Green. With Envy?

While catching up on one of my favorite shows last night, one of the characters is the Wicked Witch of the West. Now growing up, I always thought of her in the black outfit with matching hat, flying monkeys, melting... you know the story, right?

This put her in a different perspective. She wore green clothes, green necklace, and when she became envy of something/someone, she literally turned green!(The wicked witch of the west in the wizard of oz was also green, I know. But I never thought of it this way before) The wicked witch was green with envy.

                                                                    Photo credit.

Did your neighbors come home with a brand new vehicle? All shiny and sparkly and nothing at all wrong with it? While your 11 year old vehicle sits in the drive way with a rust spot, stained seats, air that doesn't work right, windows that don't roll down any more? And any number of issues that you haven't even noticed yet? Did you feel that tiny spark of envy when they showed it off to you? All happy and excited over it?



Did a friend on facebook just buy a new house. A house way too big for their family, but it would be perfect for your family? A house that is clean, new, with no leaking pipes, no floors messing up, no marks on all the walls from children?

Did a friend get a new washer and dryer set and brag about it to you? While your washer or dryer isn't working, or is so old you can't even remember when you bought it?

Did a family member announce something that you want? A new engagement, promotion, baby, etc.?

Anything can spark envy. It's so easy. Friends that don't have children and get to go out on the weekends and just do whatever they want? While you are at home, doing dishes, putting kids in bed, and fighting to stay up past 10pm. Someone bragging about their baby sleeping all night, and you sigh because none of yours sleep all night just yet.

Take a breather. Look around. Your car may not be brand new. But maybe it is paid off. Maybe it's exactly what you need for your family. And at least you have a vehicle, may not be the best but it gets the job done. And the house that you aren't so proud of anymore? It holds memories. Bringing your baby home. Babies first steps, the Christmas's spent there, the other holidays and letting the kids help decorate. It's your home. Your walls to paint, your leak to fix, and at least your children always have a safe place to come home to. Friends new washer and dryer? Bet they paid a pretty penny for them. Those sitting in your laundry room are more then likely paid off. (If not, you probably didn't pay as much as they are.) And if its the washer thats broken, google. I have found ways to wash clothes in the sink and bathtub! And if it's the dryer? Easy. Hang your clothes outside to dry. Too cold? Around your house. (Mine has been broken since Jan. of this year. It's now April. I'm used to not having one finally!)  That big announcement? Your time will come. Be patient. Pray.

I'm writing this for my self. There are so many things that can make you envy. Someone else who is skinny after having children. Someone going on vacation. A new car, house, baby, pet. We all have bouts with envy. But how we handle it is more important. Remember what you have. Remember what God has blessed you with. And pray to be happy for the other people. Don't become the wicked witch of the west, green with envy.

"They listen to you!"

A couple weeks ago I decided to go grocery shopping. With 3 children. Alone. Two stores, huge list, and rain. I'm a little crazy.

Anyways. I always start with a prep talk before we leave the van. Starts with the rules which usually are 1. Be quiet. 2. Listen to mommy. 3. Do what mommy says when she says it. 4. Keep hands on cart. 5. No grabbing/touching/whining/etc.

My husband thinks I am crazy for doing this every.single.time. We get out of the van. But I honestly believe it helps remind them of what I expect from them while in the store.

So I take all 3 in, get a cart, and start shopping. I keep repeating the same things basically. "Please put your hand back on the cart" "No, we don't need that kind we need this kind lets put that back" "No we do not need that " "Hands on cart" "Inside voices" etc. You get the picture. (Take note. I did my best not to let any thing get to me. I kept my voice kind, words kind, and kept reminding them what I wanted them to do) (Also note. My children never act perfect anywhere, because well they aren't perfect. No matter how many times I remind them to keep hands on carts, they get excited over something and grab.touch.etc.)

Anyways. Finally, one massive grocery cart full later we arrive at the check out. No lines, thankfully. Another plus for going grocery shopping early in the morning. I'm unloading the cart, and the kids are "helping" (you know that kinda help, throwing things up on the line(I'm a little OCD about that) etc.)

Finally that cart is empty and I pull the cart up to start loading the bags that are piling up.

"Are they all yours?" (Don't you just love that question?) The cashier asked.

*Smiling to hold back what I really want to reply with* "Yes, all 3 are mine."

"They are gorgeous. You look so young. And they are actually listening to you," She sounded shocked, like a child listening to their mother is just crazy now days.

"Yeah. I have learned that having patience with them gets them to listen to me better. That and speaking quietly and nicely to them helps alot too."

She honestly looks at me like I am speaking a foreign language.

"I can't believe how well they listen to you,"


Yep. There are times where I am "that" mom in walmart and my kids are "those" kids in walmart(any store really). But I try sooo hard to teach them how to act at all times. While inside any where, have inside voices, be respectful of everyone around you, and only say kind things. And sometimes it all backfires and I leave in tears and dragging a kicking and screaming child out to the van. But sometimes, it goes smoothly and I get conversations like above. I'm trying. And that's the best I can do.