Yes! We raised our 2 daughters in a 1000sq foot house with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. We totally made it work and we love our little house. It now will become our retirement house. I’m so thankful that God blessed us beyond measure and allowed me to be home with my girls. They are now 23 & 21😃
I love this so much! I have told my husband since we moved here this could be our forever home. We will see what happens but for now it does what we need it to. Love hearing from someone on the other side of raising littles ❤️❤️
We also had a 1000 square foot house with 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. We had a basement but I was unfinished the whole time we were raising our kids. We raised 4 kids in that little house and it is now our retirement home that is fully paid for. We feel so blessed!
@@meganblakelie_ I also raised two (now grown) kids in a 1,000 sq ft 3 bed, 1 bath house and that was an upgrade-I grew up as one of 6 kids (with both parents and a grandmother) in a 720 sq ft home.. with only one bathroom.
Same! I'm a single mom with my 3 babies in a little more than 900 sqft home in NY. Same set up, 3 bed 1 bath. I love my home! Sometimes social media gets me thinking I need a bigger home, but no. She will be paid off before I'm 45 and my backyard is huge.
God be the glory! Single mom with 3 lovely babies, and bought my home 1.5 years ago. Its alittle under 1000sqft but its perfect for my little family. Just celebrated my sons 2nd birthday in my backyard and felt beyond blessed.
Im a full time stay at home dad of three and wifey only makes a decent but a steady income..Im not here to bragg but no more car payments, no credit card debts, and no more house payment.. i thank God that my wife knows how to budget money really well..im just enjoying this moment right now becuase we will never know what the future holds for us..God bless everyone!!🤙🏻
Thank you, I very much needed this video. After 17 years in the work place, I was finally able to be at home with my young kids. Things have taken a hard turn as of late, but we’re still livin’ on a prayer and doing the best we can.
@@preciousgem881this is my story too! 17 years in my career and now as of April this year it was gone and I’m just a mama!!! At home spending time with the Lord.
I have been home for 20 years now…homeschooled both my daughters since day 1. They have both graduated and now I am embracing the role of homemaker in my “retirement” and loving it❤
Family of 6 here, living on a single income of the average salary in the US. It's definitely not impossible, but serious sacrifices are required and at times it can be very difficult. But God is good. All the time.
We are a family of 6 living in a 3 bdrm 1 bath rental with 1 income and zero savings by end of this summer. I heard a call to stay home and of all the times to hear it so clearly, its when we are $$$ in debt. I will trust the Lord and walk this new path He has called me to be on. My family needs me home, and my mental and physical health needs it too. Talk about scary! It is encouraging to hear that others have done it and succeeded. I believe this is the beginning to a whole new level of trust and obedience to the Lord since it will take a miracle to get out of this debt AND buy land and a home. 🙏
@@susanmartin870 yes, with faith anything is possible! You're definitely not alone. My husband makes about $52,000 annually and we're renting an apartment. Also no savings and student loans and credit card debt. Still, no matter what ANYONE has to say, at least we're together and my husband isn't working a job that keeps him away from us just for more money.
We did it ! My husband is an accountant so he had a financial plan for us to save for the the future and not be in debt. I stayed home with our two kids and we did without things other people had. They don’t seem to remember not having things, instead they talk about our tent camping trips, playing in the neighborhood, and going to our family farm in another state. When they went to HS I substituted in the schools and when they went to college, I worked full time to pay for their educations. I encourage all moms to try to stay home with your kids; you won’t regret it! Side note- my daughter is 31 with her first baby. She is planning to stay home with her too.
I watched this at the perfect moment and it was so encouraging. I am staying home with my baby but finances have been tight and the economy is really dragging us down. I needed to refocus on the blessing I have of staying home and on the One who has our future in his hands.
I am with you. You can live on one income. It is all about priorities. We lived in CA when raising our 4 children. I was a stay-at-home mom and loved it. My children don't remember what they didn't have, they remember the memories. 😊 Adore your birthday decorations. Thank you.
This video really blessed me, thank you! The peaceful atmosphere and your heart for the Lord really shone through. God bless you and keep up the great work!
I'm 37 years old and have never lived in a house with more than one bathroom, and we are a family of 8. The things people think they "need" are wild sometimes. Loved this video. ❤
To be fair, it does come in quite handy having two toilets when there's a stomach bug or you eat something bad lol but I agree that some "needs" probably aren't really needs.
I find it WILD too why would anyone want to live a miserable life, waiting in queue to go to the bathroom in your own house. I work hard, earn well, and live well, because I don't want to waste my life waiting in line for a bathroom
I really encourage you and your husband to stay on one income. It is sooo worth it! We were committed to stay on one income and have for 27 years. We faced allot of criticism for it. But now we receive so much praise for our 8 children and sweet little home.
I've been a SAHM for 18 years. I'm still at home even though I have teens. Every time I have thought about going back, it seems God says no, not right now. I think a lot of this boils down to priorities. If you are able to budget on one income, you may have to give up certain things like name brand groceries, a huge house, fancy vacations, going out to eat often, etc. We have lived this way for many years and have felt it to be worth the exchange. I have been here for every phase and stage my kids have gone through and am still here guiding them through the hard teenage years. It is a hard job, but a decision my husband and I dont regret. :)
I think having a parental figure present during the teenage years - physically and emotionally - is just as important as the little years. Though I can’t fathom what that must be like yet, I know God is using you!
Love your video. You need to give yourself more credit. I dont like that you said you and your husband are boring people. Just because you dont like the same things as others or cant afford to do what everyone else is doing right now doesnt mean your boring. You like shiny things, you like fun stuff, you like trips. Love watching you make those cupcakes, the castle, hanging the balloons for the party, etc. You are creative. You are not boring. You're weighing your options and making smart, responsible decisions with your finances and for your families future. Also, regardless of whether someone is religious or not, its just a responsible way of thinking..."he who is faithful with little will be faithful with much."
What a cute party you threw🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽it’s the memories your girls will have. I grew up and still in a home with 1 bathroom😊😊 just blessed to have a roof over my head🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Praise God for your wonderful realistic video. I am in the early years of raising two boys and have only been staying home for about a year and this was such a good insight into the sacrifice and reality of setting yourself aside for the ability to raise children! I loved that there was no flare or fancy filters, just real information and open honestly. God bless!
Your channel is so sweet! I am having our 5th baby at 40. Now I am not a young mom and being older is starting to feel a lot more humble. Many sweet reminders in your video!
I love this. This is how we live and raise our family. They are all mostly grown now. Your castle reminded me of a dog house I made for our daughter for a puppy party I did for her. I collected old boxes and painted it and all that. I hear all the time that, "must be nice." It bothered me for a long time because I sacrificed a lot to stay home. From small homes, limited vacations, old vehicles, thrifted clothes and the very women that usually say that to me are the ones that have fancy purses and drive new cars and live in huge homes.
Yes! It’s possible, all glory and praise to the Lord! I have a similar story of praise: it makes “no sense” that my husband and I have been able to live on one income, with 4 children, and pay off thousands of student loan debt, and buy a home…but for the grace of God! He is able to do immeasurably more than we can think or ask. And that’s not the prosperity gospel speaking. We’ve been resourceful, creative, and risk-taking but the Lord has blessed us each step along the way in sometimes mysterious and other times obvious ways. We live very differently than the culture around us (in southern CA), and we know it’s getting harder to live on one income here so we’re already thinking ahead to how we may help our kids when they’re grown be able to do the same with their families. Our oldest is 14, our youngest 8. It flies by in the blink of an eye and I’m so grateful that I’ve been here to see them grow up thru each blessed stage! Thanks and keep on the good work!
I’ve been married for 39 years and have struggled at times through the years as I was also a stay at home mom and we would always say “God will get us through, He always has” ❤
Stay at home parents are extremely underapreciated and some will judge you as not working. I am a stay at home parent also doing double duty as a full time caregiver for family members who have disabilities. I am extremely busy and at times very overwhelmed but very happy to do this everyday. Family is so important and families are a blessing . I have never regretted my choice to stay at home to care for my family.
Just ran across you and subscribed. One bathroom, humble and sweet home here too. Entering our 8th year of homeschooling. It’s been such a blessing. Our families are worth those small sacrifices, in my opinion. And aligning with God’s will and timing is truly key! ♥️
Megan, it’s my first time watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life. I can tell you it’s not a mistake being a stay at home mother, led you to you tube. I know God is using you in such a wonderful way to minister to your TH-cam community. Thank you for being a breath of fresh air . Blessings to you and your beautiful family ❤
Well. Needed this. Thank you. I believe God brought this to my feed for a reason. Your birthday party you planned was absolutely precious. A true all American, backyard party. How lovely. ❤
It's not impossible to live on 1 income. My husband and I reared our family on it. Now that they are grown, I work for the pure pleasure of having extra money. It's nice, but I'm so glad I was able to stay home full time for 24 years. Sometimes, it's not possible for families to be on 1 income. Health issues and other things may prevent it from occurring. Let us never judge other people's stories because, in reality, we only see a small spectrum of another person's life. When others go through financial difficulties, it doesn't mean that they are in sin or even being judged by God. Life happened, and at the end of the day, God loves us even if you can't be on a 1 income budget. ❤
You just very randomly came on my feed I’ll say.. but as Gods children is anything random🥰this so blessed me today and encouraged me. My husband and I are praying to be on one income in Southern California, you know when that happens it was the Lord!😂🙏🏻🥰
You spoke so many truths! I've been a homeschooling mom, from 2005 to 2023. I was a leap of faith, but God provided, and got us through the hard times. A book that really showed me the true cost of having the mom in the work force, and how to make the numbers work, to be a stay at home mom was, " Miserly Moms, by Jonni McCoy " The numbers in the book will be outdated now, but the concepts are the same. Often, it costs a family more for both parents too work, than the mom brings home. There are so many hidden costs to working. Dave Ramsey helped us get out of debt and stay out of debt, but Jonni McCoy helped me realize it was possible to be a stay at home mom. Our home is small, and needs a ton of work, but its paid off and I feel so blessed to have been there for my boys, and grateful to God and my husband for making it possible. ❤
There is nothing wrong with living at or below your means. We lived on a very modest income and did without a lot of frivolous things so that I could stay home and raise our four children. I don't regret it a minute. Now we live modest again as we are making different choices for ourselves. We don't follow mainstream America.
Thank you so much for sharing ❤ i am thankfully already home PTL but we are currently in a rock and a hard place with our living situation and it puts a decent strain on my husband's income. Your video gave me encouragement to continue praying and help me reflect on all the amazing things God has already done (like my amazing husband who married a single mom of two 😊)
I watched this yesterday on my husband's account and subscribed at 900 views and 700 subscribers. This video is blowing up for you, get it girlfriend! 🎉
It is still manageable. Everytime someone hears we went one in one they’re like oh you get assistance you had rich parents blah blah. No we only have our vehicles (used) as debt and one will be paid in here and mine will be tackled after. We live in a single wide mobile home we have e ouch space. We don’t live smoosh lifestyle never had.
Beautiful video. I love how you narrated to the scene of you setting up a birthday party 💖 very creative. And as the commenter below said so well - you are definitely not boring!
5:55 THIS! I need to practice taking more pride in our home. I strongly believe that we need to prove that we can handle, manage, & be good stewards of our blessings.
I stayed home with our son in the 1990s. People, magazines, newspapers all said it could be done. We found a way. We had to ignore all the social influences and run the numbers. It was a good life. I still brought in $2,000-$4,000 a yr but did it from home. When my nephew or niece needed back up daycare, I did it. I handled the money and made it work. There a lot of new skills I had to learn quickly to make it work. Will there be sacrifices, yes, but it was so worth it.
You gained a new subscriber! Amen to everything you shared. I’m so passionate about homemaking and making the “sacrifice” (as the world sees it) to stay home and raise children and invest in my family. God is so good and He is a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him!
We got a steal on our home when the housing market crashed in 2008 but our house doesn't have a bathtub we have a shower no bathtub and that may have been a deal breaker for some but it's been a non issue for us over the years especially for the low price our home was..86,000 1278 sq ft. Love the castle and cupcakes!
We are also a young family living on one income, by the grace of God ❤ we are thriving, not with material goods, but with love and time ❤ our (old) friends and family think we are making a mistake, but we know we are doing the only thing that makes sense
I love how creative you are! The DIY castle was so fun! I made the same watermelon stars and grape wands for my daughter’s 5th birthday party too 😊 Beautiful video ❤
We’ve been one income since just before I got pregnant with our first - 15 years ago now! It absolutely can be done. ❤ love seeing women encouraging each other in this!
New subscriber here! I dont have children but i am a caretaker. For years i worked 1-2 jobs and caregived (for 2 family members at the time) and it was exhausting. Ive been blessed to have a significant other now that has taken over some responsibilities so i can be home (its been a year) and its definitely different for me. Im still learning! A part of me has been wanting to have children as well and now maybe I will have time and be blessed ❤ Be blessed!
Megan I became frugal. It was hard at first but I live a comfortable life. I’m budgeting to get rid of my debt , save and pay off my house ASAP. I stumble on your Chanel and I subscribe because you fear the Lord and I’m looking for believers to be part of my circle of friends. Thank you for sharing. God Bless
When we have been fully single income in the past (now this channel is monetized, allowing a little more flexibility each month) - we really tried to only spend money on necessities.. groceries, gas, etc. Homemade meals and from scratch cooking helped us to cut costs. We also opt for simplicity - buying reliable, used vehicles that could be paid for in full instead of taking on a monthly payment. As in this video, having a birthday party at home vs renting a venue or doing something extravagent. These are just a couple things that maybe were not mentioned in the video! Like I said, the word sacrifice is very relative. These things were/are more than worth it for the rewards we receive in choosing to invest in our family like this.
I did it by going through college and getting a corporate office job totally from home. Been doing it ten years. God made everything line up for it to work out. This is really great content.
Love that! I worked from home for a little over a year before transitioning to full-time homemaking. It’s such a great option! Thank you for being here 🙂
Your closing comment of "He is working behind the scenes...He likes to work in the margin..." was beautiful & moving. I plan on writing this on a canvas because it has been proven to me that God plowed an otherwise impossible path for me to quit my job 2 b with my daughter. I wanted to also offer encouragement to those who think it won't work. Not to say we didn't have struggles & major struggles but for me it was worth it!
I needed your video more than you know today. I'm about to lose my job by the end of the year and I'd love nothing more then to stay home with my kids. Maybe this is my oppurtunity to really think about that.
The first TH-cam video of this kind that has ever made me cry and yes that is a good thing my babies and my journey has been very very hard and painful but through everything God is with us I'm choosing to trust that when the time is right he will get us where we need to be but would appreciate anyone's prayers thank you I appreciate the video
To God be the glory! He will give you so much more than what you give up! We have always been a one income family and I homeschooled my kids. My youngest graduated high school last year. Praise the Lord \o/ Great video!
Hello Megan. I just found your channel and binged a little. Your videos, your heart, and your insight has really blessed me. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤ the Lord is surely glorified through your channel.
I’m not religious but I agree it’s about priorities and children should be our #1 priority. When that’s the case you can find a way. Love your party btw
Wow this helped me so much. I also am in a place where my husband says we are not financially ready for me to stay home and he is right. I also totally feel that God is telling me to enjoy the season that I am in now and that it is not the time to be a SAHM. It’s hard but I’m trying my best to be obedient even when my heart longs to stay home and raise my son ❤️
No cliche, prayer is absolutely necessary to make it in this world. I have no desire to be a full time home maker, but the last 2.5 years ive been working parttime which has been my dream. I missed so much of my daughters childhood working 40-60hrs a week, and I dont want to go back to that. I now work 3-5 hrs a day!
I think there are many families who say "we aren't 'able' to make it on one income" when they actually mean that they don't want to give up vacations, two cars, a bigger house, etc. I'm a stay at home mom who works part-time from home which has worked for us.
Love that! There have been different seasons for us as well where I simply stayed home and then others where there was a part-time income to help relieve some of my husband’s financial burden. God has always sent what we needed at just the right time ❤️
Yes! I used to work & I saw the cars & houses! Those are all choices. We can choose to have less of that & more of relationships & I think less stress overall. I think a simpler life can be much more fulfilling & satisfying than a consumer-driven life to impress others.
We too, have grown in our walk with Jesus and it naturally led to more time home. I’m still working some too and entrepreneurship was all glory to God making a way. We’ve also been following Dave Ramsey for stewarding finances and going for debt freedom and financial investing / generosity principles. This is my first video seeing of yours, and loved your perspective. New subscriber!
Good for you! I stayed home until my youngest was 10. Now I’ve left work 7 years before retirement to be a stay at home granny. I wish my daughter in law could stay home but it’s difficult to do on one salary.
I stay home full time with my babies. I do have a little side gig though that helps tremendously. I thrift vintage dresses and clothing or source vintage clothing items that are damaged and mend them and sell them online. It’s enough for me to pay for the groceries and a few bills and pay for “fun things” like us to go out to eat go to the zoo etc while my husband works a traditional job and pays for our mortgage and most other things. A big reason why I decided to stay home with them was the daycares in our area cost so much I would’ve only brought home a small amount of money after paying for daycare and my children are not yet of school age. I didn’t want to essentially work just to have someone else raise my kids and an extra couple of hundred bucks a month.
I'm a stay at home mother here in Ireland. I've been home gees 10 years now (time flies) I was ready to have our 2nd child and i asked my husband could i stay home and rear our children rather than someone else doing it. My first was nearly 11 at this stage. I left my teaching job to stay home but I know I'm lucky to be able to stay home and financially we're able to do it but unfortunately for a lot its just not possible, sometimes 1 wage wont cover rent/mortgage so some have no choice but to work which i really feel for them! We could spend a lot of money needlessly but we dont. We dont drink or smoke, we rarely go out to eat, we get an odd take away (takeout), i cook pretty much everything from scratch and my children know no better. I'm blessed to be able to live this life
I have a similar story to you. I begged my husband to let me stay home with our babies and it was never the right time. Two years ago when my son turned a year old I was able to quit. It has been extremely difficult adjusting to one income with inflation and all of the utilities has either doubled or tripled in that time. Fortunately when my husband and I bought our house it was in 2011 when the market was down so we got it for a good price. It was only ment to be a starter home but due to the market and inflation we have been in this home way longer than expected. We have four kids living in a 3 bedroom one bath house. As difficult as things have been iam so greatful for this opportunity to stay home with my babies and help my sisters inlaw and my brothers inlaw to babysit their children not needing to worry about if someone will harm them. Thank you for your channel it gives others hope that they can too achieve their dreams.
"Hi! I’m a French homeschooling mom of 3 (8, 7, 5) and an author of bilingual books in French and English. I share our homeschooling journey and resources on my channel-it’s all about encouraging fellow moms like you! Love your inspiring content! ❤
We lived on one income with our 3 children and are now retired early. All of this was possible because God taught us ( repeatedly and patiently) to trust HIM and live under our income whatever it was. Obviously there’s a LOT in that statement but that’s it in a nutshell. So happy for you and your family to be where you are now.
I am becoming a SAHM starting September. I’m scared. I’ve always worked but my job ends this month and with starting homeschooling 2 preteens my husband said just take time and be a SAHM. It’s hard to give up the independence of earning my own money. But I think it will be worth it.
I don't wanna lie as a single mother of two and not earning much God has always been there for me and my kids. When i don't know how i am gonna make it, he always shows up. Glory be to the Lord 🙏🙌🙌🙌🙏🙌🙌🙏
After 10 years of teacher and baby 3 on the way, im considering taking time off from the classroom to spend with my kiddos and homeschooling. Considering substituting so i dont get bord.
Sounds like you have great options either way! Congratulations on baby #3 🙂 P.S. I don't think it is possible to get bored as a homemaker and/or mama. It may not be for everyone, but there is always something to do!
We live in a 1,000 ft mobile home, that’s paid for. My husband is the only one working outside the Home. We have 2 kids. Our son is now 26 and living working on his own. Our daughter just turned 18 and has Down syndrome and some chronic health conditions. We decided even before we had her I would stay home, at least while our son was home. We considered buying a house a few years ago but to be able to insure I could continue to be home we decided the debt was not worth it. We do have 1 car payment ( but 2 vehicles). Our son had a dream of a particular college from the age and son and how we would afford that was heavy, and not only was he accepted he also was offered a full scholarship. That was such a blessing from the Lord. Though we live in a single wide mobile home, 1,000 sq feet. We have 3 bedrooms. We had 2 full bathrooms but we converted one to a closet for extra storage. Like you said, people have lived with one bathroom for many years and some people with a bathroom outside. I feel people need to do what’s best for themselves and their families in whatever season of life they are in. God Bless!
But we are mostly a single income family. This was a well rounded video love ur castle by the way. I do run a out of home baking company that does give some income on my end. We are mostly debt free here also!
Yes! We raised our 2 daughters in a 1000sq foot house with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. We totally made it work and we love our little house. It now will become our retirement house. I’m so thankful that God blessed us beyond measure and allowed me to be home with my girls. They are now 23 & 21😃
I love this so much! I have told my husband since we moved here this could be our forever home. We will see what happens but for now it does what we need it to. Love hearing from someone on the other side of raising littles ❤️❤️
We also had a 1000 square foot house with 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. We had a basement but I was unfinished the whole time we were raising our kids. We raised 4 kids in that little house and it is now our retirement home that is fully paid for. We feel so blessed!
Hello same with us. We live in Germany. With three kids inder 7 in an apartment of 72 qm an two bedrooms.
@@meganblakelie_ I also raised two (now grown) kids in a 1,000 sq ft 3 bed, 1 bath house and that was an upgrade-I grew up as one of 6 kids (with both parents and a grandmother) in a 720 sq ft home.. with only one bathroom.
Same! I'm a single mom with my 3 babies in a little more than 900 sqft home in NY. Same set up, 3 bed 1 bath. I love my home! Sometimes social media gets me thinking I need a bigger home, but no. She will be paid off before I'm 45 and my backyard is huge.
God be the glory! Single mom with 3 lovely babies, and bought my home 1.5 years ago. Its alittle under 1000sqft but its perfect for my little family. Just celebrated my sons 2nd birthday in my backyard and felt beyond blessed.
❤️❤️❤️
Im a full time stay at home dad of three and wifey only makes a decent but a steady income..Im not here to bragg but no more car payments, no credit card debts, and no more house payment.. i thank God that my wife knows how to budget money really well..im just enjoying this moment right now becuase we will never know what the future holds for us..God bless everyone!!🤙🏻
Thank you, I very much needed this video. After 17 years in the work place, I was finally able to be at home with my young kids. Things have taken a hard turn as of late, but we’re still livin’ on a prayer and doing the best we can.
Me too! 17 year career. I'm excited now to be at home with my 3 kids
Praying everything works out soon - and that you can feel His presence in the meantime ❤️❤️
I am so happy for you both 😊
@@preciousgem881this is my story too! 17 years in my career and now as of April this year it was gone and I’m just a mama!!!
At home spending time with the Lord.
I have been home for 20 years now…homeschooled both my daughters since day 1. They have both graduated and now I am embracing the role of homemaker in my “retirement” and loving it❤
Love that for you!!
Family of 6 here, living on a single income of the average salary in the US. It's definitely not impossible, but serious sacrifices are required and at times it can be very difficult. But God is good. All the time.
Amen amen!! ❤️
What’s the average salary?
How many bedrooms?
We are a family of 6 living in a 3 bdrm 1 bath rental with 1 income and zero savings by end of this summer. I heard a call to stay home and of all the times to hear it so clearly, its when we are $$$ in debt. I will trust the Lord and walk this new path He has called me to be on. My family needs me home, and my mental and physical health needs it too. Talk about scary! It is encouraging to hear that others have done it and succeeded. I believe this is the beginning to a whole new level of trust and obedience to the Lord since it will take a miracle to get out of this debt AND buy land and a home. 🙏
@@susanmartin870 yes, with faith anything is possible! You're definitely not alone. My husband makes about $52,000 annually and we're renting an apartment. Also no savings and student loans and credit card debt. Still, no matter what ANYONE has to say, at least we're together and my husband isn't working a job that keeps him away from us just for more money.
We did it ! My husband is an accountant so he had a financial plan for us to save for the the future and not be in debt. I stayed home with our two kids and we did without things other people had. They don’t seem to remember not having things, instead they talk about our tent camping trips, playing in the neighborhood, and going to our family farm in another state.
When they went to HS I substituted in the schools and when they went to college, I worked full time to pay for their educations.
I encourage all moms to try to stay home with your kids; you won’t regret it! Side note- my daughter is 31 with her first baby. She is planning to stay home with her too.
I watched this at the perfect moment and it was so encouraging. I am staying home with my baby but finances have been tight and the economy is really dragging us down. I needed to refocus on the blessing I have of staying home and on the One who has our future in his hands.
So glad to hear this was encouraging for you! These economic times are not ideal for sure, praying you continue to be uplifted as you do good work ❤️
I am with you. You can live on one income. It is all about priorities.
We lived in CA when raising our 4 children. I was a stay-at-home mom and loved it. My children don't remember what they didn't have, they remember the memories. 😊
Adore your birthday decorations.
Thank you.
Inspiring- in California you did it! Thank you for sharing!
This video really blessed me, thank you! The peaceful atmosphere and your heart for the Lord really shone through. God bless you and keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I'm so happy that it blessed you. ❤️
Imagine a family that wants to be a part of your life so much they move with you…I can’t lol you’re very fortunate.
@@Chelsea-lyn it truly felt like pioneer times with all of us moving together haha! We are so so thankful ❤️
I'm 37 years old and have never lived in a house with more than one bathroom, and we are a family of 8. The things people think they "need" are wild sometimes. Loved this video. ❤
Love that so much! Thank you for sharing 🥰
To be fair, it does come in quite handy having two toilets when there's a stomach bug or you eat something bad lol but I agree that some "needs" probably aren't really needs.
One bathroom is a disadvantage. Two would be sufficient for a family.
I find it WILD too why would anyone want to live a miserable life, waiting in queue to go to the bathroom in your own house. I work hard, earn well, and live well, because I don't want to waste my life waiting in line for a bathroom
That’s illegal in some states. No more than five people should share a bathroom in a house/apartment. How many bedrooms does your house have?
I really encourage you and your husband to stay on one income. It is sooo worth it! We were committed to stay on one income and have for 27 years. We faced allot of criticism for it. But now we receive so much praise for our 8 children and sweet little home.
Love this so much ❤️ thank you for the encouragement!
I've been a SAHM for 18 years. I'm still at home even though I have teens. Every time I have thought about going back, it seems God says no, not right now. I think a lot of this boils down to priorities. If you are able to budget on one income, you may have to give up certain things like name brand groceries, a huge house, fancy vacations, going out to eat often, etc. We have lived this way for many years and have felt it to be worth the exchange. I have been here for every phase and stage my kids have gone through and am still here guiding them through the hard teenage years. It is a hard job, but a decision my husband and I dont regret. :)
I think having a parental figure present during the teenage years - physically and emotionally - is just as important as the little years. Though I can’t fathom what that must be like yet, I know God is using you!
Love this ❤
Love your video. You need to give yourself more credit. I dont like that you said you and your husband are boring people. Just because you dont like the same things as others or cant afford to do what everyone else is doing right now doesnt mean your boring. You like shiny things, you like fun stuff, you like trips. Love watching you make those cupcakes, the castle, hanging the balloons for the party, etc. You are creative. You are not boring. You're weighing your options and making smart, responsible decisions with your finances and for your families future. Also, regardless of whether someone is religious or not, its just a responsible way of thinking..."he who is faithful with little will be faithful with much."
Awe that’s a good way to look at it! Thank you for being here ❤️
You put so much love into this birthday preparation ❤
I try to! The trick is to not get carried away with more ideas than I have time or energy 🤪
What a gorgeous celebration for your girl's, beautiful homemade party ❤
Thank you! We had a wonderful time 🎊
What a cute party you threw🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽it’s the memories your girls will have. I grew up and still in a home with 1 bathroom😊😊 just blessed to have a roof over my head🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Praise God for your wonderful realistic video. I am in the early years of raising two boys and have only been staying home for about a year and this was such a good insight into the sacrifice and reality of setting yourself aside for the ability to raise children! I loved that there was no flare or fancy filters, just real information and open honestly. God bless!
Thank you so much, I appreciate the kind words! 😊
Your channel is so sweet! I am having our 5th baby at 40. Now I am not a young mom and being older is starting to feel a lot more humble. Many sweet reminders in your video!
@@stephaniegunesch thank you so much! So so glad you’re here 🫶🫶
Another kindred soul on a similar path. I’m a bit behind you, pregnant with my first and newly at home as we planned. Subscribed ❤
Yay! So excited for you as you find your new rhythm and welcome a new baby. Wishing you all the best, so glad you’re here ❤️
I love this. This is how we live and raise our family. They are all mostly grown now. Your castle reminded me of a dog house I made for our daughter for a puppy party I did for her. I collected old boxes and painted it and all that. I hear all the time that, "must be nice." It bothered me for a long time because I sacrificed a lot to stay home. From small homes, limited vacations, old vehicles, thrifted clothes and the very women that usually say that to me are the ones that have fancy purses and drive new cars and live in huge homes.
Love how endless the cardboard creations are 🙂 I can’t imagine our littles being almost grown, although I’m afraid it’s going to sneak up on us!
I applaud your dedication and commitment. Keep doing what you’re doing!
@@michellefitz4287 thank you so much! 🫶🫶
God bless you for being home and raising a family. It is simply the most important thing a woman can do.
Thank you! I’m confident it’s the most precious + meaningful work I will ever do 💕
I’m a stay at home mom to two kiddos, and it’s definitely worth the sacrifice. Also, I never knew frosting came in those spray cans! 😯
@@claudiag.3036 I didn’t either! Walmart for the win on that one 😂
Yes! It’s possible, all glory and praise to the Lord! I have a similar story of praise: it makes “no sense” that my husband and I have been able to live on one income, with 4 children, and pay off thousands of student loan debt, and buy a home…but for the grace of God! He is able to do immeasurably more than we can think or ask. And that’s not the prosperity gospel speaking. We’ve been resourceful, creative, and risk-taking but the Lord has blessed us each step along the way in sometimes mysterious and other times obvious ways. We live very differently than the culture around us (in southern CA), and we know it’s getting harder to live on one income here so we’re already thinking ahead to how we may help our kids when they’re grown be able to do the same with their families. Our oldest is 14, our youngest 8. It flies by in the blink of an eye and I’m so grateful that I’ve been here to see them grow up thru each blessed stage! Thanks and keep on the good work!
I’ve been married for 39 years and have struggled at times through the years as I was also a stay at home mom and we would always say “God will get us through, He always has” ❤
Amen 🙌🙏 God is our daily bread and provider 🙏🙌🙌🙏
Stay at home parents are extremely underapreciated and some will judge you as not working. I am a stay at home parent also doing double duty as a full time caregiver for family members who have disabilities. I am extremely busy and at times very overwhelmed but very happy to do this everyday. Family is so important and families are a blessing . I have never regretted my choice to stay at home to care for my family.
So many wonderful areas of service you are working in - even if not getting paid financially ❤️
Very creative ideas and you seem lovely, thank you for any tips, I love frugal living ideas and recipes. ❤
Thank you! So glad you stopped by ❤️
Just ran across you and subscribed. One bathroom, humble and sweet home here too. Entering our 8th year of homeschooling. It’s been such a blessing. Our families are worth those small sacrifices, in my opinion. And aligning with God’s will and timing is truly key! ♥️
Yes amen! So glad you’re here ❤️ one bathroom houses for the win 💪😆
@@meganblakelie_ less to clean ;)
Megan, it’s my first time watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life. I can tell you it’s not a mistake being a stay at home mother, led you to you tube. I know God is using you in such a wonderful way to minister to your TH-cam community. Thank you for being a breath of fresh air . Blessings to you and your beautiful family ❤
Thank you for being here ❤️ this encouragement means so much!
Well. Needed this. Thank you. I believe God brought this to my feed for a reason. Your birthday party you planned was absolutely precious. A true all American, backyard party. How lovely. ❤
So glad it came at this right time for you ❤️ thank you for being here!
It's not impossible to live on 1 income. My husband and I reared our family on it. Now that they are grown, I work for the pure pleasure of having extra money. It's nice, but I'm so glad I was able to stay home full time for 24 years.
Sometimes, it's not possible for families to be on 1 income. Health issues and other things may prevent it from occurring. Let us never judge other people's stories because, in reality, we only see a small spectrum of another person's life. When others go through financial difficulties, it doesn't mean that they are in sin or even being judged by God. Life happened, and at the end of the day, God loves us even if you can't be on a 1 income budget. ❤
Completely agree ❤️
Beautiful video! 👍👍💚
Thank you so much! ❤️
You just very randomly came on my feed I’ll say.. but as Gods children is anything random🥰this so blessed me today and encouraged me. My husband and I are praying to be on one income in Southern California, you know when that happens it was the Lord!😂🙏🏻🥰
Love this! Praying that for you as well ❤️
This is such a sweet video. I love it and I’m so glad I found your channel!! ❤
So glad you're here! ❤️
I needed to find your channel. God brought me here for a reason. You in fact gave me hope. Thank you for your time on this platform 🙏 ❤️
Thank you sharing this encouragement, I'm so glad you're here!
You spoke so many truths! I've been a homeschooling mom, from 2005 to 2023. I was a leap of faith, but God provided, and got us through the hard times. A book that really showed me the true cost of having the mom in the work force, and how to make the numbers work, to be a stay at home mom was, " Miserly Moms, by Jonni McCoy "
The numbers in the book will be outdated now, but the concepts are the same. Often, it costs a family more for both parents too work, than the mom brings home. There are so many hidden costs to working. Dave Ramsey helped us get out of debt and stay out of debt, but Jonni McCoy helped me realize it was possible to be a stay at home mom.
Our home is small, and needs a ton of work, but its paid off and I feel so blessed to have been there for my boys, and grateful to God and my husband for making it possible. ❤
Love this so much!
There is nothing wrong with living at or below your means. We lived on a very modest income and did without a lot of frivolous things so that I could stay home and raise our four children. I don't regret it a minute. Now we live modest again as we are making different choices for ourselves. We don't follow mainstream America.
Agreed! Also love that you had 4 kids, I always wanted 4 but we will see 😉
A really beautiful video. God has blessed you and your family richly. Diane.
Thank you so much, He has indeed ❤️
I raised five children in a house that was less than 1000!square feet and only one bathroom… I wouldn’t change that one a bigger house ever!
It’s amazing how much love and how many memories can fit into an average sized house, isn’t it? 🥰
Thank you so much for sharing ❤ i am thankfully already home PTL but we are currently in a rock and a hard place with our living situation and it puts a decent strain on my husband's income. Your video gave me encouragement to continue praying and help me reflect on all the amazing things God has already done (like my amazing husband who married a single mom of two 😊)
Can definitely understand that! Praying the Lord maximizes your resources and multiplies your joy in this season 🫶
Thank you for this!
I watched this yesterday on my husband's account and subscribed at 900 views and 700 subscribers. This video is blowing up for you, get it girlfriend! 🎉
Thank you so much 🥹😭
It is still manageable. Everytime someone hears we went one in one they’re like oh you get assistance you had rich parents blah blah. No we only have our vehicles (used) as debt and one will be paid in here and mine will be tackled after. We live in a single wide mobile home we have e ouch space. We don’t live smoosh lifestyle never had.
Beautiful video. I love how you narrated to the scene of you setting up a birthday party 💖 very creative. And as the commenter below said so well - you are definitely not boring!
Thank you! I really appreciate that, and I'm glad you found it interesting. 🙂
5:55 THIS! I need to practice taking more pride in our home. I strongly believe that we need to prove that we can handle, manage, & be good stewards of our blessings.
It’s a daily effort for sure!!
Y6@@meganblakelie_
You have created a lovely party for your daughters. Home spun is the best! God will provide
Yes! Thank you!
Stay at home wife right now but TTC for our rainbow baby. I love your page and can't wait to be a sahm ❤❤
I stayed home with our son in the 1990s. People, magazines, newspapers all said it could be done. We found a way. We had to ignore all the social influences and run the numbers. It was a good life. I still brought in $2,000-$4,000 a yr but did it from home. When my nephew or niece needed back up daycare, I did it. I handled the money and made it work. There a lot of new skills I had to learn quickly to make it work. Will there be sacrifices, yes, but it was so worth it.
Thank you for your great encouragement. And you birthday party is amazing
You gained a new subscriber! Amen to everything you shared. I’m so passionate about homemaking and making the “sacrifice” (as the world sees it) to stay home and raise children and invest in my family. God is so good and He is a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him!
Yes! Couldn’t agree more with every part of this. So glad you’re here 🥰
We got a steal on our home when the housing market crashed in 2008 but our house doesn't have a bathtub we have a shower no bathtub and that may have been a deal breaker for some but it's been a non issue for us over the years especially for the low price our home was..86,000 1278 sq ft. Love the castle and cupcakes!
Can’t beat that! Thank you!!
@@meganblakelie_ especially in todays market, it's awful and interest rates are through the roof. Have a blessed weekend 💗
We are also a young family living on one income, by the grace of God ❤ we are thriving, not with material goods, but with love and time ❤ our (old) friends and family think we are making a mistake, but we know we are doing the only thing that makes sense
Sandwiches look good and your garden is beautiful I’m big on quality time too ❤ happy new year i like shiny things too ! 😊
Thank you! It seems we have lots in common. Happy New Year 🙂
I love how creative you are! The DIY castle was so fun! I made the same watermelon stars and grape wands for my daughter’s 5th birthday party too 😊
Beautiful video ❤
Oh thank you!! I saw those watermelon wands on Pinterest and could. not. resist 🤩
We’ve been one income since just before I got pregnant with our first - 15 years ago now! It absolutely can be done. ❤ love seeing women encouraging each other in this!
One of the most real ppl on TH-cam. Thank you!!❤
That is so sweet! Thank you 🫶🫶
This is very encouraging in the different aspects and things that you talked about, not just about the topic of staying at home. ❤
I'm so glad you enjoyed it ❤️ thank you for being here!
What a beautiful message! Thank you.
I loved your video, thank you. The birthday party was wonderful 💕🎉
Your testimony blessed my heart!
So glad to hear that! God has been so very gracious to us ❤️
New subscriber here! I dont have children but i am a caretaker. For years i worked 1-2 jobs and caregived (for 2 family members at the time) and it was exhausting. Ive been blessed to have a significant other now that has taken over some responsibilities so i can be home (its been a year) and its definitely different for me. Im still learning! A part of me has been wanting to have children as well and now maybe I will have time and be blessed ❤
Be blessed!
Megan I became frugal. It was hard at first but I live a comfortable life. I’m budgeting to get rid of my debt , save and pay off my house ASAP. I stumble on your Chanel and I subscribe because you fear the Lord and I’m looking for believers to be part of my circle of friends. Thank you for sharing. God Bless
So glad you’re here! Keep up the good work ❤️
I'm curious to know what are some of the things you do without as a one income family? What are some of your sacrifices?
When we have been fully single income in the past (now this channel is monetized, allowing a little more flexibility each month) - we really tried to only spend money on necessities.. groceries, gas, etc. Homemade meals and from scratch cooking helped us to cut costs. We also opt for simplicity - buying reliable, used vehicles that could be paid for in full instead of taking on a monthly payment. As in this video, having a birthday party at home vs renting a venue or doing something extravagent. These are just a couple things that maybe were not mentioned in the video! Like I said, the word sacrifice is very relative. These things were/are more than worth it for the rewards we receive in choosing to invest in our family like this.
I did it by going through college and getting a corporate office job totally from home. Been doing it ten years. God made everything line up for it to work out. This is really great content.
Love that! I worked from home for a little over a year before transitioning to full-time homemaking. It’s such a great option! Thank you for being here 🙂
Your closing comment of "He is working behind the scenes...He likes to work in the margin..." was beautiful & moving. I plan on writing this on a canvas because it has been proven to me that God plowed an otherwise impossible path for me to quit my job 2 b with my daughter. I wanted to also offer encouragement to those who think it won't work. Not to say we didn't have struggles & major struggles but for me it was worth it!
Oh how encouraging, so glad you're here! Praise God for His faithfulness.
This was such a beautifully done video
I needed your video more than you know today. I'm about to lose my job by the end of the year and I'd love nothing more then to stay home with my kids. Maybe this is my oppurtunity to really think about that.
So sorry to hear about your job, but glad you found this to be timely ❤️ I hope it all works out for you!
The first TH-cam video of this kind that has ever made me cry and yes that is a good thing my babies and my journey has been very very hard and painful but through everything God is with us I'm choosing to trust that when the time is right he will get us where we need to be but would appreciate anyone's prayers thank you I appreciate the video
Thank you for sharing! We serve a mighty God ❤ praying for you, mean it!
To God be the glory! He will give you so much more than what you give up! We have always been a one income family and I homeschooled my kids. My youngest graduated high school last year. Praise the Lord \o/ Great video!
Love to see all the homeschool mamas in this comment section! Definitely trying to soak up all of y’all’s wisdom for the upcoming years ❤️
Hello Megan. I just found your channel and binged a little. Your videos, your heart, and your insight has really blessed me. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤ the Lord is surely glorified through your channel.
Thank you so much for this encouragement ❤️ I’m so glad you’re here!
I’m not religious but I agree it’s about priorities and children should be our #1 priority. When that’s the case you can find a way. Love your party btw
Thank you so much! So glad you’re here 🫶
Wow this helped me so much. I also am in a place where my husband says we are not financially ready for me to stay home and he is right. I also totally feel that God is telling me to enjoy the season that I am in now and that it is not the time to be a SAHM. It’s hard but I’m trying my best to be obedient even when my heart longs to stay home and raise my son ❤️
I completely understand - I was in that place for some time, love your perspective and positivity! ❤
No cliche, prayer is absolutely necessary to make it in this world. I have no desire to be a full time home maker, but the last 2.5 years ive been working parttime which has been my dream. I missed so much of my daughters childhood working 40-60hrs a week, and I dont want to go back to that. I now work 3-5 hrs a day!
That's so wonderful! Love the part-time option we have these days!
Loved this video.
Beautiful video
Thank you!
I loved this ❤️
❤️❤️
Lovely video and channel!
Thank you so much ❤️❤️
I think there are many families who say "we aren't 'able' to make it on one income" when they actually mean that they don't want to give up vacations, two cars, a bigger house, etc. I'm a stay at home mom who works part-time from home which has worked for us.
Love that! There have been different seasons for us as well where I simply stayed home and then others where there was a part-time income to help relieve some of my husband’s financial burden. God has always sent what we needed at just the right time ❤️
Yes! I used to work & I saw the cars & houses! Those are all choices. We can choose to have less of that & more of relationships & I think less stress overall. I think a simpler life can be much more fulfilling & satisfying than a consumer-driven life to impress others.
We too, have grown in our walk with Jesus and it naturally led to more time home. I’m still working some too and entrepreneurship was all glory to God making a way. We’ve also been following Dave Ramsey for stewarding finances and going for debt freedom and financial investing / generosity principles. This is my first video seeing of yours, and loved your perspective. New subscriber!
So glad you're here! God is so good ❤️
Awwwwww … a new subscriber here …you are so refreshing to this platform. Mathew 6.33,34 ❤️
Thank you for being here and for this encouragement! ❤️
Good for you! I stayed home until my youngest was 10. Now I’ve left work 7 years before retirement to be a stay at home granny. I wish my daughter in law could stay home but it’s difficult to do on one salary.
Love it!!!
That was a really nice party.
Thank you!
I stay home full time with my babies. I do have a little side gig though that helps tremendously. I thrift vintage dresses and clothing or source vintage clothing items that are damaged and mend them and sell them online. It’s enough for me to pay for the groceries and a few bills and pay for “fun things” like us to go out to eat go to the zoo etc while my husband works a traditional job and pays for our mortgage and most other things. A big reason why I decided to stay home with them was the daycares in our area cost so much I would’ve only brought home a small amount of money after paying for daycare and my children are not yet of school age. I didn’t want to essentially work just to have someone else raise my kids and an extra couple of hundred bucks a month.
What a creative way to put skills and hobbies to good use! Love it!
I'm a stay at home mother here in Ireland. I've been home gees 10 years now (time flies) I was ready to have our 2nd child and i asked my husband could i stay home and rear our children rather than someone else doing it. My first was nearly 11 at this stage. I left my teaching job to stay home but I know I'm lucky to be able to stay home and financially we're able to do it but unfortunately for a lot its just not possible, sometimes 1 wage wont cover rent/mortgage so some have no choice but to work which i really feel for them! We could spend a lot of money needlessly but we dont. We dont drink or smoke, we rarely go out to eat, we get an odd take away (takeout), i cook pretty much everything from scratch and my children know no better. I'm blessed to be able to live this life
I have a similar story to you. I begged my husband to let me stay home with our babies and it was never the right time. Two years ago when my son turned a year old I was able to quit. It has been extremely difficult adjusting to one income with inflation and all of the utilities has either doubled or tripled in that time. Fortunately when my husband and I bought our house it was in 2011 when the market was down so we got it for a good price. It was only ment to be a starter home but due to the market and inflation we have been in this home way longer than expected. We have four kids living in a 3 bedroom one bath house. As difficult as things have been iam so greatful for this opportunity to stay home with my babies and help my sisters inlaw and my brothers inlaw to babysit their children not needing to worry about if someone will harm them. Thank you for your channel it gives others hope that they can too achieve their dreams.
Thank you for the encouragement! The economy is certainly not ideal right now, but God is faithful. So glad it is working out for you all!
Your voice is so relaxing.
Thank you so much ❤️❤️
I am so thankful for this because I’m about to enter the single mom life and I’m so overwhelmed.
Praying you feel peace and comfort in the days ahead ❤️❤️❤️
"Hi! I’m a French homeschooling mom of 3 (8, 7, 5) and an author of bilingual books in French and English. I share our homeschooling journey and resources on my channel-it’s all about encouraging fellow moms like you! Love your inspiring content! ❤
Do it. Expect difficulties. Worth it, yes 💚💜💙
Have a lot of conversation. Make sure hr sees what you do is equal to what you do. 💙💜💚
We lived on one income with our 3 children and are now retired early. All of this was possible because God taught us ( repeatedly and patiently) to trust HIM and live under our income whatever it was. Obviously there’s a LOT in that statement but that’s it in a nutshell. So happy for you and your family to be where you are now.
Love this so much. It’s a blessing to hear from those on the other side of raising little kids, thank you for being here ❤️
I am becoming a SAHM starting September. I’m scared. I’ve always worked but my job ends this month and with starting homeschooling 2 preteens my husband said just take time and be a SAHM. It’s hard to give up the independence of earning my own money. But I think it will be worth it.
Excited for you! Hopefully it will be a smooth transition. Your efforts will be worthwhile in the long run!
Amén 🙏🏼
Love your videos especially honoring our great God
Thank you! He is great indeed!
I don't wanna lie as a single mother of two and not earning much God has always been there for me and my kids. When i don't know how i am gonna make it, he always shows up. Glory be to the Lord 🙏🙌🙌🙌🙏🙌🙌🙏
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
After 10 years of teacher and baby 3 on the way, im considering taking time off from the classroom to spend with my kiddos and homeschooling. Considering substituting so i dont get bord.
Sounds like you have great options either way! Congratulations on baby #3 🙂
P.S. I don't think it is possible to get bored as a homemaker and/or mama. It may not be for everyone, but there is always something to do!
We live in a 1,000 ft mobile home, that’s paid for. My husband is the only one working outside the Home. We have 2 kids. Our son is now 26 and living working on his own. Our daughter just turned 18 and has Down syndrome and some chronic health conditions. We decided even before we had her I would stay home, at least while our son was home.
We considered buying a house a few years ago but to be able to insure I could continue to be home we decided the debt was not worth it. We do have 1 car payment ( but 2 vehicles).
Our son had a dream of a particular college from the age and son and how we would afford that was heavy, and not only was he accepted he also was offered a full scholarship. That was such a blessing from the Lord.
Though we live in a single wide mobile home, 1,000 sq feet. We have 3 bedrooms. We had 2 full bathrooms but we converted one to a closet for extra storage. Like you said, people have lived with one bathroom for many years and some people with a bathroom outside.
I feel people need to do what’s best for themselves and their families in whatever season of life they are in. God Bless!
Could not agree more! Love to hear of God’s faithfulness in your life ❤️
But we are mostly a single income family. This was a well rounded video love ur castle by the way. I do run a out of home baking company that does give some income on my end. We are mostly debt free here also!
Thank you! That’s awesome. With 14 people you’ve got lots of taste testers 😉🍪🎂🧁🍞