What is your first name?
Crystal
What are your kids’ names?
Amelie Skye
Were you ready for motherhood?
I don't think anyone is ever really ready for motherhood. No one tells you how that tiny baby will come to be the most
important thing you have ever known. Those first 6 months of 2-4 hours of sleep per night were well worth it.
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?
Oddly enough that person is my daughter. When I found out I was going to be a mother I had just left her father. He
decided that he had never loved me or even felt romantic towards me. I left right away after that proclamation and so was homeless, staying with my long-time friend Laura, without knowing what to do. About a week after I left him her house was struck by lightning. Her sister and I went downstairs when the power went out. We were there for about 25 minutes when her father burst in yelling that the house was on fire. Everyone got out in time though and no one was hurt- not even any of her 6 pets. I moved around quite a bit after that. My friends helped me so much during this time! Laura even went with me to the doctor where I found out about Amelie. Once I knew I was going to have her it was like everything became clear.I had been so hopeless by then but decided that my daughter would be the driving force for me. I worked my way out of that frame of mind and am now with a WONDERFUL man, have -my own- place, and am enrolled in college 3/4 time pursuing my masters in library science. Without my daughter I don't know where I would be.
Do you have any nervous habits? What are they?
I don't think I have any nervous habits. I don't get nervous often. A few years ago though I was performing "Wouldn't
It Be Loverly" at a local program & forgot my lines in the middle of the song. I'm not sure how large the audience was but it was well over 50 people. I've had stage fright ever since.
Did you ever date a guy your parents did not like? Were they right about him?They DID NOT like my first boyfriend. They always refered to him as "Eddie" when he wasn't there in reference to Eddie Hascal from Leave It to Beaver. I never really watched that show but they explained it to me. I used to get so mad when they'd do that. They were right though. He was a snake in the grass- the worst guy I had ever dated.
What do you want your kids to remember the most about you?
If something ever happens to me I want Amelie to remember how much I love her. I would want her to go on and live the best life she can possibly have.
What did you learn the most from your mother?
Being normal is over-rated. I have memories of being dropped off at school on a Harley (when I was lucky) and having her pick me up to dance to Dolly Parton. She was, and still is, an independant woman who makes no excuses for who she is.
How many coupons do you use on a regular basis? What is your best money saving tip?
I use about 5-10 per week, mostly on non-food items. I shop at Aldi to keep costs down. My best money-saving tip is to
always find out if you can make it yourself (food and cleaning items especially). Things like Chili Powder, Instant
Mashed Potatoes, & Baking Mix can all be made at home.
How did you find Mommysavers? Have you referred anyone here? Were you referred here?
I did a search on google for frugal tips. I don't know many other moms very well so I haven't refered anyone yet.
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?
Yikes, just this last month one mommysaver posted about
e-Mealz - A Meal Planning Resource for Busy Moms and Frugal Family Cooks, I don't remember who posted it though. I've gotten my spending down to about $60 per week on groceries now.
Have you ever met a mommysaver?
Not yet.
What is the most romantic thing your dh/so ever did for you?
He bought me a dozen roses & handmade chocolates as a surprise. I'm not a huge fan of "romance" though. He helps me out so much all of the time that the most romantic thing he does for me is simply being there.
Tell us five things you like about yourself.
My creativity, my hands, my willfullness, my nerdyness/weirdness, & my desire to try new things
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?
Cooking is probably my favorite hobby. I started when I was in grade school. My mom never enjoyed cooking but it was something my grandmother and I could share. I think I'm a decent cook. I'm no master chef but I can follow a recipe just fine.
How many frogs did you kiss before you found Mr. Right? Was he worth the wait?
I'm not really sure, I didn't keep count. I'd say everything happens for a reason though and bad relationships can be a learning tool to help us see what we want to be looking for.
What is your favorite genre of music? Who is your favorite group? Have you ever seen them in concert?
My favorite genre is J-rock, short for Japanese Rock. My favorite artist is Gackt. I've only seen his concerts on video though. Most J-rock bands don't come to the US very often.
List three things you have on your Life List; things you would like to accomplish before you leave this world
Go bungee jumping, serve dinner in a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving, & have something published.
Which room in your house best reflects your personality?
That's a tough call. Right now everything in my house is baby-proofed so I don't exactly have free reign to decorate as I see fit. I think it would be the kitchen though. The fridge is covered in homemade magnets (using some of my artwork and other assorted bits).
What do you see your children growing up to be like? What career path would they choose?
I think Amelie might be performer of some sort but it's hard to say. She is only 1 after all.
Is there something we would never guess about you? Some kind of quirk you have no one close to you knows about. (C’mon tell us!!!!)
My guilty pleasure- online wishlists. I have accounts on a ton of sites with wishlists of things I want. I pretend I have money and then just add whatever suits my fancy. It helps stop me from impulse buying sometimes.
Are there words you live by? What are they?
"But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep."
**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