has to be posted...

As they were leaving, the mother and I exchanged hugs and said our farewells. Levin had been close by, and seemed to not be paying to much attention as he had been running around in the front yard. As the mother got into the car, Levin stopped and asked, "Do my get a hug"?

He did get a hug. And maybe there is hope for boys after all.

High Expectations Suddenly Crumble Away

I am sure you are all familiar with the story, Alexander and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, in which nothing seems to go the way that Alexander had wished for them to go. My day is playing out in a similar way it seems, but not quite to the extreme as Alexanders.

Lately, I have been trying to make a point of getting up earlier in the morning so as to allow for my own quiet time, as well as to get a start on the day before the rest of the house awakes.

This morning started off a bit rough with Philip waking up at 6:00am, but he was easily put back to sleep, and I was able to get up and get going on my day. With the laundry half folded and breakfast going, I was joined by the elder of the two munchkins. No big deal, but then the littler of the two soon wanted to be a part of the morning routine. So much for a quiet and productive morning.

After breakfast was mostly cleared away, and we were all ready for the day, the boys and I loaded up for a quick run to the grocery store for a few items. Well, upon arriving at the store I realized that my wallet had not come along with us, which meant putting the boys and the stroller all back in the car for a quick run home.

Also, I might add that I had decided that today might be a nice day to buy a coffee (i.e. treat), since I had not had any yet, but that plan was not to be since they had no water to make the coffee with (minor details). Guess I will stick with making it myself.

Here I sit, laundry still half folded, a dishwasher waits to be emptied, and the house needs to be cleaned in preparations for company later this evening.

I share all this to say, why have I not learned yet, that setting high expectations when children are involved is never a good idea for anyone.

Suppose I best move on and see what things I can get done with what time I have.

A much needed Vacation

Well, we're back from our vacation to Chelan, which means, back to the tasks of day to day life with two munchkins.

We spent the past five days away with my family, enjoying the sun and view found at Lake Chelan. A great time was had by all. The weather was in the 90's,which made the pool and water park all the better. I think it is safe to say that Levin is very much a water boy. He had a blast in both the swimming pool and the slides at the water park. We even granted his wish to slide down the water slides all by himself. Don't worry, he had a life jacket on.

I should also, add that while on vacation Philip mastered the art of cruising along furniture. Yikes! I think I see walking in the not too distant future. It did come to my atention the other day that my baby is growing up way too fast. He will be one next month!