It's time for Puttin' Up!

Don't you just love how the old timers say their going to "put up" their peaches, or tomatoes, or whatever they feel like canning. Ever since I got married over 10 years ago, I've had a secret longing to be truly domestic. The problem is, although my mom was a true Martha Stewart herself, she never showed us how to do anything, or heaven-forbid- let us near her kitchen! My sister first showed me how to can stuff about 7 years ago, and ever since, I've had the bug. Until I moved up here to Heaven, though, I never had enough space for a garden. Now that I'm here (in paradise), I've learned that gardening is trickier than I thought, and the cold mountain climate makes it difficult to grow stuff. That's why, when I am able to make something grow, I'm absolutely tickled with my resourcefulness.
I heard on the news the other night that we were expecting our first frost of the fall :(, so I went & picked a bunch of stuff all at once. I was so impressed with the lovely variety, the "fruits of my labor" if you will, that I decided to take a picture. I know, its not really much, but if you knew what a black thumb I have, you'd be impressed, too.
So, I guess now its time to get "puttin up"!
Ahhhh, I love fall!

P.S.- as you can see, my poor tomatoes didn't really have a chance to turn red. I did get some nice, juicy red ones, but the majority looked like this! Never fear, though- I found a fantastic recipe for Green tomato salsa. And its really good! And it looks like I'm going to be making lots and lots and lots of it....so if I really like you, you might get a jar or two!

"Back in the Summer of 0-9"

Boo. Summer is over. The kids are in school. I have to wake up at 7:15 every morning. I have to help kids with homework every night. Soccer practice & dance classes & achievement days & piano & all the rest of the mayhem that makes my life beyond my control have taken over.......
But alas- take a moment with me and reflect on the last few fun things we did this summer. Maybe it will tide you over until next year. Until then- let the carpooling begin!

BEAR LAKE

The whole fam-damily! Our annual Harward family Bear Lake trip. A hoot as usual!

Awwww....what is it about Dad's & kids holdin hands on the beach? Priceless.

Babes on the Sea-Doo

Buying Uncle Andy

The big tramp

The ladies

The men




River Rafting on the Green

A Big Thanks to Cade & Stacey for inviting us on a once-in-a-lifetime 5 day trip (NO KIDS) down the Green River! They have several experienced river guides in their family & we could never have done it without their connections, gear, and expertise.
We had the best time!!!!! Seth was in heaven, as this is something he has wanted to do practically since birth.

My sexy river guides. Single, slummin & lovin every minute of it!

Me trying my skills in an inflatable Kyack. How do you spell Kyack? That doesn't look right!!!! P.S.- Yes, I am aware that I look ridiculous, but I had a great time- that's what matters, right?

Jay & Seth Kyacking

Somewhere on the drive down, Clint "aquired" this Vote for Clint sign & attached it to our raft. It stayed there through our whole trip. It was a crack-up.

Me & my girl Tressa. I love meeting new people. We rode on the same raft almost the entire trip & became good friends. She's awesome.

The gates of Lodore. So pretty!

Lucifer. (that's the name of the big rapid they're about to go over)

Scouting Hell's Half mile (the home of Lucifer)

Seth in his Duckie

Where's Seth?

Oh, there he is!

Bighorn Sheep. My camera blows.....

Azme, Donna, Jay, Randy, & Dewey. More new friends.

The Goode Family. You guys are awesome! Especially Miss Shirley, who was so brave to come on this trip all by herself. I love you mama.

The Ladies!

Cute couple. See- we did spend a few minutes together on this trip.