Apples, Apples Everywhere, and Lots of Them for Me!

Well, now that we've had a few days of cooler weather, the apples are really coming on. We helped my brother pick some from his tree last week, but now we need to pick ours. I'm ways excited for applesauce and apple juice. Our applesauce is the best because we don't add sugar. I look forward to making juice, because last year we did a wassail base that was just wonderful -- our kids wanted to drink all of it before we canned it.

Last night for family night we made caramel dip and cut up some apples and sat around the table eating. It was great. We still have some dip, so we might have to cut up some more. Right now though, I need to make zucchini bread because we have some ripe bananas that need to be used.

So, I need to get to work! Hopefully tomorrow I'll post pictures of our wonderful mountains with their fall colors and snow caps. sigh. Have I mentioned I love this time of year?

Braces

Well...we've reached 'normality', I think... We have finally entered the world of braces. Our children have been lucky enough in one respect to get my straight teeth. A couple have inherited my hubbies anti-cavity teeth. But two of them have issues, and one of those has gotten braces today.

Poor kid.

This is not a socially active or caring teen, so he doesn't really care and they don't seem to hurt him today, so I guess we'll see. Anyone else entered this world of wires and monthly dental visits and payments? What a drag.

He tried to talk me out of taking him back to school, but I informed him that since he wasn't in pain, and he was failing the class that he had this afternoon, he was going. He didn't really talk to me for the rest of the ride. sigh. This is the same son that had another emotional breakdown last night while we were celebrating his little brother's bday. There are times I don't think having children are worth it.

And everyone told us that having boys were easier...they never had sons like mine.

We had our first snow of the season, and it looks so cool over the fall leaves on the mountains. I know it will melt soon, but it's gorgeous while it lasts.

Please Don't Let Him Find me!!!

Okay, this was just too funny. I saw this on another site, and it's exactly what writers have nightmares about -- see if you don't think so!

My Life is a Blog

I've begun to think that I need to take my camera everywhere with me. I've thought that way for a long time because I'll be driving along and see a gorgeous view and wish I had my camera with me, but lately it's been because of the blogging.

I'll be doing something or the kids will do something cute and I'll think, man! I should have gotten a picture of that -- everyone would laugh. I just never think that in time to get the actual shot! Oh well.

However, I don't want to become too picture happy. I've been to blogs where that is basically all their site is -- pictures. I love pictures, and I like seeing the people that I'm reading the thoughts of, but what I'm out there for is to read. I like to read what they write. Mostly, it's humorous and I enjoy humor.

I wish I wrote more of it, and wrote it better.

But anyway, last night was my son's bday party. He wanted to go see a movie (we give them an option, the dollar theater or swimming since we have a family pass. All we'd have to do is pay for the guests...he picked the movie theater this time...sigh.) and the only one playing at a decent time was Evan Almighty. What a hoot! There was one kid that kept asking if Spiderman 3 was playing and if we could see that instead. When he found out that Pirates 3 was playing, he got real excited and asked why we weren't watching that one. It took several repetitions before he finally got the idea that we were watching Evan Almighty -- despite what he wanted. It wasn't his bday party. Right?

But anyway, the movie was great fun, and they all enjoyed it. Turned out to be a great choice. If you haven't seen it, you ought to. Nice clean fun for a change.

I'm a Bird!

I took this test, and I really like the outcome. I never thought of myself as colorful before, but it's nice to think so...

Your Power Bird is a Cardinal

You believe that each day is precious, and you spend your times as best as you can. You see the wonder in small things, and you are often content with what you have. You life an interesting, colorful life - and you bring color to those around you. Confident and expressive, you believe you know how to live a good life. You're living it!

What's Your Power Bird?

I got an award!

What a sweetheart! A blogging friend gave me an award today, and I'm sure she wants me to pass it on, so I'm going to have to go through and remember all the dear women I admire. There are so many of you out there! thanks again, Kerry!

Okay - now that I finally have a brain, I'm going to list those awards! Those of you who read your name, be sure to copy the picture to your blog so you can be proud of yourselves!! Remember, you are all special women and an inspiration to me.

Tristi (I realize she's already been awarded this, but what can I say?)
Candace! (you rock, lady!)
Karen (your poetry is showing your soul)
Karlene (your struggles are ours)
Janette
Sandra
Suzanne
Katie
Please pass this award on to those you know! I could list pages of women who have touched my life and inspired me. Thank you ladies!!
;)

I'm Joining the Ranks of Blogdom?

Okay...I always thought that some of the hype around blogging was a little obnoxious, but you know -- writers have to advertise to get read.

So...lately I've been reading about feeds and stuff, and decided to add a new thing to mine. I'm not sure how it's going to work, or even if it's going to bring more people to my blog -- but if it does, then it will be worth it.

I've added Blogrush. You might want to check it out and see about adding it to yours!

I also had a wonderful idea on something to post, but it left me before I gathered it all in. sigh. So...I might post again (gasp, two posts a day? This might become addicting!).

Glorious Days of Fall

Well, yesterday we had a long day because our church was in the morning, so we took advantage of the opportunity and went up into the canyons to look at the leaves changing.

I also wanted to try out the camera we got at the yard sale. I've decided that it gets the glare from the sun a lot easier than our other camera.



Normally we don't get to do this until general conference in October, and by then the leaves have usually passed their prime. This was the first time in a long time we've got to them before the aspens really start.

It was soooo pretty! I wasn't able to do them justice, but I did get some of them.



My daughter also took a picture of my youngest two, the one on the top was trying to show off the large red leaf he'd picked...it didn't show up.


I hope to be able to get up there again before the aspens are dead, they will be a splash of yellow in the middle of the green and reds....sigh. I just love this time of year!

Yard Sales!

Okay...I'm not sure it's a good thing or not. Yard sales are the most fun, frustrating, wonderful thing ever invented. We found 10 movies this morning at a yard sale...sigh. We also found a wonderful camera for $50 that is way better than the one we bought 5 years ago for $700...is that pathetic or what?

My hubby found a hard drive for his sister, not bad, I was drooling over the camping cooler/grill set that was amazing, didn't EVEN ask for the price of that one. They had a gorgeous TV next door that we refused to ask the price of -- no one had a graphite tennis racquet!!! sigh. I might be forced to buy one...but we really wanted to try and find one used. They are pretty cheap now though...

Hubby got a motorcycle off of KSL that he's been fixing up, and having fun with -- I'm so excited for him. I'll have to grab a photo so you can see it.
So...we've just been spending money, huh?

Have a good one.

Dashner Rules!

Okay, talk about a shameless plug! Dashner has the best one. I wish I had thought of it...lol

Anyway, he is having a contest for mentioning his blog in our blog (or my blog as it were) and so here is my blog for it. He's a great writer, and if you haven't ready his series about Jimmy Fincher, you need to. My kids loved them! (well, all of the three that want to read anything right now...)

Here's his blog: http://jamesdashner.blogspot.com/2007/09/win-free-book.html

Enjoy!

It's Friday!!

Okay, so it's not the thrill it used to be in school, especially college, but it's still fun. We usually party together as a family on Friday...or I get to do theater shops, which is fun because we love movies. Tonight we get to go bowling. While I suck at the sport - although I used to be good in college, sigh -- I love the interaction and the atmosphere.

Not all bowling alleys are the same though, and so some are more fun than others. Some cater to families, and have nights with neon balls and black lights, which are hilarious. Some have discounts for groups -- which we discovered on our daughter's bday, AFTER we had already planned the bday, but too late to use...sigh. Never fails.



Here's a photo my son took for his photo class of my hubby about to get a strike...he's sooo good. Did I mention he's mine?

Anyway, this weekend is also Stake Converence, so it's good and crazy at the same time. I don't mind...at least I'm feeling better and the temperature is lowering and life is good!