My family at the beach Alaska Style October 2008[ Wife ]
Est. June 30, 2001
[ Mother ]
Motherhood for me is nothing if not an education. It is the hardest and most rewarding thing I've ever done and probably ever will do in my life. My three little Things exhaust, terrify, and exhilarate me every single day. Sometimes I wonder who is teaching whom and I think that we probably take turns. Oh how I love them!
Thing #1
Zander (Zan-Man) is five and starting kindergarten this fall. He is a natural nurturer and caretaker, my concerned kind mother hen. Prone to passionate feelings, which delight me when he is delighted but can occasionally be quickly followed by a big tantrum. He has the memory of an elephant, but he is quick to forget when a situation warrants his forgiveness. He is fierce and loyally dedicated to all he loves and he loves them well.
Zan-manThing #2
Asher (AsherBear) is three and starting Joy School this fall. Asher is my tender-hearted independent soul. He often vacillates between copying Zander's every gesture and purposely going his own way just because he can and because it bugs Zander. He is clumsy and tough as nails, collecting bumps and bruises like coins. He loves to give and receive kisses and hugs, with an uncanny sensitivity to those moments when I (or someone he loves) really needs a little love.
AsherBearThing #3
Tiernan (TiernanBird) is the baby at one year old. I'm sure he will love joining in any and all Joy School and Kindergarten lessons, functions, and homework that he can get his fast grubby little hands on. Tiernan is a giggling, growling, cuddle-bug. He sings when he is content(which is most of the time) and climbs on anything taller than he is. He has recently taken up walking and he delights in going anywhere and doing anything that the "big boys" (Zander and Asher) do.
TiernanBirdI started out my adolescence typically aloof and cranky. Then one day in eighth grade my mom plopped herself on the floor of my bedroom and wouldn't leave until I talked to her (a daily ritual throughout my teenage years). Shortly after that my dad loved me enough to get on the phone while I talked to my crush of the moment, a 14-year old raging ball of hormones, and not get off until I did. (I wasn't old enough to date yet, sweet sixteen was the magic number in our family) The pattern of loving parental influence was set and the trust between us grew. I pray I am setting a similar pattern with my own children that will be centered on mutual love, respect, and trust.
[ Sister ]
My sistas, bros, and I
I'm the oldest of seven children; five girls and two boys, ages ranging from 26(that's me) to 11(my youngest bro). We are the kind of siblings that prefer hanging out with each other over other friends. Maybe a little atypical but so much fun. I like to think that being the oldest child made me very responsible. My sistas and bros will probably tell you it just made me bossy.[ Friend ]
I think that a good friendship (especially with a woman) is as precious and rare as a quiet moment in my testosterone-filled home. I believe that women can be a powerful force for good. Especially when they are united in their goals and kind and forgiving to themselves and to those they are connected to in sisterhood. This role does not come as naturally to me but I am slowly finding my way and you, my friends, are helping.
I started doing up-do's for friends before church and school dances in high school because my talented mom (with no formal training) did my hair for a dance once that was gorgeous and the requests were more than she could keep up with. I started helping her out by doing hair and make-up on some of the girls and quickly fell in love with the process of enhancing others' natural beauty.
After a short stint at college to pursue nursing I decided to go to cosmetology school. I worked in a salon until I had my first son, then I put together a little salon in my small apartment to supplement our poor student income. I work part time offering haircuts etc. from my kitchen. I love doing wedding hair and make-up, makeovers, and color.
The up-do I did for my sista's weddingphoto by Stanton Photography
beauty . . .
"Looking your best is a combination of acquiring knowledge (some great tricks and techniques), accepting the things you can't change, and having confidence in yourself."
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