In the past two weeks, our family has had so many significant changes as a result of the nationwide healthcare epidemic. We have made some hard, but much needed decisions in regards to our family dynamic. The COVID-19 virus has affected our lives significantly. As of April 7th, I quit my job as a Nurse Practitioner and my husband and I have decided that I pursue the stay-at-home route. It was not an easy decision, but now that I have been home for two weeks I have learned that it was the right decision for our family. I am sensitive to the fact that many families cannot make this choice due to financial and other obligations, but our family decided that we will do whatever it takes (living below our means) to make this transition happen.
You guys, the first week started out ROUGH! I was constantly thinking about if I made the right or wrong decision regarding my career and I couldn’t sleep well at night, my mind kept replaying the “what if’s”. I realized that I couldn’t live my life this way.
I immediately implemented a few things:
- First, my husband and I reviewed our family budget and discussed areas that we can cut back and save. We actually have built our savings account during this time. Partially because everything is shut down but mostly because we are choosing to cook in and save.
- After that, I saw a therapist! Yes, I know that sounds so basic, but she has helped me do some much-needed self-reflection and self-evaluation. She has also given me some tips on how to manage my anxiety and redefine what success means to me. My therapist and I meet once every two weeks and I do not miss appointments.
- Next, we created a family structure and routine. Becoming a full-time teacher overnight due to COVID-19 has been both frustrating AND enlightening. I am NOT an educator by profession but what I have learned is that I AM an EDUCATOR in my home. In the past, due to constantly working and being involved in every community activity, I rarely had time to fully focus on educating and empowering my children. During this time, I have been able to slow down and focus on what matters most: my family. I set up a very BASIC homeschool routine and teach my children daily. I can’t wait to share photos with you of our daily schedule and homeschool materials that I purchased from Dollar Tree and Amazon. There have been many frustrations but there has been even more relationship building and love. My boys are like whole new kids! For this I am grateful. It has taught me that the very things I wished for while working are the things that God has granted me now.
Lastly, we implemented a family bible study and we are training the boys on having godly characteristics. This has taught us as parents to live up to what we train them to be. They are actually watching our actions versus listening to our words. We want to make The Gospel attractive by the way we model our lives as parents.
I will say being home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with my family has been fun and challenging, but it has taught me to love deeper and redefine what success means to me. This time has also allowed me to SLOW DOWN, breathe, and focus on what matters most when the world is crazy. I am so excited about my new blog venture and I hope you will join me as I share my family life with you. Thank you for taking this journey with me. Make sure you come back next week to read about my top Mother’s Day must haves. Stay Healthy!
Joseph
This is a great blog Sherrell.
3BOYMOM
Thank you!
Chris Pittenger
Looking forward to reading about your journey
3BOYMOM
Thank you for taking the time to read it! I appreciate you.
Tailonkah Ballard
I love it. God bless you and your family on this journey. You are off to a great start.
3BOYMOM
Thank you for the kind words! It’s an adjustment but so worth it!
Shawnda smith
Great Job! ❤️ I’m subscribing to this for sure.
3BOYMOM
Awe! Thank you! I am glad you stopped by to read it. Blessings!
Gabrielle
I’ve been home with my girls for about 2 years now! Best decision ever! You just got to take it day by day. Our worth is not defined by our jobs or income. There is so much value in serving your family if God has allowed you to do so in this way. Thanks for sharing.
3BOYMOM
That is amazing! Thank you for sharing and reading!
Misty Starks
I love this! You and your husband are very courageous for taking this leap of faith, but I believe it will work out in so many ways for your entire family. Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your life.
3BOYMOM
Yes! We are believing the same. Thank you for reading this.
Courtnie Grigsby
Thanks for sharing your journey. Look forward to reading more. May God bless you and your family as you make so many wonderful transitions!
3BOYMOM
Thank you for reading! God bless you and your sweet family as well.
Nicole P
Congratulations on making such a big and important step for your family and your mental health. I’m a therapist….so I greatly appreciate you sharing that therapy was also an important part of your transition.
3BOYMOM
Therapy is HUGE! I am so glad you were able to take time to read my blog. Thank you for all that YOU do!
L Hines🦋
Faith with works is alive! Excellent example of the benefits of leaping for our greatest commodity, family! ❤️
3BOYMOM
Thank you for reading this!
Marsha
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I appreciate you being transparent, and putting the needs of your family first. I’m excited to see God use you to minister to the world, as well as your family 🙌🙂!!
3BOYMOM
Thank you for taking the time to read and share in our journey! I appreciate it.
Marie Munoz
I love it – staying home with family is a great decision because at this age they need YOU the most. Anyone who makes the sweet sacrifice to leave their career and take care of home can always jump back into the workforce when they’re ready but missing out on some of the most important years of a child’s life can’t be rewound or done over again. While some moms might be glad to send their kids off and have a break, some moms WISH they could stay with their babies and do more things with them. I’ve been working through all this and even though my kids are teenagers, I feel horrible that they’re home without me all day. It has a lot to do with why I had to “UP” my cooking game and get creative – even when I’m exhausted and don’t feel like cooking I do it anyway because I want them to feel love (hispanics show love by feeding you!). 💞 Now, since they’re at an age where I can’t sit and hug/hold them like I used to (because they’re too cool for that) they do love food! I like the idea of keeping up with mental/emotional health, that’s important, I think as women we don’t do enough of that. As well as living within or below or means, life has taught me that it’s not so bad t tap in and use all of our resources vs money sometimes. Many, many blessings on this journey, I think you’ll enjoy it. 🥰
3BOYMOM
Thank you so much for taking time to read the blog! You are right. Moments like these are things I wished for while working. There will come a season that I may return to work but for now I am just cherishing the moments. It does get rough sometimes and I wish I had the peaceful moments I did when working. LOL! But I count it all joy. Every mom does the best she can with what she knows. I think you a great mom! Working moms and stay-at-home moms are both great moms. Each one does what is best for their family at the time. I am sure your babies love those yummy meals and they appreciate your sacrifice. It is all apart of the motherhood journey. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Chrystal Stephens
I absolutely love your blog! I’m home too with my son helping him with assignments on the computer. It’s challenging at times, but I know it’s brought us closer! Thanks for sharing! Chrystal Stephens
3BOYMOM
This is awesome! Us moms are in this together. I am so glad you were able to take time to read. Thank you!
Chelsea Dake
Sherrell. I am so excited for you! I’ve always known you to follow your heart even when it is difficult. You are such a role model to so many and are truly beautiful inside and out. Your blog is stinking amazing and I love being on here! I leave inspired and motivated. I can’t wait to see what you post next!!!!
3BOYMOM
Thank you so much Chelsea! It has been such a blessing to know you! I am so excited for you….you are getting married! YAYYYYYY!!! You are going to be a beautiful bride and an amazing wife. Thank you for joining me on this blogging journey.