We did it. We finally decided to take the step of faith and trust that the Lord will provide for us so I can stay home full time with my boys. I finished out the school year and decided not to renew my substitute teaching contract for the district. It took us 4 years to get here and I am so excited for this new adventure. I didn't know I wanted to stay home full time until my maternity leave after having my first son was done. My first order of business being back at work was planning, organizing, and going to 2 winter camps and speaking at another one 3 weekends in a row. Which meant leaving my 3 month old at home with Joel and Grammy while I traveled 3 hours away. Lots of calls and lots of restlessness. After the 3rd winter camp, I walked into the office and turned in my resignation. I decided that even though we were not financially ready for me to stay at home I couldn't leave my baby like that again. So I started doing child care at home. That brought in the money we needed. But it gave us no cushion for the summer and I was home every day. I mean stuck at home and not able to run errands or anything. So after a year of that I realized that if I went back to subbing I can make more, work less and still have days at home with my kids. I had some great friends that were willing to watch my boys and not charge me an arm and leg. It worked out fabulously. Joel even switched jobs during all of this so we can bring in more income, pay off some debt and get to where we are today. I am home with my boys and I am so glad. Its hard work and I know there will be days I wish I was some where else, but I love that there is no schedule, no set plan and I can be the one to take care of them day in and day out. I hope that we can financially make this work and I know we lost about $9000 a year in income but that's ok. I coupon, cook at home, shop clearance, and find ways to have fun with the boys for free. We will probably be down to a one car family soon so that will definitely make it easier for me to stay at home more too! I will keep you all posted on my Life As A Stay At Home Mom and also on our Vacation Fund. We are getting there and I think we will reach our goal by Sept.
