Reznet

It's been nearly six and a half years since the first time I gave birth to my 6-year-old twins. Back then things were simple for my family. Besides not having much -- if any -- money to buy things for our babies, baby equipment and needs weren't as demanding as they are now.

When I first became a mother more than six years ago, I dreamed of what kind of mom I wanted to be. I wanted to be like my parents -- cool, yet firm and able to talk to their kids. But I wanted to be that and more. I was thrilled when I found out Jake and I were having twins, and doubly thrilled when I found out one of them was a girl. I couldn't wait to dress her up, fix her hair and paint her fingernails. But now I realize that was a 19-year-old mother's way of thinking. Now, at nearly 27 years-old, I realize that that phase of her life passed fairly quickly.

So I've been married for nearly three weeks. We had a small wedding ceremony with just our families but it was beautiful. I wore a white and lace sleeveless dress with a turquoise and white sash above my ever-expanding belly (kind of like an empire waist).  Jake wore black slacks, black dress shoes, a white button-up dress shirt and a turquoise and blue tie. Our kids were dressed up and actually were able to stay that way through the entire 15-minute ceremony.

I can’t believe it’s been nine years for my fiancé and I. Well, nearly nine years. It’s actually been eight years and 11 months.

We’ve been talking about it since 2001, but we’re finally taking the plunge and are getting married next week. Nothing huge or even elaborate.  Just us, our three kids, a preacher and our parents and siblings.

The rising cost of everything from fuel to a loaf of bread has hit our family pretty hard. We're still doing OK, but we've had to make some adjustments due to the high costs of everyday items. A gallon of milk costs nearly $4 and our 14-month-old son downs two gallons a week. We recently found out we're expecting our fourth child -- who is due in October :) -- and we're already planning and trying to save for the costs associated with a new baby.

When I was younger my parents stressed helping those in need and making sure to always offer to help those who may have less than you. I've carried that with me into my adult life, and now I realize how important it is to stress those same points to my kids.