As I’ve been doing this feature, it has made me realize how connected we can feel to each other even though we are strangers.  Obviously, in some cases, random online friendships can be a bad thing, but I love the opportunity to observe good people out there living good lives.  It reinforces my faith in humanity, my hope for the next generation, and a sense of widespread community.  Today, I get to introduce you to Laurie, who I have “known” for a couple years simply through blogging.  I am still trying to figure out why in the world I have so many readers who are homeschoolers.  They are all such fabulous women who impress me so much with all they are able to accomplish, and I’m a little baffled about their draw to my blog.  My best guess is the mothering piece, and how so many of us value the same things.  Anyway, meet one more fabulous woman out there in Blogworld:  Laurie.

My name is Laurie, and I’m a 29-year-old, stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. I have 3 little girls that keep me plenty busy! We live in Arizona – which means we’ll be going on a road trip to cooler weather for most of July and August! 🙂

I’ve lived in the same city my entire life. In fact, I’ve only lived in 3 houses – where I grew up, an apartment for the first 4 years of marriage, and our current home for 4 years. I’m the youngest of 7, and yes, I was the spoiled youngest child. 🙂  I’m proud to say that I have a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Child Development – although the first half of my college life was dedicated to Early Childhood Education. I went to school while I had my first baby. (I had a test the next week!) And I graduated when she was 15 months old. I was also about 2 months pregnant with baby number two! I don’t mean to brag about it, but that’s probably the one thing I’m most proud of in my life. Next to my family, of course. 🙂  And it just happened to be the PERFECT education for becoming a homeschooling mom later on!

What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

My favorite part of motherhood is being their when they discover new things. It’s so cool to watch their little minds think, and to see the light bulb go on in their heads! Putting babies to sleep is also a favorite. I love to just look at their peaceful little faces.

Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

This is definitely a wish that probably won’t become reality, but I’d really like to travel the world and photograph all of the temples. I love photography, and I especially love photographing temples. A related bucket-list item would be to actually go INSIDE all of the temples. Again, both of these would take forever, so maybe I’ll just have to settle with the first 20. That would be all the ones dedicated before I was born, so that’d be cool!

Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

Like most of you, this is a hard one for me. But when Stephanie asks, you obey! 🙂

Let’s see… First would be the piano. I started playing when I was 6, and I absolutely love it. I wish I would make more time for it, but being a mom always seems to crowd in! But that’s probably how it should be at this phase of my life. It’ll gain a larger time slot when I don’t have a baby in my lap 24 hours a day.

Something else I’m good at is covering my walls with quotes! Seriously, I have at least 25 index cards taped to my office wall at this very moment.

The last one I’ll mention is that I’m pretty good at becoming friends with little kids. My dream calling is nursery. (I know! A few of you probably just fell out of your chairs.) But seriously, I LOVE little kids. And for some reason, they seem to love me back. It makes me feel so special when someone’s baby just walks right up to me and wants me to pick them up! 🙂

 Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why?

My favorite scripture of all time is D&C 64:33. It says:

 “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”

I have this plastered all over my walls! (It’s even taped on the wall facing the toilet!) This scripture keeps me going on those crazy days. Whenever I feel like pulling my hair out, this reminds me that all the little things really are adding up, and that I shouldn’t give up. It’s like that talk (by Elder Bednar??) about all the tiny brush strokes that make up a beautiful masterpiece in the end.

 What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

The computer is my downfall. But when I discipline myself enough to not check my email one more time, I love to read. Classics are my favorite. Books like Anne of Green Gables and Ballet Shoes. I also really love books about child development.

What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend?

Not that I don’t want people to know this, but I just don’t go around pointing it out. But my “something” is that I have a NEED to serve. I’m not happy unless I’m serving people. Friends that I’ve lost in the past were people who really didn’t need me. I didn’t feel like I had a place in their world, because they didn’t need me to help them in any way. My best friends are those who will let me help them whenever I can, and who will also help ME whenever I need it.

 Friends are great for venting.  What’s been frustrating you lately?

Oh, where do I begin? It’s actually been a VERY long week for me and my 7-year-old. Our family is in the process of moving (back to my childhood home), and she’s definitely taking the whole process the hardest. I love her dearly, but if she slams the door one more time, I just might throw it in the dumpster! I understand that she’s just venting her fears and insecurities, but moms have fears and insecurities, too. It’s hard dealing with my own stuff AND hers. You know?

 What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

This year, I’ve learned a lot about repentance and forgiveness and the Atonement. My testimony of the Atonement has grown exponentially as I’ve had people in my life forgive me without showing any resentment afterwards. I never truly understood forgiveness before. I don’t think I was ever able to truly forgive myself for things. Even little things. I would beat myself up for past stuff all the time. But through a loving relative, I learned a LOT about the Atonement and about forgiveness. I have a strong testimony of the Atonement and what it can do for us if we’ll just let it!

Let’s say you’re dying in your sleep tonight.  What would you eat for your last meal?

The Grilled Chicken Salad at Texas Roadhouse – with no onions, no tomatoes, and bleu cheese dressing. Of course, it would have to include Cheese Fries for an appetizer, and their awesome rolls with cinnamon butter. 🙂

What homemaking job/task gives you the most satisfaction?

I think laundry would be the winner. (I’m pretty sure Stephanie just fell out of her chair!) But seriously, I love it when the huge heap of dirty clothes disappears. Not that I’m great at putting it all away, though. Maybe that’s why I love it so much when it IS all put away. I don’t have laundry baskets of clean clothes all over my bedroom, and my girls can actually find their own clothes in their OWN rooms! That’s the satisfying part. When I don’t have to hurdle over all the laundry baskets.

 If you were in charge of a girls’ night out, what kind of activity would you love to plan?

I would love to plan a game night! I love playing board games, but we hardly ever do because my husband got sick of losing. (I can’t help it if I’m good!) But seriously, we have a whole game CLOSET – full of games we hardly ever play. 😦  I’d love to play Scattegories or Scotland Yard with a group of awesome ladies!

What are you loving lately?

Lark Rise to Candleford. Seriously, I’m in LOVE. (Does anybody else think Laura should have ended up with Fisher Bloom??) Thank goodness for fans who put the WHOLE series on YouTube. (Start here.) I highly recommend it. The blend of characters is wonderful!

 Tell us about your blog.

My main blog – the one where I spill whatever’s in my brain – is private. But you’re more than welcome to email me (ldslaurie@gmail.com) for an invite! But I also have two public blogs. Unfortunately, they’ve both been badly neglected. But maybe after the move, I’ll be able to update them more.

Anyway, the first one is I Have a Testimony. It’s kind of my testimony journal. It’s also where I post church videos that inspire me.

The second one is I’m Just a Girl with a Camera. I started that one just before life went into warp speed, so it’s REALLY being neglected. But I started it when I realized that ALL of my hobbies involved my children. I wanted to get back to one of my pre-children hobbies. It’s fun looking for opportunities to photograph things that may have otherwise slipped past unnoticed.

Thank you, Laurie, so much for participating.  Feel free to leave a comment for Laurie here or at one of her blogs to say hello and share what’s common between you.  Believe it or not, we have not run out of wonderful women in the world, so we’ll be back again next week.  Have a great weekend!

Today I get to introduce you to one of my favorite people I’ve met through blogging.  Becky and I blog-visited for quite a while before we actually met you each other last year, and I immediately liked her.  She is down-to-earth, funny, and has a deep heart and mind.  Once you get to know Becky, I’m convinced it’s impossible to not like her.  Here’s Becky:

First, an ode to Stephanie:

Okay, after sitting at my computer for several minutes, it is apparent I can’t write an ode. Shakespeare I am not. How about a haiku? They don’t even have to rhyme! Ahem.

The real Stephanie

Is as real as real can be

And she makes me laugh.

Okay, so I’m no good at poetry. How about this: I love Stephanie, and if you’re reading this, then you do, too. She’s down-to-earth, hilarious, and intensely spiritual to boot. I feel like I’m treading water whenever I read her blog. And when I met her, I was quite confident that we could have talked for a week straight if she hadn’tve gotten strep throat.

Reader, you have excellent taste. Good job.

So, have I put off writing about myself long enough? Yes? Okay. Let’s jump in.

Name: Becky. Code name: That Girl. Age: I’ll-be-thirty-in-less-than-a-month-and-I’m-super-excited-about-it. Blood type: O+.

Married nine years to my perfect companion, four boys under seven. Life rocks.

Grew up in Michigan, went to BYU, majored in Family Life Education with big dreams of teaching marriage prep, communications and conflict resolution, and parenting. Blogging is a great place to spout my ideals; then my listeners can just click off the page, rather than grow glassy-eyed in my presence.

After we’d been married for two years, my husband was transferred to Brazil for work. He’s a finance guy. We loved it, and two of our sons were born there. I blogged about it on The Misplaced Americans. We lived there for five wonderful years, then moved to Arizona for the past two. I love Arizona more than I ever thought possible (people probably get glassy-eyed about that, too ….)

I keep busy exercising, reading, writing, building Lego monstrosities, serving, monitoring foam sword fights, long bike rides, and recently learning to cook with a Sun oven.

I love my family. I love the gospel. I love carbs. That’s pretty much my life.

1. What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

Getting to know my children as people. Laughing at their jokes. Having the same interest in books. Appreciating their insight. I feel so incredibly honored that I get to be part of the process – and yet I feel like I’m not doing a dang thing, either. My kids are just naturally awesome, I think. (Note: I am not currently potty-training anyone …)

I’m also very partial to their toes.

2. What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?

Tcha. Laundry. No contest. And perhaps potty-training. (Although I could TOTALLY write a whole post just on how laundry is NOT part of motherhood. Anyone else agree?)

3. Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

Oh, gosh. Travel more. Europe in particular. I’d like to finish my kids’ scrapbooks some day. I have a goal to make quilts for all my grandchildren. Hot-air ballooning sounds fun. So does Lasik.

But I can’t die until I see all my children in the temple.

4. What are you loving lately?

Learning! We are told to “seek learning by study and also by faith,” but I never really knew how to apply that principle on a daily basis once I’d graduated from college. But I’m taking a class now that has really opened my mind, helping me see opportunities for growth in everything. It’s thrilling. I feel more alive than I have in a long, long time. It’s good to use my brain for more than memorizing Elmo’s latest CD.

I also think I’m finally starting to figure out this whole mothering thing. (My poor, poor first child….) I’ve calmed down a lot about things that used to send me over the edge. And I’m starting to understand my responsibilities as far as education is concerned. It’s overwhelming, but inspiring. I’m glad I don’t have to teach them alone!

5. What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

Reading. And compulsively checking my email.

Recently I found myself without any kids for a couple hours. Two were sleeping (and Grandma was home to watch them), one was at school and one was on a playdate. And once handed this private, unexpected luxury … I ran errands.

I’m so boring.

6.  What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

That The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Wholly and undoubtedly. I may not know how or why, and I may not know much, but I know it’s true. It is true and it is good.

7. Desert Island Question.  If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take 3 items with you, what would they be?

Am I allowed to bring my husband? No? Then mascara, a hygiene kit, and a library. I’m sneaky. ;o)

8. What homemaking job/task gives you the most satisfaction?

Hmmm. That’s a toughie. Really – if ANY part of my house is clean, I am most definitely satisfied. Be it the dishes, the bathroom, or yes, even the laundry – I get a bursting, bubbly feeling when it’s DONE.

Yes. Done-ness makes me happy. Doesn’t matter what it is. If it’s clean, I’m happy.

9. What’s something unexpected in your life, and how have you dealt with it?

Well, my parents got divorced last year. Not entirely unexpected, but most certainly unwanted. (“Sad” doesn’t really cut it here, does it?)

The end result was that my mother and little sister (she’s sixteen) have moved in with us. This has been … hard.

(Gosh, I need a thesaurus.)

At first it was not fun. Really, REALLY not fun. And I found myself “venting” all the time. But I had to learn that “venting” was really just “complaining,” and that I just plain felt worse afterward. I’ve stopped venting, and magically stopped being annoyed.

But please don’t ask about it, because I’m still in recovery from Venting Anonymous, and I don’t want to be tempted.

10. Tell us about your blog.

Well, I started the whole Blogging Thang way back in 2008. (I actually had to look that up. How sad is that?!) Back then, I was living in Brazil, and feeling mighty lonely for all things American. (Including friends. And Target.) So I started a blog. It kinda sorta took off, and eventually landed a job for my husband in the States. There was much rejoicing.

Now we’re back in the States, my blog lost more than half of its readers, and I’m thoroughly okay with that.

I’m pretty boring now. I talk about my kids. Our weekly dates. Attempts at organizing. Blah blah blah.  (You can find Becky’s blog at Pensievity.)

In addition to which, I’m taking a Summer Sabbatical from the blog, so this is kind of a hard time to get to know me through the internets. Read the Brazilian blog. I was way funnier then, and I had a lot more interesting things happen to me than, say, cleaning the garage.

11. Tell us some of your best mom-tricks  (things you’ve figured out that work well for you).

Routines. Deciding what’s important to you, and creating time to make it happen. I’m big on piano, reading, outings, friends, service, cleanliness, cooking. I’m not a fan of boredom and TV.

I also have a very strong testimony of snacks. And naptimes.

12. Give your best advice to a newlywed or expectant mom.

Don’t listen to all the advice!

No, really – decide what’s best for you and your family. Discuss. Talk. Communicate. (This includes prayer.) Then follow the inspiration you receive! We all get hung up on “right or wrong” ways of doing things. When to start cereal? Co-sleep or crib? Do we divide up household chores the way our parents did it? How often is it okay to have pancakes for dinner?

The answer is – there is no answer. Don’t worry about what your neighbor or your sister or your old college roommate is doing. Love your family unselfishly and unconditionally, and you won’t go wrong.

 Thank you Becky–  first, for participating in Find-a-Friend Friday, and second, for being so cool.  Go ahead and stick her blog in your reader list because you won’t regret it once she stops playing around all summer and picks the blog back up again.

Today I get to introduce you to Stacy.  I’ve seen her hopping around on my blog now for quite some time; I think it might even be years (am I right, Stacy?).  Except for my husband and a handful of dear friends, there aren’t many people willing to put up with me that long, so I love her for it.  It sounds silly to start out every one of these posts by trying to convince you how amazing/remarkable/extraordinary all these women are, but dagnabbit (where oh where did I learn that word?  Looney Toons?), they just are.  I’m so impressed with the caliber of women who come knocking on my blog’s door.  I mean, seriously, could you all stop being so awesome because it’s a little intimidating?  Case in point, meet Stacy:

My name is Stacy, I’ve been married to Tom for 11 years, and we have four kids- Abby, 9; Ashlynn who will be 8 in a few weeks and is thrilled to be getting baptized, Max who is 2 ½, and Ian, 6 months.  We live in a small-ish town outside of Salt Lake City, UT.  My husband has about four different job titles and descriptions, so we can just say that he’s an accountant and also in charge of deploying a huge software project, and I “stay home” with the kids.  (And we all know what a joke the staying home part is, right?)

I was born in Idaho, but moved to Utah when I was five and have been here ever since.  I have always been very involved in music, leaning to read music almost as soon as I was reading words.  I started playing the violin when I was 12, and majored in Violin Performance at the University of Utah.  I have since trained as a Suzuki violin teacher, and have a violin studio of 17 students- three 4-year olds, two adults, and just about everything in between. My oldest daughter also studies violin, my middle daughter plays piano, and negotiating lessons, practicing and performances with both of them takes up a big chunk of our time and energy.  There are many mornings where my seven-year-old is playing piano downstairs, my nine-year-old is practicing violin upstairs, and I’m on the middle floor, calling out practicing suggestions to both of them.

My husband and I were a singles’ ward cliché- we were engaged a week after our first date, and married four months later.  Our girls came to us fairly quickly, and because of their births, I developed a passion for birth and the more “crunchy” side of things.  It took a lot of fertility treatments and a late miscarriage to conceive our son, and during that long break, I trained as a doula and started attending births and assisting women in labor. It quickly developed into something I loved and am very passionate about.  Unfortunately, having four young kids isn’t exactly conducive to the “on-call” lifestyle that being a doula requires, and I’ve had to hang up my doula hat for a while.   I’m pretty big into a lot of the “natural parenting” ideals- we love breastfeeding, homebirthing, and we recently made the decision to pull our girls out of school next year and start a homeschooling journey.  I imagine this will contribute to a lot of fun, chaos, and interesting stories for the blog next year.  That is, if I can find time to sit down and write about them!

What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

I love watching my children turn into people– seeing them develop their own personalities along with their likes and dislikes.  It’s fascinating for me to remember them as tiny babies and then look to see the people that they have become. I love seeing my girls being friends, and loving and serving people around them without being told to.  One of my favorite things is when we get to have spontaneous gospel discussions because of questions one of the girls has asked– just last night in the middle of a very crazy dinner, my daughter asked a question about when Jesus created the earth, and right there in the middle of fish sticks we had the opportunity to strengthen everyone’s testimonies! I love cuddling with the kids, baby smiles and giggles, falling asleep next to one of my little boys, and lifting a freshly washed baby out of the bathtub.

What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?

The hours between 5-7pm where everyone in my house goes crazy at the same time.  I don’t mind the cooking, nursing the baby, getting everyone ready for dinner and negotiating homework, but I can’t handle doing them all at the same time.  And I really struggle with being patient when my daughters decide to sing every silly song they’ve learned in school at the top of their lungs while they’re supposed to be unloading the dishwasher.

Oh, and laundry.  All of it, from beginning to end.

Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

I would love to travel anywhere and everywhere- there are so many places all over the world that I would love to see and experience with my family.  I would love to serve at least one mission with my husband.  I want someday to be able to go back to doula work, and possibly go back to school and get a nursing degree.  And if we’re talking about really crazy dreams that you’ve never told anyone, I also would really love to be a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir someday.

Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

I’m really good at organizing, planning and carrying out events.  I recently planned a concert tour for a group of 40 violinists ages 8-14 and it went off without a hitch.  I’m a diligent, caring violin teacher, and I probably invest too much time and energy in my students.  I’m a good friend, and will do just about anything for people that I love.  I’m a passionate researcher and if something strikes me, I can research and read about it for hours on end.  I can also pull together a musical number for church that will probably make you cry in ten minutes flat.  (And I have to draw on this skill quite regularly!)

What are you loving lately?

I have two sets of kids- the older girls and the younger boys.  There’s a large space between the two sets, and I’m finding that I’m a much better, more relaxed parent this time around.  My boys make me laugh every day and have taught me not to take myself so seriously. I’m working hard to treasure every moment and every stage, because I realize that no matter how nasty the phase, it will pass soon enough.  (Even teething!)  I’m also loving the huge bunch of tulips that are finally blooming in my backyard, my son’s crazy head of blond curls, the promise of summer vacation, and an upcoming (free!) trip to Hawaii!

What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

Unscheduled time?  Really?  There is such a thing?  When I don’t have little kids climbing all over me, (and sometimes when I do,) I spend way too much time on the computer, reading blogs, researching my current obsessions, and doing nothing on Facebook.  I also love a good novel, being outside, and spending time talking my face off with friends while the kids run wild.

What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend?

I’m not always easy to get to know.  I’ll be friendly, and I’ll show you what’s on the surface, but it takes me some time to drop the sarcasm and really tell you what I’m thinking and feeling about things.  I work hard to make it look like I have it all together, but more often than not, I feel like things are about to fall apart!  I also have a really hard time picking up the phone and initiating conversations or activities, but crave time with my friends!

 Friends are great for venting.  What’s been frustrating you lately?

We moved into a tiny townhome almost three years ago, thinking it was a one, or at most, two-year solution.  Nearly three years and two more kids later, we have four kids in a two bedroom house.  We have been trying to rent our place and move into a new house with actual breathing room, but keep running into obstacles, dead ends, and frustrations.  We know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us and that we just need to wait for the pieces to fall into place, but being patient is hard when I’m tripping over my two-year-old in the kitchen for the 15^th time that day!

 What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

I know that we have a Savior that loves us unconditionally, and that we are so blessed to be able to repent when we make a mistake or fall short of our ideals.  I know that God is able to make so much more of our lives than we can, and though it may be frustrating, when we live righteously, He will use our situations, trials and frustrations to build a better life for us than we thought possible.  I know that Heavenly Father is aware of all of our dreams and hopes, and wants us to be happy.  I know that through doing all the small and simple things– scripture reading, prayer, FHE, etc, that we can be happy, no matter what chaos surrounds us.

Desert Island Question.  If you were stranded on a desert island (most moms would actually crave this) and could only take 3 items with you, what would they be?

My bed, because it’s the most comfortable bed ever made, and I have never slept well on a different bed.

My iPhone, with internet connectivity of course, so that I could still be connected to the world if I so chose.

Diet Coke with lime.  Don’t judge.

What homemaking job/task gives you the most satisfaction?

I love baking and cooking.  There’s something special for me in putting together a knock out meal and seeing everyone’s satisfaction at good food. I love hearing my kids talk about all their favorite foods that mom makes that they want for their birthday dinners. Now if I could just get someone else to go grocery shopping for me…

What’s something unexpected in your life, and how have you dealt with it?

My first son and third child was born with craniosynostosis, a rare skull defect and several other medical issues.  He has since had two major surgeries, a few minor surgeries, several hospitalizations, and still routinely ends up in the ER from what should be minor ailments.  We’ve learned to treasure good health, good specialists, and stretches of time without hospitalizations.  We’ve also learned to laugh at the absurdity of collecting business cards from seemingly every pediatric specialist possible, and consider it a compliment when the ER doctor asks you what your medical background is.  I still get teary-eyed when I think of all he’s gone through at such a young and tender age, but I also know that those trials will help shape him into the man that he needs to become.

Tell us about your blog.

My blog has gone through several different titles, but the current one is “Music, Mayhem, Motherhood,” and that about sums it up.  I started blogging just after my son Max was born, because while I would have given up a non-vital body part to read about someone else going though the same thing we were, there just wasn’t a lot out there.  Since then, my blog has evolved into a chronicle of the craziness that is my life– music lessons, medical crises, and the general chaos that is raising four children and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity!

Thank you, Stacy.  It’s so fun to get to know you better.  If you’ve enjoyed meeting Stacy, say hello here or drop by her blog to share things you have in common.  Don’t worry; we haven’t run out of friends yet. More next week.

Our new friend this week is Cat, writing from my home state of Georgia.  It’s been great to meet so many new people this way. Here’s Cat:

Hello Ladies– My name is Catherine, but I go by Cat. I have the best job in the world, mother of three beautiful kids; two boys {4 and 2} and a little girl {10 weeks} I love being a mother and feel it is a sacred calling that is to be treasured every moment. My husband and I just celebrated our 5th anniversary last week and I love that even still he makes me feel like the goofy 19 year old I was when I fell in love with him. He is my best friend and quite honestly the best part about me. Did I mention we also celebrated two birthday and mother’s day that same week as well? May is a busy month for us. We currently call Atlanta home and have for about 4 and half years, but are longing to move back north. Maybe Philadelphia or Seattle?? Who knows where the life we are living will lead us, but I know that as long as we are together it will be grand.

I grew up in south Florida. I don’t recommend living there. Sorry, I’m just being honest. It was great growing up there; surfing and lounging in the sun, eating ice cream on a dock some where, as you are always surrounded by water living 10 minutes from the beach, or hanging out with friends. Living there as a working adult, totally different story. Don’t move there expecting to feel like you are on vacation. Don’t say you weren’t warned…lol. I have one brother who is 13, which yes, means we are 12 years apart. It’s really cool actually and neat to see him growing into a young man that I can talk to about something other than legos. Love ya bro.

What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

My favorite part of motherhood would have to be a toss up between cuddling the tiny newborns during their first 3 days and watching their own different personalities start to develop. Love it!

What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?

Discipline. I don’t like to be the bad guy. Ever…

Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

They all have to do with travel;

1. Stay at the Ice hotel in Sweden. My husband served his mission there so I’d get the “non-tourist” point of view.

2. Spend a few weeks with my husband in a rented farmhouse somewhere in Provence, France.

3.  I want to go camping with ALL our kids at Quoddy Head National Park {Maine} – It is the most eastern point in the continental United States. You may remember a Subaru commercial a few years back with the guys camping at the most eastern point of the US on new years eve so they can celebrate first? I so want to do that!!

Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

I am an excellent speller. I’m no Scripps spelling bee contestant, but just the regular verbiage of the daily tongue, I’m pretty good.

This one is silly, I know, but I’m a good driver. I’ve never been in accident or gotten a ticket.

Any finally, one thing I prize myself at being good at is that more often than not I have a very positive attitude. I learned early on in my life that the power of positive thinking can get you far in life. That when things are not going your way or you are just plain down about something its better not dwell on the horrible, instead formulate a plan to slay it and journey onward to happiness. “You have five minutes to wallow in the delicious misery. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Discard it. And proceed…”

What are you loving lately?

I am loving getting all my ducks in a row with my home school agenda. In the last year I’ve been studying styles, curriculum, and gathering GREAT ideas and advice from all you great moms out there in the blogosphere. My oldest boy (4) thrives on learning and craves knowledge. I am so excited to dive into the great adventure and study things that interest him and learn through living.

Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why?

One of my favorite quotes is, “Having a baby is like getting a tattoo on your face. You really need to be certain it’s what you want before you commit.” Elizabeth Gilbert

My favorite scripture is D&C 76; 22-24

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

Reading and writing. I was NOT a reader growing up; I’m serious, my bookshelf had like 10 book on it. A few summers ago I tripped and fell into a “Chick-lit” hole with a side of young adult reads and I’ve never really resurfaced. Favorite author plug: Emily Giffin…check her out:) There’s also a part of me that has this silly notion that I can write a book. So I decided to try my hand at it an currently 100 pages into my first manuscript. Go me:)

Tell us some of your best mom-tricks  (things you’ve figured out that work well for you).

One of my best mom tricks is to remember to take some time for myself. I love my children, deeply, but in order for me to be a patient, kind toned mother I strive to be I have to take some time to myself and regroup occasionally. Whether it’s sitting in Barnes and Nobles surround of piles of books on my to-read list, going to a movie by myself, or being honest with my husband and telling him I could really use and extra hour of sleep once in a while. When mama’s happy, every ones happy.

Consistency is also another biggie in which I’m sure I’m not the first to mention, and that’s probably because its TOTALLY true. There are of course moments that do not want to follow through with something for one reason or another, but the 2-9 steps back {depending on the day} are so not with it. Follow through! Follow through! Follow through!

If you were in charge of a girls’ night out, what kind of activity would you love to plan?

I really am a big fan of a couple of close gal pals sitting around a table at Maggiano’s sipping on some Pellegrino and talking about love, life, and learning.

What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

My testimony is constantly growing and I try really hard to remind myself that the more I share it, the more it will in fact grow, however, I have the hardest time gaining the confidence to share it. That’s a story for another day though-  So I try to live by example. I am sure without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is the Christ and that he lives. That he has the power to bless us in our time of need, heal us when we are broken, and provide us with tremendous joys.

Give your best advice to a newlywed or expectant mom.

NEW MOMS: If you get an epidural have your nurse standing by with a benedryl because you are gonna be UBER itchy afterwards. Also, if you are fortunate enough to be able to nurse, stick with it and don’t be afraid to ask for help because it’s one of the most rewarding privileges you’ll ever have. And finally even if you are a type A wonder woman who likes everything in its right place always {I’m not like that at all..lol} Stop it for as long as you can, or at least the first few days and take the time to just hold and cuddle with your baby. They will grow so fast, and you will most likely have less time with the next child cause you’ll already have a little darling running around.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?

They can’t take that away from me; Ella Fitzgerald.

First off it’s the song I danced to at my wedding with my husband, so obvious special place in my heart there. Another reason is because all the special things I’ve been given in my life will stay with me forever. They are my memories, my love, my lessons learned, and will be with me eternally.

Tell us about your blog:

My blog is known affectionately as Her Eclectic Life. It’s my baby, literally; I just started it a few months ago and then I had my daughter. So now that I’m back up and running in most areas of my life I update as regularly as possible. With what you may ask? I love giving free food alerts because I am a big couponer. It saves my family money and also gives me  the ability to build our 3-month food supply. Preparedness is another thing I love to talk about, because its something all of us can use in our lives. I love craft projects that make my house a home, finding a cheap piece at Goodwill and turning into a Pottery Barn knock off, a good pair of shoes I just can’t help but share, and recipes that will change your life, even if it didn’t come from my brain. I love taking a little of this and little of that from over here and over there and improving my life and sharing them with you. That’s her eclectic life.  Hope you enjoy and I LOVE comments and new friends. 🙂

Thanks, Cat.  As always, it’s been a pleasure. 

Say hello to Cat in the comments below or drop by her blog to spread some love.

I’m happy to introduce you to Tristan.  Tristan is a new blogging friend of mine, and I think you’ll agree that she’s doing some extraordinary mom work.  Thanks Tristan!

Good Morning everyone, my name is Tristan and I just turned 30 last month.  I finally feel like a grown up!  I’ve lived in Ohio my whole life and love it.  I met and married my husband Jason almost 11 years ago, at the ripe old age of 19.  We were sealed in the Columbus Ohio Temple.  I worked full time driving a forklift during the early part of our marriage, until partway through my first pregnancy.  Preterm labor sent me home and I’ve been there happily ever since.  I’m grateful for a husband who does all he can to make it possible for me to stay home with the children.  Let me introduce you to them, they are some of my favorite people:

1.     Makayla, who turns 10 next month, is becoming quite the young lady and helper, when she’s not trying to boss mommy around.  She loves to read as much as mommy does.

2.     Joseph, age 6, is my sensitive boy.  While he was a wall climber when younger he has settled into his boyness and loves to build things with Legos.

3.     Right on his heels comes Emma, age 5.  She’s my stubborn child, but she’s also very independent.  Learning comes easily to her and she keeps me running to keep up.

4.     Daniel is my charmer and at 3 ½ I am already wondering where his acrobatics and grin will take him.  He’ll either be in the special forces of the military or become a salesman who can get you to buy anything.

5.     Oliver comes next and he’s 2.  His talent at the moment is getting into everything, even if it’s higher than mommy can reach.  He still loves to snuggle with mommy and his favorite book this week is Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Eric Carle.

6.     Caleb is the baby right now and will be 6 months old next week.  He’s been a happy baby from day one and is a joy and delight – even when he wants to play at 2am.

We’re a homeschooling family and always have been.  It’s a busy life, but a blessed one!  I found a few minutes to answer some questions, so read on to learn more about me.

Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?  I’m great at organizing – be it a house, basement, paperwork, or food storage.  If you let me I’ll happily come organize and declutter for you.  I’m also good at teaching all ages, it’s something I even enjoy doing.  I love homeschooling, teaching at church, or anywhere else.  Need a lesson taught because the teacher didn’t show?  I’ll do it – just give me one minute to think and we’re set for an hour’s class.

What are you loving lately?  Lots of things!  I love that my children are all growing and becoming little people who can do so many things.  Though I must be honest that finding the 2 year old climbing on the stove or stripping naked every hour or two IS getting a bit old.  I’m loving the 70 degree weather, can’t summer stay like this instead of getting really hot?  I also really love my Kindle and being able to read so many good books anywhere we go, including on a blanket in the back yard.

What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend?  I’m bossy and pretty opinionated.  I’m pretty good at keeping the bossy part to interactions with family members, but those opinions just seems to slip out all the time!  I really don’t mean to offend, but I will tell you what I think, especially if you ask.

If you were in charge of a girls’ night out, what kind of activity would you love to plan?  A book club!  We would all read one of Jane Austen’s books, talk about it, and maybe even watch one of the movies.  There would also be chocolate involved, the darker the better.

What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?  I know Jesus is our Savior and that He truly understands our sorrows and pains.  I am never alone, and there is always someone who understands what I’m going through or struggling with.  I am so grateful for that!  I also have a testimony of the power of the priesthood and priesthood blessings.

What’s your favorite part of motherhood?  I love hearing my children’s faith in everyday conversation, that unwavering trust in God and His word.  If God says it, it’s true, as simple as that.  O that I could be so unquestioning!  I also love the snuggles, hugs, and kisses – especially right after they wake up.

What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?  I would be completely happy to let someone else do the cooking, or at least plan the meals.  I don’t mind baking, but the day in day out thinking up meals and cooking just wears my brain out.  That and the never-ending dishes that go along with said cooking!

What homemaking job/task gives you the most satisfaction?  I really love it when my kitchen counters are clean.  Having things piled on them just makes me cringe and feel like running out of the kitchen.  So I love it when the dishes are all done and everything has been wiped down.

Tell us some of your best mom-tricks  (things you’ve figured out that work well for you).  Quiet time is my best mom trick, followed by the power of a family working together.  I’ll explain:

Quiet time happens every day.  Right around 1pm everyone in the house goes to a quiet spot with books and they stay there until 2:30pm.  The children are welcome to sleep, nap, read, sleep(or nap!), or listen to an audio book.  Mommy gets to do the same.  I’ve found that with so many people in the house every day all day we need that time to just be alone.

Family Work – from the moment they can crawl or walk the children begin doing chores.  First they are welcomed to help anyone older.  We encourage them to work with us, even though it makes the process take a bit longer.  Then as they grow they know how to do a job independently.  For example, my 2 and 3 year olds can load and unload the dishwasher all by themselves because they’ve been doing it since they could crawl over to it and get things out.  Here is where the power comes in.  When my husband and I gather six children to clean the house or do a job together we can accomplish so much in a very short amount of time.  We work well together, and the older children are gaining wonderful skills when training the younger ones.

Desert Island Question.  If you were stranded on a desert island (most moms would actually crave this) and could only take 3 items with you, what would they be?  My 3G Kindle to have access to all the books I want (including my scriptures!), ice, and something to cook in.

What’s something unexpected in your life, and how have you dealt with it?  I’ve always thought I would have a lot of children.  Growing up I thought ten was a good number.  However, I never expected to have difficulties during pregnancy.  In ten years of marriage I’ve been pregnant nine times.  Three of those times God filled my heart with love for a child but has asked me to wait to hold that child in my arms until eternity.  Three times I have had a miscarriage.  The first was devastating.  I had one child and it took several years to get pregnant again, only to lose the baby.  It was at this time that I truly became thankful for the power of priesthood blessings and for the presence of the Comforter.  I was in a very dark place, I felt forsaken and broken, but God gives ‘beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning’ (Isaiah 61:3)

Since that first loss I have had bleeding during various pregnancies that still ended with healthy babies.  I have also walked into an ultrasound for what I thought would be a routine check up only to find the baby had died.  It was unexpected and my heart broke all over again.  Over the years I have learned to celebrate every moment of pregnancy, from that very first positive test, through months of morning sickness, to swelling feet, sciatic nerve trouble, and exhaustion.  Because I know that those times may be all I have with the child growing in my womb, until the Resurrection.  I am joyful now, content to create bodies for God’s spirit children for however long they need them.  I do not have all the answers, but I know the one who does.  He sent His Son to atone for my sins and provide the ordinances of the temple to seal families for eternity.  I am blessed.

Give your best advice to a newlywed or expectant mom.  Treasure every moment of pregnancy and life because it truly goes by so quickly and there are no guarantees in life.  You are the mother, so while others may give advice, you are the one who knows your child best.  God is the best place to seek advice, and he is waiting for you to ask.  He will answer you or send someone to do so.

Tell us about your blog:  I love to write and you can find me blogging at Our Busy Homeschool pretty much daily.  There you’ll get a peek into our life and homeschool.  We keep it real, so you’ll hear the good, the bad, and the messy.

Thanks again, Tristan.  You can respond to any of her interview here or drop by her blog to say hello.  Next week our new friend could be you…. 🙂