Labor Day

Labor day was created by labor unions as a day of rest for workers a day to celebrate their work efforts. In our house any day off from school is crammed full of labor trying to get all the things done we do in our family. From farming, fence building, laundry, cleaning, to canning these days are precious in the amount we can get completed. This labor day we canned beautiful peaches. These girls are such a good crew. I'm so pleased with their abilities when they get off the couch and stop reading they are really impressive! 

After peaches we started donuts. A football player asked me before school started if I would bring donuts. Labor day allowed me to have many extra hands to help. Donuts are a team project especially when making enough for a lot of people. We shared with about 70 people. We made around 250 donuts. 

Aliza gifted us knitting needs which we really liked using to dip and glaze many donuts. 

Addie requested chocolate and Lia loves coconut. Working to control my blood sugar means no snacking or taste testing. I had to rely on these girls knowledge of what tastes right. When I finally got a small taste the girls were correct in their cooking. I'm thankful for opportunities like these when they can all see what the process looks like and how to make donuts happen. 

A few weeks earlier a niece had hosted a donut party at her house. I know other families share donuts on special occasions an aunt hosts a large donut party over halloween. She makes over 1000 and at least 15 varieties. It's interesting to consider the ripple effect of families who share skills and traditions with those around. How the multiplication factor is real in families. That's something that keeps puncturing my thoughts as I really ponder how we grow and continue to be in harmony as our children become adults and move on from the confinement of home. Where the line of independence and unity are. And what is reasonable in such a large group. To me it is a sign of respect and honor to share traditions with others to expand in your own space. 

Most of the peaches and fruit cocktail we did in the morning. We were down to only one burner so processing took a while. 

Addie is my run around helper and she picked this pile of raspberries. Andrea helped make the jam. This is Greg, John, and Addie's favorite jam. I'm very happy with how my raspberry plants have grown this year hopefully next year we will have lots to make lots of jam. The plants have really spread and we have enjoyed a few handfuls here and there. The promise of gardening is alive and well- Next year will be even better!

She also went and picked pears with Bruce and Lia. These were free. We are still waiting on them to ripen but they look promising. 

The box of peaches Bruce reluctantly picked while Addie picked raspberries. Bruce and Reed love peach jam. I told him buddy these are for you you shouldn't have been so skimpy on your effort because that means less jam. 

By the end of the day after the donuts were distributed among neighbors, players, coaches, and some families we still had lots. Millie took a tray full to her class the next morning and Merle has been enjoying a donut out of the freezer as he pleases this week. The nice part of industry is having what you want, enjoying what you can do, and living like Kings most of the time. I'm thankful for a lifestyle of work that gives us confidence and peace knowing all is safely gathered in. We live in an abundant valley with many kind people. We are blessed.