I like a lot of diverse things
Self-Defense
Self Defense. I come from a strong 3rd generation law enforcement family and still serve today. My family owns a karate studio and a I grew up around guns, target practice, karate classes and dogs so it’s naturally a part of my life.
My Dober Girl, Sierra Bear
She doesn’t like the loud shots but when the gun is down, she’s by my side. She’s my best buddy.
Outdoor Adventure
Camping and Hiking are super fun for me. I will admit, I’ve gone from throwing a sleeping bag on the ground to using an air mattress, but I still enjoy tent camping and sleeping under the stars. There’s just nothing quite like it. My favorite place to camp and hike is Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon in Utah and Davidson River in NC.
Adventure Kind of Fun I like to get up and go. Stuff like ziplining, hot air ballooning, scuba and power snorkeling, sailing, bike riding across the Golden Gate Bridge… all cool.
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Spur of the moment things. I can up and go in a heartbeat. I love being spontaneous and appreciate the freedom I have to do that.
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A Passion for Foster Children
After fostering for 15 years off and on, I saw first hand the broken hearts and dreams of these kids. They are precious. I loved having them. We had fun together as I was able to minister to their spirits and help them see how loved and valuable they were.
I’ll never forget Joey, who at 7 years old, went to the grocery store for the first time with me and he was overwhelmed with excitement when I pulled a cart out. He’d never used a cart because that meant a lot of food. He helped me pick our Thanksgiving turkey and again, he was just so excited about the size of that thing.
I’ll never forget a sibling group of girls who I allowed to discover my closet, makeup and jewelry box. Oh my,did they have fun. Need I say more? The weekend was filled with dress up and fashion shows.
I’ll never forget a 15 year old girl who didn’t know she was a princess. I drew her a bubble bath, laid out beautiful towels and soaps, lit a candle, put on some relaxing music and left her to soak. She discovered what a wonderful thing it was to be a young lady and a princess.
I’ll never forget Michael, who at the age of 8, had never seen a picture of himself. I took him shopping for some new “duds” and I did a photo shoot of him. He grinned from ear to ear and couldn’t believe he “looked so handsome”.
The stories go on about tea parties for the girls, and Steve teaching the young boys about secret BBQ tips. Baking and making a mess in the kitchen, piling on the bed with bowls of popcorn for everyone while we watched a movie, birthday parties, slumber parties, and little league.
Scrapbooking
From the age of 11, I kept my own scrapbooks. Today, my children all have their life stories, family memories and traditions tucked in albums. My hobby lead me to opportunities I’m grateful for.
Doors have opened that have allowed me to be a scrapbook designer for manufactures. My work has been published in idea books, in-store billboards, product packaging, and even the cover of QVC. I’ve been a guest on craft TV shows as well as attended nationwide scrapbooking conventions to demonstrate product and ideas for use. I enjoy teaching at conventions, retreats, stores, etc. I even have a small fan club. Very fun :).
What is scrapbooking? It’s the archival preservation of family and life photos, memorabilia, stories and documents the “who, what, where, when”
Author – Trainer
Through my passion for fostering and scrapbooking, I saw and need and authored a hands-on training and book for social workers and foster parents on how to make scrapbooks for children in care. I’ve had the honor and opportunity (partnering with my Mom) to speak at the National Foster Association and all over the state of Kentucky as an advocate for kids in care to have their own lifebooks. Their lives are so torn apart, and a lifebook (scrapbook) of their journey makes a huge impact on them.
My Kids
Scott, Ashley, Andrew
I love spending time with family. I have 3 kids. This picture was taken in November and the boys were having a beard contest.
When we’re together, like most other families and friends, we love to play games like Cash Flow 101, Banagrams or cards.
Again probably like most families, we love a good BBQ, staying caught up in everyone’s lives and tossing the frisbee.
And…I’ve recently become a grandma which is unbelievable. I’m so grateful for the blessing of family.
Working On My “Live Life List”
In case you don’t know what the “bucket list” is, there’s a movie you can rent called “Bucket List”. It’s a story about two men who were dying and they made a list of everything they wanted to do before they “kicked the bucket”. Then, they set out to do it. Pick it up and watch it if you haven’t seen it, it’s a great movie and lesson for all of us. Rather than making a ‘bucket list’, I have a “live life” list.
The older I get the more I want to play, experience, discover and accomplish.
I don’t want to get to the end of my life and say, “If I had only . . . “
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