Today I get to introduce you to yet another dear friend from the blogosphere… Erin from Closing Time!  Erin is one of those incredibly encouraging people who can make me feel hugged from my computer screen! :)  I know you will enjoy getting to know her – after you read our “interview,” why not hop on over to her blog and say hi?  [And why not go ahead and subscribe... Erin is doing Fresh Year, Fresh Start with us!] :)

1. Tell us about yourself in 3 sentences or less!

I’m a homeschooling mommy of two little girls, ages 6 and 4. I’ve been married for nine years to Phil, who is my best friend (and was even before we got married). I don’t get out much these days, but I love this season of life!

2. Flashback: you’re a senior in high school and you’re wearing your favorite outfit today. Describe your “look.”

A sweater and jeans…my favorite jeans were dark green (now I cringe at the thought!). My hair was very long, and I curled it every morning with hot rollers. I wore very little makeup at all. (I’m hearing echoes of Brooke’s Saturday Spotlight post right now)!

3. What is your favorite “fun” thing to do?

My favorite fun thing used to be diving into a good book. That was before kids, though. Now, I find that in the evenings if I get still enough to read a book, I fall asleep. Sad, but true! I love watching TV or a good movie with my husband, Phil, while eating some sort of yummy food on the couch. Lately, that’s what we call our “date nights.”

4. What is your most dreaded household task and why?

Clutter control! I really don’t mind vacuuming, dusting, or even cleaning toilets. I just hate trying to figure out what to do with all the “stuff.” My biggest problem is that I don’t deal with the “stuff” when I should. Instead I let it pile up, or even worse, I stash it somewhere. If you come over, please don’t look in my closets, under the bed, or in the laundry area!

5. What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?

We love to cuddle on the couch and read! At the moment, we are working our way through the Little House books. My oldest just got Little House on the Prairie for her birthday. My youngest is a huge Curious George and Dr. Seuss fan!

6. You have babysitting for the whole day on a Saturday – what will you and your husband do?

Once we recovered from the shock of have a whole day free, we would probably go to a coffee shop for a cappuccino. Then we would browse a bookstore for a while, where I would scan the classics and the cookbooks before ending up in the children’s book section. Phil would explore the computer and graphic design books, and would eventually meander over to the children’s section as well. After a yummy lunch at a Thai or Indian restaurant, we would catch a matinee movie, complete with popcorn and M&M’s. Following the movie, we would probably decide to head home so we could spend some time with the kids before their bedtime (which is EARLY, you know)!

7. What are three other blogs that you enjoy reading, and why?

How can I possibly narrow it down to three? There are several blogs I read on a daily basis (which includes this one, but I am not counting it in my three). To narrow it down to three I’d say: Pleasing to You, A Life in Need of Change, and Daily Dwelling. Of course there are many others!

8. How long have you been blogging, and what motivated you to start blogging?

I started blogging in March of this year. For about two years prior to that, I had regularly read several blogs written by other moms. They became a source of great encouragement, and I wanted to bring that same encouragement to others.

9. What five words would you use to describe your blog?

Encouraging, real, humorous, (yet) serious, and welcoming.

10. Freebie: anything about yourself or your blog that you want to share!

One of my childhood dreams was to become a writer. It’s a dream that was almost forgotten as the years passed, but one that has resurfaced in the past couple of years. When I started my blog, I felt so rusty…it was hard to write. I still struggle to find time to devote to writing, and often I find myself just writing quick rambling posts. In spite of all that, blogging has opened a door for me to be able to write, whether it’s random thoughts or something a bit more meaningful. I’m so thankful for that, and in many ways I feel like it is a journey I have just begun. I hope you’ll come along for the ride!

Thanks, Erin!!  You are a gem! :)

Today I’d like to introduce you to another one of my blogging buddies – Brooke from A Life in Need of Change! Enjoy her interview, and then hop over to her blog and say hi!

1. Tell us about yourself in 3 sentences or less!

Sometimes I wonder how my head stays on! I’m the wife of a public servant, mother of two rambunctious little boys born just 23 months apart, part-time Director of Clinical Services at a local Pregnancy Care Ministry and Virginia Tech Hokie lover extraordinaire! Oh…and did I mention that I love to write (feeds my soul)?

2. Flashback: you’re a senior in high school and you’re wearing your favorite outfit today. Describe your “look.”

Bootleg Calvin Kline light wash jeans, Peace Frogs or Virginia Tech t-shirt tucked in with a belt, long, long beautiful hair curled painstakingly with hot rollers (almost touching my waist…why oh why did I ever cut it?) and a little bit of make-up (I’ve always been a “less is more” kind of girl).

3. What is your favorite “fun” thing to do?

I LOVE to go to Virginia Tech home football games, but that doesn’t happen much with two little ones…money just has to go somewhere else. Sinking into a good movie, or better yet, a good book is a sure way to take me to a happy place! I’ve been known to get totally lost in a book, neglecting friends and family until my husband is compelled to come peck on the back of the book to get my attention! It’s bad…I have to watch myself.

4. What is your most dreaded household task and why?

TOILETS! I truly hate to clean toilets. But I’ll tell you a secret. I can’t remember ever cleaning a toilet since I’ve been married (eight years this summer)! My husband knows my (not so) secret dread of this task and he does it every time. Love him! Another secret about me?? I would rather throw away something that is yucky dirty and buy a new one than clean it. I just hate all things yucky!

5. What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?

Hold them. I know, I know…there are so many other things to do with children to make memories, teach them or train them. But holding them close and smelling their sweet heads, feeling them reach up and grab my hair to play with it…those are the things I will treasure forever and I can’t get enough of them. They’re growing up so fast.

6. You have babysitting for the whole day on a Saturday – what will you and your husband do?

Sleep as long as we want to (although I’m not sure how long I actually can sleep now days…it’s been so long….am I drooling?) Then drive to Blacksburg, VA and take a stroll holding hands around the beautiful campus of Virginia Tech pausing on the gazebo at the Duckpond where my hubby proposed to me. We’d go to the dining hall that was near my dorm and grab a smoothie (there are no smoothies around that compare to these) and slurp it watching the students play volleyball or touch football. Then we’d walk by the Virginia Tech tragedy memorials and linger a bit as we passed the stone for our friend who was killed. And to top off the evening we’d go to Macado’s for sandwiches followed by a movie at the local theater. Blacksburg is where we spent most of our time before we were married so we love to go back anytime we can. {that is so cool!}

7. What are three other blogs that you enjoy reading, and why?

I love to read your blog! But in addition to that I guess my favorites would have to be Pleasing to You, Argyle and Apricots, and Heart for Him.

Oh, but then there’s Closing Time and Exemplify. Ahhh…I just can’t limit it to three (please don’t kick me out!) {we’ll forgive you!} :)

8. How long have you been blogging, and what motivated you to start blogging?

I started blogging a little over two years ago, but didn’t really get serious about it until August of this year. On a whim I wrote an article called Trivial Pursuit and the response from my family and friends was so positive that I just kept writing. I’ve always enjoyed writing. I’m a closet journaler (is that a word?). But I was unprepared for how much writing would reach a place deep in my soul. I find that I’m looking for God with expectation each day in a way I never have before. It’s been a wonderful journey.

9. What five words would you use to describe your blog?

Real, relatable, challenging, uplifting and mildly humorous (I hope…at least these are the things I want it to be).

10. Freebie: anything about yourself or your blog that you want to share!

I truly believe that many women today are in a voluntary state of depression. We believe that the problems or heartaches we have are unique. When our children act out we believe it’s because there’s something wrong with them (or worse, us). When our marriage isn’t all we dreamed it would be we believe no one has experienced our heartache before. So we choose to keep silent…and give the enemy of our souls ample ammunition with which to beat us down. As I look back on my life I can easily see that the people who have made the greatest impact on me have been those who were willing to be real with me. To let me into their chaos…and thus provide me with an opportunity to know that I’m not alone. That’s my heart for my writing. That women would read about my everyday experiences and find a place to let out a deep breath as they realize this person understands what’s deep in their heart and desires to point them to the One who can bring them peace.

**I love Brooke’s heart for women and her faithful service to those who desperately need to see God’s grace in action. Thanks for sharing with us, friend!

Today I have the great pleasure of introducing you to to another dear blog friend. We’ve only recently started getting to know one another, but Teri Lynne is one of those people I wish lived near enough to grab some afternoon coffee together and talk. I love her, and I think you will too!

Enjoy our “interview,” and then I highly encourage you to hop over to her lovely blog Pleasing to You to say hi, poke around, and hopefully subscribe. She’s got good stuff to share!

1. Tell us about yourself in 3 sentences or less!

I’m such a mess ~ I’m an outgoing introvert, a contemplative soul who craves silence yet adores having TONS of people in my home. Daily I am in awe of the God who has given me so much – an incredible husband and child who encourage, inspire, and adore me in addition to the abundant life He has given me through Christ. All I want is to live in a way that pleases and brings honor to Him.

2. Flashback: you’re a senior in high school and you’re wearing your favorite outfit today. Describe your “look.”

That would be tight-rolled jeans with keds and a popped collar shirt … HUGE hair (thank you Aqua Net!) and probably a little too much make-up.

3. What is your favorite “fun” thing to do?

I’m pretty simple … we like Family Movie Nights and going to the theater to see whatever the latest kids movie is. But I also love seeing musicals & plays. Basically, I am content to do anything with my husband and/or child. On my own, I am a reader, no a CONSUMER of books. I devour them.

4. What is your most dreaded household task and why?

Definitely dusting. I hate to dust. We have so much “stuff” (and we like it that way) that has to be moved in order to dust. I put it off as long as I can. Please come visit me … but leave your white gloves at home!!

5. What is your favorite thing to do with your daughter?

Casiday & I love to watch the girly Disney movies … any girly movie really. We also like getting our nails done and going to look at jewelry and purses. We scrapbook together.

6. You have babysitting for the whole day on a Saturday – what will you and your husband do?

Let’s see … sleep in! Then go get breakfast and shop … maybe see a movie or maybe go home and watch a movie. We’re pretty fortunate with only one child who is nine that we get a lot of days like this … between slumber parties and people who volunteer to keep the girl, we have been blessed with lots of husband/wife time! I am so thankful for that.

7. What are three other blogs that you enjoy reading, and why?

Three? That’s far too few …. Okay, here goes … Michael Hyatt’s blog is one I read daily because I am working on a book and want to get as much insight as I can into the process of getting it published. I also love (in)courage because they have several writers who always challenge me and inspire me. And … I have a group of bloggers that I adore and read daily – because they encourage and teach me … Run the Earth, Watch the Sky, Heart for Him, A Life In Need of Change, and Argyle and Apricots. These four women are the ones who help me sort ideas, write when I can’t, and keep me grounded. Don’t know what I’d do without them! {Sorry that was more than 3 … but that last group HAD to be mentioned!} [we'll forgive you.] :)

8. How long have you been blogging, and what motivated you to start blogging?

Pleasing to You is my fourth attempt at blogging. I started in 2007 and it took until March 2009 to “find my voice” so to speak. Once I figured out that I really wanted to share what God was showing me in daily life and quit worrying that no one else would read it, I found out that I felt more free and actually had people who did read … and were blessed and in turn became rich blessings to me!

9. What five words would you use to describe your blog?

Fun, encouraging, challenging, honest, and (I hope) pleasing-to-God (I hyphenated so it would be just one word. Is that cheating?) [Maybe a little] :)

10. Freebie: anything about yourself or your blog that you want to share!

I often say I’m just a girl who loves the Lord and wants to live in a way that is pleasing to Him … and that’s really the whole point of my life and my blog. It’s not so much about the journey of life but about WHO I’m walking beside … and I’m learning that as I walk with Him, He teaches me and gives me the privilege of sharing that with others. What a joy for this girl who never dreamed she’d be useful to God.

Wow – it has been a long time since I did a Saturday blogger spotlight!

Today I’d like to introduce you to a dear blog friend that I wish I knew in real life! Sandra and I have been following each other’s blogs for quite a while, and I have always thought we had a LOT in common. Enjoy our chat and then check out one ore more of her three blogs!!

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1. Tell us about yourself in 3 sentences or less!
I am a pastor’s wife and mom to two sweet and active boys! We are southern transplants now living and ministering in Pennsylvania. I love finding things to celebrate and learn every day!

2. Flashback: you’re a senior in high school and you’re wearing your favorite outfit today. Describe your “look.”
Oversized flannel shirt tucked into my jeans, brown belt, and comfortable shoes. My overall look would probably be described as comfortable. It was just school after all, nothing to get too excited about!

3. What is your favorite “fun” thing to do?
Read! My goal this year is to read 52 books and I’m at 39! Right now I’m reading Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is? by one of my seminary professors, Dr. Kostenberger.

4. What is your most dreaded household task and why?
Laundry. Didn’t even have to think twice about that answer! I don’t think it should be considered just one task though. You have to carry to the laundry room sort, wash, dry, carry out of the laundry room, hang, fold, and put away. That’s why it takes me days to finish! Kristi and I have lamented many times on Twitter about having to tackle “laundry mountain!”

5. What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?
Read books, followed closely by play outside. It’s fascinating to me what two boys can find to get into outside!

6. You have babysitting for the whole day on a Saturday – what will you and your husband do?
Probably go somewhere around here we’ve never been before. Maybe down to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to walk around, shop, and eat somewhere great! We love to eat out!

7. What are three other blogs that you enjoy reading, and why?
Oh that’s a tough one- for preschool/homeschool ideas, Homeschool Creations is my favorite. I also love True Woman by Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss. And for commentary on politics, culture, and similar topics, I like Rod Dreher- Crunchy Con.

8. How long have you been blogging, and what motivated you to start blogging?
I started blogging after my first son was born, Oct. 2005. That blog no longer exists, but I started our family blog after my second son was born, Oct. 2007. It has evolved from just being a way to keep the grandparents up to date to a way for me to organize our preschool activities and projects around the house. My ministry site, Heart for Him, gives me a way to use that M. Div I worked so hard to get! Then I added Today’s Housewife, a blog I do with friends based on Prov. 14:1, the idea that the wise woman builds her house. We discuss a topic each week related to marriage, parenting, ministry, or homemaking!

9. What five words would you use to describe your blog?
I hope my ministry blog is encouraging, educational, honest, helpful and honoring to God!

10. Freebie: anything about yourself or your blog that you want to share!
I have two blog goals- encourage women to grow in godliness and strengthen your church’s women’s ministry! I’d love for you to stop by and click around. You can also follow me on Twitter @HeartforHim!