Why this is important to me

I sometimes wonder what my 92 year old grandfather would think about this urban homesteading concept.  Now it's a movement that is outside the mainstream, but gaining momentum.  For much of his generation it was just a part of life.  What is taking me hours of reading and research was likely common knowledge.  Now many of us are craving that experience of growing our own food and of being part of the food cycle rather than just a consumer.

I know some people do it for hobby, some to rage against consumerism, some for fear of impending doom, and some just because they want to know more about where their food comes from.

I do it for my smalls.

I do it so we have something meaningful and productive to be a part of together.  They help and in doing so are valued and productive members of our little family.  We tinker around together in the front yard, find bugs, name birds, and even talk to our neighbors.

Over the last few days we have made tremendous progress in the front yard.  Robbie and Victoria helped to move much from the driveway up to the yard.

And before we finished up, Victoria stopped to check on and even sample the spinach. 

One of my biggest struggles as a parent is not knowing if I am making the right choices.  Am I helping my children build a foundation that will serve them well as adults?  Am I raising them in such a way that they'll want to visit when they grow up?  I think this little project is good for all of us and what we reap will extend far beyond what we've sown in the soil.