my my my. how things have changed

I remember once when I was still living in my parents house, my mom and I were talking about a certain girl who lived down the street (from the Smith family for those of you that are familiar with Moana Street).  She was a young mother of maybe two or three children.  I remember my mom pointing out that she wore the same dress to church every Sunday.  She said something like, "You know, when you're a mom you just make do with what you have.  You don't have a lot of clothes or shoes or anything, but it's okay.  You just make do."  In that moment, I remember thinking, "How much does a dress cost? How could someone not afford just one more dress?  Poor girl. I'll never be like that." (Yes, I know. I was kinda a brat.) My goodness, how my attitude has changed.

I actually thought of this conversation on Sunday when I was getting dressed.  I wore a dress I've owned for about five years - it's actually a maternity dress that I bought when I was pregnant with Malia, but I like it because it goes all the way down to my knees (having a longer torso like me, you have to think about those things).  It was my one and only (meaning the one and only thing that fit me) for many of those five years and it's still going strong.  I've gotten a lot of use out of this dress, as I have with most of the clothes in my closet (many bought at second hand stores if not on sale), but it makes me feel good and like it was money well spent.

Thinking back to that carefree single girl who I used to be makes me laugh how much has changed.  Because I lived with my parents and didn't pay rent, I could use my whole paycheck for ME.  On payday weekend, I'd head down to Waikiki with some friends and we'd shop in stores I don't even walk into these days - Banana Republic, Guess etc.  I could blow a couple hundred dollars on clothes EASY! haha And now? . . . Well, for example - just the other day, I went to the mall with the girls and noticed a sale at the Shade store (Shade is a brand from Utah that sells modest clothes for women).  I was so excited, I purchased three shirts for myself.  The total came out to around fifteen dollars.  When I got home, Wayne asked what I'd bought and I showed him.  He smiled  big and said, "Good for you, hon.  You deserve to splurge every now and then."  I said thanks, but in my head I was like, Splurge?? SPLURGE?? Uh, I think if you knew me ten years ago, you'd now the real definition for the word "SPLURGE". Haha. I remember another instance when I was getting ready one morning.  I took a long shower (probably about twenty minutes - I shaved my legs) and then took some time to brush my teeth, put lotion on, pluck my eyebrows and clip my nails. I came out smelling all good and feeling very happy.  Wayne, again smiled, and said totally sincerely, "I'm glad you got to pamper yourself today." Again, in my head I was like, Pamper? PAMPER? Since when did getting CLEAN become pampering?? Hahaha.  My my my, how things have changed!

So back to that little mother on Moana Street.  I love her and I feel I relate a little more to her - when there is money, my wardrobe (or anything else as frivolous) is the last thing I want to spend it on.  I have different priorities now than I did as a carefree single student.  I want my children to have everything they need and I have a family and a house to look after.  Even though we are in a transitory stage right now, I feel we have been SO extremely blessed to be in this house, with a wonderful car that fits all of us, and in Provo by our families.  We have everything we need (and more!). We receive so many blessings DAILY from our family, friends and neighbors - it truly humbles me.  I'm grateful for so many examples I have of good priorities, thrifty living, sacrifice and service.  Honestly, I can improve in all of those areas - and I want to! I really do.  Truthfully, the day that Wayne is in a real, money-making career that he loves I ain't gonna lie, I'm gonna be ecstatic! . . . but until then I'll enjoy my dress with the occasional "splurge" and "pamper". Haha!