Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

I made a large batch of 'fall' decorated cookies for a friend (I decided to go strictly with pumpkins). After I finished her order I experimented a little.
First a little polka dot cookie with a lace look....

Then one with some stripes and lace.

I'm still learning - but I do like how these turned out.
Happy Fall!

Caramel Apple Sundae

We have a fun little mom and pop place here to grab some great ice cream. Have you ever gone to a big, pink ice cream cone to get ice cream? This place is awesome! If you are ever in St. Joseph, MO - you should stop by Kris & Kate's and treat yourself.


They play 60's music, have some fun picnic tables, a volleyball net and it's just a unique place to have a fun treat with your family.
I opted for the caramel apple sundae. It was sublime!

I think I can make this at home. Warm apple pie filling, vanilla ice cream, lots of whipping cream, warm caramel sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon and of course - a cherry on top!

Autumn Surprises!

After spending the weekend listening to our church leaders speak at our General Conference, we felt the need to get up and move. So after the last session today, we took a short drive to our local conservation area so we could walk and enjoy nature a little bit too. It was beautiful and fall is just starting to make it's presence known. We saw a momma and her two babies way off in the trees.

I also noticed this 'No Swimming' sign. If you look closely at this nasty pond, would it really be a temptation to jump in? I don't think so!

I was on the lookout for snakes. They mow along the edge of the trail so it is less likely that you'll step on one when walking. This one was already dead - but I still needed a picture for proof that they are there! By the way - I'm glad it was dead!

I love it when the leaves start changing. This was almost the only leaf on this tree that had turned colors. And it's heart shaped - I loved it!

The praying mantis was actually on our back deck. I took his picture before we left the house.

My favorite walking partner. My sweet husband of almost 30 years. I'll follow him anywhere!
Enjoy your fall!

Forget not. . .

Last night at the General Relief Society Broadcast for our church, President Uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk - reminding each of us of five important things: 1) Forget not to be patient with yourself, 2) Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice, 3) Forget not to be happy NOW!, 4) Forget not the why of the gospel, and 5) Forget not that the Lord loves you.

Truly - we are not forgotten by the Lord. He knows us - our challenges - our joys - those things that make us happy and those situations that bring sorrow and sadness into our lives. He understands our hurts and He knows how to succor us.

I left the church last night feeling a renewed energy - that is something I needed right now. To read or view the talk in it's entirety - click here.

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Candy Corn Cake Pops

I was standing in the grocery check-out a couple of weeks ago and saw a picture of these on a magazine cover. Sorry I can't tell you what magazine it was - but I thought I should branch out from plain old round ones and try something different. I started out by shaping the dough into the candy corn shapes and dipping the whole thing in yellow chocolate.

After letting the yellow dry - (and breaking off the piece of chocolate that started growing on the bottom) - I dipped it again in orange.

Duplicating that process, the last color to dip was white.
And voila! Candy corn cake pops! Now it's ready to put it in a plastic sleeve and add a pretty ribbon. Happy Fall!