Shopping for clothes

Now I am thinking about clothes shopping. I find a really big problem for me is that I almost choke when I see the price tags. I wind up buying inferior stuff or things that don't compliment my wardrobe because I don't want to spend so much for good things that I really like, or I see a bargain and can't pass it up. Does it matter that the pants are only $2 if they are sea green and I can't wear it with anything I own? Is it smart to replace my wore out stained blouses with 3 colors I like of a top that is cheap when I try it on and the style just isn't flattering?
Shopping with kids means you don't have the time to try stuff on, but it seems self-indulgent to ask someone to watch your kids so you can go buy clothes. So you either buy what ever you can fling in the cart without cringing from the cost, or never buy anything to wear because you would just have to return it if it didn't fit.
Clothing manufacturers aren't helping either. A pair of jeans that fit great from Old Navy are not the same size as a comfortable pair from Chic. Each line has to have their own catchy descriptions to copyright, so a relaxed fit from one might or might not be the same as a comfort fit from another. And of course, why do women have to buy medium, large, and extra large; 12, 16, and 20; when men's' shirts can be bought by sleeve length and collar size and pants come in waist and inseam measurements? Even men's underwear is by a measurement and ours is a vague number. Wait, I know why, we don't want to have to shop by telling everyone our measurements. Would you rather buy a package of underwear that says "my hips are 42 inches!"?

New school year, new challenges

I love the challenge of being a mom. I love the overall experience. This year it is a whole new ballgame. I have done "mom with an nursing baby and a 2 yr old" and I have done "homeschooling 2 grade levels at once". Both were interesting, challenging and rewarding. I am praying that I can handle playing both roles at once.
It is something else entirely to be trying to explain 4th grade math and 2nd grade spelling as you chase a toddler while feeding a 2 month old. Oh, and also plan menus, do laundry, attend meetings, clean up in general...and what was that other thing? I remember now, find personal quiet time to maintain a personal relationship with your Lord and Savior! That was it. It keeps slipping my mind. Well, when I discover what quiet time is, I promise that it belongs to you God.
I know that sounds sarcastic, but that is what goes on inside mind of a mom during the daily roller coaster ride of joyous triumphs and crushing lows of having kids in your life. I remember the times when I was young and naive. I thought that you reached a point in life where you have attained what you planned and everything goes smoothly after that. Well, the problem with that is the "what YOU planned" part. The bible doesn't say "I know the plans YOU have made for yourself and I will help you achieve YOUR goals" The verse I am thinking pertains here is, "For I know the plans I have made for you says the Lord"Jer 29:11 (NIV)
We get way too bogged down in what we want out of life. Notice that I didn't say need. Our planet is overloaded with people who can't tell the difference. When you don't have to worry about food, clothing, and shelter, you start fooling yourself into thinking the what you simply have to have is entertainment. What we think is important would seem so incredibly outlandish to half of the population of the globe.
The other half of that verse, is important too. That first part is to show us that we have a purpose and God didn't just plop us down on this planet to amuse each other until our time runs out. The second half shows that God isn't interested in pushing us around to do unpleasent things. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God wants what is best for us. He wants our lives to be joyful and fufilling. The issue that stands in our way is that He gave us "free will" and He doesn't violate that. If you decide to turn away from what you know you should do, He'll let you! It is your choice. He will allow you to run around and chase after happiness until you finally fall on your face and you have no choice let but to look UP.