Collect Memories, Not Things

 

I have been thinking a lot about this lately, because there are times I see people buy things and I feel a little envious. Then I remember, I don't even like a lot of clutter, so why would I want all that stuff?

I had to laugh today. I needed to recharge and have a me day. I decided to go shopping in Springfield. 2 times today, I saw the quote, "Collect memories, not things". The irony? The quotes were written on "things" for sale. I saw it on a small wooden desk sign at Michael's and on a travel mug at Cracker Barrel. 

I went to 7 stores and did a lot of  "window shopping". I see a lot of cute things, but I usually ask myself how much I really love it? Will it get used?  Is it a good use of my money? I'd say 85% of the time this prevents me from making a poor decision. Some days a girl just needs some really good retail therapy though and I'll buy things I don't end up using, and then regretting it. Today, my one and only retail purchase was a pair of capris from a resale shop that I paid $7.50 for.

Sure, I used up some gas...but I also filled up for 25 cents less a gallon in Springfield as well, so there's a win. With all of my wandering, I made my own self a bit hangry. I have been craving Cracker Barrel for weeks, and just the thought of it was making my mouth water, so I took myself out to eat. Sometimes it's nice to eat alone. Although I wasn't really alone. I didn't pick the most quiet atmosphere, but the food was worth it.

I am learning that I much prefer creating memories, than having stuff.

Growing up I liked collecting things. Snow globes were my big thing. Most of them were just cheap plastic ones, but I had a few fancier ones that I loved. I'd collect rocks, shells, postcards and then I moved onto Precious Moments. At the time each one of those collections brought me happiness...but I get tired of things. Those rocks, shells, postcards and snow globes are all long gone (with the exception of 1 Christmas globe that I love). The Precious Moments are all sitting bubble wrapped in my garage, where they've sat for nearly 2 years, along with my curio cabinet that's collecting dust. I kept them because they brought me joy...but I didn't want them taking up space in my current home, so I decided to store them for a future home. Honestly though, I've started to consider parting ways with them because I'm not enjoying them. They're hidden away and taking up space. I'm not quite there yet though and that's okay. 

I don't own a ton of clothes...although it feels like it at times. I still have more than I need. Every few months I get agitated, and fill up a bag of stuff to donate. I hang on to some favorites, I have plenty. Shoes have never been that big of a deal. All I need are a few pair of shoes, boots and flip flops and I'm good. I think the most expensive shoes I own cost me $53.  I bargain hunt for apparel. 

I do LOVE home décor. Especially signs and seasonal decorations. That's my guilty pleasure. Once something stops bringing me as much joy, then I know it's time to let it go. Out with the old and in with the new. No sense in keeping things I don't really love.

I struggle with the boys stuff, and have to remind myself constantly that those are their belongings. I get overwhelmed seeing so much stuff crammed into their room, but they share a room, so it's to be expected. I do try to encourage them to get rid of things they don't use. It doesn't always work, but it's refreshing when it does. I hate little trinkets and try to limit what I buy them. Sometimes stocking stuffers and little holiday knick knack and Happy Meal toys drive me bonkers.

I limit the books I purchase because I don't want a thousands books around ( unless they're written by my favorite author. I have nearly all of her books including an autographed one from when I met her). I don't buy DVD's anymore. In fact I got rid of almost all of the ones I owned because, stuff. 

I don't stockpile things, because I feel like I have what I need and I don't need extra of something just because. It will just take up space and stress me out.

I LOVE collecting memories though. My favorite way is through pictures. I've owned a camera since I was 4 years old. I document just about everything and now with social media it's even more enjoyable for me. I love to share pictures and I look back through them extremely often. It may seem excessive to some, but to me they are worth it.

I love going on adventures. I would rather spend my money on an experience 9 times out of 10. Eating out, going to the zoo, taking the boys bowling, going to a baseball game, taking a road trip. Last year I went parasailing. Was it worth the $80? Heck yes it was. I like to be able to get a back massage when I'm hurting. I like to say, "Hey boys! Let's take a little road trip for the day!" and know that I have the money to do that because I didn't spend it on stuff I really didn't need.

Some of my favorite memories revolve around our Advent activities we do each December. My favorites last year were doing the Jingle Bell Walk through the park and our weekend getaway to St Louis. I'm not a huge souvenir person. I will usually pick up a few small things and I try to do that with the boys as well. In St. Louis they each got to pick out about $10 worth of souvenirs each . We have pictures to remember the important things!

When I went to Florida last year, I got myself a few little things. A sweatshirt because I knew I would get good use out of it, and a magnet. Plus a few other fun things. All have been used except my keychain. The only big souvenir I got was a dated Christmas ornament from Disney. I bought the boys' Disney gifts from knock off discount stores and guess what? They were thrilled. I also collected shells from the beach for them.

I would MUCH rather spend a few hundred to a couple thousand on a little getaway or a full blown vacation doing fun activities, rather than coming home with more stuff to find places for.

I'm already working on a little getaway idea for spring break with the boys and I'm looking forward to all of my fun experiences coming up on my Smokey Mountain trip!

Old Soul

I saw this quote the other day, and it resonated with me. I've always felt like somewhat of a "old soul", even as a child.

When I was a kid I befriended my moms friends. When I was in high school, my best friend was in her late 20's. Now I'm in my (almost) late 30's and 3 of my closest friends which includes my mom are 20 or more years older than I am. Of course I have always had a couple friends my own age too. I've even had/have best friends around my age.

I was my mom's sidekick when I was a kid. She was the dean at Bible camp one summer. I was right by her side and dubbed "Little Dean of Camp". I didn't want to hang around the kids. I wanted to be around the adults. In fact, when I got sent to camp on my own in 3rd grade I tolerated it, but I didn't want to do it again. How dare I get left with all kids my own age. I preferred hanging out with my counselor.

If it was moms turn to work in the church nursery, I was in there with her helping take care of kids. I can remember her telling people I was living up to my name. In most baby books Rachel means, "Lamb" but in the book my mom had it also had the definition of "motherly". I felt so grown up.

I started babysitting when I was 10 because I was mature. I look at 10 year olds now and think "WHAT!?!?!" I was TEN and the family that lived across the street from us trusted me to take care of their 6 year old, 4 year old and 1 year old! By the time I was 11 or 12 I was THEE baby-sitting. The one that everyone called. I was raking in the dough!

The church we went to had an annual "Ladies Bus Trip". A whole day of shopping out of town with other women. Women. I was probably 9 the first time I went. I was the only kid allowed to go, because once I again I was more mature. (I do think one year one other girl got to come along too) I went on at least 3 of these trips and hung out with the "old ladies" Ha! It was a blast...minus the year I walked head first into a pole in Galena! 

Our neighbors went to a Lutheran church and would invite us to VBS in the summer. Their mom Lisa was always in charge of the crafts. Did I go to VBS to participate in a class with other kids? Nope. I was her assistant.

My parents never had to worry about me going to parties or getting into anything bad because my ideal Friday and Saturday night consisted hanging out on the couch with my mom.

I have always had a fascination with old houses. It started with falling in love with my Great Grandma's house and my grandparent's house. I love the character and charm. If I were given the choice of a brand new house or a 100 year old house I'd pick the 100 year old house (as long as the big things were updated ie: electrical and plumbing! Been there done that with the plumbing nightmares).

While I am grateful for modern technology and being able to stay in close contact with my family...I do miss the simplicity of life before the internet and cell phones. Would I give them up now? No. But, life used to feel so carefree. I remember watching Mad Men which took place starting in 1960 and thinking, "man I wish I was alive then (minus the whole smoking everywhere part). I even went out and bought a couple of dresses that gave me Betty Draper vibes. 

In many ways I'm very much a millennial, but there's always that part of me that thinks I was born in the wrong decade.  (Okay...not really because I wouldn't have actually been able to exist)

Childhood Games

I've been having the itch to write again, but just haven't taken the time to do it. I think part of it is just not knowing what I want to write about.

I have felt a bit nostalgic lately, and for some reason childhood games were on my mind the other day, so I started Googling to see if I could find any. 

We loved to play games. We had a lot of the more popular games that we played frequently. Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, Clue, Battleship, Yahtzee, Hi-Ho-Cherry-O, and the list goes on.

Of course Monopoly was a favorite of mine. I would spend days playing it at my grandparent's house in the summer when I would go spend a week or 2. We'd leave the board out and continue playing until I would inevitably bankrupt my grandma. Then I'd try to play it with Erica at home, and my bossiness didn't go over so well. It would usually end in fights because I wouldn't let her buy Boardwalk and Park Place. One time she got so mad she flipped the entire board and stormed upstairs...only to come back a few minutes later as I was cleaning it up, to kick me in the butt and then bolt back up the stairs again. I mean, now that I think about it, I most likely deserved it.

What I really was thinking about though were some of the lesser known games. Ones that I don't think many people will remember, but they sure brought a smile to my face when I Googled them.

I would frequently spend the night and my Grandma and Grandpa's Smith's house and Grandma would play board games with me. She'd go rummage around in the closet under the basement stairs and pull them out. We had to play them in a certain order (because I apparently have control issues). It was always, Tom and Jerry, Winnie the Pooh and then we'd finish out with Candyland.

Tom and Jerry:

I really don't remember how it was played, but I assume there was a spinner and you went to the color you landed on. But I LOVED watching Tom and Jerry, which made this game seem extra fun.

Winne the Pooh

If you know me, you know that Pooh has always been my favorite Disney character. (I had a slight obsession in middle school). This picture brings back all the feels. From what I can find, this came out sometime in the 60's or 70's. You would put the little tiddlywinks in that gold bag and draw one out on your turn. There was one certain "bad" color and if you drew it, I think you had to go back to start or lose a turn or something. 

I was SUCH a cheater. If I was worried I was going to draw that one, I would pretend I needed a drink, take the bag with me to the kitchen and poke around and find a good one to draw.

Grandma clearly knew what I was doing but never called me out. I'm sure Grandpa got a kick out of watching me do that.

Barnum's Animal Cracker Game

Oh, man, I LOVED this game. This was one we had at home. Each player had to spin and get the animals that were in your circus car picture in front of you on the board. I loved the crinkly vinyl board. Those animals bring back so many memories. I loved the black panther.

Roller Coaster

This was another game at our house. I got it for Christmas in the early 90's. Erica and I played this one frequently. I couldn't tell you how to play it anymore, but I do remember racing those little marbles down the "roller coaster" chutes. I also found this one sells for quite a bit on eBay. Wish I still had it!

Grabbin' Grasshoppers

What a weird little game this was. We got this one for Christmas as well at Grandma and Grandpa S's house. I can vividly remember sitting at the kitchen table playing this. You have to press down a bunch of grasshoppers with suction cups on the bottom onto the board. The trick was being able to press all of them down at once, so they wouldn't start hopping too soon.

Then you had to use the plastic nets to try and catch them as they started jumping up off the board and flying through the air. The person who caught the most was the winner. This was another fun one that I wish was still around!

Beauty and the Beast

This wasn't your classic board game, but this baby was gold. I got it from my parents for Christmas. My first and only electronic hand held game and by far one of my most used Christmas gifts. We didn't have video games. I was obsessed. Beauty and Beast was (and still is)  my favorite Disney movie. Erica got the Aladdin game and we would trade sometimes, but I think be both thought ours was the best.  

I don't need these games again, but it sure was a fun trip down memory lane!

Daniel's 10th Birthday Letter

 Dear Daniel,

Today you reached a new milestone in your life. You made it to the double digits. I can't believe it's been 10 whole years since the nurse laid you on my chest. You were perfect. Although, looking back you kind of looked like a little alien...but moms are blind to that. I was so in love with you and in awe. I always dreamed of having kids, and God blessed me with you.

Over this past year you have grown so much. First of all, you are up to my shoulders! Almost 5 feet tall in 4th grade. I keep wondering what year you'll pass me up? You've also grown and matured a lot. You have helped me SO much. I know you don't always enjoy it (because what kid really likes being told what to do?), but you do it. It's nice to have someone that will help me when my back is hurting by carrying laundry up and down the stairs, helping to carry in the groceries and take the trash out. You've shown that you can be responsible and trustworthy too. That doesn't mean that you don't have an impulsive side that leaves me scratching my head some days. You also do plenty of immature things as well. Just this week you put a stuffed fox in a pair of underwear and I found them spinning on your ceiling fan. Today you and James won these spiky balls from a claw machine and you stuffed them in your shirt and told me you had spiky boobs. I say it all the time. Boys are WEIRD.

Highlights over the past year have been:

• surviving 3rd grade which was a giant mess of remote learning, half days of school and full days off school.
• finally learning how to ride a bike...which you picked up in 1 day!
• checking a new state off your list. We went to Nebraska and finally got to meet your cousin Katie who was almost 2 years old!
• getting Covid and having to quarantine for 10 days. Thankfully yours was super mild. A one day fever, a nasty cough and a slight runny nose. But now you can tell your kids someday that you survived the Rona.
• getting to go on an actual field trip! The 4th grade went to Springfield and got to go to the Lincoln museum and grave site. You were so dang excited and from the sounds of it, you loved every minute. I can't wait to go back with you sometime!

Yesterday we went to your conference and your teacher didn't have one negative thing to say. She said you're an awesome kid. You follow the rules. You follow directions. And your test scores for math and reading a far above average. You've passed the multiplication and division computer program, so she's excited to get the fraction program to challenge you more! I sure wish I had your math skills, but I'm thankful you understand it so well and love it, because I would be LOST!

Today we celebrated by having cake for breakfast and going to Chuck E Cheese. That part was for James too, since I missed most of his birthday. You 2 had a lot of fun and I loved seeing the smiles on your faces. 

Here's to an awesome year of being 10! I love you so much and I am proud of the person you are becoming.

Love,
Mom

In All Things, Give Thanks

I feel like I've been down in the dumps with a lot of my posts lately, so I figure it's about time to find some cheer and positivity. 

Here are just some of the things I am thankful for right now.

1. A God who loves me and has carried me through being sick. He has given me strength on days where I don't feel strong at all.

2. My kids. Being a mom isn't easy, but I am so lucky to have Daniel and James in my life. They are the best.

3. An amazing family. A mom who drops everything to come be with her sick adult child and to take care of her grandkids. And a dad and sisters who check in to see how I'm doing, or say random things to make me laugh.

4. Actual health care coverage that isn't going to put me into debt from my recent hospital stay.

5. Friends who check in. All the Facebook messages, texts, calls (for the few of you that I'll answer my phone for!), have given me encouragement. The amount of people who dropped things off for the boys and I when we were quarantined just blew me away. So many Halloween treats (like TOO many!), medicine, care packages, and even a gift card to order pizza so I wouldn't have to worry about supper. I may be an introvert, but knowing that people will be there when you need them is a very nice feeling too.

6. That the boys have a dad that will help take care of them, and that is willing to get along so that the boys lives aren't complicated. He has helped quite a few times these past few weeks, and it's been very helpful to me.

7. That I have an EXTERMELY understanding job. I am so thankful to the church where I work for allowing all of this recovery time. I hate being gone. I really wanted to go back this week, but I just don't see it happening. People have stepped in to sub for preschool and Kid's Club. My co-workers have all checked in on me multiple times too. 

8. I was still able to get out on a couple short drives to see the leaves at their peak. It was beautiful.

9. If I need to boost my spirits, I can jam out to Christmas music.

10. I have a roof over my head, a comfortable bed and food.