We did it!

My biggest fear as a mother is that I will look back in 18 years and realize I didn't take advantage of every opportunity to spend time with, teach, play, hug or kiss my children. I've always loved the idea of being a stay-at-home mother but didn't know if I could handle it mentally. I love people and I need to be around people! :) When Carter was born there was just no way we could manage it financially but now that Carter is four and Hadley is 1 we've found ourselves in a position that would able me to stay-at-home with them (thanks hubby for taking to the streets to earn a little extra dough. It's supposed to be cold these next few nights so bundle up!) I kid, I kid, but I do have to give a big thank you to you Chris for taking on a second job so I can stay home with our babies.

I have worked since I was 16 years old and frankly the thought of not having a job made me bite my fingernails and twirl my hair into a knotted mess. What will I contribute to this family? How do I validate myself without a job? So I turn to my prayer warrior, my oh-so-wise and oh-so-loved Aunt Susie. She prayed with me and told me to pray about it and keep a journal of what God was telling me. Well folks, Susie has this direct line to the big guy and I'm really jealous. I have a really hard time "hearing God" when I pray for something. I pray to be shown in a way that is undeniable that this is what I'm supposed to do and God will deliver but in true Jennifer fashion I totally turn it around, "Was that it God? No, that's not it. I'm sure a lot of people get back stabbed at work and are left friendless. That couldn't be it. Next" "Oh, daycare tuition is going up for the second time in 3 months. That's not God, that's the economy, I'm sure of it! Next!" So this is how it played out for a few weeks until I finally realized(sorry God I'm a little hard headed) my place is at home with my babies! We did it! I turned in my resignation! My last day of work, or should I say last day of employment because I think the work is probably just beginning, will be January 31st. So all those that care to read this please keep us in your prayers as we'll need it!

A few months ago a lady introduced to "blog stalking" and I've been blog stalking some of you for a few months now and I have to say that ya'll too have been more involved with my decision to stay home then you know. I read your cute little blogs with your cute pictures and I would get so jealous. I wanted to be crafty and make fun things with my children. I wanted to go to the park in the middle of the week with my children. I envied all of you so! You really helped me see the fun side of this staying-at-home business and helped me realize what a splendid opportunity it is to be able to be there for your children. They are only little for such a short time so here's to making every moment count!

~Jennifer