SaneMom Jerri agreed to be our first Spotlight mom, and I’m excited to be able to share her story with you! I hope you enjoy getting to know her :)
(If you want to be featured next, please shoot me an email!)
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What was your life like before you became a mom? Interests, job, intentions, etc.
Before I became a mom, my main focus was my job and my marriage. I was young and excited. My husband and I got married while I was still in college. Then right after college, I went to work for a not-for-profit raising money to help children with medical needs. I loved it and it became my life for 10 years. Other than work and spending time with my husband I didn’t have too many other interests. I never was one to think too far into the future so I didn’t have any big plans for my life. I did want to have children but was not in any hurry.
Tell us a little bit about becoming a mom … how many kids, when, how you felt about it?
After being married for five years, I became a mom. I was a little scared. Growing up I was never around too many children. My childhood was spent around people usually a lot older than me. When I found out I was pregnant I was scared that I wouldn’t be a good mom. Scared we couldn’t afford to raise a child. I also was very involved in my career. At the time I didn’t want to be a stay at home mom. Probably because I was young and I had really grown professionally and personally in my job. I have one child. She is 11 years old this week! I cannot believe how fast the time has flown by. I love her so much! She is my purpose. I don’t always get to spend as much time wit her as I want, but we are very close. She’s my girl! J I only had one child. I always felt I was too busy with my career that it wouldn’t be fair to have another child and not be at home.
What’s been the most difficult change for you since having kids?
The most difficult change? Hmmm, that is really hard to answer. If you had asked me that 10 years ago it might have been easier. I don’t know except maybe having a little quiet time to myself. As you can tell, I am writing this early in the morning while every one is still sleeping.
If you work “for money” what do you do? How does it fit? Love it/hate it/have to/want to?
Life is amazing, isn’t it! Who would have thought after working for a children’s not-for-profit for 10 years that I would be doing what I’m doing now. I am a full-time insurance sales agent. I have been an insurance agent for almost a year now. The great thing about my current “job” is that I have great benefits and my hours can be a little flexible. Especially since, as a mom, I am the one that takes my daughter to doctors appointments, etc.
I also have two work at home jobs. Recently, I became a coach for Beachbody. It is a fitness and wellness company. Our main goal is to help stop the obesity crisis in America. I personally need to get healthier, but we do have a real problem in this country with obesity. My second one is my newest endeavor. I love it! I am a consultant with a company called Blessings Unlimited. Our mission is to “Pursue the heart of God and bring blessings to others.” This is what I needed. I have wanted to have a part in ministry. I had no idea what or how because I am so new in my Christian walk. But I felt that all of us need to have HOPE. We are in the middle of a tough economy, a volatile political world and I feel people are so unsure of the times and their life. This company gives me a chance to share God’s love through home parties called “Gatherings” and to offer beautiful home décor and gifts with a message of hope.
What’s your morning routine?
Recently, my morning routine has changed for the better. I get up between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., spend approximately 30 minutes in a Bible study or prayer time. Drink my coffee, take a shower and start working on getting my daughter up. (Always a difficult task during the week. It’s amazing how she gets up on time, by herself on Saturday and Sunday!) Then we rush out the door. I drop her off at school at 7:50 a.m. and have to be at work by 8:30 a.m.
Who do you talk to when you’re at your wits end?
When I am at my wits end, I usually talk to God and my mom. I have to say, my mom is my best friend!
What do you do to keep from reaching your wits end?
Pray! I also try to spend a few minutes doing something I enjoy or just keep myself too busy.
What’s your favorite indulgence?
My favorite indulgence…. Hmmm. I love Starbucks Mocha’s or just about anything chocolate. Other than that, spending time with friends.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years? That is a hard question. Like I said earlier, it is so hard for me to think very far in the future. However, I see myself debt free and working from home.
What’s the last book you read?
That is a funny question. I haven’t read much over the last couple of years. Except, I had to take vacation the week after Christmas. It was so cold and I was kind of bored so I read six books. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen were just two of them. It was actually really relaxing to take the time to read.
I have just recently finished Dave Ramsey’s Money Makeover. I highly recommend this book. I also enjoy reading Jack Canfield’s 12 Success Principles.
What’s one thing that most people would never guess about you?
I am not sure. I am sort of an open book.