Broke but looking good.

So this week has been challenging to say the least.  Both DD's that were not at home are now at home and unemployed.  DD#2 received her second to last pay.  Now any rational adult will think to save the money as they have no idea where the next dollar is coming from.  Not my DD's.  The first thing she did was run out and get her nails done.After what seemed like hours of talking about saving and not spending money on frivolous things, she looked at me and said but don't they look pretty?  Oh the joys of being young and irresponsible  but wait my children are not irresponsible!   They came home to get back on track, to change their lives to start fresh, so why was I so upset over $10.00 nails.  It took me about two days to realize I wasn't upset over the fact that she did something for her self that made her happy.  I was jealous.  Focused on family and getting out of debt, I have forgotten how to treat myself.  To reward myself for all the hard work.  And that my friends is what's important.  Do something for your self.  Take the time to honor yourself.    
We haven't lost site of our goals and we are still being responsible but  getting your nails done, buying a book, enjoying a Starbucks coffee, isn't going to deter you from your path.  If anything it will energize you to push  harder to achieve your goals and hey your nails will look good while doing it.


Lesson Learned:  NO matter the struggle, take the time to treat yourself.  It helps you to maintain focus.

What we need

I got the most amazing lesson the other day.. No matter what your kids are going to think  that you are great and perfect at least until they become teenagers.  However, they come back around once they reach adulthood.

We just happened to get very lucky with someone giving us a piano.  DS#3 is quite the entertainer and can play music by ear.  Now I wanted a piano because I felt that it was the next best transition for him.  I never knew in a million years that he has been making this his secret birthday wish for the last 4 years (yep, since he was 3). Being blessed and scoring this piano exactly four days prior to his 8^th birthday, made DH and me the best parents ever.    Our children teach us to listen to our hearts and in the quiet still moments, they tell us exactly what they need.  Maybe if we all took the time to slow down, look around and breathe, we would understand that Children teach us that what they want most is for us to just be there silent and strong.  In end we always get what we need.  

Simple things

Any one that knows our family is always stating that we should have our own show.  Personally I don’t think our life is as interesting or hilarious as it may seem to others.  But at least once a day we reminiscing about something one of us did and how hilarious it was.  What amazes most is what the kids remember or what the favorite memory is.  It’s not the big fancy vacations or the days where we spend tons of money on who know what?  All if my kid’s favorite memory is MOVIE NIGHT. And I am not talking about going out to the movies either.  Our movie night consist of pizza or chicken wings, bowl of popcorn and 1-2 family friendly movies.  We have a set standard; we do this every Friday night. Maybe it’s the constancy, maybe its just being together.  Whatever it is, it has become the most memorable event!

 

Lesson Learned:

Sometimes the SIMPLE things are much more important than the expensive ones!

Special Ones

Children can teach us so much, if we just take the time to listen and observe.  My husband and I have always considered our children special and we always felt that we have been blessed by those from up above.  I never knew how special until DS2 changed my view on being kind to others with one simple conversation.

 

One day while discussing with my sons, who would we invite to their birthday party.  DS2 made it a point to say:  I want to invite Damien.  I said Ok.  DS2 kept insisting I want to invite Damien first before we give the invitations to anyone else.  Why, I asked. DS2  looked at me and said:

Mom, everybody teases and picks on him all the time.  I want to invite him first, so that everyone will know that I think he is cool!  Then everybody will know that he was the first picked.

 

Lesson Learned:

It is way cooler to go against the crowd, and then flow with it.

Our Family

It was not until half my kids were done with high school that I realized that I have learned so many invaluable lessons over years raising them. Unexpected gifts of knowledge are how I like to think of them.  Years of reflection and touch your heart moments, have lead me to want to share my exceptional family (at least in my eyes) with the world.  Besides we can all use a little lesson every now and then. So let’s begin with a brief introduction of my crazy amazing family.

DH – of course Darling Husband or in some cases Daring Husband.  Either one works, this is the rock , the strength and the one who teaches my son’s the MAN law.

DD1 – 22 year old daughter who has moved out of the parents’ house (but into grandmas) and trying to make it as a successful TBD.  Out in the world working but on a break from school.

DD2 – 20 year old daughter who has also moved out but also in grandma’s house.  Succeeding everyday by holding down a Fulltime job, school and just being a 20 year old!

DD3 – 17 year old daughter recent high school graduate encountering the new world of college, work and still trying to remain a kid.

DS1- 9 year old know everything Son

DS2- 8 year old I want to be a policeman Son, and self-appointed rule enforcer

DS3 -7 year old son who wants to be everything and anything but will always be the baby!

Yes, that is one husband and 6 kids.  And to answer your question, I birthed every single one of the kids, not the husband.  So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, check in every day.  Join us on this journey of What I learned from my kids!