13 Hours of Rain

2013 is coming to a close. So now I reflect on the goals I set for myself in the beginning of this year and see where I have come over the course of twelve months. 1. Post on the 13th and 26th of each month in this virtual space. Yes. Did it. Though, some days I was a day or two late. But Blogger lets you post back in time. :) 2. Compose or create something significant that will bear the year 2013. I originally had dreams of painting a picture. My inspiration went by the wayside because the initial investment to get started was too overwhelming. Instead, I wrote two children’s books for both of you kids as a Christmas gift. Oh, the stories are not award-winning or even that creative. But they document a couple of significant events in your lives. My daughter, you overcame your fear of putting your head underwater during swimming lessons. And my son, you let go of your soother (or do-do has you called it for most of your life) on your own. Anyway, I am excited that I finally did s...

I presented at my Mom's Group today on the topic of budgeting. Here is my introduction to the session: Let me begin with a disclaimer or two. I do not have any professional training in the area of budgeting. I do not have any degrees in accounting, finance, and business. I’ve never worked in a bank, therefore, I will not be able to give you any advice on how much money to save for retirement, which mortgage is best, or what your financial portfolio should look like. Truthfully, if you claim to know the answers to these questions, do tell me (for free). However, I am not completely useless, rest assured. Budgeting is a hobby for me, believe-it-or-not. I actually get excited, and a bit anxious, at the beginning of every month as I sit at my computer crunching numbers for my family. And even though I come to you with no formal credentials, I do humbly stand before you as a testament of the many lessons God has taught me about money through my 39+ years of life as a daughter, siste...

It is one of those moments when my mind is in a negative funk. You am sure you know what I am talking about. That gray dismal cloud descends on your spirit and everything becomes annoying, inconvenient, and unfair. Usually there is a trigger, or two (or three). Like, not feeling 100%, hormones, insecurity, and a December budget that is dwindling faster than anticipated (ironically, I am presenting on budgeting on Tuesday -- maybe I should be the one listening). Then, I witness evidence of my off-balance state. My voice rises in frustration and anger in reaction to the ones around me (sometimes justified, sometimes not). *sigh* I am so human. So I can sit here and type away my miseries. Or I can praise God for all that is good. I'll choose the latter. I am thankful that I am a stay-at-home-mom. Oh, it isn't easy, believe me. There are days I do envy the working Mom and wish I had some regular outlet to stimulate my intellect. But, I do not desire that life, for now. I cherish ...

Our consumer-driven society inadvertently promotes the “give to get” message. The “get” is used to motivate the “give”. I’ve witnessed several examples over the last couple of weeks. Give to the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and you might get at gift card from a local business. Give to the food bank via your school and your class might win a pizza party. Sadly, this message isn’t just used to encourage charity. It has been extended to behaviors that are just expected as citizens of our country. Are you respectful at your high school? Well, what-da-ya-know – good job! Here is $5 from your school cafeteria to indulge on fries and gravy. The other day, you, my daughter were showing exemplary grocery store behavior. I affirmed you, “You listened very well in the store today. You were a great helper. Thank you!” “Then, can I get a candy?” you asked. “No. Not today. Just because you are doing the right thing doesn’t mean I need to reward you every time. You are expected to show good b...