January first we started on a new adventure in our household. After years of discussion and planning, we decided that someone needed to be home with our boys. It is funny how life works because it never seems to go as we plan! I often say that the road to life is curvy, you never know what’s around the bend. You see, we always thought that I would be the one home with the children or at least only work part time.
Over the last couple of years by work demands increased and I was offered a full time position with benefits. We couldn’t turn down the benefits as neither of us had them previously. If you have been paying for medical insurance out of pocket, you know how enticing benefits can be! As my workload increased hubby’s work decreased. He was in the flooring business. With the economical downfalls over the last few years, his work became unstable.
Before we could go to a single income, we needed to pay a few things off. In August, we were able to pay off one of our vehicles. Not having that extra car payment is a huge help! We also had credit card bills that needed to be paid off. We had used the credit card to pay for some major home repairs- like a new heat pump system and a water heater that both went out about the same time. Using our credit card was not really the best decision, but it was all we could come up with at that point. Thankfully we paid it off in November!
So even though we had been talking about hubby possibly quitting his job and staying home for a long time, we were still unsure about making that big decision. Then one day I went to pick Capt. M up from after school care and he was crying. A boy standing next to him pointed to another boy and said “he tried to strangle your son”. Of course I set out to find the adult in charge and found that they didn’t think it was a big deal. That was my breaking point. I called hubby from the parking lot fighting back tears and at that moment it became crystal clear on what we needed to do.
So, here we are on our new adventure! I am excited to share with you each week on how we are dealing with our new arrangement. So far, my stress level has decreased by a significant amount. The boys are happy and hubby seams to be enjoying his new role. I am sure our adventure will not come without struggles though!
Latest posts by Renae Chiovaro (see all)
- Last Minute Batgirl Costume - October 22, 2016
- Agnes & Dora: Comfortable & Affordable Clothing - September 19, 2016
- Life is a Highway - September 17, 2016
Best wishes on your adventure! I just saw a Martha Stewart show where the entire audience was made up of stay at home dads and their kids. It was really great and made me think of you guys.