35 Years of Frugal Living - A Wedding Anniversary

The Parlour at Mrs. White's home in Vermont.

Each year, at this time, I try to think of something special to do for my wedding anniversary. It is in 2 weeks, the first week of July. We never seem to have any spare money for gifts, an outing, or a trip, to celebrate the milestones of our marriage.  I end up just setting the parlour table with a white tablecloth and a wedding album. I do this every year.

 

The table set for our anniversary in 2019.

We have spent our entire lives being frugal out of necessity. I have learned, over many years, how to live on the income my husband has provided.  Our income has fluctuated from very low,  to modest, to very low.  We live as simply as we can and only buy treats and frivolities (that bring happiness) when there is extra cash available. We have no debt, no credit cards, and no car payments. We have a very small mortgage on our house, but that is our only obligation.  If we do not have the money to pay for something, we cannot have it. It is as simple as that.  

I remember some years ago, after my husband had been in an accident (that caused his permanent disability and made him unable to work). We had stopped at the pharmacy to pick up his prescription. He waited in the car while I went into the store. It was Christmas time and the store was full of pretty things to bring joy to one's home. As I waited for the prescription to be filled, I saw a little light-up Christmas scene. I pushed a button and it played "Silent Night." I just loved it.  Later, I told my husband about this little thing that brought me such delight.  He brought me back the next day and told me to buy it. 

Another year, long ago, when our children were young, my husband overheard me talking to the children about how we wanted to buy some little fun thing as we did our grocery shopping. But we didn't have any extra money.  My husband came over and quietly asked me what I wanted.  He told me to wait as he walked into another room. He soon returned and tried to hand me his last $20 that he had been saving.  I did not want to take it. But he said it would make him happy for us to buy the thing we wanted.  I was so grateful.

A few days ago, we were talking about the things we needed to save up for - minor repairs, our property taxes, and the house insurance.  Then we talked about how much we need to get an electrician in here to fix our kitchen. In the middle of this past winter, our power went out in half of our kitchen. We had to stop using part of it and just get by.  Now that it is summer, we will get the electrician in here to fix the problem. This will cost money. But it is necessary. We talked about what we could do to get by.  I told my husband that I didn't need to buy any clothes this year. He said he could wait as well.  I told him I needed shoes but I would wait until next spring.  Then he said to me, "I need shoes too, but you get yourself shoes next year and I will get mine the year after that."  I was so grateful for his sacrifice and always doing his best to give things to me and the children first, going without, so we have what we need.

Today, as I think about how to celebrate 35 years of marriage, I realize it has been a frugal marriage all of our days. We have lived on faith and learned many lessons. We are so very thankful. When our home has God as the foundation, what else really matters?

In a couple of weeks, on our anniversary, I will set the table with our wedding album and we will just thank the dear Lord for all he has given us. We are truly blessed and grateful.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Four Generations Living in One House - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.

What Many of us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

Please be One of these - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.

The Blessing of a Virtuous Mother - Amazing Dedication. 

 

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Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  

 

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