Canning Session

I love jam. I love jam not only for its sugary sweet goodness but also for the memories it invokes. My mother has always been an provident homemaker and an excellent canner. When I was younger these attributes did not always bring me enjoyment. Canning is hot, sticky, messy work and leaves little to be desired when a person is young and looking for easy entertainment. However, as I grew older I began to appreciate canning time for what is was: hours of uninterrupted time for conversation and togetherness with my blessed mother. It was especially fun that none of my other siblings seemed to understand that aspect of canning and I usually got her all to myself. One of my favorite things to can was jam because it tasted so good and it looked so pretty in the jar on the shelves when we were done. It definitely complimented my OCD.

I left on a mission in December of 2004 and married Eric shortly after my return. Since that time I have had few opportunities to can with my mother and it has always made me a little sad. Because she loves me, my mother planned a jamming session while I was in California. To make it really special she invited all my Elkins sisters, Kate, Lauren, and Kimber, and also our dear friends Jodie and Breanna who might as well be sisters our families are so close. Jodie has children who are the same ages as Adam (Emily) and Caleb (Ethan). I have so much enjoyed experiencing motherhood with my dear friend and love to see our children playing happily together.

Adam, Ethan, Emily, and Caleb

Adam upside down searching for......

...canning rings which the kids had stolen and thrown all over the floor. Best toy ever! I wonder why we spend so much money buying them toys from the store?

These two haven't quite reached the point of playing together yet. They seem to play around each other instead. It will be so much fun when they are a little older.

This one found a home inside a canning jar box. It took forever to get him out.

Kate and Breanna with James. He was definitely too hungry to take a picture poor baby.

My newest nephew Emmett and my James. They are only days apart and so cute together although they have yet to acknowledge each other's existence. I didn't get a picture of Emmett's mommy Lauren because these two were so distracting. Too bad because she is beautiful to behold.

Jodie and me.

Jodie's Emily. Such a beautiful girl.

Sweet Kimber. She is actually happy here because her husband was coming home from a week long camping trip not because the thought of making jam thrills her.