Our Family, The Momma Job, and How Expensive are Kids, Anyway.

I am so blessed. I was just sitting back and thinking about how thankful I am that my husband and I have learned this early in our marriage: debt isn't for us. It's okay to be careful with our money. We have a running car (and it runs well with little up keep, though it is time for an oil change). We don't need that second car that sometimes we wish we had. We can do without some things, but make our choices so we can have a fun treat without it hurting us finacially.

You know, I'm so amazed by this because I don't think I ever expected it. I thought Two jobs, Two cars, Lots of debt, and strife over finances was just part of life. Well, the Lord has taught me it isn't. We are enjoying life with one job, one car, a little less money, but no real need. Our needs are definitely met! Even with two kids, and everyone talks about how expensive kids are. Well, that hasn't been my experience. We were given so much with the Girlie, and that was definitely a help. But over the last year and a half and adding another little one into the mix we haven't come across great expense. There are little things that add up, but we do the best we can, shopping sales and such, and really make it count when we have stuff to buy.

I'm so blessed, because this is what I always wanted. I wanted to stay home and raise kids, and know what they just learned, and teach them, and see every first, and meet their needs. I used to work in an infant/toddler center. I figured, if the parents had to work, I could give them the next best care possible. Well, I knew these kids. I knew what they were learning and what they were saying, but sadly not as well as someone could, as much as I tried. One sad thing about it was I saw so many firsts, and I won't remember them. I won't keep them written in my heart the way I keep my girlie's first words. I was called "Momma" so many times, and the kids didn't mean it. I learned that of course they would say this, I WAS doing the Momma job.

Anyway, I could not be more glad that my husband understands how important it is that we raise our kids, and not only supports, but almost insists, and I think a lot of the reason is because he loves me and knows this is what I want.

"Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13