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.