Confession

I don't actually make the apple pie in a jar part of apple pie in a jar...

Nope. I willingly take that from my mother when she offers (and remind her to offer when she doesn't.) Then I pull it out when I want a great dessert, open the jar, put it in a dish, then cover with topping and bake.

I can tell you how to make the topping!


No, I do have the recipe somewhere and if anyone wants to can apples, email me. Then send me a jar 'cause now I'm out!

It's Calling Me

I'm sitting at my computer catching up on blogs and knowing that this is in my fridge:


Leftover from the dinner I made last night. If you've never had my mom's apple pie in a jar, you are missing out. It's absolutely delicious!

I'm dreaming

We have this program at work where we can earn reward points and exchange them for different items. It's really nice.

I've been saving mine, I'm hoping to earn enough to get a lens for my camera.

Well, I was browsing the catalog the other day and I realized that I have enough points to "purchase" this lens.

But this is the one I really want. Yet, I'd need to earn three times as many points and I just don't see that happening before they expire. I'm debating- should I wait and see? Or should I just get the one that I can?
What do you think?

The Rest of the Story

A little later than I had said- here are some other pictures from our drive a couple weekends ago.

Sad News

Aaron's dad passed away on Monday night. It was quite unexpected and everyone is coping the best we can.

The visitation is Thursday from 4-8 at the church, and the funeral Friday morning at 11.

After spending the day with his family yesterday, I am more grateful than ever for our faith. It's such a blessing at a hard time like this.

Fall Color Tour

I don't remember ever having a year with as brilliant colors as we are having. And being the procrastionator that I am, I didn't get out until today to take pictures.

It was a gorgeous day, and I took well over 100 pictures. I have to go through them more thoroughly, and then I will post!

A Wonderful Weekend & The Last of September

Photo Overload Ahead...

Last weekend I finally got up to see my grandparents. It's been too long since I've made it up there. It was nice to have the time to go and visit.

They are two wonderful people. Visits with them always include lots of laughter!

We walked over to Uncle Brian's to see how his house was coming along. I couldn't resist this shot!

On Sunday, I went with Aaron to try and find a spot for his deer stand. We didn't have any luck, but I did try my hand at shooting a 12-guage shotgun.

True fact: Ever since we've been dating, we've been told congratulations on getting engaged probably once every three months. (We aren't engaged.) We'd only been dating for about eight months and my mother was asked how the wedding planning was going... I've always gotten a good laugh out of it. Maybe it's because we spend random evenings like this???

~~~

Everyone who's had to go to laundry mats knows that there are certain machines that work better than others. You learn the tricks. And it's disconcerting to go to the laundry mat when "your washer" is in use. Anyone out there know what I'm talking about?

But no matter how many times I go, I always get stuck with the bad cart. The one that will not turn, no matter what you try. I end up lifting it across the floor- might as well just use my basket...

But I know the dryers that work... And then one went and failed on me. So now I have to figure it out again.

~~~

I took a trip this weekend. Aaron and I went to the camp on Friday night. My parents had been planning on re-roofing it but it was pushed it off 'til the spring. We (Aaron and I) kept our plans to go.

Instead of roofing the camp, on Saturday the girls headed to Amish country while the boys went to a sporting goods store.

There was a young girl parked in her buggy on the side of the freeway, selling her goods. It amazes me that this is all handsewn. That takes so much talent and hard work! I had to ask if I could take a picture. She said that was fine as long as I didn't take one of her and her brother. (I'm assuming it was her brother.) The Amish consider it vanity to have pictures taken of themselves.

I love this lake. It's one of those places that doesn't ever really change. We all need spots like that.

I spent a lot of time with the three little girls this weekend. They are growing up so quickly.

Em was showing me how she had to pose for pictures at school.

I asked Laura too also, and this is what I got.

Immediately after Jodi showed me her pose she asked "are you putting that on your blog?"

I did manage to get a real smile from Laura.

Fall= leave piles= jumping!

She has the most contagious giggle. I find myself trying to make her laugh just to hear it.

And she is going to be a gorgeous young woman before too long!

As the littlest, she'll always be spoiled.

Saturday evening we headed all the way down. Sunday was my mother's birthday and Michelle had a small family party for Mom.

Where's Waldo, good for hours of entertainment!

18 years young!

After the excellent ham dinner and birthday, everyone headed to the cider mill.

Em was fasinated with these. She kept going back to the display.

"Take a picture of me holding four of them!"

And before we left she did convince Mom to let her get one.

My dad.

What would a trip to the cider mill be without fresh cider and donuts?

Yum!

The whole crew. This picture makes me laugh. We've got all kinds of expressions going on here!

It was a great weekend. And it was made even nicer by having the day off today, so we didn't have to rush the trip. How did you spend your weekend?

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to this wonderful lady! I love you Mom!!!

And the Winner is...

First I want to say thank you for all the wonderful comments! It was a lot of fun to read about everyone's dreams. So many of you have inspiring goals. I love that!

And my way of picking a winner? I cut out all of the comments, put them in a jar and shook one out.

So the winner is:

Leanne said...
A couple years ago, a friend sent me her Christmas card. On the outside of the envelope she wrote, "Leanne - you are living your dream life!" Just scrawled, as an afterthought after she sealed the envelope. I wish like the world that I had saved that envelope. As a reminder that I am indeed living the life I always wanted. I'm married to an amazing man and have three beautiful boys. Life's not perfect, but it's really good. When I reach for the stars, though, I think about whether or not I'm doing enough. I want to matter. I want to effect change in my kids' lives, in my community, and in my world. I want to never be still so that, God willing, I can do my part to make the world just a little bit better. :)

If you'll email me your address, I will get that out to you!

Thanks to everyone for playing!