The Simple Life

     I have decided to take this moment to tribute my simple life. No, not the kind where Paris Hilton discovers that Walmart has tons of 5 and 10$ shoes and cheap clothes because they have been spoiled (or not?) with hundred dollar socks and toilet paper for all these years. This is the kind of simplicity like, "Yeah we have a Wii now, but my kids are not junkies and we are still a family even with out it", or "So what if we don't have a lot of toys to play with, mine do fine with paper bags or boxes, and some markers and glue, or even just books!" I am just very appreciative at this time that guess what, I am the mom, and I can run my home how I like, not my kids run me! (I should re-phrase that as the only running I do right now, is get run ragged!) On a completely serious note, I have often wondered, would I even be able to handle much money if I ever had more than what we have now. We are always comfortable, I can always experiment with new foods and yummy things, but within limits as we have a budget and need to practice self control. And most days, it's ok since I like to cook, and on days that it isn't, I have my husband do it, we can go out, or just eat cereal! I like the rhythm we have going, so my floor may not always be clean but my kids are happy and fed, and most times not too whiny! And while some people may joy over a nice Gucci or Prada purse, my mommy carpet bag filled with diapers, wipes, toys and snacks suits me fine. (I will just occasionally empty some of those goods before a long night out!)  Not that there is anything wrong with nice things, believe me I look forward to the day that my couch is in one piece, and not covered in old kid stains or smelling of wet dog or wet who knows what (no I am not dirty either!) It will be nice when my bedroom furniture matches and is even the kind I would like to buy, not just end up with because it is cheap if not free. I still look forward to the day when a big fat house with chickens and goats in the backyard, complete with fruit trees and a small veggie garden is what we have to call home. Where my kids know how to dig a hole and really get dirty, because they helped their dad dig a well at the neighbor's and they start each morning with feeding the chickens and collecting eggs. It's not a farm, just a sustainable piece of something that gives us a little more to work for than get handed each day. And while we have to go to the store for most everything still because the last time I tried to make fruit leather on the dehydrator let's just say it was no longer recognizable (since I am still learning!) someday I will truly get to bask in the simplicity of fresh cage-free eggs and family canning parties, from my very own raspberry bushes.