Apple Butter

Yesterday was a science experiment and domestic adventure in making apple butter with a friend. 

We used:

12 Small Local Apples

1.5 Cups Raw Local Honey

1 3/4 TSP Ground Cinnamon

1 3/4 TSP Ground Cloves

1 Bottle Sparkling Cider (we substituted grape for apple)

Go ahead and:

> Peel, core and slice the apples

> Boil them in cider until they're soft enough to mash with a potato masher

> Puree them in a food processor 

> Add in the spices + honey, blend, and cook on low for 1.5 hours, 

or until it thickens to a desired consistency 
> Ladle into sterilized jars, and enjoy!

If you're not going to seal the jars, let cool and refrigerate. 

To seal, use a fresh lid tightened but not overdone, 

and boil making sure the jar is fully covered by water for 10 minutes.

  

  

Going North

There's no way there's no God, not after a day like today.

The beauty in bright blue dragon flies guiding me along a rocky path, the breathtaking display in every inch and crevice of unique creation underfoot and all around.

 The company that I was blessed to walk with; and finally, a lost hiker returned to her loved ones after a simple prayer was offered up by my husband. 

She had been missing for 3.5 hours, her worried boyfriend searching constantly, baby girl on his back. Soon before David embarked on a journey to help in her search, he spoke aloud a very small Heavenly request - then five short minutes later she emerged from the woods.

Praise be to an Abba that restores hope and answers prayers.

  

A Joint Birthday

A few snapshots of some dear friends that helped us celebrate our birthdays this weekend ♥

 

Meet David

Deep breath. 

This month's bio is not about one of my dearest friends, it is about my dearest beloved. 

David is a unique soul to say the least. He loves deeply. He is quick to make friends, of all kinds, and he learns from them. He has an insatiable desire to learn. He will sit with a homeless man for lunch with the same regard he would if he was dining with nobility, status doesn't seem to make a difference to him. 

David treasures his son. He champions his achievements with great enthusiasm, he works hard to build respect and kindness in Little Abear. He loves his wife endlessly, tirelessly. He gives thoughtfully. Humor isn't lost on him, the most mediocre of moments could be material for laughter. 

Jesus is so very real to him, David works hard to follow his King. 

He sings from somewhere within his soul. 

He is creative, resourceful - a source of inspiration.

He is supportive, humble, strong.

Meet David, my Southern raised, AZ based, best-BEST friend.

Father's Day

Hundreds of bedtime stories set an imagination loose in me that still longs to be caught up in a great tale. 

He was (still is) the perfect example of a man. Restrained yet strong, wise and humble. By being the best dad he inadvertently made me want the best husband. He writes for himself, for others - for fiction and for truth.

I inherited his quirky humor, the kind that will lead to spontaneous action for a humorous effect.

His knowledge comes from a well-read, experienced life - and with not a hint of arrogance. 

Any question I have I always feel comfortable asking him insight on, his answers and opinions have always carried great weight.

I have been richly blessed to have a father who has faithfully treasured my mom, who loves me well, who will talk for hours with my husband who greatly enjoys many of the same topics, and who loves his grandson with the sweetest regard. 

Bows & Belles

These gorgeous ladies allowed me to have some fun with an all girl afternoon shoot - these women are all so sweet and darling. Their outfits were perfect for a light and lovely summer session, don't you think? 

I was even able to sneak in some shots of the youngest little lady in this clan, and a must have shot with the female pup of the family!