How has motherhood changed you as a woman?
Motherhood has taught me to slow down and enjoy even the littlest things in life. A baby’s smile, the day they first discover their toes, the very first time that your little one rolls over…these are all huge milestones to be celebrated. Do not take anything for granted. Be thankful and find the good in any situation. If God has brought you too it, He will bring you through it.

What is your full time occupation?
I am a stay-at-home mom of an almost 2 year old little boy. We will also be adding another little bundle of joy in November! I am also an Independent Thirty-One Consultant. 
I love being a part of Thirty-One because it allows me to work from home. I can work as little or as much as I want, and never have to leave my babies.

Tell us about your family (number of children, the family you were raised in).
My husband and I have one angel baby in Heaven who is always looking out for us. Our son, Rylee Wade, will be 2 in August. He has been our strong little fighter since day one. 
He is the happiest little boy that you will ever meet. That’s probably why Pappy nicknamed him “Smiley Rylee”. And another sweet gift from God will fill our arms and hearts even more in November.

What is one family tradition that you have raised your family with?
On Sunday’s after church, we always go to my mom’s house for lunch. All of my siblings and their spouses and children are there. It is our “family day”. It gives us all a chance to relax and laugh and play games together. The cousins really love the time that they get to share growing up and making memories together.

What are your “must-haves” as a Mom?
A supportive and understanding partner…my husband has been my greatest help in this crazy journey of motherhood. On the days I feel like everything is crashing and nothing goes right, he’s always there for me and Rylee. Oh, my morning coffee is also a great place to start too! 😉

What is something you are talented with or passionate about?
One dream that my husband and I share is to someday open a home for troubled youth. I have always had a desire in my heart to help out the orphans. But whenever I started working at a high school in Alaska in the Special Education Extended Resource Room, I gained a desire to specifically help those in their teenage years. The teenage years are a crucial part in a person’s life. If we could help guide them in the path that God has planned, then I would feel like my time on Earth was not wasted.

Any advice for new Mothers?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is ok if you can’t do everything by yourself. Most people want to help, but they don’t always know exactly how or what they could do. You may feel like you’re being bossy or like you’re being an inconvenience to those, but if you give them a specific task, they are almost always more than happy to help you out.

Where do you call home?
“Home” is currently in New Franklin, PA. We live in a large farm house in the country and are surrounded by many acres of peach orchards. However, God seems to have a funny way of moving us around quite frequently so far. So “Home” is, and always will be, wherever God leads our family…wherever I get to relax in the evenings with the ones that I love and tuck my little ones into their beds.

What is a favorite past-time you do with your child/children?
I just love anything that we get to do outdoors together. Whether it is going for a walk, going camping, fishing, or just pushing my little guy on the swing and hearing his squeals of pure happiness.

What has motherhood taught you?
I have learned that I need to not be so quick to judge. I have absolutely no idea what a mother or her family is going through. Just because everything looks good and sweet on the outside, there may be a much bigger struggle. A smile or a helping hand can go a long way.

Do you have a favorite quote about motherhood?
“God gave those little children to you, Mama-to YOU. No one else can mother them like you can. You may have your work cut out for you, but YOU’RE the one cut out to accomplish it.”