Are you that person?

Are you the person who preaches and tells everyone they can retire early because you did or say things like “take the trip while you’re young and able with your kids” and constantly posting on social media that giving your kids experiences is so important but the only experiences you share are trips to Disney, Hawaii or other big experiences?  Or are you the parent sitting on the other side of that post reading and feeling like a failure because you can’t?

Life sometimes really is luck of the draw. Sometimes it’s hard work and sometimes it’s a combination. But one person can work hard and everything can work out beautifully while another person can work just as hard and nothing ever seems to go or come their way.  And I’ve heard, over my many years on the internet, things like well you could if you would cut out the lattes or getting your nails done.  And that’s true. If you do those things. But guess what preachy people. Not everyone does those kinds of luxury treatments.  Some people are already barebones and still just can’t afford the trip even to Six Flags for their kids let alone flying and staying in hotels somewhere really cool like Disney or Hawaii etc.  

Truly if you can do those things with your kids share away. Post the fun pics of your kids and your family. It’s a great memory for you and your family and you’re a very blessed person. But remember not everyone got your hand dealt. 

If you’re the mom that can’t afford to have the “cool” experiences with your kids and you’ve cut out the extras already and there’s no room to budge, you’re not alone.  Get creative. There are fun things you can do with your kids and they will remember it because you were there having fun with them. Have a carpet picnic with a Redbox movie or streaming movie. Go find a walking trail with them and make little stops along the way for photo ops. Let them play in the leaves or in the snow with their you.  Get sidewalk chalk and draw giant murals or watercolors and paint the sidewalk with them. It doesn’t matter as long as you’re there. Don’t let anyone else tell you that you’re not enough. You are!

Packed breakfast

 I don’t get up early enough to make and eat breakfast before work but on weekends or days off this has become my new favorite. If I don’t want the mess I keep to whole grain toast, avocado, honey and everything bagel seasoning. If I have time for mess I add an egg. Packed full of healthiness it’s so good and so filling. #healthy breakfast #yummybreakfast #avacadotoast

Christmas cuteness

 Love the addition of the cute metal signs, alpine tree and large Christmas bells added to my pots compliments of Hobby Lobby. The cute lot packages are from Amazon. And all together they complete what we wanted so that my husband will stop threatening to put lights on the house. He knows I don’t want him up there. lol

Someone is 50

 Someone turned 50 today!  And I pulled off my first surprise party for him. I was able to grab plenty of snack for pickup and delivery from Walmart and Gerbes and then sneakily tell him my dad and sister were coming for a small Thanksgiving snack night thing. This threw him off. He just thought I over bought until people kept trickling in. He finally asked who was coming and I told him that was the surprise. It was really just close friends and family but that came to about 40 without kids. So good to see everyone and so glad everyone celebrated with us. 

Recycle Decor

 Recycle when you can. 

Anyone who knows me knows I hate to waste money or things.  So when I’m ready for a change in decor I think long and hard.  In this case, I wanted to minimize the colors I had in my living room. This means new pillows or throws.  Well, as luck would have it I found the perfect pillow covers on Amazon. I took those green pillows and turned them dark grey to match a throw I had.  They fit perfect and look perfect.  And best of all they cost $10 total and I didn’t have to sell or throw out the old pillows. 

Make the best of these times

 

I missed that game because an adult kid was home for a visit. The choices we sometimes have to make having kids and especially when they move away. But the youngest daughter definitely makes the best of everyday and all times.  Slow down. The best is still to come. 

Love these girls, so much, getting ready for pajama night at the the game. The stands hadn’t even filled up yet. 

Keep muddling

 

Keep pushing.  Keep muddling through if you have to. Life is easier in small bites. Don’t procrastinate and end up creating more work and anxiety for yourself.  Truly this works. Now I’d only my kids would take note!