How many times have we heard this? When I was shopping yesterday I got to thinking about how much kids really do cost. We live in a family-friendly neighborhood in a good school district because of the kids. We drive 4-door cars because there are four of us. The food bill- one kid is 16 and one is 11. They are like locusts right now!

Clothing - DS doesn't care what he wears so I don't have to worry about name brands. I do indulge DD, but she is expected to find a job soon and pay for her own leisure activities and clothing. That will be nice. I don't plan to work at a job and then give her the money for movie tickets and dinner any more. She is old enough now to work. She will be 17 soon.

We do have pets. If we didn't have kids, I don't know if we would. Watching the kids with the dogs is great - especially DS. The puppy loves the kids!

Don't get me started on college expenses.

Would I do it again? You bet! I couldn't imagine not having children. Is it expensive? You bet!