Moving

Well, I was just looking through our old posts and realized I did not post this after writing it...oops. I don't think I ever actually finished it but it gives an idea of some of the things going through my head after the move.

As we drove away from our home in NC, I became very sad. Sad that we were leaving all that we called home for the last year. We made wonderful friends and a few new additions to our family. It became very difficult to leave our NC family. Michael and I talked about all that God taught us over the last year. We have grown so much and learned an enormous amount about ourselves and each other. I praise the Lord for sending us to NC. It was amazing learning to depend more on God and my husband and realize how strong I truly am. I struggled less with homesickness than I ever expected possible and loved the country life. It has actually been difficult getting used to all the cars passing by the house now. It seems very unusual. I am getting used to it. The flight was long but Sam did amazing. He slept through the majority of it and just looked around. I hope he is always such a laid back person. He has been a bit more fussy lately but I attribute it to late nights and early mornings. He is still getting used to the difference in time (I think).

My first mother's day with Sam

Well, my fear as mother's day approached was that I would not feel special or pampered. Growing up my sister and I loved to celebrate our mom and make her feel very well taken care of. We would make her breakfast in bed, give gifts and have fun. As we only have one week left before returning to Portland I feared that some of our kids would have a difficult time with this day and since we have a teen mom I wanted to make sure she felt special as well. Michael started off the day waking up at 6:50 and leaving the house with Sam. He returned home a little over an hour later and laid my sweet baby boy next to me in the bed. He then returned with breakfast in bed, a card and a rose. I am not a big morning eater...don't get me wrong, I would be if I wasn't usually stressed out and crazy busy making sure Sam is fed and changed as well as the other kids. My mornings are usually stupid and I am always tired but it is the only time that Michael knew he would have to celebrate with me and Sam. Here is the list of things he brought me for breakfast: raisin bran, 8oz orange juice, a small hot chocolate, a banana, yogurt, and two of my fav. krispy kreme doughnuts. I only ate about half of what was on my plate and finished off the rest the next morning (although the doughnuts got eaten that evening). In the card were two CD's. The card was amazing. Michael had given the pen to Sam and guided his hand to sign his name. It looks awesome. The rose and the carnation (from church) are sitting in the middle of our dining room table. I took our teen out for dinner at one of her favorite places and got a Bible that I intend to have all the kids sign. It was a wonderful start to a very difficult day...one I don't think I will ever forget. I wish I had some pictures of Sam and I from our first Mother's day but time did not allow. He was pretty adorable though...he was wearing his "I love my mommy" onesie, some sweats and sneakers. So cute! One week until I return to the great NW. Can't wait to see all of my wonderful family and be able to sleep for once (it's crazy that Sam is not the one that doesn't allow me sleep...I always seemed to take for granted those Saturday lazy days...not any more).

Becoming a Mom

Growing up my desire was always to be a stay-at-home mom. However, I never wanted to be the typical 50’s wife who does all the cleaning and cooking. I also wanted a large ranch-style house. I have always wanted my marriage to be a cooperation, which I believe is what God intended it to be. Michael and I discussed this at length before we married. I shared with him my fears and desires as a wife and mother. However, as I have done this job, I have learned that all I want to do is stay home with my son and care for him and my hubby. I want to do the laundry and keep the house clean, I want to do the cooking. I have also realized that I want a smaller house. I want something cozy and comfortable (and easy to keep clean). I know I will have to get rid of a lot of our things when we move into our own place. I am okay with that as long as I am able to live clutter free and clean. I love being Sam’s mom and Michael’s wife. I feel that is what God has for me. It is my greatest desire. My hope and prayer is that we will be able to afford the change. I am already trying to whittle down our expenses to find out what we need to make in order for me to stay home. I would greatly appreciate your prayers.