The scoop.

In a desperate attempt to keep myself away from the refrigerator and the cupboards I thought I'd keep myself busy with blogging.  What-do-ya-know the draft I pulled up is laden with pictures of food- glorious food.  To be frank, this was the second draft I clicked on having discovered that I had two labeled as "Clement Time" for some reason.  Convinced that the subject of our newly 1 year old, third son was too deep to tackle right now I chose the draft without the exclamation point to achieve publication.  And so, here we have it.

I'm stressed. Here we are months after Pete (and I) decided that he would not be signing his contract at Hoban for the upcoming year and we are still waiting to know what the future has to hold by way of employment.  Truth be known an opportunity arose in the Diocese of Youngstown.  Pete got called in for an interview, thought it went well but has yet to hear the outcome weeks later.  I've been putting off applying for jobs myself.  I don't really want to go back full time, but I will to provide for the family, get health coverage and give Pete the opportunity to focus on finishing his dissertation.  I keep going back and forth.  I miss science but I don't want to miss out on my kids.  Luke's getting geared up for pre-school at least,  maybe me taking post in a Catholic grade school would be a pretty good gig in handling those tuition payments?  My license will expire in June of 2016 so it's nice at this point I could get back into the field without doing a bunch of extra work before the academic year would start.  Then again, I don't want to send out all my info if I'm not really available.  The clock is ticking.  Benefits run out on July 31st.  One of us ought to have something secured by then. St. Cajetan, pray for us.

I miss Pete. He'll be home soon.  Likely before I complete the post.  I've been "kicking him out" (ah-hem...I mean encouraging him) to work on his dissertation like it was a full time job.  Because...well...it is.  Since the plan is to walk the stage in May 2016 with the doctoral degree in hand he best be getting his boogie on particularly if adding in the learning curve of a new job.

And, despite my three young charges and plenty of responsibilities I'm floundering to find how best to stay occupied.  Eating can tend to be the "go to" activity.

I'm not hungry.

I'm not hungry.

Really.

I'm NOT Hungry. 

Homemade Pita Bread

Homemade baked falafel

Warm Eggplant dip

All dressed up with homemade tzatziki, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini and feta



Clement says "mmm" (In reality he's only about 3 months old in this photo not quite on the solids) 

Stuffed Zucchini to deal with the squash explosion of last year's harvest (Don't worry- this was a whole different meal than the falafel)

A-dust-tin "yicking" the beater from brownies

Mexican seasoned venison burger grilled on an English muffin (pumpkin one actually) topped with avocado, cheddar cheese, and salsa with a side of swiss chard.

Clement's first crack at solids (age 3.75 months).  On the menu: Applesauce and oatmeal. Verdict: he loved it (much more than the ball of play-doh he just popped into his mouth- I'll be back)

Are you hungry?

Please pray for us.  For patience, understanding, and openness to the will of God and how best we are called to serve Him and care for our family. Although not especially relevant, I'm including the responsorial psalm from Sunday's Mass that's been stuck in my head and has sprung forth from my lips numerous times today.

If today, if today, you hear the voice of God,
Open up your heart. Listen to His voice.
If today, if today, you hear the voice of God,
Harden not your heart. Harden not your heart.