Our family currently lives on a single income – mine. And I’m a teacher, so that income isn’t
exactly huge. I’d put us somewhere in the low to mid middle-class spectrum.
My husband stays home with our son while Mama brings home
the bacon. It just made more sense this way – I’m the one with health insurance
and a retirement plan. My job, after fourteen years, is pretty stable and the
schedule is good (I mean, not too many jobs out there can boast of a 10 week
vacation during the summer). Of course,
I really really would rather be the
one at home with Izzy, but we couldn’t argue with logic on this one.
So, we budget. It isn’t always easy. We’ve learned to live
frugally. We’ve learned to cut costs wherever we can. We don’t get to travel
much. When we do, it’s day trips or
camping excursions, not jaunts to resorts or European getaways.
I’ve had to learn how to window shop. I get creative with the wardrobe I have,
instead of buying new stuff. I do the best I can with what I’ve got. I make it work.
I brew my coffee and tea at home, instead of stopping at
trendy coffee shops each day. I
brown-bag my lunch to work – usually a sandwich and a Greek yogurt, nothing
fancy. I use coupons at the grocery
store and shop in bulk when it’s cost effective.
We don’t go out to dinner, or to the movies. Netflix and
home cooked dinners are our daily specials. Happy hour means putting some
Reggae or Jazz on Pandora and enjoying a glass of “Two-buck Chuck” after our
almost-one year old goes to bed.
Right now, it just has to be this way. Sometimes it’s
frustrating. Sometimes we cry. Sometimes it puts us on edge. But, at the end of
the day, we are okay. We’ve got a roof
over our heads and food in our bellies. We have good friends, good books, a lot
of laughter and a lot of song. We’ve got
family and each other. We’ve got LOVE.
Here’s to what’s important.
Cheers,
Today’s Gratitude List:
·
“Carpet picnics” in the living room
 |
| Linking up with Mosaic Monday on Little Red House |
·
Old friends coming to visit
·
Raspberry ice tea
It will be worth it in the end. I assume you already know that or your wouldn't be doing it this way.
ReplyDeleteGreat post...I can tell you have a positive personality! Good for you...and nice mosaic!...glad you linked to Mosaic Mondays so I could find your site!
ReplyDeleteI think you and your husband are doing a great thing. Lovely mosaics, too. (P.S. I'm a teacher and am thoroughly enjoying my eight-week summer break!)
ReplyDeleteYes, I have had to cut corners a whole lot this year too. Living on my own income in a house that I could not afford after my husband left. "Home-made" is quite popular around here! Thanks for visiting my site!
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough life when we live on a tight and small budget, but it's a beautiful life when you are with the ones you love who also loves you.
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude and your way of living!
I am on even a lower spectrum than yours, but God will see me through it.