Q&A: Part 2

1. What is your religion and what is it that holds you so strong to your faith?
I've been a member of the Church of Christ since the Joy Bus picked me up when I was 2 years old. Because they did, my parents started attending church, and were baptized. I've been deeply involved with it ever since. I traveled in an Acappella chorus in middle school/high school that was namely Church of Christ founded and funded. I went to a college established by the same denomination. I love that they are strictly bible based, and I feel very blessed to attend a church that challenges scripture on a regular basis to find Truth and relevance.


I'm also very lucky to have a strong faith that has been embedded in me at a young age. By "strong faith", I do not mean that I am overly spiritual or religious, only that I've never doubted God's presence in my life. I battle God on a regular basis and His purpose for me on this earth, but even in my darkest hours, I knew there WAS a God. It has always baffled me that people can live in this world and not believe in God. Even worse, birth a child and not believe in the miracle of Life. I've never been more sure of God's presence as when I had children. But, I guess I'm just wired that way....and eternally grateful for that.


2. what is your best day ever?
My best day ever is a Sunday. A Sunday where our family gets up, eats breakfast together, gets ready for church together while we listen to worship music (there is nothing sweeter than hearing a toddler sing along to worship music), and go to church to be spiritually fed. After church would involve a gigantic lunch with our friends - my favorite Sunday tradition - followed by a blissful nap. After nap would be some wrestling with the kids, invitations to have friends over in the evening, board games and Rock Band til we can't see straight. I love that day.


But, if I could choose to put together a day just for myself, see Q&A: Part 1


3. Do you like to drive? What was your first vehicle?
Sometimes I like to drive. I tend to fall asleep a lot when I'm driving in the middle of the day, and I hate that. And if we're all together as a family, I hate driving - I prefer the hubs to do it. But driving is when I do my best thinking, and my most personal and vulnerable conversations with God. It's where I sing the loudest, laugh the hardest, and get one-on-one dialog with the hubs and kids. Sometimes it is very therapeutic.


My first vehicle was a 1998 Burgundy Buick Century. Til I ran it into a tree (perhaps a great story for another day)


4. Do you sit down OR stand up while you eat? 
The only time I stand to eat is when there is nowhere to sit. Or during snack time @ Preschool. Otherwise, I always sit when I eat. Are there really people who prefer to eat standing???....I don't know why, but that seems bizarre to me.


5. What person has been or is the greatest influence in your life? 
I have a few. My husband is at the top of the list, without question. That man has challenged my strengths, weaknesses, fears, patience, faith, and personality - and I'm so thankful. I can't not fathom the person I would be right now if he hadn't saved my life.


The other would be my mom. Sure, we disagree and we're not as close as we used to be, but I have learned so much from her. Her zest for life is truly contagious...she never stews over things for long (something I have to work on now and again - and again), and she's quick to love. NEVER shy (to the point of embarrassment), the life of the party, this woman has more energy than I know what to do with. I never got home-sick as a kid. I got mom-sick.


The last person would have to be my chorus director of 5 years, Tim Meixner. What an incredible man of God! He became like a second dad to me, driving me to and from concerts every Sunday for 5 years. He is the reason I am able to stand on stage and sing (I have some nasty stage fright that used to be pretty severe). He's always positive, the most patient man I've ever met, and so loving. I don't know anyone else better qualified to handle 120+ teenagers every week!


6. If you could design a life, what would it be like?
This question makes me think in the direction of career. Right now, I think it would be my dream to travel and lead worship (with the hubs), like my trip to Gulf Coast. I LOVE to sing. Even more, I love singing for God and bringing people closer to Him through worship is so humbling. I've been blessed to have many opportunities to do this, especially in the last year, and many more opportunities in the near future, but I would make a career out of it if I could.


Outside of 'career', I would design of life where we were living in our dream home (but I don't know where it would be - just not here!) surrounded by family and friends, with my kids growing happy and healthy. Can anyone really ask for anything more than that?


Oh - and I would have plenty of time for blogging and scrapbooking!


7. What is your most favorite thing about being a Mom? 
My favorite thing about being a Mom is the little rewarding moments where all your hard work pays off. Or watching your child learn something new or really 'get' something. Like hearing my daughter quote scripture. Or feeling my son snuggle up to me, put his arm around me, and randomly say "I love you Momma." Or listening to my children's prayers at night. Or hearing their uncontrollable laugh. Or hearing my daughter stand up against a child who is misbehaving and saying "My momma said I have to stay here." (This doesn't happen often, BTW)


My other favorite thing about being a mother, is watching my husband be a daddy. =]


8. What is your favorite thing about your husband? 
My favorite thing about my husband is something that I had to learn to love. The best thing about the hubs is that what you see is what you get. I'm a people pleaser, so I get tense when I think someone is mad at me, or I construct my words in a thoughtful manner as not to offend anyone. But my husband? Nope. He tells it like it is. He doesn't sugar coat things. Sometimes he's a little harsh, but always honest. Always real. I appreciate that about him so much now, and I think he compliments me well in that. Now....don't be fooled. Sometimes, he really is sweeter and softer than he'd like people to think, especially when it comes to the women in his life.


9. How long have you been married?
July 19, 2010 will mark 7 years.

[SIDE NOTE - I feel like this portion of the Q&A has been very deep, thoughtful, and spiritually weighted. I'm happy to end on a lighter note]

10. Burger King or McDonalds? McDonalds. I can't say no to their french fries!


11. Timmy's or Dunkin' Donuts? Timmy's. That's my husband's Canadian influence, I fear.

12. Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy? Wheel of Fortune.

13. Heals or flats? There is a time for both, but heals win. I LOVE a great heal!

14. Matt Damon or Zac Efron? hehe, this question makes me laugh because of who wrote it....but I'll be honest (and save myself the embarrassment) and say Matt Damon (Although I still have a totally inappropriate crush on Zac Efron!). First loves always stick, don't they?

15. Night hawk or morning person? Night hawk for sure. But maybe if I wasn't such a night hawk, I wouldn't mind the mornings so much....just a thought.

Thanks to everyone who participated! I had so much fun! I'd be happy to do more if you think of any other questions for me! =]