Canning Tomatoes

A couple days ago we canned 26 quarts of tomatoes. It went quick and easy with my two helpers. Grandma Deeren and Sierra pealed the whole bushel. I scalded them, stuffed the jars and filled the canner. The majority of the work was done in less than three hours and I just had to watch the canner for a few more hours. They all sealed and we will be enjoying our tomatoes all through the winter. There is nothing better than making chili or goulash with home canned tomatoes and the memories that are made in the process.

Happy Birthday 6th Shawny

Shawny had a great birthday. He had 3 friends and his cousin come over for a sleepover birthday party. Soon after the kids arrived they began playing with legos. When there was a lull Lyle took the kids through a series of challenges (timed quad race, a foot race, bow shoot, casting a fishing pole, hula hooping and the like). The kids had a lot of fun but by the end we were all tired and hot and it was time for a swim.

The kids were in and out of the pool at least 7 times through the course of the two days. After a supper of pizza we ate cake and Shawny open his presents. He got a remote control boat to play with in the pool. It worked great for about the first hour. Too bad it didn't continue to work so well. We actually had to return it.:( What a nice bunch of kids. They played so well together.

After the kids had a chance to play some more they all got in their jammies and settles down to watch a true boy movie, "How to Eat Fried Worms." It was nasty but the movie was actually quite good. The kids enjoyed it even if it did leave us all a little sick feeling.

Happy birthday bubby! You are a precious gift and a blessing to all who know you. My you have a wonderful 6th year, full of growth and learning. May you find joy in pleaseing others but most of all the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as your best friend and living to please Him.

" For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11