Today was quite nice...

...I took advantage of the nice breeze in the am and got the lawn mowed (so James wouldn't have to do it Saturday, we are going to pick up some new friendss! shhh....). The afternoon got a little toasty, but by dinner time it was perfect again! So we took advantage and BBQ'd and ate out on the patio.

We relaxed a bit.....

Drank some ORANGE....
Got nice and messy...

Watched the planes (more like SCREAMED like banshee's when planes went by...)

And just enjoyed each other's company. I wish every night could be this perfect.

My Earth Day Tree.....Sheryl. We planted it yesterday in honor of Earth Day...and yes, it's a PALM TREE (or, er...shrub)..but it still counts, especially since my backyard counts as a forest...I have a head start. Plus, it reminds me of Vegas....*sigh*.

The earth is what we all have in common. ~Wendell Berry

It's simple:
*Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth.
*Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
*Turn off the TV and the computer when not using them.
*Take shorter showers.
*Recycle cans, plastic bottles, and other empty containers.
*Use both sides of a piece of paper.
*Turn off all computers at the end of the day.
*Start a family compost pile.
*Don’t dump things down the storm drain.
*Help your family use plants that grow well in your state.
*Help your family place and adjust the sprinkler; so you are watering the plants and not the street.
*Walk, ride your bike, carpool, or ride the bus.
*Share or donate toys, games, books, and clothes you don’t need any more.
*Check out books from the library or buy used books.
*Don’t litter.
(Taken from TakeCareofTexas.org)

The Crafty Crow has some cute craft ideas to do with kids today to help them REUSE. I think taking a moment to do a craft with a child is the best way to teach.

Make and Takes has some great tips on RECYCLING.

Simple Mom gives us 40 tips to go Greener, besides Recycling. She gives a great idea on how to Create a Compost for $15.

Composting is one thing I would LOVE to do! My dad built this awesome compost pile in their backyard and I've been inspired ever since. I'm scared of what critters and bugs it would attract here in TX, tho...yikes! And if I'm going to compost, I then need to plant a garden to have a use for the compost. My parents are truly inspirational when it comes to all things Earth-y. They even recently bought some baby chickens, so one day they will have fresh eggs! And their effort towards food storage is tremendous (but that's a whole other topic).

So...what will you do today? It might seem like anything you do is too small and won't make a difference (I know I feel that way). But if we ALL do the small and simple things, not just today but everyday, it will make an impact. Every day is Earth Day!

Earth Day 2009.

Don't forget! It's on April 22nd!
I'm excited to fill this week with lots of Earth Day adventures...planting a tree, teaching about recycling, going to the Zoo, switching out lightbulbs.... Trying to make every day Earth Day.