To Answer Your Questions . . .

How did you and James meet?
James and I met April 5, 1997. It was conference weekend. My mission reunion was Friday night, then all day Saturday I hung out with a group of sisters from my mission. After the second session of conference on Saturday, one of the sisters announced that she was going to call every guy she knew in the area (we were haning out in Provo/Orem area.) Well, James grew up with this sister, and he happened to be the only guy who showed up. It was love at first sight!

Do you plan to "have" more children?
If there's is one thing I've learned in this life, it's that I'm DEFINITELY not in charge of this aspect of my life. I am o.k. with that now. I know that He knows better than I what is best for our family, and the individual members of our family. I think that we will likely apply for adoption again when we've settled in the West, but whether or not anything comes of that is out of my hands.

Do you really have to move? :(
Yup.

What is your family's favorite meal?
I think this changes from time to time. One of my current favorites to fix is Chicken Enchilada Casserole. I will put the recipe at the bottom of this post. It is easy and oh, so yummy!

What stain remover do you use?
Well, let me first start by saying that the shirt Brianna was wearing while eating spaghetti is permanently stained. She is such a neat eater, usually, that I don't always think to put a bib on her. That was one time I should have remembered. But, I use Oxy-something, and Spray-n-Wash. The Oxy-something is amazing on blood, however, you may not have to deal with that much.

What is your favorite hobby? (when you have time!)
Hmmm, I guess blogging and watching movies (if those can count!)

What are two strengths/talents that you see in yourself?
I have an uncanny talent for making a genuine-sounding pig noise.
I am incredibly good at rhyming.

What are two things you'd like to change [about yourself]?
Hmmm, just two?? I would like to be more energetic. And I would LOVE to completely ENJOY housework.

What do you think of my two favorite singers, Michael Buble and Josh Groban?
I really enjoy both of them, but Michael Buble's voice and style just turns me to butter! Love, love, love his stuff!

Did you have a childhood experience that convinced you that Heavenly Father loves you and is aware of you?
My family and I attended an outdoor play up in the mountains. We got rained out and the whole, huge audience trekked down the mountainside in the mud to their cars. On the way down the mountain, I couldn't see for the rain on my glasses, so I took them off and put them in my pocket.
When we got into our car, I realized that my glasses were gone. I felt awful. It was too dark, rainy, muddy, and crowded to look for them that night. So, the next day, my brother was sent back up the mountain to look for my glasses. When he arrived and saw the muddy mess, he was overwhelmed not knowing where to begin looking. He said a prayer for help, and afterward walked right to my glasses which had not a scratch on them. I think that was the beginning of my testimony.

Just for the record, do you think you could beat the crap out of Tiff?
I don't know, I am pretty fragile, you know.

What do you miss most about the west?
Family.

What will you miss most about the mid-west?
Friends. . . . But Autumn comes in a close second.

After living through medical school, how confident are you in your diagnostic abilities?
VERY. I'm just not sure whether other people ought to share that confidence.

Being so close to Lake Powell, do you suppose a boat purchase is on the horizon?
It has most definitely been discussed. We have also toyed with the idea of just renting a boat when we do go.

What's most valuable time or money?
Very interesting question. For most of my life, I think I would have said money (i.e., "we'll save money by doing it ourselves"); however, time has become a most precious commodity in our home, and my perspective has changed. I now think it depends on your personal circumstances. I still feel inclined to "do-it-ourselves" where feasible, however, if the bank account will allow, I'd much rather do something fun or relaxing with my hubby in the few hours I get to see him, and pay someone else to do the "work".

What has kept you going when the going got tough?
Lexapro, counseling, and prayer. ;)

What is one memory you have that anytime you think of it, it makes you laugh?
The movie clip on this post of my boy dancing.

What kind of laundry detergent do you use?
Gain, liquid. I also, occasionally, use fabric softener: Downy Simple Pleasures, lavender and vanilla. (And no, I don't think you're weird. I LOOOVE the smell of clean laundry!)

Do you keep in touch with any of your High School buddies?
Yes, with Marci via e-mail.

What is your best attribute?
Can I use the pig noise thing again? I'm guessing not. My best attribute, hmmm . . . oh, oh, wait, I have pretty toes!

How many times a year do you watch The Princess Bride?
Never enough.

With the different places you have lived or will live, who will you support (even if it's casually)? Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake?
Hmmm, this is a tough one. I've only actually attended Columbus Crew games; however, I would probably be disowned by my younger brothers if I don't support Real Salt Lake; But then, we will have more money in the fairly-near future, and I could see us attending some Colorado Rapids games. I guess I better stick with Real!

What would happen on your ideal Wednesday?
My ideal Wednesday would start with breakfast in bed, prepared and served by my fabulous, sexy hubby. James would, of course, have the day off. It would be sunny, and about 72 degrees, with a slight breeze. I would have a darling new outfit to wear, and my hair would cooperate fully. The kids would be happy and delightful. We would go to a park and play. There would be an outdoor local concert in the park. We would then drop the kids off at a babysitter, so James and I could have a date. We would go try someplace new and just enjoy being together and talking, dreaming about when these kinds of days might be more frequent.

My goal this year was to be a more creative mom so what makes you feel creative as a mom?
Making up stories for my son as we snuggle before bed.

How did you become interested in massage?
All growing up, my family and I would exchange back-rubs. I was always told that I was good at it. I attended 2+ years of college, but couldn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was hating my job, and obsessing about my inability to get pregnant, when I decided to go to massage therapy school. It was a good decision for me. I actually really enjoy giving massage.

What's your favorite quick go-to meal?
Probably quesadillas. I put all sorts of stuff in them: veggies, spices, meats, and, of course, a variety of cheeses.


Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1 (13 oz.) can of chicken, drained
1 onion, chopped
2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream (I use reduced fat)
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
3 oz. cream cheese (optional)

Place above ingredients in mixing bowl and mix well.

1 (15 oz.) package flour tortillas

Stack tortillas and cut with a sharp knife into thin strips.

2 cups grated Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese

In a greased 9"x13" glass baking pan, layer half of tortillas strips, half of chicken mixture, and half of cheese; repeat. Bake for 30 min at 350 degrees. (I usually cover with foil for 25 min, then broil on low for the last 5 min to get the cheese just a little toasty.)