SAHM Portrait Collection: Tory

Victoria Maria to be exact.  I was born on a chilly Milwaukee morning at St. Joseph's hospital about 30 years ago, give or take a little; the tide of Lake Michigan had nothing to do with my birth.  I come from a family of three girls; I am smack dab in the middle and spent half my time being bossed by big sister Angie and bossing little sister Christina.  Perhaps I could have given Kristy a run for her money since not only was I bossy, but I had a big mouth.  I got in trouble a lot at school for my big mouth.  Rarely was it ever seen as a good thing.  I graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in business management and was able to find a job in the area.  I took some courses in business communication as well so when I yell at the BSC for their communication or lack thereof, I know of which I speak.
Six years ago, I met my husband Aaron and then I met his two sons, Jared and Zach, who were three and five at the time.  I was surprised that he had full custody at first, but well, it was for the best.  It took some time for the kids and I to adjust to each other, but when I married Aaron, I adopted the boys.
A little over four years ago we had a son named Adam.  It was about the middle of my pregnancy when the economy tanked and I lost my job.  Aaron and I crunched the numbers and realized we would actually net money if I stayed home and took care of the kids, although Jared and Zach were in school most of the day.
Now I have an 11-year old, 9-year old and an almost preschooler.  Being a SAHM has been great; I've been there for every big event in my little boy's life and helped my older boys through a lot of their own events.  Once Adam's in school I'll look for work again, but for now, I'm just enjoying being at home, although there are days when I'd even let MA sit for my kids so that I could go grocery shopping alone.