Meet The Cast Monday #51: The Baby from Texas

Meet The Baby from Texas, named Braun, who will now be known as BB on the blog.

Photo by our amazingly talented friend, Britt.

 He made his grand entrance to the world weighing in at 7 pounds, 10.9 oz and measuring 19.5 inches long.  His dad and I are absolutely in love with this little guy.

And I've already got tons of new blog ideas....you know, when I can train this kid to let me have some blogging time!

Meet the Cast Monday #50: Angus

Well, we've got a new family  member here at the Little House on the Prairie......meet Angus.

He is a 6 week old Australian Shepherd, red tri colored.  I don't care much about all that, I just know he was the cutest, chubbiest guy there and he had to come home with us.

Mostly, he sleeps a lot.  He starts out cuddly, but usually has enough of that and finds himself a nice, cool spot on the floor or the porch for his siestas.

He spent his first weekend in the family at my parents' farm where he wrestled a lot with my brother's puppy, Tank, herded some sheep, and even took a picture with me where we both showed off our bellies.

I suppose having a puppy and a baby together may be crazy, but we sort of live our life that way, so why stop now?

Meet The Cast Monday #49: Coach A

Today you all will be meeting my good friend, Coach A.  You might know her better as GBaby's mama.  That's right, she is the one who inspired one of my most popular blog posts about thoughts on childbirth from an outsider.  I think that I'd describe Coach A as a free spirit with a huge heart and an open mind who is full of forgiveness (to a fault sometimes, in my stubborn opinion) and happy with life.  She's good for this Type A personality, because she's always reminding me to just go for things and not worry so much about the rules or the odds or the practical things.  I need that.

With that--take it away, Coach A!

Be honest, how bad was being in labor for 36 hours, because I'm still traumatized?  

You’ve heard people talk about how beautiful childbirth is and how they just love the experience. That’s crap.  {I knew it!!}  I think I have a pretty high pain tolerance (shattered my hand bare handing a line drive and played the rest of the weekend with it being colors I’d never seen prior to deciding an x-ray might be a good idea, no shots for root canal or other dental work, rolled an ankle literally in half and taped it with duct tape so it would fit in a shoe to play two days later, a few gross knee surgeries, etc.) but that was just stupid pain. On a positive note, I’m told it wasn’t normal which means you shouldn’t take that one experience as how it would go for you.  {See, I don't believe that.  I feel as though that is what people who have had babies must tell those of us who have not had them yet in order to repopulate the earth.  I think that it may be a wicked, nasty lie.}

What was the funniest moment of that experience?

I’m more than aware that the rest of y’all were having a pretty good time throughout that whole ordeal {What, you mean we weren't subtle about our fun??}, but there wasn’t a single thing that was funny in my mind at the time. Looking back now I can laugh, but just a little. The funniest was probably when we first got to the hospital and I put on a gown and Larissa freaked out saying, “That’s it, I’m never having kids!” before anything had happened at all.  {Ha...yea, that was about 6 minutes into it.  I thought it was funny too.  36 hours later when I left the hospital swearing no boy would ever even so much as touch me again, I understood.}

Tell us about your yearly Spring Training trip.

My favorite thing to do in this world! Spring Training is my home for spring break every year. It started many years back when I was dating a girl from Phx. I absolutely fell in love that first trip and it would take something crazy for me to miss a year now. Each year is different. I’ve gone with friends, with people I’ve dated, I’ve taken my nephews, and I’ve gone alone. The whole environment draws me in. The sun, the grass, the beer, the people…I could go on and on. There’s just nothing better than spending day after day relaxing and catching a day game followed by a night game. I think what I love most about it is how raw it is. Don’t get me wrong, I love going to regular season and post-season games, but Spring Training leaves out the money and glamour and huge crowds. It’s just about the game. 

What's something you constantly pray for?

The safety of my kiddos from school is a big one. I work in a very low socioeconomic neighborhood with some pretty significant gang problems. It’s unquestionably nothing like the environment in which we grew up. The kids are good hearted, strong, independent individuals who aren’t unlike kids anywhere else. They put up a pretty solid guard but once they know you truly care about them, they let you into their world. When the end of the school day comes, you can see the change on some of their faces. It’s tough to think about what many of them are walking into when they leave campus. I pray about their safety often and wait for their smiling faces to come back each morning.   {That big heart I mentioned?  There it is.}

Explain your love for all things Boston.

With one exception, I love everything about Boston. It started with the Red Sox and just grew over time. As a kid I don’t remember knowing much about the east coast. My family moved around quite a bit but it was all on the western side of the country. I guess it was in college that I really became interested in the area. When I finally visited, I was in heaven. I love the history, the architecture, the layout of the city, the river, the people, the parks, the universities, and obviously the sports. I’ve been to more cities than I can think of and there is no other place that loves its sports teams like Boston does. It almost reminds me of back home when there was a high school game and everything else in town just stopped. It feels that same way but obviously on a much larger scale. One of my favorite things to do in Boston is to ride the Green Line after a Sox win. You’ve never met any of the people before and you’ll never see them again but for that ten or twenty minutes, you’re physically as close as people can be, you smell like pure alcohol, you can hardly hear because of all the laughter, and you feel like you’re with your best friends. It’s love, pure love. Oh, and the one exception is simply that it’s so far from my family. If it was half the distance that it is, there is no way I would live anywhere else.  {I've officially added Boston to my bucket list thanks to that answer.}

What's one motto you try to live by?

I have a tattoo on my back that has a quote from the book The Art of Racing in the Rain. It says, “That which we manifest is before us.” To me that’s what life is all about. Attitude. Each day is going to be whatever you make it. Of course things happen in life that are hard. The way you approach those things is what determines the amount of joy in your life. 

Your family is Italian--favorite Italian dish?

I’m a really boring eater. I’ll stick with spaghetti and meatballs any day.  {Seriously?  That's what I get here?}

What's your favorite memory with me?

I’m going to have to go with the drive to the hospital. I’m 100% positive that you thought I was going to have a child in your car and that wasn’t going to fit into your idea of a good time. {Yea, okay, this is actually pretty good.  3 in the morning, my phone rings.  Coach A's mom tells me that I have to go and take her to the hospital because she is in labor.  She says to me, "Tiffany, she is not going to want to go.  You get her there."  Listen, I know better than to cross Coach A's mom.  I was determined to do what I was told.  I ran every red light between our houses.  I ran into the house, ran around like a crazy person inside.  Sped from her house to the hospital.  I was seriously sure that she was going to be like one of those old, good mama cows that just lay down and spit out a calf in no time.  Except it would be a baby, not a calf.  And it would have been in the floor board of my car, not the pasture.  Turns out, Coach A is not an easy calver.  She was more like a heifer bred to a big shouldered bull and there was no chance that baby was coming in my car.  Those of you who are not livestock people should probably just ignore this paragraph.}

Given the way that The Godfather and I behave (particularly together), have you had second thoughts about choosing us as godparents for your child?

Y’all are a complete disaster together  {I wanted to pretend that I was offended, but there's no way to argue that she's wrong}, but I haven’t second guessed myself regarding that choice for even a second. I thought extremely hard about who would be the best fit for Taylor and I know I chose correctly. I have some very deep reasons for the choice but a surface level summary is that the two of you have very different approaches to religion but they mesh well for influencing a young person. The Godfather’s knowledge of religion, its deeper meaning, and its history are things I’m hopeful that he will share. The way you approach religion is far different. I think you treat it as more of a way of life. You’re totally open-minded and allow for all opinions to be at the table. Your willingness to attend mass/service at a multitude of denominations and the way you treat all people proves this. The number one thing I hope T sees in you is how you wear your faith all day, every day, no matter what. He’s the black and white that puts down lines and you’re the bright colors that bring it to life. Perfect combo in my mind. {I'm beyond flattered by this answer.}

Please note I was taking my job seriously.  Godfather was laughing.

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?

I know this will make you crazy but I don’t have a bucket list. {For crying out loud, you have spent a week randomly driving a jeep up the West Coast while camping in a tent and stopping to see sea lions along the way.  How do YOU of all people not have a list?}  I’m extremely realistic, maybe to a fault, so when I think of something that I’d like to do, if it’s reasonable, I just do it. If it’s not reasonable, I set it free. The only thing that I can think of that might meet the conditions of being part of a bucket list is that after I retire I want to spend a full year following the Sox around the country for a full season. That’s all I have, Friend.

Meet the Cast Monday #48: Mrs. Arizona

Mrs. Arizona met College Roomie several years back and they became great friends.  I didn't want to miss out on any of the fun, so I butted my way into her life as well.  I'm so glad I did, because this girl is absolutely hilarious.  She has one of those laughs that is infectious and is one of the most fun people I know.  Want photo proof?  Here ya go.

 Here she is.  Meet Mrs. Arizona.

Tell us your engagement story.  {Because it's one of my absolute favorites.}

Oh, the engagement story...that is a good one. Ok, so my husband and I love to hike - it's one of the things we love about living in Arizona. He ordered these new hiking shoes and made a big deal about "Saturday, I want to try out my new hiking shoes so let's go hiking." Seriously, he REALLY wanted to try out these new shoes. So he wakes me up early Saturday (hey, 10:00 am is early for me on a Saturday) to go check out a new trail that he had tried alone before but wanted to hike with me. We go on this hike and it was brutal. I was pooped out not even half way. I finally collapsed in the middle of the trail and said "Ok, I'm done. Seriously, I can't finish this trail." I was so exhausted. Crying. Sweating like a pig...I was done with this hike. Much to my amazement, he said...No. Now, "no" was not a word I was used to him saying to me which totally threw me off guard.  {I love the preceding sentence.  LOVE!}  But he said it, the word No. I threw some sort of a tantrum and cried a little more to try to make him change his mind. It did not work. We were near the saddle so I pressed on figuring that if I made it to the saddle we could call it a day. I would punish him with the silent treatment for the rest of the weekend. We reach the saddle. I collapse on the rocks, still crying mostly at this point out of frustration, not pain and I kid you not...less than 30 seconds later he said, "Honey, come here. Look at this thing that I found. Come here!" Now, I'm really angry. I mean, I just start to catch my breath and he wants me to get up AGAIN?! I just might push him down this mountain. So, I get up and there he is behind me down on one knee and I see this.

Let's just say, I felt like a schmuck, started crying again and of course the rest is history. I also made it to the top of the mountain after that. Funny how diamonds will give you that sudden burst of energy to finish a difficult hike...

Happy engagement face.

What's the best advice you have ever received?

Best advice I've ever received. This is an easy one. Since I was a young girl, my dad always told me "Never settle." I apply this to all aspect in my life; a job, a man, friendships, easy and difficult decisions...If you never settle, you'll never look back on something and think "Did I make the right choice?"  {Amen, sister!}

 You practice hot yoga.  What is it you like so much about that?  Actually, I practice Bikram Yoga. It's still hot yoga (106 degrees and 50% humidity) but it's a series patented by Bikram Choudhury.  {You can see that I was never a very good yoga student...I have no idea if I did Bikram or something else.  I just know it was freakin' hot!} There are two things I love about doing Bikram Yoga 1) the dialogue. All Bikram teachers say exactly the same 90 minute dialogue in class so you always know what you're going to get. It's part of why Bikram's yoga is patented. 2) the detoxifying effects of the yoga is my other favorite part. The heat and humidity pull all the yuck out of your body and brain. We live in such a stressful and toxic world. It's awesome to finish a class knowing that I've left all the yuck on my mat. I leave the studio feeling taller, stronger and lighter. Then I do it all again the next day. Plus, it's great for your skin.

What's the best trip you've ever been on? This one is easy, my honeymoon. I got to spend 10 beautiful days in Hawaii (half on Kauai and half on Oahu) with the man of my dreams. Now, my husband has to hear me talk about how much I want to live there, like a lot. I kinda won't shut up about it. Here's a pic of me surfing on Waikiki.

You did not meet your husband in your twenties.  Tell us why you are glad about that fact.

This is something I feel strongly about. For ME getting married at 33 was a blessing in disguise. Now, let me preface this by saying that I obviously love being married but I'm so glad I was older when I found The One. I had my entire 20s to sow my oats and do all those soul-filling alone things like go to the park alone (or with your cat in my case), eat at your favorite restaurant alone, and just do anything you want alone whenever you want alone. It's incredibly empowering. Getting married when I was 30 something verses 20 something allowed me to experience the best of both of those worlds. As much as I didn't believe I would be grateful for that when I was in my late 20s and all my friends were getting married and I was getting scared that I would die alone with my cat, {this is a common fear, apparently!} I can now thank God for not letting me find The One when I was 25. My late 20s were the craziest, most memorable times of my life both professionally and personally. I wouldn't have traded those years for anything, even Mr. Arizona, if now given the chance. If I hadn't had those years, I simply wouldn't have been ready for him. {If people never take one thing said on this blog to heart, I hope that girls will listen to this.  I swear this is something that I want to scream from the rooftops and preach, preach, preach go every girl from about age 15-30.  Mrs. Arizona should write a book!}

Tell us about your wedding.  My wedding was in Napa Valley. It was the first trip Mr. Arizona ever took me on when we were dating and we made it a frequent stop in the following few years. So, when we were thinking about where to tie the knot, it was an obvious choice. Our ceremony was at Gloria Ferrer in Sonoma and the reception was at Franciscan in St. Helena. We wanted something intimate and on the smaller side so we had under 40 people. We also really wanted our guests to enjoy themselves so we chose not to have a wedding party. That way, everyone could relax, drink wine and just be there with us in a casual way. {I have to admit that if I wanted a destination wedding, Napa would be high on my list of potential locations based on Joy's photos.  It's beautiful there!} 

What is the one thing you are most excited about having a baby (in the future...she's not pregnant....just to be clear)?  What is the one thing that you are most scared about it?

The thing I'm most excited about when I think about the possibility of having a baby is the choice to raise a positive, caring, patient and loving human being. Oh, and also seeing Mr. Arizona do the same thing. And holding his own baby. And changing diapers. And carpooling. And getting up in the middle of the night to soothe his own child.  I'm just going to sit by looking cute and supporting him. Kidding obviously. It's the partnership of raising a child that excites me the most. The thing I'm most scared about is failing. I think that's normal, though...right?  {This question came up because at College Roomie's bachelorette party Mrs. Arizona and I were asking all the moms to tell us the things that people never tell you before you are pregnant.  There were things that I will never be able to unhear.  Mrs. Arizona was clearly less traumatized.}

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?

Mr. Arizona and I created a bucket list when we were discussing spending the rest of our lives together. {Best wedding idea ever!}

Here's a few highlights:

-Climb the highest peak in Arizona with Mr. Arizona.

-Save a life. (Hey, aim high, right?)

-Paint a self portrait.

-Learn to waltz.

-Visit Normay (I'm Norwegian and Swedish).

-Own a handgun and take a CCW (concealed carry weapons) class.

-Sing Fancy by Reba McEntire in a karaoke bar (I tried this once and well...let's just say I never went back to that bar).  {I don't know why, because we were rockin' Fancy all day getting ready for College Roomie's wedding sister!}

Meet the Cast Monday #47: The Boy from Texas (Part 2)

Well, by some miracle, we didn't run him off last week, so we're back with Part 2.  This guy is either awesome or completely crazy.  Turns out there is a fine line, apparently.  Here's his answers to your questions.

At Cousin Whitney's wedding this weekend.

(From ND Friend)  If you were to write a Texas Country song about Tiffany, how would you compare her personality and features to aspects of your beloved state?  {This question is why she and I are friends.  She's awesome.}  This question confuses me.  But I do like Texas Country music.  I'll go with Wild Horses by Great Divide as a song that reminds me of Tiff.




(From War Eagle)  What's your advice on long distance dating? How do you make it bearable?  Big cell phone bills.  Facebook.  Emails.  Plane tickets.  

(From War Eagle)  Do all your exes really live in Texas? :) Uh, no.  I'm not George Strait. {We're all sad about this fact...}  And I don't hang my hat in Tennessee.

(From War Eagle)  When you are driving to College Station after a couple weeks away, what is the thing about Tiffany that makes you most excited to see her again?  I'm mostly excited to see her smiling face and give her a kiss.
 
(From Chicken Plucker)  Can you cook?  I am afraid that my friend, while making a valiant effort, might need some supervision/guidance in this department until she gets it all figured out.  {I could pretend to be offended, but we all know it's true.}  Yes, I can cook.  {Here is some photo proof.  Please note that no firemen were called during the making of these meals.}

 
(From Grady Girl)  Do you two-step the correct way (the New Mexico way) or do you two-step with a strange half-step or pause like other Texans I know? If you do dance like a Texan...are you willing to convert to the proper steps?  I can dance both ways.  Or any other way she comes up with.  {He may be able to dance both ways, but he shall only dance the correct way with me.  Let's be real here.}
 
(From Loud Oklahoma Girl and War Eagle)  Who is your favorite college football team?  Oklahoma State.  {Obviously he's smart enough not to screw that up.}  Or whoever is beating Texas.
 
 (From Fellow OSU Alum)  In referencing the movie "Runaway Bride," how do you like your eggs?  Scrambled with cheese and bacon.  And biscuits and jelly.  That's how my Nana makes them.  {Two thoughts:  1.  Great question!!  I think that the whole egg theory from that movie highlights a serious issue for a lot of women in relationships.  2.  How adorable is it that he love his Nana?}
 
 (From my mom)  If you had one week of no responsibilities, what would you want to do?  Go on an overseas trip with Tiffany.  {Can we go, like tomorrow?}

(From Gut Girl and Illinois Transplant)  Name a place on your travel list; preferably one that you envision you would go with Tiffany on.  I want to go to Ireland to hang out at an Irish pub in a little bitty town where there are green fields, friendly people, oceans and mountains.  {Again, can we go, like tomorrow?}

(From Mrs. B)  If you look at your debit card statement, what would be the most frequent entry?  Food.  {This bodes well for a chubby girl like me who likes to eat!}
 
(From ND Friend)  Are you (or would you be in the future) be open to trying fancy pancakes and yankee hashbrowns with Tiffany?  (You need to read this blog to fully understand this question...it's a classic.)  Heck yea I'll try the pancakes.  I'll try just about anything once.  That guy was a [non-Bible Belt Mom appropriate word].  {Best.  Question. Ever.  Go read that prior blog if you missed it.  It was one of my finest blog moments if I do say so myself!}
 
(From Uncle Black Belt...obviously)  Do you own a van?   No sir.  A water bed?  No sir.
 
(Uncle Black Belt again)  Do you have an earring? No sir.  A tattoo?  No sir.
 
(Coach A)  Are you ready to share Tiff with my daughter (who is her Goddaughter):  Yes, of course. {Good thing, because I wouldn't take no for an answer.  Look how darn cute my little GBaby is!}


 
(From Sister Lisa)  What would you do if a friend of Tiff's decided to call you at crazy hours of the night and leave you long messages on your voicemail?  I would listen to the voicemail and call her back.  At 6:00 in the morning.  {It's possible that this was not a hypothetical question.  It may have happened.  Except instead of calling the guilty party -- cough cough, Sister Lisa, cough cough -- he called and woke me up bright and early!  Punk.}

Meet the Cast Monday #46: The Boy from Texas (Part 1)

Ya'll are crazy.   

Yep, blog readers.  I mean you.

Crazy and awesome.  On Friday, I allowed questions for The Boy from Texas to be posted.    Well....we got some questions.  Over 75, to be exact.  It was insanity.  And hilarious.  The funniest questions award goes to Uncle Black Belt, whose list included things like "When would be a good time for me to interview your father, mother and priest?" and "In 50 words or less, what does don't touch my niece mean to you?" and "Do you own a van?"  I almost died laughing.

In order not to run the poor guy completely off, I told him that we'd just pick out a handful or so for him to answer now.  Maybe next week (after he has overcome the trauma of this little experience), he'll answer a few more, and we'll go on until they are done.  I will throw ya'll a bone, however, and let you see a picture of him.  Geez, I've gone soft.

With that, here is the first set of answers ala The Boy from Texas!  (My thoughts are in orange.)

1.  (From Loud Oklahoma Girl)  When and how did you and Tiff meet? 

Answer:  We met at the beginning of the OSU football season last year.  My good friend took me to Oklahoma to look at show steers and headed to Oklahoma City the night before the football game.  While we were there, we met Tiff and the girls for dinner that night and the game the next day.  The real reason why we went to Oklahoma was for my friend and Tiff's friend to go on a somewhat blind date.  We all had a great time and that's where Tiff and I met.  {And the Pokes won 84-0.  Important details, people.  Important details.  There was also some dancing involved, where I confirmed this dude was a good two-stepper.  He passed that test.  And he liked the Penny.  Also a critical detail.}

The football game where we met.....TBFT is in the black.

2.  (From Illinois Transplant)  Name something on your bucket list that you have yet to do.

Answer:  Travel overseas.   {I feel as though I should help him with this one.  I'll take one for the team.}

3.  (From Illinois Transplant)  What advice would you look back and give yourself at 18, 21 and 25?  {I absolutely love this question!!  Good work, friend!}

Answer:  At 18, I would have told myself to be more patient and have a more mild temper.  At 21, I would have told myself to be even more ambitious.  At 25, I would have told myself to enjoy the things that are around me even more because time is going by so fast.

4.  (From my mom)  What is your favorite childhood memory?

Answer:  Being able to remember times with my great grandfather and great grandmother.  {Family is important to him....someone mark that in the plus column, please!}

5.  (From Gut Girl, who is my former paralegal)  If you only had $25 in your pocket and it was Tiff's birthday, how you would spend the money to give her a day she would always remember?

Answer:  I would put $25 of gas in the car and we would go somewhere together where we had never been before.  It wouldn't matter what we did so long as we got to do something together.  {I would probably have voted for $15 of gas and the other $10 in ice cream, but beyond that, I kinda love this answer.}

6.  (From Uncle Black Belt)  What is the first thing you noticed about my niece?

Answer:  The first thing  noticed was that she was that she could talk anybody's leg off  {I'm not sure I like where this is headed....}, but that every word meant something.  The things she were saying were intelligent and kind and honest.  {Good save.}

7.  (From Flintstone) What is your full name, address, phone number, social security number, and any aliases you might go by????  

Answer:  {His attorney advises him to plead the Fifth.}

Meet the Cast Monday #45: Mrs. Hepburn

Mrs. Hepburn was my first boss when she hired me to tutor/babysit/chauffeur her kiddos when they were little.  To this day, that was my best job and she was my best boss.  No question!  We did a little school, we did a lot of swimming, ate a lot of ice cream....and I got paid.  It was glorious.  She got her blog name because she is frequently dressed in black with pearls that reminds me of Audrey Hepburn.  She is hands down one of the most fun, most kind, most amazing people that I know.  She constantly inspires me.  And yesterday was her birthday, so everyone tell her Happy Birthday today!

Meet Mrs. Hepburn!

What was your favorite part of the trip to Notre Dame?
Having you show us around!  The rich Catholic culture of Notre Dame was absolutely overwhelming . . . standing under the Golden Dome with Our Lady on top while the bagpipes played and everything about the football game were amazing!  However, since we were hoping my daughter would like to go there, my highlight was the moment that crystallized in the cold dawn light after we prayed at the grotto.  As we began our “5K for The Little Flowers” (in support of Reece’s Rainbow for orphans) around the lake, all was still and quiet.  {We were the only people at the lake and the Grotto--it really was amazing.}  We paused and looked back because my daughter had fallen behind. The trees framed her walking serenely along the path by the water.  She was contemplating the wonder of it all; looking happy and at home – mission accomplished! She’d love to go there.   {Convincing her she needed to go there was totally my goal....I'm dying to have a friend at Notre Dame to go visit!}

What is your favorite memory of me babysitting the kids?

Watching you become absorbed in reading Pope John Paul II’s autobiography in helping my son complete a book report on it.  You became so inspired and animated talking about it and in contrast he just wanted to know what to write to get the report done.  {I credit her completely with my love of JPII!  So glad that I had to write that book report!)  The other was watching my daughter imitate you - your mannerisms and enthusiastic way of talking about things you’re excited about.  While it was so cute when she was little, when she does it now, I realize what a strong impression you made upon her – invaluable, thank you.      {I am pretty sure this is a compliment that I do not deserve, Baby Hepburn is the most adorable kid in the whole world, I really think I have learned more from her!}

What is something you constantly pray for?

I pray for God’s grace and His will be done.  I pray for my family, future family members, friends, those who have died and our leaders.  Specifically, I pray in adoration, thanksgiving and ask for forgiveness.  My petitions include praying for those on my list (I keep a list of people and their needs because I don’t want to forget anyone).  For myself I pray for abandonment to follow His will completely, for Him to use me as He pleases, to help me be Christ like, to give me a pure heart, for faith, hope and love.  Lastly, I try to be quiet and contemplate Him, to listen. {I'm horrible at the being quiet and listening part....I really need to work on that!}

Mrs. Hepburn, Dr. Kyra, and me in Vegas

What is the best advice you have ever received?

In high school your Mom and Grandmother were my husband and my English teachers; they got us together.  During our senior year of college I was getting cold feet and thought I ought to make sure he was “the one” by dating other guys.  (Faulty logic, but at 21 it made perfect sense to me.)  Your Mother gave me the best advice that determined the course of my entire life:  ‘If you love him and you are certain he loves you, do not let that go.  You know that he is a very good person and they are rare.  You may not ever find that again.’  She was so right!  I tell my children all the time, be very careful in choosing your spouse, it determines your happiness for the rest of your life.  I am a lucky woman; he is the love of my life, a wonderful husband and father.  Love is more than an emotion, it is a decision, and it is a person – the Triune God, whose love is expressed in marriage.  True love is sacrificial.  When we love someone we try to help them on their journey home - to heaven.   {Good job to my mom and Nannie!  It's funny now because Mrs. Hepburn periodically gives me relationship advice. That's full circle._

You had a season of waiting while trying to have children, what did God teach you during that time?

It was nearly a decade . . . After years of praying in earnest, someone told me that I hadn’t prayed hard enough yet.  That I needed to pray until I no longer cared what God’s answer would be.  I learned that I needed to surrender my will and seek the will of God.  God always answers prayers; sometimes the answer is ‘yes but not now’ or not in the way that I hoped.  What He has in store for us is so much more than what we ask for.  We need to be open to what it is that He desires to bless us with.  {I absolutely love the preceding sentence.}  In His time we were blessed more abundantly than we ever imagined with three great children, a deep faith and appreciation born of suffering and waiting.  If we hadn’t had a period of infertility we wouldn’t have our second son who joined us through adoption.  That was a profound experience.  He is so different from the rest of us teaching us to look at the world a whole new way, bringing us so much joy.  All is well.  He is in control.  He will work all things for good.       

If you could give your 30 year old self a piece of advice, what would that be?

Use a midwife (I had just had a c-section); if you really want to have an unmedicated natural birth you need to go to someone who does them and is able to support you through it.  I wish I had read child psychologist Dr. John Rosemond before I lost 2 years of sleep!  His books are time tested giving solid advice for parents on how to raise ‘responsible, independent children who entertain themselves’.  Say ‘no’ more often to your children; it is not your job to keep them happy but to train and teach them the way to go.  You are their first and most influential teacher.  Relax, being happy is more important than having a clean house.  {Yes....being happy over cleaning.  I love that!}  Your children’s worst day at home with you is better than the best day anywhere else.  Put your marriage before your children, they’ll benefit from it.  Choose the high road:  read, research and learn about:  natural family planning (it’s 99% effective and prevents divorce 98%), natural childbirth and breastfeeding (besides being healthier it causes a tremendous bond), homeschooling, healthy cooking, exercise . . .  They’re countercultural because no one makes a profit by selling them so you’ll only learn about them by taking the initiative and becoming informed for yourself.  Read ‘Born to Run’ and get a pair of minimalist, midstrike shoes – they’ll save your knees.  (Now at 55 with Tiffany’s inspiration I’ve returned to running and in them I can.)  Be there for your family and friends.  Most importantly, make your spiritual life your priority - the love, comfort and direction He blesses you with will get you through anything.  God is love and love defines us.

Mrs. Hepburn and Baby Hepburn running together.

Tell us what it was like to attend the Emmy Awards?

It was exciting seeing movie stars on the red carpet, being in Hollywood     . . . but so superficial.  We waited over two hours to get in and then were escorted through an underground parking garage in heels and formals around the theatre to go in a side entrance.  The Awards program itself was long and often boring. During frequent commercial breaks it was chaos, the stars left and people replaced them so the seats weren’t empty.  Those sitting were texting.  When the cameras would come back on, everyone would become animated and shine again, very much all for show, literally.  Afterwards we were at a party with a half dozen stars, including Rob Lowe and Helen Hunt.  We heard some of them got as much as $10,000 for a couple of hours of being there.  People lined up to have their pictures taken with them.  There were complimentary slippers (little cloth ones rolled up in a can) at the party so women could take off their shoes to dance.  While it was a great experience, we had a lot more fun at your brother’s wedding!  There’s nothing like being with friends!  {I love that my brother's wedding was more fun than hobnobbing with movie stars!}

The Hepburns at the Emmys.

The "more fun" Vegas wedding!

If you could go back and re-live one day, what day would you choose?

The day after our daughter was born I felt like God had touched us in a profound way - our family was complete.  Previously I had a c-section, attended my second son’s delivery with his birth mother, became pregnant after close to 10 years of infertility, then had complications, almost losing her numerous times while pregnant.  Finally at nearly 40 I was able to have a natural childbirth with this 10lb 2ou baby girl.  All of the work and pain of birth made me feel like I had climbed the highest mountain.  There’s nothing that compares to the exhilaration you feel after you’ve pushed your physical abilities beyond what you thought you could for the love of another; when you’ve been blessed with the ultimate gift of life.  We felt so alive, the world glowed bright with every detail, we were ecstatic.  The love and bonding that grew sure and steady with the boys was intense and immediate after her birth.  To have her safe and sound heading home to her brothers was indescribable.  We are family!     “ . . . He who began a good work in you will perfect it . . .” 

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?

Run a 10K and bike a Century ride (100mi)                                   

Spend a couple of months with my husband exploring Europe                  

Meet the Cast Monday #44: Baby Hepburn

Today, you all are going to meet Baby Hepburn.  I've known this girl literally since she was born.  I used to babysit her when she was a tiny little thing and last weekend she went to the prom.  Yep.  I'm old.  It's been so much fun to watch her grow into such a brilliant (no, seriously, ask her ACT score!), beautiful, fun, amazing person and friend.  I couldn't be more proud of her!

Meet Baby Hepburn.

Tell us your favorite part of the trip to Notre Dame (seriously, where else would I start this?)

Duh! Where else would we start?! I loved all of the culture and tradition that you can just feel being on campus. Everyone around looked like they were having fun and loving life, on a GORGEOUS campus might I add? We were so lucky to have you and your connections there show us around. But how could I not mention the football game… Of course T’eo’s shoulder pad hitting my forehead was towards the top of the list. Winning in overtime, rushing the field, swaying in the pouring rain, arms locked with you so you wouldn’t lose me, standing on that field… priceless.   {Priceless is really how I'd sum up that whole trip.  There are just not words for how amazing that weekend was!}

What is the best vacation you have ever taken?

My family has been very privileged in taking some spectacular vacations but my favorite would have to be Sanibel Island in Florida. Almost the entire island is a nature preserve and the beaches are some of the top places for shelling in the world. It was great bonding time for my family. We rode bikes around the small island, kayaked through the mangroves, shopped and collected/brought home literally hundreds of beautiful shells.

Where do you want to be in 10 years?

Hopefully babysitting YOUR children!  {Best answer to a MTCM question ever!!} Maybe I’ll be a little old for babysitting by then… As of right now though, I have absolutely no plan as to what to do with my life. College, husband, children is about as specific as I’ve gotten. Whatever God has planned for me!

What do you remember about me babysitting you kids?

One of the memories that stays with me to this day is the fact that, according to you and me, carrots taste like wax. Ha ha! My mom’s still mad at you about that, and I still don’t like carrots!  {What's funny about that is that I now love carrots!  Sorry about ruining them for you kids!} We had a lot of fun times with you and I’m glad that we’ve only gotten closer over the years. 

Me and "the kids" at Christmas

What is the best part about growing up in a small town?

I’ve been so blessed to grow up where I did. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What I have come to appreciate as I’ve gotten older is how lucky I am to go to school at a place where I can play all of the sports that I love. There are no tryouts or cutting from teams. We may not be as good as bigger schools, but I have the opportunity to play on multiple varsity teams year round.

Who is your favorite Saint?

Although my confirmation saint is St. Catherine of Siena, my favorite saint would have to be St. Maria Goretti. She is the patron saint of teenage girls and chastity. When she was 12 years old she was stabbed to death because she refused to submit herself to a young man that was trying to rape her. It is a very inspiring story. She is one of the youngest saints to be canonized.

Did you ever think your parents would let you roam The Strip until 3 in themorning?

No!  But dang, was that a good time.  They were either completely exhausted, or have a massive amount of trust in you; maybe both.  That night was definitely one to remember though.  Thank you for giving up your fun night with the "big kids" and hanging with us.  I had a blast! :)  {I had the best time with you guys---I'm quite sure we had more fun together than I would have had with the "big kids!"}

What potential colleges are currently on your list (you are allowed to be honest, so long as ND is still #1!)?

ND is of course #1! (pending acceptance) but the rest of the list isn’t very clear. Texas A&M I suppose is up towards the top. It’d be great to be by you.  {I find this to be the only acceptable answer other than Notre Dame!}  This year for spring break we are going to California for a week and visiting colleges there. We are going to see 7 in all, by the end. Maybe after we get back from there, there will be more on the list. UCLA, Stanford, USF, USD, Loyola Marymount, St. Mary’s, and Thomas Aquinas are the ones to be visited. Benedictine in Kansas, University of Dallas and Ave Maria in Naples are also on the list.

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?

I've been so lucky growing up that I've had the opportunity to do so many things.  The one day I did start a bucket list, I put two things on it:  the first is to go to the Kentucky Derby (with a derby hat) - you and I have decided to do that one together :)  {Heck yes....we're totally doing this.  I am so excited about it!}  The other is pretty stereotypical bucket list, I'd like to go skydiving.

Meet the Cast Monday #43: Cousin Kevin's Accountant

You all remember Cousin Kevin?  Well today you are meeting his accountant (she's totally not an accountant but my little cousin coined the accountant title and it stuck!)  She's hilarious, takes zero crap from Cousin Kevin, and has a fudge company that is growing like gang busters.  And she does awesome things like jumping off of the Stratosphere in Vegas.  You all want to be friends with this lady for sure.  

Meet Cousin Kevin's Accountant.

You grew up in small town NM and now live in a big city--what's the best and worst part of that?

Best:  Not running into anyone you know at Wal Mart. 

Worst:  Not running into anyone you know at Wal Mart.  {Love it!}

Seriously ..

Best:  Anything you want or need can be found within a 30 mile radius.

Worst:  My kids driving on Interstates and Highways on a regular basis.

Favorite song?

NEW:  Wave On Wave by Pat Green

OLD:  El Paso by Marty Robbins

Tell us a funny story about Cousin Kevin.

Well this is hard to narrow down . . one day Kevin and I pulled into a gas station.  He got out and started fueling up his truck.  I got out of the truck and noticed a nice African American woman fueling up her car on the other side.  I proceeded to walk across the parking lot to go into the convenience store and turned around and yelled to Kevin “do you want anything?” to which Kevin yelled back “Coffee – BLACK – Like I like my women”.  Ya .. he did that.  {He is always doing things like this.  I thought she might tell about the time we were all at BWW after the mud run and the waitress said that Cousin Kevin's Accountant looked familiar, to which he responded "yea, she's a porn star."}

 You've built several businesses, give us your best piece of business advice.

Hire employees that started working when they were a teenager.  In most cases, these individuals are hardworking, reliable and responsible.

Always trust your gut!

If you could go back and relive one day, what would that be?

My favorite question.  If I could go back and relive a day and make a change it would be the day I agreed to make fudge for VSM.  If it is to go back and relive a day exactly as it were . . it would be any day that my kids were babies.  It is so hard to remember those days.  They went by way to fast.

Where is the best place you have ever visited?

Ground Zero – that place makes you remember what is important in life.

Did you ever think you'd own a fudge company?

NEVER.  I have always loved fudge but never in a million years did I think I would be trying to make a living with it.  {Their fudge is seriously AMAZING.  Check it out here.}

I'm always curious what people who come in from "the outside" think of our crazy family.  You've now met everyone...be honest...what were your initial thoughts?

“Oh my God, are me and Kevin related?”  Your family is so much like mine.  I think it is why you are all so easy to love.  {God bless her for having to deal with two sets of us if this is true!}

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?

She already checked off jumping off the Stratosphere

Bora Bora ;-)  {I'm still standing by...}

 Ride in an F-16 or any type of fighter jet.

Ride in a hot air balloon.

Karaoke  {I know or a fact this happens on a weekly basis in your town....how have you not checked this off?  We're doing this when I move there!}