Apple Loaf Anyone?!

You'll have to make your own!

Step 1 ~ Go to Carter Mountain and pick apples until your heart is content . . . (or your kiddos' heart)

Step 2 ~ Dice & Peel McIntosh Apples. (this time I used Gala) You'll need 4 cups.

Step 3 ~ Gather together the following: 2 cups plus 2 tsp. sugar, 2 sticks of butter, 3 cups of flour, 2 tsp of baking soda, 2 tsp. of cinnamon, 2 large eggs, & 1 tsp. of vanilla.

Step 4 ~ Place the apples in a large bowl with 2 cups sugar. Toss around and leave at room temperature for about 2 hours. Toss occassionally.

Step 5 ~ Heat oven to 325 and grease 2 8 1/2 X 4 1/2 loaf pans.

Step 6 ~ Melt butter and allow to cool.

Step 7 ~ Mix flour, baking soda, & cinnamon. Stir into the apples.

Step 8 ~ Stir in butter, eggs, & vanilla.

Step 9 ~ Pour half into each pan. Sprinkle top of each with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Bake for 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hour until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for about 10 minutes on rack. Remove from pans to cool completely. Refrigerate to store.

This house smells so good!

Beautiful Day for Apples

When I woke up Saturday morning,

the first thought that came to my mind was

Carter Mountain!

John Mark made a trip with a buddy

to Roanoke to get the rest of our things.

So I called Granny & Poppy

afterall, the next day was

GRANDPARENT'S DAY!

The boys loved it.

Poppy had to go back for more bags for all the apples.

We will definitely have to return.

This sweet boy's favorite is not yet ready for pickin.

Just me & my boys.

Granny & Poppy sat this ride out.

I can't wait to return!

but after we move & unpack a few boxes.

School Days

Early morning for Big Boy Ben!

He woke up at 5:30 . . . ready to go!

He couldn't wait and said he laid awake ALL night.

I am thankful both boys were not resistant at all

in heading to school today.

I hate how fast they seem to be growing

but am so thankful that they are growing ~

Healthy & Strong

Mommy . . . stop taking pictures and let us get to class!

When I picked up the boys

they had so much to tell me.

Jacob did ask me for a break from talking about school.

I agreed!

We'll get to chat more at dinner for sure!

After School Sweet Treat

When Jacob went started Kindergarten 2 years ago I had it all set up for when he came home. I put Ben down for his nap and had fresh, warm, chocolate chip cookies waiting on the table for him. I had heard that if you casually enjoy a snack, you tend to get more answers out of your kiddo. It seems more conversational. IT DIDN'T WORK!

Last year the ENTIRE WALK HOME he filled me in on the entire day ~ the schedule, friends he met, the playground, etc.

Since we're not walking to & from school this year, I'm going back to the first year's plan. Maybe just maybe it will work this year! Here's what I'll have ready for our boys and great conversation. (Thanks Lyn)

I have no idea what they are called but here's what you need.

1 1/2 lb white chocolate bark
1 cup chunky peanut butter
4 cups Rice Krispies (I used Kashi Healthy Heart)
3 cups M&Ms (I only had 2)
1 cup pretzels

Melt the white chocolate & mix with peanut butter. Pour over mixed dry ingredients. Spoon by the T onto wax paper and leave out to dry/harden. It looks & smells really yummy.

Maybe I'll even let them enjoy a Gatorade . . . . NEH!