Leaves Are Falling

Am I the only one wondering where the summer went?  I didn't think I had been hit by the fall fever yet... but then this week I heard, "Mommy!  Leaves are falling!  Fall MUST be here."

 Our two little girls have been running around outside (still in the heat) but throwing and playing in fallen leaves.

And while I've been trying to get some much-needed cleaning and organizing done, dishes and other items in fall colors seem to have been displayed around the house here and there...

Then I made gingerbread and soup, not once, but twice in one week.  Well, that clinches it... soup, gingerbread, pumpkins, leaf piles, crisp air, colorful foliage and cuddling... I'm ready to welcome fall!

Gingerbread Recipe

2 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 c unsalted butter
1/2 c sugar
1 egg
1 c molasses
1 c hot water

In a bowl combine flour, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and salt.  In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar.  Add egg and molasses and beat until fluffy.  Add flour mixture and hot water.  Pour into a greased baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until done.

Have a great weekend!