Gratitude in the worst of times....

So, this week was a tough week. I am not immune from the "human condition" and the daily trials that challenge us. I know there are so many others that are experiencing all kinds of challenges. There were some big financial setbacks and some work issues for me. Ironic to think that I had just overcome some financial issues, paid off some debt, and was feeling ahead of the game :-)! My friend, who has unfortunately passed on, used to tell me that once we are out of one crisis, another is waiting to come our way. Agh!! Not a good thought, but unfortunately, often true.

I have learned to always try and see something positive out of every negative. It may sound a bit "Pollyanna" (and if you don't know that term, you must be quite a bit younger than me :-))! I know that if I can turn things around, it just makes my life so much more easier. I guess it may even be a bit selfish, as I don't do it so much for the sake of others, I do it for the sake of myself. I do see however, that in the long run it is for others as my interactions with them...especially my son, are so much better. I don't end up taking out my frustrations on friends and family.

This morning as I was asking God to show me a sign that would give me more peace, I did get what I prayed for. I happened to be calling on a Doctor's office as that is my profession. This particular doctor was an Oncologist so they deal with cancer patients. As I was leaving the office, there was a very frail woman walking in front of me. She was so thin and carrying lots of bags that I would have gladly helped her with. I watched as she walked to make sure she made it to her car OK. I could not help thinking to myself, "My God, look at that poor woman. She is so thin and probably battling the fight of her life with cancer. And here I am, healthy, with a healthy and beautiful child, worrying about things that will take care of themselves"! I instantly felt ashamed of myself for even worrying when I know God is truly in control and always has been. That poor woman may never get better and would probably be so grateful to have to deal with the things that I think are so terrible.

It's a daily lesson that we all deal with. It's often hard to see outside of our own circumstances but I challenge you to do so. Volunteer to help those less fortunate and help someone whenever you can. Life is short, and in the end what truly matters is the love we give, not the trivial daily "stuff" that steals our joy. Be blessed!

Free (or inexpensive) ways to have fun with your kids!!

I love to have fun! I think there is a big part of me that is truly still a kid. And even if you think you are too old to partake in some of these fun ideas, well, you may just surprise yourself...and your kids too! And, they will love and appreciate you all the more for it guaranteed! So, here are some great ideas of things that we do to have fun on a small (or no) budget!...

Volunteer together (I bring him to the Nursing Home I work in and they adore this)!,
Light sparklers and run around the yard (like crazy people). I know my neighbors just love this hee hee!!,
Read books,
Do arts & crafts,
Pray together! My son loves to pray & it is adorable to listen to what he says...oh, if we could all be so innocent and free :-)!
Play boardgames or make up fun games,
Have a picnic!
Dress up in funny or unique costumes,
Attend the Lowes or Home Depot free "Build & Grow" Workshops on Saturdays,
Go to a Park,
Bike together,
Swim Together,
Plant a garden (my son loves watching our little plants grow)!,
Set up camp…indoors. He loves this too!! We put up a tent and pretend we are in the deep woods!
Watch a DVD, make popcorn, have a movie review afterwards,
Bake together,
Go to the library,
Paint T-shirts,
“What animal am I?” guessing game. This will bring "the kid" out in anyone!,
Fly a kite,
Gather items to donate to charity. My son feels so good about being able to help out others in need. It's also a great way to get rid of way too many unused toys!,
Roast marshmallows (we do it in our Chiminea) :-)!,
Dance together. The dog often joins us. We laugh hysterically!,
Have a foam dartgun fight or watergun fight. Mommy is good at this!! Ha Ha!!
Take pictures. My son has his own Fisher Price Camera and enjoys this so much!,
Blow bubbles,
Have an American Idol Contest!,
Tickle or pillow fights…or both!

More than anything, enjoy yourselves. Life is simply too short to be too serious!