Bowls of applesauce and reading a heart-felt letter ended one of our family evenings last week.
After weeks of sitting in the garage, my friend Roger’s apples were more than ready to make into applesauce and apple butter.
But one secret I’ve learned is that the longer you let the apples sit, the sweeter they are for cooking!
I pulled out my big pot, cut up the apples, boiled them down, and pressed them through the Kitchen Aid.
Beautiful, pure applesauce.
My daughter put cinnamon in one bowl and the other we left just plain. No sugar added, just naturally sweet.
Earlier that day, my girlfriend’s son emailed from his college a beautiful heartfelt letter to his folks.
When she shared it with me, I immediately knew it was dinnertime-worthy. Meaning, I wanted to save it to read to the family, when all 5 of us could be together.
So right after dinner we whipped real cream, added a hint of vanilla and powdered sugar, and put a dab on top of the hot applesauce. Then we gathered in the living room where I read the letter to the kids. A letter full of thanks, feelings, family, God – from this young man whom we admire.
Paul and I are always looking for things to read out loud – to encourage and muster our kids’ faith, to strengthen and help them to become more courageous and strong.
Tonight, they experienced applesauce and a letter of soul.
Soul value that touched us all.
Do you enjoy reading to your kids (even when they’re big teenagers)?
(The winner to the Pink Pig Giveaway is Selena, from Apron Thrift Girl!)
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. It says that dinner parties are attainable, they are affordable, and that they can be beautiful even when on a budget. 
Beautiful post and yes I do read to my kids. I have found that these are the sweetest times curled up with them and a great read! Currently I am reading a “Betsy & Tacy” book and book 2 of “Pilgrim Stories”.
Blessings,
Stacey
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Hi Sandy,
Are you planning to do a break down on your kitchen? I would love to know why you chose a single sink over a double… what solid surface you chose… etc. The reason I want to know… we came home from Disneyland to a flooded home. Yup, and I will be getting a new kitchen. And I have not a clue where to begin.
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Sandy Reply:
November 13th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Yes, Linda, a 3-part post is coming up!
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Great title! I love reading out loud together. I save articles on politics, missionary newsletters and e-mail notes and updates from family across the U.S and read them together at dinner. It is fun to experience it together and makes from good conversation. Why keep all the good stuff to myself?
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Oh Yum! And yes, I do read to my children even though they are becoming teens.
Just earlier this week I was reading them an account from the Bible between Ahab and Jehosophat. After I read the portion I intended, my son asked, “What happened to Jehosophat?” And so on I read…
What a blessing that as I read the story it became alive, real and they wanted more!
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Yes I do love reading out loud to the girls!! It’s so much fun!
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I make applesauce every fall…I love the fragrance in the house and it freezes so well!
My days of reading to the kids is over…they ought to be reading to me!
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I really like the idea of reading to our kids over dinner. So many dreams and plans right now. Kelly
p.s. I want to dip my little pinkie finger in that whipped cream! Yum!
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My girls are 5 and 8, and can only hope that they’ll enjoy being read to when they’re teenagers. Family reading time is so wonderful! Your applesauce looks so delicious and I love the addition of the whipped cream!
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Yes, some of our fondest memories are of times reading to our kids, even as they were teenagers. We have experienced the lives of many missionaries, Corrie ten Boom, and testimonies of those in communist countries who eventually received Christ as their Saviour.
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Mouthwatering post Sandy. I would love to make one like this. This is the best treat during weekend with our family, sharing thoughts and gathering. I hope you will post another article like this. Looking forward for your next post. Regards
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