Resolution Review

Just a quick review of my progress on my 2007 resolutions:

Spring clean and organize my house before the baby comes in March. I got a lot of this done, but not all. But, enough to be satisfied. Of course, that was months ago and it really needs to be done again!

After the baby comes, lose my pregnancy weight gain and get into good shape. The baby weight is gone. But, I could still improve on my physical fitness.

Read scriptures as a family more consistently and effectively. We are doing LOUSY in this area. Now that my son leaves at 6 am for early morning seminary, we no longer are eating together as a family for breakfast. Subsequently, we are no longer reading scriptures together. We tried reading with family prayer just before bed, but evenings are often crazy around here, little ones are tired and cranky, and I am too. I really need to think through how we can start this habit up again. Any suggestions?

Use my time more wisely. I could still do better in this, as well. I'm just not much of a routine person, but I know my days would flow better if I were. And I am so easily side tracked!

Help my daughters memorize the first 7 Articles of Faith. Actually, we did the first 10! We will probably continue working on the remainder.

Learn to decorate cakes. Emily and I took two classes together. It was quite fun, but I could still use practice. Since 2008 is the year of the birthday parties, opportunities are coming!

I have worked on my goals, but as usual there is more to be done. I'll be perfect someday. Just you wait!

Turtle Pumpkin Pie. Holy Yum!

We made this for the treat for family home evening tonight. I made my graham cracker crust from scratch, using cinnamon graham crackers, 4 T butter and 1/4 c sugar baked for 10 min at 350 degrees. And then I whipped a cup of heavy whipping cream with a t. of vanilla and 1/4 c. powdered sugar to use in place of the Cool Whip. Very easy and a big hit with everyone in the family!

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
Makes: 10 servings, one slice each


1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel ice cream topping, divided
1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.)
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. PLANTERS Pecan Pieces, divided
1 cup cold milk
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

POUR 1/4 cup caramel topping into crust; sprinkle with 1/2 cup pecans.

BEAT milk, dry pudding mixes, pumpkin and spices with whisk until blended. Stir in 1-1/2 cups whipped topping. Spread into crust.

REFRIGERATE 1 hour. Top with remaining whipped topping, caramel topping and pecans just before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Raspberries

Not the slobbery on your belly kind. The luscious, juicy red kind.

My favorite thing I grow in our garden is the raspberries. Not only are the just about the tastiest thing I grow, they are also one of the easiest, and the best value for my efforts. If I had to buy my raspberries from the store, my family would rarely get them because they are so expensive!

Picking them was so much fun with Elsie this year. There is just something satisfying about seeing your 2 year old delightedly picking and eating berry after berry until her mouth and fingers are stained red. I really should have put down the berry bucket and taken some pictures, huh?



Raspberry harvest is over now, and I had accumulated a large stash of cleaned, smashed and frozen berries. So, yesterday was jam making day. I finished with 64 cups of raspberry and raspberry pear freezer jam. I ran out of freezer containers and even used a couple baggies. It was either that or sippy cups. And believe it or not it will all be long gone before the tasty berries are back next year.

And in case anyone was wondering, some if it will soon be found in a freezer in NJ...