Can I Make it Happen?

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I've been reading so many blogs lately about women who have just had babies, a lot of whom are deciding to stay at home with them. I've also been somewhat of a creeper and have been lurking around the "Stay at home mom" boards at thebump.com. There are a lot of things I've learned through my research (or creeping, depending on the way you look at it :-P)

1. A lot of SAHMs (stay-at-home moms) didn't or don't think they can make it financially

2. The love for their child/children is so strong, they are willing to make incredible sacrifices in order to stay at home with them

3. God always takes care of them, and they find a way to survive, somehow. Usually with lots and lots of happiness and contentment

4. Staying at home with a child/children plus keeping the home nice and finding creative ways to save money is NOT EASY. It is not all happiness and smiles, but it is worth it! I think it will be, anyway.

This dream of mine to become a stay-at-home mom is invading my life. It has completely taken over my mind. I almost missed a turn this morning on my way to work (the same turn I've made every school-day for the past three years!) because I was completely lost in my thoughts about this. (Isn't it scary when you are basically driving on auto-pilot? Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this every once in a while!) I think we are past the point of not return, and there is no way I will be able to forget about this SAHM gig. I feel like it's what I was made for. And I don't even have a child yet! How can I feel this way when children may be years away for me?! I don't know, but It's something that I cannot shake.

So while I have this burning passion inside of me, I also have so many questions. How on earth am I ever going to reach my goal? How are we going to pay for a baby when I am not working full time? The answer: I HAVE NO IDEA. But God knows, and I'm sure he will lead me!

I have decided that this will happen. God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called. Why would He have given me this strong yearning if he wasn't going to give me a way to turn it into reality? I just realized this the other day, and decided to EMBRACE IT.

I can't wait for my blog to become the place where I write about the journey and the adventure of becoming a SAHM. I know there are so many of you out there who feel the same way, so I hope you will share in my journey. I hope we can encourage one another, share ideas, and become closer! I'm starting now. I don't care if I don't have kids and I may be years away from a PREGNANCY. I am going to start planning and saving, so I can make it happen! Scratch that...so HE can make it happen :-)

The first step in this process for me is brainstorming. I can't help it, even when I'm thinking about something totally random, like the weather, ideas creep into my thoughts. Annoying, but kind of exciting at the same time. So today, I am brainstorming ways that I can save/make money. (I think I did a post somewhat similar to this like a week or two ago. BUT, I've got some updated ideas, and a lot more optimism!)

1. Start an Etsy shop. I adore Etsy! I would love to sell things there. One problem: I don't have much crafty/artsy talent, and I have NO idea what I would sell. But if I could make some money doing it that would help me to be able to stay at home, I'd do just about anything! I'm thinking babies are where the market's at on etsy...like maybe make some cute little onesies or bibs or something. The wheels are turning in my mind, and it might be something I explore in depth this summer...so stay tuned! ;-)

2. Coupons, coupons, coupons! A penny saved is a penny earned, right? I have recently discovered just how much money can be saved if I am commited to using coupons EVERY time I go shopping, and it's a lot!

3. Write. I know with 59 followers, I could probably make like $5 a year by putting ads on my blog. But if by the time we have kids my blog happens to be read by more people, I would not be above putting ads here. However, I certainly don't blog simply to try to gain more followers. I do it because I absolutely LOVE it, and I want to record my life. Oh, and I love all of you ladies, too!

4. Homemade cleaning products. Making homemade cleaning products is an item on my 101 goals list, and this summer I am jumping in, head first! I think I might start with homemade laundry detergent...the Duggars make it look so easy ;-)

5. Baby-sit/in-home daycare. This is not something I really want to do, but if I had to, I would. I'm afraid I would get burnt out and would get totally sick of my own house. But it's an option

6. Plant a garden! This is so exciting for me. I won't really be able to do it seriously until we buy a house with some land, but it would help me save a lot of money on produce! I think it would be cool to have my own chickens, to! This summer I plan on getting a Topsy Turvy for some fresh tomatoes for me and my grandma...ya gotta start somewhere, right? :-P Even though it will look tacky...

7. Don't buy anything full price. 'nuff said. I already pretty much have this one mastered.

8. Cloth diaper and breastfeed. Honestly, I don't think I'm really the type of person that can handle cloth diapering because I tend to get ideas like this in my head, do it for like 2 days, get sick of it, and quit. But in the long run, it will save us money and also help the environment! So I'll try. Also, I know how expensive formula is, and if I'm able to, I would like to breastfeed. Better for baby, and for my wallet :-)

That's enough for one day. If you have any money saving/money making tips, do share! I am like a sponge right now, soaking up all the info I can on this stuff. And if you are a SAHM, HOW DO YOU DO IT?!

Ultimately, I don't know if I can make it happen, but I do know that God will make it happen!

Have a blessed Thursday!