Experiences for Bragging Rights?

Good Evening to whomever graces my blog this evening :). I had become compelled to share something with you all and feel free to disagree with me. At the beginning of the week I took my oldest on a mommy/son date. He had been chomping at the bit to go strawberry picking. Thankfully for me there is a local u-pick place just a stones throw from our home. As luck would have it our families supply of jam had dwindled to per near nada as well, two birds, one stone. I was able to trade our awesome neighboring mommy friend some fresh strawberries in exchange for keeping the two littles so we could pick with a purpose. This lovely family run berry farm is always a joy to visit. The fields are well groomed and the picking is far better than anything you will find in your local grocery store, making it perfect to use for our yearly supply of home canned jam. While I was sitting there I couldn't help but overhear the amount of moms scolding their children over a photo. This occurred more times than I can even count in the matter of the two hours I was sitting, scooting and picking. Mothers with two, three, four or more children coming into the patch handing their kids each a container and then prompting them to pose and "smile and look at mommy!!!" Now please do not misunderstand me here. I feel that taking pictures of family events is a good thing. Where I am trying to decipher is the fine line between documenting a family outing and trying to chronically one up on social media. You know the people, they "check in" everywhere.... if there was a check point on the toilet they would have to check in there as well. But what I saw was truly disturbing. They came in, snapped a few photos, played on their phone and herded everyone to the car in a matter of maybe 30 minutes at most. What kind of life experience are those kids getting from their few minutes "slumming" with the simple folk. Receiving may dirty glances as I filled up my two ten pound boxes I had time to really think about what my son was learning from picking our own food and later that evening canning it to last us for the rest of the year. I was truly saddened by the lack of connection between parents and children and families and the bounty of berries the good Lord has provided for our sustenance. Instead of snapping photos and checking in get down on the ground with your kids, pick some berries and enjoy the times you spend with them.....not everything needs to be documented, love and quality time are two things that you can never have too much of. Turn off the device and hug your babies. Hope to see you soon.

Try a Simple Thank You

This morning I got up substantially earlier than normal because I had yogurt in the maker that needed tending to. So I got up, half dazed stumbled my way into the kitchen and took care of the yogurt. I put together a lunch portion for Roscoe and the rest went into the fridge. I wasn't playing games, I hopped back into bed hoping to fall back into a peaceful slumber, but alas, no such luck. And he didn't even say thanks. This morning is starting out oober-poop-tastic. I suppose I should just take out my knitting and stop griping. The positive side? The three minis aren't awake yet.......treasuring the sound of silence.

My challenge for you today is to acknowledge an act that you normally take for granted. Appreciation and compassion not only warms your heart but impacts another as well. 

The Other Day

The other day I made hot dogs for the kids. I had intended on having cottage cheese as a side because it was hot outside and frankly, I had no wish to make a full blown meal. Took the cottage cheese out of the fridge and needless to say it did not pass the sniff test. So for dinner the great Chef Momma made beef hotdogs in a bun for dinner. Roscoe was very displeased and is still grumbling about it a week later. BUT, it didn't kill anyone to have a less than gourmet meal. Most people, even those who seem perfect via social media, do not do the majority of what they post. There is a constant need to be a super mom that makes over the moon healthy lunches cut into kid friendly shapes and perfectly displayed in a eco friendly lunch box. All I have to say is, hot dogs for dinner won't kill them. Enjoy your kids and know that doing to best you can is all that you can do.

Helpful for the Pocket Book

Throughout the year I use Swagbucks to help offset the cost of gifts for all occasions. I have been using it for a few years with great success. If you would like to try it as well and earn points for just doing your regular searching check it out here swagbucks.com/refer/MackMommaMade ***Disclaimer: I do receive referral points from you using the above link. Thank you :) ** Hope to see you again soon.