Pumpkin Carving

It’s that time of year again.  Time to get out all the pumpkin carving paraphanila and carve ourselves some awsome pumpkins.  A year never goes by without having one pumpkin carved with the University of Utah insignia, which is usually delievered to Steve’s place of resting.

This year we had an addition to our group, little Mase.  His parents chose to carve his name in their pumpkin.  His father wanted to make arms and leg holes so that Mason could be placed inside the pumpkin.  Fortuntely, his mother (and granny, not that I have any say) nixed that idea in the bud.  Instead, we got a lovely picture of him on top of his pumpkin.

Lizzy chose the most intricate design.  Poor John had to finish up the carving so we wouldnt be there all night.  John’s the go-to guy.  He quitely, and patiently, wraps up all our great carving ideas.

The illumination of the pumpkins is quite striking.  The pumpkins come to life, with light shining through every carved detail.  Everyone is happy with their creation.

We love this tradition with the Fulk family!  Halloween, here we come!

Missionaries

General Conference, October 2012, has brought about the potential of great change in my life, and those of my children.  It began by the opening talk of President Monson declaring:

“I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. …

As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21.”

My honest initial response to the age change, was a bit of sadness. I had been planning to have Mike around for a good year to year and a half more.  While overall this is a wonderful announcement, to those of us who have boys graduating from High School in 2013, it was a little shocking.  With this change, graduating seniors could leave as early as June, leaving us merely 8 months with them.

I have since adjusted to the younger age requirement, and realize what a blessing it will be to the young man serving and to the missionary program. I am excited and supportive of Mike!

Once I embraced the possibility of Mike leaving on a mission soon, I was hit with another shocking announcement.  Katelyn will be turning in her papers this week to serve a mission.

I must admit, her announcement, though shocking, came with pure excitement.  I’m not sure if she would have chosen to go on a mission if they had not lowered the age requirement.  She is ready, able, and will bless the lives of so many people.  She is such a service oriented person.  What a blessing this is!

I am feeling overwhelmed with peace, and comfort as I watch my children make positive life-changing decisions.  Depending on when Mike chooses to go, I could have 2 missionaries out. Double the blessings!

My life could quickly change to: 2 married, 2 missionaries, and 2 children at home.  Wow! 

Jetta

I recently purchased this jazzy little Jetta, to replace the "grey" car. I love driving it! It is not a gas guzzler like the suburban, and easy to maneuver.

Only one problem, Ben wouldn't get in the Jetta due to the BIG unsightly sticker on the back.  He was late to school one day, so I thought I'd take him in the little car.  Nope!  Ben wouldn't step foot in a car with a Y sticker on the back.  Fortunately, the stickers are removed, and it can officially be a part of our family.

Nerd Day

Friday was "nerd" day at school. I forgot about it, until Ben came upstairs looking like this:

I have a hunch his sisters may have had something to do with his attire.  I would have never had the guts to pull that off in elementary school.  Crazy Ben!

This Is The Place Heritage Park

The fourth grade students at Valley View Elementary School, went on a field trip to This is The Place Heritage Park today.  The Chaperone's were asked to carpool to this destination to allow room for the students on the bus.  I was fortunate to carpool with some very fun young moms.  As we were driving two of the mom’s had this conversation, “What year did you graduate from High School?” asked one.  “Oh 1994, said the other.” I was so happy that I wasn’t a part of their dialogue.  If they only knew they had a granny in their car.  I mean, literally, I am a granny!

On the way home we were talking about “older” moms, and one of the mom’s said, “Oh, don’t feel old, my mom was 35 when she had my brother.  It kept her young."  If she only knew, I thought to myself.

The field trip was fabulous!  Very educational, and beautiful scenery!  Hopefully, Ben isn't too embarrassed by me yet.

The Relief Society Room - or School House

The Hospital

Pushing Handcarts

Handcarts

  Tepee Territory

Canning

Memories of my mother canning are very clear in my mind. As a little girl, I remember my mom spending countless hours processing all the harvest from my Grandfather’s farm in Millcreek. If it wasn’t bottled, it was frozen, or juiced. From fresh corn, succulent tomatoes, and healthy grape juice, the list went on.

Canning was a necessity at my house. It was mostly what we lived off during the winter months. Many a Friday night we would wonder what would be served for dinner. Out of money and food, with only food storage available, we would have noodles topped with the tomatoes that had been bottled.

I have not embraced canning. I enjoy making salsa with our “salsa group” each year, but other than that, I think canning is a chore. I had to ask myself many times this year, why am I canning? Am I out to impress someone? Show myself I can do something? Provide for my family?  Am I out of my mind? When I answered "no" to all of those questions (except the latter), I decided maybe I love having (what I consider to be) fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter. Canned produce and fruits may do, but they are not as delicious and healthy (well they seem healthier) than bottled. And salsa cannot be replicated through store purchases.

There is nothing as good as Uncle Scott’s salsa. Scott’s parents, Scott and I, and our kids help with the process. We were really happy to have Aunt Jen around this year. It was a real party. I learned from last year while making salsa to wear gloves when handling garlic. Who would have thought that your hands would burn for hours after handling dozens of garlics? We had to google how to stop the burning. This year I came prepared.

I entice my children to help on salsa day with the promise that Uncle Scott will make his famous hot dogs. We have dogs, and fresh salsa for lunch. Yum!

Pettingills Produce provided me with my tomatoes and fruit to make frozen strawberry jam, bottled peaches, marinaria sauce and diced tomatoes. People come from Montanna, Wyoming, and other far away places, to make their produce purchases. I love to drive up to this little produce stand, and look around at all the beautiful fruits and vegetables.  Maybe that is what excites me about canning.

Meg came over for a bit to help me with the peaches and jam, and to learn a thing or two. I really needed her help. Peeling peaches, and sugar water became quite a task. After cleaning up, and still having a YW leader stick to my counter that night, I began to wonder if the sugar water would ever go away.

I may not be the “Queen” of canning, but I must say, I have beautiful bottles of fruits and vegetables lining the shelves in my storage room. Hopefully, my kids will enjoy them, this winter and it will be worth the effort.

Making Salsa

The Salsa Crew

Pettingills Fruit and Produce

Strawberry Jam, Peaches, Marinara, and Diced Tomatoes