My original intention was to make this post a photo montage of all the crazy things that we’ve been up to this summer that have kept me from blogging, but I didn’t have the time to do even that

The pressure canner is going almost non-stop.  I get up early in the morning to start chopping and preparing the food, and the rest of the day is spent watching the pressure gauge.  This picture (I had a bouncing baby in my hands, that’s why it’s blurry) is only part of the pantry, and the shelves go two to three jars deep!!

If I’m not canning, I’m harvesting, bouncing babies, playing with and homeschooling Kaia, at Tae Kwon Do, doing class work (an herb course I’ve been taking for the last few years), knitting, keeping house/homestead.  It doesn’t really sound like much when I type it out, but some how, it keeps me busy from the time I get up until the time my head hits the pillow.  Kaia starts back to school (she goes to a part time distance program) next Wed. but I don’t think that will give me any extra time.  She is great at playing by herself and helping me out around the house.  She’s also great with watching over Leif.

I had big plans for a winter garden.  But, I’ve decided not to do it this year.  It seems like Toby and I always have another project (or five) in the works and rarely take down time.  So, this winter, I’m going to put cover crops on the beds, maybe have a bed of lettuce, and try to put my feet up more.  Kaia is already planning our family time by the fire with hot chocolate and knitting (did I tell you she started knitting???!!)  I can’t wait!