The Dynamic Duo Strikes Again

We were busy until late in the night working on preparing squash and more strawberries for the freezer! We ended up with 8 gallon size bags of squash and 3 gallon size bags of strawberries…we’re so excited! This is the time to stock those freezers with fresh veggies and we’re well on our way.

If you’ve never tried stocking frozen vegetables, they are really easy. The only thing you do to summer squash is cut the ends off, wash well, and slice into 1/4-1/2 slices. Water blanch the vegetables for 3 minutes, cool, drain off water and seal into ziplock bags.

Blanching (scalding vegetables in boiling water) is necessary for almost all vegetables to be frozen. It stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture.

Blanching cleans the skin of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps slow the loss of vitamins. It also wilts or softens vegetables and makes them easier to pack in bags.

It really doesn’t take too long and the end result are beautiful and delicious vegetables for your freezer.

We’re supposed to be getting two more bushels (about 80lbs.) on Monday! We’re looking forward to it! I guess in the next few weeks I’ll be passing along some of our favorite squash recipes. In the short term, we’re eating the squash raw and cubed (Joshua’s favorite!) and roasted with a little garlic and olive oil.

With all that said, I’m happy to say that our first “Square Foot Garden” frame has been assembled and is filled with Mel’s special mix. Today, we are planting tomatoes and bell peppers. These tend to be the most eaten veggies at our home so I’m trying to make sure that we have plenty. We’re planning on adding onions and carrots as well.

The little basket in the picture is my one of the most useful items that I’ve found in awhile. We’ve always had the plastic baskets for the top shelf of our dishwasher to hold our baby items and any small things that we need to wash. The problem is that these baskets don’t always stay shut and they tend to be hard to open and close. This basket, I just happened to pass by while in Walmart over the weekend, was just a little under $3! Made by Rubbermaid, it’s plastic coated metal, has a very strong latching system and is going to be put to use for a very long time in our home! It’s a must have for any home with littles!

Prayer Requests

As always, for a productive day for our family.

Paul, that he can finish our business plan and a few additional items over the weekend.

Rain, rain, rain….wasn’t there mention of rain in yesterday’s forecast? Somehow it missed our home!

Today, I’m Thankful For

Squash and Strawberries!

My husband…he always knows just what to say and do to make me feel so important and special to him.

The relationship that I’m developing with my sister in law, Melissa.

The banana bread that we are baking today…though it’s not baked yet, I can already taste it!!

Some of my children are old enough now that it’s really like having another adult around…Josh and Courtney helped assemble the square foot garden last evening and then stayed with me cleaning and slicing squash. They are such a big help and thanks to their classes with Mrs. Fuchs, they chop faster and neater than I do!

Tracy’s Tasks

Today, you need to get a calendar and fill in important days. I always list birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and special events such as riding the mall carousel at Christmas time.

What I’m Learning

This morning, we wake to a new appreciation for cocoa. We’re not sure exactly what they were trying to do…they do have an uneasy fascination with Jessica’s easy bake oven..but, this morning we wake to a cocoa COVERED (you would not believe how far and how wide a box of cocoa will fly) girl’s bedroom, courtesy of none other than the dynamic duo, Timothy and Benjamin. All I can say is who needs Yankee Candles when you have the sights and the scents of these two!

Today’s Scripture Meditation

James 5:7-8
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
(NIV)


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