So here we are. In Bakersfield. Raising a Family.
Raising children is not an easy feat. It's important to remember that children are a gift and a blessing. It's our duty and responsibility as parents to make the most out of our children's upbringing--we are responsible for their education, their memories, their comfort, their world. I realized it was not fair to have a bad attitude about where we were living. Granted, Bakersfield would not be my number 1 choice to raise my family. Let's face it--the air quality is bad. But as I sat and thought about it, what else is so bad? There is so much agriculture (which means fresh fruits and veggies!), farming (how cool is it that your kids can learn first hand where their food comes from?), and so many recreational activities!
We are very fortunate that Dear Dad has a great job that affords me to stay home with the kids. We are fortunate that Dear Dad enjoys his job, too.
I am a firm believer that attitude affects your everything. If you have a positive attitude, life will be easy and happy. Life is what you make of it. (I know, so clichè!) But it really is true. Make the most of where you are. Dig in and become a part of the community, not just a person living there.
Awesome. So true Athena. When I was in kid in a Pennsylvania city, I remember being horrified to learn the chicken legs on my plate were from actual CHICKENS! and that beef was COW and so on...My parents laughed and asked- well what did you THINK it was? I tell them they could have taken me to the country to the farm so I would understand!!!
ReplyDeleteLife is what you make of it. Some just say it- but you are living it. It's a great thing to embrace your community and generate your own "sense of place" for your family.