![IMG_1833[1]](http://www.alittlesomethingforme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_18331.jpg "IMG_1833[1]")
I realized something today…
I like being poor.
We don’t take things for granted anymore.
This evening, we took the kids on a big night on the town. When Ray and I were both working – we might have done this once a month or so. It wouldn’t have been so special. It wouldn’t have made such an impact on everyone.
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First, we went to a Hibachi. The kids loved it. Addison put her hands over her ears every time the chef “flamed” our grill, but she never stopped looking. Andrew – he squealed for more. (and… of course, there were 2 cute girls at the table and Andrew hit on them. Another story. Another day.) Both kids learned to eat with chop sticks.
Amazing. I took my “big camera.” I snapped photos with my cell phone. I didn’t want to miss a moment. I like being poor. Because I cherish those moments where we do the special things together. (By the way, we used a BOGO card and our meal was not much more than McDonalds!)
After dinner, we took our other BOGO coupon and headed to Monkey Joe’s. For those of you who don’t have one of those close to you, it is a building entirely of inflatable jumping structures.
I again, took my “big camera.” I know we looked like the family that never gets out. I don’t care. It was awesome. Also, I need to take photos of my kids. We need to celebrate those mini-vacations. We need to embrace the fact that going out to dinner is a big deal and that is ok … We don’t need to wait for Disney to snap a photo. We need to snap it now.
Because now, our family isn’t taking things for granted. We aren’t letting evenings of family fun slide by without remembering them like they were huge family vacations. And I love that. I think I like being poor.
Are you stopping to smell the roses? What is one experience lately where you’ve acted like something is a “big deal” … even though it didn’t cost you a fortune?
I am a former teacher, turned SAHM. I have 3 children. The twins, Andrew and Addison, turned 3 years old in October. I also have a 1 year old baby who was born with a very rare chromosomal disorder - Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome. The good, the bad, the ugly.. all here. Because this blog keeps me from drinking.
I am so with you on that one! Our budget has been tight for years, so we don’t do a lot of extras. Our road trips take a year to save enough money, and even then we budget down to the penny. Any time we get to go out to do anything, it’s a special occasion, even if it’s just a walk around the block! My kids appreciate the little things – and after our latest drama they’re going to appreciate having a working vehicle more than they ever have!
*hugs*
Non-Stop Mom recently posted..He gets me.
I hear you . … I’ve been thinking about you and your van. xo
We’ve had a lot of unplanned changes over the last few years and life is budgeted down to the last penny. It definitely changed my perspective on things. We never lived an elaborate life style but now we are much more appreciative of the little things…such as going out for ice cream.
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Alexander looks so big!!!
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I love this post and your attitude about not taking things for granted. I thought you might enjoy this post of a similar theme by another one of my favorite writers (I think maybe I’ve linked to her before in a comment? Apologies if I have): http://www.ncregister.com/blog/simcha-fisher/the-blessings-of-poverty
Such beautiful memories and photos. The kids look so beautiful
Love the photo of Alexander, by the way.
Hmm. I’ve always worked hard for whatever I had as far as I can remember. Even when I was a kid, my parents would make me work for my school lunch money on weekends so very early on I treasured whatever I had.
Here’s a little story…
In my mid teens, since my family moved to a new apartment, my parents didn’t think it was necessary for me to have my own bed…because I was barely home. I slept on a ‘cushion’ on my bedroom floor which wasn’t always pleasant because it hurt my back.
BUT. When I finally got full time work …you know what I bought? My own bed. It’s a double bed with a nice wooden frame and I still have it for sentimental reasons. It’s one of the first things I bought for myself out of my own paycheck.
I have to admit that I like having money in the bank. I like the security. I like to have the ability to just go buy what I want when I want…which usually is important stuff anyway like basic necessities (clothes, shoes). I don’t splurge. I get anxious when my savings start to run out…because of certain experiences I’ve had.
But, I have to say that the hardships I’ve faced have taught me not to take whatever I have for granted. Even if it’s just a pair of socks.
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It is true that we appreciate the things that cost money more when we really have to make an effort to do them! Love the pics!
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Those pictures are pure joy.
What a way to focus on the blessings of your life…
I love this post – you read my mind! Our summer holiday was very ‘cheap & easy’ as we stretched far too little money for far too long. But our family had fun doing the no-cost things that mean so much.
Angela recently posted..Small Worlds
Love it! We do appreciate things more when we really have to work towards the goal.
Kimberly recently posted..Essence Of Now
We make our girls very aware of the money we are spending now that they are older. I love when my girls offer up their piggie banks or what is in their savings accounts if they think we need help with something. I think talking about the cost of things and how much fun the free stuff can be is a great way to raise children.
Keep smelling the roses and keep taking those beautiful shots!! xo
Kristen recently posted..Be A Friend And Stand Up Against Bullying
Ahhh…how I’ve missed you, my friend! Those are gorgeous pictures! Love those baby blues. Gia and I just went to a little zoo (farm really). It cost us $3 and we had the best time.
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I like all photographs of cute kids. Those photographs are carrying the happy moments of them.
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Spot on! Loved the pics! BTW your Twitter links on your blog are broken! I was able to follow you on Twitter from your Pinterest page. ALSO… I created a Facebook group for the moms from the Moms Who Write and Blog Pinterest board. Let’s come together and share our ideas, rant and rave,…show off our blog posts, and funny wacky pins… Writing can be lonely, kids can be a challenge, and blogging is our saving grace (and sometimes our burden). Join here http://www.facebook.com/groups/MomsWhoWriteandBlog/
I miss you!!! I’m with you on this one… the Rooster changed jobs last year and we took a huge hit. I find that I’m having to say “no” more often than “yes” and I hate that. Not that my girls ask for a lot but I hate that we aren’t in a position to do the spontaneous things we used to do. I’m even looking for corporate sponsors to pay all the fees and start up dues we have to pay for the start of school!
BUT.. you’re right – when we do go, we all have a great time.
I’m glad your new business is going so well, but don’t be such a stranger!!
Kristen Daukas recently posted..When the Minority Tries to Win
“I know we looked like the family that never gets out. I don’t care. It was awesome.”
That IS awesome!!!
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