Canning Day

The kids and I have been busy canning. We devoted an entire day to the project. On top of finishing 2 batches of salsa, freezing 20 quarts of corn, and feeding the missionaries we managed to take a few hours away from the kitchen. I decided we needed to get out of the house and enjoy a little fresh air. Hudson loved eating his roasted hot dog and Dalanie got a good nap in.

Top Of Utah .5

Yesterday was the day. The day I'd been preparing for all summer. Turns out I wasn't the only one, some other 1200 runners started the race. Some were well seasoned runners, others were amateurs. We all had one goal though, to FINISH. And I did it!

And as soon as I crossed the finish line I just kept thinking "If only. . . the race had been one week earlier. Before I got sick, before my knee started hurting . . . I could have finished under 2 hours, closer to Chod."

And so, my running career isn't over. Maybe just on hold.

Hudson woke up at 5:30 so he could tell me good luck.
Looking for Hudson.

Mom reaching out to give me five as I cross the finish line.

Cold Feet

So here I am, less than 24 hours away from running my half marathon and I've got a serious case of cold feet. The past week I've been suffering from a nasty head cold. It is finally subsiding, but has gotten me quite nervous. I used to have aspirations of finishing in a specific amount of time, but now I just want to finish.

Wish me luck!

Need An Idea

This time of year I run into a brick wall, total mind block on how to use up all of my zucchini. I mean you can only stomach so many zucchini muffins, zucchini breads, zucchini stir frys and the likes. If you find yourself in the same predicament, here's a tasty recipe.

Savory Zucchini Squares
1 c bisquick
1/8 t pepper
1/2 c finely diced onion
1 clove garlic
1/2 c freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c vegetable oil
1 t dried parsley
4 eggs; well beaten
1/2 t salt
/2 t dried oregano
combine all ingredients
add 3 c thinly sliced zucchini

Spread into a gread 9x13 pan. Bake for 30 mins and 350 or until golden brown.
Cut into squares and serve warm.
Next time I'm going to add cubed ham and make it a complete meal.

In A Pickle

So what do you get when your neighbor gives you two grocery bags full of cucumbers?

That's right, a whole lot of pickles. 10 quarts and 14 pints to be exact. The kids were pretty cooperative. Hudson was great about packing the cucumbers into the jars. His little hands were perfect for pushing them down into the jars. He kept the assembly line going by reminding me to get some more cucumbers cut.

But by our last batch he said "Quit canning Mom!" He needed me to read him stories and tuck him into bed. Canning will do that to a person.

Budding Photographer

Back in the days when I was the one buying the film for my camera and paying for it to be developed, I'd never think of handing my camera to a 3 year old. But times have changed and Brother has been fascinated with taking pictures lately. Of course, quite a few of them turn out like this:
But then you get a few like this.
It's kind of fun to actually have pictures taken with my children since most of the time I'm the one hiding behind the camera.

My Birthday

I had a very simple, but awesome birthday. For most of my married life, we've been busy in straw so working was the main objective. But this year was a little different and Brent was able to do something in the evening. We decided to go up to the cabin and go 4-wheeling. Two of my sisters were able to come with us. After an alfresco Cafe Rio dinner, we hit the trails and did a little riding. It was so much fun to spend time together.

Garden Time

I love this time of year when I can create meals directly out of my garden. As a matter of fact, my high school friends and I would skip school so we could have these garden fresh meals. Real rebels I know. It seems as though Sissy enjoys it as much as I do.

Working Man

To a three year old, the concept of money can be kind of illusive. It's generally what makes the adult world go round. With Hudson's first job came his first paycheck. He was excited to give some to the bishop for tithing. We had him save the largest portion of it, and he got ten dollars to spend.

As soon as he saw this Cars umbrella, he knew what he wanted. I insisted on him looking around, even at different stores. Still he begged for the umbrella. This went on for a day or two. Finally we went back to town so he could make his purchase.

He confidently walked up to the cashier and placed his money on the counter. You could almost see him grow as he swelled with pride from being able to buy something all by himself. And the best part, the cashier gave him money back for buying something!

If it's not raining, it's pretend raining and Hudson is carrying his umbrella around.

Free Ice Cream

Since our children are destined to be Aggies, I figure the sooner I get them acquainted with free ice cream the better of they'll be. After our hometown parade on Saturday you could get ice cream at the park. Dalanie handled her cone like a pro.
Hudson savored almost every lick of his chocolate ice cream. Never fail, a few drips always get away from him. He absolutely loves chocolate ice cream. He's only stained a handful of shirts this summer.

100 mile club

It's taken me 25 runs to get here, but today I finally arrived. I now join the ranks with Chod. Maybe one day I'll be as cool as him. Here's to another 100.