YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE RICH TO HAVE FUN

In discussing the modern trend of waiting to having children, one mother writes, "Children deserve to have fun and that requires money." I certainly believe that children deserve to have fun, but I don't believe that it takes money. Children don't have to be rich to have fun. Children don't have to be taken to all kinds of entertainment, or be entertained, to have fun. The poorest of children can have fun.

Children have fun when they play, and especially when they play creatively. Many modern children haven't a clue how to play creatively because they are given "things" to play with all the time. Or, they are taken to amusements where they can be entertained. When children are given opportunity to make their own games, they have the greatest fun. And it doesn't cost a penny!

Last night I attended a birthday party for our eight year old grand-daughter, Sahara Oasis (Evangeline's daughter). There were no elaborate birthday plans, special invitations sent out, or extra money spent. We enjoyed salad and home-made pizza for supper. She didn't even have a birthday cake, but we all lit candles and stood around Sahara and sang Happy Birthday which she loved just as much. Lots of her cousins came and with all her brothers and sisters the room was filled with people. The whole night was filled with fun, laughter, and creativity. I sat back and watched with joy at everyone laughing out loud, the antics of the little children, and everyone having the time of their lives.

Evangeline's husband, Howard is very creative and always comes up with some new exciting thing for every birthday. Tonight he had some white material which he cut up. Everyone had a piece to use as a mask. They cut holes for eyes and each one decorated their own mask the way wanted. With their masks on they all gave birthday speeches to Sahara (which is a tradition with all our birthday parties). Once again, it didn't cost a cent!

I find that the greatest fun that children have is with one another. It's not toys or entertainment. That gets boring. But, they never get bored playing with their brothers and sisters and all their cousins. The little girls laugh and giggle when they are together and make their own creative play. And the boys are never happier than when they are together--they are inseparable.

We have 39 grandchildren so far and 24 of them are here on the land. I never hear children crying or getting angry with one another. There is nothing but laughter, smiles, and fun! Forget "things"! Brothers and sisters and cousins are far more fun!

Love from Nancy