summer

I was married over 8 years ago when I was barely 19 years old. I felt mature enough to make that kind of decision then and haven’t regretted it (or the man I chose) for a moment. We now have three young children. I won’t tell you they’re perfect angels but I love them to pieces no matter what.

I was born in sunny Southern California but lived most of my life in central Utah. We are now living in Maryland and while it has grown on me, this isn’t “home” for us. Though I only lived in the desert a short time it’s my favorite climate so I’m hoping we’ll soon move somewhere that is hot year-round. I was born to Mormon parents, was baptized when I was 8 and never really doubted the gospel teachings my entire life. But I did go through a period of severe trial a few years ago when I questioned for the first time, everything I’d ever believed. I came through more converted to and sure of the truth of the gospel than I previously had been. I hope to serve a mission for the Mormon Church with my husband after our kids are grown.

In my life, I am a mom first. I get to stay at home with my children and I love it! But I also run a blog design business. In the past I’ve done genealogical research for hire. I am currently the Music Chair in our ward, so I schedule special musical performances and select the hymns for our sacrament service each week.

My biggest hobby is learning. I am constantly trying to teach myself new things, so I have a large list of hobbies and talents I’ve acquired: I love to play the piano, write, read, bake, do cake decorating, scrapbook, couponing, blogging, genealogy, beading, organizing and so much more!

When I was 5 year old, I hopped off the school bus after kindergarten expecting my dad to be there to pick me up. When I didn’t see his truck, I just walked home since it wasn’t too far. I wasn’t afraid until I got to the front door and found it locked. I knew then that no one was home and that I’d either been forgotten or something had happened to my dad. I remembered my parents telling me if I was ever in trouble or scared to say a prayer. I knelt down on the sidewalk and cried my little heart out to God. It was only a few minutes later that a family friend (and not a member of our church) who lived around the block came up the cul-de-sac. She told me she had been sitting in her house when she just knew she needed to come to ours. We called my dad, who had lost track of the time at work and he came home right away. This was a testimony to me that Heavenly Father hears our prayers and that he often uses others to answer them. It reminds me that I need to be listening for His inspiration always.

Besides the tesimony building experience mentioned above, I had a specific moment of clarity concerning God’s love for me when I was about 14 years old. I was going through a lot of turmoil in my mind due to depression and other factors that were yet to be diagnosed. I truly loathed who I was and thought often about ending my life. I was in my room one night thinking my usual bleak thoughts when I suddenly felt God’s love for me through my whole body. I don’t even know how to describe it, just that I felt absolutely overwhelmed at that moment by the most intense love. I knew without a doubt that it was God telling me how very much he loved me and I broke down and wept with relief at the thought that he still had hope in me.

I love being a Mormon woman because no matter where I am in the world, I have instant friendship and support; our church is such a close knit community. We are constantly having activities together and serving each other. It’s really helpful especially if you live so far away from family like we do.
—
For more Portraits of Mormon Women, please click here.