I was reminded today, that it was 4 years ago, this week, that I stepped out of the workforce, and into full time mommyhood. I remember praying, debating, and thinking about how and IF we would be able to survive on one income. Nathan and I were not (and are still learning to become) frugal people. I liked NEW clothes, and nice things, and he liked remote control toys, and nice things. But, after really seeking the Lord, we both knew, that no matter the sacrifice, financially, God was calling me to stay at home with my children. I knew that's what I ALWAYS wanted to do, just never put into thought the financial aspect of it. After I realized I was going to marry Nathan, I knew my "plan" of marrying a rich doctor were out the window (sorry, babe...I did SO much better than any rich doctor!) It was after we got married, that I realized the sacrifices that would need to be made in order to achieve our goal of having me in the home. No fancy cars, no fancy house (although, I do LOVE my house, and I feel like it is fancy, and I feel absolutely blessed to be in it) and I had to eliminate my shopping addiction. I remember that first year, each month was a milestone: "we made it a WHOLE month, without my income" then it was "we made it 6 months without my income" then it was "we made it the ENTIRE year without my income!!" As Christmas approached, "I remember thinking, how are we going to afford Christmas??" (selfish I know, but who DOESN'T want their child to have a "good" Christmas!) knowing that nathans income was just enough to cover bills food, and a little extra. But, God ALWAYS provided! At the time I was keeping a little girl full time to help supplement the income (so I could still enjoy SOME of the finer things in life) but after so long of that, I realized that even though I was "home" with Jaxon, I was still missing very precious moments, because my time was divided. Because he was my first,and knowing I wouldn't always have precious "just us" time, I wanted to make sure I got to enjoy EVERY moment with just him. So after praying and talking with nathan, we decided, that it was just not the right time to be keeping another child full time. So back to JUST Nathans income it was. I became pregnant with Brooklyn in July, and started Substituting for CISD. Which at the time, was God's way of providing that extra little income to cover the costs of a new baby (a girl at that!! Girls are SO much more expensive with all their clothes, bows, and decor!) So I was able to substitute several times a month while Jaxon went to Granma and Papas, or Granny and Pop's. Again, Christmas rolled around, and yet again, God provided! Over the last couple of years, God has always provided little ways to provide extra income, so that we NOT ONLY meet our "needs" but so that we can also meet some of our wants. Currently, I'm so thankful for my VERY part time job through my brother in laws insurance agency, State Farm (Jason Huddleston...<see my plug Jason and Nicole!!) (by very part time, I mean I haven't worked 10 hours in the last 2 months, but have the ability to work up to probably 40 or 50 hours in a month (if I want)) and I'm also thankful for the 2 little girls I keep twice a week. The kids love to play together, and it provides enough income to cover Mothers day out, (so I can get my "chores" done, without my kids under my feet) and a little extra to help with bills/groceries, or spending money. But in the same hand its ONLY 2 days a week, which is perfect, because I still get precious 1 on 1 time with my kids. God is good, and I know, without his provision, I would not be able to stay home with my children. I'm also very thankful for my always understanding husband, who has always been ok with whatever decision I made, whether it be to keep extra kids, or to stop whatever "job" I'm doing so I can focus on our kids. I'm also thankful that he knows when my plate is filling up, and is quick to ask "are you SURE that's what you want to do...you don't have too..." On a side note: to those working mommies out there...you ladies, are amazing! I don't know how you do it, ya'll are like "Super Woman" literally!! I know I could not handle both jobs, of being mommy, and a job outside the home, I would be an absolute mess.... To those who feel like you might be called to staying at home with your children, and are worried about the financial aspect of it, pray about it!! If Gods calling you to do it, he WILL provide!! Either way, being a mom is the most rewarding, challenging, wonderful job ever!! I'm SO blessed!!
Its precious moments like these I would have missed if I wasn't at home.....
