Tradition?

I always buy school pictures of the kids. I have a scrapbook that is just waiting for me to line these little wallet portraits up in order .  As I looked through the picture flyer I noted that the cheapest package was $15.  That means $45 for me when all is said and done.  What if I didn't buy them this year?  It feels almost unmotherly not to purchase pictures of your flesh and blood with their hair all done and a clean shirt on.  I'd be breaking "tradition".  But I'm not buying those photos because they're great pictures of my kids, I"m buying them because I always buy them. So I threw caution to the wind and told the kids that we would not be buying school pictures.  I still got them all dressed up and fixed their hair because they'll take your picture regardless of you purchasing, and also because I decided I'd take their school pictures myself.  We can then print off exactly what sizes and amounts we want for a fraction of the cost.  Sounded good to me, and the kids were happy about it all. Here's to changing my thinking, throwing that guilt out the door, and saving some money too.  

thanks! indeed

Scotty's taking a psychology class this semester to fill some credit hours. It's suppose to be an "easy" 3 credits, and I suppose it is when it's stacked up against an Architecture class and a Physics class. Anyhow, this Psych class is online and requires a lot of typing, so I am there.  I figured out a while ago that if I am to be an effective typist/editor I have to know some of the subject matter, it helps.  So I glean bits and pieces of info from this class.  The actual title is Enhancing Happiness & Life Satisfaction.  Sounds like a class for all of us huh? The text includes a book titled, "thanks!  How the new science of gratitude can make you happier" by Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D.  When Scott brought it home it caught my eye and I've been wanting to read it.  So here is a little excerpt today that resonated with me, tell me what you think:

     ...there is a more basic reality about gratitude that we can learn from children.  When we were children, we had no illusion of self-sufficiency.  We were aware of our dependence on our parents for survival, security, and comfort.  As we grew, we were taught to look more and more to ourselves for the meeting of our needs.  Eventually, we came to believe in the myth of our own self-sufficiency.  For many people it takes disease, disability, danger, or death to challenge this illusion of self-sufficiency. We all begin life dependent on others, and most of us end life dependent on other.  In between, we have roughly sixty years or so of unacknowledged dependency.  Gratitude takes us outside ourselves where we see ourselves as part of a larger, intricate network of sustaining relationships, relationships that are mutually reciprocal.  Modern psychology has placed great emphasis upon individual autonomy and self-sufficiency.  Gratitude requires, however, that we affirm our dependency on others and recognize we need to receive that which we cannot provide for ourselves. 

Will the real Grocery Guru please stand up...please stand up...please stand up.

I just thought of a way to cut my monthly grocery bill in half.

Okay, but really, after the initial distaste baby Zuri moved on to things we enjoyed watching her do like climb over a log, play with her ball, itch her leg with her other leg.  She was adorable, all 300+ pounds of her.  And if you were wondering, I know I was, baby elephants are just like human babies in that they put everything in their mouths.  So in goes poo.  However, this has benefits ( I know right!) the mama's poo has bacteria the baby needs and this is how she can get it.  Zoo staff was nearby and I got the 411 on the dung dinner.

A mother's prayer

My boys came home late from school on Friday.
Of course I was watching for them.  I saw them approach the house slowly, together, chatting.
When they got inside I asked what took them.
They had stopped at the waterfall @ the park to throw in rocks.
Okay. But something else was going on. Mother's intuition had kicked in.
So, how was your day?
Standing side by side Asher starts telling me that at recess Aidan came running over to give Asher a hug while Asher was playing with some "friends".  As Aidan approached Asher, one of Asher's "friends" stepped in front of him.  He then announced that he knew karate and started to shake Aidan by the shoulders.  As Asher is relaying the story I'm watching his shoulders get tense, his voice get tight.  Aidan is staring at Asher with wide eyes, nodding his affirmation of the story.  Asher told his "friend" that this was his brother, but then Asher's friend threw Aidan on the ground and hopped on him.  I'm trying not to over react, but just ask the right questions and get the full story.  What did you do Asher? I told him to get off  and tried to pull him off Aidan.  Then my friend stood up and kicked Aidan.  He kicked Aidan?  Yeah. yeah Aidan chimes in.  Asher's emotions are now in his throat.  Why would your friend treat Aidan like that?  The dam broke and tears start streaming down Asher's face.  I told him it was my brother and to leave him alone Mom.  I feel like this is all my fault.  Why would this be your fault son?  Because _____ is my friend, and he hurt my brother.  Now my emotions are coming to the surface. You did what you could to protect your brother and correct your "friend" Asher, it's okay.  After the incident Asher took Aidan to the duty guard to report the bullying.  Aidan didn't want to, and ran off to play.  Asher returned to the said "friend" who then turned on Asher and started to tease him about his compassion for his brother. Asher and I talked about what actually constitutes a "friend".  This incident didn't seem to phase Aidan, but it really bothered Asher.  Of course I didn't like hearing how Aidan was mistreated, but I was so proud to hear how Asher reacted.  I was glad that recalling how his "friend" treated his brother brought him to tears.  Every morning if I say the prayer I pray that  my children will be examples to others, that they will be representatives of Jesus Christ, that they will be kind, oh and learn something too.  I know some children take out their pain on others at school, but I always hope that my children will be brave enough to stand up and say something.  I was proud today.

Friday in Pictures