Fall Harvest

So, this week as a little busy. I canned 21 quarts of tomato juice and 21 quarts of fresh tomatoes. I wasn't sure I could do it on my new glass top stove. The suggestion is that the normal-type canner is not flat and it's too large for the burner--which runs the risk of cracking the stove top...so with help of the internet and pure genius on my part (tongue in cheek)... I remembered that my mom had a "steam canner" that I happen to "inherit". It's flat on the bottom and small enough to fit the burner. It worked beautifully but the most enjoyable part of the whole process was the time I was able to think of my mom and dad. I used to take you kids with me to their house for the day and can tomatoes with mom. Dad would help pick the tomatoes from his garden ,and I'm sure entertain you all while we went to work and canned all day. I think she held up better than I did but the exhaustion was worth the sight of all those bottles lined up on the counter. I have mom's juicer as well and although it is an older type, it did the job. I think my dad would be proud of me as well because I had to do a "Joe McGee" to get it put together and I dare say he couldn't have done a better job himself---it probably wouldn't have taken him as long but it worked! Let's not let home canning be a lost art!

Another thought for August--I've been applying for part-time jobs since February with not a lot of hope or results. I pretty much gave up when a friend told me about an opening in an alternative high school as a teacher assistance in the daycare--for young girls with babies and for the faulty/staff's children. It seems almost the perfect job (and I was actually qualified for it) but I was so wishy-washy! Some times I really wanted the job and other times I didn't want the job. I, of course, made it a matter of prayer and finally decided that it's not the right time for me to go back to work. I decided even before I went to the temple but felt at peace there about the decision. I knew that IF I was offered the job, that I could and would politely say no thank you. As it turned out, they offered the job to another person but I feel it was important for me to make that decision on my own. Some day the time will be right for me to work but in my heart of hearts I know that my place is here at home. I'm grateful that I have had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom.

The Journey's continue in July

It has almost been a month since our Alaskan Cruise began so I thought I'd better get some pictures posted. July went by even faster than most months; we were getting ready to leave the first week, gone the next, recuperating the next week, down with a sore back the week after that, and then gone again the last week. But it was fun! We took a lot of picture in Alaska but here are a few:

Heather and I went to Heber Valley Girls Camp last week. We had a wonderful time! Even though I had a "legit" reason for not going (back injury) I was determined to go...and thanks to some muscle relaxers and tender mercies I didn't have any troubles. I've learned over the years that when we are fulfilling our callings, the Lord blesses you and He did me this past week. I didn't feel confident on the first day to do any of the challenge courses so I just took a lot of pictures of those that did do it. Tuesday was a relaxing day although I did rescue a chipmunk out of very warm, soapy dishwater! Wednesday we went on a sunrise hike and had a very spiritual experience there, had breakfast then went down to the waterfront and I paddle boated--Heather was in a canoe and they tipped over at the end...she says it wasn't on purpose...then we had to hike back up to the campsite which was a killer! While on the sunrise hike I was "inspired" to do the challenge course--climb a pole, walk (slide) across a wire then go down the zip line. Some leaders and I went down to do it that day (those who didn't get a chance on Monday) but they were done for the day and I'll admit that I was relieved because it had already been a hard day for this 56 year old, but we went down of Thursday morning and I DID IT!!! Instead of a special speaker, the few single ward sisters put on a play about the 10 Virgins that was excellent and then of course the testimony meeting. Your dad did great as usual to start off the meeting and Heather's testimony was great too. It was good to get back though and my back is hurting again! So I'll get to Physical Therapy this week. While I was away, Dan took the call and tomorrow I have an interview at Westside Elementary for a Title I Tech position in their preschool....along with a gazillion other applicants....but it's an interview. We'll see.

Welcome to Camp D.I.V.A. a.k.a. Divine Indiviuals (who are) Virtuous Always