Hometown:  Oakland, Maryland.  Basically it’s on the West Virginia line- this is NOT Baltimore folks J

About my family:  I am an only child of wonderful parents.  I married my college sweet heart Wiggy (known to many as Dr. Wiggy) in 2005 and we were blessed with our beautiful son Adler in January of this year.  I am in love with motherhood!!

What motivates you?  I am motivated by opportunities to implement positive change.  Whether through a project like Momsanity or helping a friend with a struggle, situations that provide opportunity for hope, renewal and awesomeness really get me going!  I am also motivated by my beautiful family.  I want to be able to raise my son to be a loving, caring, and generous young man who knows the Lord and I know that as his mother I am one of his primary examples.

Who inspires you?  There are SO many people who inspire me.  Outside of the example that Jesus provides, I find inspiration in victory over trials.  Individuals who face great obstacles and persevere through them with resiliency really awe me and help me keep proper perspective.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Phillipians 4:6-7  “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.”  I say this verse in my head at least once per day every day and it always gives me peace, comfort, and hope no matter the situation.

What actions do you take daily to know God better and love him more?  I take quiet time each day to study the Word and spend time in prayer.  As a busy Mom I find that when I am nursing my son in his dark room in the evening is the best time for me to intently focus and reflect.  I like to use daily devotions as well.  My husband and I lead a church small group in our home that fosters accountability and growth as well.  God does big things in small groups!

Where is your favorite place to visit?  My husband and I love the mountains!  For a quick weekend getaway there is nothing better than a great view and a hiking trail.

Favorite type of cardio?  I really love sprinting stadium stairs.  I went back to the track this weekend for the first time since Christmas.  It kicked my rear, but I must say was much easier than when I was 8.5 months pregnant!

What is your favorite exercise? I love/hate Squats.  They are SO great for the entire body but they are so very hard too!

What is your least favorite exercise?  I also love/hate pull ups.  Again- GREAT and effective but so hard!

What is your favorite healthy/clean food?  I really and truly love clean food!  It’s a tie between most kinds of meat (chicken, steak, seafood, etc) and greens…. I love greens- salad, spinach, kale, swiss chard etc.!

What is your favorite cheat food?  This is my go to:  Burger with lots of toppings on salad with ranch dressing and a side of “floppy chips”.  I also love frozen yogurt with toppings!

What is your favorite song?  Right now I feel something stir inside is “Whom Should I Fear” by Chris Tomlin.  I really love all of his songs!  We were able to go to his concert last September at the Biltmore and it was truly one of the most pivotal spiritual encounters that I have experienced.  I also really like 80s and 90s country- shhh don’t tell J

If you had a free hour to do spend relaxing what would you do?  Deep tissue (the kind that hurts) massage

What is your one piece of advice to help Moms achieve balance?  Don’t sweat the small stuff!  My house is never spotless, I don’t always make my bed anymore, I use my crockpot more than my oven, my hair is often in a messy ponytail and many days I don’t get around to putting on makeup.  I prioritize those things that are important to me:  spending time with my husband and son, spending time with the Lord, catching up with a friend or two over lunch or the phone, taking small steps in pursuit of my dreams and quick and efficient workouts.  Those things help me grow and keep me happy- the laundry can wait!

What is one piece of parenting wisdom you would like to share with others?  Don’t say No unless you mean it!  It’s too early for me to really put it to use, but many of the parents that I respect the most really utilize this concept and their children are so very well behaved.

What do you find most challenging about being a parent?  Figuring out how to navigate to the next steps as my son grows up so fast!  They don’t come with instructions but fortunately I have lots of coaches through Momsanity J.  The other thing is I don’t ever have enough time in the day but EVERY Mom feels that way so our readers already know that!

What is your motto or favorite saying?  Don’t Dream it, BE it! When you have a dream or passion, pursue it.  Do not wait. Start learning more.  Dabble in it.  Figure out the steps you need to take to get there.  With motivation, hard work and God’s help YOU can do anything!