If You Can, Mysticism, reading, forums, Numerology, Sun Signs, Divination

Posts: 5109 · Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 7:35 am

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.
~Tenneva Jordan

Becoming a stay-at-home mom once my children were born seemed to come naturally to me. I considered going to work, but couldn't fathom leaving them all day with anyone else, even family. Financially, we knew it would have its challenges, but the upside seemed to outweigh any sacrifices we might need to make.

Blessed with a girl and a boy merely sixteen months apart, I was extremely busy the first year as I coped with two under two. But I wouldn't have traded the chaos and sleepless nights for any corporate position. Reading and playing with my kids filled me with a satisfaction I couldn't have dreamed was possible. Being witness to each milestone, however small, was like watching a magical story unfold.

My husband traveled extensively and we both agreed that for my sanity and his ability to bond with the kids, he needed to find a new job. After a year of training on a measly salary, he received the news of a transfer to a new state. By this time, all of our savings were depleted and we were grateful to be sent to a rural area where the cost of living might be affordable on one salary.

My husband signed on with the promise of a lucrative bonus incentive. Unfortunately, within a few months, the company rescinded the bonus possibilities and we were stuck with a basic, low salary for at least the first year.

Once settled in our new rental home, we realistically looked at our budget. It seemed possible, but we would have to make even more sacrifices. No cable TV. No eating out. No new clothes. I walked everywhere possible to conserve gas money. And there were no vacations.

We reminded ourselves that this was a season in life and soon we would be on the other side of this financial challenge. We knew I could work and give us great financial relief and a better lifestyle, but we just weren't ready to sacrifice our plan that I would stay at home with the children.

Blessings poured into our lives in the form of gorgeous name-brand second-hand clothes, second-hand furniture, and even a few checks in the mail when we needed them. Toys were always bought from yard sales. It became my new sport early Saturday morning to peruse the sales and find the best bargains for nearly-new toys and books. Friends of ours even offered to pay for a vacation home for us to go away for a week to the beach with them.

My mother offered to tape our favorite shows commercial-free and send them to us every two weeks. We could then watch them on our VCR at our leisure. Another friend offered free babysitting so we could attend our Bible study at church. One of our dearest friends supplied us with new CDs and took us occasionally to concerts. We exchanged babysitting with friends and did lots of bartering.

Walking in the freshly fallen snow became one of our favorite outings. Strolling to the local library and participating in weekly story time became one of the highlights of our week. Going out to dinner consisted of walking to the local restaurant and sharing a huge plate of French fries between the four of us.

We finished each month with very few dollars left in the bank account, but we managed to keep our heads above water. Although I sometimes struggled with the financial stresses, I was so grateful to spend each day with my kids.

I knew people wondered why I wouldn't go back to work to get us out of our rut. They had politely hinted. But we were content and felt conviction about following through on our values. I realized one day that we never know who's watching and what they might be thinking when the wife of a high school friend of mine commented to me, "We've been watching you stay at home for the past few years. If you can do it on the little you have, anyone can do it."

Wow! I was flabbergasted. I had no idea we might actually be an example to someone. I usually felt criticized by people. Amazingly enough, this friend quit her job and went on to have two more children and is a fulfilled and zealous stay-at-home mom.

She was only the first of a few friends who followed our example and took the plunge to live off one salary and at least have one parent spend the first few years at home. Those years seem to have flown by, and when I look back on them, I vaguely remember the financial woes, but my memories of how we spent our days together are vivid and precious.