Dripping with Kids

Category: Motivation

  • Who’s in Charge?

    Who’s in Charge?

    Inspired by Guadalupe River State Park

    I’m the type who likes to make plans. I love to make bucket lists for each season and to-do lists for each day. I love doing projects and watching the development from start to finish. I love planning vacations and family visits. I even plan time for planning.

    My brother has explained to me that I compensate for anxiety by making plans. This compensatory skill has become especially helpful in dealing with chaotic and difficult seasons, as well as the unpredictability of parenting.

    While on my personal path of looking ahead and making plans, I’ve been picking and choosing what I want to hear from God, the Lord of hope. I’ve been reading scripture that promises that good is triumphant over evil, that we have hope as an anchor, and that the Lord can overcome all struggles. I like scripture that coincides with my plans.

    Then, I came across the type of story I was trying to avoid in Jeremiah 27-29. 

    Jeremiah prophesied that the Israelites would serve under King Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon, his son, and his grandson. They would leave their homeland and submit to the control of a king they distrusted. The Israelites didn’t like this prophesy. Many didn’t want to believe that they would give up freedoms and even die far from home while under King Nebuchadnezzer’s rule. They were told it would be 70 years of oppression. 70 years away from the comfort of home. 70 years living a life they had not planned.

    This opened the door to a false prophet, Hananiah, who promised that the people would return to their land and the lives they were used to within two years. It was a promise people could cling to. Hananiah’s prophecy offered hope. The Israelites could make their plans. 

    But Hananiah was wrong. The Israelites were exiled. Their plans were destroyed… their hope, diminished.

    If I lived during the 6th century, BC, who would I have chosen to believe – Jeremiah or Hananiah?

    I probably would have listened to the false prophet. His promise would’ve matched my plans. His prophecy would’ve sounded better for my idea of the life I desire for myself and my family. It would’ve offered my version of hope, just as I choose to believe that this political season and economic downturn, full of anger, division, frustration, decline, and violence, will end soon and lead to significant change in our nation. I’m making my plans! 

    However, it’s not about me and my plans. The hope our Father offers is not related to the leader of this nation or how much money we can save (or spend). I have to remember the true message in Jeremiah’s prophecy.

    Jeremiah encouraged the Israelites to live well while in exile, even if their own plans for a good life would never come to fruition. They were called to worship the true king, work hard even under oppressive rule, to sow gardens they may never get to reap, to build homes somewhere other than their homeland, to marry despite their inward strife, to have children potentially bound to slavery, and to pray for the town and the king they did not choose.

    In Jeremiah 29:11, he adds God’s familiar promise: “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 

    This bit of scripture reminds us that we have many blessings and opportunities to live a fruitful life no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. Our idea of abundance may not match His, but God is good in all situations, seasons, and political regimes, even if His own plans don’t make sense to me or align with mine.

    There is always a greater promise than the earthly plans we make for ourselves, and it will be better than we could have ever imagined. I will worship the king of kings above all else and rely on the hope He promises, regardless of current circumstances and my own faltered plans.

    This piece is inspired by Guadalupe River State Park. We love visiting this park because of the beautiful river running through it, the kid-friendly trails, the discovery room, and the stunning views. Although the river is fun to swim in and quite calm near the banks, the current can surprise you and take control.

    Once, when my husband and I brought our two toddlers to the park, we waded out to the center of the shallow river, each holding one of our little ones , who wore puddle jumper floaties because they were not yet swimmers. As we ventured toward the small ripples in the water, something took hold of us, and we were no longer in control.

    The current slammed our bodies into large rocks underwater, and there was no way to get our footing. We struggled to keep our babies, and even our own heads, above water. As I recognized that we weren’t able to keep our kids and ourselves safe, I screamed, “toss the babies to shore”. With as much might as we could muster, we launched the kids out of the current’s path and prayed they could stand and get to shore. We had to let go and trust that they would be ok.

    Then, we could use our freed hands to swim toward the shore ourselves. It worked, and the kids were safe! Thank God we walked away with just cuts and bruises, as well as a greater appreciation for the forces of nature.

  • Simple, Not Easy

    Simple, Not Easy

    Inspired by Peaceful Porches

    So many goals in life are simple to achieve. Connection with family members grows with uninterrupted time together. Wealth comes with spending less and investing the remainder. Weight loss requires eating clean and exercising daily. The instructions seem so basic and simple. However, they are rarely easy.

    The instruction I especially find to be simple but not easy is the call for us to live as Jesus did. His life was busy and full, yet he was never hurried and definitely lived simply.

    It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

    – Galatians 2:20

    We are instructed to place all trust in Him and live by faith. We are given stories of the life we’re meant to emulate, the life of Jesus.

    I have short, simple phrases on a chalkboard hanging next to our dining table to describe the way Jesus lived as a guide for my family. This is a rudimentary interpretation of how to walk through life like Jesus did:

    Go for a long walk. Simple. Love others. Simple. Ask questions and listen for the answers. Simple. Invite others in for a meal or a chat. Simple. Find solitude and rest. Simple.

    If the principles are simple, why is it so difficult to implement them?

    We are human. We’re sinners. We’re easily distracted and easily charmed by the ways of this world. We enjoy material possessions. We can be manipulated by marketing and advertising. We like to be entertained, even by immoral people and practices. We are stubborn and headstrong. We think we know better about how to live a full life.

    Our lives are certainly full. My life, in particular, is full of responding to kids’ needs, cooking, cleaning, gardening, soccer practices and games, errands, calendar planning, homeschooling, friends and social activities, travel, budgeting, investing, reading, writing, and so much more. I’m sure your list is just as long too. We have busy lives, affording little time left over to focus on how to yield to the Holy Spirit and live as Jesus taught us.

    The good news is that it’s possible to have both. We just have to prioritize the simple. We have to redeem our time in order to live like our Redeemer. In Jordan Raynor’s book, Redeeming Our Time, the author lays out 7 principles for living a more purposeful, productive, and present life that would emulate the life of Jesus much more closely than how most of us live today. The 7 principles are:

    • Start with the Word
    • Let your Yes be Yes
    • Dissent from the Kingdom of Noise
    • Prioritize your Yeses
    • Accept your Unipresence
    • Embrace Productive Rest
    • Eliminate All Hurry

    I recommend checking out his book and/or his week-long devotional through the Bible app. It’s a great way to get started on living more simply yet remaining focused on the gifts and purpose the Lord has set for your life.

    I’d also recommend finding a place that allows you to separate from the noise of this world, rest and renew yourself, and pray without distraction. Until we intentionally center our lives around the simple, we will continue to let the frenzy of this world lead us away from our purpose. I’m most certainly aware, though, that this is much easier said than done.

    When I need to find solitude and a little quiet time to focus, I love stepping out onto my back porch or the porch of any home we stay in while traveling. Although I can hear the sounds of birds, cicadas, cars, and children playing in back yards, I feel a sense of peace as soon as I shut the door and breathe in the fresh air. It’s often where I read, pray, write, and do yoga. That place of solitude is different for each person and at each home, but it’s so essential for embracing the simple side of life. I hope you’ve found yours.

    Hyatt Hill Country in San Antonio, TX
    Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site
    The Kendall in Boerne, TX
  • How Wasteful

    How Wasteful

    Inspired by Pioneer Farms, a place that reminds us of when people lived on so little and treasured their limited time together

    “How wasteful!”

    This phrase comes out of my mouth more often than I’m aware. When I’m walking past the trash cans after a high school football game and see hundreds of plastic water bottles overflowing the bin, I’ll whisper to myself, “how wasteful!”

    When I see my kids take more than one paper towel in the bathroom to half-dry their tiny little hands, I gasp, “how wasteful!”

    When I receive a small item from Amazon on my porch in a large box with an abundance of plastic bubble wrap, I mutter, “how wasteful!”

    And don’t even get me started on how I react when money is wasted!

    I could share hundreds of examples of excessive waste in our world. While I try to find ways to reduce and reuse, such as the pledge my family took for an entire year not to drink water from plastic water bottles and the fact that we drive cars until they practically fall apart, I recognize that I am part of the problem too.

    Then, at church one Sunday, I listened to a sermon that made me look at waste in a whole new way. The pastor was preaching on happiness, and he made a bold yet obvious statement about how to live a full life:

    “Don’t waste good days.”

    My heart skipped a beat. Too often, I worry about trash and excess purchases, but what I waste more than anything is a very precious resource God gave us:

    Time.


    I’m sure God might notice “how wasteful!” I’m being when I vent to my husband about matters and people I cannot change or when I last-minute-cancel a friend’s request to go to lunch because I’m scurrying around my empty house completing my self-assigned to-do list. God could mutter, “how wasteful!” when he sees me playing around with Instagram filters, then typing, deleting, and retyping the perfect caption for that edited photo, while there’s a shining sun glaring through my window. And what about when I’m catching up on dozens of texts from a group chat while my child is begging to play.

    The Lord has given me so much, including time on this Earth, so much so that there’s opportunity to waste it in worry, fear, complaining, anger, excess, and busyness.

    But that’s not His intent for us. He created a universe and a livelihood that’s meant for joy, pleasure, community, and love. He’s blessed us with people who need and want our affection and attention. These good days cannot be squandered.

    I have to vow to choose joy and pay attention to how I spend my days; I don’t know how many I have left. There’s no time to waste.

    When my kids and I visit historic sites, especially living history farms, it often reminds how little time could be wasted when survival was on the line. Last year, we read through the entire Little House on the Prairie series. There were many days that the family had to sit around and wait for horrible weather to pass or ride in a wagon for countless hours until they reached a destination. That time seemed to be wasted, but they always made the most of it with conversation, important tasks, studying, reading, and playing music.

    My kids and I enjoy visiting these historic sites and imagining how we’d spend our time if we had lived back then. I highly recommend a visit to Pioneer Farms in Austin to take your family back in time and reminisce on a slower way of life.

    Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.

    -Psalm 90:12 NIV

  • Anchored ’til the End

    Anchored ’til the End

    Inspired by Inks Lake State Park, a place of natural beauty that’s withstood the test of time and change

    Today, a memory came to mind. It was of the 2019 Christmas program in which my two youngest children, Henry and Georgia, performed at their preschool.

    Georgia was a sheep, and Henry was dressed as an angel. I already assumed upon taking my seat that I would see a very different performance from 4 year-old Georgia than from 2 year-old Henry. This difference was apparent the moment they walked down the aisle toward the stage at the front of the sanctuary.

    Georgia held her head high, looked for us, and then smiled excitedly when she saw us at the edge of our seats. Henry, on the other hand, walked very quickly with his head forward, staring at the back of the friend in front of him. He wouldn’t even look over at us despite how many times and how loudly we called his name.

    As the program started, Georgia sang her lyrics loud and proud, checked to make sure we were recording her, and giggled with the little girl next to her. She excitedly encouraged everyone to “go tell it on the mountain”, and you could see that she had that joy, joy, joy down deep in her heart. She made her mom and dad very proud. 

    Then, there was Henry on the opposite side of the stage, looking more perplexed than I imagined possible for a 2 year-old. He stood there, staring off in the distance, with his hands at his sides, occasionally repeating the final word of a verse one second too late. He was the cutest little angel, but my poor baby just looked lost.

    Then, something unexpected happened. All of his classmates started getting shy or nervous and left the stage to go sit by their teacher on the floor in the audience. 

    But Henry stayed. 

    He didn’t know a single hand motion and only mumbled about one out of every 10 lyrics, but he stayed. He stood there, all by himself, until the end… the only angel left on stage.

    My husband and I wanted so badly to return Georgia’s gazes toward us for attention and pick out her sweet voice among all the loud, singing children, but we were in awe of Henry. We kept a phone pointed at Georgia, recording every second, but our eyes were glued to Henry. We waited in anxious anticipation to see if he would run off like his classmates or if he would suddenly start belting out lyrics he hadn’t practiced. But most of all, as we stared at him with huge smiles on our faces, we felt a sort of pride that didn’t seem to make sense. 

    I imagine God sees all of His children in this way. Some have been practicing their faith for many years. They know the verses; they can go through the motions by memory; and they are comfortable with all eyes on them at the table. These children are incredibly special and set an example for many who may be new to the faith. 

    However, some of His children are at that same table, sitting quietly, wondering what they’re supposed to say, what their next move should be. They’re intimidated by their new circle of friends who have that perfect memorized verse to share in a difficult conversation. They may even think about running away and not returning.

    But they stay.

    They sit at the table, possibly perplexed, but still standing firm in their faith. They’re just so pleased to finally be at that table. I think God looks at these particular children with a different kind of pride, watching and waiting to see that growth that He knows will come. He smiles down and can’t keep His eyes off of His child who will eventually read, practice, share, teach, and serve others in His name. In those early stages, though, the most important thing is that His child hasn’t run away. He or she welcomes God’s love and remains until the end, anticipating all the good that’s to come.

    Yet to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

    – John 1:12 NIV

  • What does Financial Freedom mean to you?

    What does Financial Freedom mean to you?

    There are obvious answers to this question that speak to just about every individual in this country. Financial freedom means more … more time with family, more travel, more outings with friends, more buying power, and more control over your schedule. Financial freedom also means less… less anxiety about money, less time at work, less overall stress, and less responsibility. To some, it represents a debt-free life. To some, it means living minimally or nomadically. To some, it’s about achieving a better life than their parents had. To everyone, it opens the door to greater opportunities.

    While these are all excellent answers, I had to interpret the meaning of financial freedom for myself as I embarked on this savings journey, recognizing that I was “dragging” five other people along on this road to financial independence. With that level of responsibility in mind, my definition had to be worthwhile and incredibly motivating.

    Financial freedom allows the ability to let go…

    of maintaining a specific image; of an addiction to other people’s lives; of the shackles of material goods; of the restrictions placed on me by others; of saying ‘yes’ when I want to say ‘no’; of saying ‘no’ when I want to say ‘yes’; of negative relationships; of working to achieve someone else’s dream.

    It provides the option to linger…

    in bed all morning with my husband; on the floor in my kids’ playroom as they set up a tea party; at church after service or maybe on a Wednesday; on a restaurant patio with a friend; on a beautiful beach all day; in my sister’s living room catching up on a favorite TV show; at my mom’s house sipping coffee; at my children’s favorite museum; on the hiking trail or in the river at a state park; with a baby in my arms.

    It affords the privilege of indecisiveness…

    on whether to build a forever home or buy an investment property… or both; on whether to volunteer in local church ministries or start the business I’ve always dreamed of… or both; on whether to homeschool my kids and travel the globe or keep them in public school… or both; on taking up golf or playing in an over-40 soccer league… or both; to write a book or start or podcast… or both.

    It commands the responsibility to give…

    financial literacy lessons to my children; personal finance advice to the young and old; donations to charitable organizations; more time to important projects; opportunities to the underprivileged so that they can break the cycle of poverty; more of me to those I love.

    Personal finance is exactly that: personal. Financial freedom can mean the same thing yet something different to everyone. What does it mean to you?

  • The Secret Path to Tracking your Spending

    The Secret Path to Tracking your Spending

    In my previous post, “New Year, New FRUGAL You”, I mentioned that tracking your spending is the most important yet most daunting step in starting your journey into savings. However, figuring out HOW to track where your money goes doesn’t seem to be the biggest challenge. We’re all smart and savvy people. We can find apps, we can keep receipts, we can download Excel templates, we can jot totals in a notebook… to each his own.

    What I discovered is that the most difficult aspects of tracking your spending are the initial execution and staying motivated enough to follow through. Do you remember wanting something so badly as a child that you saved and waited and then saved and waited some more to be able to get that desired object of your infatuation? For me, it was a pair of rollerblades when I was a teenager. My best friends and I explored the neighborhood on eight wheels every single day after school, practicing tricks and showing off along the way. My first pair was an off-brand set that my parents bought me, but after those started to wear out, I really wanted a real pair of name-brand Rollerblades. Prior to setting this goal, I was the type of kid who spent every penny I came by, so I had to really buckle down to stay motivated and save every little bit of cash I received. Eventually, I had enough, and I proudly purchased that pair of black and neon-green skates. I loved my prized possessions so much because I had waited for them and earned them myself.

    Do you remember what that special thing was for you? What were you willing to save every last penny for as a kid? Can you remember that feeling of accomplishment and the well-deserved reward?

    It’s time to rediscover that childhood perseverance and determination! As you read this, set a short-term goal that is really meaningful to you and/or your family. Maybe you want to stay in a picturesque pastel beach house in Seaside, Florida this summer for a few days with your family and cruise around in that quintessential golf cart. Maybe you want to spend a birthday or anniversary night away with your partner at the chic Camp Lucy in our beautiful town of Dripping Springs. Maybe you want to buy a trampoline for your kids so they can burn off that after-school or pre-nap energy each day. The dream is all yours to come up with. I just recommend that it’s realistic, that it’s short-term (achievable within six months), and that it’s something that will continue to keep you motivated, like a super cool pair of neon rollerblades. Now, write it down. Yes, write it down right now and share it with others. Text your partner, call your mom, share it with a friend, or write it in the comments below. This goal needs to be real, and as soon as you share it with someone else, it will keep you accountable. My short-term goal is to take my husband somewhere special (shhhh) for his 40th birthday coming up in May.

    With that goal in mind and a very specific deadline on when you want to achieve it, let’s talk about getting there in 4 simple steps without digging into savings or just purchasing on a credit card and figuring out how to pay for it later. This goal is going to be your budget-motivator.

    1. Start tracking! There are apps, such as YNAB, Mvelope, Every Dollar, and Mint to help with tracking and setting an initial budget based on what you think you’re spending each month. You can also go old school with pen and paper or excel spreadsheets. This personal budget template has several common categories already listed and is a great way to get started, but there are hundreds out there to choose from. Pick your poison and track ALL your spending for one month.

    2. Budget and eliminate! Based on your current spending in the first month, budget reasonable amounts for the the next month and then find categories that can be reduced significantly or eliminated completely, even just in the short term to reach your goal. For example, I want to save $600 for my husband’s birthday celebration, which will be toward the end of May. This gives me approximately 4 months to save the money. That comes out to $150/month. Looking at what we typically spend in specific categories, I ask myself, where can I cut out $150 for just the next 4 months? Can I go without new clothes for that amount of time? Can I do pedicures at home for a few months? Can we cut our eating-out budget in half? This is the same process you can go through to reach your specific goal. If it’s a $300 trampoline that you want to surprise your child with at his birthday party in April, then where can you cut out $100 per month in the short term?

    3. Set that money aside! Put that money saved in a separate account or withdraw it from the ATM and hide it in the house. Don’t spend this money on other things. Keep your eye on the prize.

    4. Buy it and reap your rewards! In the process of saving for this one specific goal, I predict that you will have developed a habit of tracking your spending, and it will become easier and easier to budget every single month from here on out. It will also become easier to cut out a lot of spending fluff, all those extras that no longer seem necessary once you’ve seen exactly how much of your hard-earned dollars are being spent on them. Think of your budget as a way to afford you something you need or want, rather than depriving you from it.

    Congratulations! You’ve found a personal and achievable way to get started and stay on track. Now, set bigger goals! After saving for that one reward and accomplishing a big win in doing so, now it’s time to set long-term and even bigger savings goals. What’s next? A paid-off credit card? Buying your next car with cash? A house in a better neighborhood? Early retirement? Once you’ve started on your path, anything is possible!

  • New Year, New FRUGAL You (9 Easy Ways to Save Money in 2020)

    New Year, New FRUGAL You (9 Easy Ways to Save Money in 2020)

    Happy New Year! Have you already made your resolutions? Planning to get skinny (errr… I mean “healthy”)? Hoping to read more? Watch less TV? Exercise daily? Go to church more often? Swear in front of the kids fewer times per day??

    Those are all good ones, but so far, the single resolution I’ve been hearing the most is “to save money!” Consumerism has taken over and rendered many of us hopeless and hungover in its wake. The year 2020 is the time for change, right?!

    What I’ve also been hearing is that most people aren’t sure how to save money. Where could they possibly cut back? Especially when kids are in the picture. That’s exactly where I stood several months ago when I started a deep-dive into the messes of our finances and our spending. I had previously considered myself pretty darn frugal. I only bought clothes and decor on sale. I made my kids share meals when we went out to eat. I had one fewer drink than I wanted to when out with the girls. And my husband and I took joy in repurposing or building furniture rather than buying new. So, where could I possibly cut back without leading a life of “deprivation”? I was already careful with money… so I thought.

    Regardless of the doubts I had on whether it would make a difference at all, I decided to set out on a journey of budgeting and tracking our spending. It was difficult at first, and I did not take it seriously, but after listening to a few personal finance podcasts and talking to several friends, I really started to treat it like a true mission. That’s when everything changed! Just in the process of tracking what we were spending, we started saving. A lot. We started saving so much money that I looked back and didn’t understand where it had all gone before. Our lives didn’t even look different. This propelled me and motivated me in such a way that I now want to help others on the same path to changing their lives without changing their lifestyle, to start saving more money for their families and their future, and to see the benefits of frugality.

    This list of 9 easy ways to save money in 2020 are just the first 9 things that came to mind when I thought about little changes that a family can make to achieve big wins. Please let me know if they’re helpful at all, and I’d also LOVE to hear your tips on frugal living and financial gains.

    1. Track your spending! Pay attention to where every dollar goes. Write it down, dictate it into your phone, use an app, whatever works for you. Then, ask yourself whether that money is going toward what you consider to be most valuable in your life. (This is the hardest but the most helpful step, by the way. Skip it and come back to it if it seems too daunting.)

    2. Unsubscribe to retailer emails! All those emails about upcoming sales, can’t-miss offers, and travel discounts seep into your subconscious and encourage you to spend, spend, spend because ya know, it’s a DEAL! Go a month without seeing them and determine whether you are really missing anything in your life that you HAD TO HAVE. If you are, I’m pretty sure you know how to find that retailer’s website or store location again.

    3. Take on a challenge! Engage your family (or friends) in a fun money-saving challenge, such as a “spend-nothing week” or “eat everything in the pantry week” or “free-activities month” where you only partake in family fun that’s totally free. (Check out my post on the best parks in the Dripping Springs area to get started on this one.) You could also try “no eating-out month” or “book a family vacation for less than $1000”. Make saving fun, and you might see even bigger results than you expected.

    Enjoying the great outdoors!

    4. Ask a friend! When you’re in need of something, ask a friend or offer a swap before reaching for your wallet. You can swap clothing, jewelry, kids’ puzzles/toys, books, and so on. You can swap time also: babysitting hours, carpooling/rides, and home organization hours. Doing home projects with a friend is more fun anyway. Maybe you can help clean out your friend’s fridge this week, and the two of you can tackle your shoe collection next week.

    5. Call your credit card! Find out what they’re willing to offer you as a loyal customer. Ask and you will likely receive. Do you need a lower interest rate? Do you want your annual fee waived? Are you looking for opportunities to earn more travel rewards?

    I no longer wanted to pay the annual fee on the credit card that we’ve had for 10 years and had been paying off every single month, so I called Chase, and after a 6 minute call, my annual fee was credited back to me.

    If your ccard company doesn’t have anything to offer you, there are MANY more out there who are happy to give you bonuses and lower rates.

    6. Pay attention to your TV habits! Are you watching ALL the channels? Are you regularly taking advantage of ALL the subscriptions? If not, what can you cut? Choose one and cut the cord or call the cable company and ask for a better plan.

    Kids today hardly even watch traditional TV… so what are we paying for?

    7. Take inventory! Before you shop, be sure to know what you already have. Really take note of what you have in your pantry or in the back of your fridge. Go to your closet and count how many pairs of black yoga pants you have and the # of gray t-shirts and the collection of sneakers, etc. Intentionally taking stock of what you own might keep you from buying yet another.

    After No-spend Week: a half-empty pantry!

    8. Get the app! Do you always shop at the same grocery store? Download the app, check out the coupons, and take advantage of the featured offers. Do you often stop at your kids’ fave fast food joint? Try out the app, collect the points, and snag some freebies. Do you like getting cash back for what you already buy? Check out the Ibotta app or Rakuten.

    9. Watch YouTube! I know, I know… “YouTube” is equivalent to a 4-letter word in my house due to my kids’ obsession with it, but it can truly be a useful tool when something in the house breaks and you want to save money on handyman fees. Or when you want to teach your child something new, like beginning guitar lessons. You can find a DIY video on just about anything on YouTube, so save money while simultaneously winning cool points with your kids.

    Thank you for reading and Happy Saving! I plan to blog about this journey often, and I really hope you’ll join me in the challenge to become a new FRUGAL you. I really hope we can all achieve small, and eventually big, wins together. I’m looking for a tribe who can help keep me motivated (and vice versa), who can share these wins, and who will join me for carefree vacations in my future home in the Rockies! 😉

    Free family fun in the mountains: sledding!

  • How Do You Take Your Coffee?

    How Do You Take Your Coffee?

    Every morning, I play hide and seek with my favorite mug, although I’m perpetually the frustrated seeker in the game. Thankfully, I have the equivalent of a toddler nearby who impatiently reveals the other player’s hiding spot. *beep, beep* It’s my microwave, reminding me that I left my coffee in there for the 5th time already this morning. And it’s only 7 am.

    Most people have a definitive and memorized answer to the title question above: “How do you take your coffee?” Maybe you take your coffee black or with a little sugar. Maybe you prefer cappuccino or a latte. Maybe you’re like one of my friends who fancies just a little bit of coffee with her cream. Or like another who doesn’t drink coffee at all but savors tea.

    That essential beverage becomes our lifeline to face the busyness and stress of the morning with a bit more gusto and resolve. We each have our unique way of making and taking that steaming cup, but I’d venture to guess that most of us have one thing in common: our early morning libation is rarely a part of a relaxing or motivating ritual. We’re stealing sips between diaper changes, lunch-packing, carpool line complaints, hair-brushing and makeup application, or giving countless commands to others. Our early mornings are no longer slow or sacred. The pace of our current culture has diminished the joy that morning coffee should bring.

    morning-tea.jpg

    What if the question, “How do you take your coffee?” had a different implication? What if you took your coffee on the back porch with a devotional and some time to journal? What if you took your coffee while playing uninterrupted on the floor with your toddler? What if you took your coffee to the bathroom while your spouse was getting ready for the day and had an early-morning chat about nothing and everything all at once? How would that change the course of your day and the mood with which you tackle it?

    Recently, while on a kid-free vacation with my husband, I took the time to linger with my coffee. I actually sat down. I read. I wrote. I shared plans for the day with my favorite person. It was glorious!

    Morning coffee

    Then and there, I decided to take back my morning coffee. I vowed not to choke it down after reheating it a dozen times or clean up the small spills all over the house that happen as I rush from room to room with a full cup in my hand. I vowed to be intentional with that time and with that steaming cup of yummy goodness. I know this is not a new concept and that taking that extra time for yourself in the morning is preached often, but I’ve never quite figured out how to make it happen. Or maybe I’ve never been motivated enough. So, please be my accountability partners! Join me in this coffee “revolution”, allowing us to slowly savor our favorite hot drink with the intention of reflecting in gratitude yet also preparing for our busy days ahead. I would LOVE to hear from you on how you take your coffee, whether it’s amidst obligations and chaos or sitting peacefully on your porch. Spill it all on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #takebackmycoffee, and check out how my mornings go at https://www.instagram.com/dripping_with_kids/ or on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/drippingwithkidsblog/.

    If you’re still doubting that taking back your morning coffee is possible, I hope these suggestions will encourage you to try!

    1. Listen to a fave podcast! I recommend “Happy Hour” by Jamie Ivey for inspiration, How to Money” with Joel and Matt for great financial advice, “Before Breakfast” by Laura Vanderkam for encouragement in making the most of your mornings, or “Straight Up with Stassi” for a good laugh.

    2. Sing along to contemporary Christian music. I know there’s been a bit of a stigma around Christian music in the past, but I dare you to listen to “Grace Got You” by Mercy Me, then come back and tell me that you’re not totally pumped for the day ahead. Spoiler alert: it won’t happen. That song will get you moving!

    pexels-photo-2180090.jpeg

    3. Get to writing! You don’t have to commit yourself to deep thoughts in a lengthy journal post, but just brain-dumping can feel really good. Jotting down notes on the next vacation you want to take can motivate you to work that much harder. Penning a letter to a friend or even to your future self might put a smile on your face. Writing is therapeutic and so beneficial for the mind.

    4. Call a sick friend or family member. Start your day off by brightening theirs. You can have coffee together even if you’re not in the same room.

    5. Pour your brew into a travel mug, wake one of your kids or your spouse up early, and go for a short walk. Enjoy the cool morning air and a leisurely conversation.

    6. Delay your morning coffee until everyone else has left the house and just be alone with your thoughts, meditate, or pray for a bit.

    7. Bake or meal-prep as you sip. That feeling of accomplishment after doing something purposeful with your hands is a great way to stay motivated all day long.

    8. Color. Have you tried one of those adult coloring books yet? They’re great for stress relief and leave you with a beautiful piece of self-made art.

    9. Play with your kids. Maybe you’re happiest when you immerse yourself in their joy. Take that coffee to the floor, grab some puzzle pieces, and be a kid again with the ones you love most.

    10. Read a good book or devotional uninterrupted. Wake up 30 minutes earlier, find a quiet corner in the house or a comfy chair outside, and immerse yourself in a story.

    Whatever you choose to do, just do it! I’ll be fighting the battle against morning to-do’s along with you. 🧡

  • Puberty and Potty Training

    Puberty and Potty Training

    “Pee pee is not my favorite.”

    My 3-year-old shared this bit of insight with me as she tried to shake off the wetness running down her pant legs. As I changed my distraught little girl, I heard my YouTube-obsessed 11-year-old daughter giggle from the next room; she had been secretly recording the emotional exchange between me and her sister. So, I had to quickly transition from wiping tears and a tushie to disciplining a pre-teen.

    My girls are 8 years apart and experiencing completely different developmental rites of passage at the same time, which means that Puberty and Potty Training are currently sharing a bathroom in my home.  The former ‘P’ lends itself to long showers that drain the water heater, arguments with Mom about the best way to part hair, and the insistence of privacy. The latter ‘P’ brings us M&M thievery, arguments with Mom about the need to “go”, and the complete absence of privacy.  Both provide ample opportunities for #parentingfails.

    My preschooler is so far from being potty trained that we don’t even spend the extra money on pull-ups anymore.  I’ve given up on pointing out that her 2-year-old friend is already potty trained or on showing exaggerated excitement every time we pass princess panties at Target. Although I know she’s old enough to be out of diapers, I’m enjoying the fact that I can take her to a park and not have to mentally note where the nearest (and likely disgusting) public restroom is. I appreciate that we can take a road trip without stopping every hour. And full disclosure, I secretly like that buying diapers for her makes me still think of her as my baby girl. If she were my first, I’d probably freak out about stunting her development or worry about judgment from other moms, but there’s truly a sense of freedom in being an older mom. I’ve finally learned that there’s no need to rush. I’ve yet to meet a grade-schooler still in diapers, and I have a feeling that my little girl will soon just wake up one day and decide on her own to use the potty consistently. But for now, she’s just not interested.

    My 11-year-old, on the other hand, seems to be very interested in growing up. She is in the very early stages of turning into a young woman, but in her mind, she knows just as much as an adult knows. Her opinions, mood swings, and need to sleep in can be frustrating, and the realization that her teenage years are just around the corner is quite overwhelming. However, she’s at an age that allows me to truly visualize her as an adult and experience her fully developed personality. I get to guide her in a completely different way and can visualize the caring, empathetic, creative woman she will become.

    There are so many stages of childhood  that make us question what the heck we’re doing with these little people invading our space, while also sadly recognizing that the passage through each of these stages means that our children are getting older and will be adults before we know it.  Sometimes, they stall out in these chapters of their lives, but sometimes they fly right through them, leaving us breathlessly wondering where the time went. It’s typical to look ahead for when a difficult phase will end instead of embracing all the life that happens during the waiting. Puberty and potty training are not my favorites, but the life that we’re living in the meantime truly is.

  • I just can’t….

    I just can’t….

    “I just CAN’T with you right now,” I say in my strained, hoarse voice. My son is still awake and doing his best to avoid getting into bed. He’s been mastering bedtime-avoidance since he was a baby, and nearly 8 years later, the excuses are better, but the behavior is essentially the same. My reaction is positive for only so long; once 9 pm hits, Mama Bear disappears, and Mama Beast unleashes. My hulk-like transformation is not something I’m proud of, yet no matter how much guilt I feel after he finally dozes off, that Beast returns every night and I CAN’T all over again.

    As much as I don’t want to admit it, this awful contraction has become such a huge part of my vocabulary and self-talk lately. There just seems to be so many things I can’t do…

    I can’t finish a single load of laundry within a 24 hour period.

    I can’t get both of my toddlers on the same nap schedule.

    I can’t handle one more minute of this threenager tantrum.

    I can’t keep the backseat of my car even remotely clean.

           I can’t figure out what I want to do with this blog.

    I can’t finish a sentence or a thought or a………………………

    Yeah, I could go on for hours. Unfortunately, “can’t” is easier said than done. Most of the time, I have no choice but to do what I feel like I can’t.

    Thankfully, just as this negative talk started to completely take over my life, I found myself asking the librarian where I could find the book, Love Does by Bob Goff. I have no idea where I first heard of this book or why I thought of it randomly while at the circulation desk asking whether Peppa Pig books are all written by the same author. All I know is that this particular book with its spectacular title was placed in my path on purpose. Bob Goff’s unbelievable stories and honest perspective have been such awesome reminders that love does even when I feel like I can’t. In a chapter titled, Hearing Aid, Goff writes, “…it seems that what God does most of the time when He has something to say is this… He doesn’t pass us messages, instead He passes us each other.” On my most challenging days, my love for the people placed in my life is what keeps me going.

    In an effort to recognize what love does and to finalize my summer bucket list, I took a tally of what my family and I actually accomplished from our list. We completed 20 out of 39 bucket list items, some of which were squeezed in after school officially started. That’s a score of just over 50%; it’s not necessarily a grade I’d strive for, but I’ve decided to look at this as a win and recognize that sometimes love does. And sometimes, I just CAN.

    Checking it off…

    Johnson City Science Mill-IMG_1028

    Highlights: explore at your own pace; outdoor and indoor exhibits; not crowded on weekdays; an affordable café; and interactive experiments

    Tips:

    – This museum is really geared toward school age children (probably 2nd grade+).IMG_1032

    – Allow plenty of time for outside play and exploration.

    – Prepare to get involved, build, and experiment along with your children. Many of the interactive exhibits will require adult assistance.

    Stubbs Graceland-

    Highlights: yummy barbecue, multiple shaded playgrounds for all ages, casual spot for families to meet up, occasional live music

    IMG_1145Tips:

    – Wear bug spray, drink plenty of water, and watch for ants. All of the seating is outdoors … on picnic tables … in central Texas.  Enough said.

    – The three meat plate can feed a family of four (if you’re not famished upon arrival), and the coffee porter on tap is simply divine.

    Austin Nature and Science Center-

    Highlights: FREE!; two indoor discovery rooms; a huge outdoor sandpit to dig for dinosaur fossils; hiking trails; located in the heart of Zilker park; mostly stroller-friendly

    Tips:IMG_1130

    – Wear bug spray, drink plenty of water, and watch for ants, bees, wasps, hornets, etc. Most of it is outdoors … in a naturally wooded area … in central Texas.  Enough said. =)

    – The info desk has a lot of great information and can help guide your visit.

    – Pack a lunch and picnic next to the frog pond.

    Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum-

    Highlights: Free admission on the first Sunday of each month; three levels packed with unique Texas history; explore at your own pace; located near the Capitol and downtown so you can plan a whole day around it.

    Tips:

    – This museum is meant for older children and adults. There are few interactive exhibits but a lot of interesting artifacts and information.

    – A new exhibit is being built that will be more interactive and will include a huge trading boat that patrons can board. IMG_2541

    – If you’re going on the free Sunday, there are children’s activities in the lobby for the first few hours. This will be a busier time to go but allows your children to do arts and crafts. If you go later in the afternoon, you forgo the crafts, but the museum is much less crowded.

     

  • What Do You Do?

    What Do You Do?

    (Written in Fall, 2016)

    As I check over homework while still in my PJ’s at 11:45 am on a Thursday doing what could only be described as a ‘fair’ job of caring for two sick daughters, I come across the final sentence of a math worksheet, “Describe the relationship between the value of a dollar and the value of a dime.”
    On the answer line below, I read, “They’re both money.” I hide my smirk, then call over my 4th grader to tell her she has to fix her answer. She doesn’t understand why her vague response is not acceptable, and it becomes a 15 minute lesson on fractions and word problems. I carefully control the volume and pace of my voice to simulate patience as she answers, “I don’t know” before I even finish asking her a question. We get through it, though. We eek out an acceptable answer, and she runs off to play with my old iPod. My reaction after taking a huge swig of my lukewarm coffee is, “Hey, I’ve still got it! I’m still good at this teaching thing.”
    Yes, I used to teach. High school. It was wonderful and horrible at the same time. I counted down the hours to lunch and then counted down the hours to daily happy hour, but I felt like I was making a difference. Some kids actually learned, and I caught myself smiling quite a bit while I was in front of that classroom full of hormones and untucked shirts. But aside from teaching a subject I was passionate about, making other teacher friends, and helping to shape young minds, I also really liked having an answer to the question, “What do you do?” I always had an easy and quick answer. “I am a teacher.” And after a couple years, I was able to say, “I’m an assistant principal.” I had a title. I had a position. I went to one place five days per week and stayed there almost all day. I had a career.
    Now, when people ask me what I do, I pause. About thirteen job titles run through my mind as the inquirer stares at me wondering if I understood the question. Hmmm, what do I say? Mom? Business manager (my trumped up title for working in our family business)? Soccer coach? Volunteer? Maid? Cook? Tutor? None of them seems to be The One, though. There is no quick, easy answer anymore. So, I’ve thought long and hard about what my answer will be next time. I want to be prepared. When someone asks me, “What do you do?”, I’m going to have an answer. One answer.
    “I am a starter.”
    Yep, this is what hours of contemplation has brought me to. It seems to be the only thing I do consistently. I’ve heard of people referring to themselves as “closers”. I think even I used to be a closer, but I’m not one of those anymore. The only thing I’ve closed lately is the book I gave up on after reading about 40 pages. At this rate, I can’t even close on a load of laundry. Actually, I just loaded the washing machine, walked away to help my oldest with something, and discovered that my 10 month old UNloaded it. It’s yet another job unfinished. But I did start it.
    So, why can’t there be Starters? I start a lot of things. I’m quite good at starting. This morning, I started a cup of coffee. Unfinished. Yesterday I started filling out mountains of school paperwork. Unfinished. A couple days ago, I started planning a kid-free getaway with my husband. Unfinished. Last week, I started working on a business plan and website with a friend. Unfinished. I could go on for years. Literally. You get the point.
    Don’t get me wrong, though. I understand the value of completing something and getting the job done. I love that sense of accomplishment. I’m even ashamed to admit that I’m the type that will write something I’ve already done on a ‘to do’ list just so that I can cross it off my list. I’m a planner. I’m a doer. But life throws you curve balls. Life changes. Life gives you three kids and a house sitting on the market for months with no potential buyers. Sometimes life gives you doubt… doubt in your plans, doubt in your choices, doubt in your abilities. And sometimes that doubt turns closers into starters.
    Today, I started this blog. And for the first time, I feel ok about something being unfinished. I have no plan for it. I have no future titles, and I have no idea where it will take me, but I started.