5 Reasons Why I Love PARENTHOOD

D and I binged watched Parenthood last year on Netflix and then picked up with the last season this fall.  It is generally my favorite show of the week - and though I love a lot of comedies (Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, etc), I can't help but love this family drama and think that it's probably one of the best shows on TV.

Tonight is the last episode -- and as embarrassing as it is, I am mourning the end! I have fallen in love with the Braverman family and am not ready to say goodbye! I will have to find another show to fill the void.

Here are just 5 of the reasons I love this show:

(1) It's about a grown up family: Matriarch and Patriarch, their kids, and their kid's kids.

There are tons of family shows about young kids, teens, etc. but only a few family dramas dealing with grown up kids and their families.  This is the stage of life I am in, so I guess it's relatable.

Truth is, things are different when you grow up.  You have to learn to do what's best for your family and still try to respect your family.  You have your own schedule, but still try to stay close to parents and siblings. You witness these characters wading the same waters -- balancing family with extended family, working to stay close, disagreeing with siblings, etc.

(2) The characters are believable.

These characters face a lot of drama - but everyday drama that many Americans face like divorce, job loss, kids making poor decisions, unwed pregnancy, cancer, aging, kids with disabilities, marriage problems, infertility, adoption, etc.

We all understand at least one of these problems...unlike problems featured on other shows like being the President's mistress (Scandal), being caught between an American small town and fairytale land (Once Upon a Time), spending years plotting revenge on the people who took down your father (Revenge), being artificially inseminated on accident and becoming a pregnant virgin (Jane the Virgin), being switched at birth and reconnecting with your siblings (Switched at Birth), dating a presidential candidate(Brothers and Sisters).

FYI, the above listed are all shows I watch or have watched, so I like them, but sometimes, it's nice to watch a show that includes realistic challenges that either I or people I know and love are facing.

(3) The show provides hope amidst disappointment.

You've got two free spirit wild child siblings and two type A goody two shoes siblings. But, both the good siblings and the wilder ones make mistakes....as do their kids.  Although their mistakes have consequences, no mistake dooms a character.  It is challenging, but every poor choice on the show is survived and maybe even overcome.

(4)  This family loves each other.

This family is imperfect and like most families, sometimes just a little dysfunctional.  Sometimes they get into each other's business and say harsh things, but whenever difficult times come, they have each other's backs.

These days, its easy to portray the broken family.  It creates drama immediately which makes the writer's role a bit easier at times.  But, its much more difficult to create an entertaining show that reveals the complexities, ups and downs of an imperfect but loving family.  I think that's why so many people loved this show: we crave a happy but flawed family.

(5) The show has a proper ending

I hate when shows get notice halfway through the season that they will no longer be on air, so they try to tie up the loose ends in a few short episodes -- or even worse, when a show ends for a season and doesn't air the next season, so you never got a proper ending or goodbye.

I also dislike when a show goes on too long and doesn't end on a good note (like How I Met Your Mother, one of my favorite shows of all time that lost some of its charm in the later seasons....)

Parenthood is ending in none of those ways.  We have a proper goodbye, a whole season to watch and mourn and celebrate and see how things wrap up.  The show is ending before it started dragging on -- and because the writers and producers knew it was going to end, the show is not ending abruptly with huge question marks and unanswered questions.

I am sad to see the show end but I am glad that it is ending properly!

So, is it just me - or is anyone else mourning the ending of Parenthood? And, any suggestions of shows to watch to fill the void? 

What I learned in the past year of life

Last week was my birthday. Yes, on a 3 day weekend which was glorious! I was able to sleep in a bit (although does anyone our age really sleep in past 8:30? I rarely do...), do a few chores, spend time with D, catch up on Netflix and have dinner with another couple.

My birthday falls just 2.5 weeks after the new year begins, so January is always (for good or bad) a time of reflection. During rough years, simultaneously turning older and facing a new calendar year either felt overwhelming as if looking back reminded me of all I felt I did not accomplish in the prior 12 months or felt freeing, like a chance to escape!  On good years, saying goodbye to the previous year felt a little sad, as if the unknown new year couldn't possibly top the last year.

The past year was both good and bad, so although I remember it fondly, I am grateful to see what the next year holds.  Here are a few lessons (both serious and humorous) learned in my last year of life:

(1) Give it a year.

2014 begin with a lot of frustration and disappointment. I felt like my life was full of struggles and I was also hurting for others that were facing their own trials.  At the beginning of the year, it seemed that some challenges would never end -- and yet 12 months later, life is different and better in so many ways. This seemed to be a trend for many in my life - and for that, I am very grateful.

(2) (For us) Yearly vacations are worth saving and splurging on. We should try to travel every year!

DC, marriage, work or job searching, volunteer work, obligations, studying for exams (D, not me!) can be exciting but also exhausting and mundane.  Everyday life has plenty of wonderful moments, but it's the stressful or boring moments that spur my heart on towards a little adventure.  Last year in particular, I was still in a temporary job and we did not have tons of extra cash for travel, but we decided to plan, save and purchase one part of the vacation at a time (plane first, then hotel, then tour/museum passes, etc) in order to make a cheap-ish adventure happen.  After a happy but challenging year, we were able to travel to Toronto.  The timing was perfect - right after I had started a new job and right after we moved.  It felt like a celebration for surviving the past year and a chance to catch our breath. Having time to explore, relax and reflect with D was amazing! Plus, as a planner, spending time saving and planning for this trip helped get me through the long cold winter!

In the process of saving for this trip,  someone made the comment about how I claimed we did not have much money, but I couldn't be that poor if I could afford this trip. I admitted that I was not really that poor in the grand scheme of things but our first trying year in expensive DC taught us a lot about cutting back and saving. And, I will admit, I felt a little defensive at first about how we spent our money, but then I reminded myself that we all have things that are worth splurging or saving towards...and whether everyone agrees or not, travelling is our splurge. One person may like to drive a nice car, wear expensive clothing, live in a cooler neighborhood, eat out often, etc. As a couple, our main splurge is travel. This may change as we have kids, but I really hope it doesn't change too much! Time spent exploring - whether domestically or internationally - is important to us!

So, I guess my point is: travel may not be your thing, but pick one thing to save and splurge for -- a nice piece of furniture, a new purse, a new camera, camp for your kiddos, eating at a fancy restaurant once a month, etc. If something is important to you and doable - with a little sacrifice -- don't feel badly about it, make it happen. When life is tight and circumstances are frustrating, it's nice to have one little splurge or treat to save for and get excited about.

(3) Create new traditions.

We live far away from both our families, so creating some new traditions was essential.  Cooking thanksgiving dinner with friends two years in a row (the first year in DC, the second year in NYC) has helped us start to make this holiday our own. We have other traditions too  -- like packing picnics for outdoor summer movies, walking to Georgetown on spring saturdays for coffee on the waterfront (clearly that tradition will be changing now that we live further out...)  I can't wait to create a few new traditions for our little family this year (including maybe doing our own little Christmas dinner and gift opening before heading home...)

(4) Parenthood is the best show about families on TV and I will cry when it ends this week. Also, everyone should have an "escape" show that they binge watch on Netflix.

This is somewhat humorous -- but somewhat serious.  If you don't watch Parenthood, commit to binge watch this snow on Netflix. It's amazing and you fall in love with the characters.

If you have watched Parenthood, then commit to watch another show.  I am one of the few believers that TV is a good thing. Too much TV is a bad thing, but television (or services like Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime or Netflix) can be a great cheap source of entertainment -- and when it was so cold last winter and the job search was disappointing, I LOVED coming home, putting my PJs on and curling up on the couch with D for a good show and distraction. (For the record, pre-D, I had plenty of stay in and watch TV nights with my roomies)

Also, on that note, BUY A ROKU....you won't regret it.  It was the best investment we made during our first year of marriage because it provided endless hours of tv and movie entertainment.

(5) The whole "less energy" as you age claim is true.  

A few years ago, I could get a few hours of sleep and function well, but now, I need 8. (or more...)
At first this was upsetting, but now I am embracing it....9:30 bedtime anyone?

(6)  Sometimes all you can do is accept that there are differences or hurt feelings and move past it.

We all hope for resolution in relationships -- apologies, acknowledgment that you were wronged or hurt, a conversation where both parties aim to do better.  Sometimes relationships change, sometimes people let you down and sometimes you don't get resolution.  I think the past year has taught me to mourn that and then move on. It may not always get resolved.  That's life.

But, I think it's also taught me that when you can get resolution - for yourself or someone else, do it.

(7) It is a blessing to have someone to "do life" with.

Marriage is great -- you know, romance, true love, commitment, etc.  You know what else? Marriage is extremely practical and comforting.  When the car needs a new starter, when we have to file our taxes, when I am sick and can't manage to cook dinner, there is someone here to help.  After talking to a single friend recently who just wanted someone to split the load with her, I remembered what a blessing marital teamwork is.  I've done life alone and I've done life with a co-pilot and it's easier together. Having someone else take the car to the shop may not be romantic, but I think that's the best part of marriage - splitting chores and sharing life.

(8) Embrace what is.

Embrace what is -- don't I sound zen? (quit laughing, family)

My first year of living in DC did not turn out exactly like I planned. It didn't turn out badly, but where we live, our friends, where I work, where we go to church - all turned out differently than I anticipated.  This was hard at first, but once I started to let go of what I thought would be, I enjoyed what was a lot more. 18 months in, I am enjoying friends, work, even living in the 'burbs (some days, ha)!

(9)  Single people are cooler.

Ok, married folks, don't get your feathers ruffled....you know it's true.  I am not saying that there aren't some really cool married folks. But, as a whole, singles are more fun.  I love married life with D-- and I still make an effort to do happy hours and girls nights, but the reality is that I was way cooler as a single person. (D was cooler too.)  I threw a lot more parties. I was invited to a lot more parties. I went to more charity events. I had more friends. I went to fun bars and restaurants more often.

Part of that changed because I got married - and part changed because I moved somewhere where I did not have as many friends. Oh, and part changed because I live in a more expensive city and can't afford to "go out" as much.

I love married life, so this isn't meant as a complaint.  My point is: single folks, keep dating, meet new people, pray the right person comes along....but, in the meantime, live it up and have a lot of fun...these are your coolest days :)

Thankfully, I have a lot of single friends so I still have brief moments of coolness.

(10) Being an Ole Miss Fan is tough, so being a lifelong Rebel is a true commitment.

I should know better: Don't get your hopes up because the Rebs will choke. I learned this lesson from the greatest Rebel fan I know (my dad).  Also, I have been an Ole Miss fan for 30 years now so this should be a lesson I have learned and relearned. But, after an incredible start this season, I have to admit, my expectations were higher than usual.  Even after a loss, I still expected a good season. Seeing the season unravel was difficult and it was even harder to see the Rebels fall apart at the Peach Bowl.  Compared to past years, Ole Miss did well this season, but at one point, it seemed that they would do so much better.

For the record, I never really thought the Rebels would go to the playoffs, but I did expect a stronger finish!  Hopefully this is just the first of many good years, all a little bit better than the previous one.

(See that, a foolish fan -- always a bit optimistic!)

Showing Up in the Darkness

In Sunday School, we watched this Christmas message by Louie Giglio.  If you have time this season, I encourage you to listen to it while wrapping gifts or cooking dinner.  It reminds us of the importance of the Christmas message in a way that is not just cheesy cliches or picture perfect manger scenes.  His words reminded me that the gospel is both beautiful and messy at the same time. And most importantly, he reminds me that the gospel brings beauty to our mess. No circumstance is too disastrous that it can't be redeemed by our Savior and no moment is so lonely that the Savior can't show up.

We often forget the heaviness of Mary and Joseph's situation. Being chosen to carry the Savior may seem like a blessing now, but it was a scandal at the time...an engaged woman claiming that her baby would arrive via virgin birth!  There must have been whispers behind their backs and judging eyes. People assumed Mary was promiscuous and a liar and they assumed Joseph was a fool. I wonder how many friends were lost and if their families doubted their story.

The two had just endured a long journey on what is one of the worst days of the year - TAX DAY.  A pregnant woman who was likely feeling the normal pregnancy discomfort had just travelled bumpy roads on a smelly donkey. They did not have a lot of money and had no place to stay.  No one took pity on them and welcomed them in.  An inn keeper informed them of a place to find shelter -- probably not a lovely stable like in our nativity sets, but instead a dark damp cave on the side of the hill where animals found refuge at night and during storms.

And Giglio pointed out something I had never thought of: what was Mary praying that night?  I think if we pause, we all probably know (or at least we women know) what her prayer was: Lord, please do not let this baby come tonight. Not here, not now.

But, we know the rest of the story...the baby did arrive.  In the middle of what may have been the worst night of young Mary's life, a Savior came. The Lord broke his silence of 400 years in the most basic way -- with a human cry from a tiny baby in a dark dirty cave on a bad day to a scandalous couple. The Lord showed up in the mess.

The Lord shows up in our mess too! I have endured some pretty tough Christmases -- full of heartache, broken relationships, family tragedies, death, pain. I have also enjoyed wonderful Christmases -- with an engagement, family gatherings, friend's weddings, joyful moments.  And you know what? The Lord showed up in each and every moment.  He was there in the tears and brokeness just as much as the joy and celebration. Christmas solidified that He knew and understood because He came.

Christmas will not always be joyful memories and postcard quality moments. Some years, it will be hard to celebrate - but the reality that Christ showed up in our broken world and our messy lives is a message most needed by those dreading the Holiday season.

Our Savior showed up for Mary in her dark moments - and He will show up for us as well!

Advent is for the hopeless

Last week was the first week of advent, the week where we light the candle of HOPE. This has always been my favorite week of advent -- partially because it officially kicks off one of my favorite times of year, but also because I, like most of you, live in a world that often lacks real hope.

Hope is frowned upon by cynics, intellectuals and realists as being too naive and childlike.  Hope is sometimes even discouraged by well meaning Christians out of fears that unrealized hopes will lead to a lack of faith or disappointment. As a result of both secular and religious attacks, we find ourselves suppressing hope daily, clinging to the idea that we must be tough to survive and stoic to show true faith. Hope is seen as weakness.

But advent arrives every December - amidst our broken relationships, sick family members, tight budgets, sinful struggles and unmet longings - and it gently calls out to us - Hope, Long, Believe.

Advent reminds us of a people who hoped for a Savior for hundreds of years before their longing was finally realized.  Advent is a celebration of fulfilled longings and answered prayers.

Advent points to Jesus, His arrival as an infant and His coming return; but it also gives us a much needed respite from a world of cynicism and fear.  Advent reminds us to place our hope in a Savior who hears, understands and answers, a Savior who lived in this same fallen and painful world. Advent reminds us that trust and faith is more than just obedience and fear because we are free to hope for change, freedom, healing and answers. Advent reminds us of our eternal hope and a victory that is already won.

And, perhaps most encouraging for many facing difficulties and trials during the Holiday season, advent provides this comfort: we serve a God who understands our pain and longings, a God who is with us in the waiting. Advent reminds us that longings can be answered and that waiting can be used for preparation, growth and anticipation.

Our world may be cynical, but even a generation of realists long for Christmas miracles, unexplained joys, family reconciliations, healing, relationships and love this time of year.  Every cheesy Christmas movie or commercial displays a sense of hope (albeit false hope) during this season. But we are so fortunate to have a real hope and answer to our longing. We have a Savior who came, will return, answers and sustains.

It's sometimes hard to hope in this broken world, but advent is for the hopeless. It is for those who feel like they are wading through mud, stuck in a world of waiting and longing. Advent reminds us or our true hope. Advent provides a time to celebrate longing, anticipate answers, rest in His comfort and remember that He came to save us from a broken world full of longing and waiting.

So, hope away. Cling to our greatest hope. Lay your longings at His feet. Trust that He can provide and sustain. We are blessed with these 4 weeks each year that remind us of the Hope we have been given.

ADVENT: How We're Celebrating

I love the holiday season (yes, maybe that makes me #basic).  I love it all- the glimmer of lights cheering up even the dullest days, upbeat holiday music encouraging you during your morning commute, delicious seasonal treats that make my belly and heart full, curling up with cocoa and watching Christmas movies with the cheesiest yet happiest endings, time spent with family and fiends, finding the perfect gift for someone and most of all, celebrating advent. 

Celebrating Advent gives us 24 extra days to prepare our hearts and minds for the real reason to celebrate. During the holiday chaos, it gives us a daily opportunity to reflect on the Lord's  birth and to anticipate His second coming.  It serves as reminder not only of Christ's birth, but also His death, resurrection and return.

Earlier this week, a fellow blogger wrote about ways she is celebrating Advent this season and I thought I would share the ways both I and my little family are celebrating. I hope our future kids will anticipate the start of Advent as much as I do each year. I hope that Advent reminds them that the Lord is returning and that waiting (in Advent, life's trials and when awaiting the Lord's return) can be a time of anticipation, growth, encouragement and hope.

Here's how we are celebrating:

(1) Lighting the Advent Wreath.

We light our advent wreath nightly.  I received this advent wreath from a sweet family when we got married and it is one of my favorite wedding gifts. Each night, D and I light the wreath, do our advent devotional and pray.  I like taking time with my sweet hubby to focus on Christ and anticipate Christmas each day.

(2) Reading through an advent devotional.

 We are working through Ann Voskamp's The Greatest Gift advent book. Last year, we worked through one of Piper's advent devotionals, also excellent (and free!)

(3) Celebrating through music.

As silly as it may sound, I try to listen to Christian Christmas carols as much as possible throughout the day.  Music is a great format for sharing truth and as I hear lyrics about advent and our Savior's birth, my heart is focused and encouraged.  Additionally, the church we have been attending is sponsoring a couple Christmas concerts this month and we are trying to attend at least one of these events.

(4) My own personal advent readings.  

A friend posted this advent devotional (by shereadstruth.com) on facebook and I have been following it, plus reading any and all articles I come across regarding the Advent season. Reading an Advent article at lunch or when I first arrive at work tends to refocuse me.

(5) Blogging. 

Whether you like it or not, you will be seeing some posts about Advent (if it's not your thing, then come back in January!) I love Advent and tend to talk a lot about it each year. (examples here, here  and here ) so I am sure I will be doing the same this year. 

(6) Praying Boldly.  

Advent is about waiting, longing, peace and hope. Advent and Christmas is a picture of a God that answers prayers and provides in huge ways, including providing a perfect baby to take our place.  Advent is also a reminder that God became man-- yes, man - like you and me -- so He understands our pain, betrayal, longing, disappointment.  During this time of year, I tend to spend a lot of time reflecting on how privileged we are to serve a God that relates to us and understands.  I also tend to lay aside my doubts and fear of disappointment and make BOLD prayers for myself and for others -- for healing, for babies, for marriages, for salvation, for forgiveness.

It's such a special time of year -- a time when we await the baby's birth and the Lord's return, a time where we focus on the manhood of Christ and the fact that he understands our pain and struggles, a time when longing and waiting is celebrated not hated. Advent has always been a source of encouragement in my life, even more so during life's difficult years. 

What about you? Anyone have plans to celebrate Advent? How do you celebrate?

Last Minute Thanksgiving Dish: Homemade Mac and Cheese

This month, we have 4 Thanksgivings...which is a bit surprising considering the fact that we will not be at home in DC or in Mississippi for Turkey Day. I was worried that we would not celebrate in a traditional way at all and was starting to plan a little weeknight Turkey fest for hubby and me. But, no need for our own private feast because we will when all the dust settles, we will be having Thanksgiving 4 times: with Dave's sisters last weekend,  with 2 different dinner groups and with friends in NYC. By December 1st, we (and our bellies) will have celebrated the holiday FULLY (yes, pun intended).

The first celebration was at the beginning of the month with our dinner group. Everyone signed up to bring various dishes via email and I signed up for dessert and salad, but when I looked back over the list, I realized that the only 2 things on the list that my picky husband would eat were meat and rolls. So, at 3 pm at work, I begin to frantically search for an easy side dish that I could make in the hour and fifteen minute time frame we had before dinner group.** Mashed potatoes would take too long and I had no good recipes for a fall risotto or rice dish. So, I settled on Mac and Cheese.

I had only made homemade mac and cheese a couple times before and had no idea what recipe I used and how long it took, so I did an internet search for simple mac and cheese recipes and selected a few to read through and then picked which one looked yummy and easy enough to shop for and complete in a limited time frame. Sometimes I spend half and hour looking for the perfect recipe and sometimes I basically settle on the first decent one I find.  In this case, it was the latter - and in this case, the halfhearted approach worked well, because our simple mac and cheese was delicious.  It certainly wasn't the fanciest, most flavorful version I have ever tasted -- no bacon, specialty cheeses or truffle oil -- but for what it was - a hearty cheesy filling side dish - it was perfect. Plus, it was simple and quick to make

We ran by the store to buy the ingredients and then I hurried to prepare and cook our side dish quickly so that we were only a few minutes late.  Actually, the short time frame worked out best because the dish was still piping hot when we arrived and homemade mac and cheese, in my humble opinion, is one of those dishes that is at its best the first time it comes out of the oven. It does not improve with reheating.

I found the simple recipe on this blog.  The only thing I did differently was use penne noodles instead of macaroni. Also, I didn't just pour the sauce over the noodles, I kind of mixed it all together, but still made sure there was a generous amount on the top to bake into a crispy top.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Macaroni (or other pasta)
• 2 (8 oz) Packages of Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated or in chunks, I prefer grated)
• 2 cups Milk
• ½ cup Flour
• ¼ cup Butter
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot boil macaroni until tender.
2. Shred your cheese and set aside.
3. In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and mix until brown amber color (Make a roux).
5. Add milk and whisk until thick.
6. Add cheese one hand full at a time.
7. Mix until cheese is all melted and smooth.
8. Place cooked macaroni in baking pan.
9. Pour cheese mixture over macaroni.
10. Bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven
11. Salt & Pepper to taste.

I have made the dish 3 times this month for get togethers. It's simple, inexpensive, a crowd pleaser-- and husband pleaser. If Turkey Day is fast approaching and you have yet to pick a dish to contribute, then this recipe might be a good one to try.  It's hard to mess it up and you can make a tasty dish without slaving away all day.

A couple of personal notes: I added cayenne pepper. Also I have halved the recipe and I have cooked the noodles and poured the sauce and then refrigerated the dish throughout the work day before baking that evening. Doing the prep work ahead of time is not quite as yummy as cooking all at once, BUT it wasn't bad and definitely worth trying if you want to prep the food then have someone else bake (in my case, D baked the mac and cheese since he gets home from work earlier)


**Before you think I am a saintly wife worried about what my husband would eat, you should know that I was more worried about people being offended by the lack of food on his plate than I was about him having enough to eat.  D is picky but in some way, he's not picky -- for example, a meal of rolls and turkey is plenty for him.  

Cold Day Treats: Pumpkin Bread

It's cold - not just in DC but across America (which honestly, makes me feel a little bit better about the cold -- misery loves company right??)  Apparently, there are locations in all 50 states that hit freezing or below freezing temps yesterday...yes, even Hawaii and Florida. I checked a few states via weather.com because I wasn't so sure I believed NPR-- and it's true, cold everywhere!!

It was 17 degrees this morning -- so cold that I could see my breath, so cold that my ungloved fingers were changing colors, so cold that our car skidded a bit on the way home from the gym because we drove over a portion of the parking lot where the storm water drains and apparently freezes, so cold that there was frozen vomit on the platform on my way to work..yep, can't make that up.

When it's this cold, I feel like I need to find the silver lining and cheer myself up. I like to remind myself that there are some positives to cold weather... For example.....

• It's so cold outside, but thankfully I have a pot of chili cooking!
• I hate cold weather, but I love an excuse to snuggle up next to my cute husband and catch up on TV.
• Cold weather is the worst, but the accompanying Christmas lights are glorious!
• It's freezing, but cold weather is the perfect excuse to bake...especially seasonal treats!

And, last night, to cheer myself up about the colder temps, I used the weather as an excuse to bake warm fall themed goodies.  I'll admit, I partly baked so we would have goodies for our guests arriving tomorrow, but I partly baked so that our apartment would smell lovely and so that I could lick the spoon at the end (Don't judge, you know that's the best part of baking...) Baking was a good way to lift my spirits!

My baking drug of choice last night was pumpkin bread. During the fall months, sometimes we just need a little pumpkin in our lives! I love that the recipe makes 2 loaves so that I have an extra loaf to freeze for weekend breakfast, office treats or a last minute snack to bring food to a bible study, girls night or other event. This recipe freezes well and tastes just as yummy when you defrost it.

I got my recipe from a cooking website and it's nothing fancy, but definitely homemade and far tastier than any box mix.  You can add nuts or chocolate chips --- I suggest chocolate chips which makes it taste more like a cake than a bread (in my humble opinion)

  

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Libby’ Pure Pumpkin
• 3 cups Sugar
• 1 cup Canola or Vegetable Oil
• 2/3 cup Water
• 4 eggs
• 3 1/3 cups Flour
• 2 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1.5 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Ground Nutmeg

Directions:

• Mix Pumpkin, Sugar, Oil, Water, and Eggs in large mixing bowl until well combined.
• In medium mixing bowl, combine Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg.  Stir well, then gradually pour into large bowl of pumpkin mixture.  Stir well to combine completely.
• Spray TWO 9×5 Non-stick Loaf Pans with Pam Cooking Spray.
• Pour mixture evenly into loaf pans.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 – 55 minutes, or until done and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• ENJOY!!

There is nothing like a warm slice of pumpkin bread to lift your spirits on a cold fall day.  How blessed I am to have a warm home, a comfy bed and yummy treats on cold days. So much to be grateful for!

So, if you are facing some cold temps (and my guess is that you are experiencing freezing temps because well, most places in America are dealing with cold weather...), maybe it's time to cook some Pumpkin bread to help cheer you up! And, don't forget to lick the spoon!