I dreaded waking up on Saturday morning knowing I would need to start lugging all the glassware, toys, trinkets and other random household items outside for the impromptu yard sale I decided to hold only the day before.
Operation: Purge was in full effect and it was time to get rid of the excess “stuff” from the house. Packing up would only be successful when that excess was gone.
I wasn’t really looking to make money. I’ve had yard sales before and rarely make any good money from them. I just needed to get everything out of the house and on its way to a new home. It was the process.
I thought it would be fun to have the boys help me with a yard sale. Last year, we had talked about having an art sale so Biz could sell some of his art. G wanted to plan an elaborate lemonade stand. Why not combine them all on Saturday morning?
I did not prepare for the event. I posted something on Facebook Friday night and told the boys we’d start taking stuff outside on Saturday morning. I put a quick listing up on Craigslist and hoped for the best.
G, on the other hand, woke up at 6:15am and made a checklist in bed.
He brought the checklist down to my bedroom, where Biz and I hid under the covers and thought about staying putting for just a few more minutes.
G was proud of his checklist and couldn’t wait to share. He turned a light on and started to read his list. He was ready to tackle the day and his lemonade stand duties. Number 6 on the list was key, he told me and Biz.
“You have to have a good attitude, Mom.”
“You’re absolutely right, G,” I told him.
And we got up and started preparing for our yard sale. I started taking things outside as the boys ate breakfast and a light rain started to hit my skin. I kept going, despite my doubt about the yard sale, and the boys eventually started to help. G made his lemon iced tea, poured it into cups, made a sign, determined his price, and set up his cooler. Biz, eventually, got his art outside. Our table full of stuff was strategically set under a tree so that the exact area we were in was dry. We hung a few signs (made by G, of course) around the neighborhood.
The rain was light and eventually stopped. We had a few customers. We sold some stuff, some art, and some lemon iced tea. A man in a dress stopped to tell me I was pretty.
We kept our good attitude and celebrated our success. Then we loaded up my Explorer and donated the rest. A carload of things we didn’t have to worry about anymore. That evening, we hopped into the car, drove to Boothbay Harbor and ate gourmet popcorn by the water.
As stressful as all of this is and has been, #6 really is key. I’m lucky to have one smart 9-year-old to remind me.
How’s your attitude today?
So many good things about this post – but my favorite part (beyond your adorable sons and their obvious work ethic!) is the man in the dress stopping to tell you that you’re pretty. You are by the way. That cracked me up!!!
Alexa recently posted..Igniting the Mommy Energy
It was a highlight of my morning, Alexa! 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Waterfall
Sometimes, we really can learn so much from our kids and sounds like G taught (and reminded you) and important lesson this morning. Love that he did, but only shows that he is wonderful young man and was raised right by you his mom 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted..My Challenge..
He makes me so proud. I guess I must not be screwing too many things up then! 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday (rewind): Charity Miles
LOVE this! Everything about it, especially the fact that it is often our children who teach us. Sometimes I forget that. Good for you 3! :)-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted..“Arie” On The Edge Of Your Seats Like We Are?
Kids teach us to much. I think it’s up to us to pay attention to those lessons.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Lands End
That’s so cute – It’s also very true, there are times when you need to feel certain things and time when you need to put a game face on. There’s always a time and a place; glad your 9 year old is definitely smart enough to acknowledge that and remind you when sometimes you didn’t realize you need reminding. 🙂 They’re helpful like that ! 🙂 Hope you feel a lot lighter being rid of all the excess stuff!!! It’s cleansing for the house and for the soul! Have a great one Jennifer! -Iva
awesomelyoz recently posted..7 Facts for A Smarter You Courtesy of Moi
It’s definitely a soul cleansing. I’ve still got some packing to do, but I’m getting there. I’ll be happy when it’s all done and we’re in our new place.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Packing Up
Well isn’t that boy amazing?! I couldn’t think of a more perfect mantra that you- YOU have instilled in both your boys. Oh, Jennifer- how much I love this post! I think G could probably go around the country/world speaking and sharing his positive influence with everyone!
The world needs more G. 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..Twisted, Tangled, Tied, Trapped… Time for Psalm 23:2-3
He is quite amazing (if I do say so!). He’s been my rock, for sure. And you know what? After this post published, we were driving to Massachusetts and Biz asked to pay the tolls. He had drawn a picture for the toll booth worker and wanted to hand the money and the picture to him/her. The first man he got to said no! While I had a few choice words in my head for the man, Biz said “It’s just like G said. If you’re going to do something, you have to have a good attitude.” Seriously! The next toll booth worker was a lovely woman who accepted the awesome picture he drew. Priceless!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Waterfall
A new beginning, a fresh start, a cleanse …. it all sounds good and you are handling it all with such grace …. much love to you and those boys … such little men xxxx
sisters from another mister recently posted..High Road. Not today …
I’m doing my best, Nicole! That’s all we can do, right? Sending you much love right back to you and your girls. xo
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: O is for Opportunity
Oh so lovely. Kids really are brilliant, aren’t they? I love the way your boy (and you) are approaching this.
Tricia recently posted..Goggles
Thank you, Tricia. A good attitude can get you through even the toughest and most stressful times.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Ladies Toilet
Well… reading this right now.. my attitude is pretty wonderful. I had a great day, you know? And I spent part of my day with that same amazing 9-year-old and his family.
So I’m feeling all sorts of good thoughts!
Thinking of you guys right now. A lot!
Tamara recently posted..Promise.
It was an amazing day! With priceless moments and good (if not crazy!) attitudes all around.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Taking the jump
The right attitude can take you palces!! G is a smart kid, and he will go far with his success formula!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted..Let’s Celebrate Love, Life, Laughter AND Tiffany’s Blogging Anniversary!
I think so too, Rabia. He’s quite the kid. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Pioneers for Change
That’s a great attitude to have! Sometimes it’s our kids who teach us!! And, that’s wonderful!
Roshni recently posted..Our first summer barbecue party
We can learn so much from our kids! I know mine teach me a lot.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Geeking out on global development
Hehe, I just loved that you slipped in that bit about the man in the dress telling you that you were pretty 😉 G is such a great kid (as is Biz!) and we talked a bit about the importance of having a good attitude on Tuesday. It’s amazing how children have the capability to remind us of things that as adults we often forget!
Bev recently posted..Makeup, Zumba and Passion for #AskAwayFriday
That was quite the highlight of my day, Bev! 🙂 And I love that you and G had a nice conversation about the importance of a good attitude. My boys teach me so much. I’m sure Eve will be the same for you!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Waterfall
A good attitude is the best way to go. And no, I don’t always have one! We need to purge at our house. 20 years in the same house…we have accumulated way too much junk.
Michelle recently posted..5 Summertime Vegetable Recipes and Foodie Fridays no. 8
I thought I was pretty good with purging, but as I pack, it just keeps growing! It’s amazing what you find when you move.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Geeking out on global development