Slowing Down

We are easing in to autumn. Life is slowing down and I am excited, at least for this weekend. I have nothing that I have to do. Don’t get me wrong, my to-do list is long and I add to it before I cross things off it. However, swim lessons are over for this season. We don’t have to spend hours at the pool on Saturdays any more. The big man has fenced in trees to protect them from foraging deer. He has also arranged the storage sheds and prepared for winter, as it will soon arrive. Winter clothing and accessories have been hauled out of storage and have been placed in dresser drawers and hung in our closets. Kids have new winter boots, hats and mittens. I bought some chunky yarn and when time permits, I sit to knit myself a scarf. Our little man has declared he wants a scarf so when we are out, we’ll stop and he can chose what color(s) he wants his scarf to be and I will crochet him one (crocheting will ensure I finish it quickly).

I have been spending time pouring over my magazines and noting recipes I want to try. I add the needed ingredients to my shopping list and add the recipe to my 2-week menu. Slowly I am making changes to our diet. Slowly, I sneak in the healthier foods and new recipes. Gradual - that is how these changes occur. My attempts to avoid any kitchen riots. It is working! Both of the children seem to be moving out of their “I am not eating that” food stage and have been willing to at least let the new recipe sit on their plates and touch their lips. Inside I jump for joy! They are tasting it, picking through it and eating some of the ingredients. Eventually, I know they will eat what I put before them. In the meantime, I let them separate their food and eat what they will.