camping

i’m a bit behind on blogging actual life events. a few weeks ago, we went camping with jacob’s family and several people from their church. jacob and i slept in a tent right next to the river. the first night was freezing. we woke up saturday morning to a thickly frosted windshield. we had an air mattress – which we replaced the second night with the mattress from the sleeper sofa in jacob’s parents cabin. much better for a 8 months preggers back!

 
we were so close to the river you could hear the ripples and flow of the soothing water all night long. and in the morning, the fog dancing on the river was a beautiful reminder of God’s creation. it is always refreshing to be so surrounded by nature.  

in the day, the boys spent most of their time fishing. jacob, of all people, had the most luck. his first catch got away when he was trying to get back to shore with it.

we girls hung out with the kiddos while they played in the river, threw big rocks and other kid type things. we went on a little walking trail along the river to get to this sweet spot. this little guy was a great leader and guide. the rest of them went on a raft down the river while i took a nap and chickened out for the sake of my baby girl.

our nights were filled with fires and the usual fire-related events. dinner consisted of amazing “baked” potatoes, roasted corn and steaks. yum! later, dessert was smores with a few lessons on roasting marshmallows.
 
one of the other families hosted a pumpkin carving before the big potluck. yes, we had a potluck at a campground. we southern Christians love our food and fellowship. it was wonderful!

what a fun weekend. it only took me a few days to recuperate and we added a another thing to the list of what Chloe has done in utero. and speaking of Chloe, here is the obligatory belly shot from 32 weeks and camping.

happy halloween

Chloe’s first costume – a bun. We’ve already figured out we can wear the same thing next year and she can go as a “cutie pie.”

We loved passing out three Sam’s size bags of candy at Trick-or-Treat-a-Trunk. There were so many cute kids. But of course, we think ours was the cutest even though she can’t really be seen yet.

Here’s to hoping the fun and innocence of the night were yours to enjoy as well!

pumpkin cake

i haven’t vanished……i’ve just been busy. really, really busy.

what better way to make a comeback to blogging than to share an amazing recipe? you’ll be glad i’m back. promise!



Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
1 box yellow cake mix
1 (3.5oz) package cheesecake pudding
4 eggs
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice*

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry cake mix and pudding together. Then, add eggs, water, oil, pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice. Pour into greased bundt pan. Bake for 45 – 55 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes then turn out onto cake plate.

Cream Cheese Glaze
4 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Soften cream cheese and butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir in 1 cup of sugar and 1 Tablespoon of milk until well blended. Stir in second cup of sugar and tablespoon of milk along with vanilla. Add a little more milk if mixture is too thick to pour. Drizzle over warm cake.

* I did not have any Pumpkin Pie Spice but had all the ingredients to make my own. To make your own use 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ginger scant. Then, measure out the 2 teaspoons for the cake recipe.

 

Jacob’s comments, “It was good. I ate two pieces in one day and I could go eat some more.”