Lessons Learning While Being a Stay at Home MOM

I knew when Jason and I decided that I would stay home with Callen that our life would not be the same as it was when I had a job. I knew that the things Jason and I enjoyed buying would no longer be possible or that we would have to put back and save for that something that we wanted. Jason and I have been blessed in our few years of marriage that we did not have to worry about money. I had a good job, Jason has a good job and we luckily didn't have debit. Therefore, we were really able to go and buy and do whatever we really wanted (in moderation of course). So, when I resigned from my job I knew that our life would have to make some drastic changes. Jason and I had prayed and prayed and prayed for something to come up where there was a little more money in our account, the Lord blessed us with a pay raise and I knew in the back of my mind that this was a sign from God saying I was doing the right thing staying at home and that we would make it.

I have made major cutbacks when it comes to things around the house, my clothing, and the grocery department. I am not going to lie, I like clothes and shoes and I have a somewhat expensive taste. I knew that with me not working that the stops at Anthropology and Gap would have to become less frequent and my need to have a pair of shoes with every outfit would have to change. I am luckily not having problems in this area (thank you Lord). Granted, I do frequent Anthropology's website often just to look. But, I am not missing the ability to go and buy things whenever I feel like it. I know that me staying at home outweighs any new sweater or any new boot. Instead, I am very pleased to rock my sweat pants daily with a few Spaghetti O stains.

Probably one of the biggest cutbacks Jason and I have made is in the grocery department. I have always gone to the store once a month to get food and such for the month. This has not changed. I would always make a list of items needed and I would sometimes follow that list. Now, I plan my meals monthly and I only buy what is needed for those meals. Granted, we do not have "options" anymore, however, we are saving big when it comes to grocery shopping. I am also shopping grocery sales (never thought I would do that) and learning the ins and outs of a good deal, etc. However, with my one shopping trip I have taken while sticking to my monthly menu list I have learned a few things.

1. Never ever buy the off brand cheese, it might save you $3.25...however, there is a reason it saved you that amount.
2. Having store bought snacks really don't save that much because more than likely that dessert you plan to make really never gets made.
3. One can not go without Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, or Coke when staying at home with an 11 month old. Granted it would save $7 a week...however, caffeine is a whole lot cheaper than crazy pills.
4. Never buy off brand ice cream...that stuff is just nasty. Instead I will stick with Schwans $4 half gallon and enjoy the bowl of ice cream.
5. The weekly grocery ad is a wonderful, wonderful invention. For example: this week at the local grocery store they had Del Monte veggie on sale for $.59. I usually spend $1.29 on canned veggies. I was very excited about this find.

Jason has also put me on a budget when it comes to Callen's birthday party. I am keeping to my budget, it is just really hindering the fun. However, Callen is one...I think he would get more out of having diapers for the month rather than a cool moon bounce for his party (or I guess I would).

I can honestly say that these "lessons" I have learned have not really bothered me in the slightest. I love staying at home and watching Callen grow and change and I can see the benefits right in front of me as to why I am budgeting myself or our family. I wouldn't change that for the world. So, if that means that in the coming months I have to give up my caffeine in order to survive, then I will gladly just go back to the off brand cheese or just no cheese at all. Sorry, I don't know if I can go without a Dr. Pepper. :)

God has blessed our little family greatly and I know that our family is growing and thriving in Him and that is all that really matters at the end of the day. It doesn't matter if I am dressed this year's fall fashions or if we eat cheap cheese. All that matters is that we are raising Callen in a Christ driven home and that Callen is happy and healthy and so are we. And of course, Callen dressed in cut fashionable clothes. I haven't given up my obsession for C-Man's clothing style.