Jonathan's Birthday Weekend

Jonathan was here in Colorado this weekend! We celebrated this brithday, which is actually today! We had a wonderful weekend. Jonathan took me out to dinner a few times, we went on hikes, I cooked some yummy fall meals and a cheescake for J's Birthday. It was so wonderful hanging witht the love of my life and best friend!

Mexico

Mandy came with me to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I was able to go down on a vacation that my work gave me, which was pretty sweet. Mandy and I had not had that kids of total sister time since 04', just the two of us. It was wonderful! We sat by the pool, rested, read, talked, went on walks and ate too much chips and salsa. The weather was wonderful and we had a blast together! It was a nice break from the blustery snow that rolled in to Colorado while we were in Mexico!

Bryan Stupar's Blog

If you want some good stuff to chew on other that granola... go to Bryan Stupar's Blog the last two posts are incredible! MAKE SURE to view, "Tears of the Saints", that Bryan posted, you will be blessed! DO IT!

Orange Crasin/Cherry Granola Goodness

Orange Crasin/Cherry Granola Goodness

4 Cups of Oats
1 Cup of Coconut, you can add more if you like a richer taste
1 Cup of Almonds
5 Tsp of Sesame Seeds
1 cup of Crasins or Dried Cherries
2 Tsp of Oil
1 Cup of Orange Juice
¾ Cup of Honey
2 tsp of Cinnamon, if you have nutmeg you can add a little of that in addition to cinnamon.

Preheat oven to 400.

Mix Oats, Almonds, Coconut, Sesame Seeds, Dried Fruit, Cinnamon and whatever else you would like to throw in.

Mix, OJ, Honey, Oil in a sauce pan, mix together and heat over the stove. Pour mixture over dry ingredients. Mix well.

Spread on cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, and then mix granola with spatula around and bake for another 15 minutes. If you like it more crispy then you can bake another 5 or until golden brown.

Cool on a chopping board or wax paper until completely cool. Store in a air-tight container.

A lot of granola recipes call for ½ -1 cup of oil, the OJ adds a really nice tart flavor without all the fat/calories. You can also add flax seed, grains, etc. If you add additional items, increase honey to 1 Cup.

Today's Moutain Bike Ride.....

First Signs of fall.







This was crazy... I was riding up Bachelor Gulch and litterly seconds before I started up the hill, I thought " What if I run into a bear" and 5 second later I look up and the bear looked at me and started to run the other direction......pretty wild, the good thing about bears is that they are more scared of us, generally.....

The summer is starting to come to a close here in the mountains, it always goes so so fast. The fall will be here in a few weeks!

We have set at Date! July 25, 2010

We have set at date for next summer! July 25th, 2010 in Yosemite- near our family cabin in Wawona. We will have a weekend celebration. We need the people in our lives to be praying for us and all that we have ahead of us. We are thrilled and our hearts are FULL of JOY!

Canning Palisade Peaches

Mandy and Eli spent a few days here in Colorado on their way back..... They were able to pick up some wonderful Palisade Peaches. I found a farmer that has no pest issue on her farm and completely organic, they only thing they use are praying mantius to attack pests. The peaches are incredible! We grew up having my Grammie can peaches and thought we better get started on carrying on the tradition. Mandy and I had a great time canning together. I won't bore you with details, however if you interested in learing how to can email me @ jenschlenker@hotmail.com. It will be great to have these for the Winter.