THIS FALL IS ABOUT CHANGE

I've been doing a lot of thinking recently in terms of consumerism. We all know that feeling of joy that a couple of packages at your doorstep can cause, but is that really true happiness? I want Lydia to know that buying new things doesn't solve boredom or loneliness. I want her to be able to find happiness within herself, at the drop of a hat, whenever she needs to. I want to be able to give her the tools to do that.

Starting this fall we will become smarter consumers. We will continue making our coffee at home and using washable mugs and thermoses. We will continue using washable diapers and training pants. We will buy used when possible (this includes vintage) and only buy what is absolutely necessary.

Yes, I know that there will be times when Lydia just HAS to have that toy at the store or I just HAVE to have that new sweater, but this is about change. It's not necessarily easy but it is valuable. What we learn and become will far surpass those things that we thought we needed and it will feel so rewarding to throw away less garbage and have less things around us.

To think that your actions are not important is ridiculous. With every action comes a reaction, what will yours be?

This fall is about change.

So it's 4:55am and we are currently watching Spongebob dvds and eating cereal. Lydia woke up at 2am and after an hour and a half of fighting to keep her calm and quiet, I finally gave in and got out of bed. I've been spending this time researching reasons for sleep disturbances, as this has been happening for two weeks now. It goes something like, down for bed at 9pm, up at 2am wide awake ready to start the day, awake until 12pm for a nap, then all over again. Luckily, I am a night owl of sorts and can easily wake up and stay awake. The same cannot be said for my fiance.

I have come to the conclusion that it's from a developmental milestone. Lydia has been doing very well with potty training, has also been learning to let go of her abstract artistic qualities (I'm going to miss those drawings), and has been doing a lot of growing up in general.

I can only hope that this is a phase, and if not, there is always the drive-thru Starbucks that opens at 4am. ;)

AND SO BEGINS SUMMER...

Yesterday was the last day of classes for the semester, so we celebrated with a day at the park. Lydia had so much fun picking dandelions and playing in the creek. When we got home she got to run around our backyard in her diaper and play with Becky's new puppy Hank.

Now we're making dinner and enjoying the breeze that is coming in through the windows. What a perfect day. Tomorrow we've got some estate sales lined up and maybe a few rummage sales. I'm hoping to find some more Fire King mugs for our growing mug collection.

Wish us luck, enjoy this beautiful weather!