Let it Snow!

What a beautiful sight to wake up to this morning! The kids couldn't wait to get out in it and play...I managed to scramble up some winter things but I guess it's time to get out and buy new boots, gloves, etc to get ready for the real thing. I remember being so excited as a kid for the first snow (well, nothing much has changed actually) especially when it would come before Halloween!

First little snowman of the year

Our yard went into shock with all the snow - our poor plum tree really looks pretty but I'm sure doesn't feel too good being bent over so far!

My rose bush - brrrrrrr!

Time for a nice hot cup of cocoa!

No more diapers!

It was a happy day today when I realized I went to WalMart without buying any diapers!! Ella has actually been 100% potty trained now for about a month, HOW SWEET IT IS! If anyone is interested in my method (which I learned from a friend out in KS) I call it potty training boot camp - it only takes about three days and then your child is out of diapers. I can give you all the details. Don't be fooled...it's a rough three days...but oh so worth it! SOOOO, for the first time in 6 1/2 years I'm not changing diapers. I'm sure I'll make up for it soon enough!

Pumpkin Mousse

I just made this for dessert tonight (not the Jack-o-lanterns) and after licking the spoon I think it's going to be Yumm-O! Recipe from Utah Dairy Council.

Pumpkin Mousse
Ingredients:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 package (8 oz) reduced fat cream cheese, softened
1 can (16 oz) solid pack pumpkin
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice*
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup whipping cream, well chilled
fine chopped pecans, optional garnish
small gingersnap cookies, optional garnish
Method:
Place water in small custard cup, sprinkle gelatin over water and stir. Allow gelatin to soften.
Beat sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add pumpkin, spices and salt; mix well.
Whip cream until soft peaks form.
Microwave gelatin on high for10-15 seconds, in 5 second increments, stirring every 5 seconds until gelatin is completely dissolved. Rapidly whisk gelatin into pumpkin mixture. Fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture. Spoon mousse into serving dishes; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, sprinkle with optional chopped pecans and add an optional small ginger snap cookie for garnish.
Notes: Airy fall mousse - might be the perfect touch for Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner dessert. Serves 12
* Pumpkin pie spice may be replaced with approximately 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon allspice.

Pregnancy at 6 1/2 months

Well, technically I have three months (& three days) to go till my due date...but counting from the beginning I'm 6 1/2 months along...it's all very subjective. I think either way I can claim third trimester which is very exciting! A lady at Costco today said I don't look very big, which is about the best thing you can hear when you have a little soccer ball for a tummy! Ammon should be around 2 lbs & 14 inches now. Let's just hope that the trend of my babies' getting bigger by 1.5 lbs each pregnancy doesn't continue!

We love the fall!

We started off the month by making popcorn balls to deliver "You've Been BOO'd!" treats to some of our neighbors. The kids had a blast learning the art of doorbell ditching (in the rain, too!)

Between conference sessions we drove up Squaw Peak to see the leaves and got to see a little snow too - it was beautiful! btw I don't usually pose when I'm pregnant so this is a rare shot!

Our sweet little Ella just kicking back

Josh in front of the "Great Pumpkin" we grew in our garden this year!

Holly with the "Great Pumpkin"