February 27, 2009

One giant step for motherhood

I resigned from my job yesterday. To be with him. Clarify: to be more present with him. Tried cutting back to part-time in October, but it wasn't the right solution.

Seems like our family is about the undergo some interesting changes...we'll leave that to God.

Either way, we're feeling a gentle peace that we've made the right choice. Counterculture though our decision may seem to some.

I'm so very happy that I get to make Quint and Keira (and...who knows who else down the line????) my full-time job, and that I have a husband that supports me so much and encourages me every step of the way.

I've never not had a job. Not since I was 15 and got a workers permit. This is a first for me and I'm so excited to try on this new hat.

I just overheard Anton on the phone telling one of his best friends..."Christie's got a new job...she's going to be a stay-at-home Mom!" Love him.

Thank you, AB - for being who you are and reminding me when it matters so much what an amazing man you are. Thank you for gently pushing me to to trust, and to step out in faith. For letting me take my time to decide what I wanted to do, and then for praising me when I came to my decision. Thank you for loving our kids so much that there's nothing you want more than for me to spend my time loving and nurturing them - even if it means sacrifice on our part to make that happen.

Friends, this is a good day...

17 comments :

The Gang's Momma! said...

Well, welcome to the club sista! If we lived nearby, I'd invite ya over for a playdate and some lunch on the floor with the kiddos to celebrate.

Seriously, congrats on the decision to stand against the norm and stand FOR your family. I know it couldn't have been an easy choice. I just sat with a friend whose maternity leave ends next week. She was so sad and so torn. It's a hard thing, to be pulled in so many directions. And she doesn't have a hubby who is as hands on as a working mom really needs. . . the tearing in multiple directions feels harder because of it.

Tricia said...

That is awesome. I am dreaming of that day. I pray that it comes true for us.

Dawn and Dale said...

Yahooo for SAHM's!!!! :)

My hubby works SOOOOOO hard and is so supportive as well with me staying home with our 6 blessings!!! :) I'm so thankful!!

It's truly the best (yet hardest) job there ever was!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Sis, you don't not have a job...you just moved into a full time (24/7) most important job ever. The most stressful and most rewarding. But, you already know that, you've already been doing that. What a blessing for you to be a stay-at-home-mom. Quint will eat YOU up! (I mean that in a good way.) What a wonderful opportunity for all of you.
Does this mean you will be cooking dinner every night?! :)

JoAnn in NJ said...

Christy,
Did you just drop the hint I think you did?

Congrats on your new career, I hear the benes are great! :)

frogglet said...

How wonderful! I never thought I would be one to promote the stay at home mom but honestly it is my true goal, I guess the mom part should come first, huh?
I hope that you are able to keep that new boss busy it sounds like he will keep ya running (like he hasn't been already)
Congrats, Cora

Anonymous said...

Jules,

No. ;)

Are you kiddin' me? I ain't ever giving up the cooking!

(On a side note - our pastor heard about our "thirty days of nothing" and liked the concept so much, the whole church is going to do it - for six days. (amateurs.) Don't worry folk, I am sure Christie is not going to be posting another 6 days of food pics - but we are doing it again. Which reminds me babe - we need to go grocery shopping today!)

The side note means I get to do more cooking again next week! YES!

143!

Briana's Mom said...

Welcome to the SAHM club! It is 24/7, completely exhausting and absolutely wonderful!

4D said...

Congrats!!!

I hope you can share more news soon.

Keep smilin!

Kayce said...

Congratulations!!!!!

I remember the day I walked away from my job, freedom!! And then the smile on my son's face when I told him I'd go on EVERY field trip, be at ALL plays, pick him up from school when school ended, not when my job ended and make cookies TOGETHER for him when he came home from school. It was the best choice I ever made.

The sacrifices will be tough, but you can do it!

Anton is the best!! Congratulations again! To you all!

Erin said...

It's about freakin' time! This is the best, most rewarding and the toughest job you will ever do and love. I love my job and can't imagine doing anything else. Welcome to this new and wonderful phase in your life. You will be amazing at it.

And for the record - don't ever say you don't have a job. You have a 24/7 job with no breaks, no clocking out and no paid vacation time. But there is nothing, NOTHING like it in the entire world.

Love you!

Linda said...

Congrat's!!! You will never regret giving your children this time. I had to go to work when my kids went to school full time, but I feel like they had a great start with me home with them. They grew up with great values. I guess you did learn something from your challenge.. I always said a new couch can come when the kids can appreciate it as much as I do. No child cares about anyting but you being there.
You will have the greatest job in the world. Linda

Rebecca and Andrew said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! It will be the most rewarding position you ever have...and most likely the hardest at times, too. I've been blessed to be a full time stay at home mama for 13 years and I can't imagine doing anything else.
You will enjoy each and every day and your children will be blessed over and over.
PS: Just have to say that my little Ruby reminds me SO much of Quint! They have a similarity...At least I think so! She was born in Dufeti and first arrived into care at Dessie...

Anonymous said...

Congrats Christie, I couldn't agree more. Children should be raised by a parent not a babysitter. Kudo's sweetie! Way to go Anton!
love you all
deany

Kristy said...

It will be the best decision you have ever made in your life!!1 It was mine and I am so proud of you!!! Just one thing....it will be the hardest job you have ever had and when they are teenagers the most thankless but nonetheless the most fulfilling!!

God bless you.

Love, Kristy

Kelly & Todd said...

Hi Christie --

What wonderful news!!! I only hope and pray that one day I'll to be able to become a stay at home mom - it's my dream job.

I wanted to let you know that I thought of you this past weekend when I was home visiting my family in WI. We had lunch at a Cracker Barrel restaurant and while we were waiting for our table we browsed the gift shop area. My sister found big stuffed bunnies (one in pink and one in blue). When you pressed a button on the bunny's foot he started talking and recited the "Bushel and a Peck" poem/song. When I heard the bunny I instantly thought of you. I don't know if you have Cracker Barrels where you live - but if you have an interest in getting your hands on a bunny just let me know and I'll do my best to track one or both of them down for you.

Have a great day and congrats again on being able to stay home full time with Quint.

-- kelly :-)

Diana said...

I am soooo happy for you!!! I was a Stay-At-Home mom till a few years ago and now I just work part time at my youngest school. I know it made a difference in my kids lives being home with them. I VOLUNTEER way to much (and LOVE IT). All the teachers know me at school and I know them. I would not change a thing. I know not everyone can afford to do this but if it works I say you will not regret it!!!