Mom of the Week - Laura
Monday, February 11, 2008
I had the honor of interviewing Laura this week. She is a homeschooling mother of seven, and author and editor of Laura William's Musings, one of my daily reads. She is a wonderful example of what a Godly wife and Mother should look like.
So, grab a cup of coffee and your morning muffin, and visit with Laura and me, and be blessed!
Me: We know you are a married mama of seven kids, you home school, and manage a pretty popular blog. Tell me a bit more about YOU.
Laura: Well as you know, I'm the mother of seven children... four boys and three girls. My oldest is 19 and my youngest is 16 months. Before I became a stay at home Mom, I was a paralegal. That is actually how I met my husband, too. No no, he wasn't a client, nor was he an attorney. He was a friend of the attorney I worked for, though, and the attorney's wife played matchmaker.
I enjoy crafts of all kind... scrapbooking, cross-stitching, crochet, sewing, etc. I just don't know how to knit... yet. Anyone want to teach me? I also love gardening... the growing of things, but I hate weeding.
Have you always wanted to be a mommy?
Yes, but I didn't know I always wanted this many children. lol I would love to have more, but I can't due to health reasons. God has blessed us. that's for sure, and I cherish each one immensely.You have oodles of experience with little ones. Can you give me just a little bit of advice for staying stress-free with six kiddos?
Stress-free? Hee hee... still haven't figured that one out myself. Sometimes I think I make myself stressed out because I'm trying to do too much... so slowing down would be my advice to myself and others.
What is your secret to time management with all you have going on?
Delegation. Everyone has assigned chores, myself included, that we do each day (or week) and it really helps our household to run more smoothly.
One of my favorite verses from the bible is, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." That verse sums it up for me because without Christ, I'm nothing. HE is my all and all.
How can we pray for you this week?
I'm sure everyone is tired with hearing my laundry woes, but I couldn't resist -- You know I hate doing laundry, and since you have as much, if not more, than I do can you share any tips with me?
I used to do all my laundry on Mondays, then iron on Tuesdays. Well, as you can imagine, Mondays were hectic. A good friend of mine gave me this tip... set days for each room of the house to do the laundry. For an example: Monday: Mine and my husband's laundry. Tuesday: Boys laundry. Wednesday: Girls laundry. We iron the same day as the laundry day. The oldest boys are 9 and 7 and can sort their own laundry. The girls are 19, 5, and 3. The 19 and 5 year old can sort laundry and help the 3 year old who is quickly learning to sort them properly. The oldest then loads the washer and takes care of the dryer, etc... as part of her weekly chore.
I used to do all my laundry on Mondays, then iron on Tuesdays. Well, as you can imagine, Mondays were hectic. A good friend of mine gave me this tip... set days for each room of the house to do the laundry. For an example: Monday: Mine and my husband's laundry. Tuesday: Boys laundry. Wednesday: Girls laundry. We iron the same day as the laundry day. The oldest boys are 9 and 7 and can sort their own laundry. The girls are 19, 5, and 3. The 19 and 5 year old can sort laundry and help the 3 year old who is quickly learning to sort them properly. The oldest then loads the washer and takes care of the dryer, etc... as part of her weekly chore.
This system has been working out great for us and laundry gets done quicker and more efficiently.
As the mommy of so many little ones myself, I know it's hard to find "me" time. If you had one whole day to yourself how would you spend it?
Uninterrupted Bible reading and sleeping! I often get interrupted in both.
Do you have a favorite verse from the Bible?One of my favorite verses from the bible is, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." That verse sums it up for me because without Christ, I'm nothing. HE is my all and all.
If you could choose only two books to read to your children, what would they be, and why?
Only two books for a household of book lovers? Well one is an easy choice... The Bible. Without the WORD to sustain us and teach us, we would merely be drudging through life wondering what's next. I want my children to know about God and grow in the knowledge of Him.
Only two books for a household of book lovers? Well one is an easy choice... The Bible. Without the WORD to sustain us and teach us, we would merely be drudging through life wondering what's next. I want my children to know about God and grow in the knowledge of Him.
I am having a hard time narrowing down a second book, because I can think a number of books that I would choose... One of the many biographies on missionaries, one of the books in The Miller series (School Days With The Millers, Missionary Stories with The Millers), and others.
Books are treasured item for us. We all love to read or be read too.
How can we pray for you this week?
I want to see my children saved at an early age and go on to live their life for the LORD so that they don't do some of the foolish, stupid things I did.
Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Laura! May the Lord bless you and your family!!
Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Laura! May the Lord bless you and your family!!
Do you have any encouraging words, tips or ideas for Laura? Has Laura touched you in some way today or through her blog? Would you please share? Kindly leave a quick hello for her, or any words of encouragement that may help her on her journey as a wife and mother!
*****
Do you know an incredible mom who deserves the spotlight? Or, perhaps would you like some encouragement yourself? If you answered yes to either of those questions, please email me with your nominee, at fromdatestodiapers@yahoo.com with Mom of the Week as the subject. Check out this post to see how you can help spread the word about this new weekly column.
February 11, 2008 3:34 PM
Thanks for highlighting me this week, Christine!
February 11, 2008 3:43 PM
great interview! thanks for sharing!!
February 11, 2008 4:14 PM
I love reading her blog. It is hard being a mom of seven, but we both know that it isn't any more difficult than 3. Just everything is on a larger scale.
February 11, 2008 9:55 PM
I love Laura! She was a huge help in designing buttons for my blog. What a great way to find out more about her! Well done, both of you!
February 12, 2008 6:29 PM
oh no one deserves this more than Laura! She rocks! Thanks for sharing your interview with her!
February 12, 2008 11:48 PM
I agree Laura rocks!! She's always been helpful, and even listened to me complain. She truly is a wonderful woman!!
February 13, 2008 6:33 AM
Great interview, it was good to get to know her a little more.