I'm feeling HOT HOT HOT!

What is up with this weather?! 108 degrees in Fall? Over the weekend I pulled out all of my favorite Fall recipes hoping to bake a delicious treat to kick off my favorite season. My husband immediately said, "I hope you aren't planning to bake any of this. You'll heat up the whole house!" Ugh! Such a buzz kill....

So instead I burned my baked apple pie candle wishing the smell was actually a real pie in the oven! Oh, and I should mention that we took family pictures on Saturday outdoors in 105 degree weather. Mr.G wasn't too happy about that one either. But I must say we looked good dressed in our Fall fashions {a.k.a long sleeve, HOT clothing} Can't wait to post the pics when they are ready. I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself for being on top of my game and getting Christmas pictures done early. All you moms out there know how stressful family pictures can be!!! Everyone have a great week {if anyone actually is reading this LOL} and have a Happy HOT Fall ;)

Here is the recipe of the apple pie I was going to make. I got it from my MIL and it is delish!

Dutch Apple Pie with Oatmeal Struesel

1 (9 inch) pie shell
5 cups apples - peeled, cored and sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup butter

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Fit pastry shell into pie pan and place in freezer.
2.To Make Apple Filling: Place apples in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine 2 tablespoons flour, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well, then add to apples. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3.Remove pie shell from freezer. Place apple mixture in pie shell and dot with 2 tablespoons butter or margarine. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil lightly on top of filling, but do not seal.
4.Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
5.While filling is baking, make Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, oats, and lemon peel. Mix thoroughly, then cut in 1/2 cup butter or margarine until mixture is crumbly. Remove filling from oven and sprinkle streusel on top.
6.Reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until streusel is browned and apples are tender. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excess browning.

Viola! Add a BIG scoop of vanilla ice cream and you will be in heaven :)

*Photo Courtesy of All Recipes

Jenna's First Day of School!

Where did the time go? Kindergarten ALREADY?! I'm not really sure why I have been dreading this moment. Jenna is completely ready to start school. I know she is going to excel and learn all sorts of new things. Guess a part of me is sad that the "baby" years are over (and I may be a tad bit over protective!)

Jenna,
I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to hear about all of the wonderful memories you are going to make at school. I will be here to listen about your good days and bad. I will wipe away your tears if your feelings get hurt, and make sure you know how loved you are each and everyday!

Love,
Mom

Summer!!!

Boy this summer flew by! I can't believe it is September already. As usual, I neglected my blog...oh well :) I have to say this summer felt a little bit odd. Here's why:

1)Uncharacteristically cool weather (until NOW)
2)School starting August 11th
3)Not one BBQ/pool party!

This is not to say that we didn't have fun...its just not our typical summer! With Jenna starting Kindergarten the middle of August(EEKKK!), we had to cram all the fun stuff in early. The highlight of the summer was going to Balboa Island for a week.

Just as a side note, Balboa Island holds such a special place in my heart (sigh). My Mom and Aunt starting renting a beach house for a week when I was 6 years old. Some of my best childhood memories were on that island. When all of us kids starting growing up and the cost of beach rentals skyrocketed, we stopped going. Fast forward 5 years....who would have thought that we would return with my own children. They had a blast. I'm looking forward to making it an ongoing family tradition :)