Why I don't "work"...

I am the oldest of 4 children. I have been looking after children for as long as I can remember. My mother had an in home daycare for kids(about 4 kids on top of her own 4)when I was in elementary school. In junior high school she became the director of a daycare at the small private school I attended. I babysat on weekends from the time I was 13 and worked in the daycare after school when I turned 15. I love kids!

I worked my way through college at a bank and at a medical billing office. When I got pregnant at the age of 25 I had no doubts I would go right back to work and my child would go to daycare with my mother. I could not have felt more comfortable! When Anna Grace was born at 26 weeks weighing 1 pound 12 ounces, it still did not register in my mind that I would not go back to work. We were told she would be in the hospital for months and that when she came home she would need to be isolated from other children to prevent life threatening illnesses. A common cold could have killed her. Knowing they would not let me live at the hospital, I went back to work part time 2 weeks after I had her. Still reeling from the jolt of having a baby so early and dealing with blood pressure issues as well. I lasted about a month. She spent 2 months in the hospital and we brought her home weighing 4 pounds 4 ounces. I was elated to finally have her home and the thought of leaving her to go back to work never crossed my mind. As a matter of fact I stressed over the idea that I may have to eventually go back for financial reasons. Through faith and help along the way, I have been at home ever since.

I have struggled with the importance of contributing to my family financially over the years. The subject has been brought up many times and has often caused many arguments. I could not have left Anna Grace at daycare, and by the time Emily came along there was no point in me returning to work just to pay for childcare. There were tremendous sacrifices made by Scott in giving up a career he loved to support his family. I am forever grateful to him for allowing me the opportunity to be a mommy full-time! A job layoff nearly did us in, but we survived.

I have recently become involved in selling Scentsy to provide Buddies for Autistic kids. I use my commission to turn around and send out Scentsy buddies that help calm kids on the spectrum. I know that we could use the income, but I feel so passionate about giving back. I was also asked to be on the board of a non profit organization called Very Special People,Inc(a part of A4cwsn many of you hear me talking about). As with any non profit, it is about giving back. So while I don't technically "work", my time will be spent raising awareness for things that I am passionate about and there is not a salary that could compare to the feeling of pride that comes with that!