Our wanna be triplet....

November happenings

We started out the month with a birthday celebration at my in-laws.  My goodness, we celebrate 6 October/November birthdays on my husband's side. Lots of fun!

(Notice their sweet hand holding.)

 That would be Reaghan's leg....not BJ's. :)

John's passion for family pictures has caused a little resistance from some. :)

 The twins staying warm at the zoo.

 We had a wonderful unexpected visit from Uncle Dallas and Aunt Linda.  We really miss them. 

 Looking good for church.  Our dear friend, Jenni Duncan, made the twins these sweaters. She is amazing!

 Johnny will probably not be excited about this picture someday, but I couldn't resist. This is another use for a baby bath.

 We were blessed with a big box of apples from a dear lady at church.  BJ was super proud of the triple batch of applesauce that he made.  He couldn't believe how fast all his hard work was gobbled up. :)  I  made some apple pie filling to freeze and an apple pie.  For whatever reason, I always dread making the pie crust and then realize it isn't that bad to make. I think it is the mess that I am not fond of.  I am not going to dread it any longer!

 Here is my organizational tip that I am loving.  Unfortunately, I tend to forget about important things if they are put away.  I need them out in front of me.  At our Centralia home I had a spot for this pile on the end of our long kitchen counter tops, but here my counter top space is limited so our table became the dumping ground.  I bought this tray at IKEA to remedy this problem. It used to be a real chore to clear the table before each meal....now it is a breeze.  I just wish the pile inside my tray could take care of itself.  :)



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? :)