Back to the Basics:{Canning Peaches}

As if canning tomatoes wasn't a big enough leap for this non-culinary girl, my mom and I decided to can not one, but two 1/2 bushels of peaches.  It seemed as if it would be a lot of work, but in reality, canning peaches was much more enjoyable than canning tomatoes.  If I can do it, you can do it!

Steps for canning Red Haven Peaches.

Step 1: Start with several {at least 1/2 bushel} of ripe peaches.  *I have found that 1/2 bushel will yield 10 wide mouth jars of canned peaches.

Step 2: Heat peaches in a warm bath.  I recommend trying one or two at first to gauge how long the peaches need to soak.  If peaches are soaked for too long they will be too mushy to effectively pit.

Step 3: While the peaches are bathing, fill another pot with an inch or so of water and begin heating jars by placing them upside down into the pot

Step 4: Transfer warm peaches to cold water.

Step 5: When peaches are cool, cut around the center, gently twist into halves and, if done perfectly, the skin will peel right off. {Note: I had several that were not done perfectly, in that case just salvage what you can because a peach is a peach}

Step 6: Place peach halves in a bowl.

Meanwhile: {because, I am not quite sure of the perfect time} in yet another pan, begin to heat the mixture you will be pouring over the peaches.  We chose a mixture that was 3:1 water to sugar and simply used the mason jar to measure.  Mix well and heat until sugar water is warm.

Step 7: Place halved peaches into jar, pit side down.

Step 8: Pour warm sugar water over peaches.

Step 9: As passed down to my mother from her mother, this step may be the most important, unknown step to caners around the world...  After the sugar water is poured over the peaches, take a butter knife and slide it down the sides of the jar to release any bubbles in the jar. 

Step 10: Wipe around the mouth of the jar, clearing it of any residue.

Step 11: Top the jar with lids, tighten with rings and place into a pressure cooker or canning pot.

Step 12: Line up handles of pressure cooker.

Step 13: Line up knobby thing {anyone know the technical name? mom? grandma?} so that the 5 is on the bottom.  The arrow is pointing to what remains of the 5 on this gem of a 1979 pressure cooker. Why you do this? I am not quite sure, but I do know that it is crucial, so go with it.

Step 14: Once the all important 5 is lined up turn the burner on high until you hear a vigorous rattle.  Once you hear the rattle, turn the burner down a bit, resulting in a less constant rattle, but one that is intermittent separated by 10 seconds or so. After turning it down set the timer for 10 minutes and let the pressure cooker work it's magic.

Step 15: When the 10 minutes is done, turn off the burner and wait for the handles to release. Once the handles are released you may take the lid off of the pressure cooker and take hot jars out.  *be sure to line your counter tops with towels to protect the surface. 

Step 16: Stock your cupboards and enjoy.


And there you have it....word has it that today may be the last day to enjoy fresh Red Haven peaches. Be sure to grab yourself one of the last batches, some mason jars,and a canning companion and give it a try...why not?

Mud, Mud & More Mud

Just one day before the Mud Run, I met a man at Panera.

I was having internet trouble.

He seemed to be working on an intense research project, including lots of documents spread across the table.

As I was troubleshooting my internet issues, he offered to help and go ask an employee.

He kindly, left his work behind and wheeled up in his wheelchair.

He was paralyzed from the waist down.

I don't know his story, or even his name. 

I just know that I thought of him often, the very next day, as I struggled with our 5k mud run.

The start of any race is always emotional for me.  The starting line is where I feel most alive.  The music is pumping, my adrenailine is rushing, and I am surrounded by my dearest friends on an adventure we never predicted.

Today, the start was different.  Today, I realized what a gift it was that I was able to run this race, that the pain I would feel throughout the muddy obstacle course was a gift.  And, I was humbled and thankful for the journey ahead of us.

And a journey it would be! {the most painful race to date}

It started with mud,

continued with mud,

mud,

and more mud.

And, in the end, as we neared the finish line,

I saw my boys,

and realized, even more, what a gift this race actually was.

I was able to run {with healthy legs}, with three friends and finish with my family watching.

It's amazing how a kind stranger in a wheelchair can make you even

more thankful for the journey we are on,

and the boys that I ultimately run for.

Back to the Basics: {Canning Tomatoes}

In continuing my journey back to the basics, I asked my mom if she would teach me how to can tomatoes.  I vaguely remember her canning tomatoes when I was young, but never stood beside her and watched her do it.  So, as my mom always does, she quickly accepted the challenge of teaching her easily distracted, non-cooking daughter the tricks of the trade. 

This is what I learned: {The steps to effectively canning tomatoes}

1. Heat the tomatoes in a warm bath for several minutes to make peeling more pleasureable.

2. Transfer HOT tomatoes to a sink filled with ice water to cool.  Once cool, skin should peel off easily allowing you to cut the tomatoes into disireable chunks to place into a pot.

3. Add chopped onions and celery {to taste} in with the newly diced tomatoes.

4. Place tomato mixture on stove to simmer {stew}.

5. As tomatoes are stewing place wide mouth jars {upside down} and wide mouth lids into a pot filled with approximately one inch of steaming water.

6. Once tomatoes are to desired consistency, pour them into heated mason jars.

7. Wipe rim and upper inside of the jar free of any tomato residue to ensure a proper seal.

8. Remove heated lid from steaming pot and place on jar.

9. Twist on canning ring.

10. Cover with a towel and enjoy the satisfaction of hearing each one pop as the jars seal.

11. Stock your pantry with homemade stewed tomatoes and use throughout the winter to cook your favorite chili, good ole' golash, or one of these many recipes.


Thank you mom for teaching me everything you know.  Same time, same place, next August?

Elliott: A reminder of who you have always been

*as inspired by this post

My Elliott Drew,

You are a passionate boy!  You know what you love, and you love it well.  You live life to it's fullest and take charge.  Your passion drives you to do things that I am amazed by.  You dive off of the diving board without help.  You nail the baseball into the neighbor's yard without flinching.  If you love something, you will figure out how to conqure it.

Beyond your passion for life, you are a selfless lover of others. You say peoples names when no one else does.  It is not just Goodbye for you. It is Goodbye Sarah, Goodbye Parker.  You remember that everyone is unique and you value that.   You are genuinely happy when others succeed, cheering them on along the way. 

You are a thinker.  You know the difference between a good choice and a bad choice and will go against the grain to do what is right.  You are bold and courageous and will stand up for what you believe in, even if you are the only one.  We were recently at church and a boy that had been "bullying"  you, your brother and your friend, and who was bigger than you, came up to you and stood right in your face.  With a look of fierce determination in your face, you just shoved him.  And although, I was not thrilled you chose to push the kid, I am proud that you stood up for what was right.

Creativity and wit flow through you naturally.  You are a creator and your creations bring smiles to people on a daily basis. Your wit has us cracking up at the dinner table, giggling at bedtime, and snickering in the car. You make people laugh, and spread joy with your sheer silliness.

....and your hugs, your genuine embrace is so wonderful and pure that people specifically ask for an elliott hug. Your hugs remind people that all is well in the world and that a warm embrace can make a person's day.  While others are afraid to show love, you don't give it a second thought.

Elliott Drew, I love you and pray that you may always remember who you have always been.

I love you to the moon,

Mama

Gibson: A reminder of who you have always been

 *as inspired from this post

My Gibson Jack,

You are bold and courageous! You attack life and do so without fear.  You crave to be around people, to laugh and to live in community.  What others would see as a risk, you see as an opportunity.  You do flips off the diving board, flip turns in the pool and hand springs in the basement, all without a single moment of hesitation.  You are even working up the courage to join in a break dancing session with the Holland Street performers.

Even more amazing than your raw athleticism, is your soft and tender heart.  You have a way to understand people's hurt.  As you noticed me crying in the car the other day you took the time to ask if I was ok, knew intuitively that my heart was aching for our baby, and reassured me that it would be okay.  You sense when people are in pain and gravitate toward them, loving them all of the way.

You are an amazing big brother and cousin.  Each time Sawyer enters the room your voice changes to show your excitement and you greet him with the most loving welcome, letting him know that he's a pretty cool kid and you are glad he's around.  You have held baby Sloane more than all of us combined and each time you grab her she melts into your arms, knowing you are safe. 

Curiosity and wonder flow through you naturally.  You question and ponder everything, always looking for the how and the why things are the way they are.  You search for truth, never ceasing until you find it.

...and that laugh, your pure laugh. It has remained unchanged for all these years.  It comes from the depths of your belly and radiates a room, spreading your intense love of life to all who hear it.

Gibson Jack, I love you and pray that you may always remember who you have always been.

I love you to the moon,

Mom

Top Ten Reasons to Start a Picture Blog...

As of late, there has been much talk of picture blogging. Two friends Friends everywhere seem interested, but haven't been able to pull the trigger.  Here is my battle cry for all of you who are still on the fence...

I originally began my picture blog after stumbling upon one in a place where I find much of my inspiration... blogland.  It was a rough time for me as a mom.  I was had pneumonia twice within two months, and Gibson was struggling with many health issues as well.  It sounds dramatic but I feared each new specialist, each MRI, each blood draw and every x-ray because I was waiting for the shoe to drop.  I was beginning to realize how precious life was and wanted to capture as much of it as I could.

My first post was almost two and a half years ago.  We have taken two trips around the sun, and I have never regretted my decision to just start...and I think you should just start too... here are the top ten reasons why...

Picture blogging is...

10. Cheap Therapy: Let's face it, being a mom can be a tough and relentless job.  This is a way to slow down and reflect upon your crazy, hectic days.  A way to look for the silver lining and remember all of the reasons you love your kids.

9. Quick and Easy: While a narrative blog may seem daunting, a picture blog is the exact opposite.  It just takes one picture to snap, edit {if that's your style}, upload, and write a simple caption for. That. is. it. Once you get into a routine, it only takes 5 minutes, I promise.

8. A Family Affair: Your kids will take great pride in your picture blog and smile each time they see themselves online.  My kids have recently started coming up with suggestions and often say, Mom, this could be our picture of the day. Melts my heart every time.

7. A Stress-free Scrapbook: I tried scrapbooking over and over, but I just was not cut out for it.  I admire them, oh, how I admire them; but I would get so stressed out trying to keep up and make it look just right.  I would avoid it at all cost and end up feeling guilty.  I no longer feel guilt because I have my picture blog, and that is enough of a scrapbook for me. Even better, there are no paper scraps to clean up afterward.

6. A Net for Catching Days: Life with kids is fast, furious and often missed because we are flying through it.  Picture blogging is the net that catches moments you may have otherwise overlooked.

5. A Way to Connect: I have three friends that picture blog, {Kt, Bethany, and Sara} and I love looking at them each day. I often laugh and love catching glimpses into their everyday lives.  However, with only three friends on board, my sidebar is looking pretty sparse.  We'd love to have you join the party!

4. Shows your Kids that You Care: When you take the time out to capture your child's first day of school, the fort they worked so hard on, and even their first attempt at making their bed they notice and it matters.

3. Tells the Story of You: Is there any better story to spend time creating? It breaks my heart thinking of the day that I am the woman in the grocery store, telling a young mom, Enjoy it because it goes by so fast. I know that day will come, but I find comfort in the fact that I will have our story to remind me of those fleeting days.

2. Fosters Creativity: 365 pictures is a lot of pictures, and if you want to keep it fresh and new you have to be creative.  You will find yourself looking for new ways to portray the mundane, and you will find complete joy when you come up with a post that is outside of your normal box.

1. Forces you to Live Wide Awake: When teaching my students how to write essays I always tell them that they need to live wide awake.  I tell them they need be aware of the world around them, the sounds, the smells, the everyday moments they would otherwise be too busy to notice.  The same is true for picture blogging.  It introduces you to a world that you may not have noticed before, a world you wouldn't want to miss.

If you need even more inspiration, this post is just what you're looking for.

Tips:

1. Just Start: Don't over-think it.  It's kind of like having a baby...not completely logical and it will take a lot of work, but you will never regret it.

2. Don't be too Hard on Yourself: It's OK if you miss a day.  Fill it in with a different picture.  If I feel guilty about missing a day I simply don't write the day on the picture. Just forgive yourself and move on.

3. Use the Less than Perfect Shot: In my opinion, those are the best, and they tell the story.

4. Use your Cell Phone: It's OK and they are great shots.

5. Buy a Year Subscription to Picnik: For $24 you have access to lots of great fonts and the two features I always use: vibrance and vignette.

6. Edit HTML: See this Public Service Announcement

Now all you have left to do is to come up with a name for your blog.  Happy Blogging.

Discovering my True Self

Nine and a half months ago my friends and I embarked on a journey.  It began as a journey with the simple goal of getting our mom bodies a little less mom-ish.  It was a way for us to connect outside of our kids and make time for that person inside of us that often gets blurred between our mom and wife selves.

Little did I know that the pure act of putting twenty dollars in a mason jar would change me so profoundly.

As we began our workout challenge, we naturally started to notice what we expected.  Our energy was increasing. Our clothes fit better than they had in years, and we were feeling more confident than we had felt in quite some time.  

What we didn't expect was that after the dust had settled, exercise became less of a chore and more of a part of our life style. Our journey had become much more than winning the money in the mason jar.  The money didn't matter any more.  We didn't need it to keep going.  We were doing it all on our own, because we knew we could. We began to push ourselves to do things we had never done before.  Through this I began to realize an undiscovered and untapped part of myself that I didn't know was there. I became aware of the possibilities.  I realized that somewhere deep inside of me was a strong woman.   

Not a single one of us anticipated what this journey would have in store for us, and we had no idea how it would change us. 

We often refer to this last year as Year 31.  The year that we all learned something new about ourselves. 

For each of us, the theme of this past year has looked a little bit different.  It was the year of saying yes, the year of living intentionally, the year of giving and choosing life. 

For me, Year 31, was about becoming aware of the possibilities. A year to discover that there may be more to me than just being a mom, a wife and a teacher.  A year to prepare me for the journey to come.

As September 14th quickly approaches and year 31 comes to a close, I look forward to Year 32, the year that I discover my true self.  The year that I discover who I have always been and who God intends me to be.

I am profoundly grateful for this journey.  It is softening the parts of my heart that have been hardened by the world.  It is challenging me to pursue wholeness.  It is a blessing.

I am even more grateful for the dear friends who on December 6th, 2010 agreed to put twenty dollars in a jar.  Dear friends who say yes and challenge me to grow. 

Kt, Kmac and Bethany, thank you!  I love you dearly and cannot wait to see what Year 32 has is store.

Every now and then...

Every now and then there comes a time when you have to shed your grown-up image. A time when you have to set your pride aside, deny all logic and ignore a life long supply of common sense. 

Every now and then there comes a time when you do something you were too afraid to try as a kid, but now, want nothing more than to conquer.

Every now and then there comes a time.....

....when you try over and over and over again to do a front flip while pretending you are the daring 7 year old you never had the courage to be.

Every now and then there comes a time when you look like this....

...in front of your family and closest friends, and you don't mind that...

 {a} you look this way, and

 {b} there is hysterical laughter each time you don't quite make a full rotation.

Every now and then there comes a time when you let go of all reservation, fail miserably while doing so, and still smile at the end of the day, because for first time in a long time that you swam like you were a kid again.

The Buck Stops Here

Three months have now passed since my friends and I began our 31 Days to Clean Challenge. In the past three months we have scoured out homes from top to bottom {several times over}, conqured our laundry, and most importantly discovered a little bit more about ourselves, and why we do the things we do.

I remember somewhere along our journey reading an article that I identified with immediately.  It spoke of perfectionism and how some perfectionists avoid tackling tasks because they don't know how to complete them perfectly.  {Insert "Ah ha" spotlight shining directly down upon me}

They were talking about me.  I love to have things perfect.  I love things neat.  I love order.  I love to know exactly where to find things, but for the past thirty something years I have avoided everything because I didn't know how to do it perfectly.  I wanted ten-step solutions, precisely drawn out, telling me exactly, and in which order I should to things. 

After reading that article, I finally knew what has been plaguing me for so long. I now had a diagnosis for this disorder I had been struggling with my entire life, and now all I had to do was address it.

My friend, Katie found this sign that sums it up perfectly.

So there I had it.

The buck stops here. 

No more excuses.

No more unrealistic expectations.{because let's face it, nothing's perfect}

No more more procrastinating.

No more waiting for someone to fly in and rescue me. 

The time was now, and the task was our basement disaster zone. 

*and this was after two days of sorting.

After receiving a tip to just start, I did just that.  I sent my friends this picture, told them the date I would have it done by, and asked them to hold me to it. 

I started and there was no turning back.  I unpacked each and every tub, sorted them into five piles: keep, maybe keep, donate, sell, trash. 

It wasn't pretty but I did it. 

Once I had taken the trash to the curb, returned many miscellaneous items to their original homes, and decided what to donate, I then began to place the remaining gems into bins.

I made labels for each bin,

and made them interchangeable by attaching them with Velcro.

I created one area for crafts,

featuring a neatly organized drawer system,

that now explained exactly where I could find things.

I re crafted an old Rubbermaid drawer system into storage for the boy's art,

saving a special spot for the baby we are so excited to meet,

 wrapped the project up by stacking everything else in one organized spot,

and bounced up the stairs with sheer joy to tell Steve that I had done it.  For the first time in my life, I conquered my perfectionist tendencies and just did it.  I finished a project all by myself, and I was darn proud of it.

Is it perfect? No. The bins don't match.  The font on the labels isn't exactly how I want it.  The bins are not stacked on a shelf.  However, in a monumental decision to let it go, I used the bins I had, I didn't reprint the labels, and I let Steve off the hook in making a shelving system.  Why? Because I needed to let go and realized if I was waiting for everything to be perfect it would never get done...thus the cycle would repeat itself, and I would continue to be unhappy.

...I think I like this new me that is starting to evolve. 

You're next...how have you grown lately?