Canning

This Fall has bee very productive as far as being in the kitchen. I am trying to preserve as much as possible since it is healthier and saves money. Many of my friends can and Dulce was kind enough to spend many hours with me. It was actually very relaxing and I learned a lot! My parent's gave us apples and peaches. Dulce gave us pears and tomatoes. And then more apples. I have more in the garage but I think we will just eat those. Kathy gave us a strainer to use and I am addicted to it!! Man alive this thing saved us! Even Dulce (who has a farm and cans EVERYTHING) had never heard of such a thing. Before we had finished our first batch of applesauce, she was logged on to Amazon searching for one to buy. The kids helped with much of it and Eli was right in the middle of it. Made for an interesting process. He would take a bite out of every 2-3 peaches and then throw them on the floor. I will definiately can next year and hopefully add pickles (Scott's request).

Amelia

I feel bad because I never blogged about Amelia's birthday. I cannot believe she is EIGHT! The way that she came into this world was an adventure and life is STILL that way with her. She has a way of positively affecting everyone around her. There is not a teacher who does not know her, a student who does not want to be her friend or a parent who does not question whether she ever "frowns." The past 6 months are not without challenges. We have had frequent discussions about "sassing" and "attitude" but none of this is ever visible to outsiders. Don't let her fool you, she can be a stinker. The things I most love about her:

*her ability to see the absolute BEST in everyone
*her charismatic personality that I ENVY
*the way she loves to hug and be affectionate
*her beautiful, alomond shape eyes that are blue, blue, blue
*her confidence that shines when she takes the ice and steels the show
*she has the BEST printing and her school work is straight A

I will be uploading more pics from my MAC...