Thanks to My Mom

I try to go grocery shopping without my kids for two reasons:

1--it always takes twice as long when I bring them; &

2--they always find a clever way into getting a new $1 toy out of the event.

But there are times when I have no choice but to bring them, and there are also times when I see their choice of toy as an advantage for me as well, like these little wooden cars they found at Target:

We've had a lot of rainy days this week, so these cars came in really handy one afternoon.
Trever painted a red 'Lightning McQueen' and Nathan painted a yellow 'Mater' (from the Disney movie "Cars"). Little projects like this remind me of my own childhood. My creative mother is the inspiration behind many of the things I do with my own children--like visiting the library and the park, having little parties for any occasion-big or small, spending afternoons in the great outdoors, delving into countless art projects, and much much more! I don't think I ever really appreciated everything my mom did to make our childhood special until I became a mother myself and realized how much effort it takes just to care for young children--let alone entertain them. It takes time and planning ahead and letting the laundry go unwashed for a while longer, but at the end of the day it's knowing that your kids are happy that makes it all worthwhile. I've still got a lot to learn, Mom, but thanks for your great example--you're the best!