Discovery

Discovery. When you're a baby, that's what it's all about! And I feel so blessed to be a part of it. Last week, Finn discovered his fingers! You know, it is so easy to get caught up in the everyday activities of family life... but Finn always keeps me in check and in real time. He helps me to remember to breathe, and to breathe slowly. With Finn being my 4th babe and knowing all too well how fleeting this time really is, I am trying to soak every minute of it up.

Did I Tell You?

Did I tell you I celebrated a Birthday last month? Well, I did. Such an eventful past year I had! I feel so very blessed...in so very many ways. Cheers to another great year!

Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

...Sharing the best pumpkin seed recipe I have to date...

• 1 medium pumpkin
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut pumpkin open from the bottom, removing seeds with a long-handled spoon. Separate flesh from seeds, and reserve the flesh for another use (like Pumpkin Pie). Pumpkin should yield 1 cup seeds. Spread seeds on parchment in an even layer. Bake until dry, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour. Let cool.

In a medium bowl combine 3 tablespoons sugar, salt, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne. Heat peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add pumpkin seeds and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Cook until sugar melts and pumpkin seeds begin to caramelize, about 45 to 60 seconds. Transfer to bowl with spices, and stir well to coat. Let cool. These may be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

From the Garden

This was the first year for a fall garden harvest on the farm. I can't say I was very involved in the garden process, other than taking photos. Guess I was too busy remodeling a basement and preparing for the birth of my son. Understandable I would say. Anyhow, our weather was a bit odd this year making many gardeners out there in want for more. Our peppers and acorn squash rocked it though. So did our green beans and pumpkins.

I plan on being more involved with the garden this next season. And although I am excited to watch this one grow and blossom over the years, I do miss the little garden Lance built me in town. I think there is more to that story...

Goats!

New residents on the farm arrived a few weekends ago...and they are the sweetest little ladies you'll ever meet!

Milkyway, who is about 18 months old, was bred right before making the move. Mookie, the 5 month old smaller female, is her half-sister. Right now, our girls are taking turns learning to milk a goat, as is everyone on the farm. We are hoping it is short lived however, and crossing our fingers Milkyway is pregnant, dropping her milk production. At some point, we would like to try our hand at cheese, yogurt and soap making.

Happy Halloween 2010!

I hope your Halloween was spooky fun!