It feels like {fall}

All things outside are leading us to believe that fall is here.  The cool breeze coming through the barely cracked windows at night, the leaves changing from green to various shades of orange, the garden who's produce has {finally} dwindled down and little boys wardrobes who's sandals and short sleeve shirts are being replaced with thermal henleys and corduroy shoes. 

We've replaced our luscious pots of geraniums with mums and set pumpkins aside as it's hard to imagine one without the other. 

Signs of fall are present on the inside as well.  Homemade chicken noodle soup simmering on the stove for a rainy Saturday afternoon lunch, a glass jar of gourds proudly on display on the kitchen table, as well as fall art gracing the refrigerator.  And who can leave out the a perfect blend of peanuts and candy corn in a mason jar and always ready for snacking. 

I love to sit back and enjoy these wonderful fall days.  Happy fall y'all!

Johnny Appleseed Birthday

Yesterday, we said Happy Birthday to Johnny Appleseed.  Well at least my kindergartener did...

We celebrated by bringing treats for all of Landon's classmates to enjoy. 

In each treat bag, there was apple juice, a packet of applesauce, an apple nutri-grain bar, and a caramel apple sucker.  I hope they liked!

My Landon had such a fun time helping assemble.

Landon's class also celebrated by going on a field trip to an apple orchard today.  More on that later...In the meantime, Happy Birthday Mr. Appleseed!

Piano lessons...

It's true, my little kindergartener started on a new adventure tonight.  Piano lessons...

My sweet little guy has expressed so much musical talent this past year.  He absolutely adores his music teacher Mrs. Scheidel and is constantly getting friendly little notes from her, "I love the way you listen in class Landon," and "Thank you for being so kind and helpful in class today Landon."

Landon loves to snap his fingers to the radio and sing along to tunes he recognizes on 101.9.  Of course Landon always perks up when he hears the song, "Oh no, you never let go," reminding me that it was played at Aunt Jodi and Uncle Mike's wedding.  (FYI:  I'm unclear of the real title!)

We love to listen to listen to Landon sing, and equally love to watch him dance.  All of his excitement towards music has led Landon up to wanting to learn how to play the guitar.  In speaking with a few people, we've learned that the guitar will come much easier if the piano is learned first.  So here we are:  our little kindergartener just finished his very first piano lesson.  The verdict:  he LOVED it!!

Canning tomatoes

On Labor Day, my most incredible Mother-in-law came over to help me can tomatoes.  I've always heard that it's hot, messy and time consuming.  Yes, it was, but it was awesome.  The end result is so worth it.  I'm dreaming up spaghetti, chilli and other yummy, hearty soups with our organic tomato sauce.

 My big helper, helping wash the first batch of tomatoes. 

Debbie brought over her squeezo.  This thing was amazing.  You just quarter the clean raw tomatoes up and throw them in.  There is no cooking, peeling or handling hot tomatoes.  This little machine seperates the skins and seeds from the juice.  Awesome!

 Two pots of juice simmering away. 

 Because I was after a thicker sauce, we used a cheese cloth to drain off more water. 

 Landon was all about helping.  He ladled the sauce into the jars. 

 Finally time for a water bath. 

Ta da!  The end result.  It's a little crazy (and disappointing) to think that two red wagons of tomatoes yielded 7 pints and 2 quarts of sauce.  But like I said it's a really think sauce.  I can't wait to do it again!

Someone you should know

My Dad was recently nominated and chosen as Someone you should know, a segment that highlights outstanding citizens once a week on KWWL news.  We are so super proud of him and all the great work he does.  Love you Dad! Click on the link to be taken to the video.

Linus "Sam" Sabelka keeps the flowers blooming all summer - KWWL