Strawberry Jam Season

I have come up to Heather's house to make the infamous strawberry freezer jam. This would be the first time that I have made this for myself- or my family. I helped mom make jam when I was little and have had my share of delicious toast and PBJ sandwiches. So this was the year that I would actually learn to do it on my own and be able to take some home for my own freezer. Needless to say, this was a monumental experience.

Ellie joined in the fun of stemming, which really just led to her eating each strawberry with the grapefruit spoon. Those that actually made it into the bowl to be mashed were chopped about half way down. When it came to rinsing, Ellie was our girl. It took us a while to realize what exactly she was doing with all the rinsing. The soap pump moved closer right by the sink was a dead give away to Heather when she finally gave her attention to the situation. Luckily the soap was white and was easy to spot on the strawberries.

I ended up finishing the last 4-5 batches on my own when Heather and Roger were out with friends. So I can almost say I did it all my own. The only thing lacking is the smashing. But there is still time for that experience today because we have two more 4 lbers to put up. At $4.99 a case (4 lbs), pectin costing roughly $1.50 per batch, containers costing roughly $.50, and sugar being free (only at the Clawson Store House), we come to a total just under $3 per pint of strawberry jam. Not really saving much money compared to buying it at the store, but you can't compare the flavor. Overall, this is completely worth it!

Jared is off doing scouting, which is why I decided to motivate the strawberry jam weekend- I still hate being home alone. I called him last night and he was playing Hearts card game with the boys and I hear him say, "Shoot". He had just picked up a point. I am not really sure how to play the game, but apparently that is not a good thing. I could tell I was just a distraction, so we made our conversation short and we talked right before bed.

Corban has just been a sweetheart lately. When he is crying in the morning for me to come and get him, once I get in there to pick him up he completely lights up and starts talking. We can usually talk for 20-30 minutes every morning while waiting for his morning unload in the pants. I got him a new toy, suggested to us by Kimberly- Jacques the Peacock. he currently enjoys Jacques' backside, only because it is the sharp contract of black, white, and red. He is darling to watch with it. Yesterday he was playing with it hanging from his car seat with his toes.

Tummy time is getting a little more enjoyable, but I still wouldn't say he loves it. He is doing good with holding his head up, he is starting to figure out scooting, and I am trying to help him understand turning over. He is a strong little guy so I am not worried that he will eventually catch on.

Today we are off to the Swap Meet, another reason I come to OC on the weekends. Not sure what exactly we are going for, but I can't turn down the trip. It is always fun to shop the swap meet!

Here are some pictures from Virginia when the whole family was together: