Huge changes are in store for our family come August.
Instead of going back to the classroom, I’ll be taking on a different job.
The class size will be smaller.
The hours will be longer.
I’ll have to take a major pay cut.
My responsibilities during the day will be quite different.
It doesn’t come with insurance or benefits, like most jobs.
But, it has a whole other set of benefits that are priceless.
After much thought and prayer and careful consideration. I did what I knew in my heart I had to do, I decided to take some time off to be a stay at home mom.
My days will be full of these two little people and I couldn’t be happier!
And if you ask me, I think they’re going to be pretty happy about the change, too.
I wrestled with the decision for some time, because teaching is something that I love. I’ll miss the kids and my co-workers dearly. But, I’ve watched Braylen Kate become a four-year-old in what seems overnight. It feels like I’ve blinked and I have a two-month-old. And the reality is, I can always go back and teach, but I can’t always go back and live these precious years again. It’s true what they say, the days are long, but the years are short.
Honestly, I’m so excited to start this new journey with my family. I’m excited to be home more, to go to Braylen’s class parties and field trips next year, to take her to pre-school every morning. And I can’t thank my hard-working husband enough for making it all happen.
My heart is so full when I think about all this new chapter will hold.
Rachel says
Congratulations, so happy for you! I know it’s a hard decision but I’m glad you’re following your heart.
Courtney says
Yayayay! Congratulations!
Keisha Dawson says
Congratulations! What a sweet blessing to be able to spend these sweet years with your little blessings!
Kristen says
Yay!! Congrats. I made the same decision at the end of this school year. I am taking a break from teaching to be at home with my son. As you, I will miss my kiddos and coworkers dearly but can never get this time back. I am so excited about my new journey the Lord is taking me on and I am sure you are too.
Meg O. says
Yay!! So happy for you! I gotta admit, I’m jealous! I am already starting to get overwhelmed about next school year.
Stephanie says
Congratulations! You’ll never regret it. ๐
I miss the classroom too and someday will return, but for now, these babies of mine are so, so worth it!
Courtney says
Oh that is lovely! I’m glad you could make the right decision for you and your family, and that it was something that could happen for you guys. I’m always a little sad for the working mom that would love to stay home but just can’t swing it. Feeling blessed to be able to stay home myself! I am sure you will love it, and so true – you can always teach again, but you can’t get these years back.
Stefanie says
I’m so happy for you! I became a SAHM when my first child was born, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Missy McDaniel says
Congratulations!!!!!! I was a stay at home mom for 18 years and I have just gone back to work part-time as my daughter graduated high school and my son is starting 8th grade! Those were the BEST years!!! They have FLOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you will LOVE it!
darci says
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Having done both now, I can tell you that you are making a very wise decision!! Enjoy this precious time, friend…. and make time for yourself too!! XO!
Sara says
Congratulations!!! That’s exciting!! Don’t forget to take care of you while you take care of the sweet littles!!
Sonya says
Congrats! That’s wonderful!
Kate Craig says
congratulations ๐
Lauren says
So happy for you. What a blessing it is to be able to stay home with your children! Prayers for you in your new journey! That last pic is the best. Doesn’t it just melt your heart when your baby smiles at your other “baby”???
Kelli H says
I think you will love it and be completely happy with it but if not you can always go back the following year but I know you are going to love it. Its like the years are flying by and you cant ever get the memories back
h5happenings.com
Jenny says
How wonderful!!! I resigned from school 2 years ago and although not easy…it was the right choice for our family. I so agree with your words…these little years won’t come again. Enjoy it, momma!!!!!
Jenny says
Congratulations! What a wonderful blessing! I also had a baby a few months ago and decided to stop teaching and stay at home with her. I’m just so grateful and couldn’t be happier!
Kathy says
I’m so very happy and excited for you!
Vanessa says
Congrats on this new chapter in your lives. After our 3rd was born – giving us 3 kids under age 3 – I basically had the decision made for me. Working just to pay for daycare was not something that I was willing to do.
It’s not been all rainbows. It is a hard thing to do. It’s hard because you don’t realize just how much you are going to miss that adult interaction. It’s essential to build in a break for yourself. We never get to “leave work” and go home. Home is our work and it is nonstop. So don’t feel bad if there are days when you are thinking to yourself “This is horrible! I would rather be at work!” I know all the moms (at least the ones who are honest about everything) I talk to have admitted to having these days every once in a while.
I do love being there for the everyday little things in their lives though. The years DO go by so quickly. I wish you all the best at your new position! ๐
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats says
Great decision! I made the same one 6 weeks ago when our 3rd baby was born. Some days it isn’t easy but in the end is so rewarding!
Jennifer says
Congratulations, Jennifer! I am so excited for you and know you will love spending your days at home with BK and Judson!
jeanna says
jennifer, congratulations on this newest adventure you are about to begin. i had my third baby at the end of january and returned to work in mid-April. life has been crazy to say the least with three little ones. my husband and i decided that the extra income my job provides is not worth the stress we feel each morning and every evening. i am quitting my job at the end of the month. i CANNOT wait to begin my new career as a full time mom. best of luck to you!
Denise Lopatka says
Congratulations! That is so exciting. I am a teacher turned stay at home mama right now too and while yes, the pay is less and the hours are longer – it is SO WORTH every sacrifice made. COuld not be happier for your family.
Also – SO glad I found your blog via our new facebook group!!
xox
Tracy says
Congratulations! I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for 18 years and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. You won’t regret it!