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What Matters Most to You?

December 9, 2009 By: Calley Pate3 Comments

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I’m really trying this year to not get carried away with all the commercialism of the season.  I’ve realized this year that my son takes a lot of things for granted because he’s never ‘needed’ anything that he hasn’t gotten.  It’s not an easy thing but we’re working on giving from the heart. 

I mentioned a few days ago how I am trying to give my son something from the heart each day for Advent.  Special time with me is something that I’m sure he will remember and value when he is older.  So far we’ve made rice crispy treats together, we’ve decorated our tree together, and a few other things.  Tonight I treated my kids to another special family night.

The weather in FL was fabulous so I decided to pick up McDonald’s and take the kids to the beach after school.  I had forgotten how early the sunsets this time of year so we only had 20 minutes before we were asked to leave the park (we went to our favorite State Park beach) because it was closing.  It was ok though, the weather on the island wasn’t as nice as it was on the mainland.  It was already misty and windy so we couldn’t stay long anyways.  It was just long enough for the kids to put there feet in the sand and listen to the sounds of the ocean. 

Since we were so short on time at the beach we didn’t eat until after we left…so I stopped on the Causeway Beach to finish watching the sun go down.  It’s so strange how you can drive one mile and loose the mist and dreariness.  It was nice to see the sun go down.

Next up on the events of the evening…drive through a local neighborhood and look at Christmas lights!  What an un-eco-friendly way to end our night! LOL!  Sometimes holiday traditions and eco-friendly don’t go hand in hand…but it’s still special!  Here is one of my favorite light displays…

IMG_7026

I wonder what other special things I can do with my kids?  What will I do next? 





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Comments

  1. amy says

    December 10, 2009 at 7:38 am

    thanks for the reminder cal…time is the very best gift we could ever give or get 🙂

    Reply
  2. Dionna says

    December 14, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    I can guarantee that the memories you're making with your kids are the ones they'll treasure later. Stuff is just stuff, it's our time that matters.
    I just got my email about the Mothering giveaway – thank you! I am very excited 🙂

    Reply
  3. TheJacobsenFamily says

    December 22, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    We also love looking at Christmas lights! They sure are pretty, but un-eco-friendly as you stated. =) We spent a night making and decorating Sugar Cookies. SO much fun! I still need to post that! LOL!

    Reply

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Meet Calley

Hey y'all! I'm Calley and I'm glad you found my blog. I'm a Tampa mom and influencer. I love to write about my family, local events and happenings, DIY projects, traveling and so much more! I'm also a cloth diaper educator and social media manager. Pass the coffee please. Looking for @TheEcoChic? This is still me, just a new name!read more...

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