looking up

Last week was long and tiring. It felt like there was no time to be creative, as both kids were sick with colds. Helping them feel more comfortable was my number one priority. On top of that, there were plumbing issues to be fixed, a run-in with a moose, and what felt like mountains of laundry to be done (I had fallen a little behind). But, it's the beginning of a new week, and everyone is safe and getting healthy and has clean clothes once again. Time to start enjoying autumn.

Favorite Photo Friday

Happy Birthday little Pukster!

Good Idea

I found these on the internet and thought it was such a good idea, so I made some up today while the kids were napping. They're great for little ones who can't seem to stop eating Cheerios. I do buy the little plastic sandwich bags for dry snacks in the car and on the go, and although I do reuse them, I thought this would be a better option. They are washable, cute and better for the environment. What more could a mom ask for?

(If any moms out there want me to make up a couple for them, just let me know!)

Peach Orange Conserve

Not only is this delicious, it makes your house smell amazing while it is gently simmering away. It is so simple, except maybe the peach peeling part - but it is well worth it!

Peach Orange Conserve

2 oranges, unpeeled

1 tbsp coarsely grated lemon rind

3/4 cup water

8 cups coarsely chopped peeled peaches

6 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 stick cinnamon

3/4 cup slivered blanched almonds

After scrubbing oranges, slice thinly and coarsely chop, discarding any seeds. In small saucepan, bring oranges, lemon rind and water to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.

In large Dutch oven, combine orange mixture, peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 55 minutes. Stir in almonds; cook for 5 minutes or until setting point is reached. Remove cinnamon.

Remove from heat; skim off any foam. Pour into prepared canning jars, leaving 5mm headspace. Process in boiling water canner for 10 minutes.

 

Beach Day

Yesterday morning we packed up our things and headed out to the beach. Since it was a Monday, we were all by ourselves most of the time. We spent the day searching for frogs and fish and watching birds. What a beautiful day in September.

Favorite Photo Friday

makeup

When Odessa was about thirteen months old, she found my purse on the floor, opened my makeup bag, and held the eye lash curler up to her eyes. This was a huge changing point for me. No thirteen month old should know what to do with an eye lash curler. Don't get me wrong, it was adorable, but I realized then that I don't want my girls introduced to makeup. Not at all (wishful thinking, I know), but especially at such a young age. It was overwhelming to think that I, as their mother, will play such a huge role in the way they feel about themselves and their bodies. I decided at that point, the makeup had to go. Both for me, and my girls. 

I don't want them growing up feeling like women need makeup to be beautiful. The little bit of makeup I owned went in the garbage that day and I felt better. If they want to wear it when we feel they are old enough, I'll let them. But, as their role model, I want them to know it's not necessary.  

Saturday

Saturday really was a perfect day. Both babies napped for four hours...at the same time! I couldn't believe it. It was so nice to get some cleaning/relaxing/baking/knitting in during the day. Usually, I have to wait until the evening, and chances are, I don't feel like doing anything at that point.

The apple raspberry pie turned out beautifully. Trust me, if the kids hadn't been sleeping, it would've been a lot darker...and crispier...

Odessa enjoyed some good play time in the garden.

In the evening we headed over to my grandparents house for a wonderful meal cooked over a fire. It was such a nice night, and because of the long nap mentioned earlier, both babies were in wonderful moods.

We ate and talked and laughed. 

Favorite Photo Friday

"wash dishes!"

I'm really hoping this girls' love for dish washing continues well into her teenage years.

Zucchini Day

I'm proud to say that I can grow zucchini! Now that I know I can grow them, I need to find things to make. After flipping through a few cookbooks yesterday, I came across recipes for chocolate zucchini loaves and zucchini pepper relish. Perfect!

The relish turned out very nicely. I would definitely make it again. And, out of the two loaves I made, only one remains. Needless to say, it was a good zucchini day.