Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Introductions

I am a 35 year-old wife and homeschooling mother. My passions include writing, gardening, reading, camping, and all things birth and babies. Someday I hope to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one year. I am outspoken and have strong opinions on things like healthy living, politics, religion, and parenting. Although I was raised in a religious household that gave me a solid belief in the God of Christianity, I only began a true relationship with Christ about 15 years ago. He is my Great Physician. The One who has held me and led me through a decade of medical issues galore.

I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and two beautiful children. I wanted more children, but didn't have them. The limit on my family size is part of my medical drama. I've been a doula and childbirth educator for 10 years, recently adding prenatal dance classes to my list of childbirth services.

My almost-sane husband Russ is my best friend and love of my life. Often when I'm leaning on Christ, it is Russ that I'm leaning against. Although he is not a nurturer or caretaker by nature, Christ works through him to take care of me. Russ is a crane operator, and right now he's working and living 2 1/2 hours away, and we only see him a few days a week.We've been married for almost seventeen years!

Victoria is my dear pre-teen daughter. She has a heart for the Lord, and God is raising her up with a nurturing spirit. Because I've been dealing with medical challenges since she was little, she's had to take care of me and her younger brother a lot. I used to feel like I was ruining her childhood with all that responsibility. But then God showed me that He was using my illness to grow her into the person He wants her to be. Duh! Victoria loves crafts and writing.

My 10 year-old son Morgan (his first name is Gabriel, but we've called him by his middle name since birth) is a crazy bundle of energy and moodiness.  He loves the Lord, but is constantly struggling to overcome his impulsiveness and negativity. Despite this, he is one of the sweetest boys I know. Morgan owns about a million Legos. We often find ourselves having to step gingerly around piles as he builds things in the hallway. 

We also share our home with a loving boxer named Levi, a bearded dragon named Stripes, a ball python named cammo, 12 tarantulas, and a roach colony (to feed the lizard and tarantulas).