Joyful Along the Way

All things pumpkin, errr at least pumpkin bars. Yeah, Pumpkin Bars are all the pumpkin I need come fall. The only problem (if one would call it a problem) is that I call these bad boys dessert AND a sweet morning treat with black coffee. So I guess you could say these are a breakfast pastry, midday snack, and dessert all in one! For that reason I will call them anytime Pumpkin Bars. I have given this recipe out countless times so why not make it easier for everyone and have it here! Now to decide if I should day you’re welcome or I’m sorry 🤷🏽‍♀️ Anytime Pumpkin Bars Ingredients: 4 eggs 1 c. vegetable oil 2 c. granulated sugar 1-15 oz. can pumpkin purée 2 c. flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/2 tsp. clover 1/2 tsp. nutmeg Frosting: 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 3/4 stick butter 1 Tbsp. milk 1 tsp. vanilla 4 c. powdered sugar Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour 12x18 pan. Mix first four ingredi

I have not been very happy today. My 6yo seems to enjoy arguing with every.little.word I speak. Half our newly seeded lawn is weed infested and I’ve spent countless hours pulling to the best of my ability only to see little progress (and that’s just what the eye can see). Our youngest son’s heath continues to be unstable. I have laundry coming out my ears. I have a puppy that rings her bell yet walks around outside for 10 minutes only to not go to the bathroom and me bringing her back in only to have her ring her bell again two minutes later. I’m grouchy and don’t want to be around people. I want to escape to my room and enjoy a movie marathon while indulging in all my favorite foods.  What’s wrong? I’m human. And some days I’m just tired and happiness is no where to be found. Yes. Day-to-day life is filled with ups and downs of emotions. My emotions can sometimes be as swift and shifty as ocean waves. High highs and low lows, and happiness is one of them.  So how can I be

“Mommy, why does fruit taste SO good?” I know, buddy, I know! Something so simple yet so satisfying! Not much beats the heat better than a nice cold smoothie and we just discovered a new favorite recipes of our courtesy of Uncle Aaron. He had quickly become the drink master for fun 4th of July drinks for the kids as we enjoy popcorn and watch the fireworks overlooking the lake. We couldn’t help but want to share this recipe with you, too! Ingredients : 🍉Watermelon, cubed 🍓Frozen Strawberries Strawberry Kool-Aid mix (optional) Directions : Combine seeded, cubed watermelon with frozen strawberries in blender. We found a 2 to 1 ratio to start helped blending easier on the front end. Then add frozen strawberries and continue blending to desired consistancy. If you want a little something sweet sprinkled in, use about a spoonful of Strawberry Kool-Aid mix at a time until it tastes 👌🏼 for your liking! Enjoy!