Little House on the Prairie

Today was going to be an easy, cake walk of a day.  I had no where to be, and the kids were going to be at school for part of the day.  Oh what a treat.

So I went about my lazy morning.  I walked around and made beds while listening to music.  I made it down stairs to straighten up the kitchen.  Then, as luck would have it I decided to water the tomatoes, since I skipped watering yesterday.  To my shock and amazement, several tomato bushes were absolutely brimming with beautiful red fruit.

My veggies have yielded a huge amount of produce this year.  I had picked all the ripe tomatoes just two days ago, leaving only the really green ones behind.  So suddenly my lazy day turned into a canning day.

While I peeled and canned tomatoes, I had some great alone time to just think.  There is something therapeutic in being elbows deep in tomato guts.  I quickly realized how far I have come.  Just a few years ago, I couldn't have spent a day alone without ending up in the fetal position.  Just a few months ago, I didn't have the energy to tackle canning on my own.  Today, I put up tomatoes, did four batches of jalapeno jelly (watch out at christmas for that little prize to surface), and helped the kids make banana bread (Okay, Ethan and Averie made the bread, but it was totally my idea).

I am actually amazed at myself.  I may be getting back to my old self, or better yet, a way better new self.  Would you look at that.  I guess there is a better place to end up after great hardships.  I have endurance now that I never had before, and I enjoy my life.  I love my kids and all that they do (minus the endless messing up of the house).  I have the sweetest brothers.  I adore my parents.  I love to pieces every member of Johns side of the family.  I have the best friends a girl could ask for.  Hallelujah!!!!!!

For those who want recipes for the jelly, I did four kinds, HOT, Pineapple, raspberry, and apricot.

  Click the blue link on each for the recipe that I used.

 *be aware, that I change everything just a bit.

  I am against following any recipe to the letter.*

 (just don't strain you peppers out.  It's prettier with the pieces left in)