~The Speth Family~: Canning and Contractions

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Canning and Contractions

What a busy couple of weeks! I asked John last week if he would help me make salsa, so he got all of the stuff, my mom helped me prepare the tomatoes while John chopped the veggies, and we made some super yummy stuff! Then a friend from the ward called and offered me her raspberries for jam - yay! There is nothing yummier than a fresh batch of raspberry jam :) I went to her house to pick them and came home with raspberries, strawberries, and yellow cucumbers - mmmm! Since jam is super easy to make (unless you get distracted and leave out a step) I made two batches - one cooked and one frozen. Then John came home and helped me with the water bath (hurray for big muscles!)

Next, my mom prepared a bunch of tomatoes for us and we just had to cook them (two water baths make such a difference!) and then the raspberry friend called with a giant box of free peaches and 24 quart jars to put them in. If you add that to all of the beans Johns aunt and grandma made for us and the SUPER yummy corn his parents prepared and shared with us - we have been so blessed! I love having fresh, canned foods in our food storage and we REALLY appreciate everyone who have helped us this year - both with bottled food, and otherwise.

Speaking of blessings, I know some of you are still concerned about the contractions I was having. It was actually a little nerve racking for me as well, but I finally came to my senses and asked my hubbie (and dad and brother) for a blessing and I have felt 100% better ever since! I still have the small ones that turn your belly into a basketball, but the yucky ones that had me in bed all weekend (a couple of weekends ago) have stopped - yay!!!!! What a great blessing to have access to the power of God. I appreciate the comfort and healing I have received because of it and due to situations that prompt me to ask for it in my behalf, I have gained a stronger testimony of the priesthood and its authenticity.

I was also able to switch to an OB in Salt Lake who let his midwife check me (because everyone else refused to) and I am not in the least bit dilated - phew! I never realized how scary the prospect of bed rest can be. I DO NOT like being waited on by other people and my poor mom, hubbie, and sister-in-law Tara got the brunt of that. I wasn't the most gracious patient.

I thought it would be nice having John help with tasks that I normally do - who wouldn't want to lay in bed and watch their husband clean the toilet? ME! I HATED it! I don't like feeling useless and I don't like sharing my responsibilities. SOOO if for some odd reason if I do end up on bed rest at some point in this pregnancy I apologize in advance for my attitude and I am grateful to everyone who has offered support and help. As for now, I get to keep most of my stubborn independent ways and for that I feel very blessed.

2 comments:

HeidiSeptember 13, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Oh, how I miss our garden, fresh produce AND the canning I did last summer. Your experiences sounds so lovely! Congrats on your wonderful work. I'm so excited for you. It is more fun to eat than to prepare, so you have quite a great feast coming up. :)

I didn't know you were having contractions! What a bummer, but I'm glad you're doing well now. Only 89 days left!! We need to chat soon and count the days together. Love you!
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wanderlustfamSeptember 15, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Bahahaha! You are my sister of stubborness. :) love you
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