Choices and Sacrifice...

Being a stay-at-home-mom isn't always the preference of every woman.  I love being able to be home with our girls.  But it's not like it doesn't come with sacrifice.  And it's not like there aren't days where I long to be back at work or making some money.  But we made this decision for me to be home when things were easier.  And basically out of necessity also.  Two infants in daycare is not cost effective, especially with what I was doing for work.  We also don't have family close enough to help in watching our kiddos either.  And even that is definitely nothing I would expect for free.

So when my friend says something to me in the realm of "it's not like I get to be home with her all day like you do" in regards to her daughter.  And I hear this tinge of jealousy and "your spoiled" attitude behind it.  I want to roll my eyes.  I believe she'd rather be home with her daughter.  But they've determined to continue their lifestyle and use family for free daycare in exchange for occasional babysitting or whatever arrangement they have.  I honestly don't believe it's not possible for her to be home but rather a choice made.  I don't know their financial situation exactly but have an idea that it would be similar to our own (minus one kid), especially now that Jeff's job has changed.  Can I say I wouldn't make the same choice to bring in some money if we had the options for "daycare" like they do?  Not really...I probably would.  I would be sad to leave the girls behind (even with family) but it would be nice to contribute more than I'm able to now.  I am working part time at night for now, kind of a God send during our current financial situation.  So that is nice.

So while my husband and I joke about "Ramen Wednesdays" and realize that we'll probably be giving up future vacations and other luxuries to pay for life, our friends are going out to eat frequently, splurging on fun activities and I'm sure saving nice chunks of money.  So really...if she wants to complain about leaving her kid behind to go to work all I have to say (or at least think) is that it's her choice.

**I am not making an argument or commentary one way or another for stay-at-home moms or working moms.  I definitely can see the benefit to both.  Heck if I made good money that would balance out daycare I think I would have a lot more inner debate on the topic with myself.  So I guess maybe it's kind of a weird blessing to not have much choice right now.

Passing up the good for the best...

We are going to see my parents in Florida in a couple of weeks.  I am so excited and thrilled.  I was thinking about it this morning and realizing we haven't been down to see them in 4 years.  They have been this way but we haven't come their way in over 4 years.  The last time we went was in July 2007 before we were married so that Jeff could meet my parents and sister.  And thinking of this my silly mind was like "why has it taken us so long to go back?" and then I thought of my snoozing sweeties in the other room and remembered that ever since we have been married we have been saving.  Putting off 'unnecessary' travel and fun for the purpose of saving for a chance to have kids.  It was worth every boring summer at home or camping instead of traveling.  I remember I used to mildly complain (at least in my mind) about how I wanted to 'enjoy' the money we were saving.  Well, let me tell you, I am enjoying every penny of it and will be for the rest of my life.  No complaints and absolutely no regrets.  So blessed.  So grateful...so very grateful.