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Friday, November 28, 2014
Tree Trimming or Tree Decorating?
I shared some thoughts about not going with the crowd of eager bargain hunters during this time. We started a simple but meaningful family tradition of having a big deal on our Tree Trimming and gracing the occasion with a Hot Coco Fete.
While everyone was busy, my daughter initiated a conversation which grew to be an interesting topic. Here's how it went:
Angelica: Mom, I think the "tree trimming" term originated a long time ago when nobody still thought of selling fake trees. They must be literally trimming their tree before decorating it.
Me: That is thought provoking but I'd still rather call it trimming than decorating.
Angelica: Why is that?
Me: Because, I like the thought of trimming the non-essentials to allow the more important things. That's why we started this tradition, anyway... Now clean up!
It was a very meaningful occasion for all four of us.
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It is a wonderful life!
May your days be merry and bright,
with love from all four of us!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Thanksgiving Greetings from the Modern Day Pilgrim
by Maria (Ehma) Porpio
"It has been written that the first winter was devastating to the Pilgrims. The cold, snow and sleet was exceptionally heavy, interfering with the workers as they tried to construct their settlement. Then there was this Indian native named Squanto whose importance to the Pilgrims was enormous and it can be said that they would not have survived without his help. It was Squanto who taught the Pilgrims how to tap the maple trees for sap. He taught them which plants were poisonous and which had medicinal powers. He taught them how to plant the Indian corn by heaping the earth into low mounds with several seeds and fish in each mound. The decaying fish fertilized the corn. He also taught them to plant other crops with the corn.
The Pilgrims had much to celebrate, they had built homes in the wilderness, they had raised enough crops to keep them alive during the long coming winter, they were at peace with their Indian neighbors. They had beaten the odds and it was time to celebrate."
I had many Squantos in my life as an immigrant, a modern day pilgrim who endures the humble beginnings in this foreign land. And I never cease to praise our God for them every Thanksgiving...
There are my cousins and friends who adopted me to live with them and raised them as their own. They are the ones who put up with my immaturity and lack of better judgement. Without them, I would probably have died not like the lucky less than 50 pilgrims who survived the winter.
There's my ex-boyfriend then, now my husband who waited lengthy excruciating years to endure a long distance relationship. I lived through the cold winter nights with phone cards by my side as I was able to listen to his voice (the advent of Skype was still an impossibility then). Although uncertain about our future but for that moment, his promises kept me warm and company.
During those moments, I have never given up hope. I have never let go of my faith in God. Those were in fact, the times when I felt Him closer to me than ever.
For the million things to thank for, it would probably take a book to write not merely a half of everything. But most of it all, I thank God for breaking me so He can make me new again...
Happy Thanksgiving everyone... Don't forget to thank your Squantos!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Make Sense of your Schedule
Give your family the best gift for the Holidays. Keep track of your Holiday events. Click the link below if you don't have time for chic and classy DIYs...
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Save 15% On Your Entire Order. Use Promo Code: OP069. Shop Now >
There is Random Act of Kindness in Intentional Money Management
Second Post for Thanksgiving Week
by Maria (Ehma) Porpio
A colony of ants gathers food for the rainy days after they have had enough to eat for that day. Even the smallest form of living creatures understands the concept of saving.
I have never seen an ant gather food alone. Have you? Whatever they earn, they pass on to the neighbors beside them. Whenever they see food, they let everybody know so everyone will do the job. Take note: Do the job, not let others do it. What a humbling lesson of hard work and giving, much more because they are from ants. I repeat, from ants. They are not even equal to humans.
But King Solomon, himself in all his wisdom and wealth never failed to appreciate the brilliance of ants. In Proverbs 6:6-8, he said:
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”
I see how much my husband works. I witness how he pours love to us, his family no matter how much the pressure of responsibilities at work can consume his strength. I appreciate his willingness to smile despite the struggles of balancing a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it pains me to hear people say that he doesn’t give enough to the whims of others. There are purposes in the fruit of his hard work and they are prioritized accordingly. That’s when the, GIVE, SAVE and SPEND jars are filled to the brim. Any overflow is also allocated proportionately to where God intends to find meaning in our hearts.
In my previous blog
http://treasuresinthemundane.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-closer-look-to-our-familys-cash.html
I explained the percentage allocation in our household. Without this, we would not have known how much of the income we are saving. Are we saving enough or are we only hoarding? We are supposed to give at least 10% to the Church. Are we denying God of our promise to give back? Do we cater to our own craze that we can never have enough to save for rainy days?
Our household intends to continue budgeting, giving purpose to every purchase, having intentions of saving, so when we know that every penny has a goal, then we will have no problem giving abundantly. My fellow blogger and newfound friend, Jane posted an image on facebook. It says:
“You cannot give what you do not have.”
Then I remembered the quote I stumbled upon from the first female prime minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher who was also known as the “Iron Lady”.
"No one would have remembered the Good Samaritan if he'd only had good intentions. He had money as well."
Simply put, if we manage our money well since money by itself cannot do the trade and cannot pay purchases, it has to be managed by someone holding the money then we will be able to live a truly rich life… a life without the headaches of where to find food for the next day… a life that is not a burden to any family member because one can take care of himself… a life that can truly give because there is no other purpose for that money but to enrich others as well.
I tell you, there is random act of kindness in intentional money management. And I am always moved by any kindness of anyway, shape, or form. There is so much truth is the saying, “No amount of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” As I browsed the internet to see creative ways to show random act of kindness so I can plan to do 37 of them before I reach my 37th birthday, I feel some of the ways are already naturally expected of us. Smiling to strangers and offering to open doors for the person behind you are among a few and I might not put that on my list because they seem effortless. But offering coffee, buying groceries, sending money, volunteering to clean ovens and visiting a friend who lived miles away are some I am considering. However, all the ones I have chosen to do are not just seemingly impactful. In fact, they are seemingly impactful because they involve giving a portion of our hard-earned wealth.
Then it makes me feel truly rich and blessed to be able to afford to give, no matter how small!
I always tell my daughter to spread sunshine before she walks to the bus stop and when she replied, “Mom, there are people whom I am really having a hard time spreading my sunshine to.” Then I tell her they are the people who need it most.
There are plenty of people who need our kindness. Join with me on this crusade. Let us spread them. But first, let’s start from ourselves. Let us be intentional about our money, Loves!
by Maria (Ehma) Porpio
A colony of ants gathers food for the rainy days after they have had enough to eat for that day. Even the smallest form of living creatures understands the concept of saving.
I have never seen an ant gather food alone. Have you? Whatever they earn, they pass on to the neighbors beside them. Whenever they see food, they let everybody know so everyone will do the job. Take note: Do the job, not let others do it. What a humbling lesson of hard work and giving, much more because they are from ants. I repeat, from ants. They are not even equal to humans.
But King Solomon, himself in all his wisdom and wealth never failed to appreciate the brilliance of ants. In Proverbs 6:6-8, he said:
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”
I see how much my husband works. I witness how he pours love to us, his family no matter how much the pressure of responsibilities at work can consume his strength. I appreciate his willingness to smile despite the struggles of balancing a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it pains me to hear people say that he doesn’t give enough to the whims of others. There are purposes in the fruit of his hard work and they are prioritized accordingly. That’s when the, GIVE, SAVE and SPEND jars are filled to the brim. Any overflow is also allocated proportionately to where God intends to find meaning in our hearts.
In my previous blog
http://treasuresinthemundane.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-closer-look-to-our-familys-cash.html
I explained the percentage allocation in our household. Without this, we would not have known how much of the income we are saving. Are we saving enough or are we only hoarding? We are supposed to give at least 10% to the Church. Are we denying God of our promise to give back? Do we cater to our own craze that we can never have enough to save for rainy days?
Our household intends to continue budgeting, giving purpose to every purchase, having intentions of saving, so when we know that every penny has a goal, then we will have no problem giving abundantly. My fellow blogger and newfound friend, Jane posted an image on facebook. It says:
“You cannot give what you do not have.”
Then I remembered the quote I stumbled upon from the first female prime minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher who was also known as the “Iron Lady”.
"No one would have remembered the Good Samaritan if he'd only had good intentions. He had money as well."
Simply put, if we manage our money well since money by itself cannot do the trade and cannot pay purchases, it has to be managed by someone holding the money then we will be able to live a truly rich life… a life without the headaches of where to find food for the next day… a life that is not a burden to any family member because one can take care of himself… a life that can truly give because there is no other purpose for that money but to enrich others as well.
I tell you, there is random act of kindness in intentional money management. And I am always moved by any kindness of anyway, shape, or form. There is so much truth is the saying, “No amount of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” As I browsed the internet to see creative ways to show random act of kindness so I can plan to do 37 of them before I reach my 37th birthday, I feel some of the ways are already naturally expected of us. Smiling to strangers and offering to open doors for the person behind you are among a few and I might not put that on my list because they seem effortless. But offering coffee, buying groceries, sending money, volunteering to clean ovens and visiting a friend who lived miles away are some I am considering. However, all the ones I have chosen to do are not just seemingly impactful. In fact, they are seemingly impactful because they involve giving a portion of our hard-earned wealth.
Then it makes me feel truly rich and blessed to be able to afford to give, no matter how small!
I always tell my daughter to spread sunshine before she walks to the bus stop and when she replied, “Mom, there are people whom I am really having a hard time spreading my sunshine to.” Then I tell her they are the people who need it most.
There are plenty of people who need our kindness. Join with me on this crusade. Let us spread them. But first, let’s start from ourselves. Let us be intentional about our money, Loves!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Caveat Emptor (Let the Buyer Beware)
First post for Thanksgiving week
by Maria (Ehma) Porpio
As we approach one of the most celebrated Holidays of the year, Thanksgiving Day, my mind holds a race for the many things needed to accomplish. However, my heart calms me down in knowing I have more than a million blessings to be thankful for. There is no place for disquietude. So as I listened to the heart and sat down to intentionally resume blogging, I came upon several Black Friday Sale Events. A little click went a long way. Although no purchase was made but my precious time that was supposedly allotted for something more useful was spent… 3 hours was wasted… gone!
The advertisements were so enticing to pass by. I thought if I were the person I was before, less resistant to temptations, more likely to succumb to persuasions, I would probably end up shopping to my heart’ content this Black Friday and proceed to spending more than a hundred dollars plus shipping and tax. Now, our Budget states to only spend a hundred dollars for a week of groceries. If I spend our week of groceries and more for things that will eventually end up in the garage sale or donations bins, I will spend the next whole week lamenting for my bad behavior. If I think I can afford wear Prada and deprive my family of food and sustenance then honestly, there’s no way I can afford it.
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8.”
This Friday, while the shops will be crammed with eager bargain hunters, I think of staying home because it is our family tradition to put up a tree and have a hot coco party for the tree trimming. Not only that but Black Fridays just seem to leave a negative imprint on our family’s memories. I mean, literally.
Years ago, my husband and I tried to join the frenzy and prepared ourselves for the very early morning hustle and bustle. My plan was to get good deals on kids’ clothes while he targeted to procure a cheaper external hard drive. We both got what we wanted but not for long. I paid approximately $300 for clothing which the kids outgrow amazingly in less than 6 months. It seems like I bought more than they can wear within that duration. My husband, on the other hand celebrated the moment of owning a hard drive by trying to maximize the purchase. He stored all family photos, baby pictures and important documents on that drive that it became one of our priceless possessions. Then seasons passed, something happened to that storage material and we can hardly get somebody to fix it because it was an older version. Electronics upgrade faster than anyone’s pay raise. I wish all purchasers are warned:
Because when this is tagged on all merchandise, buyers will pause to think, “What could be the defects that can come with this item?” Perhaps, this should be thought of before even buying anything at all. If I spend my money on something, what harm or good does it bring me? Is it worth the price I paid?
Looking back, I think we were both able to get a good deal on both purchases. Don’t mind the half a thousand dollar loss but consider the experience. It taught us so much good. It made us try to avoid the Black Friday Events and has allowed us to bring forth our creativity: we now have a family tradition in place.
I am not advocating against Black Friday Sales but I’m definitely encouraging to start a cautious attitude when it comes to this. Caveat Emptor, here are my numbered thoughts on making our hard-earned dollars work for purchases we feel we need:
1. A $10 discount for a $50-purchase is a waste if the purchase is only worn once and ends up sold for $1 in garage sales.
2. Buy enough to last for a certain period of time. I usually give flexibility for kids’ sizes on clothing. My son is 5, so I bought some size 6 or 7.
3. Make wiggle room for kids’ preferences. One dress I thought would fit and look good on my daughter. After a month, it still hangs in her closet. She never really likes the material and ended up outgrowing it. That one was not her choice but mine. So when if I shop for clothes, I make sure I can return it if it doesn't work or better yet, bring them on some shopping spree but remind them of our financial limitations.
4. Keep the love of electronics at bay. You can never keep up. Like the experience we had above.
5. Always, always, always cultivate contentment! When I see ads for Black Friday, I also imagine our Tree Trimming Event that day. The joy to look forward to wanes the enthusiasm to shop.
We may never see the old photographs again as we still search for a fix on that broken external hard drive. But one thing is for sure, we will not ever hurry purchases again. If it takes for us to miss some bargains, who knows, we might find more helpful bargains and that is: never purchasing any at all. It is always good to be aware!
Now go let all your buyer loved ones beware!
by Maria (Ehma) Porpio
As we approach one of the most celebrated Holidays of the year, Thanksgiving Day, my mind holds a race for the many things needed to accomplish. However, my heart calms me down in knowing I have more than a million blessings to be thankful for. There is no place for disquietude. So as I listened to the heart and sat down to intentionally resume blogging, I came upon several Black Friday Sale Events. A little click went a long way. Although no purchase was made but my precious time that was supposedly allotted for something more useful was spent… 3 hours was wasted… gone!
The advertisements were so enticing to pass by. I thought if I were the person I was before, less resistant to temptations, more likely to succumb to persuasions, I would probably end up shopping to my heart’ content this Black Friday and proceed to spending more than a hundred dollars plus shipping and tax. Now, our Budget states to only spend a hundred dollars for a week of groceries. If I spend our week of groceries and more for things that will eventually end up in the garage sale or donations bins, I will spend the next whole week lamenting for my bad behavior. If I think I can afford wear Prada and deprive my family of food and sustenance then honestly, there’s no way I can afford it.
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8.”
This Friday, while the shops will be crammed with eager bargain hunters, I think of staying home because it is our family tradition to put up a tree and have a hot coco party for the tree trimming. Not only that but Black Fridays just seem to leave a negative imprint on our family’s memories. I mean, literally.
Years ago, my husband and I tried to join the frenzy and prepared ourselves for the very early morning hustle and bustle. My plan was to get good deals on kids’ clothes while he targeted to procure a cheaper external hard drive. We both got what we wanted but not for long. I paid approximately $300 for clothing which the kids outgrow amazingly in less than 6 months. It seems like I bought more than they can wear within that duration. My husband, on the other hand celebrated the moment of owning a hard drive by trying to maximize the purchase. He stored all family photos, baby pictures and important documents on that drive that it became one of our priceless possessions. Then seasons passed, something happened to that storage material and we can hardly get somebody to fix it because it was an older version. Electronics upgrade faster than anyone’s pay raise. I wish all purchasers are warned:
Caveat Emptor!
A warning that notifies a buyer that the goods he or she is buying are "as is," or subject to all defects.
Looking back, I think we were both able to get a good deal on both purchases. Don’t mind the half a thousand dollar loss but consider the experience. It taught us so much good. It made us try to avoid the Black Friday Events and has allowed us to bring forth our creativity: we now have a family tradition in place.
I am not advocating against Black Friday Sales but I’m definitely encouraging to start a cautious attitude when it comes to this. Caveat Emptor, here are my numbered thoughts on making our hard-earned dollars work for purchases we feel we need:
1. A $10 discount for a $50-purchase is a waste if the purchase is only worn once and ends up sold for $1 in garage sales.
2. Buy enough to last for a certain period of time. I usually give flexibility for kids’ sizes on clothing. My son is 5, so I bought some size 6 or 7.
3. Make wiggle room for kids’ preferences. One dress I thought would fit and look good on my daughter. After a month, it still hangs in her closet. She never really likes the material and ended up outgrowing it. That one was not her choice but mine. So when if I shop for clothes, I make sure I can return it if it doesn't work or better yet, bring them on some shopping spree but remind them of our financial limitations.
4. Keep the love of electronics at bay. You can never keep up. Like the experience we had above.
5. Always, always, always cultivate contentment! When I see ads for Black Friday, I also imagine our Tree Trimming Event that day. The joy to look forward to wanes the enthusiasm to shop.
We may never see the old photographs again as we still search for a fix on that broken external hard drive. But one thing is for sure, we will not ever hurry purchases again. If it takes for us to miss some bargains, who knows, we might find more helpful bargains and that is: never purchasing any at all. It is always good to be aware!
Now go let all your buyer loved ones beware!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
...But I Sure Love My Tour Guide!
by an Autism mom
Maria (Ehma) Porpio
My sweet friend sent me a text today about Autism. It is a picture of a dad walking with his toddler daughter and the message goes like this:
"Autism is a journey I didn't plan but I sure love my tour guide!"
I didn't wait any minute to text her back as I could not help laughing while my tears kept escaping. She made my day. What a blessing to have a friend like her!
Let me share with you images of my tour guide (during one of our family-pizza-making-night), who has not only showed me the way but helped grow tremendously as well:
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| Caught by the act... licking the remainder of the dough. |
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| Our flattened pizza dough... Luke with his best sister ever! |
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| Oh what fun to put cheese toppings! |
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| Now finally, eating the fruit of their labor. |
I am so loved by God because He gave me a son who taught me well. Autism is not something to be embarrassed about but a grace to be celebrated anytime we get the chance...
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
3+ Books I Read More than Twice This Month
These are what I call my “Stairmaster” favorites because I literally climb the Stairmaster at 24-hr Fitness while devouring them. They made my best work-out buddies...
1. “Start” by Jon Acuff
- After reading his other book, “Quitter”, which piqued my interest in writing, “Start” has given me the keys to drive and explore the craft. Be awesome, NOT ordinary! And here are the stages to be awesome with some key points that will never leave me: 1. Learning- Be selfish at 5AM for at least 30 minutes a day. 2. Editing- Find the diamonds and rocks in your life. 3. Mastering- Volunteer. Don’t be a jerk! 4. Harvesting-Even if you harvest a thousand accomplishments during your time in this land, treat them as rewards for what you do, not the reasons for what you do. 5. Finally, Guiding- The desire to help others is a natural by-product of being AWESOME!
2. “Love is a Verb” by Gary Chapman
- Last summer, the library had a lot of copies for this so I grabbed one since Gary Chapman is one author whose other book, “The Five Love Languages” helped made our marriage flourish. I couldn't put it down. I have to share it with friends and families because love is indeed a verb. Now go ahead, type: “Love is a verb.” And receive a new copy from me (shipping to any parts of the world included).
3. “Entreleadership” by Dave Ramsey
- I think I read all of his books but this one has moved me the most. In this, Dave Ramsey shares his formula for success:
For the Christmas season, he’s only selling this book for $10. Go grab your copy now…
http://www.daveramsey.com/store/books/entreleadership-20-years-of-practical-business-wisdom-from-the-trenches/prodentre.html
Last but not least (Drumroll, please!)
4. “Matilda” by Roald Dahl
- Of course, I don’t bring this to work-out! But before bedtime, all four of us gather in my daughter’s room to read one chapter each night. She has a tree decal on the wall and glow-in-the dark stars on the ceiling, combined transform the kids’ world to what’s in the books’. While I rarely read fiction, I think this is the best dose of one.
A time to read is so scarce, I understand. But like any other, the task put on the back burner will be consigned to oblivion if not intentionally listed as a priority. On Stephen Covey’s time management matrix, tasks are classified into four categories: Important and Urgent, Important but NOT Urgent, Urgent but NOT Important and NOT Important and NOT Urgent. Erase all that are neither IMPORTANT nor URGENT, also the Urgent but NOT Important because really they are not at all important. Then list your book reading to Important but NOT Urgent. You will have a time for this indulgence.
Enjoy this treasure in the mundane!
And if you ever get my giveaway book, enjoy it forever!
Love always,
Maria (Ehma) Porpio
1. “Start” by Jon Acuff
- After reading his other book, “Quitter”, which piqued my interest in writing, “Start” has given me the keys to drive and explore the craft. Be awesome, NOT ordinary! And here are the stages to be awesome with some key points that will never leave me: 1. Learning- Be selfish at 5AM for at least 30 minutes a day. 2. Editing- Find the diamonds and rocks in your life. 3. Mastering- Volunteer. Don’t be a jerk! 4. Harvesting-Even if you harvest a thousand accomplishments during your time in this land, treat them as rewards for what you do, not the reasons for what you do. 5. Finally, Guiding- The desire to help others is a natural by-product of being AWESOME!
2. “Love is a Verb” by Gary Chapman
- Last summer, the library had a lot of copies for this so I grabbed one since Gary Chapman is one author whose other book, “The Five Love Languages” helped made our marriage flourish. I couldn't put it down. I have to share it with friends and families because love is indeed a verb. Now go ahead, type: “Love is a verb.” And receive a new copy from me (shipping to any parts of the world included).
3. “Entreleadership” by Dave Ramsey
- I think I read all of his books but this one has moved me the most. In this, Dave Ramsey shares his formula for success:
For the Christmas season, he’s only selling this book for $10. Go grab your copy now…
http://www.daveramsey.com/store/books/entreleadership-20-years-of-practical-business-wisdom-from-the-trenches/prodentre.html
Last but not least (Drumroll, please!)
4. “Matilda” by Roald Dahl
- Of course, I don’t bring this to work-out! But before bedtime, all four of us gather in my daughter’s room to read one chapter each night. She has a tree decal on the wall and glow-in-the dark stars on the ceiling, combined transform the kids’ world to what’s in the books’. While I rarely read fiction, I think this is the best dose of one.
A time to read is so scarce, I understand. But like any other, the task put on the back burner will be consigned to oblivion if not intentionally listed as a priority. On Stephen Covey’s time management matrix, tasks are classified into four categories: Important and Urgent, Important but NOT Urgent, Urgent but NOT Important and NOT Important and NOT Urgent. Erase all that are neither IMPORTANT nor URGENT, also the Urgent but NOT Important because really they are not at all important. Then list your book reading to Important but NOT Urgent. You will have a time for this indulgence.
Enjoy this treasure in the mundane!
And if you ever get my giveaway book, enjoy it forever!
Love always,
Maria (Ehma) Porpio
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
DIY: Family Calendar & Personalized Boxes for Homeless Papers
Hubby JP: "My schedule is never a secret. You have access to my Outlook!"
This random argument happened because of false assumptions. Right then, our family decided to create a calendar visible for everyone. Outlook is nice but it's a hassle to open and the other activities that do not pertain the family makes it more complicated.
We checked for ready-made family calendars but they are either expensive or too intricate to fit the family's needs. Then we saw some boxes at Sam's. These are the free boxes that they give away to hold bulk purchases.
For no expense, we made our own Family Calendar:
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| Extra Boxes |
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| Dress the box with beautiful gift wrappers! |
We printed the calendars from outlook. Everyone agrees to update it during our monthly meeting!
During school days, we have papers, books, some mails that pile up the dinner table. So I made a home for these too:
Then everybody is happy!
Sometimes the random arguments can stir us to make something beautiful...
Enjoy your day.
Maria (Ehma) Porpio
Monday, November 17, 2014
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
I, myself acquired excellent work ethics from HARD WORK as my siblings and I grew up working for our parents in the store. We thought it was harsh for them to deny us for college tuition and privileges if we fail to contribute our time and effort in the business. My parents are both entrepreneurs of an empire they slowly built from rags 40 years ago. My dad who once worked for a Chinese capitalist learned the tricks of the trade, established relationships with suppliers and upheld the value of the secret to success, that was never really a secret to start with, that is and has always been HARD WORK.
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
Delayed gratification is always more gratifying than instant rewards. If they learn to wait for their paycheck by the end of the week, they will also determine to plan and to take control of how much they will be able to earn. No amount of my advice will suffice even if I keep on telling them since the day they were born but if they see and experience it firsthand, they will know that HARD WORK is directly proportional to rewards.
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
The smile on my daughter's face as she receives the paycheck that week because she will then be able to pay for a favorite book is so, so, so precious. Her $7 from washing windows, mopping the floor and writing songs are worth more than anything to her because she said, “I worked so hard for this.” It happened last week but the thought of it still makes my eyes mist over.
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
They must never feel “Entitled” to anything they have not worked hard for. Entitlement is not a shortcut to being amazing, extraordinary and competent. If I fed and dressed my children in a way that mothers ought to but I forgot to teach them values that will last a lifetime, then I fail. If I raised intelligent, articulate and poised individuals but I miss to teach them HARD WORK, then I doubt they will become the best of who God wants them to be. As much as possible, it is my duty to keep my kids from the thought of “getting everything they want” at bay if I want them to grow to be more than mediocre.
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
It keeps them grounded. They can have all the desires of their heart but when they haven’t worked hard for it, so they can't afford it, and then they will learn not to want it.
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
I am far from being a super mother. So unless they want to hear constant bellowing, somebody's got to help me with chores. It will perhaps drain me and my husband if we do everything for them. “Bored” is not an acceptable vocabulary in our household so there’s always dust to wipe, dishes to wash and books to read.
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
I love them with all my heart. This value will never depart from them so that even when I'm gone, they will be able to find something to eat.
I TEACH MY KIDS TO WORK BECAUSE…
Of the treasures in this mundane: Killing three (not two) birds with one stone; we finish a task while I steadily keep an eye on them and get to spend quality time together.
How about you? Why do you teach your kids to work? I would love to hear from you…
Love,
Maria (Ehma) Porpio
Friday, November 14, 2014
Shopped on Kids' Clothing for $0
Alright here's how I did it:
1st, I shopped at Goodwill, where our family usually does. I already got good bargains for nice items there. $2.99 branded and slightly used pants. Kids grow so fast and the way they carry themselves, nobody can tell their mom got them clothes from thrift stores.
2nd, I received a Goodwill coupon online, Buy $40 or more and get a $10-discount.
3rd, The weather was unforgiving yesterday. I think I was the only person in the store that's why there were plenty of good items to choose from.
4th, I only bought what they need. My son will turn 6 soon so I got him only 4-5 pieces of jeans that hopefully will last for 6 months to a year. And grabbed some for him to wear when he turns 7, the same thing with my daughter.
5th, Remember my previous post
about the microwave that Home Depot was supposed to install Wednesday? Because of the crown molding of our cabinets, they weren't able to to do it.
That night Jonathan took the molding temporarily and we both installed it ourselves. Home Depot refunded us the $70 cost of installation. Then I paid for the Shopping Spree at Goodwill through the refund.
This is the treasure we found in the midst of the very cold weather. I hope you find yours.
Please stay warm!
Maria (Ehma) Porpio
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