Small Successes

1. We have been running back and forth to the county fair this week. It is my second daughter's first time showing a pig through 4H. We enjoyed the fair Monday for kid's day, with all four of the youngest getting in for free.

2. I haven't forgotten to get my daughter to the fair at any time this week.

3. I have managed to get up at 6:30am every day this week. At least, so far I have. I still have tomorrow. :)

Thoughts from Mother's Day

Yesterday, our pastor led the congregation in a lovely prayer for the mothers who were at Mass. I can't tell you what his words were, but I can tell you what I was thinking about when I was being prayed over.

My six children and my husband had their hands on me while we were praying. My children were on my left side and my husband on my right. It was funny because some of the younger ones were kind of pushing on me. My husband was keeping me steady. I don't even know if he realized it.

But, as a married couple and parents, that is how it is. Not that the kids push me over, but rather that my husband is there to steady me, support me.

It was a nice thought to have on Mother's day.

The Simple Woman

For Today... May 11, 2009

Outside my window... It is a clear, hot day.

I am thinking... that it is going to be warm at the county fair this afternoon.

From the learning rooms... Things are wrapping up for the year. Just a couple more weeks

I am thankful for... my husband having every other Monday off.

From the kitchen... my husband is going through the refrigerator and purging.

I am wearing... brown capris, a sleeveless tunic, no shoes

I am reading... a magazine here and there.

I am hoping... to be able to take a dip in the pool a couple of times this week.

I am creating... thank you cards with my fourth daughter for her First Holy Communion gifts.

I am praying... for discernment for my oldest daughter as she contemplates where to finish her college.

Around the house... Things are quiet. The kids all have to take quiet time before heading to the fair later.

One of my favorite things... flip flops

A few plans for the rest of the week... county fair (at least three days during the week, we have a pig going to the fair), school, swimming lesson sign ups,

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...




Flowers from a bouquet I bought for my daughter for her First Holy Communion last Sunday.

Bendy straws

I was at the fabric store today with my youngest daughter. We found some bendy straws in the summer supplies section.

I bought them. They are an inexpensive way to provide smiles to the kids.

I started thinking about the first time that I remember having a bendy straw.

My sister was born in the mid seventies. She was six weeks early. Back then, it was a much more serious deal than it is now. My sister stayed in the hospital for almost a month. My mom was there for about a week. My dad would take my brother and I to the hospital. I remember having to see my sister through the nursey window and she was in an incubator. I only remember one trip to the hospital. On that trip, Dad took us to have a soda in the cafeteria. They had bendy straws. They were in paper wrappers. Not only did my brother and I have fun with the bendy straws, we also learned the fun of scrunched up paper "growing" when you put a little of your soda on it.

I will have to wait until we get some straws with paper wrappers to teach my kids about making the papers grow. For now, we will all enjoy our bendy straws.

By the way, the photo is my youngest daughter with the package of bendy straws. She is standing next to the butterfly treehouse with five newly emerged Painted Lady butterflies.

Small Successes

1. I woke up last Saturday morning and felt joyous. Long story, but there was a song on my heart all day long.

2. I was able to prepare for my daughter's First Communion without too many set backs. My husband was working. I was sick. But, I felt well enough on Saturday to do the running around and cleaning.

3. That Allegra really took to heart the meaning of the Eucharist (as much as a seven year old can). It is so beautiful to see.

Pondering Solar

We had someone come out to the house and give us an estimate on how much it would cost to cut our electric bill down to tier one or two.

Ouch.

There is a non capped rebate credit of 30% from the Feds now. There is also a rebate from the state that depends on how many kilowatts you take off of the system.

While I would love to reduce my electric bill. I do have an issue with the rebates. While they go a long way in reducing the cost of the panels being put in, they also contribute to the trouble that the state of California is in and takes money from the TARP bill that was passed back in October 2008. There just seems to be something wrong with taking money from either places.

However, with Obama planning his national healthcare, it might be wise to put solar in now. He has said that he is going to tax the energy companies in order to do it. That means, that I will be paying for national healthcare with the electricity that I use. The smart thing would be to get the solar put on the house and avoid however many more tiers they decide to put on electricity to pay for the healthcare.

What to do, what to do.