I am excited to feature Andrea’s awesome family of SIX for this week’s Friday Family Spotlight! Read on to learn more about their upcoming mission trip to Guatemala!
Who are the members of your family?
Our family is now even, as our kids say. There are 3 girls and 3 boys. My husband Jeremy and I have been married 8 wonderful years! Which leads to the four funniest kids you will ever meet- Harrison (7 years), Nell (5 years), Mitchell (4 years) and Meredith (3 months). Seeing the way the “big kids” all interact with Meredith has been amazing. They absolutely love having a baby around the house… just wait till she starts crawling and taking their toys though .
How did you meet your significant other?
Jeremy and I met at Minnesota State Universtiy Mankato. We were both involved in Catholic Newman Center- the on-campus church. Most of our time dating revolved around that place- we would study together at Newman, go to Sunday church services together and so on. Our date nights ended up being on Wednesday nights when we went to teach faith formation at a near-by church. Nothing like seeing the the other persons true colors as when they are surrounded by a group of rowdy 6th grade boys.
What do you and your family like to do for recreation?
We love to be outside! Living in Minnesota our weather varies so much that our recreation varies as well. In the summer we are out on the pontoon, swimming and having bonfires 3 to 4 days a week. In the winter we go sledding, skating and my husband takes the kids ice fishing.
What is your favorite baby carrier and why?
Our favorite carrier is for sure the Becco Gemini. Meredith loves being with us everywhere we go and the Becco is so comfy for both her and I.
What is the best and worst parenting advice you have ever been given?
The best parenting advice I ever got is easy “The end goal is Heaven not Harvard.” I call to that quote often when things get overly busy and try to simplify. Between ski lessons, choir practice, school, tennis lessons, homework and so on- its so easy to loose sight of the importance of what truly matters to us as Christians- loving, serving and sharing with others about Christ. Trying to keep the family focused can be a challenge sometimes. The worst advice would be “You need to stop cuddling that baby so much. You’re going to spoil him/her.” I have heard that almost every time I had a newborn from some well meaning stranger. Sorry- cuddling away here! They are only babies for a short time.
What goals do you have for your family in the next year or two?
My husband and I travel leading mission trips for the teens and adults for our church. Last year my husband was able to bring our Kindergarten son to San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala to the mission we serve at. He came back a changed little kid- humbled by the poor he was able to serve and thrilled to share stories with his classmates about camping on top of a volcano one night. We promised ourselves that we would make it a priority to take the kids down to the San Lucas Mission every 1-2 years. Our trip with all the kids is scheduled for Easter 2014.
Share a pecial family tradition you have:
My husband and I both recalled having bedtime prayers and stories with our mothers. We agreed that that could be a special time for Jeremy, as a father, to share with himself and the kids. So every night they gather in the boys room for story, prayer and song. It melts my heart to listen outside the door and hear them sing “Jesus, I adore you and I lay my life before you. How I love you!” every night.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness. — Pope Benedict XVI . I love this quote! We try to already, at such young ages, to talk about this and ask the kids what God might have planned for them. Nell, our 5 year old, last week was having a hard time talking through her future plans, post election. “I don’t think I can wait to be president when I grow up. Changes need to happen soon. I might just have to be the first Student President. I’m already pretty busy right now though but maybe if I skip skiing this winter I can fit it in.” Aim high right?
Thanks Andrea for sharing your beautiful family with us! We wish you guys the very best!!
Would you like to have your family featured in a Friday Family Spotlight AND win a FREE $10 gift certificate to Mom’s Milk Boutique for your participation? If so email sarah@momsmilkboutique.com with the subject line “Friday Family Spotlight Inquiry” and share something interesting about your family in your email message.
HAPPY FRIDAY ALL! Hope to “see you” at tonight’s Twitter party!
-Sarah
