Role Mommy: What did you do before you became a mom?
Terri: Was I ever not a mom? It was so long ago, it’s the only thing I remember. Okay, 22 years ago I was an airman in the Air Force, but then I became a mommy. I was a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom for 22 years.
Role Mommy: When did you decide to reinvent your life?
Terri: My life changed dramatically when I discovered my husband had molested a couple of our children. It was a sudden reinvention. I had always been home with the kids, never worked outside of the home. I had written books and traveled around speaking, but that was it. Suddenly I was the sole provider for the remaining children.
Role Mommy: How have your children influenced your career path? How many do you have?
Terri: I have eight children, seven who are still living at home. The biggest influence is that they have always been homeschooled and have always had a full time mommy. I didn’t want to give that up. I did go to work for 18 months as the manager of a homeschool bookstore. The children were able to take classes there, so I felt like I was still a huge part of their lives. The oldest child who moved with me said to me, “The kids have always been homeschooled, so I will stay home with them while you work.” Even working more than 40 hours a week, I didn’t make enough to pay my rent living in an apartment. The desire to work from home was huge for me.
I took the classes required and passed the state licensing exam to become a real estate agent. I’ve been able to continue homeschooling the children, and selling real estate. Unfortunately the market has been horrible the last several months, so I’m finding myself once again struggling with the decision to work outside of the home.
Mommy ministry has always been a huge part of my life, so ideally I would like to be able to make money at home, and minister to Moms in a very tangible way.
Role Mommy: What’s your favorite “Time Out” tip for moms (taking time for yourself)
Terri: I wish someone had told me a long time ago that taking time for me was vital. But instead I always felt guilty for taking a leisurely bath or reading a book or magazine. Not anymore! It’s VITAL for our survival and well being to take time for ourselves. I like to go out to eat – soup is inexpensive and gives a lovely feeling of warmth and comfort.
Role Mommy: What does your website offer moms or kids?
Terri: My current website offers moms encouragement and support for where they are. The website I’m working on will be more of a site where Moms can go to learn to be better moms. It will offer a place to unwind, a place to take a little time out, and also a section where they can grow as moms and as women. It’s going to be a phenomenal place on the web for Mommies. It is more of a coaching site for moms, to encourage them to take the steps that are required of them. A lot of times we don’t take care of ourselves, and it shows in all aspects of our lives. My goal is to help women to see that they are important and that they deserve kudos, so they can pass that on to their children. Ta-Dah! Mom!
Role Mommy: What do you hope for your own kids?
Terri: For one I want my kids to feel safe and secure in their own home. I want them to know without a doubt that I will move mountains to keep them safe. It’s not about how much we have, but that we have each other. I want them to grow up knowing that they are dearly loved and that I will encourage them to be whatever God has called them to be!
Role Mommy: Who is your Role Mommy?
Terri: Sarah Palin is my role mommy. I first read about her over a year ago. Something about her resonated with me. When she was nominated, I cried. I felt like I was up there on the podium with her, with arms locked, telling the world, Moms can do anything!
Role Mommy 3.0