Over the River and Through the Woods

We arrived at Grandma's house last night in St. George, UT where my parents and brother and his family live. We will all be here for a wonderful family Thanksgiving. Then we are heading up north to Salt Lake City to see my husband's family who are coming in from Albuquerque and the Bay Area. We get to be with both families this year and we are so excited!

We woke this morning not to snow but a blanket of leaves! They were falling from the trees like crazy and covering everywhere you can see. My girls decided to get busy!

They spent the morning outside raking the leaves for Papa and of course they had to bury themselves and play in them too. But they had a great time.

Even my littlest got in on the action.

Outside it's such a beautiful, cool and crisp fall day. Inside the house is cozy and full of the yummy aromas of the impending feast. I am feeling so full of gratitude for the many blessings I have. First and foremost, FAMILY!

Wishing you and yours in America a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Enjoy an extra piece of pumpkin pie for me!

Banana Muffin Yumminess!

Autumn weather puts me in a baking mood! I just love a cozy, overcast or rainy day when I can fill my home with lovely aromas from the oven. Last week was pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Today it's Banana Streusel Muffins!

  Banana Streusel Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 15 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3. For streusel: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Yummy!

The Perfect Pairing

I have had Izzy & Ivy's darling Popp'n Posies quilt pattern and been waiting for the right fabric to make it with. Can you say Fandango? They are the perfect match! Cannot wait to see the finished product. Thank you Kate Spain!

Remember Thanksgiving?

On Halloween day I must have received 20 junk emails about shopping for Christmas! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas. But I don't want to forget Thanksgiving! And it's not just the wonderful food and time with the family. I love that we have a holiday about gratefulness! 

 As I placed my Pilgrim and Native American statues out yesterday I felt so much gratitude for our fore bearers and all the sacrifices that have been made in the name of freedom. And I have so much gratitude in my heart for all of my blessings and my wonderful family. Let's not let that go by! What are the things you are most grateful for?