the orchardist

i was so grateful for conference this past weekend.  i had so many questions, and my conclusion from this weekend is trust God more.  i feel like i'm always needing to be reminded to trust God.  which is silly because i know these words from president uchtdorf are true:

"you are loved.  you are dear to your heavenly parents.  the infinite and eternal creator of light and life knows you!  he is mindful of you...more than you could ever imagine, he wants you to achieve your destiny -to return to your heavenly home in honor...trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ.  I promise that as you do so you will discover your best self-your real self."

 for whatever reason, i cannot maintain that mindset of letting someone else lead my life for very long.  but i'm learning, and those subtle reminders he gives me are helpful (though painful, at times).  

also this weekend i got way spoiled with brennan time.  like from 3 p.m. on friday to 6:50 a.m. on monday we were together.  and i loved it.  the more time i spend with that man the more i love him and realize what a wise decision i made in marrying him.

brennan has been wanting to get in touch with his inner transcendentalist, so on friday he took me on a date to lynd fruit farms.  we picked 28 apples and raced through the trees and kissed behind the trunks.  

he also told me that if i ever wanted an orchard he wouldn't be opposed.  he knows all the right words, i tell ya.

when we drove in to the orchard, the guy handing out the bags told us "eat as many apples as you want while you're in there".  i think we ate more than we wanted.

i love the look on brennan's face.  he is so pleased with himself.

                         

after eating ourselves sick on apples, we visited the market across the street where we found those huge watermelons (i want to eat them all), some amish frye pies, and every size and color of pumpkin that exists.  i brought home a pie pumpkin (alicia, i'll need you to remind me how to make it into a pie).  we made some delicious homemade apple cider and still have about a dozen apples left.

it rained all that day, but it's like the clouds parted for us just long enough for us to have our outdoor adventure..then as we were driving away we got to watch some pretty ominous clouds roll in - it was beautiful.

- this link is the recipe i used for the cider.  it was so easy and so good, but i would definitely add white sugar...none of this optional brown sugar stuff.  i did at least one cup of white sugar after it was finished and i'd separated the apples and the cider.  

- also, have you ever heard of the book the orchardist?  my sister-in-law gave it to me for christmas last year.  it's an exciting story and sounds like a beautiful place (and further fueled my desire to have an orchard)