home

 we are back at home now adjusting back to life in bakersfield.  what a stark difference there is.  no longer are we falling asleep to the sound of the crickets and fresh coastal air blowing in through the open window.  instead the a/c is blasting, all the windows are sealed, and indy is waking up in the middle of the night screaming because of the change in air quality.  ezra and i both wake up clearing our noses and throats.  time to bring out the neti pot.  no longer are we surrounded by four other family members to make the days more varied and exciting, there are no arms to place indy in, or other eyes to watch him while i take a shower or pour myself a cup of tea.  if i need something from the store, i can't just pop indy in the stroller and walk there, stopping for a cup of starbucks on the way.  i actually could do that here but it's just way too hot!   it was a lovely three weeks with family in beautiful menlo park.  not only did i receive shelter, food, and love, but there was spending money, shopping trips, and many delicious dinners in and out and there was always, always dessert.  we all had a great time and i am so grateful for the opportunity to have been there so long with indy and ezra.  michael was fortunately also with family (my brother and nephew) while doing a rotation in radiology at a hospital in phoenix.  when they weren't working or in school, they too enjoyed each others company.  daily text messaging, cell phone calls, and skype conversations made us feel not so far apart.  we are almost all the way unpacked and have begun to restock the kitchen.  ezra has been delighting in his things while i try to set up a routine again.  the neighborhood children started school yesterday making us official homeschoolers.   ezra would be starting kindergarten this year.  it feels good to be continuing on as we have been thus far.  there has been so much change in our lives and will continue to be for the next five to ten years, that it is reassuring to have a constant - me at home with the boys.  for now this is right for us and i feel grateful to be in a position to do what i am doing.  home may not be in the location we want it to be in, but we can appreciate the home we have and the people who are in it.  our main subject in this unschooling process will be life itself.  life is learning.  family is a big part of it and we are going to see as much of our family this year as we can, while we are this close and continue to work on the home life we strive for - one filled with love and understanding, support for each other and a harmonious family rhythm.