“So, where did you and your family go this summer?”
We didn’t.

“How much money did you end up spending on new school clothes?”
We didn’t.

“Hey, let’s see your first day of school pics!”
We didn’t.

We didn’t…
go on a vacation.
go to amusement places.
go out to eat.
go visit family.
buy new school clothes.
buy new backpacks.
buy new shoes.
buy new lunch boxes.
buy new water bottles.
take a picture on the first day of school.

We did…
share hugs & kisses.
say, “I love you.”
take random pictures of silliness.
make our own lunch most days… including the youngest.
more chores than ever before.
wear the clothes we like and are comfortable in.
take time to take care of health.
spend a lot of money on medical supplies and medications.
get my anxious son to the first day of school with no breakdowns or tears…
GET MY ANXIOUS SON TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL WITH NO BREAKDOWNS OR TEARS!!!

My sons are my HEROES. They are doing it. They are figuring it out. They are learning how to get themselves through the rough spots. They are learning to appreciate that money doesn’t come easy. They are getting the concept of need vs want. They are appreciating what they have more. They are becoming more self-sufficient. They are expressing more thanks and gratefulness. They are pushing themselves to do what they know they have to do.

I am the PROUDEST MOM ON THE EARTH!

This was the BEST summer ever!

This was a VICTORIOUS first day of school!