Interview

My friend Kristen had an interview tag on her blog, and these are the questions she emailed me to answer. I thought they were great thinking and journaling questions, so thanks Kristen.

1.) You have three adorable children. What has surprised you the most about being a mom? What is your favorite part of motherhood?

I think one thing that took me by surprise with motherhood is the intensity of the emotions. I think all of the emotions I have ever felt have been magnified in motherhood – love, fear, frustration, joy. Another surprise was the revelation of just how selfish I am. I don't like soggy cereal or cold dinners, I don't like being woken up before I want to get up, etc. I think marriage is supposed to prepare you for parenting by giving you the opportunity to learn to put someone else's needs before your own, but I just happened to marry a sweet and very undemanding man that didn't tell me how selfish I was. That was really tough as a new mom to take care of my needs after my baby's, but yesterday at lunch I pulled my delicious leftovers out of the microwave, and right on cue Ryan woke up from his nap. Of course. But I didn't feel frustrated about it, and that was a surprise, too. So maybe I am catching on to a few lessons of life in my old age.

There are many things I love about motherhood. I love watching my children play together. There isn’t much that makes me happier than seeing them be nice and get along and enjoy being with each other. Another thing I love about motherhood is watching my children learn to make right choices. The girls are growing up so fast, and that is a little scary for me but at the same time I am so impressed with how often they do make correct choices. We, of course, have our fair share of squabbles and time-outs and forced apologies, but they both have really shown an ability to stand firm to what they know is right around other children. Nikki was even nominated by her teacher last week as a student of character because she continues to do what’s right even when others around her are not. I was so happy to hear that, and I don’t think there is anything more that I could ask from my children.

2.) With all the responsibilities you have (husband, children, church work, school), how do you manage it all so well?

Umm, I’m not sure that I do. I know that the days that are the most smooth are the days where I get up when I’m supposed to, pray, read my scriptures, and exercise. It is so true that we can’t give to others unless we have something to give.

3.) Education is very important to you. From where or whom did you get your love of learning?

It definitely started with my mom. Because my dad was sick, she had to work but she only had a 2-year secretarial degree. She had never planned on being a career woman, and she always told us how important it was for us to get an education because you just never know when you might have to use it. The thing that really impresses me about her is that even though she worked, she made sure that I knew she would rather be home. I grew up wanting an education not because I wanted a great career, but I just wanted to be prepared for life. I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mother, and an education would help me teach my children the importance of learning, too. I also love how our church leaders emphasize the importance of education. Even though I don’t have an income-generating job, my education is valuable in all aspects of my life – as a mother, as a wife, as a home-maker, as a teacher at church, as a citizen in my community. I love learning, and I even just finished an independent study class and am excited to start my next one.

4.) When you have "free" time, how do you like to spend it?

Well, I guess right now I’m spending my free time blogging, but mostly if I have extra time I would want to read a good book. The challenge these days is finding a good book. Sometimes I want to read something to learn and broaden my horizons, and sometimes I just want to relax and read a happily-ever-after story. A book is like a movie to me. I picture in my mind exactly what is happening. There is no way that I could ever enjoy speed-reading because then I would miss so much of the book. Would you watch a movie in fast-forward?

5.) You always talk about what a great husband and father Nate is. How did you two meet and what impresses you the most about him?

Nate and I met on a blind date. We had both been set up by mutual friends to come on this triple date. Nate’s friend had described his date to him, but when Nate got there he didn’t see anyone like that. So, he just figured I was his date – but I wasn’t. It ended up being more of just a group date with everyone just hanging out (probably because Nate was ignoring his date). I thought it was fun because I pretty much had two dates that night (I much preferred Nate over the other guy).

The thing that struck me when we first met (besides the fact that he was cute and really tall) was how easy it was to talk to him. There were so many other times when I would come home from a date or a dance and think how much I knew about the guy but he probably didn’t know anything about me. Nate listens so well. He makes me feel like he enjoys talking to me and wants to hear what I have to say, and I think he does that for everyone he talks to. Another thing that I have come to really appreciate the longer we are together, is how disciplined he is. When he sets a goal, he accomplishes it. I love that about him. And I remember one time in an interview with a bishop, he was talking about some of his hobbies and trying to see if Nate had any of the same interests – do you like cars, do you have any building experience, etc. Nate was just shaking his head, and the bishop jokingly said, “Well, what do you do?” That’s when I piped in and said, “He helps me.” When he gets home from work he asks me what I need him to do, he will do anything with the kids and the housework, and the kids LOVE seeing him pull in the driveway. I do, too. The bishop laughed and said, well, maybe his wife should have looked a little longer before settling. I’m glad Nate didn’t look any farther after settling on me.