Saturday, September 30, 2017

Sharing the harvest, craft party, and target practice

Every year, since my children were young we have had a craft party.  One to celebrate fun of family and the other to share our harvest and food.  Out of our six children, my brother and his family, my mom and a sister who lives in our state, only two sons and a wife could make it. So, I put an IM out to friends and we had friends who were able to come , celebrate with us. 

First the food.  I wanted to keep it simple to focus more on family, friends and fellowship.

I made fruit and cheese kabobs.



To celebrate our garden we made personal vegetable  pizzas. 


We made a fun and silly cake to celebrate the Halloween Crafts we were making.




Everyone made their own pizza.




Then the crafting began! Most of our supplies were from the Dollar Store.


We made Fall Wish Sticks of things we wanted to do this season. I found a Fall Bucket List online.



We transformed Halloween skeletons and skulls in to glitter decor.


We laughed and had great conversations. We crafted for hours.


And came up with transformation of glitter and glitz. These were plan bird skeletons that were decorated.



And glow-in- the-dark fun.






We also covered plates, decorated pumpkins and other crafts but got so into it I forgot to take pictures.
My sons and their grandma. We were so glad she decided to craft with us! 





Then we went out and practiced shooting. Young Nathanael did a great job.


My friend Susan was a natural. 


Happy to see my friends James and Shelly, whom I have known since high school.  

The afternoon passed quickly.  I am grateful we were able to share our day with family and friends. 


The night ended at mass.  We meditated on the readings of it is never too late to turn to God and how our actions speak louder than words but if we can't act , do our words show what we believe? I do not fool myself. I know I am a work in process and have a long way to go. 

peace


Friday, September 29, 2017

Canning Caramel Sauce and a couple more crafts

If you like caramel sauce and want a quick recipe try this one I found at Vicky's Canning World. It makes 3 1/2 pints and you use a crockpot instead of a canner. 


I used two cans of sweetened condensed milk and a teaspoon of vanilla.  Mix together in a bowl. 


Pour into clean jars.  Use brand new lids so they seal. 


Tight on rings and place in crockpot. Cover jars with water like you would a water bath. 

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. I put mine in before work and took them out when I got home. Yep, it has a shelf life. 


They come out looking and tasting like caramel. So good!


Some crafts are as simple as a pumpkin with a mask, some leaves and a boa or glitter to cover some old bones. 


A few Halloween cards made with photographs, stickers and cutouts.


A past quilt I made.


A decorated pumpkin.


peace!

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Canning and the garden

We got a lot of canning done this week.  I got 28 jars of pinto beans canned! I will at least have protein in my pantry! 









The greenhouse is still going strong but we are beginning to put the garden outside to bed. 

Corn


Peppers, basil, zucchini, tomatoes, and carrots.


Tomatoes, radishes and lettuces


I prepared a basket of goodies for my mom. 


Cantaloupe.


I had to pick a bunch. I was afraid they would rot if I didn't. They smell great!


That's it before I had to head to work.

peace