I’m a wife to an awesome, gun-slinging, truck-driving, motorcycle-riding, tattoo-wearing, hard-working, God-fearing man, named Brian. We have been married for 20 years, though I doubt anyone believed we’d make it past 2! Our shared love of sarcasm, coupled with our faith, and unique sense of humor, has attributed to our ongoing love for one another.
Not to mention our sheer determination to prove everyone wrong!
My dad used to joke that we truly must be soul mates, because there is no one else in all the world able to put up with his antics like me. Likewise, there is no one else in all the world who could possibly put up with my stubbornness, like him.
He truly is my best friend.
Aside from being a wife, I am also a mother to 8 ridiculously AMAZING children, and a grandmother to 2 beautiful princesses.
Yes, I AM old enough! 😉
My family is my world! Sure, they drive me crazy from time to time, but what “normal” family doesn’t have their ups and downs? Am I right?!
I take my role as a parent seriously. I am raising up arrows to send forth into the world, and I want them to hit their mark. They must be strong, confident and brave! World-changers, peacemakers, truth-tellers, and justice-keepers. Sharers of love and givers of light.
I want them to know WHOSE they are, and that through Him, they can do all things.
My children are my favorite gift, my greatest challenge, my purest joy, and my highest calling.
I cannot imagine my life without them. I am blessed beyond measure.
Our family lives in the little ‘ol town of Enumclaw, Washington. (Where everyone knows everyone). And I love it! Here, we live on 5 acres, accompanied by a handful of chickens, and our mouser cat. We are surrounded by trees, lakes and mountains. It is a beautiful place for this nature-loving girl to call home.
Some of my other loves~
I love to write, (hence this blog).
I’m an avid reader, a serious coffee-drinker, and an average homemaker.
Turquoise is my favorite color. Seriously y’all. You should see my home decor!
I genuinely enjoy all four seasons, but I am especially fond of the sun! (Maybe because we don’t get much of it here in the PNW). I could sit outside on a sunny day, and soak up those rays all day long. Precious food for the soul.
I love to explore the great outdoors. My family does this often, (though not often enough), through regular camping, hiking, and day trips. There’s nothing quite like God’s creation!
I have a renewed love for cooking and trying new recipes, (thanks to Pioneer Woman and Trisha Yearwood). What once was lost, now is found! And my family all said, AMEN!
Beyond all of that, I love spending time with family and friends. Relationships are so important, and equally important is the time we make to nurture them. Whether we’re simply hanging out at the house, playing games, having family dinner night, or BBQ’ing in the summertime, spending quality time with family and friends is a favorite pastime!
And I LOVE me some Jesus! Where would I possibly be without Him? He has has carried me from the time of my birth, until now. He has loved me, forgiven me, shepherded me, guided me, protected me, taught me, and nurtured me all my life.
He’s my favorite, and I owe everything I am to Him.
I imagine you’ll read a lot about Him through these pages.
That about sums it up. I’m so glad that you are here, joining me on this journey!
As always, feel free to leave your comments. I love connecting with people, and look forward to hearing from you!
This is a FUN introduction Rachel! Nice to meet you via your blog! I read the post on the home page about lurking danger while we sleep……… You are a GOOD writer! I hope you keep it up, and have a wonderful rich journey. YOU must be an amazing woman to have 8 kids, be teaching them about Jesus, and to have made your marriage work all these years. I have been married to my husband for 22, but we have only two children. I can imagine how hard you work just to take care of your own.
I blog at Grandma Mary Martha.
Nice to meet you, Tammy!
Thank you for the kind words about my writing. I ave always loved to write, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered it was more than just a passion of mine, it is indeed a gift that God has given me “for such a time as this.”
Stewarding my large family can be overwhelming at times, but it is a blessing, and it requires me to consistently lean on God’s grace! 😉
It is nice to make your acquaintance via the world wide web. I look forward to visiting your blog!
Blessings! <3
Hi Rachel,
Came across your blog through the Wise Women link-up and even added a few to your link-up!
Great intro – perhaps it’s my eyes – I could only see 7. It just occurred to me that perhaps the missing child was taking the photo!
I come from a family with 7 children which used to cause people to open their eyes in surprise! You probably get that all the time.
I like what you said about them: “I am raising up arrows to send forth into the world, and I want them to hit their mark.”
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Carol! Nope, you’re eyes are not deceiving you- there’s only 7 of my arrows pictured here. This pic was taken before #8 was born. Guess it’s time to update, huh? It’s ridiculously hard to get my family to take family portraits, so it doesn’t happen very often! It sounds like you may be able to relate. 😉
Thanks for visiting today! Happy to connect with you!
You had me in tears today as I read through your pages on depression. Thank you SO much for your honesty and well written advise based on the Bible. I am just getting to know you but I already love you. I swear I am not a weirdo. 😉