AROUND HERE | OCTOBER 2019

Around here we have been…

 

MOURNING the loss of a wonderful woman. Craig’s grandma Violet passed away at the beginning of the month. The loss of a loved one is so hard. Her funny, dry sense of humor, her ability to make a feast out of a sparse cupboard, and her knack for putting together puzzles. All these things and more, we will miss about great grandma.

We are so thankful that our kids all have memories of great grandma Vi. Memories that they can take with them throughout their lives. The above photo was taken two years ago at Halloween. She always loved to see their costumes.

 

FINISHING football season.

Both {D} and {L} had wonderful football seasons! The league for {L} was for flag football, and he worked hard at learning the fundamentals of the game. The coaches had him playing a lot of different positions. Ultimately though, I think he preferred being quarterback. Though their team didn’t win any games, they did tie their final match.

The seventh grade team that {D} played on was extremely well rounded. They had a great season and were undefeated until the very last game, which they lost by one touchdown.

{D} was able to kick at any games that were played on a field with goal posts. He loved the opportunity, and of the thirteen extra points he attempted, he only missed the very first one! His team-mates were very encouraging as he honed his skills. He even splurged on a new pair of kicking cleats near the end of the season.

 

ADDING the finishing touches to our new house. We are now at the portion of our house build where we are putting in some ‘sweat equity’. Our main jobs include installing the pine boards on the vaulted upstairs ceiling, laying the flooring, and painting the walls.

There still seems to be a lot that needs to be done before we can actually move in, yet items are being completed each and every week. So, we know that we are getting closer.

 

LIVING in chaos. We were really hopeful that we would be moved into our new house by now. Since we aren’t, we are finding ourselves driving miles and miles every day back and forth between working on the new house and sleeping at our current rental house. We have things packed up in boxes and some of us are sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

I very much dislike feeling so scattered, but I do know that it is only temporary.

To add to the chaos, we decided to trade in both of our older vans. One was replaced with a car that Craig inherited from his grandma, and the other was replaced with a newer (2010) van. It was a little sad trading in the vans, especially Old Blue, who had been a part of our lives for over thirteen years. The new van is really nice though!

 

This is just a glimpse at what our family has been up to. If you’d like a closer look, be sure to check out our weekly ‘mini vlogs’ on our family YouTube channel ARROW HILL FAMILY. Be well everyone!

APPLE CRISP RECIPE | EASY FALL DESSERT

This no-fail apple crisp recipe is so easy to make and absolutely delicious! With simple instructions and basic, on hand ingredients, you can bring the taste of Fall to your table!

apple crisp recipe

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here

 

OUR FAVORITE APPLE CRISP

We aren’t big on desserts at our house. But when the Fall season comes around, it is a tradition to make apple crisp. Through the years I have tried many different apple crisp recipes, but this one is hands-down our favorite!  It was originally included in a church cookbook, but no credit was given to the person who created it. We have since adopted it as our ‘secret family recipe’. I guess it won’t be very secret anymore!

apple crisp in pan

I have a feeling that once you try this recipe it will be a favorite of yours also. The topping has a nutty, caramel flavor which pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples.

 

HOW TO MAKE THIS SIMPLE APPLE CRISP

Follow this video tutorial for step by step guidance.

 

APPLE CRISP INGREDIENTS

It’s probably a sure bet that your pantry and fridge have most, if not all, of these ingredients on hand.

apple crisp ingredients

 

Ingredients

8 cups pared and sliced apples (About 8-10 apples, any type)

1 cup flour

1 cup oatmeal

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup soft butter

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

apple slices

 

Kitchen tools

apple corer

9×13 baking pan (glass or metal)

mixing bowl

 

coring an apple

 

HOW TO MAKE THIS DELICIOUS DESSERT

You are going to be shocked that something that tastes so amazing is so easy to create!

  1. Wash all apples thoroughly
  2. Core the apples. To speed up the process, I like to use a corer. Although you can if you prefer, there is no need to peel the apples
  3. Slice apples into bite sized pieces. The thinner the slices, the more quickly they will cook through
  4. Place apple pieces into the baking pan
  5. Mix together remaining ingredients in a separate bowl until blended
  6. Cover apples with the topping mixture
  7. Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes, until apples are soft

easy Fall desert

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Although this is delicious any time of the year, you will definitely want to try this apple crisp dessert before the Fall is over. Treat your Thanksgiving guests to the sweet combo of apple crisp and ice cream!

apple crisp pin

 

PRINT THIS RECIPE

Keep this recipe handy by printing it off!

Apple Crisp

Course: Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups apples cored and sliced
  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup softened butter
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Wash apples thoroughly, then core and slice them. Though you can peel the apples if you prefer, there is no need to do so. The thinner you slice the apples the quicker they will cook through.
  2. Mix all remaining ingredients together in a separate bowl
  3. Place apples in one layer, in a 9x13 baking pan
  4. Pour mixed topping over apples and spread evenly
  5. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees, for 30-40 minutes, until apples are cooked through

 

SIMPLE FALL DECOR IDEAS

Gather inspiration from these simple Fall decor ideas. They will have you ready to celebrate the season!

harvest decorations

It’s officially Fall here in the Midwest! It honestly feels like there was a switch that turned the weather from warm and sunny to cold and rainy. The change just happened so suddenly!

Fall is probably my absolute favorite season of all, and I am genuinely bummed that I likely won’t be able to decorate this year. With the building of Arrow Hill Cottage nearing completion, our time is split between site visits, choosing finishes, and packing up the rental house. Add in school activities, and we essentially have no spare time anything for extra, including decorating!

But, if YOU have time to decorate, I have some ideas for you today! Though these ideas have been on the blog before, I thought they were worth another share. Click on the link below each picture to read more details about the decor.

 

SIMPLE FALL DECOR DIY

Looking to create something unique to decorate your home? Try one of these simple DIY ideas.

 

Natural Centerpieces

These natural Fall centerpieces would be the perfect accent to any tablescape, from now through Thanksgiving!

centerpieces full of fall color

read the post

 

Pleated Table Runner

Even though it looks like a detailed and complicated piece, this pleated table runner can be made in just minutes. And for less than five dollars in material costs it is definitely worth a try.

thanksgiving table runner

read the post

 

‘Be Thankful’ Printable

The start of Fall means that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. One of the most simple ways to decorate this Fall might just be printing out this sign!

printable home decor for fall

read the post

 



 

SIMPLE FALL DECOR IDEAS

The internet is an absolute wealth of ideas when it comes to simple fall decor ideas. Below are some of the favorites I have found!

Decorating Ideas From Instagram Part 1

Great ideas from fellow Instagrammers. Such inspiration!

fall entryway decor

read the post

 

Decorating Ideas From Instagram Part 2

More ideas from Instagram.

painted pumpkin home decor for fall

read the post

 

Cottage Style Fall Decor

These decorating items from Amazon can warm up your home this Fall.

home decor items

read the post

 

I hope you will gain some inspiration from these simple fall decor ideas, and that you will enjoy the season!