Different Doesn't Mean Weird

Every year I take my class on a 3 day field trip to a working horse ranch called Rawhide Ranch. Today I came home from that trip and felt the need to say something.  A few times I was told "it must be like a vacation for you without your kids." So let me get this clear, you think that leaving my 4 kids and husband at home for 3 days to come take care of 9 other kids who are all trying new things and having all kinds of mixed emotions about it is a vacation?  Those same 9 kids are spending 2 nights away from home in a society where most kids have never spent a night away from home before and now they are getting homesick. Please don't get me wrong,  I have a good time on the trip. It is awesome to see 3rd graders learn to be responsible for themselves.  It's good to see them learn to make choices, try new things and conquer their fears. It, however,  is work. 3 straight days of work. Even the nights are work because even though 3rd graders can sleep through the night they usually don't when they're away from home and nervous.  The other thing that gets to me about that statement is that I actually like spending time with my husband and kids. That may be a rare thing in society today but it's true. I miss my husband while I'm gone. I miss my kids while I'm gone. I don't like not being a part of their daily lives. Yes, my everyday life can be hectic with work, homework,  dinner, housework, baseball practice,  etc but that is the life I chose and the life I love. 

It is also not a vacation for my husband or kids. My husband and I work together as a team to keep our household running smooth. We each have our roles and things we do and it works for us. When I'm gone I'm asking my husband to take care of everything by himself. Although he always does an awesome job and is more than capable of taking care of everything it's just easier with a partner. 

I guess the point of this little rant is that we all need to learn to think before we speak.  If what we want to say is True, Helpful,  Inspiring,  Necessary,  and Kind then go ahead.  If it doesn't fit that criteria then maybe we should hold our tongues.  

In addition,  I have come to the conclusion that my family is just different.  We value different things, enjoy different things, and run our home differently. Different doesn't mean weird. Different just means not the same as you.

Day 4

This is a picture of a pin I have on Pinterest.  Let me explain what exactly I'm grateful for. Today I am grateful for words of wisdom that have been passed down to me from my parents and grandparents.  I hear these sayings in my head all the time and usually in the voice of whoever has said it to me the most. I always hear my mom way, "if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say nothing at all."  When something is particularly frustrating my Nanny's voice rings loud and clear with, "you can fight a bear that long" Other times  I can hear my dad patiently walk me through what needs to be done.  When I feel like complaining or throwing myself a pity party my mom's voice reminds me "you've got the same clothes to get glad in." These words of wisdom may not make sense to everyone.  I can't even be sure where they started from but I've heard them all my life and I'll use them all my life. Hopefully when my boys are faced with an unpleasant situation they will hear my voice sharing those same words of wisdom and maybe a few of my own. 

Day 3

Jamba Juice....not as good as a mocha frappe from McDonalds or a frap from Starbucks but a healthier alternative and it satisfies my sweet tooth.

Day 2

Today I'm grateful for playtime with my kids at Chuck E. Cheese.

365 Days of Gratitude

I read somewhere online today about a photographer that took a picture of something she was grateful for each day for 365 days. The reason behind her idea was to spend more time being grateful and less time worrying and being stressed.  I think this is a fabulous idea so I'm going to attempt it here on my blog. So day 1....I am grateful for views like this.