Terri is a friend to all that she meets. She is always smiling and willing to lend an ear. Her kids are super sweet and have their mother's talent of making you feel special and loved. We both are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I had the privilege of teaching her kids songs in Primary. Her children would always sing their best and would give me a hug at any opportunity. She is a good friend so I wanted to know more about her.
N: Could you tell me a bit about yourself?
T: I am a stay at home mom to 3 rambunctious kids ages 4, 6 & 8 and a wife to an amazing rambunctious man. We met while I was living with a friend and her husband. We were married 8 months later. I am a "Coastie Wife". This is what you are called if you are married to someone who is in the Coast Guard. We have been married for 10 years. It's been a great experience meeting new people (although it takes me a while to get to know people because I am not outgoing when it comes to making friends, but I'm getting better with this whole moving every 3-5 years.)
T: I am passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I had a wild streak when I moved out of my mom's house that lasted about 3 years. I know personally what it feels like to not have the Holy Ghost with you. Ever since coming back to church, my life has changed tremendously--not only mine, but my husbands as well.
N: What was a defining moment in your life?
T: My daughter's blessing day. This is the day that changed my life! The opening song in sacrament meeting was "Families Can Be Together Forever". Tears streamed down my face. They continued through her whole blessing. That day I told my husband that I was going to go back to church. I knew it was where I needed to be!
N: What are the best and worst things about being a Coastie wife? What was your favorite place to live?
T: Best: Getting to see new places... even though we met here in Oregon, transferred to Kodiak, Alaska, and then transferred back to here.. so I haven't been to many places! But.. Alaska was amazing! And going to a new ward and making new life long friends.
Worst: Having your husband away from you. In Alaska, he would have to be gone anywhere from 1-3 months at a time out in the Bering Sea on a boat... not being able to talk to him on the phone every day was hard! He could only call while he was in port. But I looked forward to a daily email from him, even if it was just "I'm OK!"
So far, I'd have to say Alaska--like I said... I haven't been to many places yet.. But... Kodiak is BEAUTIFUL! And lots of things to do with little kiddos! It's a great place to raise young kids, and there are so many people who are far away from their families that you just become one big family!
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| Kodiak, Alaska |
N: I know you must have some fun stories about your kids. Could you tell me some of them?
T: M has always been a sweetheart to be around. We lived next door to my grandparents when she was a baby, until she turned one. When we transferred to Kodiak, my grandpa missed her so much, he would look through her pictures every day and they'd always put a smile on his face! We were able to visit one last time before he passed away, and while she was there, you wouldn't even know that he wasn't feeling well!
We are learning a lot of new things about B since he has started school! This year, he's decided that he likes running laps a whole bunch! Since school started on September 6th, with only 4 day school weeks, he has already ran 87 miles!
E is by far our most challenging child so far... But he's a lot of fun too! He's funny... whenever he's looking at something, he shouts out the first thing that comes to mind. We were looking through an oriental trading magazine when he was three... he saw a costume and said "That's what I want to be for Halloween... an Octopus Butt!" First of all... why would anyone want to be an octopus butt for halloween??? Second... it was an alien!
N: They are so fun! What advice would you give other military wives?
T: Try not to get frustrated with your husband's job... because he's probably frustrated with it more than you, and then having you frustrated as well puts more stress on him!!! Make sure he knows you are thankful for him and that you love him!
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| I think he knows that Terri is thankful for him! |
N: What are some of the ways that your life has changed for the better since coming back to church?
T: The most important is having A join the church, and being able to go to the temple to be sealed together forever! I'm healthier... making better choices! Being a good example to my kids!
N: Terri, thank you so much for sharing your life with me. You are not only a good example to your kids but to me and all that you meet.
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