Easy-Peasy

While we are working to become debt-free, a frequent word in our house is "No" and a frequent phrase is "Do we really need it?" Sure, we do stuff that costs money from time to time, we splurge here and there, and we work hard to help the kids realize we choose to not spend money in one place so we can instead spend it in another.

Of course, Scott and I have our concerns over what effect will this have on the kids. Will they look back at their childhood and simply remember a world full of no? Will they look back and see all the opportunities they missed out on? Will they go crazy once they leave home, trying to buy all the happiness we denied them? Will they tell their kids stories about hand-me-downs (although I tout them as very earth friendly as a hand-me down is simply recycling at it's best), eating only fresh fruits and veggies in season because they are dirt cheap (again -- good for us and the planet, but still not as much fun as buying any fruit which suits your fancy), and being limited on everything because either it isn't a genuine need or it doesn't fit in our limited space?

Every now and then, though, there is a window into the minds of our offspring which makes me realize I worry to much. Take, for example, today.

Scott and I had pretty low-key plans for this beautiful spring day which would only cost us a couple of gallons of gas. First, we would do some yard work in the back re-potting some plants, ready-ing the air conditioner for tomorrow's service call, and cleaning up the kids' fort in the woods. Then, we figured we would snag some lunch at our favorite bistro, also know as the Rutherford Kitchen, before heading over to our favorite park for a couple of hours. Of course, we would have to be mindful of the time because Isabelle and Tucker had a homeschooling swim-class tonight and Shelby was going to help set up a pool for Youth Group Mondays, so we knew we would need to leave the park by 4:00 to be home in time for the mass parting of the Rutherfords scheduled to begin at 4:30.

So, Tucker comes in and asks, "What are we doing?"

Scott quickly sums up the day by stating: "We 'll play in the backyard until lunch, we'll grab some leftovers, then we'll head over to the park until your swim class. How's that sound?"

Tucker's face immediately breaks into an amazing smile as he bellows, "I'm the luckiest kid in the world!! We're really going to do all that?! Wait 'til I tell everyone else. See ya', dad!"

Huh. So maybe we aren't scarring the kids for life by not buying everything under the sun my heart longs to do for them.

Maybe, just maybe, we're doing all right.

Cool.