Answers To Your Questions:

Yesterday I said you guys could ask me anything in celebration of my birthday (which is today the 19th). You guys made me use my brain, here are answers to your questions. I will add more if more come in.

Oh and guess what I am having tonight, since I can not have my birthday cheesecake (due to jaw surgery).

from Sonic

What is your idea, if no holds barred allowed, what is the ideal date with your hubby?

Anytime I have him all to myself with no kids. Seriously we have been married for 13 years, and it was not until THIS summer that we took the first vacation (just the two of us). We did not have a honeymoon. He took me to Savannah, GA. And to me it was the best time I have ever had in my life, and we renewed not only why he is my best friend but why he is my lover for life also. It was a no holds barred several days.

What is your most favorite comfort food?

I have to pick one? I will have to go with the oldie but goodie…..chocolate. Specifically Dove Dark Chocolate little bars. My mother in law got me hooked on them. They are a perfect sweet treat after dinner. That is if you can eat just one =)

Do you dread turning 40?
Yum, yes. Do I want to turn 40, oh yes I want to be here to see my grandchildren and possibly great grandchildren (not at 40 yrs old mind you, that would be a little to young for my kiddies). I guess I am one that does not grow old gracefully; I fight it tooth and nail. Or in other words, facials and night creams.

What one moment in parenting do you really wish that you had a do-over?

There are so many moments, because I am soooo NOT perfect. Lets see. When my (who shall remain namless child) was younger made an off color remark to a girl. I was mortified, but unfortunately I was too worried about how it would make me look as a parent instead of wondering why he said what he said. How I have learned now =)

Knowing your kids as they are right now, what do you think they’ll be doing as a career in their future?Oldest, Youth Pastor

Middle, Civil Engineer or Computer Engineer

Youngest, Engineer

What is your most proud (in a good sense) moment as a Christian- something that you feel that God looked at your doing and smiled?

When I gave my testimony to a group of high school girls. I was terrified (with a capital T), and once I began the Holy Spirit just took over. What is funny, is I really don’t remember it to well (except beginning and then how I felt when it was over). I was sooo excited I could not even go to sleep that night.

What’s your favorite color? Mine’s “blue– NO! RED!! Ahhhhh….” (Name the movie and you win one of the donut holes I’m eating. I, of course, will eat it in your honor.)

I give up, if it is not from Star Wars then I don’t know =)

What writer has most influenced you in your walk with Christ?

Besides Angela Hunt who wrote “Do you Think I am Beautiful” (she had me sobbing through the pages)

I would say Francine Rivers, Mark of the Lion series. That series changed the way I prayed, helped me to see what stepping out in faith means.

What person in general has been your best mentor?

I have been blessed with many(no certain order) Mom, Grandmother, Gladys Hagen (with Jesus right now), Dad. Each taught me something different, but something I carry with me everyday.

As for some one I don’t know personally, Beth Moore bible studies have changed my life.

What is your earliest memory?

By the way I take obedience class from Mojo =) My earliest memory is, there was a boy named Chris in 1st grade who was my best friend. We hung out all the time. He invited me to spend the night at his house. I was so excited I ran to my Mom and asked her (knowning she would say yes, because it was a friend), but she said NO. I could not understand, I am sure I threw a fit. But it really stuck with me. BTW that sweet boy Chris grew up to ask me to Prom, I turned him down (big mistake). Now he is now married and has children.

What is your favorite fiction book and your favorite non-fiction book, excluding The Bible?

Fiction: I would have to say The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers

Non-Fiction: (I don’t read to many of these) but I guess “Beyond The Gates of Splendor” which I read as a teenager.

Is that too conservative for you? Nope

Okay, when I turned 36 I wanted to do a complete makeover. If you could dispose of your current wardrobe what would be the first item you would replace it with…something that says …this is me, 36 and lovin’ it!!

Well on the show “What Not To Wear” they have a sign that says no mini skirts after 35, well big bummer !!!! (and I am kidding)

Hmm I think I would like to get something like this:

That says “I still have it baby!!!”

If you could give some advice for a new mom of a son.. what would it be?!? I wanted to ask you this question because you are such a wonderful person and wonderful mom… and I would LOVE to know some of your secrets

1. Buy lots of scented stuff, because your sweet boy will not always smell that sweet =)

2. If your child hits, bites, cuss’, or does something totally contrary to the way you raised him, do not take it personally, nor does it reflect the type of mother you are. Use them as “teachable lessons”

3. Boys are different than girls, girls like to spend time talking, boys like to spend time “doing” things.

4. Let your boy be a boy, he will pick up sticks and pretend they are a gun, help them relate to the “heros” of life, they like to feel like the “knight in shinning amour”.

I could continue, but it would be a whole another post.

What are your hobbies? I guess reading is the closest thing to a hobby, but I do enjoy the computer also. I love learning new things. The next thing I want to learn is Photoshop.

Any instruments you play? Unfortunately no, I have always wanted to learn piano. I always said I was going to do that after my kids move out. We will see.

How’d you meet your husband?Hubby and I went to the same 4 year college (go Wildcats)… we lived in the same co-ed dorm. Boys on one side, girls on the other. Well I am going to cheat on this question and say there is a whole post on this one HERE.

What is the best thing about having boys?

This could be a post in itself, but I would have to say they are not petty like girls. They make me laugh. They treat me like a Queen (since I am the only female in the house). I just love to watch them play, to give it their all, to be competitive; but yet, have a tender heart, to cry when I am upset, and to come give me hugs. This gives me an idea for a post =)