….I have become my parents.

I am  having flashbacks on all the things that made me cringe or the things that gave us a good laugh…and I am now doing them!

I embarrass my kids just because.  I will dance around the kitchen and I remember my mom doing the same thing.

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We sing A LOT.  There is usually music coming from the piano, computer, CD player or our lips. My mom filled our home with music.

My mom was a member of the co-op and bought coconut in bulk.  Yes..bulk.  I am crazy about what my kids eat.  I special ordered all their Christmas candy so they didn't have any red 40.  What would cost $5 at Walgreens cost me $50.

My littlest walked away from a house on Halloween with his head down.  I asked him what was wrong and he replied, "They gave me candy with red 40".  I assured him that it was fine for one night.

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Jack is now ready to take on the farming industry in our country because he can't believe all the chemicals that are on our fruits and vegetables.  We only buy organic and now my kids are about to riot in the street for clean veggies for all!!

I have said things like, "I'll give you something to cry about" and then immediately started laughing.

I have my kids do all the chores I don't like to do as their punishments.

I hate to fold whites, especially socks, so I am hoping someone is really bad tomorrow because I have a job for them.

I grew up in a really large old home.  The kind of home that probably was really expensive to heat but I had no concept of that.  When I was cold I would just crank up the heat until my dad would freak out and turn it down.  Their answer was to put more clothes on.  Now that I pay the bills I agree completely!!

I don't want my children to have just because they can.

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I am now really thankful for all the ways my parents didn't spoil us.  We have worked for everything we have.  I am proud of that.  We plan on doing the same with our children.  I believe they will thank us someday too.

I will probably never live in rural Illinois again because we wouldn't have a job.  But I love those people.  They are hard working, honest, flag flying people that look out for each other.  I think we are losing a wonderful generation and I worry that in our larger communities my children will never know what that is like.  I am proud of where I come from and the people I grew up with. I get that from my dad.

Christmas was always about others and the birth of Christ.  I know it sounds crazy in this crazy world but I don't ever remember my mom being stressed out about Christmas or family coming.  I feel the same way.  I have never understood why/how people get so lost this time of year.  I grew up with simple and that is what we practice in our home.  Thank you, mom.

I am told often from my husband that I am being "Jerry" or "Madolyn" and it is true. 

I often tell jokes like my dad or start using "his" voice.  I am tough with my children but I am also goofy and affectionate with them.  I am a blend of both of my parents.

I have also learned from them that marriage can be hard.  There will be times when you want to walk away but I have also learned from them the joy of staying together. 

So, time will only tell what my children cringe over and laugh at…but I am OK with that because I will have the last laugh when they turn out just like US:-)

(all photos are from our trip back to my parent's farm this summer)

Are you becoming YOUR parents? How do you feel about it?

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Just a reminder that TODAY (Thursday, December 16 is the last day my shop will be open until the new year).  I want to have everything shipped by Friday.

If you place an order it will be automatically shipped priority {and I will foot the bill for the upgrade}:-)