All Bikes: Rye, AZ

On our way up to our Ward campout, I pointed out what looked to be a bike junkyard. I've passed this junk yard many times through out my life as I have traveled to parts of Northern Arizona. After a recommendation of a friend, we decided to stop by on our way home. Little did we know that we would spend over an hour exploring this jewel. The owner is an amazing man who knows where every single item is located in this jungle. You can ask him for specific part and he'll tell you exactly where it is. The pictures that I've gathered/borrowed from the web do not even begin to give this place justice. It has every kind of part you would need for a bicycle or motorbike. If you need a special part, I would look here. It is worth the 1-1/2 drive outside of the Phoenix valley. Justus truly was a kid in a candy store and says that this was his favorite part of the weekend. Another note, the prices are fair, but don't expect to come away with a steal of a bargain.

Ward Camp Out

On Friday, September 17, Justus and I joined our Ward Family on the Ward Campout. I loved it! I love camping and we haven't made the effort lately to get out and go. I loved having the excuse to go and being in the outdoors! We had smores and a wonderful breakfast in the morning. On our way home we stopped by an old bicycle junk-yard in Rye and Justus was like a kid in a candy store. I'm so sad that I didn't take any pictures of this amazing place.

Walking along the Creek

Justus and I took a wonderful morning walk/hike along the creek

View along the creek

Cute kids from my Primary

Strawberry Jam

Over Labor Day weekend I decided to try to make and bottle my own strawberry jam. We went to a Farmer's Market in Mesa and found some great looking (and tasting) strawberries. I hulled the 4 pounds of strawberries, while Justus used his great strength to help me crush them. We prepared the bottles ahead of time and kept them in the oven at 200 degrees to prevent cracking when we put in the boiling hot jam.

Boiling the Jam

Watching the Jam so it doesn't burn or boil over

Near the end, water-bathing the jam to seal the jars... It was hot and I understood why people in Arizona don't always bottle their own fresh summer produce. It's too hot!

I don't think I could have done it without the help of my friend Cynthia who taught me how to bottle beans in July. I special shout out to this:

The Ball Home Canning Discovery kit. I probably could have done it without this little kit, but it was worth the $10 to have piece of mind that I was doing it right.

I'm thinking of doing salsa next. Any suggestions?

A Week with the Kids

In August, Justus and I spent a week with my little brother and sister while my mom went to Oklahoma to be with Lisa and our new niece/grand-daughter. We enjoyed having extra time with the kids and could not have done it without the help of neighbors and friends. We had cross-country and football practicies, Cub Scouts, and school projects, but managed to find time to teach Sarah and Ryan how to play miniature golf. Pictures above are from Ryan's football game. He is quite the football stud and plays Right Tackle most of the time. We are happy to say that they are still currently undefeated in their season. Sarah's as funny as ever (and is growing up too fast in my opinion). I went to her Cross country meet last week and was so impressed with her ability to compete. I'm glad we could help out, although, it didn't really feel like we were helping out, we were hanging out!

Back in the Saddle

Training will be officially starting again tomorrow morning! Yay for excitement! Plus, I'm hoping to have time this weekend to upload pictures from our latest adventures!