Need A Hero?

Hercules enjoyed a night on the town. Wasn't he handsome? Thank you Morgan for coming up with the costume idea and for sewing it.

Applekin Festival 2010- Installment Two

I announced, "Let's smash apples!" I was amazed as everyone excitedly moved to the pressing area. Steve wasn't even there, but we were excited to get started. My mom, all the daughters, grandchildren and my nieces were ready to work. We had 4 people at a time slicing apples.

The little girls assigned themselves the task of putting the apples into the washing tubs.

Alaina even took a cloth and wiped the apples and put them on the cutting board. Jeremiah manned the disposal.

All the children were clustered around the bucket at the bottom of the pipe waiting for the first bits of smashed apple to emerge. The people who were involved last year were happy to let the 'greenies' do the work this year. Soon after the bucket was filled with pulp, Steve and Jeremiah took the pulp and put it in the 'racks'. (Racks are squares of pulp in meshy type cloth, stacked on top of each other and placed in the press.) Then they applied pressure to squeeze out the juice. It was fantastic. The juice is almost gone already. We still need to take Grandma and the Hulse girls their share. It was such a fun day. Bummer- I can't drink the juice. I will admit that I tasted about 1/4 cup. I don't feel it is really fair that I have to give up fresh squeezed apple juice along with chocolate. I haven't complained about the chocolate but......

Steve, the apple man

Applekin Festival - Installment One

Happy Birthday Lacey!
October 9, 2010 marked the first official Johnson Family Applekin Festival. Named by reason of our bountiful harvest of apples and pumpkins. The afternoon's festivities began with all the family arriving. We also welcomed Grandma Hulse, Megan, Lauren, Lexi, Kathy Lambert and Mark Lindsey. The children were treated to 'hay rides' and an apple craft which consisted of T shirt printing. The hay rides were so well received that the minute the mower started they all ran from whatever corner they were in at the time to climb in the wagon. Even some of the not so young kids joined in. Thanks to Carter and Hayden for your careful driving skills. There was a 'photo- op' area set aside. We had a yummy dinner. A huge 'Thanks' goes to Jeremiah for cooking the Dutch Oven dinner. (I realized I was in over my head as everything started). The same 'Thanks' goes to Marinda and Morgan for all their pre- party help. In addition to the dutch oven feast we enjoyed chips and salsa, rolls, fruit and apple jello salad (see Pass the Salt for the recipe). Morgan brought Apple cake and Steve made Huckleberry ice cream. We took some time to wish Lacey a Happy Birthday. We wish her a great day tomorrow. Thanks for joining our family, Lacey. After dinner, we joyfully ran to the apple pressing area to begin smashing apples....wait that's the next installment. All the children were allowed to choose a pumpkin to take home with them. I declare the festival a success. I was so grateful to spend time with some of my 'love- dedest' ones. Thank you Stephand Rich for making the trip down. Thanks to Mark for bringing our Lacey. Thanks to Steve for his masterminded apple press.

The hayriders

The hay driver

The picture will have to say it all

Grandma and Liam

Making apple print shirts

Totally tired and happy

A Prophet's Visit

Today, as I walked into Sacrament meeting. I noticed a gentleman sitting on the stand. I thought, "Hmm, that looks like Elder Oaks." But I know it wasn't really him. Then Steve came up to me and whispered, "Did you see Elder Oaks on the stand?" I was already seated front and center in my favorite spot on the third bench. Kind of intimidating. I was glad for the prelude music that helped me be reverent. The Spirit was amazing. I wondered if I would feel unworthy (which I did a little bit.) to be in a meeting with an apostle. Then I realized his calling is to testify of the Savior. I thought about how I would feel if the Savior was seated on the stand. I realized that I would be filled with joy and elated to feel the Savior's love in the room. I felt that love. It was a very spiritual meeting. Carter was passing the sacrament and was in charge of the stand. I watched as my youngest son walked up to an apostle and offered him the sacrament. It was a humbling and awesome feeling. Hayden was one of the lucky people that gave testimony during the meeting. It was beautiful and heartfelt. During Sunday school, Elder Oaks visited a youth class. It was Hayden, Joe, Chelsey and Mindy that were in the class. They all had born their testimonies.
In the third hour, we had a meeting as parents with the Young Men to discuss the new Duty to God program. Elder Oaks was in part of that meeting also. Steve asked him to bear his testimony. He was standing about 3 feet from me. I could feel his testimony. He taught the Young Men about the power that they hold. He taught them to use that power to serve others. It was a glorious day. I wish every Sunday could be like that. Most of them are. I still associate with strong and valiant spirits every Sunday. I am so blessed.

The 'Eyes' Have It

I have one excited 16 year old boy at my house. He was asked to the Halloween dance last night. A knock was heard on the door and a girl he didn't know handed him a Trick or Treat bag with battery candles and a BUNCH of eyes. Joe and Hayden began searching through the eyes and found a few candies with letters on them. It took them a while to find them all and discover his 'admirer'. He had so much fun. Now we are trying to think of a clever way to return his answer. What a fun night that was!

The Note

Eyes of Chocolate and Gooey Rubber

All figured out

The eyes are on me

Give Me Back My Trail!

Life isn't fair.
I have been told that many times and witnessed the truth of that statement many times. I have even been known to mutter that to my children. I came of age when the ERA movement was alive and well. I admit I didn't really understand a lot of the furor. Why were women asking for equal rights? I thought we, as women, had better rights in some instances. I think women should be treated with love, respect and perhaps a little awe. I thought women should be given equal pay for equal work, but realized that sometimes a woman may not have the physical ability to do everything a man could do. I was very conservative. I don't want the priesthood. I don't want to join the Army. But now I am mad. How come some cowardly, sick, perverted creep can take my right to a little free time and exercise by myself. I haven't heard any men being cautioned to not go out exercising by themselves. In fact, Steve just left on a bike ride by himself. He (out of love and protection for me...how romantic!) will not allow me to be on the trails by myself. I am following his advice, but still.... Sometimes I really enjoy walking or riding on the trails by myself. I can think things through. I can enjoy the beauties of the trail. I can feed my soul with the songs of birds and the rustling of grass without having to keep up a conversation with someone.
When this individual chose to attempt his attack, he violated that poor woman. He violated me. He violated every woman that chooses to try and pursue a healthy life style. We had something very precious taken from us. Yes, it was a wake up call that we live in evil times. Yes, we need to be wise. I just feel picked on because it didn't strike fear into the male population. I actually realize that the time is not too far distant when men will have to think about protecting themselves from predators. How much worse can it get? I think I am angry because I have had to give up a lot of my coping mechanisms. I have tried to replace them with healthier habits. Now that I love to exercise, I am not going to give them up.
Give me my right to release the stresses of the day .....on the trails. And by the way, you 10% of the bikers that are selfish, rude antisocial speed demons....warn us politely as you pass. Share the trails and smile at your fellow travelers once in a while. The trail is NOT a race training facility..nor your personal property.

To The Offspring of Stecky

I was asked about the Christmas list recently. True to my word, I am posting it. Please check with your person(s) for gift ideas. I would like to have a place that you can publish a list of things you might like to receive as gifts. Any ideas? Maybe a private blog?
Here is the list along with some of memories of Christmas' Past.
To my other readers....hey, put your wish list down...it couldn't hurt!
Christmas 2010
Lamberts Hayden
Johnsons Carter
Townsends Lamberts
Goudys Johnsons
Lacey Townsends
Hayden Goudy
Carter Lacey

The year of the aprons

Cory enjoys the gifts

Alaina meets the Big Red Man

The Nativity...Hey I am still planning for us to do the Grandma Johnson party

May favorite...singing together