Apples Apples Apples

 It's down to this last box of apples, but it's a huge box. I am bound and determined to use it all up so I can start quilting again. So these are the cast of characters that are going to help me

 The dehydrator has helped me make a large freezer bag full of snack bag dehydrated apple slices- a good school snack.

The crockpot has helped me with 6 -8oz jars of apple carmel sauce and now  we are making applesauce. We also have an apple pie in the works.

Nana dog will no longer be able to grab an apple and take it to the livingroom. She guards them. Thank goodness she doesn't chew them up. That would make a mess and she's been saving that for rolls of toilet paper."Look mom confetti"That's what I got to clean up this morning. Good thing I love her.

Pear Transformation

 One of the benefits of not being able to breath or sleep is I got all the pears processed in one night. I promise no snot made its way into these jars. Gross disclaimer but true. The crockpot did most of the work. I left the skins on, diced up the pears, put them in the crock added sugar and vanilla extract and some all spice.  After twelve hours of cooking I blended it and canned it up.It is YUM

                             Pear Butter

Day Four

Day four of feeling like something that comes out of the backend of a dog. Went to the DR's, got antibotic, got Umcka, got Emergen-c and throwing everything I can at this crap. Praying for forgivness for cussing out the little beasties at middle school that gave this to me.

Happy Anniversary 46 years!!!!

 These people inspire me. They have taught me love, partnership, commitment,and patience. They have taught me the meaning of best friend.

 They have taught me how to handle things with grace and that the Lord is our best friend and one to lean on. They have taught me the importance of family.

Thank you Mom and Dad. Happy Anniversary. We love you.

Wild Horse Parade

 Look at these pictures!!!! Seriously?!? I think my parents near live heaven. This would be my idea of heaven. Wild horses walking down my street.

 And there are babies. Oh I wish I was there but so very thankful that mom sent these to me. Don't move parents. I need to be able to visit this place.

August Meal Planning

I didn't meal plan last week- major mistake. We had no food in the house. The family was NOT happy and we ended up eating out alot. I hate eating out. Don't get me wrong-love to dine-hate to eat out and there is a difference. So for the rest of August meals are planned.

Sun. Chicken Enchiladas
Mon. Leftovers
Tues. Grilled Sausage and Peppers
Wed. Chicken Tenders
Thurs.Ham Frittata
Fri. Pizza and Salad
Sat. Hamburgers
Sun. Pasta
Mon. Dinner out or take out- dog class
Tues. Sloppy Joes
Wed. Mac n cheese
Thurs. Tacos
Fri. Grilled Cheese
Sat. Grilled Steak
Sun. Quiche and fruit

Weekend Recap 8-17

 Weekend started off with some happy mail from my Aunt. Inside were my NaNa's Pyrex bowls. I have an orange one of hers that she gave me when I married Doug and I still have it(20yrs later) and use it most days. To get these bowls is such a treat and make me feel like Nana is close to me. Can't even express how much I miss her.

 Friday night I put some peaches in the crockpot to start a peach sauce. Different than the butter this can go savory or sweet depending on how you want to use it. This morning canned 5 pints of that and yesterday canned 10 quarts of halves. I have to give back the pot I've been borrowing. It's time to buy my own now that I can do this.

 I've also started my Russian doll quilt. It's going to be 30 blocks 5x6 A large lap quilt I think.

 And as always I've enjoyed Nana dog. Taking walks, hanging out in the back yard, lots of snuggles and tomorrow we start our second class. Really love and enjoy our weekend time.

Peaches Sideways

And up to my elbows today, canned 10 quarts of peach halves in a light syrup. And my lids sealed as I said a prayer over each one. A grand victory indeed.

Shopping and Saving

 This morning I made my list and headed off to the market. I found two deals that served me well. Nabisco snacks 3.99 buy two get Capri Sun free with a dollar off coupon on the box. The second was laundry detergent 2.99. When this happens I stock up- like hoarder style stock up. I refuse to pay full price for laundry soap. just refuse. So I take a page from Grandpa Holmes and stock up on sales.

Recoverying from a crazy week

My baby girl took this picture. It is amazing. It describes this past week perfectly for me. Stormy, bright, intense, and a little scary. The kiddos are back at school, work has a new computer system that is not completely working, Boxes of fruit that need attention and three drivers in out house with two cars- Yes Avery got her license.

Busy Weekend Here

 This was a fabric pull I did earlier in the week. I was thinking about starting a quilt this weekend, but that will have to wait for a bit.

 I hope you are not sick of seeing these sunset pictures. They make my heart happy.

 So my sweet friend Susan has a few fruit trees in her yard and invited me over to pick some peaches and apples. Riley and I processed a quarter box of apples and got three apple pie fillings out of it. I got up this morning early and processed the box of peaches. Two peach cobblers, three peach pies and 12 pints of peach chutney

 I have this box of apples left and I think apple butter and maybe applesauce. The nice thing about apples are they have a longer shelf life.

Red Riding Hood meets Psalm 23

 I was doing a fabric pull for a new quilt- more on that later-when I came across this stitching I had done a while back and never really did anything with. So a wall hanging it became. Fear has been an obstacle for me. It is used to hold me back, to give me the excuses I use to not go forward and grow. This part of Psalm 23 is something I say over and over again. I think Little Red Riding Hood mush have been afraid as she went through that forest. What can be better than to know God is with you?

I put the two pieces together and used a brown poke a dot border that I stippled and bond in a soft pink. Another project done and one that spoke to me.

Meal Planning time

Sunday- Hamburgers
Monday- Tacos
Tuesday- Breakfast for dinner
Wednesday- Pasta
Thursday- Going out for dinner It's registration day at the school and I will be wiped out
Friday- Salad/ Soup and bread
Saturday- Grilling steak and veggies

Project complete

 I got the table runner done. So excited. One more project done and now I can start another one. Hmmmmm

 Embroidery done and I decided to quilt with a decorative stitch and a loopty loop stitch all in the black and white gingham. Then I thought a scrappy border would top it off and help with the scrap situation going on in the craft room

It turned out pretty good. What do you think? You should be able to comment now.

Watching the Clouds go by

 It was a challenging week this week. Between work, house and teenagerism I was beat. Or beat up. I'm not sure.

 We are the choices we make right? I had many occasions when I had to make a choice to take the right road, even when I wanted to yell at my girls or behave the way I shouldn't. Well at one point I was upstairs and looking at this sky and thinking " wow there is a God out there and the skies are annoucing his glory"

 And the tears starting to pour down my cheeks and I just gave it up to God.

 Even Nana got in on the action and was cloud watching

 Thank you God for forgiving all my mistakes, for taking all my crap in my life and giving me peace and for showing me your presence in the skies

 It was magic and I sure appreciated it.