Welcome to Bildirimlerim; I am delighted you decided to visit.
My name is Rita Joy, though I prefer just calling myself “Rita” on this platform.
I am also a big hugger, so be prepared—if you seem friendly at my door, I will certainly give you a neck hug!
Given my short stature, I decided to keep this brief introduction concise using simple bullet points. Here they are:
My Youth
- My upbringing took place on the Montana prairies; the vast blue sky and prairie sunsets remain deeply cherished.
- As the youngest of five siblings, my brothers and sisters were quite inventive to coax me down to the chilling basement of our old farmhouse for ice cream.
- My small hometown had a very spirited school athletics program, but I possessed no athletic talent. Consequently, my favorite extracurricular activity was making ice cream cones at the Tastee Hut.
- In my basement cedar chest, I still keep my blue and gold High School cheerleading uniform, complete with fringed bloomers and “Longhorns” knee socks; I often wonder how I ever managed to fit into it!
University Days
- I earned a Bachelors Degree in Religious Education from Prairie Bible College, initially considering a career in teaching, but my greatest aspiration became being a wife and mother.
- I met my husband within a college touring choir. It wasn't a sudden lightning strike or instant certainty, yet I am so grateful for our union; this year marks our 25th anniversary.
Motherhood's Journey
- After thoughtfully selecting three beautiful girls' names, God blessed us with three boys, and I am immensely thankful for this; I wouldn't change a thing.
- When I was expecting the third child, many inquired if I hoped for a girl; initially, I did, but deep down, I truly desired another boy.
- It feels like only yesterday I was navigating sleepless nights with crying infants and hectic days chasing speedy toddlers, yet my little boys have grown up!
- Our youngest is now in Grade 10, and soon our home will feel empty! {Gasp!}
{For more personal family and ministry details, I have started a blog here.}
For the last 24 years, we have been fortunate to live and serve at a Christian camp located on an island in beautiful British Columbia.
{The residence shown in that picture is where we call home…}
Blogging Adventures
- A good friend encouraged me to begin this blog 3 years ago; I was initially unsure of what to do! I quickly realized I loved it. I didn't plan meticulously but rather wrote as if sharing coffee with a friend. Topics varied, but most often focused on renovating our cherished old house, which I adore. Here are some reader favorites of before & after rooms in our house:
- Aside from repainting whole rooms or converting the Dining Room into an office, I enjoy smaller, swift craft and DIY projects. Check out a few examples:
- Occasionally, I create video tutorials, which usually make me laugh heartily, so view with caution! ;) For the complete collection of funny videos, visit my YouTube channel here.
I hope this small Bildirimlerim blog offers encouragement, inspiration, and blessings to you amidst life's challenges.
Wishing you abundant blessings today, dear friend; please feel free to return for another visit!
Rita Joy
**Credit for every family photograph goes to the wonderful Amanda O’Brennan Photography.**
