Ultimate Blog Party 2009

This is my first year to participate in the UBP! For any first-time visitors out there, I'm Michelle and this is my blog (stating the obvious is just one of the many services I provide at And Sam Makes Seven).

First, a little about myself and my family: I'm a married, Christian, stay-at-home, homeschooling mom, with six children, from almost 8 to almost 19, three grown step-children, and 3.8 grandchildren. My husband of almost twenty years, Darrell, is my best friend and the glue that holds our hectic life together. I'm an adult adoptee as well as an adoptive mom to a seven year old sweetpea from Hubei, China (adopted in 2002), so adoption is a subject close to our hearts around here.

This blog started out two years ago as a way to chronicle the adoption of our seventh child (the "Sam" from the title). During the ups and downs of trying to adopt, it has morphed into so much more than that. You will hear about everything here. Mostly, I will talk to you the way I'd talk to a friend sitting on my couch. Sometimes it's interesting... or not, sometimes it's funny (if to no one else but me), but it's always me- the real deal. I often forget that I'm speaking to an audience and sometimes say things that maybe I shouldn't (I embarrass myself frequently that way. In other words, if the topic of ladies' undergarments-mine, in particular- troubles you, this may not be the blog for you).

Anyway, you are welcome here! Feel free to look around and get to know us. Don't forget to leave me a comment or sign our guest book, so I can get to know you, too!