What’s your greatest Weakness?

I’m impatient.  With myself, with things I want to happen in life, and sometimes with my littles.  But, I’m working on it… daily.  

What’s your greatest strength?

Persistence. I don’t give up.  I’ve always been extremely miniature.  When I was a child this meant that everyone was always telling me that I “couldn’t” do something because I was too small.  It developed in me a kind of willful defiance where I won’t let anything stop me.  Especially being the underdog.  I have my height (or lack thereof) to thank for a lot of the things that define me.  If I wasn’t so short, I don’t know if I ever would have learned to sew and design my own clothes, and now that is such a huge part of my life.

What has emotionally crippled you in your lifetime? 

The times when I have engaged in self-pity.  Everyone is carrying a heavy load in life.  Everyone has had some sort of trial or other, but I truly believe that wallowing in it only makes it worse.  My husband (I call him Mr.) has taught me more about this than anyone I’ve ever met.  The man never feels sorry for himself, he’s infinitely forgiving and never holds a grudge.  He is the most happy, proactive person I have ever met.  It’s so refreshing to live with someone who decides to be in a good mood everyday no matter what life throws at them.  And I can testify that following his example has changed my life into something so much more wonderful than I could have ever imagined.

What has elated you with joy in your lifetime?

My marriage and being  mom to my 3 littles.

 

Have much have you evolved since your teenage years? Are you a similar person? 

Essentially, I’m still very much the same person I was as a teenager.  I have the same values that I had then, the same personality.  But growing up, going to college, having a family, being married to Mr. has taught me so much about who I really am.  I understand myself far better now than I did then, I’m more patient (definitely) and probably a lot more understanding and kinder to other people as well.  I also have much more reasonable expectations.  I realize that there are seasons to everything.  But I’m still the same, the roots where always there, I just had to wait for them to break out.

What’s something you don’t want to tell us about?

I used to be very insecure.  It was crippling, and turned me into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Choosing to be insecure is very poisonous. I’m glad it’s in the past.

When the world is crashing down on you, where do you go?

Straight to my knees.  My faith in God has pulled me through so many things.  And to Mr.  As I mentioned above, he’s about the most ideal person in the world to go to when you need support.

 
Do you have any goals? What are they?

Yes.  So many.  More than is reasonable for a mother of 3 littles.  But a few of them are:

1. To raise well-adjusted, kind children; who get an education and are upstanding citizens.

2.  Always have a fabulous marriage.

3. Launch my own clothing line (working on this now– eek!)

Can you honestly say you love what you do?

Yes!  I love being a mom.  Every wonderful thing about being a woman is wrapped up in motherhood.  I completely embrace my femininity.  I cherish it.  I believe in it’s strength.  I am proud that Mr. works his booty off so I can be there for my babies at all times, so I can see their faces when they get off the bus everyday.  I know that I could be doing a lot of things in the world, I have talents unique to me, just like everyone else, and for me it was a choice between giving those talents to others or my babies.  I choose them.  I know that everyone doesn’t feel that way, and that I am so blessed to have the opportunity.  And I thank Mr. everyday when he gets home from work. ;-)

I also love to write.  I always have.  Someday I want to be a real published author, but until then, blogging is a lovely way to put my thoughts on paper-er the internet…

And of course, what girl doesn’t love great clothes?  I love the pure creation of the design process.  Painstakingly obsessing over the pattern, the measurements.  I love the cutting, pinning, ironing, and when a piece of clothing comes together it’s one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.

 
Who has been the single most influential person in your lifetime thus far?

I have 2.

My Brother.  He has taught me more about compassion than any other person on this earth.  And growing up with someone like him shaped who I became and the way in which I view the world.

And Mr.  I am extremely fortunate in my choice of spouse.  I’m so lucky that 20-year-old me chose so well, because I married an amazing man.  Being his wife has made me a much much better person.  He treats me like I am everything I should be, and it makes me want to be that.

Honestly, we are all striving for something, what is your greatest goal in life? I’m not talking about money!

Name your most defining moment!!!

Are there people in your past that you wish you could make amends with?

Yes, but they aren’t really interested in it I think.
I’m  learning that sometimes people just don’t like you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.  So I’m nice, and I move on. What else can you do?

What memory will be forever burned in your mind to the point where you can smell the room and feel the energy?

The day my brother was diagnosed with cancer.  Worst. day. ever.

 
What movie and/or book speaks to you? 

Aw, so many.  I am such a reader.  And I love great films.

Books:

Anything Jane Austen.  Those are my kind of love stories.  I absolutely adore Pride and Prejudice. Also, her characters often have a very strong bond with their sisters, and I have 4 sisters who are my very best friends in the world.

 “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” I know.  It has the strangest name ever, but it is such a wonderful book.  When I read the main character, it’s like reading myself.  Also, it’s takes place just after World War 2 and I am obsessed with that time period.  Amazing book.

“Atlas Shrugged.”  I won’t get political on you, but I think every responsible citizen should read this book.  It’s a beast (almost 1,100 pages, I think) but so captivating.  I don’t agree with every single idea in the book, but for the most part she is spot on.  It was written like 60 years ago, but the stuff she writes about is so relevant to today, that it’s almost prophetic.

Movies:
Penelope.  I have a huge crush on James McAvoy (which Mr. is fully aware of) and I love everything Christina Ricci wears, plus the movie is just darling.

Strictly Ballroom: I used to be a dancer, and I can’t help but love this movie.  There was a time when my sister and I were completely obsessed with this offbeat, quirky little Aussie film, and I will forever love it.

It’s a Wonderful Life: I love Jimmy Stewart, and this movie makes me weep.

So many more, but that’s all I can think of right now.

Music:
Technically this isn’t on there, but Mindy Gledhill’s music just speaks to me.  Her album “Anchor” is my most favorite in the world.

 
What is your greatest wish right here and now?

To be able to have another little.  The Mr. and I have been trying for quite some time for our 4th, but no luck yet.  I had a really hard time with it for awhile, but I’m okay now.  I realize how blessed I am to have the 3 littles that I have.  But if I’m completely honest, I really, really want one more.  Fingers crossed.