Monday, December 8, 2014

Making Fresh Apple Juice

 We've had some apples in our garage for about a month.  Last week Pat and I canned 24 quarts of applesauce.  That got us through about 1/3 of the apples...maybe.  We decided in order not to waste them we needed to press them for juice. 

Saturday was finally warm enough to do this rather sticky job outside.  We set up to work and included our three local grandchildren as helpers along with Tom, of course. 
It appears we have some taste testers.
Brock taste tested until his little Dixie cup collapsed and he had to get a new one.
The apples are first ground into a mash and then placed in the press.
They are squeezed until no more juice comes out.  Notice the stream of juice below the press.
The kids can only do so much and finally an adult has to step in to make the press really do its job.  
In all honesty, the kids helped for about the first two batches and then it was more tasting and going inside where it was warm.  Brock was the lone helper in the end. 
Tom's job is to load up the mash after it has been squeezed and haul it away.  He got his bike out so he could put the bucket in his basket.  What a good helper.
It was cool outside so we stayed in the sun until it went around the side of the garage.  Thanks to wonderful friends who let us borrow their apple press year after year.  This year we got about six gallons.  One is already gone and it isn't even canned yet!

Friday, December 5, 2014

One Good Man

 My sweetheart had a birthday this week.  He doesn't really care about his birthday.  In all honesty, I don't care about mine either but he always makes a big deal out of it.  For his day, I try to make a favorite meal as that's most appreciated.

I've created posts for my children and parents but don't believe I've ever done one for the most important person in my life.  My best friend.  My husband!  Enjoy the many faces that follow.
It begins every year about this time.  The stripes come out.  He enjoyed having Erin and Andrew officiate with him.
 This is Howard Sharp.  He is Pat's mission president.  He lives in Salt Lake City.  We visit them as often as we can.  Wonderful people!  I believe this man is Pat's "father" in many ways.  I know there is a great respect and admiration.
 I am not a very romantic person.  My husband is a romantic at heart.  Just this week we drew a heart in the snow and wrote my name in it.  I think that's one of the sweetest things he has ever done.  I adore him.
 He has been serving as our stake president for 7+ years.  He has had some wonderful men at his side throughout this time.  He has an infinite love for Jesus Christ and his greatest desire is to do His will.  I couldn't ask for a kinder, more gentle man. 
 I believe this was one proud moment as a dad.  Andrew would be entering the MTC in a matter of minutes after this photo was taken.  He writes Andrew several times each week.  What a great dad!
 This man LOVES his girls.  They will tell you that he, at times, made them crazy but when they have a problem (especially with a car) they call him.  He is most generous and loves to create surprises.
 This was the day we got married.  I never anticipated how wonderful my life would be because I married this wonderful guy.  Just this summer I recognized once again how unselfish my sweetheart is.  He insisted on having my father stay with us so we could take care of him.  He was willing to take time away from work so he could help care for him.  I saw this compassionate man in action as he would hold Dad's hand and kiss his face. 
 He's a man all about SERVICE.  Two weeks ago he was shoveling the driveway and stairs of President Sharp while we were in Utah. 
 He's all about doing new things.  While on temple square we went to a concert put on by "Bells on Temple Square."  It was fun to experience something new with this guy.
 I love that he wants to have photos of the two of us. 
 He's a great "Papa" to our grandchildren.  Typically he would be holding my hand while we are taking a walk, but he always shares me with these little gems of ours.
 He's a hard worker.  He is all about removing snow off of our driveway so no one will drive on it and pack it down.  Just a hint of OCD there.  All kidding aside, he works hard to provide us with every possible thing we could need and several things we want.
This guy always greats his dad with "Stake President!"  What will he say when a release comes?  Perhaps it will go back to just being "Dad!" 
 
I am blessed over-the-top to be married to this extraordinary man.  He's so patient with me and leads by example.  He loves me completely and tells me how wonderful I am (even though I know I'm nothing special).  When I was younger I used to watch my parents and thought how I would like my marriage relationship to be like theirs.  I believe I've accomplished just that.  I do have to give most of the credit to my wonderful husband.  I think he watched them too and learned how to be the doting husband.
I'm grateful that my Heavenly Father brought him into my life and that I can have him forever!