the fruits (and vegetables) of our labor

so my blog somehow jumped from mexico to kansas. but there was some time between those two large changes (thank goodness). for about 2 months after i returned home from mexico, before i headed out here to kck, i was blessed by time spent at home. there is just something about home...words just can't describe it. (though i'll try:) comfort. joy. familiarity. family.

my time was filled with all sorts of adventures... including a schmucker family of 5 trip to cancun, friends' wedding in goshen, a trip to indy to visit friends, time at the lake with the yoder family, working a bit at schmucker's, watching the food network :), cleaning out mom's pantry, and just plain relaxing and enjoying home. and i was reminded very much in those two months how blessed i am to have such a wonderful family. why i keep moving so far away from them i cannot answer....

one of my favorite things i did whilst home was learn to CAN with my mama! oh, it was supposed to be this small event where we just canned a little bit so i'd learn the general idea. but no, it got way out of hand. we canned, pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, tomato juice, strawberry jam, applesauce, and maybe that was all? the fruits and vegetables of our labor are now proudly displayed in my new kitchen and mom's "new" pantry. love it!

tomatoes, tomatoes, everywhere!

three generations of schmucker women getting their apple on

yum yum in my tum tum!

the empty pantry and the full living room! oh the joy of the process...

and the FINISHED PRODUCT!!!! so beautiful: