Solar Cowboys

"Slow down you're doing fine 
You can't be everything you want to be 
Before your time." 
--Billy Joel

Rush to get dressed, speed to work, hurry through to prepare for STAR testing, hustle to Karate, quickly eat dinner, bath, bed, housework, bookwork, mow the lawn, check the things off of the list.  .  .  Life is just too fast.  Where have the last years gone?  I know that looking back it won't matter if the lawn was mowed, if the project was completed on time, or if the floor was as clean as it was yesterday.  What will matter is that we have raised sons who appreciate the value of hard work, but know the importance of taking care of themselves.  That slowing down is not a sign of weakness, but of strength in the hopes of building a stronger self.  What will matter is that my sons will have memories of a mom who puts everything down for the slightest need, but who has given them the tools to be self-sufficient.  What will matter is that they will see their father's work ethic, but relish in his ability to relax with them. Yes, we want to be successful, to do, to grow, to fulfill, but life changes in a split second.  The endless checklists we have conquered, do not matter in a split second mistake.  Life is precious, life is good, life needs to be conquered with an awareness and appreciation of the moment.

Miles will only want to "snuggle" so many times, and Carter will only want to retell the same story for so long.  I know we are good parents, but today we were reminded of the preciousness of life and the things that are truly important.  My dad would ALWAYS remind us of all we had done, and reinforce the need for relaxation and taking things in stride.  "Look at all you have done," - I can hear it still.   

The solar project is coming to completion and I am so proud of Bradley for his ability to complete such a huge task.  From the planning, to the paperwork, budgeting, purchasing, permitting, constructing, wiring, it has been a huge task.  Within the next week and a half, we hope to be producing all of our own power.  

Today was the rodeo.  Both boys were in a "driving" float for Dotty's.  They all got to ride or drive in their own kid cars.  Carter drove the John Deere Gator, while Finn or Wyatt sat shotgun, and Miles held on for dear life in the dumpbed.  I don't know why I went for a run this morning, because I got quite the workout after Bradley showed them the difference between first and second gear.  The float won 1st place and all of the kids had a lot of fun.  

For the second year, Carter decided that he wanted to bust a mutton.  This year's ride was about a second longer, but equally exciting.  Don't worry about the end of the video, he just has a delayed reaction in getting up.  After some snowcones, cheesy fries, and tamables (wait is this the fair or the rodeo) it was time for a nap during an afternoon thunderstorm.  

Here's to a productive, mindful, and appreciative outlook to the week ahead.