Canning with Kids

Charlotte age 14 canning apple butter

Always practice cleanliness while canning.

Another season of canning and I realized that I have 3 teenagers and 1 preteen that all know how to can. Many adults do not know how to successfully can or don't even attempt it. So, how, in a day in age of this almost lost art, did I successfully teach my children how do this?

It wasn't a conscience decision to teach my children the art of preserving. It just sort of happened and now I realize what a great skill it was that they have acquired.

Since it wasn't a conscience decision on my part I had to think back. I also had to question my children.  How did their skill develop and at what ages did I start allowing them to do more and me less?

First, let me start with saying: allow your children to surround you in the kitchen. DO NOT KICK THEM OUT SO YOU CAN DO THINGS EASIER. Even as babies allow them to watch you and play with flour or dough or the pots and pans.

Here are a list of ages and jobs I think you can allow your children to do to introduce your children them to canning. *


2 yrs. old and up - Take them produce picking. Either in the garden or a Pick your own trip. Let your children always know where there food comes from . . . they are more likely to eat these healthy foods. Teach them the importance of hand washing.

4 yrs. old/5 yrs. old and up - Allow them to rinse the fruit out. Wipe the counter. Help you pour cool ingredients into pots. Teach them the importance of cleanliness.

6 yrs. old/7 yrs. old and up - Peeling, sorting, rinsing. Assist with stirring. Wiping the tops of the canning jars. Observe the full canning process. Teach them importance of safety and cleanliness.

8 yrs. old. to 11. yrs old and up- Cutting the produce.  Actually making the recipe to be canned. Stirring. Assisting parent with preparing the canning area. Allowing them to fill the cans. Remember you are dealing with boiling water so please take caution when allowing them to help. Remind them to be really careful. Review the importance of safety and cleanliness.

* REMEMBER YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD BETTER THAN I DO. THESE AGES ARE JUST WHAT I DID WITH MY CHILDREN. AND NOT ALL MY CHILDREN WERE READY AT THE SAME AGES. KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILD IS CAPABLE OF AND USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT.

HAPPY CANNING!

Spring Happenings on the Homestead

Sweet-Pea one of
our newest additions.

Clearing and cleaning the raised bed area.

It was a tough winter but we made it through. Spring comes forth with new life, warmth and beauty, but it also brings forth many projects! The homestead is in full swing with kids, repairs, clean up and garden work.

Rob gets busy fixing
the fences that the snow
and goats damaged.

 























It is a whole family affair. It is a lot of work but many hands makes it feel light. We all feel a sense of accomplishment and pride at the end of  the day.

Kolbe helps dad.

We also added fencing
to give us some more garden
area.

The goats watch us work on
the other side!

Donovan got busy making some
more raised beds.

He did a great job.

Peas planted
in their new bed.

Strawberry

 Plants are sprouting everywhere!

Rhubarb

Garlic

Charlotte and Kolbe
clean the area and
discuss what is to be done.

The human kids thought it would be a good idea to clean up an old fire pit in the new garden area. They decided to make it into a grotto with a rock flower garden.

The girls working
hard on their project.

A job well done!
It looks beautiful.

New Arrivals!

Artica and Blizzard

I awoke this morning to two surprises. #1. More Snow #2. Baby Goats. Yes, I did know that my dam was very close to deliver. We put her in the birthing stall and checked on her numerous times yesterday and into the night. Violet is my best goat for delivering. She likes to be alone and she always gives me healthy twins. She is also a great mom. 

No amount of snow would
keep us from seeing our new kids.

So this morning we shoveled our way, once again, to the barn. My son Donovan was the first to find them. He came running out . . ."Violet had her kids .  . . hurry". We all pleasantly ran through the mounds of snow to the barn. No amount of snow would keep us from seeing our new kids. I brought molasses mixed with warm water for the hardworking mom. My daughters ran for the little goat coats and my other son ran for his camera. Great job everyone and Violet and her kids are doing wonderful!

The boys wondering
what all the excitement
is about . . . proud Daddy
in the middle!

Violet - The Proud Mommy

Blizzard the buckling (boy).

Mommy giving kisses.

Artica the doeling (girl)/

Artica meets her big sister Rosie.

Showing off their coats.

Snuggle time.

I love baby goats.