Thursday, November 3, 2011

Toys R Us catalog came today.......

A balancing act…isn’t that what parenting really is?  We really feel this way around the holidays.  When we first began fostering/adopting, we had the tendency to “overcompensate” for what the kids had never had.  We would “over buy” and this would overwhelm all of us on many levels.  Over the years we have certainly reduced the amount that we buy; for a variety of reasons.  First of all…the lovely recession, the hiking upward of food prices, gas prices, etc.  Also, we took a hit when we decided that Tammy would stay home with the kids full-time.  I think that it has been the best thing in the world for all of us; but financially it sure has been tough.  It has made us really the vast difference between what is “wanted” and what is “needed.”  And I am not going to lie…it has been tough!  I miss shopping!!

Anyway, this brings me back to the holiday discussion…we are really trying to teach the kids what the holidays are all about.  It is not about how many toys that you can accumulate and then 2 days later not even remember what you got.  We are not so great about teaching the religious part and are trying to find a church.  (we tried one a few weeks ago that just didn’t fit us; so we are on the lookout again)  However, we both have a very giving heart and the ability to empathize with others.  And this is what we are focusing on this year.  The fact that we are lucky to have such a great family; that we always have food to eat, a car to drive, electricity, running water, etc.  Many, many families around the world cannot say this.  So..we are going to pick a person or organization to donate to; not sure of the specifics yet...but I have some strong ideas J

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