The Applesauce Factory

Every summer, for a day or so, our home transforms into an applesauce factory. I didn't realize this until this summer, when Trevor informed me that when he has children, he'll be able to tell them he worked in an applesauce factory. As his mother, I'm happy I could supply this opportunity for him. I'm sure it will look well on a future resume. :-)

Since a factory is always a fascinating place, I thought I would give you a brief tour of our little operation.
Here is a sample of the raw materials. This year, most of our product was supplied from our very own yard. Our trees were full, and somehow the worms didn't find most of them. It was a lovely crop. We did have a few supplied from our friend's tree, but the lion's share were home-grown.







Here is the washing portion of the factory. Here my hard working employee is cleaning the apples in warm, soapy water before the next stage of the process. I particularly like his two-handed technique to really make sure all the apples are cleaned just right, ready to be transported to...







...the chopping block. Here another dutiful worker is quartering the apples. You may notice the peels and cores are still intact. I do try to make things easy on my employees, and this is just one way to lighten their load.








Step 4 entails boiling until the apples are just soft enough to grind up. It doesn't take long, and then the apples are ready to move on.









The final step in our factory is a two-man job. You can see that for the most part, my employees are happy to be employed. The apples are spooned into the hopper and then pressed through the handy-dandy kitchen aid attachment, no fancy name necessary, and out comes the delicious applesauce. A little additional sugar makes it not too tart, not too sweet.

The applesauce is then sealed into freezer bags, a la seal-a-meal, and frozen for later use. Voila!!!


You can see the applesauce factory is an efficient way to use the bounty of nature. I think I can speak for all the staff from my applesauce factory when I say, we don't love making the applesauce, but we really love eating it.

Don't be a Ditz - Vote for Rietz

Amber for Sophomore Vice President

Vote Rietz

Don't Vote for Pedro - Vote for Amber Rietz for VP

These are just a few of the clever and effective slogans that Amber used to get the word out that she is the girl for Sophomore V.P. The posters, made by Kristin (mostly) and Amber (some), as well as a very original speech (more on that in a minute) convinced her fellow classmates to make the right choice.

So what was the original speech you ask? Imagine a hearing a rainstorm in the auditorium, this provided by the audience, an umbrella and a pair of rain boots. Now imagine the candidate, umbrella open, puddle jumping on the stage. (Original doesn't even do it justice. ) Needless to say, the voters saw a winner and voted accordingly.

Amber is ready to serve her constituents to the best of her ability. She didn't disappoint the next day - it rained and she showed up in, what else, her rain boots!

CONGRATS!!! WE ARE EXCITED FOR YOU!

Just let me say...

we are not cat people.

We have never been cat people, and never plan to be. But, 5 little furry kittens found us the other day and adopted us. They came into our yard, and no amount of milk on the other side of the fence could convince them to go back to their original home. Although, the milk they got on our side of the fence (against this mom's admonition) could have something to do with why they thought they had found a new home!

The second day, we put them in a box with a note explaining that we are not cat people and Kristin tearfully marched them over to the neighbors. When I went to check on them a few hours later, confident that if the neighbors hadn't found them, that their mama would, or at the very least, that they would crawl out of the box. But...when I went to check on them a few hours later, there they were, all curled up around each other!!! Not one had attempted escape! Now, I was in tears!!! Again, let me say, "we are not cat people", but apparently, we can be moved by kittens.

The third day, we began to find homes for them. At least we made calls to find homes for them. There were a few hopeful options, and by the 4th day, one kitty had found a new home (I believe his/her name was Tiger. We are still not clear on any of the little buggers' genders.) Day 4 also brought good news that we had a home for them if we can just keep them for a week. We've already had them 4 days, what is a few more?

Day 6 found one more kitten with a new home thanks to a posting on a large company's website here in town (not sure of the kitten's name, I think it was Salt and yes there is a Pepper). So on Day 7, we are confident that we can hang on for 4 more days until the remaining 3 have a home.
Again...we are not cat people, but these kittens are pretty darn cute!!!

(There is one more gray one who is not in the picture.)

Graduation Day

We knew it was coming, but who knew it would get here so quickly!!!
Allison, who has had a case of senioritis for many months, finally was
put out of her misery when she graduated on May 30th! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

The day before graduation, there was an open house to celebrate all of her accomplishments and wish her good luck. Cupcakes were the order of the day,
and we had plenty (thank you Grandma Solly!!! :-) Also, guests had the choice of different frostings and toppings. YUM! It was a pretty, and tasty treat. Grandma and Grandpa Rietz came to celebrate, as well, as Aunt Dawn and Grandma Solly (already mentioned above.)


Graduation day dawned and after a morning at church, it was time to head to the events center to grab our seats. We sat in just about the right spot, and had a great view of Allison receiving her diploma. She and Sheri, a woman from our ward, and a school board member are a little blurry, but its clear enough to know what it means!!! No more High School! On to bigger and better things.


Becky, Allison, Chelsie and Kaitlyn all marched in together. You can't see their feet in any of the pictures, but if you could, you would have seen them wearing these sweet shoes. Beautiful!














So, here's a memorable part of the day...
We were sitting in the events center waiting for the ceremony to start, and waiting for two friends who said they were coming. (That should have made me suspicious, who wants to go to someone's graduation who is not part of your family??? :-) Anyway, we were sitting there, and I happened to turn around, and who do I see coming down the stairs? Its our own Chelsie. In living color!!! Close behind was Dallin, who flew her up to Seattle for the weekend. They also spent a little time in Coeur d'Alene with members of his family, and then showed up at Graduation! It was a wonderful surprise, to say the least.








When asked for quote about her graduation weekend, Allison had this to say. "Yay!" Profound, don't you think?

The Month in Review...

Okay, really the month and a half. My kids keep reminding me that I haven't updated the blog since last month, so here are more than a few photos of what has been going on that has kept me from blogging - aka - all the excuses I can think of.

Excuse #1 - The Talmanator

Talmage came to town and who can blog with such a cutie around? "Not I", said the grandma.
He got to stay a whole week with us while Ashley and Brandon went on a little getaway. He and I were buddies all day long while everyone was at school or work,but come 3:49ish, he really came alive. When the kids came home, he was excited, and then when Grandpa came home, he was elated. Here he demonstrates his torture method on Uncle Trevor.




Even though he is The Talmanator, he does possess a compassionate side, and always has a hug and a big slobbery kiss for his prisoner.








Talmage is also really smart and continued to strengthen his relationship with Grandpa.









Hygiene is also very important to The Talmanator, and more than one night found him in Grandpa and Grandma's tub, splashing up a storm. Uncle Trevor was always happy to be his partner in crime.

He was pure fun to have around. Even his little "fits" when he didn't get his way were fun to watch! We'll take him back anytime!



Excuse #2 - Cub Scouts


March means Pinewood Derby in these parts, and this year proved as exciting as years past. (Okay, last year is really the first one I've been at, but it was exciting too! :-)

Trevor's car is the one that will come in 1st place in this picture. He didn't always win, but he was a respectable 2nd place in the races he didn't.











March's theme of "Take Flight", was also a perfect opportunity for our den to go to one of our favorite places, the local Helicopter company, where one of our ward member's works and graciously lets us come and walk around the very expensive helicopters. I know the boys love this, because they are very careful as they walk around and listen very carefully to whetever Bro. Palmer has to say.

I can't use Cubs as an excuse much longer, as I have been called to work in Relief Society again, and will soon be released as Bear Den Leader. It has been fun, and I have really loved being able to be with Trevor.

Excuse #3 - Math CompetitionOkay, truth be told, my contribution to Math Competition was picking up Kristin from the practices. Not really excuse worthy. But...it did happen in the last 6 weeks, and I thought I should at least mention it.

They placed the same - 4th. In the same category - Geometry, as they did last year.

Thank you, Mr. Murphy, for all your time as their coach!

Excuse #4 - One more trip to the Emerald City

Where did the last 6 months go? It was already time for Ashley and Brandon to move back to Dallas, so we trekked over one last time to spend the weekend with them. We took a few pictures at some of the favorite tourist viewpoints - Lovely. We hung out a little at Pike's Market - so many interesting people. We made it to the temple - always worth the effort. Ate yummy Thai food - the best yet out of the two times I've had it. The weather was perfect for a little park time - yay for sun! We also got to hang out with Chelsie and her friend, who made a road trip to Seattle the same weekend we were there - timing truly is everything.

































So as you can see, it has been a very busy 6 weeks, and I'm only at the end of March.
To be continued...

Wise words from the good doctor

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Through the years, Dr. Seuss has delighted children of all ages with his nonsensical books filled with made up words that rhyme. Many a parent has felt like they read a whole book of tongue twisters after finishing one of his stories. Some of his stories are just plain fun, some are allegorical, some even deal with environmental issues, and some teach valuable life lessons.

Here are a few of the life lessons we have learned throughout the years from Theodor Geisel

- Cats are not dependable babysitters when parents are away on a day that is too wet to play.

- A person's a person, no matter how small.

- You may really like something you've never tasted before, even if it is offered by an annoying person named Sam I Am.

- Stars on your bellies or the lack thereof, really don't matter at all.

- Some really wacky things can happen on Wednesdays.

- A book doesn't really have to make sense to be entertaining. Can you moo like Mr. Brown?

Of course, there are many other books written by Dr. Seuss. The above list is just a few that came to mind as I'm typing.

Here are some words by Dr. Seuss that I've never found in any of his books, and that has gained relevance in my life as a mom with children starting to leave the nest and make their own way in the world. Each time I put one on a plane or drop one off at college, or leave one of their homes, these words bring comfort to my heart and mind.

"Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened."

I won't say it works every time because I'm usually fighting back tears on the above ocasions, but I do remember to smile because it happened, and that helps me not cry as long! :-)

Hope you remembered to eat Green Eggs and Ham this morning!

Like Grandpa - Like Grandson

Its no secret around here that Talmage has Grandpa right where he wants him, and clearly Talmage knows how to keep that advantage. Is there a better way to keep your Grandpa aware that you are around than by imitating him? I think not! Clearly, the boy is a genius!

Happy Birthday Brandon

Today is my favorite Son-in-law's birthday. I can say he is my favorite, because he is my only one. :-) Here's what he looks like in case you've never met him. (He is the bigger of the two handsome men in this picture.)

I'm posting in blue because he is a tried and true BYU fan! Even when he says he doesn't like them because they aren't doing well, I suspect that deep down he still really likes them. Cougar loyalty runs deep.

Brandon has many admirable characteristics - hard worker, faithful Priesthood holder, good daddy, yummy omelet maker, doesn't mind that Ashley comes to visit often...the list goes on.

But the number one reason I like him so much is that he loves our daughter. This is evident in so many ways. As already mentioned, he works hard to provide for his family, and is willing to give up things, mainly his time, to perform well at whatever job he has. He pitches in at home giving her a break from the mundane tasks that are a part of running a home. Along with being a faithful Priesthood holder, Brandon knows the importance of a strong family. As he and Ashley raise Talmage, they make sure Scripture Study, Family Home Evening and Family Prayer are a part of their family life. As a parent, one couldn't wish for more in a Son-in-law.

Three cheers for Brandon! We love him!

Happy 26th Birthday!!!

A Good Week on the Hardwood

Who cares if the Super Bowl was today? We have bigger and better sports news. The athlete's are steroid-free, have squeaky-clean records, and are (for the most part) good sports. Not to mention, pretty darn cute!
Trevor's team has struggled all season to win a game. A week ago yesterday, his team tied their opponents. We were happy campers.

Yesterday, as the game unfolded, the fans began to feel a victory in sight. As the 4th quarter began, it became more exciting, and as you can see by the scoreboard, with 11 seconds to go, the home team was assured a victory!!!

Kristin's team is still looking for that elusive win. With only 3 teams in her age bracket, you get to know your competition pretty good, maybe a little better than you hope to. One team they face every other game is from a small community just east of here, and they are tough, intimidating and pretty physical. Combine that with their size (most of them bigger than our team) and it makes for some pretty discouraging outcomes.

The other team is a little more evenly matched, but has managed to be victorious in each game. But...the time before last, they only won by 2 points. Then, Thursday's game, although not a victory on the scoreboard, was very exciting to watch. Kristin's team held them scoreless in the 4th quarter. Her team had 6 points at the beginning of that quarter, and as you can see by the scoreboard in the picture, they made quite a comeback. The fans all thought a win was likely, but their shooting went cold and the final score was 17-25. Still...it was a good night!

She'll be in Primary no more

Happy Birthday Kristin




Yesterday was Kristin's 12th birthday, which means she has moved on from Primary and entered the world of Young Women. Hard to believe she's old enough to be in 6th Grade, let alone be out of Primary.

Her dinner choice garnered hurrah's by the whole family. Bulgogi, twice backed potatoes, jello, corn (with butter), crescent rolls from the can, and rhubarb/raspberry cobbler with ice cream for dessert!

She tried to gain a little advantage on blowing out her candles, but in the end, it was all good.

Lasagna Night

There's nothing like a man in the kitchen, and I had a cute one helping me today. Trevor tried his hand at putting together a lasagna and declared it easy. He also ate his larger than asked for helping in no time flat, supporting the theory that things you make yourself taste better than usual.


Here's Trevor's recipe for "Lazy Lasagna".

Brown 1 lb mild Italian sausage. Drain and mix with one large can spaghetti sauce and 1/3 cup water.

Mix together in large bowl - 12 oz of cottage cheese, 2 beaten eggs, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.

In the bottom of a 9x13 pan, sprayed with Pam, spread a large spoonful of the spaghetti sauce mixture. Top with 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of sauce, 1/2 cottage cheese mixture and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering. Spread remaining sauce on top of noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 deg. until noodles are tender and most of sauce is absorbed. Can remove foil towards the end and let it brown on top if desired. Cooking usually takes about 45 mins or so.

The Emerald City

Way back in November, we took a trip to visit our favorite married daughter and her family. We had a great weekend taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Seattle. Ashley and Brandon live right in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood and for these country mice (for lack of a better description), we were enlightened about big city living. Allison reminded me that this trip took place a long time ago, so details will be brief if here at all.

We walked, and walked, and walked (Not like the pioneer children, but still a lot of walking). We saw fish flying across the room, street entertainers, and big barges and shipping containers among other things. We also were able to attend a session at the Seattle Temple. But our favorite sight of all was a cute little boy who has us wrapped around his little finger and who is tied to our hearts. Seattle was fun, but we still caught the best show in town right inside a little apartment in Queen Anne.

The Talmanater


The famous Space Needle

The kids next to some fun statues



Downtown by Pike Place Market

Grandpa on dinner duty.

Kristin couldn't wait to get the take out boxes from the Thai restaurant we went to.

Our friendly fish monger! I'm pretty sure he's had his picture taken before!

The monorail couldn't get there fast enough!

Ashley wanted a shot or two with her babe.