Being A Stay At Home Mom

  Yes, I am a stay at home Mom. I do indeed love it. God has really blessed me with a loving, caring, and courageous little boy that brings so much joy to my life. It is hard to believe my little guy is now 6 years old.

  Many people have various thoughts that run through their head when they hear that not only am I a stay at home Mom, but I am also single. A few people get upset until they hear the whole story. I am not a single stay at home Mom by choice. It was by doctor's orders due to some severe heart complications. I wont go in total detail. Yes, most of the heart issues were caused by my pregnancy and delivery of Joel (which no one will tell women that it can happen). I am very blessed to even be alive to raise my son. My plan was to raise my son, and work. It was hard when I was told that I couldn't. I was forced to go on government aide and file for disability. The thought bothered me. The doctor did tell me one thing that touched my heart: "Your job now will be to work and care for your son." There is a reason. Maybe it was to slow me down, or to devote my energy and time into my son's life. To know that someone was going to be there for him since his biological father has no care in the world (still doesn't).
 
  So, I have thrown my life work into raising my wonderful son. Even though I miss work; being a stay at home has been has been priceless, and worth more than working endless hours. I have been able to witness most of my son's milestones, and so much more. It has been fun making so many memories together over the last 6 years. I can't imagine my life with out him.

Living History Farms

  One thing I have said is that no matter what we will do various things as a family. Go see things, go camping, visit family, and even travel on vacation. I pinch as save so we can have a little enjoyment in our lives, besides sitting at home. We enjoy journeys and adventures. I want my son to experience things first hand rather than hear about things, enjoy doing things as a first for both or us, or just enjoy doing  and showing Joel places I went and did as a child myself. Oh the memories we have had so far, and I am looking for the new. The first few years were fun because we could just decided to do something, and up and go. Now that Joel is in regular school it makes it hard. Sometimes we do things just the two of us, and other times with family or friends. 

Worn out at Silver Dollar City

Us at Silver Dollar City

   We have seen so much, and made so many memories. There are still things we want to do. We both love going on family vacations. I told myself that I will see that we go on vacation no matter where it is; even if it is camping (cheapest) somewhere for the weekend. We have been through many states due to traveling when there is money. We have been to Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and California. Each being so memorable for us. A few Joel may not totally remember. Like our trip to Branson, Missouri when he was almost 2. I saved and I got discounts so we could go. We got to go to Silver Dollar City for two days. I had gone there as a child with my brothers, and my grandparents. So, it was a memory that I could share with my son as well as make a new memory of being there. It was true blast. Maybe someday when Joel is older we can go back again (better start saving now, because it a lot of money).

Precious Moments Chapel

Hot Springs, Arkansas

On the Mountain in Mena, AR

   We take many trips to Arkansas to visit family down there. Many times our family sees to it that we get down and back. Grandpa does not like me on the road by myself with a young child. When we go down we usually end up sight seeing somewhere. Sometimes to the same favorite place (Joel's mostly) on top of the mountain. We have gone to Hot Springs, Arkansas and toured the bathhouses. Which was a lot of fun. One time I wanted to surprise our Grandpa for his birthday, and plus go down and get a car since I didn't the time. We took a bus on the way down (not the most comfortable, but if needed I will again). It was difficulty managing carry on bag, car seat, and a soon to be 3 year old at the time. I made it through though. Joel slept most of the night where I think I got maybe a hour total. I was able to get a car while we were down there. I managed to drive from Arkansas to Iowa stopping on the way to see things, and to stay a night in Missouri (driving all they way was tiring for me so split it up).  I learned that if we were going to do something just the two of us it would be short trip somewhere, or camp/ stay in a hotel for a night. We did stop and see a few sights on the way home. We went to Precious Moments Chapel and Jesse James Birthplace. Both places were our first time going to. It was fun just to let loose and concentrate on my son, and have fun and forgetting out my heart and other problems.
  

Hanging out at North Beach in San Fracisco, CA

Golden Gate Bridge

   A couple years ago as every knows Joel and I traveled to San Francisco, California with family to see my brother get married. My father, and my Mother also went. We put our funds together so we could go. It was quite the trip to say the least. After God had his share, and bills were paid we took off. It was truly an experience to say the truth. We had so much fun. The long car ride not so much. It was great to see things we had never seen, and may not see again (really hope though). I had seen the ocean in Florida in 1998, but this time I would see the other ocean, and watch as my son got to experience the smell, feel, and the taste (due to not keeping his mouth closed). Being a stay at home Mom I didn't have to worry about taking time off of work, and I could stay on vacation as long as needed. Joel's face was so much fun to see when he would see the big boats coming into the bay, or the seals at Fishermans Warf. 
 

Family Pic 2012

Family Pic 2011

   Being a stay at home Mom has had so many rewards for sure. Even though if I was able to work we could have more things, and do things. But at the same time I would miss so much of Joel's upbringing. I could of missed so much. I would of dealt with that if I had to though if  I had to. I really don't care what others say about me being a SINGLE stay at home mom. I am taking care of my heart by not working, and at the same time raising my son. Enjoying and making sweet memories. Weather it be a day at the park, having lunch some where, going on a field trip with him, taking family pictures, vacation, camping, going to a game, or sitting on the sidelines watching my son play a sport. 

A Day at the park

I am blessed to be given a chance to be a stay at home Mom by God. Yes, I am not your typical stay at home Mom, but really who is? So, what if I am single, and can not work (due to a disability). But I am a loving caring Mom like any other Mom out there. I put my son's well being before anyone else physical, mentally, emotionally, or what ever. My son needs me. So, I am going to follow my doctor's orders he gave me 6 years ago, and raise my little guy, and be there for him. If you do like what I am doing oh well, it is something you will have to take up with God. As for me; I am going to enjoy every moment God allows me to be with my son.

October Madness 2013

Getting pumpkin ready to carve

Joel's Pumpkin

  October is always a busy month full of madness with so much to do. Like told in few earlier posts we had field trip and soccer for the month. This year in October we were running somewhere. We had fun no matter what we did. 2 Saturdays were filled with soccer, there was Cover Bridge Festival, Carving Pumpkins, Halloween, Parent Teacher Conference, and Fun Night at school, and did I mention October is Joel's birthday month? Yes it is. My son turned 6 this year.

Joel's godfather's Pumpkin

  

Joel:Born, 1yr, and 6yr

    In October I had Joel's first Parent-Teacher conference. Joel's godmother went with me. He is doing very well in school. We were so please with how well he is doing, and what he is learning. Joel's teacher is doing a great job with him. There were things I learned that he knew that I didn't even think that he did. So, after the conference Joel helped his godfather clean out and carve pumpkins. They turned out awesome. They did a bat and a cyberman (those who know about Doctor Who will know what I am talking about).

Eating lunch with the birthday boy

Joel at BangBang

   Like I said Joel turned 6 this year in October. It is so hard to believe that he is now 6 years old, and in kindergarten. It still seems like yesterday he was just a tiny baby. Now he is growing and thriving young boy. I usually draw out Joel's birthday for the whole entire week. Just one day is not enough it seems. So, we did little something special each day. The Sunday before his birthday his godmother made cupcakes for his Sunday School class to share, and everyone at church sang "Happy Birthday to him." The next day Joel did not have school so he went to daycare. Then that night we went with his Grandma and Grandpa Moss to DSM, Iowa to go eat at his favorite place to eat, BangBang, for supper. 

Joel's Ninjgo Cake

 
   On his birthday Joel got to take treats to both school and daycare. We got Joel's cupcakes for his kindergarten class from "Anything Sweet and More." The lady that made them is the owner. She is wonderful. His ones for daycare we got at fareway. I also took time to spend with the little boy at school on his birthday. I got to go to recess and lunch with him and his friends. It is was a true blast for sure. That night we had lunch with Joel's godparents. Then we did some other fun things through out the week ending with his birthday bash on a Saturday at "Godfather's Pizza," with family and friends.

Joel Rock Climbing

  Next came the week of Halloween. Good thing is is not as busy as Joel's birthday week. This year I took Joel to fun night the Tuesday before Halloween at the school. It was fun in a way. Really not thrilled that it was done on a school night so late, but Joel having fun is what matters. He won a Bat Beanie Baby, and candy. They have a rock wall in the gym so they had a game using the rock wall. Joel did it. 

Joel as a Ninja

  This year for Halloween Joel dress as Ki from Ninjigo. He was a cute ninja if I say so. Joel and I went around the town square together getting candy from the different businesses. They had a haunted hallway, and we went in together. Joel did better than what I thought that he would. After we did the uptown thing we went to Joel's Papa and Gma B's house were we met up with his trick or treating group (Joel's godfather, Grandma and Grandpa Moss, Cousin, and Aunt and Uncle) where we helped handed out candy. This was Joel's first year really trick or treating in the neighborhood. We usually just hand out Candy. While Joel went with his group I stayed back helping get supper ready, and hand out candy. Joel had a fun time. Him and his Uncle even went through a haunted garage.

So, beyond the October madness. It was truly a blessing of making fun and inviting memories each and every moment. I love October, because it is the month that God gave me my miracle. My wonderful son.

  

Fun on Field Trip Oct. 2013

  The sweet joy of being a stay at home mom is that I can have the freedom to go be with my son on field trips. I love being involved in what my son is doing at school, daycare, or even sports. I don't want to miss a thing. Plus I want Joel to feel like he is not alone.

   The first week of October Joel's kindergarten class went to a pumpkin patch with another kindergarten class. I decided to be a chaperone. I did it a few times when Joel was in preschool and at daycare. I think there were a total of 5 moms that went with their children. It was a true blast. 

  We took a hay rack ride out to where the pumpkins were. Each child was able to pick a pumpkin. It was fun watching the children pick out there pumpkins. It was nice that the place let them have it for free. After we got done with the pumpkins; the children got to feed the goats. The kids were fun to watch feed them. After they feed the goats they went and played in to fun area where they had a corn box (they use corn instead of sand), little tractors, swings, a huge barrel roll, and so much more for the kids to play with or on. 
   
  I can not wait until the next fun field trip with the children.
  

Life of A Soccer Mom: Fall 2013

  I have always heard the title "Soccer Mom." It is quite a title for sure. Well, I finally got to dip in to the "Soccer Mom World." And, no I do not drive a mini van. LOL! Really, personal I consider myself a "Sport Mom" instead of a "Soccer Mom" because of him doing other sports. Joel had been asking to to do soccer for a while. So, when fall sign up came around I signed up to join. Through September and October Joel played U6 soccer. It was a true blast to watch him play on a team.

  Joel and his team played 5 games total. They had practice before every game. They had a 2 break due to a bye week and also due to Cover Bridge Festival. They had such a blast playing. They even played in the rain on Saturday morning. I will tell you what joy that was. NOT! But it was worth every moment of getting wet to watch my son play and have fun. The coaches were wonderful and patient with all the kids.

   I really don't care if someone calls me a "Soccer Mom." Every moment I got to spend watching him play, and have fun is memoriable. I will take being called a "Soccer Mom" any day or anytime. It was truly a blessing. I wouldn't of missed it for the world. I thank God every day I get to enjoy things with my son. Weather it be sitting on the sidelines as a "Soccer Mom" cheering for her son as he plays, or just sitting on the couch reading together. I am looking forward sharing in the moments of Joel playing many sports. No matter what he chooses weather it be soccer, baseball, wrestling, ect, or all of them. I will be there to cheer him on. 

  A big thank you goes out to the coaches for taking the time to teach the kids, Joel's godparents, Grandma T., and Grandma and Grandpa Moss for going to every game and watching him play. It really made him happy to have everyone there to cheer him on every time. 
 

First Day of Kindergarten

  Well, the time finally came. My little guy would have a major milestone in his life. Joel started kindergarten this fall. Where in the world did the time go? I think he was more ready to deal with it than I was. It was a true tough day for this mom. I had to hold back my tears until I knew he was on the bus headed to the school.
  To help me out, and keep me from going crazy all day; Joel's godmother was there to see him on the bus, and keep me company all day. I think we both had to fight back the tears. Even though as soon as the bus doors closed and he was riding away I cried. It still tears me up thinking about it. It was hard to let him go. Joel's godmother and I quickly got in the vehicle and drove over to the school. We missed seeing him get off the bus, but I got to see him stand in line (I had to make sure he got there safely, and plus I had to take things to the nurse for him). I teared up a little when we left him once again. I think I looked at my clock on my phone a hundred times through out the day. Each time I found myself starting to tear I would pray. 

   While Joel was at school his godmother and I went shopping, and had lunch together. It seemed so unreal that he wasn't with us. The two of us got back in time to see him get off the bus. I think I breathed a sigh of relief when I seen him get off that bus. We let him talk about his big day to us. The nice thing was when I put him into bed he said,"Mommy, I wanted to let you know I love you, and I missed you today." Awe! It melted my heart. I am looking forward to what the rest of the year well bring.
 

Aug 2013: Fun, Food, and Fair

   We had so much fun in August doing so many things. It was a blast to just let go, and have fun the last few weeks before Joel would head back to school. We both really needed it. We started August by going camping for the weekend with Joel's godparents at Viking Lake. It has become our favorite place to camp. Joel's godparents have always camped there.

Joel and I camping

  I was very proud of my son while we went camping. They had a movie night one of the nights. Joel had made friends with a boy that was camping across from us. They had decided to go up for the movie. Joel's godparents and I stayed at the campsite to make supper, and get things ready for the next day. We knew that the boy's parents were going with them to the movie. So, I let him go. About 15 minutes or so into the movie I see Joel walking back to the campsite. I ask him why he wasn't at the movie with his new friend. He said, "Mommy, there were naughty words said in the movie, and God would not want me to hear that." It made me so happy that he mad that choice. Next thing I knew his new friend comes shortly later asking him if he wanted to still play. So, both boys decided playing tag and other things were more important.

Joel eating his corndog

Joel on the Giant Yellow Slide

Joel at the Iowa State Fair

   Next, we went to the Iowa State Fair. It is a family tradition for us. It start with my family when I was a little girl. We would go every year no matter what. We would have so much fun. So, I decided to carry the the tradition on with my little family. So, Joel and I go every year. We have such a blast. We had a lot of fun this year. We both were tuckered out for sure. With my heart issue we tend to rest a lot. Usualy when we were resting it was to eat, watch a show, listen to music, or just to watch people. Joel's favorite thing to eat is a footlong corndog. Believe it or not he can devour the whole thing.
  At the Iowa State Fair there is this Giant Yellow Slide. I remember riding it when I was a little girl. I could not do it with him due to my heart condition. So, I had to let him go up the hundred of steps to the top, and ride it down. Praying the whole time he walked up, and slid down. I have seen injuries that come off that slide. Joel was determined to do it. He did it, and loved every moment of it too. I wished I could of went with him. But I would of missed being able to take a picture of him riding.

Joel petting cow

Joel and the TARDIS

  Joel enjoyed seeing and petting different animals at the fair. Living in an apartment in town makes if very difficult to enjoy being around animals. Joel takes so much awe in seeing the various animals. From the petting zoo which has a few exotic animals to the barns that have the farm animals Joel enjoyed either petting them or feeding them. 

Joel on the Snowmobile

  We also went through a few other buildings to look at things. We went to the cultural building where they have many of the various arts and crafts. One of the guys from our church put some stain glass art into it; so we had to go see how he did while looking at other things. One of the cool things in the cultural building was the T.A.R.D.I.S. (If you are a Doctor Who fan you will know what it is). Joel had to have his picture taken in it. We also went to the Agriculture Building to see the famous Iowa Butter Cow, and the Varied Industries Building where Joel got to meet Dan Wordell (IPTV Host). Before we left the fair as we were walking out Joel got to do a Snowmobile simulation. He said it was the coolest thing. All in all it was a great day at the fair for the two of us.

Joel and I at Adventureland

Joel had been good pretty much the summer, and he had earned enough stickers on his chart to be able to go to Adventureland. We went with Joel's godparents, and his godfather's side of the family. We all had a blast. The last time Joel and I had gone he was around 2-3 years old. This time he got to enjoy it a little more. We rode so many rides. It sucks for me because there are rides I could not go on with him due to my heart condition. Joel rode a rollercoaster for the first time, and vowed afterwards that he will never do it again. We will see when he gets older. Joel and I enjoyed the lazy river together, and going down different water slides. We all had so much fun. 
   It was sad that our summer had finally came to an end as school started about a week and half later. I always say making precious memories has no price tag.

July 2013

Joel and I at the pool

  July and August were very busy months for this little family. We enjoyed our family fun this summer for sure. I got surprise my son, and do different things with him. Like going to the pool, and swimming with Joel and his friends. Even if it was for just a couple of hours. I think I got the best picture of the two of us in a long time when we were taking it easy at break time. Both Joel and I love being at the pool. I think we are both part fish. The temp was cool most of the summer; so the pool wasn't as warm as usual, and you almost would freeze when you got out of it. It didn't matter, because what mattered was just spending time with my little guy.

4th of July

  Fourth of July we hung out at home for a little while. Had lunch with our family, had supper, and outside fun with Joel's godparents including going and seeing fireworks in a nearby town. Joel had fun playing with sparklers with his godfather. The fireworks were neat. Next  year we hope to get better seats, but they were still good to watch.

VBS

One of the weeks in July we had Vacation Bible School (VBS) at our church. It was neat to watch the children learning and praising the Lord. Joel had a blast. He did very well at memorizing his Bible verses for the week. Okay he had a lot of help since I was the one teaching the Bible verses.

Joel in the race car

   Also in July I got to take Joel to his first stock car races. We went with our cousins. He loved it very much. I think he smiled and cheered through the whole thing. It was like when I gave Joel candy for the first time. One of the drivers I knew since he was a little boy. So, when he was out on the track we cheered for him. After the races we went into the pit area. Joel was so excited that he would get to see a real stock car up close, and get to meet a driver. They even put him in the car. Joel was on cloud nine. He still talks about it to this day. 10B has no clue what he did to a little boys heart that night. I still tear up thinking about it. We can not wait until next season of racing. I think we will be going to watch 10B.

   Rest of July was filled with county fair and church family camp.