Welcome everyone! It’s that time of the week where we spotlight a mean mom. Today our spotlight is shining on a military wife and homeschooling mother of four from Yuma, Arizona, Kella Price!
Kella, would you say you’re a “mean mom” or a “marshmallow mom”?
I would have to say a Mean Mom. I ‘m very Type A. Combined with having 4 active boys who have come from no structure in their environment, I work based on schedules. I have a lot of rules or guidelines for my boys–based on Christian values–but they’d probably call me strict. Our values are based on the Bible and 10 Commandments. I am trying to raise them up to be men of God who will eventually be self-sufficient, and ultimately, awesome husbands and fathers.
Has being a mom changed the way you look at God?
Being a mom has DEFINITELY changed my relationship with God – I pray A LOT more than I ever did before. Mothering and having a relationship with God reminds me it’s not about YOU…it’s about how you can help someone else (In this case, how you can help prepare your children for a life with Christ?). My husband and I struggled with infertility, and at the time, we didn’t understand God’s plan. Only later, when these 4 precious gifts came into our life, did we understand God’s direction. He had a bigger plan.
Is there a mom in your life who encourages you? Why?
I have so much support from my military family. Many of my mom-friends encounter the same challenges I have. If I am having a bad day or struggling, I reach out to one of my friends. I always feel SO MUCH better after I talk to them. Their laundry is overflowing also. Their child couldn’t find their soccer uniform or one of their cleats…just like my kids. One of their kids had a temper tantrum today. I realize we are in the same situation–these challenges aren’t because I am a failure as a mom or wife.
I also have great support through the Women’s Enrichment Ministry program at our base chapel. We meet weekly to study God’s word, pray, and give each other support. The studies we select (recently Beth Moore’s Esther study and Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer) have been helpful in challenging me as a Christian, growing my faith, and giving me parenting tools to be successful. I love the prayer time with these wonderful women and look forward to it every week!
Kella, do you have a favorite scripture verse for your mothering journey?
How do you keep your husband/marriage a priority?
My husband works a lot, so when he’s home, he is torn between children, doing household projects, and spending time with me. We try to spend a half hour every evening together, without the kids. We also commit regular date nights. We’ve been married for 16 years, and we’ve found that keeping these times together enjoying each other’s company–not talking about challenges we’re having with the kids, or work, or things that need to be done–but truly talking about things we enjoy and working on our relationship, makes our relationship stronger. It takes work to keep communicating and sharing, and when you do this, you honor your spouse and your marriage.
Great advice, Kella! Tell us, do you have a book that’s encouraged your mothering journey?
I love the devotional Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker. The advice in the book is very sound and Biblically-based…and she is funny too! It also gives great challenges each day.
What websites do you go to for help/encouragement?
I really like the Unveiled Wife blog. It doesn’t necessarily address raising children. The focus is working on your marriage and relationship with your spouse. I find that when my husband and I are communicating well, it carries over to the children and they way they communicate.
I also have a friend, Lara Dinsmore, who writes a blog called The Farmer’s Wife Tells All. As a homeschooling and adoptive mom, I can relate to many of her experiences and advice.
I LOVE asking moms this question: What is the legacy you want to leave your children?
I want to leave the legacy of giving. Giving to others, including those who are in need in the community, is so important. I want my kids to grow up looking for opportunities to serve others. We regularly make bags for the homeless, which have snacks, water, and toiletries, as well as a little prayer for them. My kids are always looking for people as we travel around town to give the bags to. We participate in fundraisers for a variety of different charities on a regular basis. Additionally, we’ve volunteered at the mission and food bank as a family. My oldest two boys have already been on mission trips. I hope their desire to be involved in making the world a better place will continue as they grow into young adults.
Isn’t this an adorable photo of her and her hubby? I’m partial to the USMC. My dad is a former Marine and my daughter was born on the Marine Corp Birthday–OhhRah! Anyone know what day of the year that falls on?
Dr. Kella B. Price, SPHR, CPLP is CEO of Price Consulting Group. She regularly posts via twitter: @kellaprice and authored Twitter for Trainers, QR Codes for Trainers, More than 111 Twitter Twips, and QR Codes Made EZ. She is also a contributing writer for T&D magazine’s Learning Blueprint column. She is also a fitness and nutrition coach with Beachbody and a homeschool mom for her four boys, ages 6,7,10 and 15 and resides in Yuma, AZ with her Marine F-35 pilot, John and their “zoo” of animals (3 dogs, 2 indoor cats, outdoor cats, 2 turtles, 2 desert tortoises, and a rabbit)…and in the process of adding chickens for the fresh eggs!
You can follow Kella around the internet in lots of ways. Take your pick!
Kella Price Fitness – http://goo.gl/QM9lrs
Intstagram: http://goo.gl/LN54Ly
Pinterest: http://goo.gl/1CpCh6
Google+: http://goo.gl/uhWk0S
More than 111 Twitter Twips: http://goo.gl/F4v6xr
QR Codes Made EZ: http://goo.gl/h9BCxh
Twitter: http://goo.gl/dxffQg
Facebook http://goo.gl/VILs4F ***When you follow Kella on FB, make sure to check out her LIVE quotes from The Mean Mom’s Guide, you’ll get to see two of her adorable fellas, too!
Price Consulting Group http://goo.gl/WB8Bhu
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