CNN iReport

I don't get a manicure or pedicure as often as I use to, but guess what? I found I can actually live without perfectly manicured nails and toes!

I don't go to concerts as often as I would like and we never, never go to a movie theater. We just watch free movies thur our cable provider, but guess what?  I've been able to watch movies I meant to see just a few years ago.

  I don't buy as many books as I use to do, but guess what?  I've been able to catch up on the ones I meant to read.

We didn't go on vacation this year, but guess what?  I finally has some time to get some rest, watch those movies and read those books.

I don't buy the kids toys as often as I used to, but guess what?  They WILL play with the old ones even if there aren't new one coming in.  The other day I found my five year old playing with toys she got 2 years ago!! I was amazed.

I've stopped buying new clothes as often, but guess what?  The clothes we have wear just fine and nobody ever asked me how long I've had shirt or pair of pants I have on.

We've stopped eating out so much and going to family entertainment places such as Chuckie Cheese, but guess what?  The kids actually seem to like my cooking and don't even mention they miss going out so much.

I've cut back on groceries by not buying so much junk food, but guess what? Much to my suprise, if the are hungry, they will eat whatever is in the kitchen.  A bowl of popcorn really is just as good as a bag of chips.

I stopped spending so much money on school fund raisers just to make sure my kids get the prizes and I didn't buy the school portraits for the last two years, but guess what?  It didn't matter, the school is still open. 

We've had to cut back and make changes, but guess what?  We still have a roof over our head and food in our tummies so we are surely blessed.  Also, I now think more about money and I have actually been able to get my budget in order and start saving more.

Oh and by the way, guess what? I've discovered even when I say no to my children when they want every little thing, the STILL love me regardless.