Today we went on a bike ride and half way through I realized we had to turn around to get back in time for soccer and gymnastics. Isaac started complaining, "that was the worst bike ride ever, it wasn't even fun". A week ago Morgan and friends wanted to go to the mall, so I told them I'd take them as long as they were okay that we'd only be there an hour. The girls were so cute with their little purses and so excited to be "out shopping". When our hour was up Morgan lost it because she didn't get a chance to buy anything. She complained, "This was the worst day ever!".
My poor kids know all about being underprivileged. Their house is smaller than many on the street, and the houses on their street are 40-years old. Their mom rarely buys clothes that aren't on sale, and sometimes they even wear hand-me-downs (gasp). They are about the only kids they know who have never been to Florida (never mind that they've been to Europe and visited Disneyland in California). And guess what else they have to live with? Their mom "ALWAYS" says no (or so they think). She always says no when they ask for ice cream, cookies, and candy all in one evening (can you imagine, what trauma this must cause them). What's more, when they ask for toys and treats she ALWAYS says, "great, start saving and you can buy it with your own money".
While they are normally pretty grateful kids, nothing sets me off more than when my kids focus on what they don't have. I've been trying to teach them the principle of focusing on the glass that's half-full, but as with most things in motherhood it is a lesson that must be taught over and over again before it fully sinks in (and who am I kidding, I understand the principle fully but still on occasion get in a "poor me" mood).
I just came across a poem I was given this summer. It is perfect for helping us focus on being thankful for all we have.
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment come to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. - Author Unknown
My poor kids know all about being underprivileged. Their house is smaller than many on the street, and the houses on their street are 40-years old. Their mom rarely buys clothes that aren't on sale, and sometimes they even wear hand-me-downs (gasp). They are about the only kids they know who have never been to Florida (never mind that they've been to Europe and visited Disneyland in California). And guess what else they have to live with? Their mom "ALWAYS" says no (or so they think). She always says no when they ask for ice cream, cookies, and candy all in one evening (can you imagine, what trauma this must cause them). What's more, when they ask for toys and treats she ALWAYS says, "great, start saving and you can buy it with your own money".
While they are normally pretty grateful kids, nothing sets me off more than when my kids focus on what they don't have. I've been trying to teach them the principle of focusing on the glass that's half-full, but as with most things in motherhood it is a lesson that must be taught over and over again before it fully sinks in (and who am I kidding, I understand the principle fully but still on occasion get in a "poor me" mood).
I just came across a poem I was given this summer. It is perfect for helping us focus on being thankful for all we have.
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment come to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. - Author Unknown
2 comments:
Michelle, I'm so happy you have started a blog! I love keeping up on what you guys are doing and seeing pics of the kiddos. And ps - you look HOT. I'm referring to the pic of you on the school bus with Isaac. Yay blogs!
I am learning great tricks from you! I also happen to know you are one of the more fun moms in the world. Just the fact that you were out on a bike ride and taking kids to the mall!!!! lucky little buggars.
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