Hidden Treasures

Thankful for a day spent looking for hidden treasures at thrift stores and yard sales with Ashley, Keegan, & YOU today! It was a fabulous morning uncovering a few items to bring home-------a holiday Belle dress-up dress for you (I washed it. When I went down to the basement to hang it up to dry, I noticed it missing. Upon returning back upstairs, I found it hanging on our bedroom door------I'm assuming you asked Daddy to get it out of the washer for you! Maybe by morning, it will be dry so that you can enjoy it!) for only a dollar, a set of orange and white pom-poms for $0.25-------now you can practice those cheers with real pom-poms! Mommy also found an Ann Taylor blouse for only $3.50 that's hardly been worn-- if ever! It's from one of my favorite stores---love to shop there for tailored clothes that are fitting & luxuriously sophisticated! Our morning finds reiterated to me the importance of looking around at rummage sales/thrift stores to find some of the items we often want/need in order to stretch our budget for the week/month/year! My parents, your Yiayia & Papou, have always done just that in order to maintain a debt free household. I can attest that as one of four children we never lacked what we needed------I have fond memories of growing up in a two bedroom apartment. I can remember the furniture piece television, the furniture piece record and 8 track player------and more! Each room is vividly alive in my mind today as we lived in that apartment in Martin, Tennessee. And more importantly are the memories of places we went together, times at the restaurants, playing outdoors, traveling to Greece------- Tonight in your bedroom, you asked me when we were going back to Greece. I responded that it wouldn't be until next summer. Your concept of time is still developing but you didn't question that time frame but seemed satisfied with Mommy's answer. I can only pray that I'm providing you with everything you need to have wonderful memories of your childhood as I do mine------and obviously, going to Greece is as important to you as it is to me! You may not get everything you want but I promise that you have everything you need--------and more! As a little girl, I can remember wanting to be part of the Girl Scouts Troop that my cousins were a part of and wanting to attend gymnastics class-----I wanted the Dr. Seuss books, hardback encyclopedias, and Valentine gifts that my cousins received. I coveted those items then as a little girl-----enough to remember it! But in essence, these items were just things that don't always add value to our lives! I still love nice things but I also love staying within budget------and more importantly, I love spending time with those I love. I know you already love things regardless of what they are.........."Mommy, I want........." and sometimes some things are more important to you, "Mommy, I really wanted that bunny baby from Target!" (We've yet to return to buy it! And you did....you really did love him/her--------and cared for it all throughout the store but I want you to learn that we can't always have what we want)-------we must stick with the "needs" list until we can budget for a want! Your concept of money is still developing too! You used to not accept dollar bills from Daddy and Papou but only wanted their change. You'd give me the bills and ask for change yourself (little money you called it). The other day Daddy handed you a five dollar bill-----you accepted it so that you could buy your bunny baby (who is still in Jackson at Target). Last night, Daddy was giving you money for something and you said, "Not now Daddy, in the morning!" Daddy normally empties his pockets in the morning time and gives you his change-----you like this routine in the morning and didn't want to alter it last night! We thought your statement was funny. As Mommy continues to find the balance between wants/needs and budgeting, I'll teach you too! Together, we can continue to look for those hidden treasures and create memories to be thankful for each day! Having freinds and family to share these times with are important too--------always be proud of what you have, never embarrassed or less worthy of others! You have everything you need in yourself---explore those hidden treasures too! Remember that......When you can't find what satisfies you focus on Jesus Christ's humility and his self-sacrifices: "Jesus....was given a position 'a little lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:9). Jesus chose servanthood, and he is the KING! (Max on Life, page 163). 

I love you little one!