My Own Back Yard

Today was a busy day filled with swimming and bbq'ing. It was nice to just enjoy my back yard with my family. I also like to take pictures. Below are some from today. I particularly like my back yard. I live in the city (if you could call Centralia a city)...but it doesnt feel like it when I am in my yard. Summer is almost over. Here are some pictures to remember it:)

Apple Pie Filling?? YES, PLEASE!!!

My mom helped me can some apple pie filling. We use this almost every year when apples are in plenty. It makes for anything apple that you can bake. This family recipe has been in our family for some time. Thanks mom for the help!! I love you!!

Recepe: MIX TOGETHER 4 1/2 cups sugar (or splenda if you prefer).
                                           2 tsp. cinnamon
                                           1/4 tsp. nutmeg (or to taste if u like it stronger)
                                            1 tsp. salt

             STIR all ingredients above with 10 cups water. Cook until bubbly and thick (if it does not get as thick as you would like it...use some corn starch to thicken it up...u dont want runny apple pies or cobblers.)
             ADD 3 Tablespoons lemon juice and stir to the mix.
             Pack tart apple slices into canning jars (leaving 1 inch headroom from top of jars).
             FILL jars with hot syrup leaving 1/2 inch space from top of jar
             HOT water bath about 10-12 minutes for quart size jars. 8 minutes for pint sized jars.
              Recipe should make about 7 quarts.

                                                                           ENJOY!!!!!

Days of MY life:)

Bucket Head!!

Sleepy Time!!

Alexander and Zachy!!

Myself and my hubby!!!

Zach and Isaura and Alexander

My sister Lisa and I

My little Buddy

Me!!!

The Fruit Stand

Tomorrow our local fruit stand opens up in Chehalis. I am excited to go and see what there is to buy. I am thnking of dehydrating some fruit. Apples are always good. Maybe some peaches or pineapple?? I was also thinking of some veggies as well. What do u think would be good to dehydrate??

Upcycled

http://www.amazon.com/Upcycled-Accessories-Projects-Repurposed-Plastic

I went to Barns & Noble the other day. I picked up this snazy new crafting book titled Upcycled Accessories 25 Projects Using Repurposed Plastic by Tracie Lampe. All I can say is start saving your plastic bags and candy wrappers. It's really a neat book.