I’m a pretty laid-back person, am fairly introverted, and I enjoy both playful banter and “deep dives.” Some of my favorite qualities are spiritual growth, humor, perseverance, and creativity. My husband, Brian, and I make a point of deftly mocking our troubles away. Okay, we pray a lot, too. We are blessed to be a finely-tuned MomDad machine of three closely-spaced boys.

My boys are a perfect excuse to do what I really love: play. I enjoy problem-solving, working with my hands (especially creatively), listening to many types of music, playing drums, playing most sports (racquetball!!), shoot-em-up video games, silly board games, doodling, getting buried in riveting conversation, reading, learning, traveling, and most of all spending time with family and friends.

I started blogging because, firstly, I type much faster than I write, and there is so much I want to remember about my family, and about my own thoughts on life. Secondly, I want to close the distance between us and our family and friends who don’t get to see the kids’ daily antics. If anyone else sneaks a little schadenfreude at my motherly fumbling – enjoy!

The Guys

Brian is my hero. He keeps me sane when I’m on the verge of giving myself a swirly. He’s a rock star with the boys and can be frequently found in a comfy spot reading stories to the boys with hilarious accents and embellishments, tossing or chasing the boys about, or herding them to bed. Otherwise, he is mercifully executing a backlog of dishes or finding a great new tweak for my blog. He is the Uber-husband. I could not have dreamed him up if I tried. We’ve been married since 2001, and I still feel that girly giddiness to see him when he walks in the door, and I’m still enchanted by his smile. Having a family with him is the greatest adventure yet!

Ian (pronounced “EE-an,” not to be confused for “EYE-an” or Ethan) is our oldest. Although it’s allegedly against The Code to admit it, he loves his brothers and is really good to them. Ian has a vivid imagination, and loves to draw, write and build. He can turn any topic into interesting, if not hilarious, reading. He’s become a great cook, to all of our delight, and is a joy to listen to on the piano! He sets the bar high for his brothers with his dapper style and his unique expression of physical comedy. He’s a deep thinker and very inquisitive. His empathy runs deep, and his hugs fill my heart.

Isaac has always had a way with words. He cracks us up with his next-level humor. He’s quietly affectionate, happily independent, and remarkably diligent. He’s the most reserved of the three, and appreciates his alone or one-on-one time. Isaac wears his heart on his sleeve and is very thoughtful and generous. He does everything decisively and with all his heart. Isaac would be happy to stay home all day every day playing, editing videos, doing origami, and reading.

Elijah lives large, challenging his world since the day he was born [Check out his early journey with Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis (LCH)]. Elijah channels his energy and agility into Taekwondo, and into battling any willing opponent in a duel or strategy game. He is fantastically determined at what catches his attention, and has the confidence of a born leader. Elijah loves inventing games, planning meetings with his buddies, and writing epic stories. I can always count on him for a sweet, affectionate moment before he leaps into his next adventure. This guy doesn’t know a stranger.