Making a Huge Contribution

As I was working in the yard this afternoon, I heard that all too familiar sound that takes almost everyone back to their childhood. The ice cream truck.

As most kids would do, I'd immediately take off in the direction of my house to convince my parents how much I needed to buy ice cream. I mean c'mon...everyone else was going to have one. Would they really make me be the only one without ice cream?! :::The horror:::

Today when I hear that sound, I think "Where's my purse?" vs. "Where's my parents so I can make a withdrawal?". And, as was the case with most kids, I never really thought of how much money I was asking my parents to spend. It just appeared in their wallets...right?

I want my kids to be as carefree as possible while they are still young because adulthood and the responsibilities (and yes...stress) that accompany growing up will come all too soon. I don't mean I want them to be careless about money. In fact, that could do a lot more around the house to "earn" money, but that's no ones fault but mine for not being more stringent about it. They don't get everything they ask for, but they have enough. And when they get something new, a rule I do try to stick by is donating something they don't play with anymore. So I actually see part of my responsibility as their mom is to help them be kids. Not worry. Have fun.

When you're young, the choices are easy. Do I want a Bullet Pop or a Pink Thing? As I've gotten older, the choices have been more difficult. A lot of people fight having to make those choices, but quickly learn burying their head in the sand does no good. In fact, finally standing up...no matter how many times it takes...makes things a lot easier in the end and does a great deal for your character and overall happiness in life. At least it does for me. And I believe since my kids watch me like a hawk (scary, I know), it is doing something for their character as well.

There are things I don't necessarily look forward to doing (paying bills, scooping doggy presents out of the yard, etc...) but I know by doing these things, I have a sense of accomplishment and I know I did it not just for me, but for my family. And I'm actually thankful I have these things to do and a family to do them for instead of pouting that I have to do them. I love that. I know...I'm kinda corny. That's okay. Afterall, we need some corniness in this world...right?

You're welcome for my huge contribution to it.