So Far This Week

So far this week, we lost our baby bird that Ansley was trying to rescue.

It was so cute and little, but I really thought we had a chance of keeping it alive. It's really too bad we don't live on a farm - Ansley would thrive there. (Her Mama, however, probably would not, even though the idea of it sounds really appealing.)

So far this week we canned 23 pounds of tomatoes. And there are red ones on our vines as I type. I'm pretty sure I'll be canning again in another month. Tomatoes are a lot of work - much more so than fruit. But I do mean we - John jumped right in and helped me! I do love a man that's not afraid to can some tomatoes.

Tomatoes are so much work because you have to peel their skins. At least, that's what I thought. But then I read on the Williams-Sonoma website (which seriously just makes everything look beautiful) that you don't have to do that. Does anyone know? Because it would save me - I mean us - a lot of work!

This is just half of the skinless tomatoes!

So far this week, we have played a lot of games. My kids are really into the Settlers of Catan, and yesterday we played all afternoon with Mimi. They also love card games. And Ansley is determined to learn to shuffle like I do.

See that look of determination on her face? She's getting there, she just needs practice.

We usually have to wait until Avery naps, because she gets fiesty and wants to grab all the cards or the pieces. This never goes well.

Fortunately, Ansley is usually a good sport about it.

So far this week, we are trying to enjoy this leisure time, running errands, playing, reading, going outside....because next week we are starting school. IT IS TIME. The kids are getting restless and bored, Mama is getting restless, and I'd rather spend these hot days (okay so seriously for like two mornings now in July our whole family has been freezing, but that's beside the point) getting school done, and that way in the fall we can enjoy the weather and take some days off here and there to go to the mountains or Dollywood. And the beach.

That's our week. What are you up to this week?

Comments

[Amber]

Hey! I loved this post for some reason. :) My grandmother canned tomatoes all summer every summer when I was growing up. I know that she steamed them to get the skin off...and that she scalded her hand severely. So be careful if you pressure steam them. OK?!? And, boy do I love a man in the kitchen. My own, of course!! My mother-in-law taught Scott well.

Sorry about your baby bird. We have tried twice to save little birds, but apparently they really do need their bird mamas. But it's sad. :( Hope you enjoy your last week of errands!

[Suzy]

I don't skin them. I just run them through the food processor till they are chopped the size I want and then can from there. Try a batch that way and see what you think :) I've never had a problem with the skins in recipes or anything else. And you could totally rock a farm...to bad you live so far away, my girls would LOVE to show Ansley the farm ropes!!!

[Kathryn]

I have no canning advice, but wanted to say how much I love the photo of Ansley & Avery "playing" cards! You captured such a wonderful moment! Game time is during nap time at our house as well. I think Avery and Ella would be fast friends. ;)

[Megan]

Thanks Amber! I don't pressure steam - I just boil and then plunge in cold water. I'm glad you enjoyed this though! Trying to soak up this last "free" day....;)

[Megan]

Suzy - interesting! And it tastes just fine? That would save me a LOT of time! :) It is too bad we aren't closer - we'd love to come visit! :)

[Megan]

Thanks Kathryn! I bet they would be sweet friends! :)

[Suzy]

Try one batch and use them in a recipe. Honestly I don't notice a taste difference.