About Mom

Convincing my little brother Ben to break my sister's egg (science project) by telling him she wanted him to.

I remember a stained glass window in a church. Years later, I saw it again in a deja vu moment.

Middle children never get in trouble 😈

I remember getting into trouble after convincing my little brother to break my sister's egg science project by throwing it on the floor. I told him "she waaaaants you to." We were caught. I put the egg in Ben's hand and made his hand throw it onto the tile. Why? I don't remember. But it was dramatic and worth a reallllllly good time-out.

Veterinarian!

I've always wanted to take a road trip along or through the Rocky Mountains. As far as why we haven't, there are a few reasons. The great news is, I will still do this one day with Sam!

Honestly, I can't think of anything.

My parents were great at so many things. They especially have always been great at setting realistic expectations, boundaries, and explaining the "why" to us if we ever got ourselves into trouble. They are amazing parents.

Besides my parents, I always looked up to the Ochoa’s and their whole family. That stands true even today.

The road trip with Sam in a loop between Ft. Worth, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and the southern states. I'm a planner but, for that trip, we only knew the day we were leaving and the day we would be back home. Everything in between was whatever we wanted to do and when. It was amazing.

My wedding day was exactly what I hoped for. I was able to prepare and celebrate with my best friends, who both travelled in from very far away, and got the main two things I wanted: 1) Walked down the aisle by my Daddy and 2) Standing next to and saying my vows to Sam. We were extremely blessed that day by both families and our friends. I snagged me a great hubby 🥰

That they know they are loved, that they learn more good than bad habits from their parents. That they become people who want to support the world around them using whatever gifts God has granted them. That they find a passion, they aren't afraid to pursue their goals, and that we are able to support them to the best of our ability for as long as we can.

Social skills and confidence in myself for sure. I’m super proud of the hoodie days though.

A quiet and early cold morning with a cup of coffee in hand sipping and sitting on a porch in the mountains on a chilly day with a hoodie or sweater on while also wearing a blanket kind of day. Quick breakfast with the family. I'd love a hike in the woods later with Sam while the weather is still cool. Dinner may be grilling or something over a fire pit with the family while we all visit and just enjoy the day. Oh, and no cell service.

Not at all! First of all, weren't people over the age of 25 supposed to "have it all together"? That childhood myth was changed pretty quickly. I've not known where I may work or live or be doing at this time of my life. One constant I've looked to is being wherever "there" is with Sam.

At 13 - take the extracurriculars you want. Say the joke. Make the friend you want to be friends with. Share what hobbies you want to try. If you embarrass yourself, honestly, it’s more in your head. You’re going to be fine.

At 20 - this path is going to take a while but, it’s so worth it. Get the bike and ride more. You know you want to. Also, hug your boyfriend a lot. He’s going to make an amazing future hubby and Dad. If you think he works hard now, just wait and see. He’s a good one.

me.

Mashed potatoes

Canned spinach

No idea. (mom says, "dada.")

I can’t recall a favorite but, had many stuffed rabbit dolls. I have a tiny stuffed cat doll that lives in my car now. He’s our road trip mascot. His name is Meep.