Being a stay-at-home-mom and the future of the blog

Hello to all of my loyal readers and a very warm welcome to new followers of "The Princess of Christmas"!  I'm quite sure by now that my long-time readers have noticed some changes recently.  I hope you love the new look as much as I do! Glees!!!

I'm flattered that so many have taken an interest in the way we do things around here.  I started this blog last year after receiving so many questions on my personal social media pages.  I would post something like, "Drinking coffee and working on my meal plan." and I'd have people messaging me and asking for a copy, recipes, or to explain how I did it.  I would post a picture of some craft project I did with the kids and I'd have all these comments and questions. I cannot tell you how many people I've had ask for tips/tricks to living on one income while one parent stays home.  I knew a blog would not only be the most time-efficient way to share and respond, but I also knew I'd find it fulfilling on a personal level.

First, let me say, Adam and I were married nearly five years ago and shortly after our honeymoon, we got one heck of a surprise.  A positive pregnancy test, a whirlwind of emotions, and 9 months later, I was an interior designer/call center employee turned stay-at-home-mom.  Talk about a beautiful shock!

Initially the decision was made out of practicality when analyzing the cost of daycare in relation to my salary.  Towards the end of my pregnancy, it became more of a personal conviction that one of us should stay home and it has since become a lifestyle.

We realize that this lifestyle we've chosen is one that's not possible for all families.  At times, it was BARELY possible for us.  As I previously mentioned, this is a personal conviction and we learned to sacrifice and adapt to attain what we felt was best for us as a family. Regardless if you are employed outside of the home, you work from home, or you work as a stay-at-home-parent, we all have that one thing in common, don't we? We work to the best of our abilities, make educated decisions, and sacrifice when necessary for the sake of our families. Like so many parenting topics, there is no right or wrong answer.  The right answer is the one that YOU decide is right for YOUR family and YOUR children.

If you find yourself debating this topic, the one thing I can say is this: We have NEVER regretted the decision we made.  Even during the months when the budget got just a little too tight... we never regretted it.  There were days I held back tears of frustration as I cleaned up GIANT messes.  Messes I knew they could have made at daycare instead of my living room. Or bathroom. Or dining room. Or bedr... you get the point.  There were days I wondered what it would be like to do the dishes ONCE in 24hrs.  There were days I really wanted a break from diapers, puke, snot, constant tantrums, and the like. There have been many days when I longed for adult conversation.  Never once, not for a split second, did I ever regret giving up my career for this life.

With that being said, living on one income is not for the faint of heart.  I have learned to become a master-budgeter and a crazy-organized grocery shopper.  I have learned how to shop thrift, clearance, and end-of-season.  I've learned how to make my own laundry soap, to operate without a dryer all winter long, and how to avoid traditional cable TV.  I've learned to cook, and cook well, for the sake of my family.  I've learned how to prepare all meals from scratch to increase our cash flow.  I've learned to make my own fancy coffee drinks and taught myself how to stop going through the drive through. I've learned how to CREATE MY OWN FUN instead of going out on expensive excursions. I found special ways to create romance at home when we just couldn't fit a night out into the budget. These things I learned out of necessity have become a passion of mine (can you tell?).  I look forward to sharing even more of what I've learned with you in many future posts.

It has been a struggle but IT HAS ALL BEEN WORTH IT.  These babes God gave us will only be small for this time in our lives and we will not get this time back.  This lifestyle has also made me a better person.  I know what it's like to want and I know what it's like to have.  When we know what it's like to "have", God's grace (undeserved love) motivates us to give. Time, talents, and treasures alike.  God has tested my faith in Him to provide.  He has taught me to exercise patience.  He has humbled me before Him when I needed to be humbled.  He has lifted me up when I have cried out to Him.

This life is beautiful and I cannot wait to share more with you.  More budget tips and meal planning ideas.  More crafts to do with your "littles".  Inspiration for gifts and service opportunities and of course, more CHRISTMAS!!!

Cheers,
Alyssa

Photo Credit: Amelia Grace Photography
Amelia Flunker
Green Bay, WI