I am on cloud nine right now and it is all thanks to Steemit and YOU!!!
In the past few years Christmas has been both the best and worst part of the year. It sneaks up on us and with six children to provide for it has always been a struggle financially.
New books for Master 10.
We usually wait until the paycheck just before Christmas to do our shopping. Not out of choice but necessaty. We live one week at a time financially and the rent and therapy have to come before anything else, this includes Christmas. My partner often takes a second or third job through out the year just so we can get by.
This Christmas he has taken work that means he will be away for most of the holidays. This is really tough on our children as they don't understand why he works near home some of the time and then has to go away for days on end at other times.
He has missed Birthdays and graduations. He has missed Christmas concerts and parties all to provide for us. I often feel like I'm letting the team down as I just don't have the time to work and look after all of the kids.
Then over the last couple of weeks the price of SBD has risen. Little by little it is going up. Now I don't have a huge wallet. There are no massive amounts of floating around. But every little bit adds up, and last week I was able to receive $280 Australian dollars.
That is a huge amount of money for us. It was more than enough to start my Christmas shopping early, that alone was a bonus as I hate having to rush around in the last few days leading up to Christmas.
Then today I did another transfer and i will be receiving $580 Australian dollars! I nearly fainted when I saw the transfer amount. It's like a Christmas miracle and it's all thanks to the love and support I get here on Steemit.
Because of all of you reading and voting on my posts I am about to have have my first Christmas in 6 years where I won't have to borrow money to get through. My first Christmas without having to race to the shops and only buy toys and cloths with a discount tag on them. So Thankyou from the bottom of my heart THANKYOU.
This will also be the first Christmas that my children will recieve more than one thing on their list to Santa!!! That is just amazing!!!
To say I'm happy is a complete understatement.
I joined Steemit thanks to my sister @krystle and her partner @ausbitbank. Without their constant hounding and persistent nagging that this was the place I should be sharing my journey instead of Facebook. I wouldn't be in the position I am in now. So thank you guys, you have changed my life.
This platform has not only become a way for me to financially contribute to my household but also a way to share and learn. To see art and read poetry. To have open conversations about Autism and children's development with so many different people who are also on the same page as me. I have learnt so many things and developed new interests and hobbies.
I am so blessed to be here and to be able to share this with all of you!
Every present in the above photos was brought using money I earned here on Steemit. I will be sure to post on Christmas Day so you can all see the joy this platform has brought to my children!
Thankyou for reading.
Just sent you 5 SBD because I can see it would make a difference.
Also.. I don't want kids personally but I will always appreciate parents that work harder to give their kids at least an illusion of a stress free life.
OMG, that is so generous! Thank you so very much.
We try our best, especially at Christmas.
There´s nothing more honorable than loving and caring for your kids! I wish you a merry Christmas & some awesome days with your family :)
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you as well.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I am not able to relate with your story for one reason: I was brought up in an awesome family that had enough of everything. I am still living with my family (because of my studies, busy with my master's degree and then my PhD). So it is tough for me to think that someone cannot have a Christmas or needs to miss birthdays for work etc. It makes me sad that I cannot help other people with their struggles.
But this is where my story begins. I don't have a source of income, and I don't have a work waiting for me after my PhD. I love baking bread and coffee. This is my dream then, to open a bakery where people can feel at home, where they don't have to pay a leg and arm for nice bread and good coffee. (In South Africa anything with the name "artisan" (like artisan sourdough bread) is really expensive.) I also want to open, with the bakery, a philosophical practice, where people can come to unburden themselves, and with my knowledge that I am building with my master's and (hopefully) PhD, I want to help people to structure their thoughts so they can enter the world stronger and ready with tools to cope with our crazy world.
So your story is really amazing and inspiring for me because I also want to use the steemit money to open my bakery/practice. I have received some nice payments that will help. But it is tough to stay positive when you put hours into something and your only like is your own vote.
So thank you again for sharing this wonderful story. It helps those who feel demotivated to keep on going. (p.s. sorry for the long comment.)
Thank you for sharing.
All I can say is keep going with what you are doing and stay positive.
Hard work will pay if in the end.
The hardest part is keeping positive.
Secondly, depression and art are the worst.
Thirdly, I am my worst enemy.
But thank you. It is a journey and not a destination.
And Enjoy what you got. It is well deserved. Enjoy every moment like it is the last. Make every second count, kids grow up very fast. :)
They do, way to fast. I feel like I just had my baby girl five minutes ago and she is about to turn 13!
It feels like yesterday when I was 13... I am still in the phase where I need to decide if I am ready to be a parent.
Crypto paid for my Christmas also!
I personally have to thank LTC!
Congratulations and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Yay, congratulations to you!
Merry Christmas to you and your family also.
Congrats @mumofmany...
You are STEEM in action....this is what this place is all about.
And now you are also the subject of a post...sharing your story.
Kudos to all your followers who generously upvote you.
https://steemit.com/steem/@taskmaster4450/bingo-steem-in-action-this-is-what-upvoting-does
Thanks, I def wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't not for my followers!
Thank you for the mention in your post as well. Steemit is absolutly changing lives and it's all thanks to the people in the community.
Merry Christmas!!!
Thanks for sharing this. I was the youngest child of 6. I remember how hard Christmas time would be. In the US, poor kids have 2 Christmas's. We skimmed by with a few gifts at Christmas time. Then in about February, our parents would get income tax returns, and we would have a really nice late Christmas. I am going to follow you since you said that you talk about autism on your page. I am a Disability Counselor, so I work with students with an array of disabilities. I am constantly learning from others.
We do the same at tax time, take the kids for a nice dinner and buy an essentials that they need plus a little extra, this year we got some of the kids new beds, they were very excited. Thanks for the comment!
No problem. Just remember, it's not the things children remember as much as it is the time you take up with them. The poorer we were, the more innovative my mom was for the holidays. And that is what I remember the most, was how she made it special, not what she gave me.
Very true, we always start Christmas Day with the presents but the afternoon is spent at the beach just being together and having fun. Those afternoons are what I hope my children remember most.
I am sure they will! ;)
I particularly like seeing that you haven't had to power down.
I'd hate to see the long term suffer for the short.
You keep powering up like that, and 2018 is going to be a fantastic year :)
So glad to see you doing well.
I look at my SP as a long term investment for my family. I am very greatful for the ability to use my SBD to help us through the hard times. I think 2018 is going to be fantastic.
Wow. This is such awesome proof that Steemit is a force for good in the world. Thanks for the uplifting story!
It truly is, I am so greatful for this place.
Thanks for sharing. I'm happy to see that you have bought a lot of gifts for your family. Merry Christmas to you and your family in advance.
Merry Christmas to you as well. Hope you enjoy your holidays.
Thank ya.
Hello lovely I am just so glad you joined, I know how much this means to you and your family especially the kids - I am just grateful you're here, you've stuck it out through the hard times and now you can reap some much deserved rewards.
You have always put your kids first and I knew once you saw steemits potential, you'd be hooked for good!
Just like you steemit has changed our world for the better, somedays I just wonder why is it so hard to give people money?
I can't wait for Christmas this year its truly going to be amazing to see how stoked all the kids are :D
Hey you, again Thank you!! It's all you and @ausbitbank. You guys are awesome. Not just in getting me here but in helping me out when I didn't have a clue lol.
I can't wait for Christmas either.
See you soon!!!
Kisses to the kids.
No worries at all hun, we just told you about it and helped you on your way - you did all the hard work.
You stuck with it, shared your life with the world and now your hard work has resulted in an amazing Christmas for your family - Im just so happy for you :D
That is awesome! I hope you and your family have the best Christmas ever.
With me unable to work, we usually struggle too but, thanks to the incredible rise in value of SBDs we haven't had to take out a loan this year.
I think that was the biggest bonus, not having to borrow money! Hope you have a great Christmas as well.
Love your sharing and as I have a challenged child, I can understand what you have to go through. So happy that Steemit is able to help you and your family. As this is a huge community, I am sure if everyone can give a little of their upvote to your blog, it will help you in the long run. Keep up your positive attitude and keep sharing and posting, we love to hear from you.
May you and your family, have a Blessed, Merry Christmas filled with lots of Love, Peace, Joy, Happiness and good Health.
God Bless
@jackpot
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you as well.
Is your child on the spectrum?
Steemit has made a huge difference. It truly is a blessing to be here.
She has down syndrome, with a medical condition of severe hirschsprung and short gut syndrome. Delayed in speech but her fine and gross motor are good as compared to many of her peers. She is doing well and very proud that she can read but pronunciation needs improving. Thank God that she is doing well but still needs check up every 3 months.
Just need lots of prayers.
@jackpot
I will keep her in my thoughts.
Yes it did, so nice to see real live things people bought with Steem... this is proving that crypto is alive... a lot of negativity about crypto.. but this proves it's not just air.. but REAL!!!!!
I must admit I was one of those people not so long ago. I just didn't understand. Thanks to some wonderful people I have spent the afternoon wrapping the proof!
Thanks for the comment.
I feel extremely lucky to have come across your post....
Upvoted (tiny vote but still) and followed you. You are an inspiration many mums out there (including me)
Sometimes we are complaining about little things, and then sometime we realize how much time we have wasted complaining..
I am very happy for you and your family and wish you the best, health and joy for all of you!
Thanks again for the inspiration!
Thank you, I love being able to share here on steemit. To inspire and be inspired by others. It truly is amazing.
Happy holidays to you!
Thanks for the comment
Thank you, happy Holidays from the far away Greece to the beautiful Australia
(I have some relatives there :))
Truly a Pioneer of the Future!
As a single father of one, full time carer of a disabled parent and worker of 60+hrs pw to earn food and roof, I wish all the best to you and your family.
It can be hard. I take my hat of to you.
Working so hard to look after family.
Merry Christmas to you.
Nah, not so hard, just life ya know. Beside's I think six kids would do my head in. Have a good one.
They sometimes do my head in trust me, wouldn't have it any other way though.
I know how important it is for a child to get what they want at christmas and how magical it is for them, and its great to hear things are going good for the family after some of the things you have shared this year, so thats really good to hear that they are getting some gifts they will enjoy.
Thanks @gyro, it's a lovely way to end the year that's for sure!
This story is so touching and it shows the way Steemit can change a part of people's lives.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful testimony.
Thank you, steemit truly does change people's lives.
I also withdrew some money last thursday that is the equivalent of an average salary of a Ugandan..and this week I will withdraw more...Hope SBDs keep rising to the moon hehehe.
Oh that's Fantastic.
Let's hope it does keep going up!
Here's to 2018!!!
2018 is the year for Steemit...
Such a blessing!! I love this, it's beautiful well done Mama & Merry Christmas to you & your babies <3 Steemit has bought many grocery bags & also a bike for my daughter for xmas. Pretty cool as a solo parent! We're also lucky to have you here xx
Steemit has absolutely contributed to our food shop over the past few months. It makes a real difference. Single parents are my hero's. I don't know how I would do this on my own!
Merry Christmas to you!
This is the best thing about Steem, sharing the wealth!
100% upvote and resteem!
Thank you very much!
This is awesome! Let me upvote some more stuff of yours!
Well thank you!
Merry Christmas
This is what steemit is made to do. To free us all. I'm so very happy you and your family will have a very merry Christmas. Hopefully as you progress further on here maybe your significant other will be able to enjoy more time with you and the kids. : ).
thanks for sharing your story - it really is inspiring. Its so great to see this platform making a difference... well it's the people on this platform really! :)
It is the people!!! Without everyone's contributions it would fail.
Thank you and Merry Christmas
It's great to read articles like yours. When I first started, many many moons ago, I was somewhat skeptical about making an income stream blogging on Steemit. Reading your article validate my perception that the world is changing. Even though we may not have a traditional job, that doesn't mean we cannot provide for our family. Honestly, I don't know how you can keep up with 6 children at home given that my first newborn is already giving many sleepless night. Kudos to your perseverance and the hardwork!
Thank you
I'm glad my post has given so many the proof they were looking for!
Hi @mumofmany, it is awesome to know steemit is a promising source of your income. Happy to know you have managed to make this Christmas a great one for your babies and your partner.. Merry Christmas, God Bless ya'll..
Merry Christmas to you!
Amazing story and thank you for sharing with us.
It inspires us and also make believe in what we do here in steemit.
Merry xmas to you.
Merry Christmas to you.
Trust me this place is wonderful, not just for the financial insentive but the whole experience! Keep steeming.
I wish all the brightest you and the kids;))
Thank you
What an extraordinary turn of events - so happy for you and your family and perhaps next year you can all be together as your Steemit journey gathers momentum. Happy Christmas, enjoy xox
Luckily my partner will be back for Christmas Day but leaves again the day after. It's all worth it in the end.
Hopefully next year will be different.
Thanks for the comment.
It is absolutely amazing to see how many lives have been changed by becoming a part of the Steemit community. By reading your post, I have discovered that this is a strong network of people who are genuine, who support one another's efforts, and take the time to share their personal experiences and honest thoughts and opinions. I'm new here and hope one day I will be able to say that Steemit paid for a Christmas with my family or a trip I long to take. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much, I'm glad my post is showing people what great things be can be accomplished here.
You're welcome! I wish you and your family a joyous holiday season!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
That's really great and inspirational! I love reading stories like this. Hopefully your wallet will keep growing and next Christmas your partner wouldn't have to take a job for the holidays for a change!
Having him home for more than 24 hours would be fantastic, especially since Christmas Eve is our sons Birthday.
Things are looking up for 2018 here on steemit.
Happy holidays.
Happy holidays! :)
Wow! Bless you and your family ❤ it sounds like you guys more then deserve the most wonderfull Christmas ever! May all your dreams come true, greetings from the Netherlands 🤗
Merry Christmas to you guys as well.
Hope you have a wonderful holidays
Awesome to read articles like this! It is great to see the positive impact that SteemIt and the free market can have on people's lives.
Merry Christmas and here is to your continued success in 2018!
It really does make a positive change on people lives.
Merry Christmas to you as well!
Wonderful presents for your kids. They will be so happy! Steemit stories like yours make me happy
I hope they like them as well.
Thank you for your comment.
Thanks for sharing this uplifting story with us. Steemit has also made a big difference in my life. I wish you a very happy Christmas and hope that the future will be one with lots of new prospects. Steemit, I am sure has touched many lives in 2017.
2017 on steemit has been huge, I can only imagine that 2018 will be even better.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you as well
I'm so happy for you! I know exactly how you feel as it mirrors my experience.
Thank you for your comment.
Merry Christmas
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing. I truly hope you have a wonderful christmas and that you enjoy the time with your family. .. x
I hope you enjoy your holidays as well. Merry Christmas
i'm glad that you found additional funds to help your own family at christmas, if you can spare some time for others on the streets or at local shelters too, extend that hand of freedom. i wish you and your family a lovely christmas. i know we will have an awesome one too ;)
I unfortunalty am very time poor, it is very hard to find a babysitter for six kids, 4 of them with special needs. So making time to help at shelters is not an option for me. However every year we do the wishing tree, thats when you buy a present and place it underneath the tree at your local KMart and they pass it along to a charity. We also do Christmas shoe box through school, you fill a special box with pencils and craft and little gifts and the local church sends them overseas to children in need.
I like to remind my children that even during our hardest times we are far better off than a lot of people.
Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
six kids is a lot. wow. kids cost a lot to have and look after right? even more so with special needs - the fact you do something with your kids to make them realise they have more than others is important. sounds like you have your hands full! :) all peace and power to you at this busy time of the year
Don't know why I am crying right now but I feel so happy for you. Maybe because two weeks Steemit helped me buy an awesome phone and make my young ones Christmas better. I fully relate to your joy right now! :)
Happy holidays. Steem on :)
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you. It's so nice to be able to have just a little extra, especially at Christmas! I'm glad you were also able to share the steemit wealth with your little ones as well.
So happy for you! Hope you and your kids have a truly magical Christmas.
Thank you, merry Christmas to you as well.
I am wicked happy that you were able to fund Christmas through steemit. I just started myself in an attempt to maybe get through my situation. I am happy your kids will have a merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you!
Keep working at it here on steemit and you will be amazed.
Loved reading your post! I am a mother of a soon to be 1 year old daughter and can completely relate to your happiness on seeing your kids delighted.
Wishing you all Merry Christmas; much more prosperity and many more smiles 😘
Hugs and love!
Oh Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you and your daughter. 1st Christmas with a baby! How exciting, hope you have a fabulous day.
what a haul! :) congrats on your success thus far and happy holidays ✌
Thank you, happy holidays!
such a impressive post
Thanks for sharing
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas!
cheers @mumofmany
Thank you
Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
Nice to see this platform really helping people make ends meet. A Merry Steemas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas to you as well.
Steemit has made a huge difference for us and not just financially!
Steemit is also going to help me get a few gifts for my family, I am so glad you and your kids will have a rad and stress free christmas. Happy holidays <3 A time for thanks indeed!
Happy holidays to you as well. Steemit is fantastic!!! I'm glad it has helped out others as well.
I could not read your article. I burst into tears. I'm a 30-year-old guy was crying like a child ... It was a tear of joy for you. I'm very happy for you!!! You deserve your happiness 100%. After all, the one who is looking for - he will always find! Resteem.
Good luck to you and good
Thank you for your kind words.
I am sincerely happy for you and even more for the kids! Enjoy the holidays! Life will be better because as @surpassinggoogle says; Words rule the world.
Thank you and Happy holidays to you as well!
Awww hun. I can so feel you ❤❤❤ and I'm so happy for you and your family. Steemit is truly such a blessing.
Sending you lot heaps of love and virtual hugs.
Ps. Yay you got books. I love getting books for pressies.
Thanks Hun,
We always get books, I swear we could open our own children's library lol.
Steemit is a life changer!
Hope you have a fantastic Christmas and I can't wait to see photos of the new house when you are all moved in.