Interview with a Mom - Tracey Bianchi... and a GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello Friends, if you read my review of Tracey Bianchi's book Green Mama - The Guilt-Free Guide to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet, then you know I'm a fan. Today I get to share a little interview I had with Tracey and at the end of the interview, there just might be details on how you can win a prize or two!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

We've been blessed with a great family. Three children (two boys and a girl). The boys are ages 7 and 4 and our daughter is 3. My husband Joel and I have been married for 14 years and met one summer at a Bible Camp in Wisconsin. My husband comes from an enormous, fun, loud and crazy Chicago, Italian family so we've got tons of cousins and chaos to keep us busy. God has blessed us with a great community of friends and people we love just outside of Chicago.

Tell us a little bit about Green Mama and why you wrote it?

As a Christian I was really struggling with the fact that the whole environmental conversation had been hijacked by politics and the media. I believe in God and believe that he made this world for us to enjoy and for us to know him better. So it made sense to me that we would want to do all we could to protect and care for God's Creation. And, as a mom, I wanted to be sure my kids were growing up healthy and that God's earth would continue to nourish them when they were older. So, I wrote the book to try and take the conversation out of the hands of politics and media and to put it into the hands of us moms who are in the sticky mess of life with our children each and every day. I figured if moms can get behind this issue then we can indeed change the world together, one family at a time.

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?

I love my kids deeply and praise God for them every single day. But I will also say that I had no idea how hard it was to be a mom! When my first son was born I struggled with loneliness and depression for a while and it was really hard. And I will say that some days it still can be lonely. Sometimes there is just too much to do and at the end of the day you are just too tired and exhausted to pick up the phone and try to connect with someone. So for me, just managing the balance between all the duties and details of motherhood and friendships and relationships. This is what has been challenging for me.

Share a tip, or something you do, to help your kids embrace the “green” lifestyle.

I think that the best tip I can offer is to help your kids love God's Creation. So many times in the green conversation people head straight for recycling or reusable bags or other action points. But we can forget WHY we are doing it all. We care about the action points and details because we love God and we want to know him more. So if our kids get outside and play or they pick a favorite trail or animal to learn about they are also learning about God. And if they become passionate about the people and places in this world and the God who made them, the rest will follow. So I think a great starting point is to fall in love with God's creation first, have fun, have adventures and then take the appropriate steps after that.

What is one green thing you wished every mom would do?

Drive less. Even if we live in rural areas and it is really hard to do so. Consider walking to an errand once a week if you can. And I know it is hard to do that for some folks but driving is one of the harshest activities we do. It's hard on our air quality and our quality of life too. By walking places we can take our time, check out the scenery around us. We can say hello to friends and neighbors and we become more connected to our communities and neighborhoods. Our kids get exercise too. So I would encourage people to try and walk to a place or errand at least once per week.

Share your favorite green tip?

I LOVE garage sales and resales. LOVE THEM! My favorite green activity is buying other people's junk ;) Now that's the sort of recycling that I love.

Any parting advice?

Just to encourage moms to really consider making a few lifestyle adjustments that can help God's planet. The Psalmist reminds us that "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Every day God is speaking to us though Creation and as parents we've got to start listening to the voice of God from the places of beauty and splendor on this planet. There is a saying that reminds us as parents that we borrow this world from our children. That we are informing their future. We do this so well with worship and Bible study, sunday school classes and VBS. Let's also take God up on his offer to teach us through Creation. So I guess my parting advice would be to simply go outside and let your soul soak up God's sunshine, and then think about how to help others do the same.

Thanks for sharing Tracey!

To learn more on how to become a Green Mama, I'd encourage you to buy the book (or borrow mine if you are local!)

OR

You could win a copy for yourself!!!!!

And that's not all! A second lucky winner will receive a chicobag, reusable bags that can be stored in your purse (the color of your choice!). Go here for more information on the bag.

For a chance to win, leave a comment on this post with your favorite green tip (or simply tell me you'd like to win!).

For two chances to win, share this post on facebook and then come back and leave a second comment on this post letting me know.

You have until Monday night (7 pm CST, April 18th) to enter. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 19th. Please leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!

Good luck everyone and thanks for playing. :)

Interview with a Mom - Cheryl

My friend Cheryl has agreed to be interviewed today. I hope her words are as encouraging to you as they are to me.


Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

My family of six has moved in and around Illinois a half dozen times. My husband Mike works in the power industry and I am a special educator of the Deaf by training, but, I've only dabbled in the field since the kids came along. We celebrate 25 years together this July. My oldest child Katie is now nearly 24 years old and moving to Chicago to begin her career, Amy is 21 and in nursing school, Marie is 17 - a high spirited high schooler, and my youngest son, Brian is 13...My last teenager to hit the ground running - and he's a fast runner!

Why do you love being a mom?

To be honest, I remember crying in fear when I learned I was going to have Katie, but since that moment of shock and uncertainty, I've loved being a mom because it pushes me to be more honest, more diligent, more selfless, more long thinking, more of vitually everything good I should be. Plus there are some really nice people to meet at the playground, PTO and in the bleachers!

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?

Well, setting high standards in marriage and mothering means you sometimes, shall I say, regularly miss the mark and have to name your mistakes and start fresh. Understanding that my kids are not just my projects, but are people with unique, tricky, and marvelous personalities, I can't claim the rights to all their successes any more than I want to claim responsibility for all their failures. We are all works in progress.

What advice do you have for moms in the preschool years?

Keep your eyes a little down the road . I think in those early days - minutes can be sooo long. But while you are in them, rest assured that you are doing exactly what you should be doing - watching them grow. Its something you can't measure when you are in it. Look at the next stage, don't necessarily yearn for it, but prepare for it. The foundations you set now in being a reliable, attentive, astute even adoring parent will pay out all the way into adulthood. I still am parenting my oldest a bit in that she trusts my judgment enough to want my opinion and my company. Nothing you pour in now will be lost.

How do you keep your husband first in the midst of mothering?

Simply, I brush my teeth before I say good morning. After that, if the sun is nearly up and the kids aren't, anything's possible. Needless to say, Mike likes summer more than winter!

Other than that, I try to deliberatley do things to move into his world. I have not always been good at that...or willing to be good. Time and training have taught me to make this a priority. I studied Mike's love language and know that a compliment given in front of others makes his hearts swell and pays dividends. (That morning thing doesn't hurt either). Marriages break up all around because couples have become specialists in their area and don't overlap enough. I've had to learn a lot about nuclear power, attend functions where I won't know a soul, and be willing to start over in a new community for the sake of his career. I recognize the gift of his provision and seek his company. We walk together nearly every day and talk on the phone often. Mostly, these days, I tell him when I think something nice about him and you'll be surprised how many more nice things there are to notice when you start that habit.

What is your favorite summer activity?

Well, reading is the greatest if I can have an hour or more of uninterrrupted time - put in on a beach and its perfect. These days, I can do that more often and I do love it. And honestly, I love writing...I can lose hours letting my fingers do the thinking. But for summer, its better to spend time together and if I can do a little of that with each child on their own, that's a treasure. Today, my son and I just went garage saling and out for cokes just for the heck of it.

How has your mom influenced your parenting?

My mom was above all reliable. She never sent me mixed messages, she is honest, loyal, forthright, and hard working. She loves my Dad (and he her). She is a great pie maker, and I am the only one in the family that does the same. It makes me happy to carry on her special gift of service and sweetness.

Share one good “mom tip” that you have learned over the years.

Own your days of being the manager of your family with pride. If you love what you do, others will love it too. I was reminded of that again recently from a store clerk ...she treated me as if it was a high calling to attend to me. I felt known and cared for. (I spent more money less painfully as a result) That's true of a mother that sees her own role as a high calling. Everyone else feels the joy of her passion.

Thanks Cheryl!

Interview with a Mom - Susie Larson

It's been a while since I've done my last "interview with a mom." I thought it was time to bring them back (on a semi-regular basis at least!). My purpose with these interviews is to create an opporutnity to learn from other moms who are ahead of me in the journey of motherhood. I hope you are as encouraged by them as I am.

Today, author and speaker, Susie Larson, has agreed to join us.

And, drumroll please, in honor of this first interview, I am going to be giving away one copy of Susie's book Balance that Works when Life Doesn't! To be entered in the drawing, please leave a comment by 5 pm on Monday, June 16th.

For more from Susie, check out her blog. She posts every Wednesday.


Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

My husband Kevin and I were married over 23 years ago. We were going to wait five years to have children but (somehow) got pregnant on our honeymoon. Praise! We not only were blessed with a beautiful son who is now a godly young man, we found out I had endometriosis. I needed to have my children right away if I wished to have them. I ended up with a hysterectomy at age 29, but thankfully had three sons before that time. My sons are Jake – 22, Luke – 20, and Jordan - 18

Tell us about your new book coming out in July and why you wanted to write it.

Yes! I am excited about this new book. Every author has a book that is sort of her signature book, and this one is mine. The title is, “The Uncommon Woman: Making an Ordinary Life Extraordinary.” In this book I address three things: a woman’s identity (that it’s both her privilege and responsibility to embrace her worth), how she relates to other women (and the call to break the stereotype of gossip, pettiness, and drama), and the call to make a divine impact in her world (which she cannot do on the low road of insecurity and gossip). Women who have read the review copy have said that it’s a life changing book. I am very passionate about the message in this book!

Why do you love being a mom?

Early on, God made it clear to me that my sons were created in HIS image, not mine. The beautiful challenge for me was to be so in step with the Lord that I could clearly discern His plan for their lives. I wanted to cooperate in every way possible with His plan and His shaping of their character. I suppose I could have made them eat more vegetables, but I went the distance when it came to cultivating a spiritual legacy in their lives.

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?

The biggest challenge for me early on was trying to parent three baby boys while fighting a disease that took away about 90% of my strength. I was bit by the deer tick during my third pregnancy and battled severe illness during those first several years after my third son was born. Even so, God was faithful to fill in where I was lacking. Later on, the challenge for me was to be whole so that I could parent from a place of fullness, and not emptiness. If we don’t take care of our own hang-ups and insecurities, we will pass them down to our children. I was determined to impart life and freedom to them and so I had to take seriously my own call to be free and whole in Christ.

What is your favorite lunchtime meal?

Okay, this might sound weird but my favorite lunch time meal is coleslaw salad (with grapes, sunflower seeds, chicken breast, and poppy seed dressing). I have gluten and lactose intolerance so my diet is seriously limited. Oh, it just occurred to me that you were referring to my little-kid days. Let’s see, hmmmm, I’d have to say, grilled cheese and tomato soup. That was our favorite lunch for many years.

What is your favorite summer activity?

Again, my boys are grown now, so my answer is different now than it was then. I absolutely love to wake up early, grab my coffee and all of my devotional books and Bible, and head out to my deck to watch the sunrise and to spend some time praying. My other favorite thing is to ride the bike trails as fast as I can.

Share one good mom tip you have learned over the years.

I heard this from Gary Smalley. Never let your child walk away with a closed spirit. In other words, pay close attention to what’s going on in their heart and mind. As parents, we have to confront, redirect, discipline, and sort through messes with our little ones and it won’t always be pretty. But at the end of the day, we have to make sure that nothing in them has shut down. We have to be together on this journey and the only way to navigate through life (especially those teen years) is to be fully present and in tune with how they are responding to the difficult things they encounter.

What do you like to listen to in your car (music, talk radio, nothing, etc.)?

I listen to the local Christian radio station. Sometimes I like it quiet so I can pray.

What book (if any) are you reading right now?

I’m reading Wayne Muller’s book on the Sabbath. And while I don’t agree with everything in that book, it’s given me a lot to think about in the way of pace and rest and reflection.

Do you have any parting advice for young moms?

I’m afraid I’ll sound like every other cliché in the book but with all my heart I mean this: enjoy these years; embrace them, for they will quickly pass. In fact, none of us know how long we get to walk this earth. We live in such a performance oriented society and moms are especially made to feel they need something else to validate them other than “just” being a mom. This is a great lie of the age! What could be more important than investing in tomorrow’s leaders? Whole generations of kids are growing into spoiled-entitled-self aware adults. This world is desperate for more grounded, godly, Christ-following leaders. Embrace your call as a mom and do with with every ounce of dignity God gives you!

Thank you Susie for sharing with us!

Interview with a Mom - Karen Ehman

Today I have a special treat - an interview with author Karen Ehman. Karen has written the newest Hearts at Home logo book, titled The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized. Honestly, this is one of the best organizational books I've read because it does not advocate a one-size fits all strategy. Instead Karen helps you find the way to an organized household that best fits your family. It is a very motivating read!

I am also excited to announce that Karen has offered to give away a signed copy of her book! So, if you want to win leave a comment by Tuesday February 19 at 5 pm. If you need something to comment about, feel free to share a special Valentine memory!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I've been married for 21 years to my college sweetheart, Todd. We have three sometimes quarrelsome but mostly charming children: Mackenzie 16- a drama queen and volleyball player; Mitchell 13- a southpaw pitcher and wanna-be guitarist; and Spencer- a wise guy, family clown who loves art and any sport.

Tell us a little bit about your new book The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized.
This book tackles both time and home management and helps you to craft your own plan to take care of the “have-tos” of life in an efficient manner so you can get around to the “want-tos” of life– spending time with God, connecting with your husband, playing with your little ones, hanging out with your teens, reaching out to that neighbor, pampering a friend or just getting around to reading the book, working on the scrapbook or some other hobby venture. It is full of doable ideas, uplifting encouragement, lighthearted laughter and practical strategies, as well as simple, family-friendly recipes.

Why do you love being a mom?I love being a mom because it is where I feel the most dependent on God. It is such an important role in the lives of my children and I want to make sure they don't end up on the Dr. Phil show someday. So, I have to lean hard on God!

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?Having other people living in my home mess up my stuff! Just as soon as I get all my ducks in a row, one of them wanders by and knocks most of them down!

What advice do you have for moms in the preschool years?
I know it sounds like a broken record....but cherish each moment- even the ordinary ones. I can't believe my daughter will be a senior next year. It seems like just a year or two ago she was four. God resides in the ordinary. Drink in the moments on purpose. Someday you will not have children in your home and you'll wish terribly that you did! But also, make some alone time for yourself. It will enable you to return home and be a more relaxed mom.

How have you learned to combat "cabin fever" (defined as being confined in the home with small children during the long winter months)?Lots of library books read out loud. Lots of trips to McDonald's so they could jump in the balls while I sorted coupons, paid the bills or even read my Bible. They were happy. I got something done. Lots of play dates with other moms. We visited while the kids goofed off and occasionally, we'd save up money to go to a hotel for the weekend. We'd order pizza, eat snacks, play in the pool and crank the heat up high in our room since we weren't paying the heat bill! The kids looked so forward to a weekend like that each year. When they were sleeping, we'd take a baby monitor and go down to the lobby and have coffee and talk.

What do you like to listen to in your car (music, talk radio, nothing, etc.)?Talk radio or country music. Unless my kids are with me. Then it is TobyMac, Casting Crowns, Sara Groves or Carrie Underwood off of one of their cds. They pop them in before I can turn on the Sean Hannity show!

Share one good “mom tip” that you have learned over the years.As soon as you are pregnant with your first child, buy every pair of ice skates, roller blades and snow pants that you find at garage sales. You will use them all someday.

Do you have any parting advice for young moms?
Do not stress if you can't have a regular quiet time with God for an hour each morning. Meet Him in the everyday. Pray for your kids while you fold their laundry, read a short devotional in the bathroom, pray for others as you wash the dishes, read the Bible while you nurse the baby for a few minutes. He knows how busy you are and will meet with you all through the day.

Thanks Karen!

Interview with a Mom - Marla

Today I have a very special "Interview with a Mom" to share with you - an interview with my mom!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

I have been married to Gary for almost 31 years; have three grown daughters, two of whom are married with children, giving me 7 grandchildren. They all live close, so I have the luxury of being involved in their lives. I help at our ministry, LifeSong for Orphans a couple days a week, and try to be available to baby-sit grandkids. I think I am busier now than ever, wearing more hats than I did as a young mom. That is okay for the most part, but once in a while, when I become overwhelmed with the busyness, I am grateful to be able to go to Florida with Gary for a few days!

Why do you love being a mom?

I always wanted to be a mom. Being a mom gave me purpose, something I struggled to find after my girls were raised. There were so many times when I did things wrong and I often felt inadequate (usually when I compared myself to other really great moms), but I never, never considered my job as a stay-at-home mother unimportant or worthless. I knew that I was raising children who would hopefully grow up to love the Lord and who could make a difference in the world.


What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?

Being consistent. I always said that the only thing I was consistent at was being inconsistent.

If you could go back in time and change one thing about the way you parented what would it be?

Well, this is the thing... when the girls were still at home, I would have said something like, “I wish I had taught a better work ethic.” But now they are young women who all seem to have found their niche, and are actually doing more purposeful things than I did at their ages. So I just thank God for his mercy in spite of my lack.

How did you keep your husband first in the midst of mothering?

This is especially hard with young kids, because a crying baby needs attending, even if you are in the middle of a conversation. I guess one thing I did was always go to bed when Gary did, even though many times I was just getting my second wind. And we would get away for a few days a couple times a year without the girls.

Share your favorite bible verse and why it means so much to you.

One of my favorites is Micah 6:8. “He hath showed thee O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” To me as a mother it means to do the best I can, to be understanding with my kids when the “best” doesn’t happen, and to realize who I am and that it is God who can bring it all together.


What do you like to listen to in your car (music, talk radio, nothing, etc.)?
I listen to the Moody affiliate almost all the time in the car. I really enjoy the speakers and the music they play. I do go through spurts of WGN talk radio, too, especially if the Cubs are playing, but it is usually Moody now.


How has your mom influenced your parenting?

She showed me how to serve my family, because she was always doing it. After I was married w/ children, she was usually available to keep the kids for a few days if we were traveling. Even though she worked, she hardly ever turned me down. Of course, she lived far enough away that I didn’t ask her except for when we were going on a trip. The circumstances are a little different with me living close to my kids, but I want to be available to them when they need me. I never realized how much Mom did for the family until I had one of my own, and I never realized how tiring it was for her to keep my children for extended stays, until I became a grandma.

Also, Mom never meddled so I try to keep my advice to my grown children to a minimum. (unless they ask, of course)

Share one good “mom tip” that you have learned over the years.

Because Gary played piano, I tried to get us all to sing together. Because of that, we actually did a few gigs! When Megan was 9, Jami was 7, and Leslie was 4, we started singing at nursing homes and ladies luncheons. So I guess my tip would be to find what your kids are good at, something you can enjoy together, and use it to bless others.

Do you have any parting advice for young moms?

First of all, I know that I am preaching to the choir. Most of you young mothers that read this are already doing wonderful jobs…I am witness to it. So I guess this really just serves as an encouragement to keep up the good work.

We reminded our kids often that the most important thing in life is serving the Lord. (Gary was especially good at this.) If we had done everything else right and neglected their spiritual lives, it would mean nothing, absolutely nothing. If you lead them to a lifelong relationship with God, all of the other training will fall into place. Of course, the best way to teach is by example. When they see how sold out you are to Jesus, they will desire that relationship, too.

One last thing….fill your home with laughter. Try to find humor even in disasters…it will help you to keep sane, and it will be a comfort to your kids.

Thanks for the encouragement Mom - I love you and have been so blessed by your example! I want to be like you when I grow up! :)

Interview with a Mom - Brenda

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

Brace and I are both 55 years old, and can hardly believe it! We have been married 33 years. We have 3 children, 2 of which are married, and 4 grandchildren.

We are empty nesters and love it, but I am sure this is because our children live near us and drop over quite often.

Why do you love being a mom?

I so agree with Ps127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Our children add such depth to our lives! When they were young, they forced us to give of ourselves for the sake of others – them. As they grew older and started thinking for themselves more, they challenged us. What do we really believe? Do we believe it is important enough to go through the struggle of getting them to obey? I have often thought, no human can change us like our kids.

Now that they are adults, they are wonderful counselors and friends! They know us so well, we trust them, we are secure in their love, they understand us, they are willing to be gut level honest with us. And, of course, now they are providing grandchildren. What beats that?!

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?

Without question, the toughest part for me was dealing with disobedience. I really do not enjoy confronting people, and I am a type A individual. Getting tasks accomplished is a big deal to me. So, when my children didn’t obey, it was a double whammy. It took more time, and I had to confront. Often I resorted to the drill sergeant technique – talk loudly and sternly, and surely they’ll obey. I don’t recommend this approach, by the way. Once I was barking orders at Brett, and Daisha said, “Mom, he has to obey you. Just tell him what to do. You don’t have to yell.” That made sense to me, I tried it, and lo and behold, Brett obeyed.

Share your favorite bible verse and why it means so much to you.

Ps 33 has always been special to me, because it helps me see that my life is in His Hands. That is very comforting to me because I know He loves me with a perfect Love. He knows me totally, and knows absolutely what is best for me and mine. I especially like the last verse: “Let thy mercy , O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee.” I interpret that. . . . the more I turn over to Him, the more He’ll do; thus, it inspires me to run to Him with everything. I am so grateful He doesn’t weary of my coming. He actually wants me to.. …..He knows my weakness and knows I desperately need Him, so it delights Him when I come running. Isn’t that so wonderful?!!!

How do you keep your husband first in the midst of mothering?

When our kids were young, we started taking a date night 2 or 3 times a month. It was interesting. When we first started “dating”, we did a lot of arguing. I think there was a lot bottled up inside that we didn’t have time or opportunity to talk about. I’m so glad we didn’t give up on the idea. We kept at it, and soon our dates were very special, peaceful, productive evenings out. By the way, when we started this, we didn’t have much money, so we’d go to Burger King or Wendy’s. It worked.

Share a special holiday tradition that your family keeps.

Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving, we go to a Christmas tree farm and cut our trees. Then we all go out to eat. This is getting more difficult as our children’s families are growing, but it lasted a long time and was so fun while it lasted. I love Christmas!

Do you have any parting advice for young moms?

Oh my. . . I will preface this with the fact that I did not do or even understand what I am about to say, when I was a young mother. I made so many mistakes, and guess what. . my kids have made it. I’ll keep this simple. . .

The work is done in prayer. Sometimes that is all that God is asking us to do. Listen to Him, He’ll tell you what to pray.

Enjoy your kids as Jesus enjoys you. It is God’s job to raise them through you. So relax in Him.

I always feel guilty telling this to mothers with children at home, because I am an empty nester with lots of alone time, but here I go. .. . .Nothing can take the place of unhurried time alone with God. Know that I didn’t do this much at all until I got chronic fatigue syndrome 3 years ago and had to sit. I praise God for CFS because I have learned to know my Father like never before. The more I know Him, the more I trust Him, the more He can do. . . not the more I can do , the more He can do. That is the secret. It is like the difference between sprinkling your lawn and a wonderful rain.

One more thing. . . If you want your kids to be open and vulnerable with you, be open and vulnerable with them.

Thanks Brenda for sharing with us!

Interview with a Mom - Louanne

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

We are a Christian family of five; Dad works in upper level management, I stay at home and homeschool the three boys (one is already in his teens). I homeschool not because I think I can do a better job than any teacher or that my kids are smarter or better than what they are teaching in school, but because it's condusive to my husband's travel schedule. Plus, we have been blessed with the opportunity for me to stay home with them and the biggest reward is seeing how they are developing into thoughtful, hard working, kind, young men who are not embarassed to pray in the presence of others. The boys enjoy being home and the oldest has said he is ready for high school this next year.

Why do you love being a mom?

Most days I enjoy being a Mom with the emphasis on most. There are a few days, though, that I wish I could walk out the door to leave the responsibility of molding our boys into godly men to someone else. The infant years were sweet and cuddly with many sleepless nights, the toddler years busy with explaining how things work and why as I waded through the toys all over the living room floor, the elementary years were/are spent discovering good friends and being a friend to others as you would have them be to you. Jr. High is highly focused on becoming a godly man while resisting peer pressure as he begins to wade through the swamp of the "me first, sex-crazed culture."

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?

We have found the most challenge in sticking to our family's established godly guidelines, especially when neighbors/friends are doing it, or can say it, or can see it, or can play it, etc. I hear myself many times say, "I don't care what _____ is doing. I am not his/her mother and I care about what you are going to become in life and that will not help you develop godly character traits."

Share your favorite bible verse and why it means so much to you.

My favorite Bible verse is John 3:5&6. "Trust in the Lord with all my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, in all my ways acknowledging Him and He will direct my path." Heartache is going to come in all of our lives. Over and over when I have cried out to God for guidance...He has been faithful in giving it. Even when it seems He doesn't hear... He still cares... I know He does. I haven't always understood why things have happened in my life but I will continue to trust Him who is directing my path. Of that, I do have confidence.

What do you like to listen to in your car (music, talk radio, nothing, etc.)?

I have found that if I listen to Christian radio, a blend of speakers and music, my life is continuously being built on a solid rock. My thoughts are definitely more righteous, my interaction with others is flavored with the salt of God's word, I am more comfortable in sharing what Jesus has done in my life, and can actually say I think nothing of going out of my way for others, even stangers, when I am feeding constantly on God's word.

How has your mom influenced your parenting?

My mother has been a huge influence in my role of being a mother. You know when you are young you might say, "I'll never be that way with my kids." And 20 years later I stop and smile to myself thinking I remember when Mom used to do this. She always put church first over other activites and was involved in church. She always had an open door for others, even if the house was not spotless. She taught me to give of myself, even when you don't feel like it or they don't deserve it. I find it a compliment when people say, "You're just like your mother." Because, you see, I was adopted and all that was learned from seeing not as an inherited characeristic.

Do you have any parting advice for young moms?

If I had one thing to share with young moms.....hmmm, I think it would be: Your children are only this young once. Reinforce to them that God is real through BIble stories and prayer (they will need it when they are older). Enjoy them while they are at every stage. Have patience with them. Take time to hold them and read to them, take family photos, take videos (your kids will truly enjoy watching themselves in later years - plus, you see yourself and your spouse in those home movies and remember when life was simpler and your love more blinded and are reminded of what you have together).

Parting advice: Take time for yourself once in awhile to have lunch with your friends, get your hair cut/trimmed, paint your nails, bask in the pleasure of being a woman and with a thankful heart remember God's blessings in your life. I pray that God will bless you as you try your best to be the mother your children deserve.

Thank you Louanne for sharing with us!

What do You want to Know?

I periodically post mom interviews on my blog. Typically the questions are all the same (although the answers are always different!). Do you have any good mom interview questions that I could add to my list? If you have any ideas, let me know!

And the winner is...

The winner of Jill Savage's book My Hearts at Home is....

Amber

Congrats! I will bring the book to church tomorrow (if I remember). Thanks to everyone who participated, I always enjoy reading your comments.

Interview with a Mom - Jill Savage

It is time for another giveaway! This week's mom interview is with Hearts at Home founder, Jill Savage. So, I will be giving away one copy of her newest book, My Hearts at Home! To enter the drawing, leave a comment about a tradition your family practices or the family you grew up in practices. If you live out of town or out of state, no worries, I don't mind using the US postal service. I will be drawing a winner on Saturday, October 6. Thank you for participating and enjoy the interview. (As a side note, if you don't win the book, I would encourage you find a copy. It is full of practical ideas on how to be an intential mom and make your home a haven for your family - a very good read.)



Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

My husband Mark and I have been married 24 years, however we’re self-described as being married “24 years…14 of them happily.” The first ten years of our marriage were very difficult and at one time we weren’t sure we’d make it. But God tugged at both of our hearts and through counseling and hard work we got back on track. Mark and I have 5 kids: Anne is 22 and is married to Matt McClane. They live in Zion, IL. Evan is 20 and in college. He no longer lives at home but is about 5 miles away living in a house with three other guys. Erica is 16 and a junior in high school. Kolya is 13 and in 7th grade. He’s the newest addition to our family because we adopted him from Russia at the age of 9. Austin is 11 and in the 6th grade.


Tell us about your latest book "My Hearts at Home" and what inspired you to write it?

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to seek some professional counseling to sort out different challenges in my life. Both Mark and I feel this is a very healthy thing to do. When you meet with a counselor, one of the first things he/she says is, “So tell me about the home you grew up in.” Counselors do this because they understand the home and family you grow up in sets the foundation for the rest of your life! As I’ve come to understand this, I’ve realized that at some point my children will be adults who are building their lives upon the foundation my husband and I are laying for them now. If the emotional, spiritual, and relational stability of their life is resting on this foundation, we need to be intentional about how we build that foundation. That’s when I began to think about all the different roles that home plays in our life: Home As A Safe House, Home As A Trauma Unit, Home As A Rest Area, and Home As A Church. Then you add in other roles like Home As a Playground, A Pep Rally, A School, a Hospitality House, and more! Wow! Home plays so many roles in our family’s life. This is why we need to be intentional about what happens at home and having a plan to make home all that it can be. My Heart’s At Home is designed to cast a vision for moms to understand all the roles that home plays in her family’s life. It is also designed to give practical strategies to make home all it can be.


Why do you love being a mom?

I love watching a young life blossom before my very eyes. I love seeing God shape this little person into a young adult with unique talents and gifts and a special personality that is all theirs.


What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?

I’m a type A, task driven personality. I like to see things get accomplished. Mothering, especially in the early years, doesn’t often see much measurable accomplishment. However, when I changed my short term goals to one big long term goal of seeing my child grow into a loving, respectful adult, I began to see what I did each day as a step toward that goal. I really explored this perspective in my book “Professionalizing Motherhood” which is still in print.


What advice do you have for moms in the preschool years?

Enjoy these years because they will fly by faster than you think! You can’t go back and do it again.


What book (if any) are you reading right now?

A fiction novel called “All I Ever Need” by Harry Kraus, MD.


How do you keep your husband first in the midst of mothering?

Mark and I have a date day every Friday. His work week is Sunday thru Thursday so we use Friday for just the two of us. We work to intentionally make our family marriage-centered rather than child-centered. This gives our kids stability because they know that when mom and dad are ok, their world is ok!


What is your favorite lunchtime meal?

Believe it or not…peanut butter and jelly. J My kids are at school, I’m home alone during the day and I fix myself a peanut butter sandwich!


Share one good “mom tip” that you have learned over the years.

Elise Arndt, author of A Mother’s Touch, shared about boiling an onion to buy you time to figure out what is for dinner. She talked about how the aroma of something cooking tells your family that all is well, I’m cared for, and mom has dinner cooking. And it buys you time to figure out what to add to that onion for dinner!


If you had an entire day all to yourself, how would you spend it?

Reading


Do you have any parting advice for young moms?

Don’t underestimate your role as a wife and mother. It is far more important than you probably realize. Tap into the resources that Hearts at Home offers (www.hearts-at-home.org) to keep you encouraged and equipped along the journey!

Thanks Jill for sharing your thoughts with us!

Interview with a Mom - Holly

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I've been married to John, my high school sweetheart, for 37 years. He is a second career pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Glasford Illinois. We have eight children, six of whom are married, and nine grandchildren. We're so proud of our kids and grandkids!!! I've mostly been an at-home mom, but I've also worked as a legal secretary, for a small town weekly newspaper as a reporter and columnist, and volunteered at church, at our children's schools, and with Hearts at Home. Now, with our kids grown, I work as a free-lancer.

Why do you love being a mom?
I love being a mom because it feels like partnering with God in very creative work. I love making love practical -- making a home for people I care about. I love being surrounded by family and friends.

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?
The most challenging thing is to set aside other things I might want to do in order to meet the needs of my family. Sometimes those sacrifices are really hard. And sometimes it's hard to discern when something is really a “need of my family” and when it's an excuse for me not to try something new.

What advice do you have for moms in the preschool years?
Have fun, and focus on building a sound foundation for your children's lives. Honor your husband – your kids need to see from your attitude and behavior that he is a man worth loving and honoring – and treat your kids with courtesy. Don't take on so much outside your home and family that you don't have the time and energy to instill good habits in your kids, to read or play silly games together, to learn to know and enjoy each other, or to help your kids learn to know and love God. And cultivate your sense of humor!

As a mom, watching your children become moms – what kind of parenting challenges do you see (maybe some you didn’t have to deal with as a mom) and what advice do you have for them?
There are so many good things for kids/families to do – choosing what to say “yes” to and what to turn down is very difficult, I think. We tend to think the more we do for our kids, the more stuff we give them or the more activities and lessons we arrange, the better parents we are. That's not necessarily true. Allowing time for kids to play on their own, or even just have nothing to do is important for them.

It's also important to remember that the thing our kids want most is us – our time and attention, our interest, our help in learning how to grow up, in figuring out what the world is about, learning how to master necessary skills and how to do fun stuff like roller skate or bake cookies . . .

I also think our culture can be poisonous for kids (and adults) so protecting them from the worst of it, and training them to discern “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious . . . any excellence, anything worthy of praise” - that's a real priority in my opinion.

What is your favorite lunchtime meal?
A grilled cheese sandwich, a crisp apple, a peanut butter cookie and a glass of milk – at least that's one favorite lunch . . . I like to eat!

Share one good “mom tip” that you have learned over the years.
Lean hard on God, and don't be overwhelmed by the big picture – just do the next necessary thing, then the next necessary thing, then the next necesary thing faithfully and you'll get through. And don't forget that "a cheerful heart does good, like medicine" -- so "sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord." Creating a cheerful mood in your home helps everyone!

What book (if any) are you reading right now?
Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life by Margaret Kim Peterson. Peterson talks about why keeping house well matters. She is affirming and encouraging to women who want to make a warm and loving home for their family, writing about how to accomplish this in practical ways.

Do you have any parting advice for young moms?
Don't exchange this time in your family's life for things with less lasting value. Focus on what's right in front of you in all its repetitive, boring, glorious daily-ness. Let it create in you the ability to endure what is routine or difficult. What you are doing – making a home for your family, providing shelter and love for your husband, your children, your friends and extended family – is of great value and importance.

Thanks Holly for sharing!

Interview with a Mom - Cassie

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I have four children ages 13--Gabe, 10--Tanner, 10--Parker, 7--Macy. Curt and I have been married 17 years. We live in Morton, IL, and Curt is working at State Farm and attending Lincoln Christian Seminary working on a masters in Christian Counseling. I have been a homemaker since Gabe was born until last year when I went back to work as a teacher's aide at the same elementary school as my youngest three. God has blessed us in countless ways, and we feel very thankful, but strive to be even more so.

Why do you love being a mom?
I enjoy spending time with my kids just having fun, seeing their successes, and watching their personalities grow and develop. I'm thankful for the opportunity to raise children to know the Lord and hopefully someday make a difference for Him in the world. Right now I love being a mom because I like the stage of life my kids are at. They can all feed themselves, get into the car themselves, wash and dress themselves, play relatively unsupervised, and yet they're still not to cool to enjoy being with Curt and I.

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?
This is hard to limit to one thing. I have a magnet on my fridge that says "Motherhood is not for wimps." It is very true. In younger years the most challenging part(s) were the nights with little sleep, the constant demand on my time, the job that continually got interrupted, the mental strain of dealing with the demands of needy little people, the consistent discipline that is required to raise little ones, and the lack of time to myself. I came to realize what a selfish person I really was and still am when I had my children.

Now that my children are older, the hardest part(s) are more relational. I don't enjoy helping them learn to deal with disappointment and failure. It's a struggle to be consistent in teaching them how to respond to others socially, how to discipline themselves to get work done, how to do their best at something and still accept the results. The list could go on and on. As the saying goes, "Motherhood is the hardest job you'll ever love."

What advice do you have for moms in the preschool years?
Hang in there. I know you don't want to hear my next sentence, but truth is truth. Those preschool years will be gone in the blink of an eye. I never believed anybody when they told me that, but they were right. Be consistent and loving in discipline, cuddle them while you can, take lots of pictures and videos--I even videoed a night of screaming babies just to remember it all. Enjoy the crazy little things they say and do, and get lots of rest. When you're tired, don't feel like the house is too messy to lay down while the kids nap. You and the kids need the break, or you'll respond to your kids later in ways you wish you had not. For the sake of your children and your husband, take a break while they nap.

Share your favorite bible verse and why it means so much to you.
Again this is hard to say just one because this seems to change with the times in my life. I would say that if I had to pick one that I seem to keep coming back to the most, it would probably be Prov. 3:5-6. Life is full of changes and decisions and fears and concerns, but if I just keep coming back to trust in God and His direction, I can make it through.

How do you keep your husband first in the midst of mothering?
We do date nights here and there. We try to do at least one or two a month, but that doesn't always happen. We take weekend get-a-ways once or twice a year. I think those are huge. We try to talk alone for at least ten minutes a day without kids around. Again that goes in spurts, but it is a good goal to aim for. We go to bed together almost every night, and pray together before bed. Mostly it's the little things. Do the little things for him that he likes, and he'll feel loved and respected.

What is your favorite lunchtime meal?
Pizza rolls, egg rolls, leftovers. Sorry, but I'm not a lunchtime expert. I just feel good when everybody's eaten and the kitchen's cleaned up.

What is your favorite summer activity?
Probably reading or swimming with the kids or playing disc golf as a family.

Name someone who has had a positive influence on you as a mother?
Again, more than one, but I would definitely say my mom was the biggest influence on me. My growing up years were wonderful because she always made me feel loved and secure. Home was a haven after school because I knew Mom would be there when I got home. Parents, and probably even more so moms, are the first examples of God to children, and when moms make children feel safe, secure, and loved, they, in turn, can trust God someday to be that same loving, trustworthy guide in their own lives.

Share one good “mom tip” that you have learned over the years.
It's almost never too early to have them help around the house. They can help clean up toys or whatever as soon as they can figure out where the toy box is and that the toys go in it. It helps a lot when they learn to fend for themselves and help you out whereever possible. Kids and mom will both be happier in the long run.

Do you have any parting advice for young moms?
Love them like crazy because you're going to make lots and lots and lots of mistakes, but love covers a multitude of sins. God bless you all!

Interview with a Mom - Karen

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and five beautiful daughters and I am a stay-at-home mom.

Why do you love being a mom?
I love that everyday I make a difference in the lives of five young girls. I love that for all the many challenges faced each day, the rewards are even greater!

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?
Discipline. It is so hard to do, but such a huge part of parenting. God has entrusted these children to us and Godly discipline is part of our responsibility as we raise them to be Godly children.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb 12:11/NIV)

What advice do you have for moms in the preschool years?
Enjoy! Challenge yourself to find contentment in the everyday things…holding them in your lap to read books, snuggling up with them to take a nap, sitting on the driveway together doing sidewalk chalk, eating peanut butter and jelly for lunch together on the front porch. It is a very busy time but there is also a simplicity about it.

Share your favorite bible verse and why it means so much to you.
One of my favorites as a mom is James 1:5…If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

So many situations, questions, etc. present themselves each day and I don’t have the solutions or answers. Each night when I pray I ask God to give me wisdom from above to best direct our girls.

What is your favorite lunchtime meal?
Sandwich and chips.

What is your favorite summer activity?
Packing a picnic lunch and heading to the swimming pool for the afternoon. Summer evenings are my favorite. Riding bikes to the park, playing outside, and sitting on the front porch swing.

Share one good “mom tip” that you have learned over the years.
Kids first, housework second. This is one of my favorite poems:

Babies Don’t Keep

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth, Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread, Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking? She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue. Dishes are waiting and bills are past due.
The shopping is not done and there's nothing for stew And out in the yard there is a hullabaloo.
But I'm playing "Kanga" and this is my "Roo." Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow, For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

Ruth Hulburt Hamilton, 1958

Thank you Karen for the good reminders and encouraging words!

If anyone has any questions they would like me to ask in future interviews, let me know! Also, you have until July 1st to leave a comment on the Mary DeMuth interview post and have a chance to win her book Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God.

Interview with a Mom - Mary DeMuth

I've been thinking about my blog lately and the idea came to me, "Why not conduct interviews with moms who have survived (or are surviving) the preschool years?" I know I could use the encouragement, plus it sounded like fun.


Then I thought, "Why not start off this new segment with a giveaway?"

So, I will be giving away Mary DeMuth's book Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God!

Then I thought, "Why not ask Mary to be the first interview?" And she agreed! (Thank you Mary!)

So with all that said, here are the details:

If you would like to win Mary's book, leave a comment! For this round, lets do something simple like a comment about why you love being a mom or something you love about your mom(I am planning on doing more interviews and periodically doing more book giveaways!)

On July 1st, I will draw a name and will post the winner (by the way, if you are from out of town or out of state, please enter - I don't mind mailing the book to the winner, wherever she - or he - may live!). So, tell your friends, the more the merrier, and read on!

An Interview with Mary DeMuth


Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I’m a mommy of three, wife of one (thankfully!), living in North Texas. We recently returned from a two-plus year stint in France as church planters. My eldest gets her driver’s permit in six months. I’m freaked out.

Why do you write?
I believe God has put words in my heart and mind for a reason. He’s made me to communicate. By writing, I’m simply obeying Him.

Tell us a little bit about your book Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God.
It’s an intelligent, authentic book for moms. I grew tired of foofy women’s books, dumbed down. I wanted to write something that would speak to women where they were and I wanted to pull away the masks we tend to wear. I’m so very ordinary. I hope that in sharing my own struggles, I set others, who are normal like me, free.


Tell us a little bit about your new book Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture.
It’s a book for today’s parents trying to navigate a new culture with their kids. The world we grew up in has changed worldviews. The question is, what are we doing to actively prepare our children to meet a postmodern culture? I wrote this book while parenting my kids in the hyperpostmodern world of Western Europe. What we learned as a family permeates the book.

Who are some of the authors that inspire you?
I’m primarily inspired by amazing novelists: Leif Enger, Harper Lee, Walter Wangerin, C.S. Lewis, Sue Monk Kidd. Nonfiction writers: Randy Alcorn, Mark Buchanan, Anne Lamott

What book(s) are you reading right now?
I’m reading The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and This Heavy Silence by Nicole Mazzarella. Both stunning!

What is your favorite part about being a mom?
Watching my children own things (not stuff, but their own lives). For instance, Julia, my youngest, cleaned out her closet yesterday on her own volition. Sophie, my eldest, shared Jesus with her good friend because she was personally burdened to do so. Aidan, my son, told me he made a vow to return to France someday. I love watching my kids be changed by Jesus from the inside out.

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom for you?
Slowing down enough to enjoy my kids at every stage.

What advice do you have for moms in the preschool years?
Realize it passes quickly. Cherish the moments. Lay those foundations. You’ll reap much in the later years if you do that. Rest when you can. Take time away from home. Give gifts to yourself. Take a walk outside. Rejuvenate.

What is your favorite lunchtime meal?
Quesadillas (my kids love them too)

What is your favorite summer activity?
Going to the local swimming pool and hanging out/swimming/sunning with a good book

Do you have any parting advice for young moms?
Don’t be afraid to be real. Admit/confess your mistakes to your kids. Let them see you wrestle. Don’t present yourself as perfect and all together. Otherwise your children won’t understand your need for Jesus.

For more information on Mary and her books, visit her blog: www.relevantblog.blogspot.com (it is one I love to read!) and don't forget to leave a comment!