Thursday, January 28, 2010

How to Live Live A Lot Without Money

Every once in a while, I get comments like, "Don't you want to live a little?" and "What about the value of your time?" These comments make me sad. Without getting into the topic of cost/time analysis, I'd like to address this attitude.

I can't imagine "living" more than kneading bread with my son, or finding a new favorite book at the library, or counting as my boys take turns tumbling the wonderwash. Whether or not my time makes me money or saves me money is irrelevant to this point. Quality of life has little to do with money. Once basic needs are met, it's about relationships and pursuing dreams.

I get to spend all day every day with my family. I make money writing one blog post per day. Then, I have the rest of my time to do whatever I please. If I didn't find writing that blog post enriching, I wouldn't do it. The rest of the day I read, I sew, I snuggle with my kids, I roll my own tortillas, and I discuss religion and politics with the smartest guy I know. These are quality of life items for me. Buying new throw pillows and more shoes, not so much.

The idea that I am frugal because I have to be is a little silly. I know how to make money without putting my kids in daycare, and I knew how to do it before I started this blog. I choose to be frugal so that I can dream, teach my children to dream, and be a strength to my husband as he steps towards his dreams. That is living.

(This was going to be my FAQ Friday post, but I got a fun question that I wanted to address for tomorrow. This bumped nicely into my Family Time Thursday slot. I feel like I am getting back into the blogging rhythm. Thanks to those of you who stuck around through my absence.)

54 comments:

Patty said...

It is sad when you almost have to defend the lifestyle that makes you happy. Everyone just has to find their own rhythm and understand diversity. Best wishes.

Jessica said...

I totally agree with this.

You may not be factoring the cost of time into your recipes, because that doesn't matter to you. I understand that to a working mother who has limited time with her children, the time cost of rolling her own tortillas is important.

This is something I have been working on lately - finding ways to do things in my house that save us money, but incorporating my children into the activities to make it family time instead of just some chore mommy has to do while the boys entertain themselves.

And I agree that I would rather be spending time doing these things with my family instead of sacrificing time with them to be able to afford more clothes, a fancier car, vacations, or other wastes of money (in my opinion). I can never get back these years with my boys, and I bet one day they will look back and remember the time spent with them doing these things, not the size of our home or whether or not their clothes were second-hand.

Pam said...

First, I wanted to say that I am praising the Lord for Daniel's recovery. I know that must have been an extremely difficult ordeal, and I was praying for your family.

Second, I completely understand your point. I have a dream to open a restaurant some day. Most people's reaction is "ugh, that is so much work" or "that takes a lot of money" or "most restaurants fail". (Although most people are encouraging, and say that they will be my biggest customer!) Right now, I have a small home baking business and I love it, but it is not for everyone. God makes everyone different, and when you do what you love, it doesn't seem like work. Being happy with what you have been given is a wonderful thing...and it is called contentment.

Simple in France said...

Emily, people never cease to amaze me. I personally would not say that you need to 'live a little' since you are already enjoying the way you are living. I don't think we need to go to resort-style hotels and drink fruity drinks with umbrellas in them to be 'living a little.' Rather, I think that most people who spend too much time working and shopping are missing out.

I agree with you wholeheartedly--making bread (or tortillas) is fun--and rewarding. So is time with people you love and have built a bond with over time is fun and rewarding--so is blogging for that matter.

I wonder what these people consider 'living a little?' In our society, their way of doing things is the easy way--and I have no doubt you could do it if you wanted to. But you deliberately choose to live otherwise, which is what makes you inspirational!

Anonymous said...

Good for you, Emily. My 3 sons are grown. We home schooled them living in a small home, having one car, and eating simply. You will NEVER regret the time spent with them! They remember the wonderful times together and all the fun things we did TOGETHER. Your children will never be the age they are today and they will be grown in the blink of an eye. Have a blast :o) Dee

Anonymous said...

Live how God wants you to, ignore anyone else that speaks differently. If God is the head of your home and directing your path, you are living more than those with endless amounts of money, time, and ideas. If He's not, you live in vain.

Late to Gaming said...

When people mistakenly think you aren't "living" because you are frugal says more about them than about you. So many people believe that have to have money and material goods to be happy today. Sometimes I feel really bad for those people who work their lives away trying to support a lifestyle that doesn't even make them happy.

Anonymous said...

Not related to this post, but I saw this cookbook and thought of you.

http://www.amazon.com/99-Cent-Only-Stores-Cookbook/dp/B002YX0BSC/ref=pd_sim_b_5

-Lyn

Karsyn524 said...

Emily,
I couldn't agree with you more! I think that it is awesome that you are home with your kids. I totally enjoy being with my babies as well. They will only be young once and well it has always been my dream to be a mom so I feel as if I am living my dream each day.

I joined your blog for inspiration to be more spend thrifty. It amazes me how little I understood or appreciated the value of a dollar before I was home with my kids. I want them to be healthy, active, loving, God fearing and Servants to the Lord. To me this is my most important goal and as you so keenly put it...Money can't buy that, it can buy material things that you will use but will wear out and be tossed away like yesterdays trash.

Keep doing what you do best and don't let the nay-sayers get you down! I admire your courage and strength it takes alot to stand up to bullies!!!

Karsyn

cheapdate said...

I love your attitude! We also live frugally. I know I could give my children more "things" but ultimately I dont believe that is what is important. They think picnics and trips to local free entertainment are fun, and a frugal attitude will help when they go to college and have little spending money.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely agree that living the way you want to live is a gift that you can't put a dollar amount on. Living beyond means and never being satisfied isn't working out so well for our country.

Our Family: even non-Christians should live authentically without worrying too much about what others think of them. Just like with vaccinations, everyone needs to make their own well informed choices about other aspects of their lives and no one should judge them for that.

Tereza said...

That is an awesome way to look at things and I agree! I will keep that in mind as I go through "LIVING: this busy, wonderful day!

victoria said...

Loved this post! I echo everyone here. The other night, my 15 year read to me while I knitted. It was such a great night! That is living it up! I've had to live frugally by necessity and the one splurge I miss are our vacations together. Even if the vacation was only a couple of hours away, it was an adventure.

Amy@TheCircusMcGurkus.blogspot.com said...

I am frugal, although not close to the level you are! My goal is to hold onto as much money that comes into our home as I can. Why do I want to give more than I have to to the gas company, the grocery store or my insurance company? I want us to have the freedom to choose how to spend our hard earned funds. The more we spend, the more my husband has to work to earn more. I don't want a mortgage, credit card debts or so much stuff I have to rent a storage unit. I want financial freedom. To me, that is living a little.

I love that you are able to make do with so little and enjoy it. Many people today are doing with less than they used to, but very few seem to have your positive attitude about it.

Anna said...

ScottishTwins, I'm really surprised to see you list vacations along with with a fancy car as a waste of money that your children won't miss when they're old. I completely disagree. My husband and I live quite frugally day to day, and it's so that we can afford to travel with our kids. The time we spend travelling is the best family time we've ever had- making bread with my children does not compare to exploring a 1000 year old cathedral in Norway, or walking the Great Wall in China (both of which we've done). We spend at least a month of each year travelling, and I firmly believe that these are the memories our children will cherish- the times we spend out, exploring the world, learning and living and experiencing life in other cultures first-hand as a family.

Carolyn said...

Great post! You are rich in the things that truly matter.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

When my children were little I was a stay at home Mom. I didn't home school but spent all my time with them and loved it. I could never replace that now. Did I have many 'things' No, but I had love, great children a husband who I supported with love and a comfortable home life. All worth it then and still worth it now. You are doing what is right for you and loving it!

Lori said...

I dream. I dream fantastically huge dreams and wonderful small dreams. I want my son to learn to dream dreams that might well be impossible and dreams that he can make true with his brain and a little hard work.

I'm not sure what that has to do with the fact that my son will be getting new throw pillows to bounce on when I go to the store this weekend, or that I can't wait for my fringey new ankle boots to come from UPS this afternoon.

I have never told you to live a little, as I'm pretty sure you are living exactly the way you want to live. After all, there are plenty of things that you do (like making my own sausage, bread and cheese) that I do because I enjoy the fresh quality of it, not because I am trying to pinch a penny until it has a hole in the middle.

But I don't think anyone who has told you to "live a little" is suggesting a spree at Mahnolo Blahnik or a major Laura Ashley redecoration. If I were to say it to you, and I wouldn't, but if I did, I would say that life is full of teeny, tiny little pleasures that I think you might miss from time to time, not because you aren't there, but because you have such a big-picture focus.

Saving money, living responsibly, living according to your principles are great things. I know I have great memories of learning to sew with my mother, picking raspberries with my great-grandmother, making pickles with my grandma. But I also have memories that are just as good of my mother teaching me the how to mix my Raisinettes into my buttered popcorn at the movies, my great-grandmother showing me how to appreciate and care for special things when we polished her crystal and silver, and my grandma giving me permission to indulge in my self with a great tube of nice lipstick in just the right color.

I want my son to learn the value of a dollar. I also want him to learn the value of a life lived in full appreciation of the things you want to spend your precious minutes here enjoying. I'm glad you believe you have achieved that. (I'm not saying believe because I don't believe you have. I say it's something that requires belief.)

But just because I want a new couch and I buy a lottery ticket now and then to imagine what a few million dollars would do for my life doesn't mean that you are living more than me, any more than the fact that I can't imagine spending $200 on a pair of jeans and think $5,000 purses are insane means I live more or better than Sarah Jessica Parker.

josie's friend said...

After my best friend died unexpectedly last month, I have learned something about delayed gratification, always saving for the future, not taking vacations etc.

While I think it is foolish to buy big cars or live extravagantly, I have changed my opinion on saving money for "experiences" for later. Sure, the library and park are great, when your kids are small, but when your kids are older, there is a whole world out there, with rich and interesting experiences. Working and saving money, so as to experience interesting places, different people, etc. is a GOOD thing, and better to do in the here and now than years in the future, when you may not be able to do those things.

Also, there are some experiences that enrich a person's life, aside from travel, which cost money, including music lessons, and development of other passions, such as art or sports (equipment is expensive!). To be so frugal so as not to allow oneself or ones children to travel, play sports or music, due to costs, is too bad. One can still be frugal, and realize that there are many things to take advantage of, and some cost money. Because some of us choose to spend our money this way does make us Godless and inferior.

Kiltie said...

I understand your theory, but let me pose this question:

"I choose to be frugal so that I can dream, teach my children to dream" Doesn't living mean making your dreams reality?

On a side note, I am curious as to how you feel about trips and vacations? ( I admit I could have missed another post on this topic.)

My husband and I drove from the Midwest to NYC and DC this summer. I am an Architect (and we are both facinated with history) so to not only see the history of the buildings, but also some of the history of our country was priceless for us. Sure you can learn about it in books, but to actually see and feel something is much different. Would you ever consider spending money on a trip with similar intentions?

(You could certainly still make it fairly inexpensive as the museums, points of interest - ie Ford's Theater, government buildings are free to all visitors in DC.)

Just curious...

Emily said...

josie's friend, we are not so frugal that we can't create art or play sports. Maybe we don't do these things in the traditional American fashion. Maybe we do things a little more creatively so that we aren't wasting money or resources. Again, I am at a loss to see how this is a bad way of doing things.

Kiltie, our dreams are becoming a reality, mine and my husband's. We live on a small budget so he can finish school. We are saving for a homestead. Our children are seeing that you can do what you want with your life. I'll add the travel question to the FAQ, as it is a dynamic topic.

Marcee said...

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!!!

Sondra Rose said...

Beautifully written, Emily!

slk2042 said...

You'll never regret the time you spend with your family. I have a 16 y.o. DD. It seems like just yesterday she was a tiny preemie, wearing doll clothes so we could find something to fit her. If I worked outside the home, she was either in school or I had her with me. I can't believe she is driving a car now!! (BTW, someone in church told me something I'll never forget--"You'll never know what a true prayer life is until your children learn how to drive." So true!!)

We thought the Lord would give DH and me only our daughter. She had been our only child for so long, we just accepted the fact that she was the only soul God had put into our care. Then, 15 years later, he gave us a little boy. He turned one earlier this month. And we are expecting another little boy this summer! We couldn't be happier, and I also plan to stay home with these two boys. DH is even considering that we should homeschool, but we still have a few years to finalize a prayerful decision about that.

All that was to say that kids grow up too soon. I have only two years left with my DD before she can legally be off doing her own thing. It saddens me that she grew up too fast, but I am thrilled that I was there to watch it happen.

Don't be annoyed when people tell you to "live a little." They will be sad at the end of their lives when they are alone and surrounded by their material possessions. Those material possessions will not mean a thing on your death bed.

No one ever says on their death bed, "I wish I spent more time at the office."

Aiming4Simple said...

And I don't think many wish they spent more time at the mall either. This post is a good reminder for me. Thanks.

Blessed said...

Scottish Twins, thank you for your comment about making a point to involve your boys in your "chores" so that it becomes a fun family activity and not just mommy working while kids stay out of the way--I do this WAY too much. I agree completely that my way is not fully living, and needed to be reminded of that this morning! : )

josie's friend said...

Again, one doesn't have to have such a black and white view of the world. It isn't choosing between children and possessions, as some people like to only see.

One can have a balanced life of family, children, and even a little work and possessions, and still not have any regrets that one didn't "spend enough time with the children"! All but one of my children is grown now, and I was at every event, and home every afternoon and evening. We didn't homeschool them, which was an excellent decision for our family, as our children are gifted in math, and I am not, so could not possibly have taught them at their appropriate levels!. We have been able to have experiences and music and dance and travel BECAUSE I am educated and have worked, but these experiences have also brought us even closer together as a family.

Those who work a bit and even have a few more possessions are not giving up on their children! This is very black and white thinking (and incorrect too!).

Anonymous said...

I'm totally with you on this one.

Even if we had TONS of money I'd still be making our food from scratch (although, I'd be doing it from organic products instead!) and doing a lot of other diy projects and whatnot (like hanging all of our clothing).

It doesn't take THAT much time...and to me, the time is worth it. MOSTLY everything I do, I enjoy :)

Go you :)

Clisby said...

"josie's friend, we are not so frugal that we can't create art or play sports. Maybe we don't do these things in the traditional American fashion. Maybe we do things a little more creatively so that we aren't wasting money or resources."

Emily, your children are too young for what I think josie's friend is talking about. Of course you and a 3-year-old can create art. You and a 3-year-old can throw a football around. You and a 3-year-old can sing songs. But if you have a child who actually has a talent for art or music or sports, it won't be too many years before the only thing you can do to foster that talent is to get out of your child's way and send him off to other teachers - and that can be costly, in both time and money.

You say that "Our children are seeing that you can do what you want with your life". That all depends on what you want. If you want to work low-wage jobs and be happy - sure, you can do that. If you want to work medium-wage jobs and be happy - yes, you can do that.

If you're musically gifted but your parents didn't pay for music lessons, then you can "want" to be a concert pianist all you like -- it's not at all likely you can achieve that. If you had the natural talent to be a great soccer player, but your parents never made sure you competed locally, and then regionally, and then statewide - sorry, you're not going to make it. It's pretty simple.

Susan said...

I have been a homemaker for most of my 39.5 years of marriage. I baked our bread, grew a fabulous garden, preserved our food. Saved money. Sold Tupperware, Avon, Coppercraft, Passeport Jewlery while my husband worked 2nd shift.
Then, after 10 years of marriage, we adopted our newborn daughter. I stayed home with her. She remembers our mother/daughter meals out of the same bowl. Teaching me to use the Nintendo. Trying to figure out 'Mist' game together. My ferrying her to music lessons, sports, and being her Girl Scout leader for 11 years.
All this is priceless. Keep it up Emily; it's YOUR life and live it the way you want.

Jessica said...

Anna - I was speaking about my own personal experience. I know many people who go into debt or work extra hours all year, taking time away from their families, just so they can take the same beach vacation every year. Or I know people who spend thousands on cruises, then complain to me about how they are scraping by to make ends meet and it is stressing them out.

Traveling like that is a luxury in my opinion. It isn't really important to me.

Yes, I enjoy taking trips places, but prefer to do it cheaply. There are so many places within driving distance to explore, that I can't justify spending thousands on vacations at this point in my life.

And travelling itself isn't a waste - there are valuable educational opportunities and memories to be made when you travel. I just know that while my children are young and won't remember anything about the vacations, it seems silly and wasteful to spend that money.

I'm not judging anyone else for their choices. I am just speaking from my personal experiences. We get questioned from people a lot about why we don't ever travel. I can think of a thousand other things I would rather spend my money on at this stage of my life.

Devon said...

I agree too. There is no price that can be put on blowing bubbles or planting seeds with my son.

I do echo the question about trips, though. Are you never planning on any? I don't mean this in a snarky manner---I'm just curious.

test said...

Right on!

Everyone has different passions in your life. If it's your kids and your famiy - that's AWESOME.

My passion is dogs. I have three rescues myself, I volunteer for a breed specific rescue and my local SPCA, and I'm heavily involved with my local dog club - and I teach a basic obedience class.

It's time consuming for some, and some people don't like dogs - but it makes me HAPPY. Nothing makes me happy like a dog does.

So good for you for being able to seek out what REALLY makes you happy. You're absolutely right - it isn't about money, or things. It's about being happy and enjoying life.

CappuccinosMom said...

If someone wants to spend their money on things they like to have or like to do, that's fine. :)

I'm sure we as a family spend more than you do, Emily. And we certainly have good memories from vacations, but...

You are 100% correct. It is wrong to define "living" by the stuff we have or vacations we do. "Just live a little" is usually an insult when directed at people living frugally. I'm glad our friends enjoy their cruises. Good for them. But we *are* living, quite happily, with a great deal of enjoyment.

I think the comment section would be much improved if folks would stop taking Emily's posts and other comments as if they were personal attacks. Honestly. Emily's post was clearly *her* feelings about *her* life, in response to attitudes *she's* recieved from unspecified persons. If you didn't say it to her, why the need to remind her of that and then defend your lifestyle? What's the point?

CappuccinosMom said...

We are not currently traveller's either.

But one of the reasons we live frugally now is to eventually have the ability to transport our family between America and my husband's country on a regular basis. Because that is our goal, though beach vacations and summer camps would be nice, we have a much bigger goal to work towards.

Anonymous said...

Its funny, my husband and I hear this all the time, why don't you go on trip, why don't you live more. For us we both work to live, and when we are home we enjoy just spending the time together. It really is about your relationships what is important at the end of the day. Everything else is just added bonus.

luckymom4 said...

I have been a SAH mom for 20 years,and our youngest just turned 10, so I will continue for a while. We have sacrificed a lot so that I can be home with the kids. Once, my then 11 year old son had a friend over after school. As they were snacking on homemade cookies, I overheard the friend say "you are so lucky your mom is here when you get home from school. I am alone until 7pm." I knew then that we had made the best decision for us. And that's what it comes down to- what is best for you and your family. Cherish every minute you have with your kids!

KatjaE said...

Awesome post. Thanks!

My life has had different seasons. When my kids (now teens) were small, I was a full-time Mom and we were extremely frugal and I felt exactly as you do. Now, I work outside the home at a job I love and spend more money on time-saving conveniences. My job is flexible and I still have a good amount of family time. This is how I want to spend my time and my money now. But I would never tell someone else what is the correct balance for THEM at a given stage of their family life.

Anonymous said...

Do you ever go on a "date" with your husband? Dinner? Movie? I'm a sucker for the $1 Redbox movies because it is so cheap and convenient, but sometimes I just want to get out of the house! Don't you ever just want to get out of the house?

Jessa said...

I think it's sad how quickly we devalue the actual value of a parent being at home with their child; whether they make any money or not.

Anonymous said...

Hi Emily,

I can not imagine a more enjoyable way to live then spending time with my loved one everyday. For me, this means more then any amount of money ever could. I will cherish these golden memories I make with my family and I am sure that they do as well.

Saryn

Guinevere said...

Here's my perspective on "living a little": financial freedom is key to happiness. To my mind, no one is truly enjoying shopping, dining out or travel if they're going into debt or making unsound financial decisions to do so, because they're going to spend more time worrying late at night than they are actually enjoying their things. So I think that "living a little" has to be defined by whatever IS reasonable (some might say frugal) in the bounds of your financial situation.

And I do think family is more important than things, too. My husband and I plan to make some financial sacrifices in the future so that I can stay home with our kids, because that's important to us.

However, I do think the "things" money can buy have a value in happiness, too, beyond just the basic necessities. It matters more to my happiness to be healthy and have love in my life, but I also get real joy out of my beautiful house, having the money to buy hobby equipment like a bicycle or snowboard to enjoy activities I like, and traveling to Europe or getting away to a B&B with my husband for the weekend. It's not always a choice between life and things.

But, I think everyone's "living a little" is different, just as everyone's financial situation and frugality will be different, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Anonymous said...

Off topic (sorry) but do you plan on posting your Month 4 of "can you make money by blogging" series? I'm one of your swagbuck referrals and curious as to what you're up to! (I think I may have already reached 100 of what you can earn from me, though. I'm loving swagbucks.)

Happily Frugal Mama said...

My 17 yo told me today that making bread is "fun"... so, I definitely wouldn't say that simple living isn't living it up.

Emily said...

Anon, on the date, sometimes, but we usually take our kids. We like those kids. But I have an upcoming post about the alone time I sometimes get.

Anon on money, yes, I'm switching that monthly post to the 1st of the month from now on, so it's scheduled for Monday.

Anonymous said...

Emily,

I agree with spending time doing simple things with your children. We cook our food together, manage our garden, read, play games. But just because we have money and a house and nice cars and things doesn'tmean we don't enjoy or spend time with our kids. I am a SAHM because we have money. Not the other way around.

Bella

Anonymous said...

You might have received that question because of the extreme you take your lifestyle to and I don't mean that in a bad way.

With the exception of one year helping my husband run a business outside of our home I have always been a stay at home mom [had six, raised five] and we never had new cars or pricey shoes or ate out [except special occasions] and we camp for vacations...etc. We are very frugal - but what is funny - never in 22 years has anyone ever questioned whether or not we wanted to live a little as your commentator did - and I am still at it [have 2 left at home].

I have a blog too and write about being frugal etc. but I don't tout it or take it to the point where it may not be something others can understand or be a wee bit controversial. We just live our lives and it all falls into place.

I guess my point is - it is your life, your blog and your way of doing things - it seems to work for you and you shouldn't be defending it. No one is living it but you and your family.

But if you lean to a bit extreme you are going to be questioned. That is what going public is all about, right?

Maria said...

I don't think it has to be an either/or situation. I work at home writing short stories, novellas, and novels. No, I don't make a lot of money. Writing fiction is not a get rich quick career so we live solely off of my husband's income as a medic. Whatever I make currently goes toward medical bills for our kiddo. Eventually those funds will go toward our long-term family goals and providing opportunities for our kid(s) to travel, experience culture, art and music, or even just an afternoon of movies and pizza and arcade games.

We live frugally because we enjoy having a sense of peace and security. I do enjoy super couponing and stockpiling and knowing we can live off of our pantry and freezer for a while should we need to at any point in the near future. Also we aren't scrambling to cover this or that unexpected bill. Does that mean I don't occassionally splurge on new KangaROOS or curtains or whatever? Nah. I work hard and should get to enjoy the fruits of my labor. But all things in moderation.

I think your choices for your family work well for you now. Will you always choose to live as tightly as you do? Maybe. You might find in a few years you have a child who desperately needs the services of a great music teacher or the benefit of summer sports camps or (insert crazy kid talent here.) At that point, your priorities might change. Life is funny like that.

I do think a lot of work outside the home moms bristle at the idea that choosing to seek employment outside of the home or to put their children in daycare makes them somehow less motherly. It's always difficult to phrase these kinds of personal choices without making value judgments of others.

Amber said...

I got married just a few weeks shy of my 20th birthday... so many people thought I was giving up my life and still don't understand why we made the decision to settle down so young! But we love it and are so happy with our decision :)

Unknown said...

I found your blog over the weekend and haven't stopped reading. I'm so sorry there are people here in blogland that are so mean, they just must not understand. I just want to thank you for pushing through all the negativity I love your blog. It is such a great inspiration. I really appreciate your honesty. This post couldn't have come on a better day. I'm just doubting everything it seems today andbthis helps so thank you

Chick Hatchers said...

I love your perspective and admire your courage to stand so strong with it. You are an encouragement to me. The time we spend with our children and husband is more important than anything else other than the time we spend with our Lord. And we can often do that concurrently!

Hey, I actually posted 3 times since last Friday, which is better than my once-a-month average. Come visit!

mychildsview.blogspot.com

Mama to 8 said...

It seems as if many people confuse comfort with happiness or satisfaction.
Today, my comfort came from a decent house, heat and plenty of food in the pantry. I am comfortable because I am not freezing or starving and I am clean.
My joy came from something else. I heard my new babys heartbeat today. My dh called me from work to tell me he missed me. My 17 yo came home for 15 minutes between school and work so she could talk to me and smooch the littles. No amount of money could buy the things that made me happy today.

Anonymous said...

I don't follow your religion but respect women who are HAPPY or CONTENT with who & where they are in their lives regardless of religious beliefs or lack of for that matter.

Sarah @ Hippie Mommie said...

I love this attitude! More people should take this on as their own! Family is what really matters. Family is forever! Your boys are very lucky to have a mommy who treasures every little minute with them!

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