How I almost burn my kitchen down

Long story short about the kitchen fire incident, I tried to make some pumpkin cupcakes the day after thanksgiving. I some how broke off the knob for the the oven temperature. I thought I had turn the knob to about 350, but I guess I must have turned it a lot higher than that. About 5 minutes after putting the cupcakes in, my crazy smoke alarm went off and my condo started filling up with smoke. I ran to the kitchen and open the oven, and there was a small fire at the bottom of my oven and my pumpkins cupcakes were burned {even though the inside was still running}. Yah the rest was kinda blurry because I freaked out like a crazy maniac {wouldn't you if there was a fire in the oven}. My down stair neighbor son heard the fire alarm and came up. I don't know what he did {because I was running around looking for my cell phone to call 911}, but he some how put out the fire. The sweet guy was trying really hard not to laugh, because I was borderline crying. The end.

The stupid broken knob.

You can't really tell due to the lovely effect of the Polaroid, but here are my burned pumpkin cupcakes.


On a happier note, I successfully made my first sweet potatoes casserole.

For the actual Thanksgiving meal, I was responsible for bringing sweet potatoes casserole. I made The Pioneer Woman {my hero in the kitchen} Soul Sweet 'Taters {it was quite yummy}.

I couldn't decide on a topping so I made both. I think I prefer the pecan topping.

The Kerstetter Clan

I am back from my unintentional blogcation. Last week my husband had to make a trip to the ER due to some major chest pain {doctor don't have exact cause, but all signs point to stress}. That was one of the scariest moment of my life. So I was really ready for some major family time.

I am an only child, so I make sure to married into a big family. My husband is one out of four boys. Both of my older brothers in law live in Colorado with their wife {I"m trying to change that and move them all back to Texas}. They come and visit us every other holiday {either Thanksgiving or Christmas}, so I was extremely thankful that we get them for Thanksgiving this year.

Now, I introduce to you The Kerstetter Clan.


Candid picture while waiting for Russell {the oldest brother} to set up the self timer on his camera.


All the siblings. This is as close to your typical family portrait as we get.


Ladies of the house.


Mommy and Daddy K


Russell and Denise


Brad and Bethany


My hubby {doing his blue steel pose} and I


Hubby and I with Glenn {our baby brother} guest starring Russell. We had to do a few retake for the formal family picture because I can't stop laughing out loud.


Mr.Darcy our dog

I"ll blog about how I almost burn my kitchen down and my near disaster post Thanksgiving meal tomorrow. Happy Monday.

Holiday hair how-to: the side chignon

Full instructions here.

I want to attempt this for Thanksgiving, but I'm not too hopeful with my thick black layered Asian straight hair.

Image and instructions from This is glamorous. <- one of my favorite blog.

Gobble gobble