The Best Decision

Heads up.... I'm standing on the soapbox.............

When I was 5 and just shy of kindergarten (or maybe I was already in school at that time) my parents divorced. I don't really have a memory of either parent at a school field trip but they never missed a game I had after school for sports or a dance recital. They were both single parents and did their best. They even reconciled at one point, for a brief period,and my mom went from full time to part time so we saw her more. At that point though was old enough that I was out playing with friends and not even home to enjoy her.

My parents never really had a choice in the matter. Thankfully, I do. I could have chosen to send the kids to daycare, I used to work in a daycare center and have my thoughts/opinions that are good and bad about that. I could have also sent them to an in home and again I have feelings either way. I would be certainly able to give the kids more "stuff" if I worked full time. I've been saving for a swing set for them and it will take a year before I have the cash to do it versus giving them one this summer because we had extra money. The difference in what I would take home versus what I take home now is really only a few hundred bucks. It's coffee at Caribou daily, or a new purse just because. But the funny thing is that although my life used to be just like that, I don't really miss it. I make pretty darn good coffee and I tend to flip through old purses and change it up when I even actually bother to use a purse.

Nope, Jack doesn't have the newest toy on the market or even the hippest clothes. Come to think of it I don't know if I have bought him an item of clothing other then underwear for toilet training this year. We may have gotten him a new shirt for Easter...I can also say that 90% of his Christmas gifts were from a garage sale and he both didn't know or care because they were new to him and he loved them.

My friends will be the first ones to tell you that we have a TON of toys and stuff to do at our house and I'm VERY proud to say that 95% of the toys and or stuff were either a hand me down, free, or a garage sale item that I paid $20.00 or less for. Most items were $5 or less.

I very much enjoy finding deals and could care less that it's not brand new. I love being home with my kids. Ok... let me say it this way, I love it 99% of the time. I am not cut out to ALWAYS be home because I need to interact with adults too. I also can say that I am not a fan of the fancy things in life. Fancy for me is Buca De Peppo or Olive Garden. Although I will confess that I do adore COACH and LV, but know that I can get some decent ones on Canal Street for around $20 instead of $300-$4000... but again... I rarely use a purse and am a fan of the backpack purse because it's easier. I also can say that growing up we were given so much.... Our Christmas's still floor Joe at the sheer amount of stuff we are given. My parents gave use the moon and I'm blessed that they did/could. I also feel though that I was taught that with hard work comes the reward. I cut the grass one summer for contact lenses. I also worked 2 jobs one summer to save for college spending money.

I'm getting off topic and beginging to ramble.... sorry. (I warned you about the soap box)

Now I'm not judging those who work because they have to/choose to, good for you. I am different. I applaud you for your needs and wants. There are benefits to both. I was once told that it must be hard to make time to teach pre-school stuff to my oldest because I'm home and just finding the time (versus in a daycare they teach it) I said yes it is and he will learn them eventually. I can't beat myself up because Jack wants to ride a bike versus recognize letters. I can't imagine missing the fun and things I've seen so far and can't believe I'm lucky enough to make it work this way and be as happy as fulfilled as I am. It's the best decision we ever made. I wouldn't change it for the world and can't imagine it any other way.