Apple Pie Filling

Would someone kindly tell me where summer went! Honestly I blinked one eye and it was gone. This summer was not my favorite summer. But rather than sounding negative, I'm just going to remain semi positive and say for lack of a lengthy explanation it had it's share of stress. Matters not though because it's over and gone.

I'm not sure I'm ready for fall leaves, holidays, cold nippy nights, and snow. I think I'd rather have my busy stressful summer back. I do love summer stressful or not. But since fall is just around the corner I thought I'd better post my Apple Pie filling recipe for those of you who have a deep burning desire to bottle and can.

This recipe is made with Johnny Gold Apples. We put some up for the first time last year and it's a winner of a recipe. John Dixon gave it to me and he is Mr. Pie Guru of all times so you know it's got to be good. You can make all sorts of scrumptious recipes with it, such as; Apple crisp, cobblers and delicious homemade pie. So bottle some this year and you won't regret it.

Apple Pie Filling

Ingredients
4 1/2 cups of Sugar
1 cup Cornstarch
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Salt
3 Tbsp Lemon Juice
2-3 drops yellow food color
10 cups of Water
6 lbs of Johnny Gold Apples (usually ready 3rd week of Sept.)

Instructions
Blend first, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, water and cook on the stove. Stir constantly until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and yellow food coloring. Pack apples peeled and sliced into quart bottles 3/4 or more full. Pour sauce over apples. Be sure to push apples down as you pour in sauce, getting out any air bubbles. Hot pack 20 Min.

Makes 5 quarts apple pie filling. You may double the recipe for 10-12 quarts of filling.

The Oyster

On our trip to Hawaii this year Kaedell and I stumbled into a jewelry store. Boy were we ever a couple of suckers! The guy behind the counter had us under his selling spell in just a little under two seconds. "Just pick an Oyster he said and for 12 dollars you might get a real pearl. I don't know how he conned us into picking two oysters each. All I know is about forty minutes later Kadie and I were walking out of the store with our pearl necklaces we had each spent over a hundred dollars on! Did I mention that Kyle was trailing behind us shaking his head?

We laughed about it and still continue to poke fun at our inability to stand strong against such spell binding selling tactics! But I have to say I treasure my pearl that sits inside a heart and hangs around my neck on a silver chain. I love wearing it. Most of my jewelry that I wear has meaning to me, it's symbolic to me in some way. That fun day in Hawaii I came home with a pretty white pearl and a beautiful blue pearl, and when I wear my necklace I can still remember the day and the beautiful memories I had with my family on that day.

Most of all I think of this poem each time I wear it. Thought it was post worthy! Hope you enjoy it.


The Oyster

There once was an oyster
Whose story I tell,
Who found that some sand
Had got into his shell.
It was only a grain,
But it gave him great pain.
For oysters have feelings
Although they’re so plain.

Now, did he berate
The harsh working of fate
That had brought him
To such a deplorable state?
Did he curse at the government,
Cry for election,
And claim that the sea should
Have given him protection?

No – he said to himself
As he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it,
I shall try to improve it.
Now the years have rolled around,
As the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate
Destiny – stew.

And the small grain of sand
That had bothered him so
Was a beautiful pearl
All richly aglow.
Now the tale has a moral;
For isn’t it grand
What an oyster can do
With a morsel of sand?

What couldn’t we do
If we’d only begin
With some of the things
That get under our skin.

From Harry Emerson Fosdick we read, “The most extraordinary thing about the oyster is this. Irritations get into his shell. He does not like them. But when he cannot get rid of them, he uses the irritation to do the loveliest thing an oyster ever has a chance to do. If there are irritations in our lives today, there is only one prescription: make a pearl. It may have to be a pearl of patience, but, anyhow, make a pearl. And it takes faith and love to do it.”

Happy Birthday Corbino :)

I am so happy to have a grandson named after 'my' son! Corbin boy, you are the cutest kid ever and we can't miss out on wishing you a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Corbin is such a cute boy! He can come to my house and if I just give him a little motorcycle guy, he'll entertain himself for hours and I never even know he is there. He is a fun loving little guy and the best kid ever! Well, Happy Birthday bud. I found this picture on my computer, I think Kadie took it, But I just love it because Corbin loves his boots and his hat and you rarely see him without them on. He's got a little of grandpa in him, I'm happy to say.
WE LOVE YOU CORBS! You're the best little guy and so glad you belong to us! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Goose!

Kelson, Happy Birthday bud! Everyone meet Geronimo. That story is coming but Kelson got a puppy for his birthday. Like I said, that story is coming and all I have to say is Kelson you are a lucky boy!
I use to go on and on for pages with the birthday wishes, but not anymore. Life is crazy lately. I don't know why but I think time is getting shorter!
But I want you to know Goose, you are such a vital part of this family! You are such a great kid. Kind, thoughtful, patient, and full of love. You exemplify so many traits I'd like to better in myself. And today all of us would just like to tell you how much we love you, how important you are to all of us and what a wonderful impact you bring to life! Hope you have a wonderful day, because you are one irreplaceable human being! WE LOVE YOU! HAPPY DAY!!!

Happy Birthday Caroline

Happy Birthday Caroline!

Trying to keep up with birthday's on the blog is not easy. Especially when the numbers at my house just continue to grow. It even becomes more difficult during the summer when there are so many crazy things going on.

So Caroline, the fact that I'm posting this on time is nothing short of a miracle! I'm trying to think ahead a little and not have anymore late posts for birthdays and anniversaries but I'm not guaranteeing anything people because sometimes life just spins out of control!

I can always remember how old Caroline is because if Corbin were alive they would be the same age. So happy 25th birthday Caroline. I think I can safely post peoples ages while they are still in their twenties! I can't even remember my twenties. I just know there were a lot of babies in my twenties!

So Today I just want Caroline to know she is a priceless addition to my family. So glad you said yes Caroline and I hope you feel and know how much you mean to all of us here in the Crowther family! I hope you have a spectacular birthday and I hope you realize just how much you are loved, and I also hope you have a day today that is as wonderful as you are!!! We love you!!!

Fun At Girl's Camp

Our ward girl's camp was held at our cabin this year. I was a little fearful in the beginning but I have to say that the youth in the Plain City 7th ward are the best youth ever.

We had the best time and the girls were fantastic in how they respected and cared for my cabin.

Danni, Brittany, and Des were my back seat singers everywhere we went. This photo was taken after our testimony meeting. I was so impressed with the girls and their testimonies, their love for each other and just how they got along together.

Amy planned a hike and the girls were princesses and earned their value buttons as we hiked.
I decided we needed a power pose. We are women of God. "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love Him. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places!"

No matter what we were doing we were having fun!

We enjoyed boating at the lake all day and afterward consumed two giant old Ephraim pizzas at Grizzly Bear Pizza. You get your picture on the wall for finishing one of those pizzas and we finished two. As you can see by the size of Desi's slice they are huge to say the least.

Bishop Cook and Glade grilled us up some good food one of the nights.
It's always nice when someone else cooks.

Bloomington was a big hit with the girls. Des prepares to go off the rope swing.

We enjoyed our hike into Minnetonka Cave! I think the kids really liked the tour guide "Dustin." To bad I didn't take his picture!

To finish off a great camp we had skit night. Des and Danni made up this little number on our way through the Minnetonka caves.

Do You Think You've Changed Much?

I can't remember if I've ever posted this picture, but in looking through some of my old photos I had to stop and look twice when I got to this one. It looks like I'm pretty safe in saying I'm not the only one who is aging!

This picture was taken five years ago at my dad's funeral. And I'm sure I didn't take the picture because I would have never cut off Scott Barlow's head! Sorry Scott! This is what has made you hate having your picture taken huh?

As I look at this picture though, first of all I can't believe my dad has been gone for five years, and the second thing that really hit me hard is just how much our lives change over the years. The day you sat on those church chairs and smiled for just a moment did you ever anticipate that your life would be what it is today? Did you plan for life or did it take you by surprise? Better yet, did you plan for life and it took you by surprise anyway?

I think life has a way of doing just that no matter what we plan. Life certainly holds it's share of surprises! And we can all agree planning is good, planning is necessary but I think more importantly we need to plan for the unexpected! I'm sure you can look at this picture and see great joy that has come into your life and I'm also sure you can look back over the last five years and talk about the stress and the strains that hit just when you least expected it.

Well, I look at all these faces and it does my heart good. Because as I look I see those who have had to have great courage and overcome great heartache, I see those who are still working hard toward the goals at hand, I see lives that exemplify great things, lives that show forth determination and a spirit of never giving up; great examples in this little picture taken on a day that had it's own heartache encircled around it, that's what I see!

I think Grandpa would be mighty proud of this group of people. I know I am! I guess we'll see what the next five years bring. Buckle up kids, and hold on tight! Let's hope for the best and for Grandpa, lets sit tall in the saddle when the ridin' gets rough! I'm sure proud of all of you for all the good things you bring to this life and I love you dearly for it!

1st Annual Crowther Golf Tournement 2009

Thanks to Gage, his determination, and some quick planning on his part, we had the first ever Crowther golf scramble up at Eagle Mountain. Boy was it fun! I guess you've got yourself a regular responsibility now Gage, because this event is a keeper. I couldn't wait to post this picture of Kelson. I thought this photo was priceless!!! I wish I could take credit for the creativity, but I think the credit goes to Kelson and Seth with his Iphone! I'll wait for Kaedell to send me the pictures she took of all of us and then I'll add to this post all of the teams, scores, and who beat who. Until then you can just enjoy the picture of Kelson swinging in mid air! Awesome Goose, I love it!!! You look like a regular pro.

My Life's Work

Today Deserey came into my study and asked me if I'd pull up a picture that was taken at Gage and Missy's wedding of all of my children. Goose was on his mission at the time so then Des proceeded to ask me if there was anyway I could add Goose to the group.

It took me a while to find the photo Des requested and then when I did, it took me even longer to find a picture where Kelson was facing the right direction as well as looking in the right direction so he could be added without much trouble. This photo you see of Goose was taken at the airport the day he arrived home from his mission.

After cutting Kelson out of one picture and dragging him over to the next, I then turned the picture black and white, proportioned Kelson's head to match the others, did some other touch ups, and then encircled the photo with some vignetting.

I hadn't really noticed the entirety of the picture until I went to save my work. As I sat back in my chair I saw the picture as a whole, I can't tell you how it impacted me. Each individual face, the value of that face and all right there in front of me. Yes, emotion started to pour out of me, because when I look back over my life and ask myself what have I really done with it, without those seven faces, I'd have to say pretty much nothing. Each individual face, combined with the whole of it are a reflection of my life's work. Really there isn't anything else in life that even matters much without these seven people in it.

When I look at my children's faces I just can't tell you what they mean to me. Each one an individual, each one unique beyond belief, each one with their individual personality that blesses my life with an indescribable richness, and each and every one with their own individual great worth. My life would be so empty without each face that shines from this photograph.

When I look at my kids I ofter wonder who taught who? I often times fully believe, I have been the greater recipient in the parenting process when it comes to knowledge gained and wisdom earned from the tutelage of my children. I really think my children taught and continue to teach me more than I ever taught or continue to teach them. I often feel they have brought the greater good to my life. As adults they certainly are great examples to me.

It is said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Well, my children are my treasure in this life and my heart knows no greater love. It's also said,
"Whoever finds a friend, finds a treasure!" And each one of my kids just happens to be my best friend! I treasure my time with them.

So today I pay tribute to them, each one of them for the beautiful people they've grown into! I hope they will celebrate their own individual worth and never doubt it. And I want them to know today how much I love them and how much I look up to each one of them. I only wish I could see Corbin's face there with all of them, but he leads us along from a different sphere. Wow, I'm sure glad I had 8 kids because when I look in the mirror I don't see much, but when I look in my children's faces I see a reflection that reinforces my worth in this life! Thanks kids, and thanks Des for inspiring this today. I love you ALL!!!

Happy Birthday Glade

"Glade Crowther": Definition: Kind, loving, patient, mellow, self-less in many ways, friendly, spiritual, able to ride out just about any trouble brewing without much catastrophic emotion, even tempered I guess is what you'd call that (unless it was Saturday morning and he was getting kids up to do work), happy by nature, non demanding, helpful, easy going, and a works hard to provide a good living for family!

That pretty much sums up my husband and I think it's a good description of a wonderful man. Which is why I married him. Honey, I know you never get to have a 4th of July birthday. The 4th of July is a much better birthday than the 4th of August! But we love you and all you do for us, even if you are usually working on your birthday. Hope you had a good day regardless and I just want you to know you are a great man :D! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Happy Birthday Bug!

Happy birthday Kaedell! Kadie just turned _ _ hahahaha! I can't believe it! All those years and every single one of them priceless and gone! I'd go back and do it all over again if I could. Your the best kid ever Bug, and I hope you had a great birthday!

The other day I was watching Eden. If you want to know what Kaedell looked like when she was little and acted like just take notice of Eden --- She is her clone! It just warms my heart to be able to study Eden and feel like I'm 30 years younger!

Well, Kadie you have grown into such a beautiful person inside and out! Dad and I are the luckiest parents ever because we got you for a daughter! Thanks for being wonderfual and for living your life the way you do, and most of all thanks for being a great example to a couple of parents! We love you! Hope you had a great day!

Happy Belated Anniversary!

I just know I've probably used this picture before and I should take some time and hunt through the 5 thousand photos I have on my external hard drive. but I'm already late as it is in posting this. And it's a good picture! I've decided I need to take a picture when my kids have an anniversary so they can see themselves age! Hahaha

Happy Anniversary Craig and Em. They've been married 11 years if you can believe it. I don't know where that went. But I'm feeling old! I hope you had a wonderful day!

I just want to say I'm glad Emilyn was in tune with the spirit and followed the personal revelations she received in her quest to chose a mate. She knew what she was doing! And ten years just backs it all up!

Craig, I am so glad you are a vital part of our family! I appreciate what you give personally to make us better as a whole in the long run.

Well, I hope you both had a good day. Forgive me for being sooooooo slow! But we just want you to know we love you! You are raising a beautiful family --- a credit to you both! So glad you fell in love! We love you!

What Can't We See?

These are wild mushrooms growing out of a fallen tree in Hawaii.

Aren't they beautiful?

While we were in Hawaii we took a great hike to a 4 thousand foot waterfall.
In order however, to get to the waterfall, we had to hike through the Bamboo forest.

I am a deep sensory type individual in case you haven't noticed. Nothing glides through me easily. I wish some days it did --- but it just doesn't. Often times I count this a great blessing! Some days though, it feels like a curse!

I think somewhere in me there's a button turned all the way up and it's stuck in that full on position. Once in a while I'd just like to turn it down to low. I have had many times in my life when I've cried great tears with a wish "I just want to know what it feels like to feel normal and not completely intense all the time!"

Well, it just ain't gonna happen. I'm intense and growing more so everyday. See that's what happens to you when you age. You just grow to be more of what ever it was you were when you were young. I'm doomed! Can I get anymore intense? Therefore, I am a passionate person when it comes to living life.

So now that I've given you a short synopsis of how everything impacts me, I draw your attention back to the mushrooms.

It was towards the end of our journey. We'd been hiking a long time, I was tired and hot, my feet were aching, and I was nearly all spent. Keep in mind I'd already done my 4 mile walk/run at 5 A.M., so I was wilting with every step. That's when I saw Kelson stop and bend over this fallen mossy tree. He looked strange stooped over it with his face pressed as low to the ground as possible. I stopped to investigate.
"What are you doing Goose?" I queried.
That's when I saw them, the mushrooms . . . they were everywhere! They looked like rainbows springing out of every tree. I couldn't get over it. How had I missed them? Kelson proceeded to tell me he had seen them throughout our entire hike. He said "I just wanted to get a picture of some before I leave. Mushrooms everywhere and I hadn't seen a single one of them. What in the world had I been looking at?

So remember my intensity levels and now this thought just overwhelmed me, "An entire three mile hike and I hadn't seen a single mushroom!" This got me to thinking about what else there is in life that I don't see, especially in my relationships with people. What judgments do I make? What verdicts do I drum up? What conclusions do I draw upon at a whim without seeing maybe something that was there all along that I should have seen? What don't I see in those I deal with daily? Better yet, what don't I see in me that prevents me from seeing what there is to see in others that I ought to see and maybe don't? And even more, how does my not seeing affect my judgments?

Humans are basically self-centered. We tend to see everything in life in regards to our own personal perspectives. The mushrooms though and having them right there at my feet throughout an entire hike and not seeing a single one surrounding me really made me think about how we sum up and draw our opinions and conclusions about each other, and how often we are dead wrong because of all that we do not see!


Tonight I'm headed to bed. It's been a long week. I've had some powerful experiences this week with people who are quick to size me up, I feel it, their judgments and it hurts. I know we all have these experiences; times in our lives when people place judgments upon us without truly knowing. But the mushroom theory has made me contemplate these experiences differently. Tonight perhaps I'm not so quick to judge back. Maybe it's my perspectives that need a little altering. And so today I'm going to try harder to always look for the rainbow in people, you know, give people the benefit of the doubt, gravitate to the positive side instead of the negative.

I was reading in my scriptures how it is simply not for us to judge each other. The lord has reserved that right for Himself, because only He knows our hearts and understands the varying circumstances and complexities of our lives. How true that is.

I also read a great thing by President Benson on pride. I'm a person who worries too much about what other people think of me. After reading about pride, I realized I have some work to do in that arena! There is only one person's opinion who we ought to worry about. We ought to worry about what God thinks of us. His opinion should be the only one that matters!

I will forever be grateful for Kelson and what he showed me that day on the mountain. I had the opportunity to see so much more than a mushroom and that has made a difference in me.

In closing I found a couple of quotes I really liked. Hope you like them too.

I have been driven many times upon my knees
by the overwhelming conviction
that I had no where else to go.
-Abraham Lincoln

Adversity and Inner Strength
Without the difficulty of being hemmed in,
The tree in the forest would not be forced
To marshal its power to grow toward the light.
It must truly bring forth all its inner strength
To spread its branches.
If it becomes grand,
It is in part because of its suffering.
Thus the times of adversity can be crucial
To the development of one's inner personality.
-from 365 Tao by Deng Ming-Dao

To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.
-David O McKay

PS. I'm back in the saddle Nelda :) Thanks for following the spirit, for noticing, and for sending me your love! You and Goose, you just know how to see what others can't! You are the greatest person :) and I love ya for it!