Makin' Dreams Come True

Raychel decided that we would make pumpkin pies on Veteran's Day this year. Not only were we going to make pumpkin pies, but we were going to use REAL pumpkins (and deliver them to 10 of our closest friends). As most of you know, I'm not really a cook. I had to start at the very beginning in my quest for the perfect pie. Step One: How the heck do you even cook a pumpkin?

I remember years ago, I went to a YW activity, and we were learning to make pies. The instructor proceeded to open a can of pumpkin. One of the girls present started freaking out (yes, freaking out). "Is that safe to eat?! I didn't know pumpkin came in a can!" I'm sitting there thinking, "How else are you supposed to get pumpkin, sweetie?" Yeah, we were both confused. You mean to tell me you actually make pie with a real pumpkin? A totally foreign concept to me.

So, I did some research (two hours worth), and I felt comfortable enough to take on the task. Well...I didn't feel "comfortable". I just couldn't crush Raychel's dream of the Veteran's Day pie making.

Three excited little girls posing with our plethora of pumpkin.


Step One: Wash the outside of the pumpkin.


Anna was super excited until we cut them open. See below.

Dad lending a helping hand.

Anna got one look at and whiff of the "guts", and she was over the experience.

(Yeah, hi, we've never even carved pumpkins at this house. Don't be calling CPS on me!)

Raychel thought this would be a great seed to plant for next year's crop. Apparently she thinks I am domestic or something.

So, my Leah girl was the BEST pumpkin cleaner. She didn't complain once, and she scooped her little heart out.

Anna did not take her hand off her nose the entire time. Dramatic much?

I told you Anna didn't change her position! After we gutted the pumpkins, we called it a night. They went to bed, and I cooked/scraped them clean.

The next morning I realized I needed to borrow my mom's hand held mixer thingie to puree the pumpkin. Raychel got her crocs on and headed out the door. She was a girl on a serious mission. She wasn't going to be diverted.

This picture was not posed. I love it! They were anxiously watching the pie mixture swirl in the Kitchen Aid. Raychel says, "We have to make sure to mix in all the love because the best pies are made with love." How incredibly cute, yet corny, is that!

Ready to make the deliveries!

Raychel's piano teacher.

One of Anna and Leah's pre-k teachers.

Raychel just walks right in to Nate's house.
Well, I think her face says it all. She ate a few bites but wasn't overly impressed. I know you must be asking yourself, "Is she serious about those earrings?" The answer is a resounding YES! She saw those today at the "Funky Parrot Gift Shop". She told my mom that she had to have them for her recital. We all know, Nana doesn't say "no" to her girl (click here for another example). I feel like Raychel needs to be in a TuPac video or something. Those earrings are total door knocker style, Compton circa 1991.

Now the real fun begins. Whipped cream sprayed directly in the mouth. I wish I could have recorded all the laughter that ensued.

In conclusion, my sophisticated palate could not distinguish the difference between fresh pumpkin and canned pumpkin. Are you so sick of reading the word "pumpkin" by now? Haha!

UPDATE: So I am officially humiliated! After we ate our pie, I discovered there wasn't any sugar in it! Holy cow, embarrassing! I called everyone we made a delivery to and asked if their pie was a little weird tasting. I'm making some pumpkin bread as we speak to try and redeem myself. I just "blame" it on the fact that I had a few too many helpers, and I was distracted. Why couldn't I have been distracted to just forget the salt or something? Oh well...at least Raychel is still happy about the experience. No wonder she made a face like that!