The Money Tree

Lately we have been to a ton if birthday parties. At least one a month if not 2-3. We have a lot of cousins and a few friends that ask us to join in their celebrations.

Jack in turn, has been very obsessed with his cake and what he "wants" for his birthday. Somedays it is as simple as to "play cars" Other days it's multiple toys or books or even foods. More often once he has proclaimed what he wants he asks Joe and I what we want. The first time this happened I was surprised to hear Joe's response because it was the exact same as my own. Joe said, "Jack Jack, I would like a day with you, Luke, and Mommy. I would like to play all day and make memories." Jack replied "Daddy, do you want cars or books?" Joe replied "neither buddy, Just all of you."

That, right there, warms my heart. Sometimes I feel like now-a-days there is so much "stuff" in the world. That everyone feels the need for material things to make them happy. I cannot sit here and say that I'm exempt from this feeling. There are times when I'm wishing for something I don't need but just really want. I also have been one to have the "Gotta have it now" problem. I'm really working hard on changing that mentality. I find that I'm many times happier if I'm doing the simple things in life like walks in the park, homecooked meals and just playing games with Joe and the kids.

Right now we are having major issues with our computer and we would really like to invest in a MAC. However, the one we would like starts at $1699. That doesn't include the software we want to add or the protection plans. We did more adding and found out that we would be dropping around $2000 for it. I don't know about you but $2000 is not cump change to us. We have some in savings and right now we are allocating it to various things, a new AC, an emergency, a swing set next summer, a downpayment on a vehicle when our lease is up, you get the picture. I also hoped to find/plant a money tree.... then again there is a saying that goes "mo money mo problems." In that case or any for that matter, I'll take health andwell being of my family over the money tree and "stuff" anyday.