Praise

Have you ever come face to face with the reality that the Lord had spared you from some terrible event? How often does this happen and we have no idea? Praise God, we were spared this week.

We have had some problems with our oven. About a month ago, we had to call Sears to come out because it was not heating up at all. The young man who came couldn't quite figure out the problem, but by the time he left, assured me all was well. Ever since that day, I noticed a burning smell every time I turned on the oven. I finally stopped using the oven and called Sears again to come out. The sweet man who came out this time informed me that there had been a fire in our recepticle at some point. He showed me the burned cord and recepticle cover, melted and charred. He mentioned that this is the kind of thing that will start a fire - the kind of fire that you don't realize is happening until it is way too late. If you know me, you know that I have been afraid of fire since I was small. Well, who isn't afraid of fire, really? I really am a little paranoid though, a little over the top afraid. So, this realization about a fire... even a fire that did not amount to anything, but the realization that it COULD have... it did something to me. I am just so incredibly grateful to the Lord that nothing happened. Praise Him with me, won't you? He is so good. All the time.

Low fat Pumpkin Spice Cake

This is one of my favorite and easiest recipes ever. It only has 3 ingredients, which is why it's so easy! It is also super low in fat; I think it only counts as a couple of points if you're doing Weight Watchers. It is also versatile; I've made this in a bundt pan, as cupcakes, and it can also be made as a loaf. And it is yummy, which is the only thing that counts, really!

Low Fat Pumpkin Spice Cake

1 box spice cake mix
1 can pumpkin (15 oz)
1/2 cup water

Mix all ingredients well. It will seem like you'll need to add more liquid, but it will eventually mix together! Bake according to cake mix directions.

If you'd like to see more yummy recipes, visit Overwhelmed With Joy's Favorite Ingredient Fridays. By the way, this is my first time participating, so I hope I got all of the links right!

~Holly

Favorites

Fall is here! My favorite time of the year... as much fun as summer is, I start to long for cooler days near the end of August. The rebel in me decorates for fall at the beginning of September, even if the temperatures are still summer-like. I love putting away the shorts and capris and bringing out the jeans and hoodies. This is quite a change for me; as a kid I loathed fall with every part of me, because it meant the beginning of school. Remember that knot in your stomach the night before the first day of school? I remember it so well. Now that I'm a Mama and we are a homeschooling family, we don't really experience that, but I empathize with the neighborhood kids every year on Labor Day.

So, in honor of my favorite season, a list of my favorite things about fall...

- pumpkin pie scented candles, especially Yankee

- the "Welcome" wreath on my door (I won it last year at a Ladies Night Out for our Sunday School class... isn't it pretty?)

- getting back into a routine after a very lazy summer

- catching up with friends at homeschool soccer games

- pumpkin anything : currently loving Pumpkin Pie Spice creamer made by International Delight... have an awesome recipe from Southern Living for "Pumpkin Crisp"... and an old favorite "Low fat pumpkin spice cake" - 3 ingredients, so what's not to love?

- annual girlfriends' getaway shopping trip with Lisa and Syndi

- of course, the leaves when they change... not even close yet, but it is beautiful in VA!

- hayrides and pumpkin patches with the kids

- bonfires and the smell of burning leaves

I'm sure I'm leaving something out, but that's a pretty good start.

Happy Fall, y'all!

12 years

A few days late, but... Happy Anniversary, my love!