What We Did This Week: So Much Canning!
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Here’s a look into what we did this week as an off-grid, homeschooling family!
The week started off chilly, and we had to have a fire going a few of the nights. We need to continue to work gathering firewood for the winter since we don’t have nearly enough yet!
I started the week by making salsa with the tomatoes and peppers we were given. My velcro baby was of course along for the ride. 🙂
Here’s the huge batch of salsa we made! This year I used the “Fresh Vegetable Salsa” recipe in the Complete Ball Book. It’s a new favorite!
We ended up with 40 pints plus some for fresh eating. Should be enough to last the winter. 🙂
I didn’t get a picture of the final product for some reason but this is fresh currant juice from currants that I picked and steamed. I mixed it with raspberries to make a jam.
My poor littlest one is teething again. He’s had a rough week and needed lots of snuggles.
Next up was crab apple jelly. I chopped and steam juiced the apples the kids picked last week at Grandma’s house.
It turned out pretty and tasty!
I also made a batch of pickled banana peppers. We will use these for salads, sandwiches, and pizza this winter.
I got some yogurt on our shopping trip last week, so I made up a big batch of homemade granola.
We started school for the year! A few weeks ago, we moved rooms and turned our bedroom into a school/craft room/office. Not sure why it looks like there is snow outside in this picture, but there isn’t just yet!
We had our monthly “feast night” this week. Once a month, we set the table all up and have a fancy meal just for something special. This month we had steak, potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, watermelon, sparkling apple cider, and chocolate cake. I got the tablecloth here, it’s so pretty!
We celebrated our 18th anniversary this week. Here’s one of our original wedding pictures from that windy September day on the South Dakota prairie.
During the end of the week we headed out for a family hike. We are trying to have an “outdoors day” at least once a week where we go for a longer hike, go fishing, go kayaking, etc. (At least until the snow start flying!)
This week’s hike was beautiful and we took plenty of time to play in the stream half way through. It was a good chance for us to talk about family togetherness and how we can be strong even when the world tries to tear us apart.
I’ll talk to you all again next week. Thanks for following our journey!
-Merissa
So happy to see the cursive books on your classroom table. They don’t teach that here anymore and our kids will never be able to read The Declaration of Independence or The Constitution in the original. Cursive writing was a big step in our education back in the 60’s. We had special pens used only for the lessons and kept in a wooden rack near the teacher. Third grade was special because of learning to “write”.
My kids actually love writing cursive and write better that way than they do with print writing! I’ve read something about how it works better for ADHD and learning disability kids because the letters all flow together. I think there is something to it!
I love seeing how your family is thriving.
<3
Happy anniversary! 🎉
Thank you!
I love these glimpses into your week with your family. Thank you for taking the time (and the energy!) to share. God bless you guys!
I’m so glad you enjoy these posts! 🙂
Happy anniversary to the both of you. I enjoy the journey that you take your readers on. What a beautiful family you have created.
You look as if you’re really enjoying your new (relatively new) property. There looks to be quite a bit to explore. Hope the children are happy with their new home, and the baby is growing up so quickly. Will you be able to do a proper garden next year?
Yes, we are all doing well here! I’m planning on a “regular” garden next year or at least trying to figure out what that looks like for us. I need to do more research on the best veggies to grow in a super short and cold summer.
Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many and for taking the time to share your life with us. What a blessing you are and your content is always so beautiful and uplifting.
Ugh. I totally understand not having all the firewood yet. We have it all, but we need to split and stack it. And Fall is on its way! Thabks for the updates!!
That is one of the most beautiful wedding pictures I’ve ever seen! ❤️
Thank you for taking me along on this perfect day. I always enjoy your updates. Your family is beautiful, and following your journey has been so inspirational.
Thank you for the lovely idea about a “feast night” once a month. I think our kiddo would love that!
Busy week you had! Love the pictures, Thank you!
What a lovely post! I enjoy the pictures so much!
My, you have been busy. Thank you so much for the update. My tomatoes are all done. But I am working on peppers. And some golden delicious apples I was gifted. Happy Anniversary! And wishing you a blessed week.
Thought I’d share…. coconut oil for teething. It’s not a cure all, but it takes the edge off so the little ones can sleep. My youngest fought teething. This worked better than Hylands. I would just dip her pacifier in it. Plus, it keeps the guns nice and clean. Wish I would’ve known about it for my older children. Oh well… that’s how it goes
Meant gums, not guns… lol… its Saturday morning. Enough said.
Happy anniversary 🙂 All your caning looked so very productive !!
Blessings ~ Linda
My goodness, how the kids have grown! I remember when the oldest boys were just BABIES! Hard to believe I’ve been following your adventures for well over a decade… (My youngest is 13 and I found you when she was tiny…)
Aw, that’s a long time! Yes they are getting so big! My oldest just passed me up in height. 😯
Happy Anniversary! You sure don’t look like you have been married for 18 years. 😀
Thank yo for sharing your family with us. It’s so much fun to get a peek into your life. Your family and home are beautiful!