Faith as a grain of mustard seed

The last time I posted was in April, and my goodness, how things are changing around here!  I tell you, dear readers, that since April (and even before then), I've been praying for something exciting to happen in our lives...and God never fails, does He?

About a month ago, my employer told me that they were moving my position back in-house.  That meant having to decide to stay where we're at and care for and school Victoria at home (at less than half our income!) or move north 3 hours to the Big City to put Victoria in daycare and public school and stay on track with my corporate career.  To anyone who has ever been accustomed to living on a double income -- or who has been used to being able to support herself on her own income -- this decision is incredibly difficult on so many levels.  Financially and emotionally.  But keeping up with 8-hours-a-day worth of projects while also dealing with my strong homemaking urges were already beginning to wear on me physically and mentally...especially when Victoria got close to 3 years old and was very active.

I wanted a break, or just something NEW, but I could never willingly let go of my job.  I needed to feel accomplished in the workplace.  I needed to feel like I added something to the household besides clean toilets and hot food and folded clothes.  (And yes, I know that housekeeping is a highly respectable job too!)  For all of my desires to be a stay-at-home mom, I never could get really ready to let it all go.  After Victoria was born, the years ticked by and I could never just quit and focus on being a mom.  My job made me feel validated as a creative person.

But God has a way of preparing you for the things you never think you could handle.  Kind of like having your first baby.  :)  He waits and waits for you to jump, and then eventually gives you a holy shove right into the middle of everything you're terrified of.

We decided to stay put, to simplify our lives, and to do what is best for Victoria.  It's life-changing, and very humbling.  I will really miss my "work family" -- we've worked together about 13 years now.  I hope I'll always stay in touch with them.  But...I'd be lying if I said I didn't look forward to the new opportunities that will come up in the future, like freelance design and putting out my pattern line.  I praise God for those small blessings!

In other news, I've been working hard during the evenings to create my e-patterns.  There's just nothing more exciting than working on new projects.  The first one to be done will probably be the "Victoria Chemise" which is the little shirt/chemise that I made for Victoria when she was 6 months old.  It was the first garment I specifically drafted after being inspired by an original.

Oh, and remember these little booties?
Yeah, I think I'm going to make a pattern for those too.  They were SO fun to make.  And who doesn't love tassels?

Well, I'm off to finish my last week working from home!  Then I have 2 weeks at the office training the new marketing person to replace me, and then I'm a full time mommy!  Eeeee!!!

xoxoxo
Amy