1. Hometown Unveiled: Kuna, Idaho

   My formative years were spent amidst the sprawling landscapes of Idaho, a state often recognized for its potatoes but brimming with so much more. Specifically, I grew up in a charming town called Kuna. For those unfamiliar, it’s pronounced “Que-na,” a detail locals appreciate. Nestled just outside Boise – that’s “Boy-See” for the uninitiated – Kuna offered a unique backdrop for a childhood rich in natural beauty and community spirit. This upbringing in a distinct, close-knit rural setting instilled in me a deep appreciation for simplicity and the great outdoors.

2. Life on an 1100-Acre Farm: Lessons in Grit and Growth

   Beyond just growing up in Idaho, my childhood was defined by life on a sprawling, active farm. We’re talking about a massive operation – 1100 acres dedicated to cultivating an array of crops, from corn and beans to alfalfa, potatoes, and hay. The sheer scale of it was impressive, and the daily rhythm of farm life became my earliest classroom. From dawn till dusk, there was always something to do, a task to complete, a lesson to learn. This immersive experience didn’t just teach me about agriculture; it laid the foundation for an unshakeable work ethic that has guided me throughout my adult life.

3. The Indispensable Value of Hard Work

   If there’s one core value etched into my very being, it’s the understanding and application of hard work. Growing up on such a vast and demanding farm, there was no escaping the daily grind, the physical labor, and the mental fortitude required to keep everything running smoothly. This wasn’t merely about chores; it was about contributing to a larger ecosystem, understanding the impact of effort, and seeing the tangible results of dedication. The ability to roll up my sleeves and tackle any challenge head-on is a direct legacy of those early farm days.

4. Childhood Adventures: Driving Tractors at Eight

   My initiation into the world of driving came unusually early. At the tender age of eight, I was already behind the wheel, navigating vehicles on the farm all by myself. It wasn’t recreational joyrides; it was part of the farm’s demands. I distinctly remember having to peer *through* the steering wheel rather than over it, a comical image now, but a serious task then. This early responsibility fostered an incredible sense of independence, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills, long before most kids were even thinking about bicycles.

5. The Middle Child Saga: Number Six in the Lineup

   I proudly bear the badge of a middle child, specifically the sixth in a rather large family. Being positioned in the middle of such a lively group often meant learning to be adaptable, a skilled negotiator, and sometimes, simply finding my own unique voice amidst the wonderful chaos. This placement in the family hierarchy undoubtedly shaped my personality, fostering both independence and a deep appreciation for connection.

6. A Sibling Squad of Ten

   When I say I’m #6, it means I have a grand total of ten siblings! Yes, you read that right. Growing up in such a bustling household was an experience in itself – a constant flurry of activity, shared responsibilities, endless laughter, and certainly, a few disagreements. This vibrant, expansive family environment taught me invaluable lessons about communication, compromise, resilience, and the enduring strength of familial bonds. It was a rich tapestry of personalities and perspectives that profoundly influenced who I am today.

7. The Grace and Grit of Gymnastics: A Passion Unfulfilled

   From an early age, I found immense joy and a true calling in gymnastics. The combination of strength, agility, and artistry captivated me. I adored the feeling of flying, the precision of a perfectly executed routine, and the camaraderie with my teammates during practice. However, there was a stark contrast between my love for the sport and my aversion to the competitive arena. The thought of performing in a vast stadium, under the scrutiny of countless eyes, filled me with an overwhelming sense of dread. In sixth grade, I made the difficult decision to quit. To this day, it remains one of my most lingering regrets. I often wonder what could have been if I had pushed past that fear, and it’s a constant reminder to face challenges head-on.

8. Embracing Introversion: A Shy Demeanor

   Despite my adventurous spirit and active childhood, I was, at heart, a shy child. This quiet nature often led me to observe more than participate, to listen intently, and to choose my words carefully. While I’ve certainly grown more outgoing over the years, that initial shyness taught me the value of introspection and truly understanding people before engaging.

9. The Fearless Daredevil Within

   Contradictory to my shyness, I also possessed a strong daredevil streak. There was an exhilarating rush in pushing boundaries and testing limits. One vivid memory involves my signature exit from a trampoline – a perfectly executed front flip layout. This fearless approach to physical challenges was an interesting juxtaposition to my more reserved social side, showcasing an early awareness of different facets of my personality.

10. A Sweet Tooth Confession

    On a lighter note, I have always harbored a profound love for sweets and desserts. From childhood treats to sophisticated confections, anything sugary has always been a delightful indulgence. It’s a simple pleasure that continues to bring a smile to my face, a small, constant joy in life.

11. The Shortest Kid: A Small Victory Story

    Throughout elementary and middle school, up until seventh grade, I held the unofficial title of the shortest girl in my entire grade. It was a fact of life, often a source of teasing, but mostly just something I accepted. Then, a memorable day arrived when a new girl moved to town, and to my absolute elation, she was even shorter than me! I distinctly remember punching the air in triumph – a small victory for a short girl, but a significant moment of relief and amusement for me.

12. A Natural Ear for Music: Piano Self-Taught

    My musical journey began not with formal lessons, but with an innate ability to play the piano by ear. I would listen to melodies and then, through trial and error, reproduce them on the keys. This self-taught skill developed a profound connection with music, allowing me to express myself creatively without the constraints of sheet music. It was a pure, intuitive connection to harmony and rhythm.

13. The Uncontainable Joy of Dance

    Beyond structured music, my body inherently responds to rhythm and melody through dance. Not the fancy, named styles like ballroom, jazz, or tap – but a free-form, spontaneous movement that bubbles up from within. I find myself dancing while building, cooking, and even brushing my teeth! It’s an unconscious, joyful expression that serves as a constant reminder to embrace spontaneity and, I believe, contributes significantly to keeping my spirit feeling young and vibrant.

14. An Evolving Relationship with Allergies

    Growing up, I was plagued by allergies to almost every animal imaginable. It made interacting with pets and farm animals a constant challenge. Thankfully, over time, many of those allergies have subsided. Now, it’s primarily cats and horses that cause me trouble (that I know of, anyway – I haven’t exactly gone around hugging bears or turtles to test the waters!). This shift has been a welcome change, allowing me to enjoy animal companionship more freely.

15. A Scar’s Story: Life as a “Trapper”

    One of the more unusual jobs I held was working as a “trapper” on a shooting range. It sounds a bit mysterious, doesn’t it? This role involved retrieving clay pigeons after they were launched. It was during this job that I had a minor accident behind the “thrower,” resulting in a rather prominent scar on my face, just over my left temple. It’s a constant, visible reminder of a unique chapter in my life and the unexpected hazards of seemingly simple tasks.

16. Vocal Prowess: A College Music Major

    My passion for music extended into my college years, where I pursued a music major with a vocal scholarship. The opportunity to hone my voice and delve deeper into musical theory was incredibly rewarding. (Laa-la la-Laaaa!) This period was a significant time of growth and dedication to an art form I truly loved.

17. Singing in Carnegie Hall: A Group Experience

    Speaking of my vocal pursuits, a highlight of my college career was the opportunity to sing in Carnegie Hall. While it was part of a large group performance and not a solo spotlight (which I almost didn’t include because, standing alone, it sounds far more impressive!), the experience of performing in such an iconic venue was truly unforgettable. It was a moment of collective achievement and a testament to the power of shared musical expression.

18. The Meet-Cute (or Not-So-Cute) with Wes

    My journey intersected with Wes’s when I was 21, at a rather quintessential “Pool Party.” He approached me in the gazebo, uttering the classic line, “Hey, how ya’ doin’?” My immediate reaction? A dramatic eye-roll and a swift walk in the opposite direction. Little did I know, that brief, dismissive encounter would be the beginning of everything.

19. Wes’s Tenacious Pursuit

    Thankfully, Wes possesses a tenacity that rivals his initial, slightly cheesy pick-up line. He followed me out of the gazebo, demonstrating a persistence that, against my initial judgment, I found somewhat endearing. After a bit more conversation, I decided he was, in fact, “OK.” This small shift in perspective was all it took for our story to truly begin.

20. Eighteen Years and Counting: Our Marriage

    Just a year later, at 22, I married Wes. This month, we’ll be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary, a testament to enduring love, shared adventures, and a partnership built on mutual respect and unwavering support. It’s incredible to reflect on the journey we’ve embarked on together, from that pool party encounter to building a beautiful life.

21. The Winding Road of Education: A Degree-Free Life

    Despite numerous attempts and several “back to school” stints, I never actually finished college. I don’t hold a degree in any specific field. Our lifestyle, often involving frequent moves, made it challenging to complete any single program. While some might view this as a setback, I’ve come to see it as a reflection of a life lived on the move, constantly adapting and learning through varied experiences rather than formal institutions.

22. A Tapestry of Professions

    My professional life has been as diverse as my interests. I’ve worked at a wood mill, served as a cashier at a grocery store, embraced the role of a nanny, assisted in a chiropractic office, and handled transactions as a bank teller. Each role, no matter how disparate, offered unique insights, taught me new skills, and contributed to my ever-evolving understanding of the world and people.

23. The Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate Debate

    In the perennial debate between milk chocolate and dark chocolate, I firmly stand on the side of milk. There’s something about its creamy sweetness that consistently wins me over. It’s a simple preference, but one I hold dear.

24. Navigationally Challenged: A Garmin’s Best Friend

    Admittedly, I am a terrible navigator. My sense of direction is so poor that I’ve been known to use my Garmin GPS just to find my own mailbox! It’s a running joke, but also a genuine limitation that keeps me reliant on modern technology and a good sense of humor when I inevitably get turned around.

25. The Ordeal of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

    My pregnancy was marked by a severe condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. This wasn’t just morning sickness; it was constant, debilitating nausea and vomiting, day and night. Long, exhausting heaving spells would only cease when I was finally overcome by fatigue and fell asleep. I was hospitalized five times, each for three days, and lost a staggering 20 pounds, resembling a skeleton by the end. It was an incredibly traumatic period, and the experience left an indelible mark.

26. A Marathon Labor of 26 Hours

    The ordeal continued with a grueling 26-hour labor. It was a test of endurance, strength, and unwavering determination, pushing my body and mind to their absolute limits.

27. The Arrival of Madison

    Finally, at the age of 26, our beautiful daughter Madison was born. Despite the incredibly challenging pregnancy and arduous labor, she arrived healthy and vibrant, a true testament to resilience and a beacon of joy that made every struggle worthwhile.

28. A Vow Against Vomiting

    Following the hyperemesis and the subsequent labor, I made a solemn vow: I never want to throw up again in my life. It was such a debilitating and harrowing experience that the mere thought of it triggers a visceral aversion.

29. The Irony of Motion Sickness

    And yet, life has a funny way of challenging our vows. I am highly susceptible to various forms of motion sickness – sea sick, car sick, plane sick. Even movies and video games with fast-moving cameras can trigger it. This unfortunate predisposition frequently thwarts my solemn vow, proving that sometimes, even the strongest intentions are no match for physiological realities.

30. White: My Favorite “Non-Color”

    My favorite color, if you can call it a color, is white. I know, technically it’s the absence of color or a combination of all colors, but its purity, simplicity, and brightness deeply appeal to me. It represents calm, clarity, and endless possibilities.

31. The Art of Laughing at Myself

    One of my most cherished traits is the ability to easily laugh at myself. It’s a daily practice, a constant source of amusement, and a fantastic way to navigate life’s inevitable blunders. Self-deprecating humor keeps me grounded and prevents me from taking myself too seriously.

32. Conversations with Myself (Out Loud)

    Another quirky habit, which Wes gently suggests I keep under wraps, is having full-blown conversations with myself out loud. Oops! It’s not a sign of madness, I assure you, but rather a way for me to process thoughts, plan tasks, and sometimes, just enjoy a good debate with the only person who truly understands me.

33. Unflappable in the Face of Minor Annoyances

    I find it remarkably easy to avoid getting “bent out of shape” over trivial matters. If someone cuts me off on the road, my typical reaction is a shrug and a smile, assuming they must have a very important, time-sensitive destination. Life is far too precious and fleeting to let minor annoyances derail my day or disturb my peace. This perspective allows me to maintain a sense of calm amidst the everyday hustle.

34. A German Chocolate Cake Devotee

    While I don’t have one single “favorite food,” German Chocolate Cake holds a special place in my heart as my absolute favorite cake. I’m secretly hoping Wes has mastered the recipe for my birthday, as he sweetly insists on baking my birthday cake himself. It’s a tradition I cherish, filled with love and delicious anticipation.

35. Tough, Yet Tender

    I possess a strong sense of toughness, a resilience forged through farm life and various challenges. However, this doesn’t mean I’m impervious to pain or vulnerability. If I skin my knee, I still appreciate Wes’s gentle care – cleaning and bandaging it up, and perhaps a comforting hug if it really stings. It’s a balance of independence and a willingness to accept comfort from those I love.

36. A Movie Crier (Excluding Horror)

    Prepare for tears during almost any movie we watch together. I am incredibly susceptible to emotional scenes and find myself crying at some point in nearly every film I see. The exception? Horror movies. Not only do I avoid them, but they certainly don’t elicit any tears of sadness, only fear!

37. The “Girly-Girl” Builder

    Yes, I am deeply involved in building and DIY projects, constructing houses and creating with my hands. However, beneath the sawdust and tool belts, I am unequivocally a “girly-girl.” I absolutely adore shopping, and my closet is meticulously organized with painstakingly arranged outfits. Yet, like many women, I often find myself staring into it, lamenting that I “have nothing to wear.” It’s a delightful paradox of my personality.

38. The “I Can Do Anything” Mindset (With Discretion)

    I genuinely believe I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. This isn’t born of arrogance, but a deep-seated confidence in my abilities and resilience. However, this belief is tempered by the understanding that “anything” doesn’t mean “everything.” While I *can* do many things, I also recognize that I don’t *want* to do everything, allowing me to focus my energy on what truly matters to me.

39. A Not-So-Great Memory: Verified by MRI

    I confess, I have a terrible memory. This isn’t an exaggeration; it’s a persistent reality. I even underwent a brain MRI once, just to ensure everything was functioning correctly upstairs. Apparently, it is! I simply have a perpetually forgetful memory, a trait I’ve learned to live with and often laugh about.

40. Embracing Strengths, Acknowledging Limitations, and Enjoying the Journey

    As I reach this significant milestone, I find myself in a place of profound self-awareness. I know my strengths, my skills, and my talents. Crucially, I am also fully aware of my limitations, and I have many. Instead of criticizing myself for these shortcomings, I embrace them. I appreciate myself for what I *can* do – both for myself and for others. My aim is to continually improve and learn, but without the unrealistic expectation of knowing everything or achieving perfection in any single area. I simply do my best, take life as it comes, and strive to genuinely enjoy every step of this incredible journey.

And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell!

To delve deeper into how my DIY journey began and discover more about my path, feel free to visit my “About Me” page.