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**Disclaimer**
MS Mom of the Week is a fun way for us to get to know the here members. Newbies to the board as well as regulars are welcome to participate. The Mom of the Week is randomly selected a week in advance of her being featured. I do this so I can contact you, let you know your feature date, and arrange to receive a picture from you to include with the survey. Having a picture included is so we can make it a little more personal and put a name to a face. This is optional of course, as are all the questions being asked. If I don’t hear back from you before your “feature” date, I will randomly select the next person and then get back to you the following week. If you would like to participate please PM Christy_K_ and we will get you signed up.
Let’s get started!!!
What is your first name? Rachel
What are your kids’ names? Don’t have any – yet! Of course, we have discussed baby names. My favorite is still Denim, but I’ll have to work on convincing my husband!
Have you ever met someone who has completely inspired you to be a better person? Can you tell us about that relationship and how it has affected you? I have two. First off is definitely my mom. She mom inspires me so much. I won’t be able to accurately put into words how much she means to me. I talk to my mom on the phone every single day. My second was my dad. He died a year ago from brain cancer. He dealt with his illness so incredibly bravely. He turned toward God, not away. Dad did not leave anything unsaid. These two people shaped me into the person I am now, and they continue to help me strive to become a better person.
Do you have any nervous habits? What are they? Oh gosh yes! I crack my knuckles, but it doesn’t stop there. I crack my toes, ankles, right knee, back, shoulders, wrists, and thumbs!
Did you ever date a guy your parents did not like? Were they right about him? Oh yeah. There were a couple they didn’t like, but they never made a big deal about it. I think they knew that things would run their course. They were right. Definitely!
What do you want your kids to remember the most about you? How much we wanted them!! They will always know how hard infertility was for us, and how much we prayed for them.
What did you learn the most from your mother? Gosh, just one thing?? I can’t possibly list just one. Well, I suppose it could be summed up that I learned what it meant to be a good wife and a good mom. Here’s the best example: My dad was diagnosed with the worst kind of brain cancer about 2 years ago. My mom was with him EVERY step of the way. When he was home, she was his 24-hour-a-day caregiver. When he was unable to physically lift himself, she lifted him up. (God gave her the strength!) When he was in the hospital or nursing home, she was with him all day. I can’t possibly explain to you all that she did for him. She kept on top of everything – the medical, financial, spiritual, and physical things. During this whole time, she worried about my brother and me. When the end of Dad’s life was drawing near, she wanted my brother and me to hold his hands. We held his hands when he took his last breath. She gave us that moment, which was a beautiful thing I will never forget.
How many coupons do you use on a regular basis? What is your best money saving tip? Sometimes a lot; sometimes not at all. If we can get a better deal with a coupon, great. Otherwise, we use a lot of store brands. My best money saving tip would be to make a budget and stick to it. Watch the price on everything. The savings adds up.
How did you find here? Have you referred anyone here? Were you referred here? I found it by googling. Now, I can’t imagine NOT having here in my life. It may sound corny, but this is the place I go to debrief from a busy day. I have talked about this site to a few people. One friend really wants to know the specific name of the site, but I keep being vague. I guess I’m a little selfish about this site. Besides, there are things I write about that I really don’t want my local friends to know about!
Out of all the things the members here have offered in terms of advice, support, counsel and criticism, what have you personally benefited from? And do you remember specifically who the member was that offered that advice? Oh gosh, that’s a hard question. I have received so much support and prayers that I can’t possibly choose one. My husband and I have struggled with finances and infertility, and there have been some really great women who are a source of strength and support. I couldn’t possibly start listing names, because I would be sure to miss someone. I know that I deeply appreciate ALL of the support and prayers I have received here. It is priceless.
Have you ever met a mommysaver? Not that I know of!
What is the most romantic thing your dh ever did for you? Dh is very romantic. The little things mean a lot to me. He always holds the door for me. Whenever one of us leaves the house, he always tells me he loves me. He also ends every phone conversation with “I love you.” He was wonderful when my dad was sick with cancer and after my dad died. Seeing how much he took care of me really made my dad happy. I am so blessed to have my husband. I definitely didn’t do anything to deserve him.
Tell us five things you like about yourself. I am strong (but sensitive too), determined (bull-headed?), a good teacher, a Christian, and I have a strong work ethic most of the time.
What hobby do you enjoy the most? What got you started on it? How would you rate yourself? Can you show us a picture of your proudest piece of work? I really don’t have a hobby. I learned how to knit over Christmas break, and I really enjoyed that. I made one scarf, and I actually wore it out for recess duty during those cold winter days. But I really haven’t had time to sit and do that. My mom taught me how to knit, and I am so glad that I asked her to teach me. She’s the creative one in our family!
How many frogs did you kiss before you found Mr. Right? Was he worth the wait? I kissed a few, and YES he was worth it. I’ll say it again – I don’t deserve him. He is amazing.
What is your favorite genre of music? Who is your favorite group? Have you ever seen them in concert? I like listening to country and old 80s music. I don’t have a favorite group, really. I have tons of favorite songs. The only concerts I’ve gone to were Milli Vanilli (go ahead. . .laugh!), Mark Wills, and James Taylor. Oh, I also went to a Christian rock concert in college. I think it was the Newsboys.
List three things you have on your Life List; things you would like to accomplish before you leave this world
1. Have at least one child. If we are unable to conceive naturally, we are totally open to adoption. I continue pray that God will give us a child in whatever way He deems fit.
2. Become debt free and financially secure. We are working darn hard on this one.
3. Oh gosh. . . a third one. . . This one is much harder. My prayers have been on the first two for so long. I haven’t dreamed of a third. I’ll keep thinking about this one.
Which room in your house best reflects your personality? I would have to say that our second bathroom reflects my personality the most. It’s the rubber ducky bathroom. Right now, that room is: cheerful and fun. BUT, it is also a work in progress – which is definitely what I am!!
What do you see your children growing up to be like? What career path would they choose? If we are blessed with children, I pray that they will grow to be strong, Christian adults who lead happy, productive lives.
Is there something we would never guess about you? Some kind or quirk you have no one close to you knows about. (C’mon tell us!!!!) I love to sing in the car and in the shower! I can’t carry a tune, so it’s probably a good thing that you can’t hear it, but boy, I do it anyway. One time, my husband and I were singing along with a karaoke track at the end of the movie, “The Wedding Singer.” Our dog started howling – I was that bad!!
Are there words you live by? What are they? Yes, I have a few. “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” (I remind myself of this one a lot!) “If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” “Everything happens for a reason.” (Do you see a trend??)
I know this is probably getting to be pretty long, but I just have one more thing I want to add. I hope that’s okay. I am not a mom (yet, God willing!), but I have felt so welcomed in here. That means a lot to me. I thank you all for your support, encouragement, prayers, and friendship. God bless you guys!!
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Cool! Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing!! It is nice to see you (you don't look at all like I expected!!! Much thinnner!!) I like your words to live by, they are mine also!
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Rachel, I enjoyed reading all of your replies. I did cry when I read what you wrote about your mom and your dad. You have been blessed to have her as a mother. I, also, want to add that here is lucky to have you as a part of this board. Congrats on being Mom of the Week.
BTW~~I love the picture of you and your dh with Mickey Mouse!!
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Rachel...you look terrific! Love those pics of you and DH! I don't know why but I always pictured you with dark hair! Thanks so much for sharing, you've got some VERY inspiring words going on there through out the post!
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Thank you for sharing! I always enjoy your posts, and it's nice to put a face to a name! Good luck with all your dreams and goals! You are one special lady, and God certainly ha sa plan for you.
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It was so nice getting to know you, thank you for sharing!
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It was great to learn more about you! Thanks!!
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Glad to get to know you better!!!