SAHM vs. Working Mom

I've had the wonderful privilege of staying at home with all of my children for about the first year of their lives. I worked part time for a while and then full time for about a year and a half until I got pregnant again. For the most part, I got to enjoy just focusing on each pregnancy and was able to witness them achieving their first milestones.

Well based on a few factors, my husband and I decided that it's time for me to re-enter into the workforce. I'm excited about the growth, the change and the chance for me to actually receive compensation for my degree. But of course I'm going to miss my days revolving around them.

I'm old fashioned when it comes to the household. My duties as a wife/mother drive me. There is such a fulfillment when David comes home from work and the house is clean, the laundry is done, the meal is prepared the kids are prayed, learned and exercised up. Then he sighs and says, "I love it when you're home." That's like music to my ears. Believe me, I'm not close to a "Martha Stewart." But the idea of  working outside the home threatens my idea of the possibility of maintaining that standard.

But of course staying at home isn't always peachy. I occasionally bump into those conversations with those who have that undertone response of  "Ohhh, so all you do is stay at home? That's not very ambitious." There's also the reality that a second income would decrease a great deal financial stress.

For my situation, I believe that being a stay at home mom vs. a working mom is equivalent to breastfeeding vs. formula. Formula still gets the job done but it will never have the richness of breast milk. Granted every situation is different. I have friends who are great moms who feel like they are better moms because they have the separation while they're at work. But personally, we have definitely seen outstanding fruit from one parent staying at home.  At the same time, there will be new qualities that I will gain by working outside the home that my kids will learn and admire. So to help me sort through the pros and cons just so I can turn my bittersweet decision into a less bitter one, I've compiled a list:

Pros of staying at home:

• Having my house in order will be a constant focus.

• Don't have to worry about calling in, if kids get sick.

• Get to put in additional time for extra educational projects (for the kids of course)

• Clear expectations of husband/wife duties

• I'm my kids main caregiver (don't have to worry about them in someone else's care)

Pros of working

• Second income...duh!!

• Time away to miss the kids

• Get to acquire new skills because of the change that I can apply to the household

• May provide more structure and organization since we will have a tighter schedule

• The kids get to see me in another role...as a professional:)

So yeah...though my  home is where my heart is, it's also exciting at venturing out and not only nurturing my kids but my career also. I'm also afraid that I won't be able to to do it all. So working mommies how do you balance?  Sahms do you plan on transitioning back into work?

Autumn's First Sunrise

I remember the days before we had children, David and I used to get up around 5am, go to Starbucks, then to the beach and watch the sunrise.We would read our Bibles and just talk. I also remember the day I said that I couldn't wait until we have children and take them to the beach to watch the sunrise together. I looked forward to starting a tradition with them that perhaps would lead to them appreciating the simple yet magnificent beauty of the sunrise.

We started a tradition of going to the beach for sunrise service on Easter morning. We didn't make the last one though and  I really wanted Autumn to share that with us before the summer ended.

So this morning we headed out the house around 6:15a.m.to catch the 6:49 a.m. sunrise. The kids were elated. They couldn't wait to get into the water, collect seashells and build a sand castle.

Autumn and her Daddy:) I love them:)

The kids playing in the sand.

Autumn cuddling with Daddy:)

 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. ~Psalm 19:1, 4b-5

Family Walks

 

 

Last Friday night as we were going to bed, David (Daddy) told me that he wanted to wake up early the next morning and do something with the family.

I suggested that we go for a walk. A long walk. From our house to the intersection and back is approximately 4 miles. (I didn't Google that distance until just now. Oh my land! That's long!)

So we headed out around 7:30 am. The kids were amped because usually when we go for our daily walks, Daddy is at work. It was nice, and slightly overcast when we started out. We jogged, talked, briefly greeted all the walkers, joggers and bicyclists. Everyone had their own individual water bottle, so we stopped many times for water breaks(even Autumn:)). David taught the kids how to read street signs. We played eye spy in Spanish and rehearsed the kids' weekly scriptures. 

About midway back, the kids started getting tired, so we played Dum Dum by Lecrae and Gold by Britt Nicole on my phone. Music always makes the walks more fun. Daddy also gave Moriah a piggy back ride and then put David on his shoulders. By that time we were able to see the house and the kids got excited and ran home. We reached home around 9:00 am.

It was good exercise and it made me think of the walk that we have with our Lord. How often do we start off with zeal when we first dedicate our lives to Him. Then we get tired for many different and combined reasons. With His mercy, He rejuvenates and strengthens us. He uses His word through songs, the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ and when it gets too tough, He carries us. My hearts desire and prayer is that when we see glimpses of our eternal home, that we will not try to hold on to this world. But instead, get energy, motivation and focus from seeing it in view.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:13-14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12:1-2

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.~Matthew 11:28