Making Jam

Earlier last week I decided to go ahead and try to make some jam. It's been nearly ten years since I've made jam! I was so excited and nervous to make it this year because I love doing domestic things like this and because it'd been so long I wasn't sure if I'd know what I was doing anymore. I checked the recipes in a box of pectin and decided I would try my hand at making Freezer Jam this time. I don't have my own kitchen and 90% of my cookware is packed and stashed away right now so I didn't want to create too much mess in a foreign kitchen without my own tools, so I thought Freezer Jam would be easiest on everyone.
I bought all the ingredients and some Freezer canning jars and went to work. It was SO EASY Peasy! Now I know why everyone "prefers" Freezer Jam! It is a hundred times easier to make! I remember over nine years ago when I made Jam and canned peaches with my mother and was so eager to share my beautiful bounty that was so much work to preserve, and feeling a little perturbed at the people who said they liked FREEZER Jam best (before they even tried my marmalade!) I realize now that I had gone to much more trouble to learn to make Jam and preserve, and they probably just felt showed up. (I think my mother eluded to as much at the time of perturbation.) I feel so much better realizing that they weren't just rejecting my delicious marmalade and beautiful peaches that my mother and I had slaved over. Now I have to laugh at myself for feeling hurt.

Well, I decided to make Raspberry Peach Freezer Jam this time since peaches and raspberries are in season and on sale. It took me maybe an hour to complete the task and what a reward; it's delicious and such a pretty color! I'm so happy I was able to make Jam this year and I think I will make a habit of it every year from now on! If sometime again it's inconvenient to cook up a pot of Jam; now I know Freezer Jam is a sweet, no fuss, perfectly acceptable option!

A Letter For Daddy

Last week Superman and I went to visit my sister and her family, and my parents while they were visiting her. We had a great time, and I especially had a great time with my family as I don't get to see them very often because I live far away from them all now. While we were there I had the opportunity to cut my father's hair and it brought back to my remembrance all the times he cut my hair as a little child and all the fond memories I have.
I know Father's Day has passed and so has your Birthday Dad, and I did call, but right now I would just like to write a tribute to you to tell you how much I love and appreciate you, and what a difference you have made in my life over the years.
You taught me how to tie my shoes (I still remember that day,) you taught me how to ride a bike, how to swim, how to walk on stilts, how to pay tithing, how to tie a neck tie, how to drive, how to gain knowledge, and how to see things through. You taught me to have an open mind so that I could learn from others experience and not judge them. You taught me to seek truth and to love the gospel. You taught me how to communicate well with others, which I've found is an uncommon gift.
You have always made me feel like a beautiful princess and protected me from harm as best as you could. You provided a loving home and always managed to provide for our wants and needs without over indulging. I have always felt special and never spoiled. You taught me to value truth and to face truth with courage. As a result; I can't hardly lie, I can't lie because it's lying. Thank you for that. My life is so much easier because I can tell the truth. I can stare truth boldly in the eyes and show others that the truth is okay and it's good; even though sometimes it's not what you want to hear, the truth truly does set you free and I have nothing to hide because of it and that is a wonderful feeling.
You taught me to love and respect nature and all living things. You instilled in me a quick forgiveness that I am ever grateful to have. You taught me that none of us are perfect, we all make mistakes and have weakness, and we all deserve to be forgiven and loved for who we are. I can look at others now and love and respect them as living creatures and children of God just as I am, whatever their faults may be. Even if I am offended at times I can forgive, because everyone has their own point of view and their own reasons for doing things, and you taught me that.
You taught me to dare to be different. It's okay to have my own style and my own way of doing things, and I have learned to be charming about it. So many times people I have associated with have been delighted at my old fashioned ways. I've seen how it has worked as a blessing to me as well as others because I don't have to kowtow to the group all the time. Thank you for teaching me to play by my own rules instead of popular culture and opinion. I can judge for myself what is right and be a leader when needed.
You also taught me to enjoy life. I have had so many wonderful experiences because you taught me to embrace the moment and give new things a try. I have had the courage to go to college, to try repelling, to try rock climbing, to try sushi, to go to social events where I didn't know anyone. My life has been so much fuller and exciting because you taught me to not let fear get in my way. Thank you for teaching me the courage to live life, and to follow my dreams.
I just want to let you know that you were and still are a wonderful Dad. Thank you for always loving and supporting me unconditionally even though I don't always do things the way you wanted. You taught me well how to manage through my difficulties and trials and to work my hardest at what was in my power to do. I love you Daddy with all my heart, you are still my Superhero.
Your Baby Girl. XOXOXO

It's Birthday Party Time!

Last Saturday we celebrated Superman's Birthday. I bought his birthday cake from Cathy's Rum Cake; he asked me to do it a year ago, but I played it off as though I hadn't ordered it so I could surprise him. It worked! Teehee. I invited his family over and we made homemade ice cream and all went to Kobe for tempenyaki dinner while it was in the freezer. Then we came home for cake and ice cream and visited and Superman opened his presents. I gave him a couple new pairs of shorts and a golf Xbox game he wanted.













Later that night my husband and I went to play miniature golf with our friends who are newly engaged. It was fun, and even though I didn't win, I did get 5 holes in one! Superman won of coarse.

Here's a picture of my Hubby Goofy Golfing. ;)
After golfing we went to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the theater. It was a good day!