Un-frugal Confessions

There is so much frugality going around on the web these days. I'm so thankful for the advice and so in awe of how committed people are to saving money. We try very hard to be frugal, to not be wasteful and to watch our carbon footprint where we can. We have a healthy respect for nature and her fragility. We also have a healthy respect for keeping as many dollars in our bank account as possible.

There are two things I must confess, though.

One, I'm not gardening this year. I'm not sure I'll be in this house through the summer to enjoy the fruits of my labors. Gardening can be expensive as well. So, the money that would have gone into my garden is going into the hands of the Farmers Market Vendors. I'll be supporting a local farmer. I'm OK with that.

And two, vacations. For us, vacations are just another category in the budget. To me, they are as necessary as lights and water. My husband works incredibly hard and long hours. I homeschool my son. Although we do a pretty good job of spending time together, getting away from home and away from our responsibilities makes for a much happier family. It is good when Mom gets to play and has no responsibilities. No meals to cook, no worry over making beds and bed times. I just get time to play mini-golf, ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, scream for all I'm worth on Expedition Everest, shoot the water cannon at my boys on Kali River Rapids and cry at Wishes as the fireworks light Cinderellas Castle (I cry EVERY time...why?). Someone else feeds us, makes the beds and sheer exhuastion puts us to sleep at a decent hour.

It's so nice when Daddy locks his cell phone in the safe and gives Mommy the key. When I see him laughing like a kid. When J. and son spend hours digging a hole on the beach for no reason other than it was there to do it. Two heads together planning their hole in the sand. Rushing through dinner to get back down and see if the tide filled it in yet. About day two of a vacation the lines smooth out on J.s face, his smile comes a little easier and he can be seen floating on the lazy river for and doing nothing.

And everything is simply a wonderful adventure for N. He loves staying in hotels. He is as big a Disney fanatic as his Mom. He'll give you all the details of free dining and the run-down of each ride. He'll find the best spot on the beach and he can't wait for our trip to South Dakota. He wants to see the buffalo and the Big Presidents.

And while I'm sure we could get plenty of relaxing done just staying home, there would still be dishes to do and beds to make. No matter how hard I or J would try, there would be something needing done. We do a pretty good job of laughing and keeping each other sane. But there is just something about being away on vacation.

I have one more "Un-Frugal Confession." Our camper. We love her but camping for a weekend can run an easy $150. Not a frugal exercise at all.

Now I have that off my chest, I feel better. I better go shut off a few lights and turn back the thermostat. I just made myself want to go on vacation. Yard sale anyone?