I know it's been over a week since I've posted family news. It's been a pretty vanilla week. There's been postings on the webnotes and some stories linked in on the right sidebar, but all I can think of are small snippets:
- "Momma, I thought April showers were over ... it's May now!" — said by Abby during our second weekend in a row with overcast skies and rain.
- "Go ask your father!" — a button given to Michelle by Claire on Mother's Day. It got a better smile than the dozen roses I bought her.
- Last Thursday marked Cinco de Mayo, Ascension Thursday, and Tom's swearing in as a River Grove village trustee. Correlation between these three events: none.
- I took Claire and Abby along with their friends Lela, Cloe, Alexandra, and Briana candlepin bowling on Mother's Day. Six girls between the ages of 6 and 9. Gee, didn't I always wish to be surrounded by cute girls when I was younger?
- Last weekend I bought and used a few bags of wood pellets because of the cool, overcast days (and Michelle's pleadings to do so). Yesterday the kids were wearing shorts and playing in the brook. Insert standard remark about the weather...
- Abby finished her current level at Gymnastics Village. She'll stay in mini-gym this summer but start advanced mini-gym next fall.
- Michelle signed the girls up for CCD next year. We're going to buy our own copy of the materials so that we know what they're studying and can review it with the girls. We'd love to "get more involved" but until someone can watch the three boys at the same time, it's not going to happen.
- Claire has another piano recital the Saturday before Father's Day. I may perform it with her as a duet. I've already programmed it into the piano for practice and "ear training".
- I started up the sprinklers for another season of lawn watering. Michelle helped the girls setup a little wildflower spot in the corner of the yard near the brook. This weekend will be the first lawn mowing of the season, weather permitting.
- Michelle cleaned and re-strained the back deck. She used the leftover stain to touch up the front steps.
- Our pastor at Milford's St. Patricks had heart bypass surgery on Monday. Pray for a quick and healthy recovery.
- A close co-worker is also working from home for the next couple of weeks to recover from an unspecified medical condition. Please pray for her as well.
- Suzy graduates this weekend! Who-hoo! Best wishes on the job hunting.
- We spent about $700 in wood pellets this past season and our propane bill is showing a credit of about $1060 based on a level billing plan. Coming out of a New England winter with a large heating bill credit when petroleum prices are rising -- I consider that a win! And Michelle loved having a fire going all winter long.