***Warning*** Lots of Whining Ahead

So, I'm getting ready to whine just as I try to teach my kids NOT to do. I'm having a "woe is me" moment just as I have tried so hard not to do in the past few years. But, right now, in this moment - I am going to W-H-I-N-E, so prepare yourself. So, what is my deal? Is the anticipation building?? I'll tell you what the deal is. I have to go back to work. I have to enter the "real world", leave my kids behind, and work for a living. I know, I know. People choose to do it every day. I am in no way judging them. But, this is not what I had planned. This is not what I wanted to do. I wanted to stay home with BOTH of my girls at least until they both started school. I'm heartbroken. I'm angry. I'm frustrated. I do not want to leave Maddie. I do not want to be rushed off in a horrible morning commute taking my child to daycare for someone else to raise only to pick her up at 5:00 in the afternoon to spend a whopping 2 1/2 hours with my girls before putting them to bed. I want to be at the bus stop in the afternoon to pick up Audrey. I want to go to her school and volunteer when I'm needed. I want the freedom of snuggling with Maddie as she cuddles up on the couch in the morning to watch "my Little Einsteins" or for her afternoon nap. I want to continue to have lunch at home with her and Derek every day.

But, what do I need? I need to pay my bills on time. I need to pay off this enormous debt that we have accrued over the past 3 years (thank you 12 months of double mortgages). I need to pull myself together, get organized, get a job, and figure it all out.

I'm scared. I'm scared that I can't handle it all. I can barely keep up with the day to day functions being at home. How on earth am I going to handle a full time job AND keep up with 2 small kids, a husband, and a 3-story house?! What on earth kind of job can I find - if any? Am I going to be miserable every single day?

Am I just not trusting God enough? He has supplied all my needs thus far, but I feel that some of the choices we've made are now coming back to haunt us. I want to blame everybody else. How dare the credit card companies raise my interest rate to 29% when I was barely keeping up with the 11%. Why on earth did it take a year to sell our house in Knoxville? Really? I bought a brand new car right off the lot?! You mean it drops in value as soon as you drive away? So, why exactly did I "have" to buy that new bedroom set for Audrey? Why did I "have" to eat out three times in one week?

Ok, the reality is, we haven't always made the wisest choices. But, we've floated along up to this point. We are so blessed with Derek's job, especially in this economy, but at some point we just have to say "enough is enough". If we pay the minimum month after month, we are going to be in debt for the rest of our lives. I'm smart enough to know that is NOT GOOD. So, here I go. Resume is done. Classifieds are out.

My big girl panties are on.

7 comments:

  1. Derek said...:

    I am so very sorry you have to even entertain this idea. I have tried to keep you from it, and if there were anything else I could do I would. I love you...

    and I am sorry I am reading your blog.

    Not really ;)

  1. Tahra said...:

    You are an amazing woman and an even more amazing MOM! God will never let you down as long as you keep the faith in Him. Life is exactly what you make of it, and I don't doubt that, working or not, you will make it wonderful for your girls and Derek. I love you friend and I will be praying for you! You got this :)

  1. I understand completely. Kim and I have seldom made good financial choices in our life. We paid 130,000 for a house that is now worth.... 49,000.00 Yeah, that was smart.

    Anyway... You will pull it together and Derec will pick up the slack around the house. That is what good husbands do (don't tell my Kim).
    God said he would take care of our needs and he will. Sadly, I want much more than I need.

    You will keep the faith because God remains faithful. You are being a great mother by showing your kids the value and necessity of work. You are special, you are my sister and I love you very much... You have my prayers and support. At least as much as I can give here at the Gates of Hel... I mean South Florida.

    Miss you guys!

  1. Kim said...:

    Thanks, everybody. D, you are amazing and work incredibly hard for our family. I love you (and shame, shame for reading my blog). lol Thanks, Tahra - means a lot! Jason, thanks. It just ticks me off that this is pure DEBT. Derek has a fabulous job!! And, it's truly sad that we have so much going out each month. Argh! Anyhoo, moving on. lol

  1. C Smith said...:

    You should check out my sister in laws blog. The entire thing is about living lean and mean. They are amazing at paying down debts and not spending money. It is extreme but works for them. You can do it. Maybe you can find a happy medium. I can honestly say that I enjoy working my 3 days a week. Do you have to be full time? I know what you mean about having a daycare raise your kids but you may find yourself with more energy at the end of the day and able to actually give you kids more time and attention. Good luck! Hope you can find something...

  1. Amy said...:

    Kim, I have been there, thought that, done that, and have totally been in your shoes. It really stinks(there is really a better word that starts with S, but I won't publish on your blog:-)) But as hard as it is, you will do great! God has kept my head above water. As hard as it is to work and have 2 little ones, it can be done. You may have lots of tears everyday. But, please know you are not alone. Come talk to me anytime!

  1. Fields said...:

    We understand. We too are paying for bad financial choices because when I worked we spent money like I would be working forever even though we knew I would not. You are so brave and motivated. I need to find a way to make some money...

 
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