The definition of "content": rest of mind or satisfaction with the way things are.

I've been doing a decent job of keeping my priorities straight. Last month I declared "I hate my camera" after comparing the quality of my digital photos with those of my stepdad's expensive Nikon camera and magical lens that snapped great pictures of my kids in action at their sporting event. I even fantasized about owning a similar Nikon, I complained to my husband, got my friend involved (she's a spender at hear with little regard for needs over wants). I almost agreed to spend $700 on a great package deal on a Nikon at Costco. I then prudently decided to wait until after i got my state tax refund. Fast forward to yesterday, when I came across the package of the original photos that I wasn't pleased with. Guess what? I found them all fun and delightful, realizing that the quality was fine for my purpose - leafing through and remembering the fun times. The people aren't actually fuzzy and they are nice pictures. And the goofy thing is, my mother always gives me copies of the great "action" photos. Pfft, I don't know what I was thinking.

I've had some real moments of clarity lately. Mostly having to do with apprehension on lack of money and wondering how I'll ever deal with things. DH is going to be entering five years of academia to become a Deacon, and at the end, he will be able to make $10K less than what he is presently making (or an additional $600 a month if he continues to work full time in his present capactiy, but that isn't the plan).

The first Random Act of Kindness that I was the recipient of was an assortment of wonderful clothes (brand new) for my oldest son. (Thank you, NJ Debbie, again!!) My son was thrilled at the new clothes, that he won't have to wear the same outfit to Easter, his sister's Confirmation and Graduation, and Mother's Day.

The second Random Act of Kindness that I was the recipient of was the offer of uniform shirts for my older daughter. A family in our neighborhood has two daughters who will be jr/sr and the uniform changes so they will have the frosh/soph uniform shirts. Now all we will need is bottoms. And since my daughter is planning on trying out for pom pons/dance team, we've had the offer of possible outfit help there, too.

The third Random Act of Kindness was yesterday at my mom's house; we were celebrating brother's birthday and he said he has a huge bag of clothes for DH who is in desperate need of items since he's down 20+ pounds from last year. A was a bit concerned since my trip to the resale store on Friday yielded NOTHING decent in his size. Now I am glad that I didn't buy anything because he really doesn't need anything.

With the 75+ degree weather I was concerned about the lack of clothes for the boys. I had a $10 off of $50 coupon from Old Navy (last Sun's paper). I had a $20 from dog watching and I didn't want to spend anything more than $30 from the already pinched budget. I headed over on Friday and ended up getting three pairs of shorts and three shirts for an OOP of $26 on the debit card ($10 off and $20 cash).

So, I guess that I'm learning that the things that I stress about, ultimately end up being taken care of, one way or the other. Hand-me-downs or sales/coupons, it all gets taken care of.

Another biggie: I was a bit concerned about our financial situation and the great unknown of financial assistance/scholarships and grants. Then my daughter let me know she was nominated for another $1,500 scholarship (that was two weeks ago and I blogged about it earlier in the month).

My younger daughter is reading "The Prizewinner of Definace, Ohio: or how my mother raised ten kids on 25 words or less.". I read it, thought it was a sweet story, despite the antics of the husband who was a somewhat shady character who ultimately redeemed himself at the end of the story.

So, I am working on contentment. I think I might be moving toward it.