My new toy

My birthday was a few weeks ago. As is the case for many moms, my birthday is usually not a big occasion around here, unless I decide to make myself a cake! :) However, this year, for some reason, my birthday seemed to be extra special. I found Audrey and Chad putting their heads together and scheming beforehand. Chad kept going down to the computer to "do some birthday shopping." The day before my birthday, Chad actually asked me what I wanted for breakfast... so that morning I had scrambled eggs and toast, and opened a few special presents. One was from Audrey, and she had picked it out especially for me from the dollar store. :) It was a mug that said "Happy Birthday!" on it ... which I already knew because she had dropped enough hints along the way that I was pretty certain it was a mug. I love how kids think they're being secretive and yet they are so obvious! :) Anyhow, then I opened the box from Chad and it was ...

... a netbook! A little computer of my very own! This little baby weighs under 3 pounds and I can lug it anywhere in the house and check email whenever I want. The best part for me is that I can use it in the evening, since Chad pretty much took over the computer each night doing bills, doing personal emails and stuff ... and of course playing the occasional racing game ... :)

Well, I have sure been enjoying this gift. I can even access all our old pictures and stuff because Chad networked our computers. AND I can blog all hours of day or night. Although, I have really not been blogging all that much lately. Honestly, although I love the internet and blogging and facebook and all the other fun things I can do online, I have found that I really need to set some limits for myself. I noticed that sometimes the kids would be asking me to play a game or pay attention to them in some way, and I would find myself saying ... "as soon as I'm done with this email, I'll (fill in the blank)." I didn't like this development ... I mean, sure I'm allowed to ask the children to wait, or check emails sometimes, but I really don't want them to see me as being someone who is constantly attached to the computer ... or TV ... or phone ... or books ... or other people ... I want them to feel like they're my top priority! So I've decided to try to do a quick email check in the morning, then save all the other computer time for during their rest times or the evening after they're in bed. I really can see how the computer can become an "idol" of sorts and I don't want to miss out on the reality going on around me because I'm lost in the pseudo-world of facebook! Everything in moderation, I suppose ... anyhow, I'm thankful for my gift, and my fun birthday this year! Thanks Chad!