Amazingly Enough...

I actually did get some heavy duty housework done today! I cleaned out and defrosted the freezer after grocery shopping. Katie and I spent about an hour cleaning out the garage (which has turned into a disaster zone since I built my studio) and I thoroughly cleaned the big throw rug from Joel's room. Cleaned up kitchen and did four loads of laundry, too. Woo Hoo!

Took Joel shopping to get the stuff on his list for the desert field trip--that was pricey, but Katie and Jenny will be using the same stuff when their turns come. It was nice to go down to town with just the two of us. On the way down we argued for about fifteen of the twenty minutes it takes to make the drive--mostly him asking 'why won't you buy me (fill in the blank)' and me responding 'I wouldn't buy you (fill in the blank) even if I had the extra money, which I don't'. I'm a very unfair mom, not very generous or understanding, I guess. I'm really trying to teach them that life is not about STUFF, but I guess that's not what he wants to hear at fourteen years old. Five years ago this was not an issue for him--who'd have guessed he'd change so much? Once I told him I wasn't going to discuss it any more, things got lots better. We had a nice time, and even went and had a soda and a burger at McDonald's after we were done(don't scold too hard, Housewife, I know it's bad for us, but it was nice to just hang out with him.)

Turned hot here today (95 degrees!) so I jumped in the pool--it's still take-my-breath-away cold since the nights have been so cold here this spring.

Hubby took kids to the rodeo that's here in our little town. It's a big event, and somehow it's turned into a tradition for him to take the kids and for me to stay home alone. I'm not complaining, as it's hot and sweaty and dusty at the rodeo. The kids like it that it's something special they do with him.

I'm going to go and make myself a hot cuppa tea and then sit and read until everyone gets home. I already fed the Phoenix the goat his bottle, so I can just relax.