caught up and caramel apples

I am a little behind....again.  I finally finished posting our life from October.  Thank goodness November hasn't been too exciting. :) Busyness is different for everyone. Most people would say they are busy, and I would not dispute that. I have never been into the whole "my life is busier than yours" thing.  So for me and what I can handle, I feel pretty busy these days. There are times when I think I can not do this job of mothering and the work that comes with it.  There are times when I think going on a date (or trip to Hawaii) with BJ would be so wonderful. There are also times when I look at my boys and think about how much more fun we are going to have when they are all teenagers.  This is a busy time for Beege and I, but I know it is only for a season.  And any older person, especially the ones at Wal-mart, will tell you that it goes by so fast.

All that to say, when life gives you apples....make caramel apples.  It's late. :)

 

The five older boys and I had a fun time making this yummy treat. The boys are always so thrilled to do an activity like this that it makes the mess well worth it.

Here is the recipe.....

(recipe from brown paper packages)

1/2 cup butter

1 cup light corn syrup

2 cups brown sugar

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Wash apples and allow them to dry. Combine the first three ingredients in a large saucepan.  When butter is melted add the condensed milk.  Stir constantly until it reaches the soft ball stage (230 degrees). Take off of heat and stir in vanilla.

Dip apples once the mixture has cooled to 200 degrees. Place on a buttered cookie sheet and allow to sit a few minute before adding the "extras." 

Enjoy!

Halloween 2011

We debated if we wanted to do the whole dress-up/ trick or treat thing, but then the Johnsons invited us over.  We love the Johnsons. :)  Our crew this year included Lewis and Clark, a shining knight, one brave indian, and a cooperative, but not excited elephant.  Oh yes, and an embarrased bumble bee...since the other adult didn't wear a costume like she said she would.  :)

Checking out the loot and making a few trades. :)

Birthday Celebration

Our sweet Jud turned 2 and our wonderful daddy turned....never mind. :)

It is common to hear about the "terrible twos," but we are truly enjoying Judson and watching his little personality unfold.  Not to say he doesn't keep us on our toes.  Not hearing from Jud for a few minutes can mean disaster...(candy cane eating in a brother's bed, toilet plugging with a lot of toilet paper, broken glass mixing bowls while being used as a hat, misplacing of important keys and cell phones, emptying nightstand drawers....come to think of it, what doesn't he get in to?) :)  We love him though.  We have said this many times, but Judson is our busiest boy yet!  Even with all his mischief he is a delight to raise. We love to watch that determined look on his face as he goes about his endeavors...non-stop. Blanket time and bed time are about his own still moments. Playing with the toy tractors is starting to hold his attention.  So cute to hear his engine noise.

Red Robin is more fun with two free birthday meals. :)

My man is another year older. I love this guy and appreciate so much his passion for the Lord and our family. He has truly invested his all in us. I know without a doubt that we are his hobby. Although he is excited to go hunting again someday. :)

We love you Judson Lee.  Our prayer is that the Lord will help us channel your great energy toward His goals and purposes. xxooo

Apple cider donuts for the birthday boy....

Judson Lee turned 2 on October 27th. Since we were celebrating the following evening on Daddy's birthday we took him to Bauman's Farm for apple cider doughnuts.  My Judson is a real lover of sweets. :)

His brothers had a good time helping him celebrate.

A couple scary scarecrows

Are you scared? :)

Joshua and Josiah

Our twins are growing.  They were around 3 1/2 months in these pictures.  It is still hard to tell their little personalities, but we think Josiah is a little more laid back.  A lot of times they switch just when I think I have them figured out. One evening I could only get Josiah to smile and then the next morning it was the opposite....Joshua was all smiles. :) I am loving their routine since they go to sleep around 9:30 each night and wake again at 7:30 or 8am....a real lifesaver for this busy mama!



Two Peas in a Pod

Thank you, cousin Kaelene, for these adorable hats. :)

Beach Day

One October Friday was spent at Lincoln City.  This was such a special day for BJ and me. Our first stop was to a little picnic area right off the beach.  Neither one of us had ever been to this little spot, but the picnic sign caught BJ's eye and we needed to feed the boys lunch.  While there we were approached by a man asking if we were a homeschool family. (It being a school day and seeing our passenger van tipped him off!) They invited us to visit with them at the vacation home where they were staying.  We found out that Ronny is a pastor in McMinville and they homeschool their 8 children.  We were so encouraged by them.  It was as if God set up this meeting.  BJ has since met with Ronny and I saw his wife at the Above Rubies retreat a few weeks later. We are looking forward to getting to know this family better.

This is so Jesse. :)

This picture of Jesse gives me a glimpse into the future.  He looks old to me here. Then I just have to look at the previous picture, and I know that is still a few years off. :)

Judson loved the sand.

These boys are heavy now.  I can hardly hold them both at the same time.



Pumpkin Patch 2011

Earlier in the month of October our family spent an afternoon at the Willamette Valley Fruit Company's harvest festival.  We all had so much fun.   

Jared, our serious driver.

Brother bonding.

I am sure Judson felt secure having Johnny looking out for him.

We tried out two of the corn mazes as a family.  What an adventure!  Besides the muddy paths, it was hard!  The little guys and mommy finally wised up and sat the 3rd one out! :)

Josiah

Joshua

Justin rode this thing over and over again! I've gotta say...I tried it once and it was awesome!

 We can't wait for next year!