What is your first name? Claire
What are your kids’ names? Stephen (6 1/2), Matthew (4) and Laura (2 1/2)
Were you ready for motherhood? YES! I had gone to college, gone to grad school, had a great career that I loved, but I always wanted to be a wife and mother. I turned 30 right before ds was born and realized I was exactly where I wanted to be when I was 30. It was a great feeling. I was not prepared for all the stuff you learn pretty quickly when you are a mother like illnesses, feedings and such, but emotionally and financially, yes, I was ready.
Have you ever met someone who has completely inspired you to be a better person? Can you tell us about that relationship and how it has affected you? I have been fortunate enough to meet quite a few. I had a teacher (well, she was never my teacher, but a club sponser) that really helped me improve my self esteem. I used to be very shy, but you would not know that now by meeting me. I think Mrs. Sullivan had a lot to do with me coming out of my shell. My mother is the other obvious one, but more on her later. . .
Do you have any nervous habits? What are they? Not really. I guess the only thing I can think of is that my fingers move like I am typing or playing the piano sometimes and I don't notice it.
Did you ever date a guy your parents did not like? Were they right about him? Oh, yeah. I refer to him as the “Not for my Daughter” guy as that was what my dad told me in a firm way once. Were they right? Well, yes and no. He was not for me as he was the complete opposite of me and not the type of person I would want to be married to, but he was not a bad guy, per se.
What do you want your kids to remember the most about you? That I loved them and that being a mother was the most important thing to me, thus, they are/were the most important people to me as well as their Dad.
What did you learn the most from your mother? Patience, kindness, love and how to be a great mother, I hope. I am truly blessed to have a wonderful mother. As most of you know, I am adopted and God truly picked out this wonderful woman to be my mother. I could have been anybody’s daughter, but he chose her. We have not always had the greatest relationship, but once I became a mom, everything changed. I talk to her everyday and she lives away. She has been a friend to me, a role model, a sounding board, everything. She teaches me to this day to be a better Christian, mother, wife, daughter, daughter in law, you name it.
How many coupons do you use on a regular basis? What is your best money saving tip? I don't use as many as some on here, but I use a lot. I only buy things with coupons I would normally buy and that saves money. One thing I have learned is to buy quality. It might cost more, it might not be "name brand", which is not that important to me anyways, but it will last longer and save money in the long run.
How did you find Mommysavers? Have you referred anyone here? Were you referred here? I googled frugal stay at home moms shortly after I started staying home in 2000. I found the MS board, but never posted and did not read too much after the summer of 2000. In September 2001, we moved to Florida and I was lonely beyond belief! So, I found MS again and have been posting ever since. I have never referred anybody because, well, I am selfish. This is my place!
Out of all the things the members here have offered in terms of advice, support, counsel and criticism, what have you personally benefited from? And do you remember specifically who the member was that offered that advice? I have gotten much advice and criticism over the years. The most memorable counsel I have received has been from aliadam involving my inlaws. I don’t even think she knows how much she has influenced me overt that and a few other things. I can always count on her to tell it like it is, which is great. Sometimes I don’t want to hear it, but I appreciate it coming from her. There are others I appreciate their support as well: Jodie, Happymom, Country Mouse, and quite a few others!
Have you ever met a mommysaver? Yes. I have met Christy when she lived in Pensacola. I also met Erin (aka callalily and froggylegs) during her infamous Florida trip with the creepo guy in 2005. I met another Mommysaver who does not post much anymore. I hope to met more this year.
What is the most romantic thing your dh ever did for you? Bless his heart, dh is the LEAST romantic guy EVER! I think the most romantic thing he ever did for me was to take care of me after I broke my arm. We were dating and I had a bicycling accident where I broke my arm, had a concussion, black eye, many scraps and bruises and he really took care of me since I lived so far away and Mom and Dad couldn’t get there that fast. He was wonderful and took such scrutiny from people! They thought he had beaten me! He is just sooo not that type of guy it is almost comical!
Tell us five things you like about yourself. Well, I like many things about me (except physical features really – too many freckles and the ongoing issues with my weight never seem to end!). I like that I am a good friend, I am loyal, I am committed, I try really hard at things, and people tell me I am nice/sweet. I think that is a great compliment when I get that one. J
What hobby do you enjoy the most? What got you started on it? How would you rate yourself? Can you show us a picture of your proudest piece of work? I like to play the piano so I can’t show you any of my work, but you can come and listen to me sometime! I don’t really like to play for audiences, but, hey, I would love to meet some of you! I used to be really, really good, but don’t get much chance to practice without kids now. That is ok, there is time to get it back when they are in school.
How many frogs did you kiss before you found Mr. Right? Was he worth the wait? Dh was the fifth guy I dated so I guess I kissed four frogs. YES, he was worth it!
What is your favorite genre of music? Who is your favorite group? Have you ever seen them in concert? I love, love, love 80s alternative - the Cure, Siouxie and the Banshees, New Order, that sort of stuff. The older I get the more I like other 80s music I would not have been caught dead listening to in the 80s such as Thompson Twins, Duran Duran, Human League that sort of mainstream stuff. I love REM and have seen them in concert three times. I also saw Michael Stipe in a bar when I lived in Athens, GA. That was pretty cool!
List three things you have on your Life List; things you would like to accomplish before you leave this world. Well, this is changing constantly since I have done some of my biggies already. My near death experience sort of changed it, too. All of these I want to experience with my kids and dh or just dh. It would not be the same without them. Right now: travel to Italy to see up close the Roman ruins – particularly Rome and Pompeii, see U2 in concert, travel to all 50 states – I am more than halfway there!
Which room in your house best reflects your personality? I don’t see any one room reflecting my personality. I guess my new floors throughout the house reflects my personality best: low maintenance and nice!
What do you see your children growing up to be like? What career path would they choose? They are all sort of young to decide this, but my oldest is very analytical so I think he will be an engineer. I just want them to grow up to be good Christians and happy people with positive outlooks.
Is there something we would never guess about you? Some kind or quirk you have no one close to you knows about. (C’mon tell us!!!!) There is probably a lot! I am a mystery even to myself sometimes!! I am a nerd, through and through. I was the 1987 Florida state champion in Hellenic History (Greek history). I was ranked 5th in the nation - yes, they ranked such things!! How silly is that?
Also, I like snakes. I don't want to touch them, handle them, or have them as pets, but I love to watch them in contained areas. They are fascinating creatures!
One more: in high school, I was the "goody goody type" or so people thought. Deep down I wanted to be Goth. Not scary Goth like now, but 80s Goth where you wear black, use pale makeup, change your name to Siouxie and have your hair like Robert Smith from the Cure. I was very straightlaced looking though. My father would have locked me in a closet had I done that!
Are there words you live by? What are they?
Seek ye first, the kingdom of God.
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. E. Roosevelt
Happy Birthday to our Mom of the Week ***CLAIRE***
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