December 18, 2010

The Things We Give Up To Stay At Home With Our Kids...


My daughter (the adorable child in the picture) will be 4 in a few weeks and when I think back about before I had her and decided to be a Stay At Home/ Work At Home Mom the things that I had that I dont now. I am not complaining really just more of a thought. We as moms tend to give up things for themselves to sacrifice for the kids. When I knew that I wanted to stay home I decided to cut back. What were the first things I cut back, the pedicures, the acrylic nails, the highlights, waxed eye brows, clothes for me, and the gym. Now I know your thinking that all of those things sound materialistic and the trade off is so wonderful, your right. But as the years go on I begin to sink into the couch a little bit further, my roots grow a little bit longer and my gray hair gets worse. Sure I can pluck my own eye brows (umm I have not done it in about 6 months, so they are caterpillars). I can do my own pedicure, but what fun is that when you cant sit back in the vibrating chair and let someone else scrub your feet and massage your calves. And the last time I bought an article of clothing for myself was about 3 years ago when I actually knew my size. I done with all of that, I believe someone somewhere said love yourself before you can love others. I may have just made that up, but I swear I have heard it. Little by little I am taking back those things that make me feel good. Those things that I enjoy. I am turning 35 and maybe its me getting old because I think that is the second post this week I have mentioned my age. My subconscious is taking over. It time to show myself some love. I signed up for the gym today. I have not worked out on a regular basis in a very long time. I am actually looking forward to it. I think the gray hair is taking over my brain cells. I actually want to get up off this couch that I work a million hours a week and work out. Ive already made an hair appointment for a few weeks from now. I am not going to get it all back but I will be happy with some. I get to stay home well work from home be with my kids and enjoy myself. I think I can have my cake and eat it to. What do you think? Did you give up anything to stay home?

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19 comments:

  1. I hear you.. so true- but I refuse to give up on my hair color! I keep it on my "necessity" list ;) Hi~ I am your newest follower from the Saturday blog hop& would love it if you stopped by and returned the love :) Have a great weekend~

    http://waveoflifesurfstudio.blogspot.com/

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  2. Stopped by to follow your blog from the Friend Finding Fridays blog hop... do comment/follow me back :-)
    Have a Happy Holiday Season!
    Best,
    Elizabeth
    Positive Kismet Blog

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  3. I hear ya! Yesterday I broke down and went to the salon, 1st time in four months! My 9 yr old asked why my hair was brown on top and yellow on the bottom! *Gasp!* :) Got a great cut and color! we need it sometimes!

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  4. So true! We don't spend money on a babysitter, so we gave up a lot of our social life.

    It's worth it though! I use the Wii to work out, I've never been a big gym person.

    Thanks for following me, following you back!

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  5. Oh my, I think you are talking about me. I need a manicure, pedicure, facial, hair cut, hair color...heck I need to shave my legs:) Thanks for letting me know I am not alone.

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  6. Hey Valery- I'm Valerie! Happy to find your blog. I'm a SAHM to three kids so I feel your pain. I was never that good at pampering myself, though, so for me it's just the time to myself, professional fulfillment, fun with friends, etc. Tough, but I'm glad I made the choice I did.
    Visiting and following from the Weekend Blog Hop- hope you'll stop by my blog for a visit
    www.occasionallycrafty.blogspot.com

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  7. Hi! Thanks for following my blog! I'm following yours now. I must say, your honesty in your writing is very refreshing. I don't have children yet, but Hubby and I want to start a family soon, so I'm sure these types of questions will come up someday.

    Have a wonderful day!

    Denise @ Simply Weekends

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  8. Valery! I totally get this! I am a stay at home mom and to do so, we had to cut back on things we took for granted....and that included my looks. I am excited to get a giftcard for Christmas that will hopefully pay for a new pair of jeans for myself because the ones I have have holes in the them and all I can wear are sweat pants...very stay at home mom of me right? ;)

    Anyway, I am following back and your daughter is adorable!

    Heather From and Mommy Only Has Two Hands! and Lynhea Designs

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  9. There is nothing like staying home to take care of your children! Great post (I haven't been to a salon in AGES...actually I am thinking of a day spa...hmmmm) Thanks for following! I am here to return the favor but I already follow you! YAY! Have a great Christmas!

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  10. I totally could have written this post myself! You are so right, we do "give up" so much just to stay at home. But like you, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way!I love staying at home with my daughter but it's still a learning process for me and she's 16 months! Happy almost birthday to your sweet girl!

    Shannon

    Webbisodes
    http://ourgatorzone.blogspot.com

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  11. Nicely put! You can certainly have the cake and eat it too for a change:)Merry christmas in advance:)

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  12. I'm in the same exact boat right now, I just left my well-paying full-time job so I could work from home and be with my son...it's tough but so worth it. :) :)

    I'm following you back from the Weekend Blog Hop :)

    Crystal

    P.S. Enter my giveaway if you'd like!
    http://averyjamesphotography.blogspot.com/2010/12/giveaway-random-avon-products.html

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  13. I became a SAHM for real when I was pregnant with my 9 year old. But I totally understand about finding things to do for yourself. I love to scrapbook so I make an effort to take any scrapbook things that are related in my area as a 'I'm important' and a place where I can be myself and interact with other adults that is not my husband! Hehehe. Anyways thanks for the follow! I am following you now!

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  14. I think you are on to something here. I gave up a sense of "prestige" that accompanies being in the work force...maybe now I lack the confidence to be taken seriously....like others might view me as not contributing to society...

    YES...I did gain more then I ever thought of giving up...I have more. BUT at the same time, you are absolutely correct in that Mommy neeeeeeds pampering. We do oh so very much for everyone else in our family.

    I think that is why I am focusing on a way to make a few extra (ME) dollars every month...to take care of me and have an outlet for PG "adult stuff"...

    Sorry so loooooong winded!

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  15. Now that I'm home I have time to do my own nails(I wrote that in my blog, LOL!), wear make up before leaving the house. When I was working I was just too tired to take care of myself.

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  16. thanks for the follow. i am now followering you. great hats I have 2 girls, so I am sure I will love to see more.

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  17. I am your new follower hope you follow me back.. See you..

    You can visit me here

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  18. Sooooooo True! LOL! I miss the nails and the pedis and the highlights and the haircuts and the waxes and the shopping for me and the date nights with my hubby...I could go on and on...oh how I miss it! LOL

    Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm following you back! :) Hope you have an awesome holiday! :)

    Kim

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  19. Hi Valery . . . I've had the same DUH moment with Blogger/GFC ~ I wish they would just make you sign in once instead of every time you visit another blog.

    We made the decision that I should be able to stay home and live on one income just to have "quality of life". Money just buys stuff and I'm so much happier not having to deal with office politics and a bully boss. You get used to doing without those things you really don't need and set priorities for those things you really want.

    Thank you so much for following my blog . . . I'm following you back as well :)

    Happy Holidays to you and your family . . . Gina

    http://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com
    http://peacelovehappinesshappens.blogspot.com
    . . . and many more . . .

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