Canning...it keeps us going!

Growing up we lived off store bought items, as I got out on my own I chose to learn how to can and make my own foods. I tell you in the beginning I had difficulties and had a lot of failures, but after time I became more comfortable with the water bath and upgraded to a pressure caner.  I cannot tell you how excited I get to can, it gives me a great rush knowing that the food we plant and harvest is mine and even though it can be time consuming its a great joy knowing that you made it! There is no questioning the labels, wondering what they put in there that isn't listed, nor is their that tin taste that you get from the cans of store bought foods.
And with the overall cost of food in the grocery stores rising and the amount of product shrinking, I am so glad that I can and don't have to worry about paying over priced prices for items.  By growing our own vegetables and canning, we can stock up on items that we like and will use, there is no waste as our animals get the scraps and its cheap! Sure you have a lot of hard labor in order to grown, harvest and can your foods but really could you imagine what our grocery bill would look like if we shopped at the local grocery store...we would be broke! 
Now I know canning isn't for everyone, but I have noticed a lot of local farmers that do a CSA food program are starting to add homemade canned products into their program, and I know a few people who purchase items and get their friends to can for them, so there are other options out there!
Either way, I intend on teaching all our children how to can and preserve their foods, and hope that they pass it down to their children. It's my personal opinion that making your own food, whether you grow it or buy it locally is not only a healthier choice, but it seems to taste better too!