For the sake of our children

What is it about our children that makes us lose our sense of logic at times?

Last week, our family attended Aubrey's Kindergarten Christmas program.  When it was over, I was speechless.

Of course the chairs were all filled, and people were standing in the back.  This wasn't our first go-round, so we arrived early enough to sit in the chairs lined along the wall (no worries of someone sitting in front of us).  Everything was fine until they dimmed the lights and pulled the curtain back from the stage.

I honestly thought there might be a celebrity on the stage.  It became a photo shoot and gathering of fans.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm all for supporting my children, and I'm a proud mom.  But sometimes I think we need to reign in our pride a bit.  Here are a few basic notes I believe should be followed when watching our children perform.

1.  When your child is on a stage (under lights) and you're sitting in the dark, it really doesn't matter how long you stand and wave.  He can't see you.

2.  If you stand to take a photo, please be considerate of the people behind you trying to watch the program.  Especially if you're in the front two rows.

3.  This is not the time to toss out sarcastic comments to those who are standing in front of you.  It's difficult to hear the children sing.  Be an example for those around you.  A positive one.  Although I used those comments I heard to further explain the meaning of inappropriate behavior to Abby who was sitting  next to me.

As a parent, I was disappointed for the sake of the children performing.  I was embarrassed for some of the adults who behaved in this manner.  This should have been an enjoyable evening.

It makes me wonder if it was just this particular group of adults, or is this spectacle becoming more common.  Have we become so self-absorbed and senseless that we lose sight of what's important? 

Let's use our sense for the sake of our children.

Make an Investment

I was thrilled yesterday when the mail came.  When I order something I really want, I’m like my son with his birthday.  I can’t wait!  So I’ve been anxiously checking the mail every day.  My children didn’t exactly share my joy when I showed them the contents of my package.  In fact, they looked at me kind of funny.  I told them this was a very important key to my future.

Why should I be ecstatic over ordering a book that contains over a thousand pages?  You may be looking at me kind of funny right now, too.  Well, let me tell you why I’m excited.

I am cheap.  I hate to spend money.  I am a low-maintenance, discount, red-label, bargain shopper.  I see that as a good thing, although the rest of my family may disagree.  At times, though, my thrifty tendencies can keep me from doing the things I need to do. 

Now back to the book I ordered.  This is a valuable tool for me to have as a writer.  I have looked at this book several different times over the last few years.  A professor in my first Creative Writing class recommended it.  I’ve just never taken the step to buy it.  I don’t know why; it’s not that expensive.  It would be an investment in myself.  Of course, we know that investment really just means to spend money, right?  That’s where my cheapness kicks in.  So I’m thankful that I have my number one fan to push me to spend the money I need to, or else I would not move forward.

It’s not impossible to pursue goals without the right tools, but getting to the finish can be easier if sometimes we take those small investments to help manage our resources and time.

Have you put off buying any of the tools you need to pursue your goals?  What’s stopping you from moving forward?

Number One Fan

I have a fan.

Now, I'm not talking about the kind of fan that you use to circulate air.  Well, I do have a few of those (and they've worked some major overtime this summer), but that's not what I'm referring to here.  This type of fan is a real person - a person who admires me, my work, my accomplishments. 

I know.  It surprises me too...

I'm not talking about my children.  That would be too obvious.  Sure,there are times they are fans, but once the ice cream is finished and we're all back in the car, they have forgotten that I'm the "best mom ever."

So who is my number one fan?  It's my husband.  (Please pardon the momentary sappiness, I'll need it to get to my point.) 

My husband has always been a source of encouragement for me, but I've noticed it more in the last few years, especially these last few months.  It's the simple things he does to let me know he admires me. 

• When I graduated with my Bachelor's degree, I saw such a look of pride on his face. 
• After he read my first short story, I asked for his opinion.  He said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but it didn't sound like something you could write.  It's something I would find in a book."  I wasn't insulted. 
• When I began running, he didn't complain about the time it took me away from our family.  He gets up while it's still dark on one of his few days off to drive me to a race, then wait anywhere from 25 minutes to 2 1/2 hours (depending on the distance) for me to finish. 
• When I tell him what I need to pursue my goals he tells me "do what you need to do."  No questions asked. 

What I've noticed is how effortlessly it is for him.  He doesn't have to do much to make me feel important in my endeavors, but there is no doubt in my mind that he is my biggest fan.  That's how it should be, right?  But how am I doing with this?  How do I encourage my husband, my children, my parents, my friends?  Am I doing the things I need to do in order to let someone know how much I admire them?

Who out there knows without a doubt you're their biggest fan?  Is it a spouse, a child, a parent, a friend?  We should all have someone to cheer lead for.  I challenge you to take a step today to let that person know just how big of a fan you are.