We are still alive....

I know I said I hoped to write a little every day, but that just isn't happening. We are still alive and doing well. I am looking for a program to shrink pictures before I post them. I thought I had one, but that was on the "old" computer. Once I get that there will be more photos. I have some cute kids, and we sure have fun together, and I want to share that with you.

Truth be told, I am also still very techni-illiterate, well technologically challanged at least. Once I get it down though.... there will be no stopping me. I still may be a little slow, but things will happen sooner than later.

General Conference Activity Book

I was emailed this today. For those of us that want our kids engaged in Conference, but aren't ambitious enough to make a book ourselves, someone has made an activity book for us. Here is the link. This is FREE. http://deseretbook.com/conf.pdf

One of best parts of August to November to me is all the canning and jamming I do. I love the process of turning fresh fruit into something delicious for my family. A couple weeks ago this process was in full steam in our kitchen. First, Matthew and I harvested what little veggies we grew in our small garden... mostly green beans. We did have a few small delicious cucumbers and small carrots. Then, we picked the blackberries that grow behind our apartment. This is always a fun thing with him. I think I have his system down.... "one for the bucket, a dozen for me, two for the bucket, just kidding I will now eat the three that are in my bucket." My bucket gets full while his face gets juiced on and his tummy gets full. It really is wonderful!

The next day both kids helped me peel the skin off the peaches for canning. That night we got about 12 quarts, the next day almost a dozen more. Then came the pears, not quite as fast as the peaches, but very tasty. You want to know my favorite part? Sitting down with my feet up after being on them for hours and hearing the "pop" "pop" as the jars seal. At that point I know all the hard work will be paying off later on in the year when we are enjoying peach cobbler, blackberry pies and delicious fruit.

Next month I might make some apple pie filling. We still have a few quarts from last year, but I really do enjoy the process. One of my tenants said she wants to learn to can and my maintenance guy and family LOVE the pie filling for apple crisp. Maybe I will get some people together and teach them how to do for themselves. What do you think?

Fun at the Fair

Each September we attend the Puyallup Fair. This year both kids particpated for the first time in Mutton Bustin'. Don't know what that is? Kids under 6 and 60 pounds get on the back of a sheep and hold on for dear life for hopefully 6 seconds or more. This is very hard to do. Ceithlinn lasted about 2 seconds and Matthew about 3. Ceithlinn has vowed never to do that again. She thinks they should put a saddle on the sheep and give you something to hold onto. :) Matthew may be up for another go around. He kepts talking about the black sheep. I think his theory is that if he rides the black sheep he will be able to hold on longer. Both kids did GREAT! We are so proud of them for trying something new and exicting.

Our morning routine

I am getting in the habit of coming home from teaching Seminary, turning on a light and some music to help the rest of the family wake up. Our latest favorite is the "Cars" soundtrack. This morning Matthew came out to the living room with a scrowl and with his hands on his hips said, "I want to sleep more!" I asked if he wanted a hug instead. He settled for a cuddle and little rocking to the beat. At least I know our new wake up routine is working. :)

In the beginning....

Well, we are finally doing it, we are starting a blog. Life has become too busy to sit and come up with long updates. I am hoping that by doing this you will be more up-to-date about what is happening in our lives.

Please be patient while we are under construction. I have never done something like this and am learning what I can. I am sure it can't be that difficult, but I can complicate anything. Blogs to look forward to is my recent trip to Utah, a day at the beach, and anything else that hits my fancy.