One of the Best Days


Yesterday morning a friend called me about some green beans she was selling. She had just canned 79 quarts of them and was going to sell the rest. Of course I was interested. So, I dropped by to pick them up. There were ten pounds and she had already washed and snipped them! (How could I resist that?)

So I brought them home and Spenser sat and helped me break them in half and put them into jars.


And as we worked together, side by side, we talked. And we talked. And I don't think I've had such a good time lately.

I learned a lot about her. She wants to get married in the temple and have ten babies (it used to be four). She wants to learn about pigs and horses. And when she's a mom she wants to sew and play on the Play Station. (Just for the record, I never, ever play on the Play Station. I guess she sees the boys doing it and we keep telling her she needs to be older to play.)

And we sang together (all the while she is wearing a ballerina costume). I love singing with her. She's so much fun. It is so much fun to have a girl.


And when we were finished, we had eleven quarts and four pints of green beans. It wasn't how I had planned my day, but it was one of my best ones.

And then my boys begged me to make more jam. The blueberries needed to be crushed, so I gave a bowl to Jackson and Mason and told them to smash away. (I think Spenser and Carter joined in, too, at some point.) It was messy, but it kept them busy and they had fun. And I made them clean the floor when they were finished.


At the end of the day we had made this much jam. And, out of 20 pounds of blueberries, this lonely colander is all that is left. Between two batches of jam and all of us eating them like crazy, that's all we have. I suspect by lunchtime it will be gone.

Now, someone please pass me the ibuprofen. My back hurts too much to stand up ...

Comments

Heidijayhawk said…
those days with your girl that are unplanned are he best. as my gals are getting older i realized that i really enjoy them as people, not love them as my children. i think you got a sneak peek of that!
Sooo sweet!! And yummy too!! Unexpected moments are the best!
kira said…
That is so much fun and what great food storage! :)
Jana Nielson said…
That is too sweet! That brought back the memory of snipping beans with my Grandma! Thanks!
Emily said…
What lovely moments!

BTW, did those jars come with the lids or you bought new ones?

We dont bottle or can vegs over here, so just wondering what did you put in with the beans?!! LOL!

We normally pickled our vegs!
Anonymous said…
That sure sounds like a fun day, and those green beans are making me hungry! Now I'm really wishing for a granddaughter :)
Anonymous said…
Ouch Lera sympathies with your back but aren't you so pleased with yourself?! What a lot of hardwork and fun went in to them! Hopefully the children will help you date and label them and write a happy thought on each jar so when you go to use them you will think of the fun time you've been having this summer.
Karyn said…
Spenser is quite the special young lady! It does sound like you had a great day!

And take care of your back!!! You need to be mobile next week!
Anonymous said…
I love one on one time. I learn so much about what's going on with the kids that way.
Liz said…
Little girls are a joy aren't they. I adore my son, but he never puts his head on my shoulder and says, " I love you mama," like my daughter does.
Jo-Anne said…
What a wonderful day.
It's true...girls are a completely different experience. I am grateful every day for mine.

Have a seat and rest that back of yours...just make sure it is view of all the exceptional things you have accomplished!
misschris said…
That is a wonderful day! And I am so very impressed with all of your canning.

Isn't it amazing to see a person grow before your eyes? I'm always so tickled that *I* am the one who gets to watch my kids grow.

Spenser is going to be the best momma to her 10 kids. She's had the very best example, you know. ;)
Amanda Jean said…
what a lot of hard work...but so rewarding, too. (hope your back feels better.) I bet it was fun to have one on one time with your girl. girls are so much fun! I'm enjoying mine immensely, too.
jessica said…
sounds lovely - reminds me of summer days spent canning with my grandmother.
Berber said…
What a great day and so productive too!
Sweetpea4kids said…
Sounds like a beautiful day.

How long do the beans and jam last though stored in jars. I'd love to make jam just like that!
Sweet moments!
Michelle said…
What a wonderful way to spend the day! Simply priceless!
Anonymous said…
yup, having a girl is excellent - and your jam looks yummy!
Anonymous said…
so sweet.
Anonymous said…
oh yummy! That blueberry jam looks soooo good. You have lovely children and so nice that they were able to help you with this job. Nice.

Popular posts from this blog

Reusable Swiffer WetJet Cloths

Thrifted Chair