Mommysaver of the Week ***STEPHPOOK***

Doozer · Mommysaver of the Week ***STEPHPOOK***

**Disclaimer**

MS Mom of the Week is a fun way for us to get to know the Mommysavers members. Newbies to the board as well as regulars are welcome to participate. The Mom of the Week is randomly selected a week in advance of her being featured. I do this so I can contact you, let you know your feature date, and arrange to receive a picture from you to include with the survey. Having a picture included is so we can make it a little more personal and put a name to a face. This is optional of course, as are all the questions being asked. If I don’t hear back from you before your “feature” date, I will randomly select the next person and then get back to you the following week. If you would like to participate please PM doozer and we will get you signed up

What is your first name? Stephanie

What are your kids’ names? Caleb (4) and Ian (2)

Were you ready for motherhood?
Well, yes, in the sense that my husband and I had been married a couple years and were ready to expand our family. But I do remember sitting on the couch with Caleb the day we brought him home from the hospital thinking “I have no clue what to do next!” Thank God for motherly instinct because no amount of babysitting could have ever prepared me for the responsibility of caring for another human being who was totally dependent on me for everything.

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?
When I was in middle school our next-door neighbor – a family friend and mother of four – was diagnosed with and later died from, cancer. We moved away shortly after she was diagnosed but we kept in touch with the family for years afterwards. I will never forget the courageous way she and her family handled the entire situation.

Do you have any nervous habits? What are they?
It depends on the situation. I usually either talk a lot or get really quiet.

Did you ever date a guy your parents did not like? Were they right about him?
Not really. I didn’t date much.

What do you want your kids to remember the most about you?
I’ve lost my temper and yelled at them more times than I can count. At the end of the day, I want them to remember that I love them no matter what either of us says or does.

What did you learn the most from your mother?
My mother cooked just about everything from scratch because my parents were very health conscious. I still use many of her recipes today and attribute my healthy diet and exercise habits to the values my parents instilled in me when I was younger.

How many coupons do you use on a regular basis?
Probably between 3 and 7 a month – it totally depends on the coupons that are available, what’s on sale, and what I need. What is your best money saving tip? Always shop from a list and use generics whenever possible.

How did you find Mommysavers?
I was searching the Internet for something bargain related. Have you referred anyone here? Yes, but as far as I know, no one has come. Were you referred here? No.

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?
Typically I start a thread only if I’m looking for medical advice or feedback on a product – I tend to be kind of shy when it comes to other issues (although I have no problem offering my own advice to others J). I have always appreciated Aliadam’s common sense advice though – especially when it comes to medical issues.

Have you ever met a mommysaver? No.

What is the most romantic thing your dh ever did for you?
There’s a line from the movie Rob Roy where Rob tells his wife, “Do you know how fine you are to me Mary MacGregor?” My husband says that to me sometimes (using my name, of course) with the accent and everything. It never fails to make me feel special.

Tell us five things you like about yourself.
I write well.
My eyes are a nice color.
I’m in good physical shape.
I’m a good cook.
When I commit to something, I give it my all.

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 recently took over the newsletter for my Mothers of Preschooler’s (MOPS) group. I love having the opportunity to express myself through the written word. The best part is that I get to write a front-page article every month over which I have almost complete creative control. I like to think I’m doing a pretty good job.

How many frogs did you kiss before you found Mr. Right? Was he worth the wait?
I married the first guy I kissed. Yes, he was worth the wait.

What is your favorite genre of music? Contemporary Christian. Who is your favorite group? Have you ever seen them in concert?
I typically download songs off of Itunes rather than buying entire CD’s so I have a lot of favorite songs, but probably not one favorite artist. When I was younger it was Michael W. Smith and Geoff Moore and the Distance – I’ve seen both in concert and they were fantastic.

List three things you have on your Life List; things you would like to accomplish before you leave this world.
Write a book.
Give birth to a girl J.
See my children accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Can I say the downstairs bathroom?
It’s the one room in my house that’s been redecorated recently and I got to do it the way I wanted to!

What do you see your children growing up to be like? What career path would they choose?
Caleb wants to be a paleontologist (and a scuba diver). Ian hasn’t said yet, but he’s really good with his hands and loves to build stuff. He also loves music and animals so the sky's the limit I guess.

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!!!!).
Geez. I’m sure there is, but I’m drawing a blank right now.

Are there words you live by? What are they?
I’m a chronic worrier, so I’ve been trying to take Matthew 6:31-34 to heart. “So do not worry saying ‘what shall we eat?’ or ‘what shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”