So you guys from Windthorst will understand this. No one else will.




We signed Ava up this year for religion class at Immaculate Conception. I didn't think there would be much adjustment for her to attend this weekly Sunday class, considering she goes to school Monday through Friday. Can I just tell you taking her to religion class is a beating? She HATES going. She tells me she does not like the teachers, she does not like the kids...I have to bribe her with donuts every Sunday just to get her to walk into the classroom. Last Sunday she cried the entire time, 75 MINUTES..I don't blame her teachers for cringing every time they see us. They probably think Ava is the worst child born, and I am the worst mother to give birth.

When I grew up religion class was part of our daily routine in elementarty and junior high school. We had religion class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 730-8am. I wish I could give Ava such a privelege. The only way to make that possible is to enroll her in the Immaculate Conception private school. Tuition is not that expensive, probably no more than any other Catholic private school in the metroplex--and quite frankly, the tuition per semester would be cheaper than what we pay for Primrose per semester. The problem is Immaculate Conception is not convienant. The trip is probably 20 miles out of my way every morning (at least) which calculates into about 45 minutes of traffic. And then another 20 miles out of the way in the afternoon...which could be an hour plus extra in traffic.

So, which is more important? Convience?? Or introducing my child to the Catholic faith? The answer is quite clear. Unfortunately my lack of patience on the interstate and my unwillingness to give up precious free time is clouding my judgements.

I have to find a way to make Ava enjoy Sunday school AND participate. Some have suggested teaching the class myself, but I can tell you that that is simply not a solution at this time. Others have suggested I move back to Windthorst for Ava's sake. Again, I can assure you, that will not happen.

So, I must ask myself: How important is it TO ME to make sure Ava has the best religious education? The answer: I have to send her to private school. There is no other way.

The next question is this: How will I possibly maintain self control on the interstate for an extra hour and a half each day? I can barely maintain self control now...

Pray for me..and Ava...but mostly me.

Cutest Cat in the Neighborhood!

I've decided!!

The day I get the job offer, I am ordering a Kindle.



This little peace of electronic heaven has been calling my name for about a year now. I have actually had dreams about seeing the UPS man drive up to my house to deliver it. SERIOUSLY, I have! I haven't ordered it because I was kind of afraid my husband would think I was a dork.

Last week Oprah did a show about the kindle being her favorite new gadget. Not that I needed Oprah's opinion, but her excitement got me excited all over again. When I told John I wanted it, he was suprised. He said he thought about getting it for me for my birthday a few months back, but he thought I would think HE was a dork for getting it.

So, its settled. I'm getting a Kindle!!!

A day at the fair.

She REALLY wanted her face painted. She wasn't so sure after I paid the money...



Ok, she's ok with her cat face!!



Notice the little blond boy checking out my kid. When the ride was over he RUSHED over to Ava's car and unbuckled her seatbelt. He helped her out of the car and pointed to the exit. The mom of the little boy was a little embarrassed, but I told her she had quite the gentleman!!



Her response to attention from BOYS!!!

A creative approach to redistribution of wealth.

(This was in my inbox today and I felt the urge to pass along...)


Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.

Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference--just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient appeared to need money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.