I wish you and I could be sitting down together at a cute coffee shop and learning more about each other. So until that can happen, here’s a little about me.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Laundry.   At least I don’t have to use a washboard.

Favorite time of year?

I’m a summer kid.  Fall was my late husband’s favorite, so that season challenges me emotionally.

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?

It’d be at a mansion by the beach.  Think over-the-top food, lights, pool, and of course techno music.  I’m a fan of big crowds!  Would you join me?

If you could have a side gig, other than the awesome Momsanity and fitness instructing, what would you do?

I’d photograph barns.  Yes, I’m totally serious.  That, and be a techno DJ.

If you knew the world was ending in 2015, what would you do differently?

My husband died unexpectedly.  One day alive, one day gone.  That shifts your whole perspective on life.  So if this was my last year on earth, I would travel a lot.  I’d have more get-togethers with friends.  I’d eat more junk, to be honest.

Favorite recipe?

Restaurants.  Cooking is tedious.

Who would you pick as a mentor?

Beth Moore. 

What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

Well, I was sneaky enough to *usually* not get caught, soooooo….

Tell us about losing your husband.

The day my life changed drastically, I had about 5 hours before I had to tell my children.  In those hours, one thing I did was talk to God.  I told Him that I understood He allowed this and knew this day would come.  I told God that I was painfully aware that the father of my babies was looking at His Glory at that moment and that I was jealous of Him.  I told Him I was thankful that Aaron loved Christ on earth and believed in Him.  I told Him that I would now have to put my faith into action and told Him I trusted Him to get me through this.  You know, God showed up big time.  He was quiet, yet mighty.  He used hundreds of people to keep me functional as I barely kept from drowning in a sea of grief.  He is so sweet, so good.  And Aaron was a reflection of God’s sweetness and goodness.

What was your most embarrassing hair style?

A fan of ultra blonde from a box, a friend called me Rick Flair.  To make it worse, I requested the haircut from the actress in Dharma & Greg.  Oh mercy.

What are you afraid of?

My sons not truly loving Jesus as adults.

 Margarita or Pina Colada?

Margarita, por favor.

Visit Europe or Mexico?

Mexico, siempre.

 What one toy would you like to throw repeatedly at a brick wall?

Back in the day, Elmo.  Now, Legos.

What is one thing a woman should never do?

Join the modern feminist movement. 

Are you good at sharing?

No.  Especially not food.

If you could buy one object to complete your home, what would it be?

I’ve been searching for ages for a decoration that’s fake twigs with fake dark red berries on it and about 3 feet tall.

If you could be a member of any TV-sitcom family, which would it be?

I always wanted to be a part of the Cosby family. 

Tell us about your “new” life, “Chapter 2”?

I shake my head.  It’s tough and it’s amazing too.  I cannot believe I am on my second husband.  I can’t believe my kids have a stepdad.  It is unreal that I am married to this wonderful man that I love more daily.  We are friends who are goofy together and serious together and we complement each other like puzzle pieces.  He is a gift from God that I would never have dared to ask for.

Name 1 regret you have.

Not forcing my late husband to write the boys a letter where he just could’ve poured out his love for them and his hopes for them.

Name 1 thing most people do not know about you.

I have a fear of getting my front teeth knocked out.

Any unsolicited advice for readers:

Pursue Christ and give him 1st place in everything.  Put your husband above your kids.  Savor your stretch marks.

What question do you hate to answer?

“Are they triplets?”  “Are they all yours?”  “Four boys.  No girl?”

Favorite pick-up line?

I sometimes ask Jason if there’s a mirror in his pants.  Because I can see myself in them.

 Describe Coach Kate in 5 words.

Positive.  Prayerful.  Gorgeous.  Nonstop. Sweet.

Describe Coach Emily in 5 words.

Easygoing.  Godly.  Beautiful. Busy. Helpful.

 

I ASKED THE MOMSANITY SISTERS IF THEY HAD ANY QUESTIONS I SHOULD MAKE SURE TO ANSWER:

1.  AT WHAT POINT IN YOUR LIFE DID YOU REALIZE DESIGNATED PURPOSEFUL TIME ALONE WITH GOD WAS ESSENTIAL AND HOW DID YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM NOT DOING IT TO DOING IT TO GETTING UP AT 4AM TO DO IT?

I think my relationship with Christ has not always been consistent.  When my kids were younger, I had an accountability partner that I’d meet with once a week; we’d keep each other in check, making sure we were reading our Bibles, praying throughout each day, etc.  That was amazing and kept me in line and I craved time with God.  But then I’d ebb and flow, and not read my Bible for a week and get mad at myself.  I’ve always loved the Lord, but it IS a discipline and requires effort, so I learned that as a working mom I was too “busy” and “tired” to read my Bible during the afternoons while my kids are at school (isn’t that pathetic?).  So I decided I needed to carve out time with Him.  The only time I knew I wouldn’t dismiss was early.  It is a sacrifice to wake up early, but Jesus Himself would wake up early, before the sun, to pray.  If my goal in life is to imitate Him, well, that meant getting up at dark thirty with my Bible.  And coffee.  It’s a sweet time because it’s quiet and peaceful; I’m putting Him first in my day.

2.  WHEN DO YOU SLEEP?  WHAT IS THE MINIMUM YOU CAN SURVIVE ON?  4AM?

I am awful about sleep.  I know better!!!!  I usually pass out anywhere from 10:30-11:30pm.  And I wake up on weekdays by 4:30.  It is so unwise and I struggle all day.  I power nap occasionally when I can.  I do limit coffee to 2-3 cups per day so I don’t have a caffeine crash.  I try to avoid gluten which just makes me sluggish.  I sleep until 8am on weekends, which is paradise.

3.  HOW DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE A TAN?

I don’t think I do.  I wish!  I think I tan easily and try to use lotions that extend it.  I don’t do tanning beds.  I really feel pasty white most of the time.

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR ME?