I came home recently after grocery shopping complaining about the cost of pecans. I paid over $4 for a 1 1/2 cup bag of pecan halves. I wanted to make pecan pie muffins - see recipe below.

My husband replied by asking why didn't I pick up the pecans under our pecan tree. We have a tree on the lot next to our home. My answer was that I didn't want to shell them.

Today, my MIL, the boys and I picked up pecans from the ground. Honestly, it is not something I really enjoy doing. Bending over, moving wet leaves out of the way, just to find a pecan that is the same color of the wet leaves on the ground. But I will do it again......

My boys loved picking up pecans today. We had a great time in the sunshine. They are so proud of what they did.

Another moment where I enjoyed my life.

Pecan Pie Muffins

1 Cup packed brown sugar
1 Cup pecans, chopped
2/3 butter melted
1/2 Cup all purpose flour
2 eggs beaten
1 tsp vanilla

Combine sugar, flour and pecans mix well. Then add in butter, eggs and vanilla and mix well. Grease muffin tin.

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

For a lighter version use Splenda Brown Sugar (see conversion chart on pkg) and Smart Balance Butter 50/50 with Omega 3.