Marriage and Parenting- 24/7

Nick and I married when we were barely 18 and 19. Back in the day, when a couple got married- well, with our families anyway- you were on your own.  

We didn't have the support that young families seem to have now.  Not financial support from our families or anyone to help us with our children.

We were married a year and a half when our first child came.  We were 19 and 20.  Then less than 3 year later comes the 2nd.  Then we moved 325 miles away from our family.  Then came baby 3.

No family.

We didn't have "date night" because there was nobody to take care of the kids while we were gone.  And we didn't have the money to pay a sitter.

We didn't go on vacation- we didn't have parents that paid for our vacation.

We didn't have anyone to cook an occasional supper for us.
We didn't have anyone to pick up the kids from school for us.
We didn't have anyone to encourage us.  (Until Connie and Beas, that is!)

It has always been Nick and me.

It wasn't easy.  It was really hard.

So, maybe that's why I don't take to people complaining all the time.

Suck it up, it's part of being a parent and being married.

The monotony.  The lack of funds.  The days the kids drive you crazy.  

But the kids, the bills, the home, the marriage- all of this is OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

Not anyone else's.

I am very grateful for the hard years.  There is something inside of me that wants this to be- us- doing THIS together.  Not us- AND.

I pray my kids will be the same way. Responsible, uncomplaining, independent adults.