Last week, for my birthday, Dillon surprised me with something I've always wanted to do. He bought me a pressure cooker and a cookbook that guides me on how to can fruits and veggies and make all things that are good like preserves and jams. It's always something I've wanted to do, but have lacked the experience and time to try it out (plus the pressure cooker helps when you can't do hot water baths).
I was just a little disappointed because we had just past the prime canning season. Tomatoes, okra, green beans... all the good summer veggies were past their peak by September. I tried to think of something "in season" and thought that apples would do the trick. Plus Luke (and Charlie) both love applesauce so I thought that would be a good starting point. I only say Luke first because of his picky eating habits. Applesauce is one thing he'll down. Charlie on the other thing will eat anything you put in front of her, even if it's inedible.
We headed out to the apple orchard capital of WNC this weekend in Hendersonville, NC and went to Granddad's Apple Farm. Honestly, after going there, I kind of wished we would have just went to the Farmer's Market here in Asheville. Lots of South Carolina plates and tons of people. Plus, even though it's almost October, it was hotter than Hades. It didn't feel much like fall.
We picked out a bag of "second" apples, meaning the smaller, uglier apples. According to my recipe, these work fine for applesauce and they're cheaper. We didn't pay for any of the extras like the corn maze or the bouncy pad at Grandad's just because it was SO. HOT. I want to be in my boots and scarves, not tank tops and sandals, when I'm celebrating fall. We should have been at the pool.
Anyways, we walked around a bit. Luke was bummed that we weren't getting our pumpkins, but we tried to remind him that we'd go with the Wyatts (and Dara, his self-proclaimed BFF) next month. He was still sad, so we let him get one tiny pumpkin that actually looked more like an apple. Ha! After that it really was too hot, so we packed back up and had lunch at Olive Garden (thanks to my sweet aunt who sent me a gift card for my birthday!) and bought some canning supplies at Target.
Upon our arrival home, Dillon diced up the apples, I sanitized jars, and we began our process. My recipe suggested that you hand process your applesauce and I will be the first to say, please don't. A blender works just as well and will save your sanity. At one point, after burning my arm and saying a few choice words, Dillon came in to save the day and he turned apple chunks into applesauce. I made 12 half pints and 6 pints so we shouldn't have to buy applesauce anytime soon from the store.
It is a fun hobby to have and I hope that next summer I can get into it more. If anyone has any good canning recipes, please share! I want to stock our pantry! :)
We're all a little sad it's Sunday. Charlie's only slept one full night this week which also has me on edge. I don't know if it's teeth or more sleep regression or a growth spurt, but it's driving me crazy. When your baby has been a good sleeper since one month, it really throws you off.
Here's hoping we get more sleep this week and that nothing crazy happens! The slower the better.
If you're friends with me on FB, you saw that Luke slept in Charlie's room this week. He wanted to be right next to her. Because of her poor sleeping habits, though, all four of us ended up in the same bed by 1:00 AM.
Our garden spider pet.
This thing was on our house and then it flew at my head. Not cool.
Luke checking out the praying mantis.
My apples!
my finished product!
Dual baths!
It's starting to look like fall.
Luke had picture day at school this week and they said I could bring Charlie, too. So we hung out with Luke before pictures. This was his long neck teradactyl he made!
Hugs before pics!
I had to work yesterday so I got several updates about what was happening at home! <3
Yesterday was my 32nd birthday. Yeehaw. Dillon is such a sweetie and always tries to make the day special, but honestly, it's just another day in the year except now I say I'm 32 instead of 31. I woke up to my knee aching and my wrist hurting so I was definitely not feeling as spry as I used to. Ha!
And now that we mention it, I hurt my wrist this week while, doing of all things, simply driving my car. I reached to turn the steering wheel and "pop"! Something gave out in my wrist and I had trouble moving my hand and grasping things. I could feel the tension in my last two fingers and it ached to move my wrist in certain directions. I went to a hand surgeon and he ordered an ultrasound. It looks as though nothing is damaged and I must have just twisted it funny. He had me in a huge splint that I haven't worn all weekend just because it's too cumbersome and I have too many things to do. Tomorrow I go and get fitted for one that's easier to manage and will be in it for another week or so. It's good to be 32. :(
Yesterday we spent the day eating good food starting out at my mom and dad's with pancakes and bacon and for lunch we went to get my free Chinese food lunch. We spent some good time together and I cleaned in preparation for today's dedication of Charlie at church.
Today's dedication at church was beautiful. They had a wonderful sermon and both Charlie and Luke behaved excellently. I really love the little church we've started going to here in Candler. They do so many things for the community and for the children in the church. What makes me happiest is that when we go on Sunday mornings, Luke skips to church singing "We're going to church! We're going to church!" It's filled with good people who aren't bothered by kids being kids and are accepting to everyone. I'm really excited to be going there. Afterwards we had lunch here at the house and got to catch up with family and friends.
All in all it's been a wonderful weekend. The weather was perfect and I'm so happy with our little family (I was frustrated at the store yesterday when Luke put $30 worth of junk food in there, but today I'm not annoyed, ha!) We're truly blessed.
So this is what 32 looks like. Ha!
My sweet boys surprised me with a cake. Luke "ruined" the surprise by asking if he could help me blow out the candles... before I even knew there was a cake. Ha!
It looks like the cake's on fire :(
This morning...I kept her out of her white dress for as long as I could.
She's going to love coffee as much as I do.
During the dedication... Pastor Joe walked Charlie around to introduce her to the congregation. She wouldn't go to him so I went along too!
We tried to hard for a picture, but Luke would not cooperate! Pastor Joe is the lead pastor and Melissa is the pastor to families.
About as good as we could get. Ha!
The grandmas!
We got some great pics of baby Max, but I love his face in this one!
