Catch-up post

Yeah, I know – it’s been a loooong time since I wrote a “real” post. Of course I’m busier than ever, but I feel badly that I am letting down my loyal fans ;)  Here’s a brief synopsis of the events in our lives over tha past couple of weeks as well as what we have coming up:

JPW Silver Dawgs football season finally ended and we had the year-end party which was fun. I made the video which you can watch below. It came out pretty cool. Justin’s lacrosse practice starts next weekend and Terry is going to be the assistant coach. He went to a coaching clinic all day today as a matter of fact.

Justin has picked up his guitar lessons again – he was on hiatus during football, but now that that’s over he’s back at it and strong as ever. He’s really improved a lot in the past few months and has added Thunderstruck to his repertoire.

Eric was given more hours at work because one of the other hosts got fired. It’s great that he’s earning more money, though it is temporary. He still has plenty of time for homework and tutoring but his grades are still suffering and Terry and I are really struggling to figure out what we can do to help him.

Eric and I had our eyes examined today and I was a bit surprised to learn he has the need for glasses, though he has been complaining about blurry vision a bit lately. Actually the glasses aren’t 100% necessary but he can use them for reading, watching tv/movies, and eventually driving. Since our eyecare insurance pays for the whole shebang (including Transitions lenses!) we ordered him a set of glasses for occasional wear. I know the same thing happened to me when I was his age. It appears that astigmatism runs in my side of the family.

We’re psyching up for Thanksgiving which will be at our house as usual. Friends Kathy & Jim and Todd & Barb will be joining us. I found an awesome recipe for a Double Layer Pumpkin Pie. I’m also hoping to make my awesome Pumpkin Pecan Raisin Bread – scroll down for the recipe. Of course we’re also having turkey & gravey (of course!), mashed potatoes, Kathy’s famous stuffing and green bean casserole, Barb’s famous macaroni & cheese, an apple pie (made by Eric!) and a few appetizers I’m going to throw together to munch on while we watch football.

Shortly after Thanksgiving I’ll be working on some intense projects at work, so you may not hear from me for a couple weeks. I should be back in full force by Christmas though, and I’m really looking forward to it this year. Even though the kids are older, I am still excited about what we’re giving them for Christmas. If they are on your list email me and I can give you some ideas.

Here’s the recipe I promised – it’s moist, flavorful and really easy!

Pumpkin Pecan Raisin Bread

3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2  eggs
1 can pumpkin — 16 oz.
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5″ loaf pan. In large bowl, combine
first 6 ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine next 5 ingredients. Stir
liquid ingredients into dry ingredients until moistened. Add raisins and
pecans, then spoon into loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes in a 350°F
oven. Cool bread on a wire rack in the pan for 10 minutes. Then remove and
let cool completely on rack.