Thursday, October 30, 2014

Pumpkin Carving

Early Morning

I am loving the mornings around here, just beautiful. We've been having the cooler temps but also quite a bit of rain, I'm just hoping it doesn't rain tomorrow night or we'll have very disappointed kids.

White Pumpkin

White Pumpkin

I'm having the hardest time trying to get the arm knitting tutorial done. I wanted to do photos but that was quite difficult since I have to use both hands, then I tried a video and just can't seem to get it done right, my tripod is not exactly cooperating and I can't seem to find the right angle to show you what I'm doing.

But, don't worry, I WILL get it done and will show have that tutorial up including a scarf for giveaway :)

So yesterday after fighting with the whole tutorial thing for a bit, I was quite frustrated and I happen to think that the best medicine for that is a yummy treat.

I had been craving a Victoria Sponge for a while, and I think it had been a few years since I last made one, the last was back in Arizona about two years ago, maybe?

Victoria Sponge

Yep, that is what I made, a quick Victoria Sponge with raspberry jam and cream.  It was divine, I do love a simple cake and I'm not much into sugary frostings, so this one just hit the spot.

Front door

As my children get older, I try to hold on to our family traditions, a little tighter than usual.  I keep thinking that very soon they will be off on their own, or too old to want to carve pumpkins, and I don't think I'm quite ready to face that yet.

I have been finding myself feeling very nostalgic the past few weeks.  So many things that we used to do as a family when they were little, that we still do now but things have changed as they're not little toddlers anymore, they're teens and so see things very differently, obviously.

Pumpkin carving however, is one of those activities that I will continue to do for as long as I can, even when my birdies have flown the nest.

Last night, instead of going to Tae Kwon Do, we took a family night instead.  We need it, it is so important to make time to spend together especially in this crazy busy world we all live in.  My husband goes to school full time and when he's not at school, he is either at work or doing homework, so the moments we get alone as a family, have become few and far between.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you how important it is to maintain the close bonds with our children, especially as they grow into adults themselves.

Jas Carving

Nic Carving

Last night, for the first time ever, the kids both cleaned out, traced and carved their own pumpkins from start to end.  You know that is a big thing, if you have little ones it always starts out well but a few minutes in the parents are the ones doing the carving.  LOL

It did feel good to see them take on the whole project by themselves, and even when the hubby and I offered to help, they declined.

Mine and Pug's Pumpkins

Above are mine, the big Jack Skellington, and then Bella's says Moo and Lola's says Treat because she is obsessed with dog treats.

Nic's Pumpkin

Nicholas carved the one above, it is a Transformer.

Kid's Pumpkins

Jasmine's Pumpkin

This one is Jasmine's, it is something from the show Supernatural, you can see the cross on the bottom there.  She did so well.

So while they carved, Curt and I had a cup of coffee, supervised and also caught up on Agents of Shield from Tuesday night.

Late night coffee

We've been a bit worried about our oldest pug Bella, her back legs are giving her major issues as she has gotten older and the past two days she's been drinking a ton of water and peeing everywhere.  I am making an appointment for the vet to get her checked out, quite honestly I don't know if this is due to her age or if there is some underlying issue at hand.

Would appreciate all prayers, if you feel inclined.

Right now I am going to get busy with the menu plan and grocery list for the next two week weeks. 

I almost forgot to get dinner in the slow cooker today, but thankfully it is something that doesn't take too long and I'm sure will be done in time.  If you're wondering what it is, it is a slow cooker sweet and sour pork, never made it before so we'll see how it turns out.

Tonight we have Tae Kwon Do since we missed it last night, if the choice were mine, I would stay home again just for the fact that it's getting so chilly out there and I would much rather be in my home wearing a pair of comfy warm pjs and watching TV.  *snicker*

Hope you are all having a fantastic Thursday, I can't believe that tomorrow is Friday already, we have a bit of a busy weekend ahead so seems that we'll have another super fast weekend without much time for relaxation.  Good grief!!!

Right, I better get going, love and blessings to you all,


12 comments:

Jen said...

We never got around to pumpkins this year. But the kids are ok with it. Its been a very stressful week here. I will be praying for you as you go to the vet.

The cake looks so good!! Have a great evening! Thankfully we finally have a weekend where we do not to do much. I am really looking forward to it.

Christal said...

I love your blog Sandra, god bless you and ill pray for your lil doggie!

Renee said...

Praying for Bella. Have a good holiday!

Sandra said...

It wasn't last year, but I think the year before, we also didn't get to the pumpkin carving, time just flew on by and we were so busy too that we never got around to it. I'm glad you're getting a weekend to relax a bit, you deserve it :)

Sandra said...

Awww thank you so much Christal :)

Sandra said...

Thank you so much Renee :)

Mary said...

That really takes me back, I will try next year to have my sons carve pumpkins. We used to do the same thing, and decorate the yard. I miss all the things we'd do as a family when the kids were younger. This year, with all the aches and pains in my back, I ended up with stenosis in my spine, just keeping up with housework has been a job unto it's self. My eldest who lives on her own in the city finally got a full time job which she started last week. She was talking nostalgically about missing all the family traditions. Your family did a great job carving the pumpkins, is the mist in the photo from dry ice? Will you be posting a recipe for the Victoria Sponge?

Unknown said...

Oh I miss carving pumpkins with my children..... They carved them up until they moved out, it was a tradition...to carve pumpkins, have donuts and cider....what memories..... Oh that cake looks devine will have to see if the recipe is on your food blog...I was just in Michaels craft store yesterday and arm knitting must be the new thing, they were offering classes for $5 lol. I looked it up on YouTube a few days ago, very interesting... Can't wait to see your tutorial..... I wanted to say I am praying for your like Bella, I have a yorkie poo she is 7 and has developed vwhatvi think anxiety seizures, so experiencing this I know the worrisome that you have with your lil girl....sending hugs as well )))))

Rhonda

Pamela said...

Is the Victoria Sponge recipe up on your food blog? I couldn't find it. I was curious as to what type of cream you used? Thanks.

Sandra said...

It's so hard when they grow up and you miss all the things you did when they were little. *sigh* I will be posting the recipe this afternoon and I'll share the link here on my post tonight :)

Sandra said...

That's why I'm holding on as long as I can, I know that too soon we will be left with just the memories as they will be out on their own :) I'm having such issues with the arm knitting, I may just link to other tutorials online and do the giveaway lol

I'll be thinking of your yorkie poo, poor thing and thank you for your prayers for my Bella, I appreciate it :)

Sandra said...

Hi Pamela, the recipe is being written up right now and I'll share it later tonight :) I just used whipped cream for the filling :)