I Got Tagged!

Crystal tagged me to answer these questions.  They may have seemed like easy questions at first, but I had to spend quite a bit of time thinking of my answers.  So here goes:

1.Who is someone who has been very influential in your life and why?


My father. I know, that is what you are supposed to say, but it is true. My dad always pushed me to try my hardest in everything I tried. He always encouraged me to not be held back by what others thought I should do. He originally suggested the idea of getting as many college credits as I could in high school and helped me to realize the dream of getting my associates degree at the same time as graduating from high school. The other person who was very influential in my life is Wes Schow. He originally introduced me to pharmacy and allowed me to learn more about the profession that would lead me to my future career.

2.What is one of your most embarassing moments?

Funny thing: I don’t remember many embarrassing moments from high school. I know, everyone of you thinks I am lying, but really. I spent a lot of years trying to be weird and stand out in a crowd. So doing something that would embarrass others was pretty much my goal. I have found now that I get most embarrassed by compliments. I have no idea how to respond to such comments and struggle finding something to say. It is not that I do not believe them, but that I am not sure how to responds to nice comments. I am really used to obnoxious comments and sarcasm, but not very good with compliments. Isn’t that strange. If you want one specific moment though, I think one of my more embarrassing moments happened in junior high school when I ran for student body council. I have no idea what possessed me to even run let alone sing the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” in front of the entire 7th grade, but there it is. That song to this day still makes me turn red and try to hide. I am not very good in front of large groups of people.

3. What is your favorite book, why?

This is a loaded question Crystal. How am I supposed to choose just one? I love my books. All of my books. I love to read and will reread my books often. I am afraid that some of my books will start to fall apart on me sooner or later from overuse. I guess my favorite story right now would have to be the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare or The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Any fantasy or sci-fi book that finds its way into my possession will be read and probably reread with extreme enthusiasm. I do, however, dislike sad stories so don’t send any of those my way.

4. What is something you swore you would never do before you became a mom and now *gasp* you do?

Convince my son to keep eating even after he says he is done. I always thought it was just my mother being mean. I now watch my son eat two bites and tell me he is finished. Then I have to find a way to get him to eat a little bit more so he will have the energy to play as he wants.

5. What is YOUR guilty pleasure (I had to tell mine, now you all have to share)?

1-Popcorn – I love home popped popcorn with butter and salt. I would eat it for lunch if I thought it was evenly slightly healthy

2-Reading – No seriously. I love to read. I can disappear inside a book and stay up to all hours of the night reading.

6. I find smells bring back memories - What is one of your nostalgic smells?

Fresh cut grass. It always reminds me of warm summer days outside. Matt has just mown the grass and we are playing on the swing set in our backyard.

Sugar Factory – always reminds of early mornings at Minico High School. Running early morning practices, first day of school sitting next to the kid wearing way to much cologne, and good friends: even though it stinks.

7. We all have miracles in our lives, whether big or small - what are your miracle(s)?

Wesley and Jonathen. The minds of those two little boys continue to amaze me. Every day one or both of them teach me something new about children, about Heavenly Father, or about patience. Wesley amazes me with his memory. He constantly surprises me with things he remembers. Jonathen continues to grow so quickly and learn so much.

8. Since we have building on the brain, what does your dream house look like, and where would it be?

This is funny. My dream house is pale stucco and stone on the outside with two floors above ground and a red tile roof. It will have arched windows and doorways and there will be many windows allowing the sun and nature to come into our home. My dream home has a curved staircase in the foyer and an interior courtyard. The master suite is on the upper floor with the other bedrooms and looks out over the interior courtyard. The living room and kitchen has exposed beams in cherry finish and the cupboards in the kitchen match the beams. The colors in the home are Tuscan in style and are very warm and welcoming. The front living room is pale in color and centers around the piano. The kitchen is open to large family gatherings and allows for a larger family with plenty of cupboard space and an island to gather around while food is being prepared. The family room is large and allows the family to gather together to watch movies and enjoy each other’s company. The house will have a basement that will have a large storage area and a recreation room to allow my children to bring their friends into our home and play games without feeling they are in the way. There will be a library/study to allow my books a home. The house will be very open with large areas. There will be 4-5 bedrooms to allow my family to grow and live comfortably with each other.

There you go Crys.