The Simple Life

I have always believed that kids today are spoiled. Mine included. As parents we naturally want the best for our kids but the definition of "best" is what I have been focusing on lately. After moving half way across the world and selling all our earthly possessions not long ago, I am glad we live very simple. I still get in purging moods in the house when I think we have too much stuff. Craigslist becomes my best friend for that short time period.a

We don't have cable, my girls don't know what a WII game is, Meagan told me this morning "Mom, that car has a t.v. in it? I didn't know you could do that." Our girls share a bedroom and all their toys. Most of their clothes are hand me downs or consignment sale buys.

Now, I am in no way suggesting if your kids have or know all about the mentioned things that you are wrong. For us, we have decided that simple is better. Our kids still ask for everything they see in the store or whine when I give them water instead of juice.

I mention this because everything going on in the news lately is about what others think they deserve or are entitled to. I want my girls to understand and know that everything you have is earned and is a blessing from God but it is NOT a right. I grew up with the understanding that nothing is free and If you want something ( a specific job, an item, etc.) you work for it, earn it, etc.

We have an entire generation that has been taught ENTITLEMENT. And now this thought process will most likely be taught to their kids. We are going against that thought process. Just as God made Adam work the land to get food, we too must work and not expect a handout.

Lord, I pray our girls know they are loved by their creator, work in the capacity that God created them to work, never blame others or put others down for their mistakes or lack of, and are content with every situation presented.

On the Road Again

It is 5:30am and we start another two week journey without Daddy home. He just pulled out to head to his truck. Of course, I loaded him down with home cooked Jumbalaya, chicken and vegetables' and blueberry muffins along with a ton of snacks, peanut butter and jelly makings, and fruit. His home away from home is quite cozy with a small frig, toaster over, portable DVD player, and pics of his girls (including me) velcroed to the wall.

Life with Daddy gone has become routine and time seems to go by somewhat quickly. However, his two days went by like the speed of light. This past weekend included church, the pumpkin patch' and lots of daddy/daughter time that included giggling. On some of his trips home I get small windows of rest. This time was not one of those times. I did get two hours of uninterrupted grocery store time.....that may have been my rest.

So, here we go! Another two weeks of just the girls. I get tired, weary, but I am always blessed to raise the two most amazing girls.

Time

I think most moms wish they had more time.  Time is something that we can never get back. I remember when my oldest was born and every mom I encountered said the same things. "They grow up so fast." "Treasure these moments." You will look back one day and wonder where the time went." I tried never to take those words for granted but sometimes life just happens and time slips away.

Even though Meagan and Emily are almost just 5 and 3 years of age, I have been amazed recently at how fast time passes. I still remember every moment of childbirth with both girls. I remember them taking their first steps. I remember the first time one of them said "no" to me. I remember the first time they said "I love you" without being prompted. So many memories that seem like they happened yesterday.

I have wanted to write a blog for awhile now. It will help family and friends feel more connected, but honestly I am writing this for me.  I look at this as somewhat of a journal and way to capture my thoughts and the happenings of my kids as time seems to go by faster and faster. Hopefully on this journey, I learn even more about myself as a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a friend.  God has blessed me abundantly in all of these areas but I realize I need to continue to grow and be challenged.

So, for everyone reading, I invite you on this journey that God has our family on. So far it has been a crazy, fun filled and sometimes tough ride. I will blog about humorous moments in the past, current events, my thoughts and learnings from God, and whatever else comes to mind.