The Smell of Apple Season!

I love Fall.  I especially love the smell of the crisp apples and the warm inviting scent of cooked applesauce.  This week the boys and I bought 4 bushels of apples at the local orchard.  In case you didn't know, we do have 6 apple trees, but they have a few more years until they start producing fruit.  So until then,  we are still at the mercy of the local orchards.  Which is fine, although a bit pricey. 

On Monday,  we cooked 2 and a half bushels of apples into the smoothest, sweetest smelling, most delicious applesauce that you have ever seen.  The day was a complete success with the canning of 18 quarts and 44 pints of applesauce for our pantry.  And just to show how good Eli and Siah are, we also did a batch of blueberry preserves.  Why not?  The canner was all hot and ready for them.  

A house full of little boys can be very stressful, loud, and busy, and in fact, is normally so.  But then,  we have a day where everyone works well.  They play well together;  they are focused on their tasks whether school related or not.  Although these days don't come often.  I am very glad for them.  They are truly a gift from the Lord, and applesauce day this year was a day that I will cherish over and over.  Every time I eat some  applesauce I will remember how diligently my men worked to produce the delectable dish.

What are we going to do with the last bushel and a half of apples you may ask?  Of course we will eat some, but then come on over this Saturday afternoon and you will be treated to a fresh glass of apple cider!