Thankful

OK, it's been a while, not for lack of want but for lack of time, however I'm sure everyone can relate.  Everyday seems to get shorter and shorter.  Although my kids are getting older, their need from me is still there, and sometimes I feel like it's more than ever.  BUT, having said that, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, especially for days like today when you go to your child's school conferences and you get nothing but positive feedback.  Well, other than the, "likes to socialize", but hey that's still positive, right?! 

While both of my superstars got straight A's, seeing the words "Distinguished Honor Roll" on my 6th graders report card makes me feel so proud and THANKFUL!  And it's amusing to me that my daughter's writing teacher chose to share a descriptive paper she wrote entitled "The Kitchen".  In this paper, she talks about all the wonderful things her Mom, a/k/a ME, makes.  The smells she smells, the tastes she tastes.  But then, she goes onto say how happy I am when I am baking.  What, wait people notice that, especially an 11 year old?  I know, crazy right, who in their right mind LOVES to be in the kitchen, unless they live in 1950...well me, that's who.  I have no rhyme or reason, it just is.  Eating baked goods makes people happy, so generally it should give me happiness too!

Tonight, the middle school had a Teacher Appreciation Dinner.  So to honor our schools teacher's, I made Pumpkin Cupcakes with Buttermilk Cream Cheese frosting. I chose Cupcakes because I could take 3 dozen, spend time on each one, and make them to how I want them to turn out.  Afterall, isn't that what teachers do with our children... 

So, not just today or this time of year, I am thankful for my children and also their teachers, everyday.  What teachers give to our children is above and beyond.  It takes someone special, who has patience and love, and more patience.  I can honestly say that while I could never be a teacher, I have been (and hopefully continue to be) a great Mom.  And seeing what my children have become so far, definitely reaffirms that.  Besides, I have a #1 Mom Christmas ornament to prove it!

I share with you my recipe of Thanks.  Use it if you ever want to let your teachers know just how much you appreciate them too!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Cupcakes

2 cups flour                                     

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 TBSP. + 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg   

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 c. buttermilk

3/4 cup pumpkin

Preheat oven to 350.  Line standard muffin tins with paper liners.  Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.

On medium high speed, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each incorporated.  Reduce speed to low.  Add flour and milk, alternating and beat until just combined.  Add pumpkin and beat until just combined.

Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full.  Bake approximately 15 minutes.  Yield 32 cupcakes.

Buttermilk Cream Cheese Frosting

1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 pkg (16oz) powdered sugar
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 TBSP. meringue powder

Cream together cream cheese and butter.  Add powdered sugar, meringue powder and milk.  Add vanilla until creamed.