Torn, Tattered and Abused

We are a flip-flop family... Jonny is the most flip-flop lovin' kid I have ever met. He wear them in the summer, fall, and winter and spring. He wears them with shorts, jeans and even a Sunday suit. He wears them to school, to the park and to church. Late last spring we bought him the "perfect" flip-flops. They were squishy and comfy. He wore them everywhere and anywhere. They began to tear. I bought new flip-flops. Next thing I know he's back in these. It got to the point that I was hiding them to keep them off his feet. Consistently I would look down and there they were on his feet.

Finally in December I convinced him that new flip-flops were needed as his favorites were truly torn and tattered from the abuse of a 9 year old boy. I took the torn up shoes and asked the sales clerk to toss them. We left Famous Footwear with the new "all in one piece" flip-flops on his feet. He was quite upset that I had thrown away his shoes.

I went into Michaels and the kids headed toward Tilleys. When we met in the car Jonny had a smile from ear to ear. I looked at his feet and there they were... his old tattered flip flops.

Finally he is wearing his new shoes. But at times I look down to see his old shoes on his feet.

Resolved ...

To not make a New Year's resoluton this year... Till my Jonny came to me and said "Mom, my New Year's resoltion is to not miss a single day of school, and to get my Bear" Jonny chose some truly exceptional resolutions that will be invaluable to him as he continues to lean and grow in this life. He is also quite determined and makes his mom very proud!

Woah... I can't be stood up by my own kid!

Desirae decided she is going to work on some personal goals as part of her New Year's resolution. Her goals are inspiring to me. She is such an amazing daughter and I am so blessed to have this unique, intelligent, talented young woman to learn from each day! I stand in awe of her each day.

As a mom, I'm slacking! Look at these great kids that I have! They set such an amazing example for me! I musta done something right at some point...

Generosity of Others.

This Christmas was quite different from many from years past. Typically my children make a list and I go purchase the mast majority of the items on it. I carefully choose items that I feel they need and will mean something to them. This year though, my budget was significantly smaller than usual. But I was determined to make the best of it. I worked hard to earn the money I could and put true thought and prayer into what each of my children needed.

Soon I realized my budget was even smaller than I initially that it to be. I was devastated that I was not going to be able to provide the Christmas I was hoping for. I prayed my heart out, I asked for work anywhere I could. Next thing I know my dear friend Randy Love who was serving a tour overseas emailed me and asked what the kids wanted for Christmas. I was dumbfounded. Soon after I accepted a job which would give me a little money just before Christmas. I had things all set... but realized I was still short. My Jonny wanted 1 specific NERF gun and my Desi still needed a pair of pajamas. I got a phone call from my bishop who gave me a gift card to WalMart... it covered exactly what I need AND I got to fill the kids stockings.

Our Christmas was "perfect" according to the kids... Thanks to the generosity of others.