Sometimes it's the little things that make you happy

I love a clean junk drawer!

Salsa Recipe

Freezer Salsa (Betsy at Recipelink.com)

7 Pounds fresh tomatoes
3 Cups Chile pepers seeded and chopped
1/2 Cup jalapeno or Serrano chiles seeded finely chopped
2 cups onion chopped
5 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
1/2 cup vinegar
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Peel seed and coarsely chop tomatoes. Place in large colander and drain for 30 min.

Place the drained tomatoes in large kettle and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. simmer uncovered for 45 min or until thickened.
Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and place kettle in a sink filled with ice water to cool quickly.

When cool, spoon inot freezer proof containers.
Freeze up to 6 months.

****We skipped the cooling and freezing parts and processed in hot water bath...used guidelines in the Blue Ball Book...I think it was 15 or 20 min for pints.***** Double check though :)

Like it because it is mild and so fresh tasting!!!

Yummy Salsa!

Salsa time is here. I was afraid we wouldn't have enough tomatoes left to make some. I'm glad we at least got a few done. We made 17 pints. I wish we had more. For all of you out there that might mistakenly think I am some kind of super woman...Steve makes it all happen...I am the "get the pot ready...find enough jars...help with the lids..." gal.

Clean Up Around the Homestead...

It's always fun to work together...until it isn't fun anymore... but that is another story. Today was actually fun and didn't go bad at all...some days amaze even me. Here are the kids on the tractor. Don't write me about how unsafe this is...Yeah I know...enough said. Here is Doug ready to tackle the bushes...we had lots of trimming to do.

You can clearly tell from this picture who is dad's favorite? Hmmm could it be the girl on the tractor that doesn't have to pick up branches???

Here is the crew after all the work is done...Rewarded with a ride in the bucket...Once again...I know...danger...but I did walk right beside them...until I jumped up on the tractor for a spin myself.

First Day of School

Doug, Curt, and Maggie on the first day of school. Jacob has to leave much earlier because he is in middle school.

I am not coping well with all my babies in school. They are growing up and I don't like it one bit! It is very very quiet around here during the day. No one yelling "ma" from every corner of the house. I did not have a problem dealing with anyone else going to school...I always had a backup at home :) Now that Curtis is gone to school full time it is really weird. It isn't that I am any less busy and it isn't that time doesn't fly and before I know it they are home on the bus. I think it is my mini mid life crisis. :) My baby time is over and now my role has officially changed. Only Curtis will let me rock him sometimes...it's quite a sight since he is HUGE and he can barely sit on my lap. Jacob is going to be 13! Douglas only wants to be called Doug now. Maggie is turning into a social butterfly. They are growing up...I on the other hand am reverting to having a two year old temper tantrum. I am going to pout and hold my breath until they come home!

TOPS UPDATE

Lost 2.5 lbs. this week. Need to keep at it and not gain it back by next week.

Also a welcome to Debra who is my 10th follower. Wish I had some balloons or noise makers to celebrate!

Blogging becomes more fun when you realize that you aren't just "typing" talking to yourself. Will be posting pictures of 1st day of school soon...maybe I will get to it soon.

Welcome!

I would like to welcome my first ever follower...that isn't a relative or a "real life" friend. I am so excited!!! Welcome Christi! Now I need to go and take some deep breaths...I am feeling pressure to perform! :)