Sock full of Love by Madison

Sometimes things aren't always what they seem.  One example would be that sometimes a dirty sock may not be just a dirty sock.  My dog can make a dirty sock be filled with love.  I came out of the bathroom and into my moms room and found my dog Dixie on their bed.  When I approached the bed she stood up and wagged her tail happily when she saw me coming.  She had a dirty sock in her mouth.  She wanted to give it to me.  Usually I would be disgusted by a dirty sock in a dogs mouth, but this sock was filled with love.  How could I turn it down?  Always be willing to change your mind.  You may just be surprised with what you find. 

Socialism Does Not Work....even in Second Grade

Although I have always been impressed with the intelligence of my children (as most mothers are), I never realized just exactly how smart they were.  Now I know that Carson is not the typical second grader.  At the beginning of the school year, his teacher requested that each month each parent send in 25 snacks for the snack cart from which each child would get to choose from each day.  And yes, the word "each" was extensively used in the last sentence for a reason.  Of course, the system sounded workable.  The kids were excited to have such an array of snacks to choose from daily, especially if they have a health conscience mother who continually sends in carrots and apples.  The cart was full of cookies, crackers, fruit chews, chips, etc.,etc.....That was in the beginning.  Before the end of the second month, Carson came home with his teacher's request for more snacks because the cart was running low. What? How could this be?  If everyone fulfilled their obligation and sent in their monthly contribution, then this should not happen.  From the first month on I, being the avid BJ warehouse shopper, sent in boxes of 48-50 snacks instead of the required 25. I did so repeatedly, yet it soon became a weekly habit for Carson to ask for more snacks.  I asked Carson exactly why I needed to send 50 snacks every month when I should be several months ahead.  His response was "Mom, alot of mothers don't send in snacks at all and the kids still get to choose from the cart."  "How is that working out for you guys?" I asked.  Obviously it wasn't. He then let out a barage of complaints of how unfair it was.  He asked me the same question I had asked him, "Why do we have to send in snacks for all the other kids when their moms don't?".  I realized quickly what a valuable lesson this was for a second grader. He was learning first hand why socialism doesn't work.  He witnessed daily kids taking and taking snacks they didn't deserve.  He listened to his teacher threaten to put an end to the snack cart if more mothers didn't start participating.  He watched me purchase more and more snacks to make up for those who didn't.  He finally told me to stop.  He said he would rather be responsible for taking in his OWN snack each day.  Amazing!!! The understanding of individualism at such an early age could not have been taught any better.  My only remaining question is if my second grader caught on to this so quickly, why don't more, as Carson would say, grown ups get it?

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is 13 days away and for many that means "more".....more shopping, more spending, more work, more eating/drinking (leading to more pounds), more entertaining, more being entertained, more anxiety, more lists, more travel in much more traffic all leading to more stress.  With all of the focus on "more", we unfortunately tend to forget about the "most"....the most fun with our family and friends, the most smiles of the year on our children's faces, and the most celebrated time of the year for the most important reason.  I was lucky enough last night to spend the evening with my co-workers and their families.  We ate, drank (maybe too much for some), laughed, played with the kids, and looked forward to a New Year filled with challenges and blessings.  For the night, at least, I forgot the stress and enjoyed the moment.  The dilemma is how to translate that feeling into positivity over the next 2 weeks.  I am determined to try and hopefully enjoy this year more than those before.  If I am sitting in traffic, I will remember how blessed I am to have a car.  If I am standing in long lines, I will thank God for strong legs.  If I am spending too much money I will be thankful for a job allowing that luxury.  If I get tired of cooking, I will think of those starving around the world. If I grow weary of cleaning and decorating the house, I will remember those living on the streets in this oh so cold time of year.  And if I find myself wishing the kids were back in school, I will remind myself of how blessed I am to have a family knowing that for many that may never happen.  Most of all, I will remember the reason for it all.....Jesus Christ.....and his love for each and every one of us. That thought alone makes all of the complaints about the season seem selfish and trivial.  It is not about gifts (though I have to admit to enjoying them).  It is not about the lights, the tree, the shopping.  It is about knowing that even when we feel our lowest, he is there watching over, and when we feel our happiest, he is there smiling for us. If only we could bestow upon our family and friends the same.  So if you are looking for a gift for me this year...put this on your Christmas list....Amber wants another year filled with blessings, challenges, surprises, and the joy of waking up every day to the smiles on her kids' faces. Believe me, I couldn't ask for more.