i am thankful

for getting called-out by my kids.

Now, this is not something I would usually be ecstatic about, but this one time I'll make an exception.

This year, we've had our share of tight pocketbooks. Really tight. While it is not much fun, we've learned to do without the excess we're accustomed to and simplify a bit. At times, it feels freeing to not want want want all the time, and realize that our real needs are still being met. We've talked to our kids about wants and needs and they've been very cooperative and matter of fact about it. They can be great. :)

We're now trying to get our Christmas shopping done. Todd and I split up for round 1 and he headed to Costco to take a look. As we were unloading the loot, Todd pulled out a few items not on the list that he knew I'd been eyeing for a while. Taylor observed as Todd was showing me the extra items. Taylor asked what Todd had bought them for. When Todd's response was, "Because Mommy has always wanted one," Taylor demanded "Is that a WANT or a NEED?"

Point taken. Items will be returned today. Thanks for the reminder.