Time Keeps on Ticking, Ticking, Ticking...

Poor blog. So neglected. Life has been busy and good, and having dial-up has totally cut down my internetting, which has turned out to be not such a bad thing. I've been slightly more present in my home, with the kids, keeping my real life not so neglected. My dear husband has been home from work in between jobs which has been really great and kind of annoying at the same time. I think by the time he (God willing) goes back to work next month we'll all be very ready for it. ;-)

The kids - especially James - has been loving having him home to follow around and be Daddy's Helper. Jason is not one to sit around on the couch much and has been keeping busy with gardening projects, a little wood working, reading, brewing beer (we've got three fermenters and a bottled batch taking over our broom closet) and going for bike rides and walking to church.

I've been busy taking the kids here and there, to parks and botanic gardens, the library and feel very much at ease with our new house and neighborhood. It feels really good. I'm rethinking discipline, food, and I am enjoying gardening with Jason. I read Animal Vegetable Miracle a few weeks ago and found myself more convicted with our eating habits. Being a "Localvore"- with some important exceptions - in Southern California would not be that hard at all. I'm also considering to basically become a vegetarian unless I know the meat is not factory farmed and has been raised organically. Once the Apostles Fast is over I'm going to take a stab at making some mozzarella cheese. It seems really easy and fun too. I've visited two local farmers markets so far in our city and I think I will go every week now for produce, fish, and honey. The kids asked why there weren't any apples. :)

Discipline has been a challenge. All three kids seem to be in an intense stage presently. It's tiring, but I'm feeling encouraged, thank God. It's just work. I have to remind myself that. I can't expect them to be on autopilot so I can keep the house clean. I must break up fights, take the time to enforce time-outs, watch my tone of voice, and keep the candle burning literally and figuratively.