The Reason for the Season

This being the month of November and of Thanksgiving, I thought I would take a moment to remember my blessings and the things in my life that I am grateful for.  I am grateful for my family members, we share the same brand of crazy and it is nice to know that there are people out there who understand the ups and downs associated with our specific brand.  I am grateful for my faith and the knowledge I have that Christ lives, loves me, and is very involved in and cares about my life.  Without this knowledge, I know my life wouldn't be as bright. I am grateful for my life and the opportunities that I have to learn and grow.  I could definitely benefit from keeping this perspective more often, especially when learning a life "lesson" that seems particularly challenging.  Just knowing that a challenging situation will help me to grow, helps me accept it a little more and lessens the urge to run (sometimes :).  I am grateful that I am taller.  This may seem like a weird thing to be grateful for, but it comes in handy more times than I probably realize.  I am grateful to live in a country that allows me to enjoy so many freedoms.  I am grateful for the advances in technology that allow me to easily and cheaply (relatively) communicate with family and friends around the world.  I am thankful for summer.  I am thankful for winter in that it allows me to better enjoy and appreciate summer.

I am usually lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving at one of my Aunt's homes with my extended family.  My close extended family has lived near each other for the majority of their married lives and has consistently made efforts to spend time together.  My immediate family lived several places, but rarely near enough to spend holidays with them.  Though it is sometimes awkward for me to attend these family gatherings (they even get together on non-holidays pretty often), it is nice to see some many people committed to them.  Sure, things aren't sooth all the time, but they are surprisingly smooth a lot of the time, which impresses me.  Part of the magic that produces this tranquility is understanding and charitable expectations of everyone involved.  If someone can't make it, feelings aren't hurt.  If extra people show up, its almost never a problem, we just adjust as needed (also, may aunts are pretty amazing about making people feel welcome and rolling with the punches).  Every thing is very low key and the point of these gatherings is to foster love and build positive relationships.  Again, my family is not perfect, but if everyone is usually trying to remember this focus, it really goes a long way.

Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/gratitude-a-path-to-happiness?lang=eng&query=gratitude

Not Fall Until I've Baked a Pumpkin

Every fall for the last few years, I have baked a small pumpkin.  This is an unintentional tradition, but since I've consistently done it, and enjoyed it, I hope I will continue.  It takes about an hour and makes the entire house small like fall.  They are so good!  I've only ever eaten them as "mashed" pumpkin, but I know you can use it in pies, breads, cookies, etc.  The mash is really good with cream cheese, if you don't mind the calories!  Yumm!  I always buy a small baking pumpkin, not the larger ones, as they are usually sweeter.  After cutting them in half, I remove the pulp and seeds (save the latter for roasting!).  Then I cover the cut side of each half with foil and place foil side down in a glass baking pan.  I have read recipes that include adding 1 or 2 inches of water to the baking pan to preserve moisture, but I find that they remain moist enough for my taste without.  I usually bake at about 400 degrees for about an hour (time may depend on the pumpkin, I have over cooked and under cooked.  I'd check on them at about 45 min for tenderness). When the rind is soft and scoops out easy from skin, they are done.  I usually store what I don't eat the same day in air tight containers.  Add butter, salt, pepper and any spices you like to taste.  Or add a dollop of cream cheese and try to get a little with each bite.  Heaven!