Projects

I have idea's of grandure of being completely and over-the-top domestic, complete with homemade everything you can think of and a clean and tidy house. Unfortunatly I am faced with reality where our busy lives prevent most of that...ok all of it. BUT I did manage to fit in two canning projects this year that I was proud of - it was my first year attempting canning and I was happy with my efforts :). I made pickled beets from our garden using the one and only Alton Brown's recipe as well as some tomatoes that my mother and I picked one weekend. The beets turned out delish and although we only got 4quart jars and one pint jar of tomatoes, one of which did not seal, I was happy with those as well. I think I will try to do both of these again next year and hopefully expand to at least one more thing...I'm thinking carrots. Anyway that's all for today!





I guess I don't have any pics of my tomatoes, I thought I did - they look like tomatoes in jars, in case you're wondering! Also, I almost forgot one other mini-project! I made the most delicious apple pie using my pie-bird!! This lovely pie was another of Alton's classics, and it couldn't have been possible without the pie-bird, given to me by Mrs. Shirley Harrelson, thanks!!

Summer Lovin' - Had me a blast....

Well, the weather can't make up it's mind, but we all must admit the summer is officially over. We had a wonderful summer around here, and very busy! Hailey started at a new school/daycare in August and we LOVE it thus far; Norah should start in the spring if all goes well. Norah has learned SO much, I think she learns a new word every day! She also is a great little helper at whatever I need her to do be it loading the dishwasher, cleaning up, making messes, ect. Hailey is such a great big sister and I love hearing her be such a little mother to Norah, they play very well together for the most part and Norah just LOVES it!






We took a delightful vacation to good 'ole western Pennsylvania for my Grandmother's 80th birthday party in August. I had a lot of fun showing my girls all the things I did a gramma's house when I was little including swimming at the 'beach' (Lake Erie Peninsula), the Erie Zoo and my all-time favorite, 'The Camp' (my grandfather's 50yr old hunting camp where I spent so much time as a child). All of my side of the family was present (except 200month pregnant Gina, who we missed) and we had a wonderful time, and I think my Grandmother was surprised and delighted by the whole thing!

We also recently took a day-trip to Boone/Banner Elk NC to attend the Land of Oz festival on Beech Mtn. We had lovely mountain weather and enjoyed time visiting our old home...makes me miss Boone!! (not THAT much though ;) )

We've had a great summer overall and I'm excited for some fall weather! I'm not much of a writer so here are some pics that document our fun and my beautiful children :)