Harvest Time '09

We started with just a few seeds and a few small plants. . . .

After many days of water. . . sunshine. . . weeding. . . more weeding . . . & TLC.
We, as a family, created something MAGICAL....

Our GARDEN!

We picked our first big batch . . .
and then we picked 1 week later and got these. . .
(You didn't know that you could grow 3 adorable children in 4 months time.)

Have you ever wondered what 47 pints, 14 quarts, and 20 1/2 pints of
Hot salsa,

Mild salsa,
Spaghetti Sauce (in the freezer),
Tomatillo Salsa,

and Strawberry Jam
Look like?
Well, there you have it:

23 pints of Zesty Hot Salsa
5 pints of Tomatillo Salsa
20 1/2 pints & 7 pints of Strawberry Jam
12 pints & 7 qts of Roma Mild Salsa
7 qts Spaghetti Sauce

74 jars in total!

Oh, but there are still more tomatoes, cucumbers (regular & armainion), jalapenos, Anaheim peppers, bell peppers, and carrots coming off.

Thank you dear Lord for blessing our family with these many experiences of growing, nurturing, and harvesting a garden.

And if any one is interested or in need please let me know.

Fresh Salsa

I have to preface this recipe, it is vague and changes a little every time I make the salsa. I just use what I have on hand so you may have to tweak it a little.

1 Large Bowl or Grocery sack full of tomatoes
1-2 Bell Peppers (Red, green, or yellow)
1 Lg onion or 5-6 green onions
5-6 Cloves of garlic
2 Jalapeno (seeded) or you can substitute for 2-3 Anaheims or Garden Salsa peppers)
1 Bushell of cilantro
2-4 Limes
Salt to taste

Use a food processor, the pulse mode, and chop away. Core your tomatoes first and leave the skins on. Chop. Dump tomatoes into receiving bowl. Next take the jalapeno, garlic, and bell peppers and chop finely and add to bowl. Chop onion and add to bowl. Hand chop the cilantro and squeeze in the limes. Add salt to taste.

ENJOY!

The DAMN Pencils!

I was really excited for Mitchell to start 1st grade.
I was thrilled for Mitchell to start 1st grade.
Did I mention I am happy about school starting.

Here is the first of many stories to come...

I picked up Mitchell from his classroom on Wed. of last week and his teacher informed me that Mitchell now had a new special job.
I looked at Mitchell and asked, "What is your new special job?"

His reply, with a large smile, "I get to sharpen all the DAMN pencils!!!"

My mouth dropped and Ms. Steffensons' did the same.
I was mortified that my good little 1st grader was swearing in front of his brand new teacher!
I asked him to repeat what he said.

Mitchell said, " I get to sharpen all the DAMN pencils!"

Again my mouth dropped and I explained to Mitchell that we don't use that word.
He argued for a moment and then gave a great sigh and said goodbye to his teacher.
We walked to the edge of the hall and I was talking to Mitchell about why we don't use words like that and he interrupted me.

"But Mom, I said DAMN, you know, like when a light bulb gets small, and doesn't shine as big."

"OH!!! Mitchell you mean DULL. When the tip of a pencil becomes small like a light bulb, it is called DULL!"

"Okay Mom, whatever, DULL!"

I immediately made him turn around and inform Ms. Steffenson that he meant to say Dim and now knows what the word DULL means.

So if you ever need someone to sharpen you DAMN pencils, just let me know, I have the perfect little boy to do the job!

A day at the Beach!

We had a wonderful day at the beach at Bear Lake with just us and the kids. We packed a lunch, some floating toys and a couple buckets and shovels!

Who doesn't love Sand and Water in every crease of your body...
Building sand castles until your fingers look like prunes.....
And being turned into a gorgeous Mermaid!

It was a wonderful and relaxing day at the beach. We topped it off with world famous RASPBERRY SHAKES from LeBeu's. I don't think anything could have been better then being with my family, enjoying the smiles, and playing with the kids (Paul included)!

Minnetonka Cave, ID 7/09

On the 24th of July our little bunch packed up and headed to Bear Lake. We actually camped in Logan Canyon and drove down to the Lake and up to Minnetonka Cave in Idaho. It is very similar to Timpanogas Cave, except for the steep hike up. Instead you climb over 888 steps one way on the inside of the cave. The kids loved feeding the squirrels at the entrance as we waited for our tour to start. And Madilynne and Mason enjoyed an hour and a half long hike on Mom and Dad's back! OUCH! My thighs and back were shaking by the time we were done. But we did have a great time.