Tax Season is Almost Over!

As the tax season winds to an end, I found myself reflecting on what's really important. As a homeowner with 4 kids we obviously get a bit back on our taxes. We are getting more than we thought and so are able to pay down some debt but really, is it ever enough?

Probably not.

We are still strapped for cash, still living on a budget, still finding ways to make ends meet. We are like so many of you. As a stay at home mom I have always looked for ways to make something...anything to help lighten the burden. I just recently started as an Independent Consultant with Jamberry (and I really love it). Even so, I am not sure I have the time to devote to it to make the kind of money I would like. And yet...even when I just think there is no way we will ever have enough money, I am reminded of some important lessons.

1. Money is not evil, but the love of money is. So we try to make sure money is not what we strive for. Instead, we strive for contentment and the peace that comes with knowing we are responsibly handling our finances.

2. The only thing that really matters is people, specifically family and friends. We make a real effort to be with our family and friends because they are what truly brings us happiness.

3. Children are a blessing from God. What could be better than the precious gifts that God has given us? If you ask me, nothing. I am so lucky to have 4 beautiful daughters and I would feel the same way if we had one or 6 or any number. I just feel so lucky that God has given us a wonderful family. Even when finances get tight, our children don't seem bothered by it and our children are not the cause. We get creative and find things to do that either don't cost anything at all or have a very minimal cost.

There are many, many more things to be grateful for and many more lessons to remember. But these three seem pretty high up there for me. When I get down about money I just look at my little baby and revel in her smiles. Or I play Sudoku with my 8 year old. Maybe it's coloring with my (almost) 4 year old, or doing hair and playing dress up with my 5 year old. No matter what it is, these things make me see things a little more clearly and focus a little less on the things that really don't matter. After all, when I am at the end of my life I would like to look back and see a life full of love and family and friends. I don't want to regret spending too much time on work and stress and  chasing money cause none of that really matters.

Happy Crafting,
Jennifer