This Past Year

The new year is just about here and now is good time to look back over the accomplishments of the past year. I have had the opportunity to learn many new skills, climb out of my comfort zone and create some great memories with my family. Here is list of some of the things that happened around here this year.

1. This blog was started so that I could keep up with all the things we have done.
2. I started learning how to crochet and made some wonderful Christmas presents.

3. I made some homemade candles for the first time in years from old bits of used up candles.

4. The garden was expanded. It was in this area that I learned the most. We had bugs and animal problems all season that really put us to the test.

5. A fall garden was attempted for the time. Cabbage bugs pretty much destroyed everything no matter how diligent I was with picking them off.

6. Most of the plants in the garden were started by seed. This was the first year that we used seeds rather than transplants purchased at the garden center. The kids were so excited with each little bit of green that poked up out of the dirt. I felt great knowing that I could grow things on my own.

7. Canning. Never canned a jar in my life before this year. I was scared and excited at the same time. We can salsa, tomatoes, peaches, radishes, pickles and peppers. 

8. We grew watermelon. Heirloom watermelon. The biggest watermelon ever. Well maybe not ever but these things were huge. These melons fed the whole neighborhood and several family members.

9. I learned how to make homemade bread. The family learned to like it. Now if only I could make it happen more often.

Over all we learned a lot this year. I learned a lot and share the results with my family. Our lives have slowed down even though we are always moving about and being busy. There is a contentment that has surrounded my soul and warmed my heart thanks to our new outlook on life. What a difference a year can make and I am excited for what the new year will bring.