yumminess

There is something about fresh produce growing in my own backyard that makes me unbelieveably happy. However, the first part of the summer was filled with a big basket of disappointment. First my garden didn't produce because of the shade of our two cherry trees didn't allow the garden any sun. Then the cherry trees didn't stand a chance with the heat wave we had in July (the poor cherries dehydrated before they could get ripe) and all my hopes of a fresh cherry pie were dashed. But, lo and behold, the grape vine and blackberry bush have come through for me with flying colors:

I have been picking blackberries by the gallon size bag full and freezing them to make a bunch of blackberry jam. I hope it's as good as my tastebuds are expecting.

Apparently the kids are pretty unbelievably happy about the goodness growing in the backyard as well. This is the scene I found today when the kids were playing outside:

Luckily Little Boy is a much neater eater than Little Sister. Look at her little red fingers and red chin! We'll see if the amazing Borax can clean this shirt....

My first jar of jam will be given to the lovely ABCMomma. She graciously gave us a ton of yellow plums from her yard. The only way that could have made me happier is if they were growing in my own yard! Thanks Brooke!

ETA: As I thought about this today...I remembered two other lovely ladies who have given me some goodness out of their gardens. I haven't forgotten them, I just had fruit on the brain while blogging this last night and these ladies gave me vegetables! Okay, so they were tomatoes which are technically fruit, but I think of them as vegetables. I ate every single one of those yummy home grown tomatoes and blessed your names with each bite! Emily and Jami will most definitely be receiving jars of jam!