What a jam.

Due to the startling effects of a frenzied mind I thought it would be fun to have a project while John pulled a 24 hour shift yesterday. So, I collaborated with a friend and decided to make Blackberry jam. I loaded up the kids in the morning and off we went to the farmer's market, where we picked up 10 quarts of blackberries. The vendor was very kind and gave me a discount for buying in bulk ( :

After a monster tantrum by the one and only drama king, Christopher, we were on our way back to the house with a load of berries and a few sundry items of garden goodness.

The boys enjoyed helping Mom wash the berries, and spin them dry in the salad/berry spinner.
Here is the counter full of supplies: Sugar, jars and lids, berries, pectin, check.

The process was more than a little messy. I spent all day putting out fires, figuratively and literally. The boys didn't nap and Teddy was constantly needing supervision and guidance. Thank goodness for having Mel there working with me! She was a lifesaver when I would need to run off and a pot was boiling. Teddy actually set fire to a napkin on the table at one point, and that's when I realized I cannot have any candles burning while he is awake. There's nothing quite like the thrill of checking on somebody, turning around, and turning back a few minutes later to see flames on top of your flammable wood table. Aaugh! In this picture you can see some of the mess accumulating.
And finally, the finished product. All that work for 12 12 oz. jars of glossy crimson goodness, and 4 quart of pie filling. Yum.

However, I think that may be my last attempt at canning without another parent present : P