This isn’t the official “about” page. There definitely isn’t a polished bio or any professional highlights to be seen here. This is your peek behind-the-scenes, a collection of random bits and pieces that make me who I am, and so many of the things that bring me joy.
I grew up in New Mexico and Arizona, born smack dab in the middle of 8 children, and today my siblings are the greatest gift my mom ever gave me. I may not have truly appreciated that gift until I was an adult, but I thank God for them all every day now.
My husband and I lived in Arizona until a few years ago, when we were on a long road trip, drove through Ohio, and fell head over heels in love with this beautiful state. Six months later, we had bought a house outside of Columbus, Ohio, and we’d moved across the country.
I wake up every day now in my favorite place on earth, and I still have “pinch me” moments when I look around and can hardly believe we live here. I love Ohio more with every season here.
I fell in love with porch-sitting when we moved to the Midwest, and being outdoors quickly became one of my favorite things, especially long walks in the early morning. If I’m not out walking before my workday starts, you’ll usually find me in the yoga studio or at the gym. I love getting some movement in before the day gets going.
I’m a goal-oriented list maker, and I have been for as long as I can remember. Not many things satisfy me the way checking off my to-do list does. And yes, I will add completed tasks to my to-do list, just for the fun of checking them off.
I tried my hand at throwing pottery a year or so ago and found it to be one of the most peaceful things I’ve ever done. It clears my mind and relaxes me more than any other hobby I’ve tried.
During the pandemic, like the rest of the world, I gave puzzles a try. I remember helping my grandfather with his puzzles when I was very young, but I hadn’t done one since then. Now? I enjoy them whenever I take the time to set one up – 500-1000 pieces max, and I’m a happy girl.
I enjoy almost all kinds of music, so when the game Hitster was released, it became an instant favorite. My family, friends, and I play just about every time we get together, and while I’m not all that great at remembering the artists, or the year, or the names of the songs half the time, it’s still outrageously fun.
I’ve been married for almost 30 years, just writing that had me doing a double-take and checking the calendar to confirm it. Benjamin Franklin said it best when he wrote, “Marriage is the most natural state of man, and the state in which you will find solid happiness.” I can’t imagine my life without Sean.
Our three boys live at home with us, nearly all grown now, learning to live their lives independently of daily parenting. Our youngest will graduate from high school in just a few years.
I’ve been a voracious reader my entire life. I remember being “grounded from reading” as a child, because I forever had my nose in a book when I was supposed to be doing other things. I read myself to sleep every single night and can hardly fall asleep at this point without a book or my beloved Kindle in hand.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is one of my favorite books, and I reread it almost every year. When I mentioned this book to my mom after reading it, she told me that my grandmother loved it 70 years ago and that she (my mother) loved it as well. I’m proud to say that I’m the third generation to appreciate this book. I can not recommend it highly enough.
When we were first married, I did not enjoy cooking. As a matter of fact, my early attempts in the kitchen are legendary among family and friends. I did, however, love to eat delicious food, and that motivated me to learn.
I asked friends for their favorite dishes, wrote down endless recipes, bought and borrowed countless cookbooks, and slowly learned to cook. And along the way, I learned to enjoy it as well.
I disliked coffee in any form for the first 30 years of my life. My sister introduced me to café con leche after she went to Spain, and my mornings haven’t been the same since. If you are in my home, you’re certain to be offered a latte, morning, noon, or night.
If there’s a whisk I do not own, point me to it, because I will likely think I need it. I’ve lost count of the whisks in my kitchen, and yes, I do use them daily.
Most importantly, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the answer to everything in my life.
He has filled me with so much hope. Even through the darkest moments in my life, He has been with me. I have experienced peace that doesn’t make sense. I have strength I could never have found on my own. I am continually humbled by the blessings that He has given me.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV
