Incredible Women

Is Incredible Women Blog Coming Back?!

2011-06-28T22:48:00.001-07:00

Hmmm... looks like after that last post, I just dropped the ball with this blog. I recently received an email from a reader who would maybe like to help get this blog back up and running. I'm kind of excited about that. So, I'm really hoping that within the next month or so, Incredible Women will be back!

Stay tuned...

2010-11-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

To my readers:

My life is pretty busy - just like yours. I've become so busy lately, I'm having a hard time juggling everything. I've recently decided that I need to simplify a little bit, and I've been thinking a lot about this blog. Why do I do this blog? Well, my reasons for starting it were: I wanted to thank those women who helped me through a difficult time in my life, I wanted to meet new incredible women, and I wanted to help other women to recognize their incredible worth. My reasons for continuing this blog: I think it's a good thing - I've had many women tell me that their interview for the blog helped them to realize they really are important and incredible. It has helped them take time to evaluate their lives, and they like what they see.

One of the leaders of my church - Dallin H. Oaks - gave a talk a few years ago. I've been thinking about that talk recently. It was entitled "Good, Better, Best". The basic idea of this talk: We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.

Some of the most important things said by Elder Oaks: "We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives."

"As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all."

I consider these words very wise. This talk was given in October of 2007. Last month, another church leader, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, had something similar to say in his talk "Of Things That Matter Most"

"One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles. Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives. It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks.

Elder Uchtdorf gave some incredibly important advice - it talked to my soul. His suggestions...

1. First, our relationship with God is most sacred and vital.
2. Our second key relationship is with our families.
3. The third key relationship we have is with our fellowman.
4. The fourth key relationship is with ourselves.

So, looking at that list, my Incredible Women blog would fall under number 3 - behind my relationship to God and my family. I don't mind admitting that more often than not, it comes before those two. So, I've been thinking about how I can simplify my life, and refocus on things that mean more to my family. On Friday, when I realized I didn't have an interview for the blog this week, I told my husband that I thought it might be a good idea to start doing a new interview each month, instead of each week. He seemed to think this was a good idea. As the weekend progressed, I thought more about things, and decided that I was going to quit this blog. But, when I told my husband what my decision was, he said, "Do you think that's the best thing to do? Maybe you should pray about it." Now, that was a surprising thing for me to hear coming from my husband, who has lately been asking me to focus more of my time on the kids. If he thinks this blog is important, then it probably is.

This post has been my attempt to explain that I'll be cutting back a little bit on things like this. Because I still feel that it's important to continue to interview women - mostly because it helps them - I'll continue the blog. But, I'm going to cut back to one interview per month. That will cut back on my stress and worries about who to interview. 12 women per year instead of 50+ is a "better" choice.

I hope you'll all continue to check back each month and enjoy the interviews I bring you.

Thanks for being part of this blog. I'll have a new interview for November up within a few weeks.

Take care.

2010-10-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You are so busy all the time – what do you do to relax?"

JOY: "Relaxing for me is either playing in my garden or reading."

KARA: "If you could do anything you want for one day, what would it be?"

JOY: "Attend a Temple session with a dear friend, then play with my grandchildren, then go to lunch with a friend I rarely see and then read a good book while munching on chocolate covered raisins."

KARA: "Tell us your beauty secrets! What makes you happy and healthy?"

JOY: "When asked to endorse an anti-aging cream for a radio client, I turned down the job, because I told them “I’m really pro aging!” My hair is a lovely silver white, I have earned every wrinkle and consider my voice and my smile to be my beauty ‘secrets’. Finding contentment where ever I am and whatever I am doing, plus being really, really good at waiting, keeps me happy."

I've loved every minute of this week - getting to know Joy. I hope you've enjoyed it as well. If you haven't visited Joy's website - Joy in the Garden - please take a minute to look it up. Don't forget that Joy has a new book available there as well. We'll keep this whole interview up through Sunday night, in case you didn't get to read the whole thing. Have a great weekend!

2010-10-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kara: "Tell us about the trials you’ve faced in your life – how has faith played a role in overcoming those trials?"

Joy: "For the most part, my trials are personal ones in areas most people face – health issues, loss of a husband, no employment, critically ill children, caregiver to my mother before she passed away, and the little everyday trials that wear away at your stamina. In every case, my faith is firm that if you keep your feet moving, God will direct your footsteps and you will end up where you should be... which often is not where you thought you wanted to be. At painful crossroads I’ve always known that I need to step into the dark without the light, before the light shows up on the other side to show me the way."

Kara: "You’ve done so much during your life – what are your TOP 5 adventures?"

Joy: "Parasailing over the Caribbean ocean
Driving along the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Flying 1st Class to England
Rafting the Green River with my children
Tracking down the people that broke into a neighbor's house."

Wow - that last one sounds like it would be a great story! Tomorrow is my last day with Joy. I'll talk to her about relaxing, and her beauty secrets. Please join us then.

Incredible Woman #53 - Joy Bossi. Gardening...

2010-10-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kara: "I’ve been reading about your business – a garden consulting business. You’ve got a Saturday morning talk show called “Joy in the Garden”, and you also appear regularly on TV. I’d love to know all about the different aspects of your job. Do tell!"

Joy: "When I worked at Redwood Nursery & Landscape about 25 years ago, I side stepped into TV appearances with Rebecca Reheis on her weather spots for Channel 2. When she left the state (Utah), she asked me to audition for “Growing Sense”,and I did little gardening segments for Channel 2 and then Channel 13. 16 years ago I started on the Radio at 7 am on Saturday mornings for KALL, then moved to KNRS, and that’s where you’ll find me every Saturday morning, 9-11 am. When I’m in Pittsburgh, I broadcast from a ClearChannel studio there so I am always working even when I’m on the road. As a consultant I visit client’s homes and answer questions ‘is this a weed?’ ‘how do I prune?’ ‘what will grow here?’ and anything else they need to know about their gardens. I’ve traveled from Brigham City to Payson, and Park City to Grantsville, as well as all the major Wasatch Front cities."

Kara: "Along with everything else you do with gardening, you’ve also got a website: Joy in the Garden. Describe the website."

Joy: "The site has a new design, which I love. It is now interactive – and I’m a novice at working with it, so I have lots to learn. This entire electronic communication business is just this side of baffling to me, but I often jump in to new experiences to see what I can learn (sometime successfully, sometimes I drop back and punt instead)!"

Visit Joy's website, JOY IN THE GARDEN and you'll find a wonderful new book: Joy In Your Garden, co-authored by Joy Bossi, and Karen Bastow!

Come back tomorrow and read about Joy's trials and her Top 5 adventures! See you then...

Incredible Woman #53 - Joy Bossi. Being a Mailman and Grandma...

2010-10-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kara: "One of the most interesting things you told me about yourself was that you were the first female mailman (person?) in Salt Lake! Tell us all about that. When was it? What did your job entail?"

Joy: "The summer of 1967, the Civil Rights Act was extended to gov’t employees, including the Postal Service. Until that time men were carriers, women were clerks. The pay differential was 3 times the clerk for the carrier. Because I scored very high on the Civil Service Exam they were required to offer me a carrier position – after vigorously trying to talk me out of the “exceptionally hard” job. I needed the money for my next year in College and took the Carrier position. At that time my 5’2” little self was only 125 lbs – fairly slim and trim. There wasn’t a female uniform so they settled on knee length shorts with loops for a belt (a zillion keys to carry), pastel blouse, knee socks (white) and boat shoes. BUT I still needed to wear a regulation blue/grey carrier’s hat. Kids on my route called me ‘Mrs. Mailman’. I delivered mail on many routes, filling in for carriers on vacation; I had a regular pickup route in the Avenues; delivered parcels and had a regular Special Delivery (‘Speedies’) route on Saturdays."

Kara: "You’re a grandma now, right? How is being a grandma different from being a mom? What is your favorite thing about having grandkids?"

Joy: "I now have 2 grandchildren: Linus born 5/04/05, and Wren born 10/09/10. The biggest difference between mom and grandmom is that I am rarely on 24 hour duty. The worries, laughs, wonderment are all a little sharper and more deeply felt because I know my time with them is relatively limited. Not just by distance, they live in Pittsburgh, but by length of life. I may be blessed to see great grandchildren, but that is certainly not a given."

Tomorrow I'll talk to Joy about her gardening consulting business, her morning talk show, and her website! Don't miss it!

Incredible Woman #53 - Joy Bossi. Self and Family...

2010-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to bring you my interview with Joy Bossi. Joy was nominated by one of our previous Incredible Women, and it was a pleasure to get to know her. Enjoy!!

Kara: "Describe yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

Joy: "I have a hard time thinking of me as incredible – I am a credibly happy, content and optimistic person. The thousands of people I’ve had the opportunity to meet over my lifetime constitute my greatest ‘likes’. I’ve been blessed with a son of unusual talents and a daughter of great discernment – she married my son-in-law – and tenacity. Gardening renews my soul and traveling has opened my eyes to the wonders of the world around me. If I could alternate between doing two things for the rest of my life it would be reading and gardening... after the time spent with my family."

Kara: "Describe your family – tell us one thing you’ve learned from each member of your family."

Joy: "Michael – my son, from him I’ve learned that my life path is not the only or even the best one. Marie – my daughter, I’ve learned that obstacles don’t need to stop us, they just make things take a little longer. Richy – my son-in-law, I’ve learned that perseverance and love make the world go around. Linus – my grandson, I’ve learned that riding a two wheeled bicycle is tricky and it’s nervous being five when you haven’t done it before. Wren- my granddaughter, has shown a new baby brings people together in love, even people you don’t really know tell you how wonderful the new baby is."

I LOVE this cute picture of Joy, and her grandson, Linus.

Each day this week, I'll post 2 more questions/answers from my interview with Joy. Hope you'll join us.

Under Construction...

2010-10-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

The blog is under construction tonight, as I get ready to bring you my interview with the next Incredible Woman, Joy Bossi. Check back tomorrow when the first two questions/answers will appear. See you then!

Incredible Women has the FLU!

2010-10-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Yep - the whole blog (me) has the flu! It's a hum-dinger, too. Please forgive me for blowing off the blog this week, but I can hardly drag myself off the bed to type this. There is no way I can get the blog ready for another week right now.

However, when next week rolls around, I've got another Incredible Woman to introduce to you, so please come back. Have a good week.

Incredible Woman #52 - Lynn Woodard. "I am a..."

2010-10-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

LYNN: "A survivor will have many what I call...Bigger than me days! I personally started writing my motivational blog a month before I was diagnosed with Cancer for the 2nd time, here is what I wrote about my Bigger Than Me Days!

"When I was diagnosed with Cancer almost 7 years ago, one important thing that I learned was that there would be days that are bigger than me, or I should say bigger than my ability to handle them. I learned to just realize that they are going to be there and not to stress too much about them. I also noted, that if there were a lot of those days, then I needed to worry about that and take action. I don't have a lot of them, but I have seemed to struggle more than normal this past week and so I didn't write in my blog. Then a dear friend said to me, "But you should write about those days because we all have them and it is good to know that you aren't the only one."

So friends and family: just listen, just be there... you just need to support them in all the decisions they make. Don't try to tell them what to do or not do, it is their body and their battle. They will know what to do. Let them feel and hurt, but just be there for them when they need you. NO one wants to go through Recnac ( cancer ) alone!"

KARA: "Finish this sentence… “I am a..."

LYNN: "I am a daughter of God, a wife, mother, Nana (grandmother), sister, friend. I am blessed!"

Lynn asked me to share this cute picture of her little sweetie pie grandkids:

That picture says it all - it's all the reason in the world to fight Cancer!

Thanks to Lynn this week, for sharing this difficult journey with us. It's women like Lynn who got me through my cancer journey. She has given so much great advice this week - advice that anyone can use, whether they are a cancer patient, or not. Thanks so much! I hope all of you enjoyed going PINK this week! Have a great weekend. (Fall break... here I come!)

Incredible Woman #52 - Lynn Woodard. Advice...

2010-10-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

LYNN: "With my first cancer, the song I memorized was Bring on the Rain. Can't remember the artist that sang it right now. My favorite books were the scriptures, I never read them so desperately and deeply as I did then, because I knew that is ultimately where I would find my answers, and peace. The type of peace that the world could not give me! I also love the book CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SURVIVORS SOUL, it had a ton of survivor's stories and experiences. It was nice to know you aren't the only one going through some of these things!"

KARA: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

LYNN: "So, I keep thinking to myself what I tell other women who I counsel about when things of this magnitude hit their lives? The first thing is to get all the information, next to pick their team mates - who are your main supporters that become so vital for you? Make sure you only pick people who believe in you and support you in whatever decision you make, people who trust that you have the wherewithall to make the right decision. There are tons of people out there willing to give you their opinions and remind you of all the things that could go wrong and tell you what to do, even though they have never been in this situation before. Personally, I wouldn't pick them to support you. Making decisions like these are Big and you don't need any bad energy that some people have to share. I would tell these sweet women to get back to the basics, find out what their core beliefs are. Do they believe in a God or not? That is real important, because these situations make you face exactly how much you can take, and it is vital to know that you don't have to do any of this ALONE unless you choose to. And last,but not least, I would say to them have FAITH - faith to know that we all have the answers inside us to the tough questions that come in our lives. Faith that your Heavenly Father will be there and will help you fight these battles. Faith in the Savior Jesus Christ, He truly understands what we are going through and will help comfort us and give us a peace that the world doesn't have to offer. The women like I mentioned before, that I have met along the way in life, are amazing women and they all seem to be tougher than they even imagined that they could be. Everyone of them come from all walks of life, all different religious beliefs, but understand that we are given these things for a reason and we all have been the better and stronger for it.

I keep reading this poem that I have on my mirror and I know that it helps me realize the bigger picture of life, instead of dwelling on the problems that I am having right now. It goes like this...

"OUR DEEPEST FEAR IS NOT THAT WE ARE INADEQUATE. OUR DEEPEST FEAR IS THAT WE ARE POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE. IT IS OUR LIGHT, NOT OUR DARKNESS, THAT MOST FRIGHTENS US. WE ASK OURSELVES, WHO AM I TO BE BRILLIANT, GORGEOUS, TALENTED, FABULOUS? ACTUALLY, WHO ARE YOU NOT TO BE? YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD. YOUR PLAYING SMALL DOES NOT SERVE THE WORLD. THERE IS NOTHING ENLIGHTENING ABOUT SHRINKING SO THAT OTHER PEOPLE WON'T FEEL UNSURE AROUND YOU. WE WERE BORN TO MAKE MANIFEST THE GLORY OF GOD THAT IS WITHIN US. IT IS NOT JUST IN SOME OF US; IT IS IN EVERYONE. AS WE LET OUR OWN LIGHT SHINE, WE UNCONSCIOUSLY GIVE OTHER PEOPLE PERMISSION TO DO THE SAME. AS WE ARE LIBERATED FROM OUR OWN FEAR, OUR PRESENCE AUTOMATICALLY LIBERATES OTHERS." -Marianne Williamson

Join us tomorrow for the last day of our PINK WEEK with Lynn.

Incredible Woman #52 - Lynn Woodard. Lessons learned, and Changes

2010-10-13T06:32:00.001-07:00

KARA: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

LYNN: "I learned that with the help of my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ that I can do just about anything. I have become much closer to Christ, how grateful I am that He suffered all things so that He would know how to succor His people. I know that when no one else understood my fears, worries, thoughts... that He did and He was there to comfort and strengthen me. I will always be grateful for this experience and the opportunity to know Him better!"

KARA: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

LYNN: "Time has changed for me. I am not nearly in such a hurry any more. I want to appreciate and spend each minute that I have left here on earth. Some things that I thought were so important have now lessed in my priorities. I want to slow down and enjoy every little thing more!"

Join us again tomorrow, as my interview with Lynn continues...

Incredible Woman #52 - Lynn Woodard. Hardest Thing, and What Helped...

2010-10-12T06:05:00.001-07:00

KARA: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey?"

LYNN: "Nights are the worst! Why, is it that the night time is the hardest when you are sick, lonely, sad or concerned about something? It is like the whole world is asleep and you are left completely alone with your thoughts.

It is weird remembering things that I experienced almost 9 years ago with my cancer, in some ways it is better because I know what to expect. Still in other ways it is worse, because I KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT!"

KARA: "What helped get you through it?"

LYNN: "Three things helped us that stand out in my mind. First is we changed the name Cancer to Recnac (that is Cancer spelled backwards). That was my kids' idea 9 years ago when I was diagnosed with Recnac for the first time. We decided as a family that Recnac was alot easier to talk about, not as scary and that we actually took some power from the cancer when we did that. Sounds funny but it worked. When my kids would tell anyone that their Mom had cancer, they would in return talk about all their family or friends who had cancer. Most of those stories weren't very good ones, and in most of the end of the story ... someone died. To this day, we don't know anyone who died from Recnac. We are not just trying to be ignorant or silly about such a serious disease, we just needed to take back some of our power and that is exactly what Recnac did for us. My son even designs a Recnac logo and we use it on the Recnac gifts that we have created for other survivors. Hopefully someday you will see them out there and available to your loved one who have been diagnosed with Recnac. We even designed Recnac monsters for little kids who are going through Recnac themselves or who have a loved one going through it!

Second is ...Knowledge is power! I do know that no problem, trial or pain that we experience is wasted. With these struggles come the ability to develop more patience, faith, courage and humility. Life truly changes when you go through trials of this magnitude and it is up to me if it changes for the better or worse. So no matter whether I think I can do this ...ready or not...I need to start moving forward with more faith and courage.

Third is...the love of family and friends! They were my rocks!"

KARA: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

LYNN: "I am much more patient and compassionate. I seem to be watching people more, wondering what type of battle they are fighting on their own and how I can help them. I truly understand what it means to have chronic pain. Along with cancer, I have had many problems with my health. I now judge less often. We just don't know by looking at someone, how their life is going."

Tomorrow, Lynn will talk about what she learned during her cancer journey, and how she changed during that time. Please join us again.

Incredible Woman #52 - Lynn Woodard. Diagnosis, and Family...

2010-10-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and THIS WEEK, WE ARE GOING PINK HERE ON INCREDIBLE WOMEN!

I'm a Breast Cancer survivor - it's not a title I ever wanted. It's not a "club" I ever wanted to be part of. BUT... I am. This "club" - this sisterhood - is actually an incredible thing. Because I'm a "member", I've been privileged to meet several wonderful women who are survivors as well. One of those women is a good friend, Janie Squire - my first "Incredible Woman" here on this blog. Through Janie I was introduced to Lynn Woodard - who is also a Breast Cancer survivor (2 times!). She's got a wonderful blog that I've enjoyed reading. I've been waiting a whole year to interview Lynn, so that her interview would be posted during October. So, this week I'm really happy to introduce you to Lynn Woodard. I know you'll be amazed by her story, and by Lynn herself. (Lynn has shared some of the posts from her blog in answer to some of the questions.) Enjoy!!!

KARA: "What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have?"

LYNN: "The battle begins... Breast cancer again - November 2008! Someone once said that it is scary to go into a battle when you know nothing about your enemy,not their strategies, their weapons, defense and so on. I really believe that is true, and that is why we have felt such incredible fear lately. We knew that we had to fight cancer again but... didn't know any details of size, growth, type or anything else, so finally tonight we got the long awaited call. I am so tired that I will try to make this short and hopefully be able to at least inform you of what we are up against. I need to remember that you don't need or probably want to know ,all the numbers and figures that they gave us tonight and so I will try to summarize it.
We received good and bad news tonight, but we felt more good than bad. I guess with all the surprises and stats that we had, we thought the worst was ahead of us, so in some ways, it seemed a bit hopeful. (haven't said that word of a while) So here at the notes and I will try to explain them.

*The lump node that they did the biopsy on and were almost sure was positive for cancer WAS NOT. (GOOD)
*The two tumors were smaller than they originally measured (GOOD)
*Both tumors are what they call ICTIS cancer, that just means that they have spread past their cell was and have infiltrated the breast tissue (BAD)
*The number of how fast the tumor is spreading, is lower than they expected it to be (GOOD)
*The possibility and probability of losing the breast is high (BAD)

KARA: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

LYNN: "Jeff, of course, was my rock as usual. I would have never made it this far in life without him. What an amazing man he is. Amy, John, Brad and Krystal already knew about the previous tests and concerns of the past 3 weeks but we hadn't worried Lee and Lauren with it ...just in case there was no need. It was hard telling Lee and Lauren, they both really cried hard and I could see that fear crept back into their eyes. I was up till 11:00pm trying to reassure Lee that things will be alright and that we will never be given more than we can handle.

Almost 7 years ago when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I remember crying and being depressed all the time,for the first few days and the kids did the same. It didn't take me too long to remember that I was the mom, the heart of the home and that I needed to some how pull myself together. I asked Amy (my oldest daughter) yesterday if she was really alright. Her reply was classic "I'm ok MOM, if you are ok?"

And so I need to be ok, for my sake, for my families' sake. We have fought this battle before, and I am sure we can do it again. I wish that I wasn't so TIRED. It is much harder to fight when you are this exhausted but... we will."

Please come back for a few minutes each day - I'll share 2 questions/answers from my interview with Lynn each day. See you tomorrow.

2010-10-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "I read something about you owning 30 Pumpkin Spice candles! Haha! That just happens to be my favorite candle flavor and it comes out at my house every Fall. Speaking of Fall, what do you do to celebrate this time out year? What are your favorite things about Fall? How do you decorate for Fall?"

MACEY: "Oh, Fall is my favorite season!! I totally deck the house out at Fall. I go with lots of leaves and foliage, gourds, scarecrows, cornstalks, etc. I love the colors, the smells, the warming up for the holiday season. And the pumpkin candles? Well, I'm afraid that someone will decide that they are out of style one day and I won't get anymore. So I buy em every time I see em. I know, it's a sickness, really."

KARA: "Share your beauty secrets with us! What makes you feel happy and healthy?"

MACEY: "I don't really have any beauty secrets! I have worn make up since I was about 14 because it always makes me more comfortable. I try to play up the eyes because I like them the best. Lately I have changed my eating habits to cut out most processed foods and eat mostly natural meats, fruits and veggies. I have also added drinking water to my day to day routine. I used to be addicted to Diet Coke and now I don't drink it. Don't get me wrong, I still love DC, but it's just not healthy as water. I always feel healthy and happy when I know that I'm putting food that is healthy in my body. It honestly does make you feel better! And the bonus to all the healthy eating and cutting out the processed food is that you lose weight! Bonus, for sure!"

Thanks goes to Macey for the fun interview this week. I enjoyed getting to know Macey - hope you did too! Her interview will be here throughout the weekend.

If you know of any Incredible Women you'd like to nominate, please let me know - I'd love to interview them! kara(dot)incrediblewomen(at)gmail(dot)com

Incredible Woman #52 - Macey France. Laughing, and Blogging...

2010-10-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: Tell us about this problem you have of laughing uncontrollably! What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?

MACEY: "Oh, no. I didn't read these questions before I started answering, so this one took my by surprise. The laughing uncontrollable is a horrible impairment!! I mean, laughing at funerals? Gah! I can only say it's a nervous reaction. I hope, anyway. I really hope I'm not that twisted! The funniest thing that ever happened to me? Geez, I have so many things! From saying stupid or inappropriate things to potty humor, etc. How 'bout this one? I peed my pants when I was at a slumber party once. I was 14. Of course, this doesn't compare to the "Sharting in Walmart" episode. Which happened last month."

KARA: "Tell us about your blog – “Living in France – Confessions of a stay at home mom who needs to get out more”. I LOVE that name! Why did you start blogging? What kinds of things do you blog about?"

MACEY: "The name is a really funny story...I had seen all of these blogs (which surprised me, really, because I had no clue about blogs at all) and I thought it would be neat if I could figure out how to do it. I named it way before I decided if I would do one or not. It's a play on my name and it's subtitle is exactly what it means. I'm a very "close to home" type gal. I don't go many places and I live in a small town. We have family in large cities and when we go visit I'm always shocked and in awe from what I see. I wouldn't say I'm a "country bumpkin" but the people that I encounter on these trips, or even in my own town at times, can really shock me. I realized when I found blogging that there is stuff going on in the world that I really never knew about. There are times that I'm amazed at something I don't know about and I always wonder if it's because I'm an at home mom or because of the small town or what. I talk about all kinds of things...mostly observations on people and every day life. Being a mom, a wife, a novice crafter. It all makes for some funny stories for me since I tend to do everything the hard way!"

Tomorrow is the last day of my interview with Macey - hope you don't miss it!

Incredible Women #52 - Macey France. Reading, and Top 5 Adventures...

2010-10-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You’ve told me that you are passionate about getting kids to read. What kinds of things do you do to help kids read? It sounds like you love books. Describe your blog called “Read with Girlfriends”."

MACEY: "Right now, having small children, my first priority is helping them to be great readers. We start early and we read to them all the time. When my oldest got to KG, he became more and more interested in sounding the letters and words out on his own. He went in not knowing how to read at all and by the end of October he was reading at 1st grade level. Now he's in 2nd grade and reading at about 4th grade level.

My youngest is in preschool and we are just starting to get him prepared to start reading. I know that when a child can read, he/she can do anything! Reading is such a wonderful thing. It promotes imagination, grammatical skills, spelling, and many other things! I love to pick up a book and be transported in time or space to a whole other world. I want kids to feel that too.

When my youngest is in school full time I plan to volunteer at the schools with reading help. They always need helpers and reading is a huge problem area with certain children.

Read With Girlfriends was started by my friend, Jessica, and I. We started it because we both love to read and want to share our love of books with friends. We can discuss the books we read on the blog and get feedback from other women who read with us. It's a great community of readers who love to talk about the books we've read and also promotes their blogs and their reading preferences! I've been led to some wonderful books mentioned by our followers!

KARA: "What are the top 5 adventures you’ve had in your life so far? What’s next on your list of things to do?

MACEY: "The top 2 are definitely my pregnancies and giving birth to my 2 wonderful boys. They were both adventures in their own right. I'm very proud of that.

3rd thing would be helping my husband through the process of finding and reconnecting with his biological family.

4th would be marriage in general. From the beginning where you plan the wedding all the way through to today. I once got a book titled "After the Wedding Comes a Marriage," or something to that effect. I always thought that was such a perfect title. The wedding is nothing. It's everything after that counts.

5th thing is motherhood. People might say, "you already said that when you talked about giving birth to your boys." Well, motherhood and pregnancy are two very different things. Maybe I should write a book called, "After a Pregnancy Comes Motherhood!"

Haha! I love that title - Macey, I think you should write that book - maybe with contributing stories from lots of moms. :-)

Tomorrow Macey talks about her sometimes uncontrollable laughter, and all about her blog - Living in France. Hope you'll come back and visit.

Incredible Woman #52 - Macey France. Etsy Shop, and Trials...

2010-10-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "I understand you have an Etsy shop. For those readers who don’t know what that is, tell us about Etsy. And then, tell us about your shop! What kinds of things do you sale?"

MACEY: "Etsy is an online store where you can buy vintage or handmade goods from thousands of different "shops." I share the shop with my mom and sister who both have talents that I like to showcase. It is called Cursing Crafter and if you read my blog you will see why. I used to have a potty mouth while making things. I'd make a mistake or drop something and use a curse word. It was mostly in my head, but I swear, if you could've heard me you would have thought I had a degree in Sailor Speak. I make all kinds of things...just for fun. Things I like, things I think are pretty. My mom crochets blankets and my sister is a wonderful artist. Right now I have a couple of her wood burnings on there. "

KARA: "Tell us about some of the trials you’ve faced throughout your life. How did you overcome those trials and what kinds of lessons have your learned?"

MACEY: "I can't really think of any trials. I mean, as a child, I was plump and made fun of by my peers. I overcame that by losing weight and sharing some choice words with those peers. Ha! As an adult the thing that I've faced was being diagnosed with MS at 27. Luckily I have a wonderful support system in my family and friends. I also am blessed with insurance that allows me to be able to take advantage of having a great neurologist, primary care physician and the treatments available for my condition. It's all very difficult to overcome. You never really do, in fact. You just learn to deal. You also try to stay positive. Which is very difficult at times, but when you have good family and friends, it makes it easier. I also believe in God and that really helps me also. I know that it's not for me to understand why things happen the way they happen. I'm not to know. Which is frustrating, but does lend a sense of relief too."

I've met so many people who, when asked about the trials they've faced, can't really think of any - just like Macey. Of course, I'd call having MS a trial, but can't you just appreciate her attitude toward it? There really is nothing we can do about most of the trials we are faced with, except deal with them the best way possible.

Tomorrow I'll talk to Macey about her passion with getting kids to read, and also the top 5 adventures she's had in her life. See you then...

Incredible Woman #52 - Macey France. Self, and Family...

2010-10-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week I'm please to introduce Macey France - an Incredible blogger! Macey was nominated by one of our previous Incredible Women - HolleeAnn Vasquez. Thanks to HolleeAnn, I have a new blog to follow. ;-) Macey's blog button is there on the right sidebar. Take some time this week to visit. I know you'll love her blog. Let's get this interview going...

KARA: "Describe yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

MACEY: "I'm not sure I would ever call myself and incredible woman. I do the same stuff all SAHM's do, the only difference is that I may be a little more tired because my brain likes to run around and around and around... usually going in full circle and driving myself nuts! When I get the chance to relax, I love to read, craft and blog."

KARA: "Tell us about each member of your family – what one word would you use to describe each one? What do you love about each member of your family?"

MACEY: "On my blog I call my oldest son Big Boy. It's so hard to come up with one word to describe him! I guess I would say "Smart." Which sounds kind of boring or perhaps cliche, because all moms tend to think their children are smart. But he really is! And he's little, which always makes people wonder if he's younger than he is. He is 7. They are amazed he is so intelligent and mature for his age and size.

My youngest is called Little Boy on my blog. He is 4. I would use the word "Spunky" for him. He's always ready to go; up early and happy about it. He's always ready to do something fun, he's silly as all get-out and just really charming. Of course that is when he is not throwing a tantrum.

My husband I would say "Steadfast." He is always the same guy. He isn't flighty; he makes smart decisions and he's loyal."

Each day I'll post 2 questions/answers from my interview with Macey, so take some time and visit, ok?

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-10-03T19:53:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for another week on Incredible Women. Come back tomorrow and meet Macey France.

Incredible Woman #51 - Kay Kanter. The Future, and Beauty Secrets...

2010-10-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Where do you see yourself in the future – 10 years, 20 years, 30 years? Tell us some of your short and long-term goals."

KAY: "My goals… hmm. Yes, I set goals for everything. Goals are the key to success. When I set my mind to it, I can achieve it. My parents always told me that I have always reached my goals. I have a plan in my head and I keep going, until I reach it. My short term goal is the same one, in my house, every day. We start our day happy and end our day happy. There is no fighting or screaming in our house in the morning. That just starts everyone’s day off grumpy. And we go to sleep happy. I want my kids to remember that our home was happy. “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”

I have goals for my photography business. My first and foremost goal is: as a business woman, I insist on keeping the gospel in mind when making all of my decisions. Shortcuts are not my way of business. Compared to some businesses, my shop is little. I am winning over big clients, even though my business is new and small. I give amazing customer service and stand by my word. I don’t get a lot of sleep (haha). I keep my deadlines. I work hard to make my clients happy. I have more than exceeded my goals for this year with my business, because of my success and clientele.

Long term goals are just as important. I must maintain my family life and business life. In order to be completely successful, I must be sure to keep my business life and home life, separate. I must nurture both and not ignore either. I must remember to be humble and grateful for all of my blessings. Family must come first."

KARA: "Share your beauty secrets with us! What makes you feel happy and healthy?"

KAY: "Beauty? Hmmm, beauty comes from within! As a pro-photog, I can absolutely agree with that. You can be the most stunning woman in the room, but if you are ugly inside, you will be standing all alone. I have a pretty heart. I try hard to be a good person. I think, there is a fine line between being self confident and being vain. In order to be confident, you must not doubt your actions. If you are not a liar, you will always remember what you say. It is funny how, now that I am pushing mid forties, all of a sudden “outside beauty doesn’t matter”. Hahaha, that cracks me up. I cut off my long hair to make my mom a wig, when she was going through chemo. It’s growing back now. I still love my super long eye lash extensions!"

Wow! What a wonderful week here on Incredible Women! I loved interviewing Kay. I hope you enjoyed the interview, too. Thanks, Kay!!! I'm crossing my fingers that someday I'll be able to meet Kay in person. ;-) This interview will be posted in it's entirety through Sunday. Spread the word to everyone you know about Incredible Women - I'd love to share all these women with lots of people out there. Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #51 - Kay Kanter. Charity work, and Family fun...

2010-09-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You are very much into charity work. Tell us about what you are working on."

KAY: "My passion is my charity work. I am one of the volunteer photographers
that works with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

This is a world wide program. I get calls from the hospitals when a baby dies or is near death. I rush to the hospital to take portraits of the babies and their parents. I come back and make them beautiful, put them together as a slide show, and give them to the family, free of charge. The families are very grateful. I often am asked to go to the baby's funeral, also. My goal is to take care of the family without crying in front of them. I usually sit in the parking lot to cry for a few minutes before I leave them. It is a sad thing, but they are so very thankful. The slide shows come out beautiful. Then they will have images and not only memories of their precious baby forever.

My other charity is my own creation. It is called For My Mama a Cancer
Photography Project.

I created this program in honor of my mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. I couldn't imagine, not being able to remember her face, if she was to pass. I have been interviewed on several TV stations for this program.

I offer to do a photo shoot for the cancer patient and their family, for free, and I give them an 8x10. I am working on my non-profit license for this program. I have had such a great response from Huntsman Cancer Center and other medical facilities in
Colorado. It makes me feel good to help."

Boy, I really wish Kay had been there while I was going through cancer to make me look pretty! What a wonderful thing to do for cancer patients. I hope we can all take a page out of Kay's book of service, and find something we can do to help someone in need.

KARA: "Your greatest passion is your family. Describe some of your favorite memories of your family. What do you like to do together?"

KAY: "I love my little family. We start every morning the same way. Right before our alarm goes off, my son and daughter wake me up. (I am not sure why they don’t wake up daddy, but it is a nice way to start the day.) Everyone climbs into our bed. We snuggle and talk. It is so peaceful."

Tomorrow is the last day of Kay's interview. Please join us as she shares her goals, and her beauty secrets with us.

Incredible Woman #51 - Kay Kanter. Trials, and Photography...

2010-09-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us about some of the trials you’ve faced throughout your life. How did you overcome those trials and what kinds of lessons have your learned?"

KAY: "Life is always full of trials. Mine was several years ago, when the jeep I was driving, was run over by a semi-truck. I was sitting at a red light and he didn’t stop for the light. My jeep was crushed around me. I remember opening my eyes and looking at the stars. That’s because the roof of my jeep was torn right off! This accident made me blind. Most people, who know me as a professional photographer, don’t know that I used to be blind. I was a student at the school for the blind in Denver. I used to use a white cane. During all of the medical testing, my docs found that I had a tumor in my brain. Shortly after, I had brain surgery to extract the tumor, my vision came back. It was awesome! I was blind for almost a year. When my vision came back, all of my other senses went crazy. I could smell and taste everything. During this test, I never questioned my faith. Even though I couldn’t see with my eyes, I never saw more clearly with my faith. I am truly grateful for my vision (with my heart) and my vision (with my eyes). "Walk by faith, not by sight."

KARA: "You’ve told me that you have your own photography business. I’m IN LOVE with photography. I’d love to learn more. Tell us about your business – what kinds of photography do you do? What is your all time favorite photo you’ve ever taken?"

KAY: "Yep, I am a business owner/photographer. It has been an amazing ride. My business www.kaykanterphotography.com has grown so big that I have just recently moved into a super cool studio in downtown Salt Lake City. I am commissioned to travel nationally to shoot. I accept most bookings for family portraits, weddings, senior grads, models & actors, commercial and special events. Like any mommy, I love taking images of my children. My children are naturals in front of my camera. They have both been hired in other states for modeling work. What really makes me excited is when I shoot portraits for people and they are so moved when they see them, they cry. Now that is what it is all about. I also, make it a point to give back to our community. I offer to help people who want exposure as a model. I get their images out in front of my commercial clients and potential clients. I try to get them hired as models. It is hard to get into the industry. I have the means; it makes me happy to help. Sometimes people just need a little bit of help getting in the door."

Kay kindly sent me some of her photographs to share with you. If you have time, please visit her website, and sit for a few minutes and enjoy the wonderful slideshows and music...

Incredible Woman #51 - Kay Kanter. Motorcycles and College...

2010-09-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You met your husband because of motorcycles! Tell us about that – do you ride your own bike? Do you go on the cool rides, where hundreds of people on motorcycles travel together? You described your husband as “the man of my dreams”. Wow! Do tell!"

KAY: "When my husband and I went on our first date, he asked if I would ride with him on his motorcycle. I had my own motorcycle and never rode with anyone. I agreed to ride with him though. I wanted to sit closer to him, (giggle). He tapped my hands, that I had wrapped around him and told me to hold on tight. He popped a wheelie and we rode it for several blocks. I knew right then that I was going to marry him and spend the rest of my life with him! Yes, we orchestrate very cool rides to raise money for cancer charities. My husband runs the BMW of North Salt Lake motorcycle shop. Both of our mothers had breast cancer, so have a big Ride For The Cure, every year. My husband is the man that I always dreamed about. He is funny, exciting, loving, caring, supportive, an amazing daddy; what more can a girl ask for. I am one lucky gal."

KARA: "You have a BS from Cornell University in Human Services. Tell us how you’ve used that degree – what kinds of jobs have you had? How has your degree helped your throughout your life?"

KAY: "My degree from Cornell University was in Human Services. And now I own my own photography business…hmmm. Before I became a mommy, I used to work in the judicial system. Right out of college, I was hired to work for Mayor Wellington Webb in Denver, Colorado. I worked in the Safe City Office with juveniles, police officers and the judicial system. As I grew to love the judicial system, I worked my way up to the criminal courts; assisting judges in the courtrooms. Having a degree from an Ivy League school helped me get my foot in many doors. Cornell was a very challenging school. Living in New York was a challenge, too. I loved it."

Tomorrow Kay will share some of the things she's learned from trials, and also all about her photography business. I can't wait! See you then...

Incredible Woman #51 - Kay Kanter. Self and Family...

2010-09-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Incredible Women. This week, I'm excited to introduce a truly Incredible Woman - Kay Kanter. Kay was nominated by one of our previous IW - Ginger Johnson. I've have fun getting to know Kay through the interview, and her amazing photography website. (I'm still trying to track down a picture of Kay - I'll add one later.) Let's started this interview...

KARA: "Describe yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

KAY: "One of my favorite hobbies is riding motorcycles. I love to ride motorcycles (really, really fast). When my husband and I were engaged, he used to teach me to do tricks on our motorcycles. I used to stand up on my seat, riding down the road. I learned how to jump from one bike to another. It was awesome! My whole family loves to ride. That is how we were able to get our son potty trained. We were watching daddy race and he said he wanted to ride motorcycles. I said, “You don’t see any guys out there wearing diapers, do ya?” We made a deal with him, if he stopped using diapers and didn’t have accidents, we would get him a little motorcycle. He stopped wearing diapers that day and never had an accident. He just turned 3 when he started riding his own motorcycle with training wheels.

My talent is… geez… anything I put my mind to, I guess. I love to make fancy cakes. I made my son a 3D Yoda cake and my daughter a castle cake that had close to 1,000 little flowers on it, for their birthdays. I only make a super neat cake once a year. I made my boy a hydra (4 headed dragon) this year, but our Great Dane chomped off one of the heads 10 minutes before our party started. I love, love, love to be behind my camera. I think that is my true talent; taking images and capturing a story. And I love to teach… anyone really.

My dislike is plainly, dishonesty. There is no reason for it. I teach my children that they might get into a bit of trouble if they do something wrong, but are honest about it and accept responsibility. However, if they do something wrong and lie about it, they will be in BIG, BIG trouble. Also, those that don’t follow the rules, make me crazy. If we all followed the simple rules we learned in kindergarten, we would all be one happy little village: Be nice. Share. Be patient. Keep your hands to yourself. Don’t cut in line. Don’t take what is not yours. Be courteous to others. Always tell the truth. Treat others how you want to be treated. And don’t pick your nose.

Life should not be so difficult. I enjoy each and every day, as if it is my last. If you ask my children what I tell them most, they will say, “I love you”. I tell everyone (even strangers) how much I appreciate them… and I mean it. I am grateful and truly blessed. And most of all, I thank the Lord every day."

KARA: "Tell us about each member of your family – what one word would you use to describe each one?"

KAY: "My husband is my best friend. I daydream about him throughout the day. He is my support and an amazing business person. He is a very hard worker and an even better daddy and husband. I love who I have become with him by my side. If I was to describe him with one word it would be: LOVE.

My son, who is 6, is awesome. He is such a great kid. He is truly a gift from God. He has taught me so much. One day, my children were extra naughty. He saw how frustrated I was as I sat staring at them with laser beams shooting out of my eyes (all moms have this talent). He came and grabbed me by the hand and got down on his knees. He said, “Come on mommy, let’s say a prayer. It will help all of us.” The word I would describe him with would be: LOVE.

My little girl, we call bunny. Daddy gave her that nickname, because she is as cute as a bunny. She is a sweet little girl that loves to cuddle with me. She is my little shadow. I could just watch her play and laugh all day. She goes to sleep smiling and wakes up the same way. She is a girly-girl and loves to dress up. I was a tomboy and loved to play with frogs and the boys. I love her so much. My word for her is: LOVE."

If you're new to this blog, this is the way it works... I'll post 2 questions/answers from my interview with Kay each day this week. So, make some time to come back and visit. Tomorrow we'll talk to Kay about her love of motorcycles, and her degree from Cornell University!

Another Interview Starting Soon...

2010-09-26T22:11:00.001-07:00

Looking forward to tomorrow, when we start another week here at Incredible Women... Please visit, and meet Kay Kanter!

2010-09-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What inspires you?"

KATHI: "I have been inspired as I have watched others go through difficult challenges and see how their faith and love for Heavenly Father and the Savior has increased. I am inspired by the love of my Savior and the healing that is promised to each of us through His Atonement. I am inspired the Gospel Truths and by the words of Prophets and Church leaders who have given talks that have deeply touched my heart.

One of my favorite talks by Neal A Maxwell inspired me and helped open my eyes to an important spiritual truth. In the talk called “Called To Serve”, Elder Maxwell stated that the Prophet Joseph Smith said that if we want to live with the Savior and our Heavenly Father again we have to become like them by developing the Celestial attributes they have. Elder Maxwell explained that the way we do this is by having parallel but smaller scale experiences in our mortal lives. Knowledge of the Gospel Principles is not enough. It is the application of the Gospel truths through our own personal experiences that enable us to develop these Celestial attributes required. He explained this by using the analogy of the lecture vs. the lab. Being knowledgeable of the gospel is the lecture while the application of each principle is the lab that helps us develop the attribute.

With a new perspective and with new spiritual insights, I have reflected on many of my experiences and the experiences of others going through trials in a new light. I tend to look for these parallel but smaller-scaled experiences, which are a small but instructive portion of what the Savior and our Heavenly Father have experienced in the adversities and trials in my own life and the lives of others. I now realize that each of these experiences are opportunities to develop an important Godly attribute.

I am inspired by the promises made to each of us to have Eternal life with our loved ones. I look forward with joyful anticipation to the reunion with my son, parents, and family now in the spirit world. I look forward to kneeling before my Savior and expressing my love and gratitude for him."

KARA: "Share your beauty secrets with us! What makes you feel happy and healthy?"

KATHI: "I had PMS when I was younger so I had to adapt my diet to deal with the emotional and physical symptoms that were so difficult to me. To me it was easier to adapt to healthy eating because of the negative effect some foods had on me than to diet to lose weight. I discovered that the minute I said I think I should diet… I was hungry. I have tried to watch my weight but am finding it more difficult now that I am in the menopause stage of my life.

My best beauty secret is the inner beauty that comes to those who live the gospel. You can be the most beautiful woman in the world physically but lack the inner beauty of love for others. I have found the most beautiful women I know are the ones with the Light of Christ in their countenances and who have a loving and caring heart. Living the gospel and having a close relationship with the Savior and Heavenly Father are the keys to feeling happy and healthy."

Curtis, Kathi, and their cutie-patootie grandbaby, Shelby

I know you'll join me in thanking Kathi for opening her heart to us this week. I've loved every minute of this interview. It's helped me remember everything that is important to me, and helped remind me of the importance of being Christlike. I'm sure it's made me want to be a better person.

This interview will be up in it's entirety through Sunday, when I'll be working on our next interview. Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #50 - Kathi Thompson. Speaking, and Travel...

2010-09-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You and your husband are motivational speakers – you’ve spoken to over 20,000 young people and their families! What are the messages you give them?"

KATHI: "My husband and I are now motivational speakers. We have spoken to over 20,000 young people and their families in our community and in the LDS church in the past seven years. We also had the opportunity to speak to the Youth in the Layton Stake about a year and a half ago. Our message is one of living a life of character, (or living a Christ like life for the youth of the church), the importance of expressing love in our families, and learning the lessons from adversity. We feel we are on the Lord’s errand and are hopeful that we can help others who are wounded by difficult life experiences and that we can help others learn how they can help those who have heavy burdens.

For the past seven years we have given out a Memorial Scholarship to outstanding students whose lives demonstrate character, excellence in academics and athletics, and who live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have established The Trent Thompson Memorial Foundation at trentbthompson.com and donate our time to speak at many different events in our community.

We are willing to stand as witnesses that the Lord loves each of us and that He knows our name and answers our humble prayers. We know that healing comes through the Savior and His Atonement. We now know that no matter what happens in our lives that the Savior will stand by us and help us carry the heavy burdens we are called upon to bear. He understands our pain, grief, and sorrows. We know this to be true because he has carried us through this past seven years when we at times did not have the strength to take one more step forward.

We are grateful to know that the Savior is there to love us and to walk with us. We can understand now the statement made by some of the handcart pioneers when describing the difficult journey of pain, sorrow, grief, and death when they said it was the price they paid to become better acquainted with God. They were willing to pay that price and so must all of us."

KARA: "If you were given the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Why? What would be on your itinerary?"

KATHI: "I have had many opportunities to travel. Shortly after graduation, my family spent three weeks in Europe. Curtis and I have had the opportunity to travel to Japan, Hawaii, and to the Caribbean. It was good to see the beauty in so many wonderful places but what I always found interesting that no matter where we went it was always wonderful to come home. I have given much thought to that and I wonder if that isn’t something to do with our own spiritual yearning to return to our Heavenly Home someday.

After pondering this question, I have thought that if I could go anywhere it would be to travel back in time and thank every person who influenced my life for good. That desire would be my itinerary. I have realized how important it is to share your love and gratitude for our friends and loved ones before it is too late."

Tomorrow is our last day with Kathi. I hope you'll come back.

Incredible Woman #50 - Kathi Thompson. Trials...

2010-09-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

(Just for your information, Kathi is LDS - she's a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of the things she will talk about today might be unfamiliar to you. If you have questions, please let me know and I'll point you in the direction of the answers.)

KARA: "Tell us about some of the trials you’ve faced throughout your life. How has faith played a role in overcoming those trials? What kinds of lessons have your learned?"

KATHI: "Difficult challenges that we have overcome...

Some of the challenges I have faced are infertility which eventually led to the adoption of two children through LDS family Services. I lost both of my parents within the first two years of my marriage. My father died six months after my marriage from a heart attack and my mother died a year later from cancer.
The most difficult trial our family has faced is when our son Trent was killed. Trent had his final Mission interview with our Stake President. He had a wonderful interview and expressed his excitement to serve. Trent told us that our Stake President told him that if anyone was prepared to serve a mission it was Trent Thompson!

Four days later Trent was killed instantly in an automobile accident coming back from lunch just two blocks from his High School. A friend of his was driving and she turned into the path of an oncoming truck, which hit Trent on the passenger's side.

I can't even begin to describe the feelings of pain and loss you feel when you hear that one of your children has been killed. We were anticipating a mission call and would now receive a death certificate instead. Numbness came over my body as feelings of horror and disbelief ran through my mind. I also felt an unseen presence surrounding my entire body with a feeling of love and warmth. I felt Trent's presence and the comfort he must have been trying to give me.
The next day arrangements had to be made and we found Trent's influence in all of the preparations. Since Trent had been found worthy to serve a mission and had had his final mission interview four days earlier with his Stake President, our Bishop came to our home and told us that the Fresno Temple President had felt very strongly that Trent's Temple ordinances needed to be done before his burial so he could immediately begin his work in the spirit world. We were surprised at this but grateful for this sacred opportunity. Our Stake President said later that he had no idea the Mission Trent would actually be called to serve would be in the spirit world.

We were blessed and comforted during this time. As time went by and the reality of Trent’s death became more apparent we faced many unexpected challenges. Dealing with the aftermath of Trent’s death was extremely difficult as each of our family members tried to endure with the stages of grief and loss.
As the years have passed the Lord has made it known to me that Trent was called to teach the gospel to my ancestors in the spirit world. With Trent’s help on the other side of the veil, the amount of family names made available to me for Temple work has been staggering. It is with great joy I do this sacred work. Together Trent and I are working closely as Saviors in Mount Zion to our ancestors.

In 2005, my husband was in a terrible automobile accident. His car went off the road and ran into a parked semi trailer on the side of the road. He spent an hour trapped underneath the semi and another thirty minutes being removed from his car by the jaws of life. He was conscious during all of this and was grateful for those who gathered around him to give assistance. He was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center. He was on the brink of death when he was taken to the Emergency Room. Our oldest son Trevor and our nephew administered to Curtis in the ER and in their prayer blessed him that he would recover from his injuries. He was very badly injured and was in the ICU for almost a month. His face had hit the back of the trailer causing most of his facial bones to be fractured. He had facial reconstruction surgery where they placed over forty five plates and screws in his face to repair the broken bones around his eyes and nose. He lost the sight in his left eye. He suffered a broken wrist and a broken leg, which was broken in fifteen places just under his knee. He was unable to put any weight on his leg for three months. He lost several teeth. He damaged part of his colon from the impact of the seat belt and had to have part of it removed. He had five surgeries in the two weeks following the accident. Many more surgeries would follow.

Curtis was in a comma in the ICU for two weeks. He was unable to communicate with any of us for the first ten days. You see scenes in the movies where loved ones are at the bedside of their loved ones who are unresponsive and they say to them, “If you can hear me squeeze my hand.” Many of us had conversations like that and still there was no response of any kind from Curtis. It was a helpless feeling.

One day as I was home resting and reflecting on the difficult situation we were facing, I remembered a talk I heard by Michael Ballam about the power of music and healing. Michael Ballam said that music is often used for patients who are unconscious or in a coma to communicate to the patients. I decided I would try one of his suggestions. It was about eight days after Curtis’s accident and I found myself alone with him late one night in the ICU. I leaned over and sang “Angel Lullaby” directly into Curtis’s ear three times. This was a very special song to us because this is the Lullaby we sang to our children each night when we put them to bed when they were young. I knew how much Curtis loved that song. There was no response from him during or after the song. I stayed with him a little while longer and then kissed him goodnight and told him how much I loved him and then left for home.

A few days later, Curtis began waking up and talking. It was so exciting to be able to finally communicate with him again. When he saw me, he told me that the only thing he remembered while he “was sleeping” those ten days was the night that I came in and sang the “Angel Lullaby” to him. He told me that the words of the song touched his heart and soul and gave him the will to live. It was an amazing experience and I am so glad I had followed the suggestions of Michael Ballam’s talk.

After Curtis regained consciousness we realized it would be a long and painful road to full recovery. It has been almost five years since his accident and he has had over thirty one surgeries to repair his broken body.

Because of the experiences our family has had with many difficult challenges, I have become passionate about using the things I have learned through these experiences to help others. I realize that it is important for us to become like the Savior in this life and to mourn with those who mourn and to help others carry their heavy burdens. Our experiences with people who did not want to reach out and help were similar to many of Job’s friends. Who wants to lose a child who is worthy and ready to serve a mission only to have him killed by a careless mistake of someone else? Our family was everyone’s “Worst Nightmare”. Our family was very active in the church and worthy of the blessings of Protection by the Lord. We were evidence that Bad Things Do Happen to Good People. It has been a long hard road for our family but the Lord has truly visited us in our afflictions and has carried us through them. He has answered so many of our prayers and revealed His Purposes for our son and for our family.

One morning I spent some quiet moments reflecting about the difficult years following Trent’s death. I tried and put things into perspective as our family tries to accept the “Lords Will” in losing Trent. I went to the Lord in a humble and honest prayer and told Him how devastating it was to lose Trent just before he was to serve a mission. I had two binders full of letters from Trevor while he was on his mission in Taiwan. I was sad that I will have no letters from Trent. I remember telling the Lord that I felt cheated out of the mission experience with Trent.

Shortly after my prayer, I had a very strong spirit witness to my heart and mind as the Lord revealed to me by the power of the Holy Ghost, two things. First, “You may not have any letters from Trent while he is serving his mission, but you have more than two binders of letters from people whose lives he changed by his love and small acts of kindness. Not many parents of missionaries get letters like the ones you have.” Second, the Lord revealed to my heart “You have not been cheated out of Trent’s Mission experience… you are a part of it.”
Curtis and I have felt this in our hearts since Trent’s death. Although this has been a long and painful journey, we can testify that the Lord has blessed us with spiritual insights that have been beyond what we ever could have imagined. We can see the hand of the Lord as His purposes were revealed to our family. We have come to understand Trent’s mission as a missionary in the spirit world. We have also come to understand that part of Trent’s mission through our Motivational Speaking was to help us all understand the words our Savior Jesus Christ told us when he said, “As I have loved you, love one another.” We believe he is actively involved on “Both sides of the veil”.

Trent’s story was included in the new book called “The Transfer” by Susan Woods. “Out of the more than one million missionaries who have served in this last dispensation, less than one tenth of one percent have ever qualified for “the transfer”, thus making it a very rare occurrence. The book is a compilation of their stories as told by loved ones”. Trent’s story is in Volume I."

I appreciate so much Kathi's willingness to share such sacred experiences with me and my readers. The trials Kathi has been through break my heart. As a mother, I know it would be so difficult to lose a child. Some of my friends have had this same experience, and it's been hard to watch them have to go through that. One thing really stood out to me from Kathi's story here... "I realize that it is important for us to become like the Savior in this life and to mourn with those who mourn and to help others carry their heavy burdens." That's something that I'm trying to do with breast cancer patients and survivors, because of my experience with breast cancer. I feel so strongly that I have to help others who are experiencing that trial. I know from experience that Kathi is right about this.

Tomorrow, I'll share the messages that Kathi and her husband give as motivational speakers, and her ideas about traveling.

Incredible Woman #50 - Kathi Thompson. Teaching youth, and Love Story...

2010-09-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You’ve told me that you love spending time with the youth and teaching. Tell us about that. What opportunities have you had to spend time with young people?"

KATHI: "I went back to College and finished up my BA Degree when Trent entered the first grade. I enjoyed going back to college as an adult. Trevor and Trent thought it was great that mom had homework too. We would all three sit at the table in the evenings and do our homework. They also helped me study for my tests. I majored in Child Development and Graduated in June of 1994. I was 20 years late in graduating! It was great looking up in the stands on that day and seeing my family cheering as I walked around the stadium with my Graduating Class. Better late than never!

When Trevor was a freshman in High School and Trent was in the fifth grade at I decided to work as a substitute teacher. I have spent the last fifteen years working part time at the schools Trevor and Trent attended. Our boys didn't mind me working at their schools and there were many benefits of being a substitute teacher. I got to know what was going on in their schools, I got to know their teachers and friends, I could regulate the number of days I worked, I could help my boys better with their homework, and I was home when they were home.

I have been blessed to spend most of my time serving in the LDS Church in the Young Women’s Program. I have loved teaching the gospel and sharing my testimony and love for so many wonderful young women in the church. I feel that serving in this capacity enabled me to be better prepared to go out into the world and teach the youth of the world. Many of the things we are taught in the church about teaching by the spirit and other principles stressed in the “Teaching No Greater Call” manual were very helpful and effective in teaching in the schools. If I was to give a title to this chapter in my life I would call it “Young Women Leader Goes Back To School.”

I have enjoyed being a substitute teacher. In our school district there is a program called “Character Counts” where teachers have an opportunity to share ways to develop good character. Many times when I sub a class I share thoughts and experiences that demonstrate the values of character such as caring, respect, responsibility, and many others. I tried to teach the students about being kind to one another and making correct choices in their lives. I found the students very receptive as I shared how to develop good character in their classrooms. I have come to love the students, teachers, and administrators in our school district. After Trent’s death, these wonderful people who were not of our faith reached out to our family in love and were especially tender as I returned to teaching several weeks later. When I walked on campus so many of them ran up to me and gave me a hug. Their words of love and support really touched my heart. They have been such a blessing to me. They shared our family’s grief and together we are reaching out to help each other heal our aching hearts. I always felt like I was on the Lord’s errand during my times in the classroom. The Lord needs all of us to Let our Lights Shine in our communities. I have been truly blessed in all of my associations while working in our school district."

KARA: "Tell us your love story. How did you meet? How has your relationship changed over the years? Since you are now “empty-nesters”, what are your plans for the future together?"

KATHI: "During college, I decided that I wanted to be an International Airline Stewardess. I had taken four years of Spanish in High School and took one year of German in College. My father liked this idea as he had heard that families of Airlines Stewardesses got travel discounts. He didn't mind paying for the braces I needed to get or for the contact lenses I needed. All of this was in preparation for me applying to the Airlines. My father was very excited during this time. It would take a year and a half for the braces to come off and he would bring home travel brochures and dream of the places he was going to travel with my mom with his Family Airline Travel Discount.

In my second year of college, I met my husband in my P.E. class. The teacher put us together as mixed double Tennis partners. His name was Curtis and he was very good looking. He was very muscular and had a great tan. In addition to this he was an incredible athlete. I was a bit embarrassed when she first put me with him. I had on a white gym uniform, my hair was in pig tails and I had braces with tiny rubber bands attached to them that would break if I laughed. I also had not worn my contact lenses that day so I couldn't see the balls that he was hitting to me in practice. After that first day with my new Tennis partner, I bought a cute Tennis Dress, wore a decent hairstyle, wore my contacts so I could see the ball, and improved my tennis skills! We were a great team and won every match.

We dated during our time as mixed double partners in Tennis P.E. and during this time I discovered that he was a Mormon. I was impressed with his high standards and his views on Eternal families. I felt that there was something really special about him.

Curtis arranged for me to meet with the missionaries. I also felt the spirit really strong while the missionaries taught me the discussions. They answered all of my questions. I was impressed that they were able to answer the three questions that I had had when I was five years old. I now understood where I came from, why I was here, and where I was going after this life. The things the missionaries taught me sounded familiar to my spirit and I felt an excitement in my heart. The missionaries taught me so much. I had never really read the scriptures before and had never prayed up to this point. They taught me that our prayers are heard and answered.

The missionaries challenged me to ask the Lord if the Book of Mormon was true. I did pray fervently to receive the confirmation that Book of Mormon was the word of God. A few days after that prayer, I felt an overwhelming feeling come into my heart and it was revealed to me by the spirit that the Book of Mormon was true.

Curtis baptized me in 1971. I still remember the wonderful feelings I had as I walked down the steps of the Baptismal Font with Curtis waiting in the font. My parents and family were there. Curtis's family was there. It was a very special day and I knew my life would never be the same.

Curtis and I dated a lot during college. Our relationship began to grow and the day came when we talked of marriage. Curtis secretly bought me an engagement ring and went to my father's office to ask for my hand in marriage. My father was impressed by Curtis's visit and was happy to give his approval for our marriage. I found my father such a great sport about all of this. By then my braces had come off and it was time for me to apply to become and Airline Stewardess. My father had plans for world travel with his good old family discount! Then in walks Curtis into my life and instead of getting to travel the world, my dad ends up paying for a wedding.

It was hard getting used to the empty nest especially since we were thrown into the situation by our son’s unexpected death. We were so actively involved in the lives of our children and we missed that part of our lives. We have spent most of the time in the recovery process of grief and the healing of my husband’s injuries from his automobile accident in 2005. We have spent a great deal of time together during this process and have felt the hand of the Lord leading us along the detour that life had given us. We have had many opportunities to help others who are wounded by grief, sorrow, and the difficult challenges of life. Part of the healing process is to reach out and help others.

We would love to serve a mission and will patiently wait upon the Lord for the healing of my husband’s injuries. Until that day comes I continue to work on Family History and attend the Temple with my husband to do the work for our ancestors."

Tomorrow I'll talk to Kathi about some of the trials she's been through, and how faith has played a role in getting through those trials. Hope to see you then.

Incredible Woman #50 - Kathi Thompson. Self and Family...

2010-09-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to introduce you to Kathi Thompson this week. She was nominated by Janie Squire, our very first Incredible Woman. I've really enjoyed learning about Kathi - I can see why Janie loves her. Hope you enjoy the interview this week...

KARA: "Describe yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

KATHI: "I don’t consider myself an Incredible Woman. I am just like all the rest of us on our journey through life. I love my family and tried to learn as much as I could about everything. I have come to realize that we each have special spiritual gifts to help us accomplish the missions we were sent to earth to perform. I know Heavenly Father gave me the desire to acquire knowledge and apply what I had learned to whatever situation or challenge I was faced with. As I have faced each stage of my life I realized just how important it would be to use that gift to survive the difficult challenges that confronted me and my family.

When I was a child my mother had a special mission to try and find out just what my talents were. I remember her telling me that she knew everyone had a talent of some kind. During her years of searching for my talents she exposed me to many different things. I remember her having me try to play the violin in elementary school. I kept breaking all of the strings so my parents decided to have me try something else. I was in the school choir for a time, but my voice was pretty bad. My mother then enrolled me in dance lessons. I tried tap dancing, ballet, and hula. I was so terrible that it was only a matter of weeks before my mom decided she would keep looking for that special talent. In the mean time I found myself really enjoying playing school with the other kids in our neighborhood. I find it interesting looking back on this time in my life that my greatest desire was always wanting to be the teacher when the neighborhood kids and I played school.

On my seventh birthday, my parents bought me a Palomino Horse of my own. I rode her everyday and I began to ride her in amateur Rodeos during my years in Elementary School. I became very good in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending events and won several ribbons in these events. I enjoyed traveling to these little Rodeos with my parents. I also enjoyed school, but horses were my life during this time. I was a tomboy and each day I could hardly wait to change from my school dresses into my blue jeans and take off to the stable.

I didn't like Junior High School. It was a hard transition for me. I was trying to find myself and having a hard time doing it. I wasn't good at anything except riding horses. Then one day I heard some drums outside my house and I went outside to see what was going on. It was a neighborhood Baton Group practicing for an upcoming parade. I followed them and asked if I could learn to twirl the baton. I started taking Baton Lessons in the 7th grade and loved every minute of it. I was a little slow at catching on at first, but I worked really hard and got pretty good at it. I marched and twirled my Baton in many local and area parades. I continued to twirl my baton all the way through Junior High, High School, and College.

The hobby that I have come to love is doing Family History work. I know in my heart that I was sent to be a Savior on Mount Zion to my ancestors. Participating in this great work has brought a great peace and joy into my life."

KARA: "Tell us about each member of your family – what do you love the most about each one?"

KATHI: "Curtis and I have been married for almost thirty nine years. He is a wonderful husband. He is very loving and kind. He has many sides to his personality. He has a great sense of humor that always keeps us laughing. He is thoughtful and very loving. He also is a very spiritual man. He loves the Lord and has taken great care to see that our family has learned the ways of the Lord and has encouraged each of us to keep the Lord's commandments and live the gospel. He is a great example to all of us. I am very grateful to be his wife. Looking back we view our lives together as a great adventure. We have had our share of trials and happiness. We are grateful that we had the gospel in our lives. The gospel gave us the foundation and strength to meet each new challenge. We could feel the Lord's guidance, comfort, and protection each step along the way during our marriage. We have a strong happy marriage and are devoted to each other. We are stronger spiritually because we were able to face our trials together and conquer them.

I spent most of my time as a mother supporting our two boys and my husband in sports. My husband coached our oldest son’s Little League Team. Both our boys were involved church activities and school sports which consisted of basketball, baseball, volleyball, golf, and football. It was wonderful to have so many memories of our family during that time.

In High School, our oldest son Trevor played on the golf team. I was always amazed at how far he could hit the ball. He was every dedicated and was always willing to practice and fulfill any commitment. One evening for Family Night we played golf as a family. Trevor and I were partners and Curtis and Trent were partners and we played against each other. Each person on the team would take turns hitting the ball. I was terrible. Most of my shots went sideways or landed in the sand trap. We had a special rule that I was allowed to throw my balls out of the sand trap instead of trying to hit it out. No matter how bad my shots were Trevor would come to the rescue and hit the next shot perfectly. I loved his patience with me.
After Trevor’s graduation from High School he was called to serve in the Taichung Taiwan Mission. He loved the people in Taiwan had a lot of success teaching and baptizing people there. His testimony and knowledge of the gospel grew each day as he served his mission. He continues to tell us that there is nothing more rewarding than serving a mission and seeing people accept the gospel and change their lives. Trevor was able to touch many lives in Taiwan and says that serving a mission was one of the happiest times in his life. After returning from his mission he met his future wife Alisha while attending BYU. They were married in the Oakland Temple and both graduated from BYU a year later. They have also blessed us a beautiful granddaughter.

Our youngest son was Trent. Trent and his brother were very close and supported each other in all of their activities. He had a very high voice as a child and was made fun of by some of the students in his Elementary School. We sent him to a speech therapist when he was in the fourth grade and he learned how to speak normally. He told us that he didn’t like the way it felt to be made fun of and made a promise to himself that he would never make fun of anyone and that he would stick up for others who were different and be a friend to everyone. Trent was very involved in School Leadership and was an outstanding athlete in both Basketball and Volleyball during his time in Elementary School, Junior High and High School. In his Senior Year he was selected Most Valuable Player in his league for Basketball. He was a beloved friend, athlete, and leader at his High School. He had love and compassion for everyone he met.

Trent enjoyed the letters Trevor shared with our family while he was serving his mission in Taiwan. Trent looked forward to serving a mission of his own after his graduation from High School. Unfortunately Trent was killed in a car accident just eight weeks before he graduated from High School. His death was a shock to our family and the entire community. Trent will be missed by all who knew and loved him. There is a void in our hearts that will last throughout our life time.

We are grateful for the opportunity we have had to be the parents of two wonderful boys and we are grateful to have so many wonderful memories of happy times as a family."

Join us tomorrow for the next two questions in our interview.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-09-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

We are UNDER CONSTRUCTION tonight, and will be bringing you another Incredible Woman tomorrow. Stay tuned...

2010-09-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You are a very busy woman! I’m curious about how you manage your time. Could you give us some hints?"

CYNTHIA: "This is an ongoing balancing act. I do my best to stay moderate and balanced, and there are things that suffer. Like right now my garden has not had enough attention, and it looks like it. Today is the day!

• I nurture myself first. This may sound selfish, and my experience is that if I begin my day with meditation, journaling, prayer, some quiet time in nature, yoga, time to nourish myself, then I have more to give to others, more energy, and can stay balanced. If I wait until later to do this, I feel my patience, energy, service, clarity, and spiritual capabilities are low.
• Stay present in the moment. Do not live in the past or future...live in the NOW!
• Be in gratitude everyday, and keep a gratitude journal!
• Prioritize and plan ahead
• Stay moderate with what I be responsible for and agree to.

KARA: "What are some of the other great support systems you have had in your life?"

CYNTHIA: " * My family of origin! I have 4 beautiful and incredibly supportive, sisters, that I continue to create reunions with at least once a year! We meet without husbands or children and reconnect with our amazingly inspiring parents, who are still kickin' it up in life! My father is 92 and my mother turns 90 in January. We reunite with our parents to connect and create an annual opportunity to be of support to one another, hear what is thriving and not thriving in our lives, companion one another, have a fun time, some hysterical, great laughs, perhaps tears, and basically just check in.

Although my sisters and I have taken somewhat different paths in our lives, the path of family unity and honoring our individual diversity is a commitment we all feel passionate about!

My parents have also always been there for me and honored the choices I have made whether is was a choice they agreed with or not. I am extremely grateful for this connection to my family of origin, it is a source of great joy!

* My "heart connected" friends over the years that are always there for me no matter how much time or distance is there. There is never really a separation when you are connected at the heart.

* My inspiring clients and students who are always giving me the opportunity to grow in humility, confidence, courage, trust and gratitude!

* My loyal, and devoted "soul mate", my husband! He is ALWAYS there for me as a continual and reliable "stand" for my growth as a powerful and successful woman and joy filled, balanced, partner and mother.

* My connection to my spirituality and God! I am deeply devoted to my "I AM" presence, my God self and that which is the highest of who "I AM." The legions of Angels that are continually there to support me, and the mentoring support from all of the ascended master teachers who have lived on this earth and who are continually walking the earth today."

KARA: "Share your beauty secrets with us! What makes you feel happy and healthy?"

CYNTHIA: "My beauty secrets are interesting. I am realizing they are what I do in my life that make me happy and healthy.
• Experiencing yoga • meditation • love • unity within diversity • dancing • singing • being in nature• being comfortable and "at home" (metaphorically speaking) with myself • being in gratitude • being with my family and husband • trusting in myself • trusting life • trusting others • sharing conversation and healthy, yummy food with dear friends and new friends • seeing my children and my husband happy • choosing, creating, and making delicious high vibrational food • making choices for my health and well-being that support me in feeling empowered • learning new things • connecting • growing • changing • embracing life. Supporting others, creating unity in groups, FEELING FREE!"

Thanks to Cynthia for taking time to do this interview. I've learned so much! Please visit Cynthia on her website. This interview will be up in it's entirety through Sunday afternoon. At that time, we'll be under construction, getting ready to bring you another Incredible Woman! Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #49 - Cynthia Wand. Causes and Decorating...

2010-09-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You are passionate about many different causes. Tell us about some of those, and the ways you are involved with them."

CYNTHIA:

"The Environment:
Yes I am passionate about the environment. I do the, "take my own shopping bags" to the store, pick up litter whenever I am out walking, re-cycyle and re-use. I garden chemically free, and compost in the Summer, Spring and Fall. I do the "Turn your key, be idle free" campaign which is the 10 second idle rule. If you are going to be idling for more than that, turn off your car.

Did you know there is a plastic island twice the size of Texas floating out in the middle of the ocean? I do my best to NEVER take a plastic bag and if we end up with someone in our family bringing one home, I never throw them away, I re-cycle them!

So this is all extremely important and is nothing new or different for most people. I feel a lot of people are now waking up to the desperate need of these types of environmental actions today.

So along with this type of awareness about the environment, our environment also has to do with the air that we all share and breathe, which I believe is affected by the thoughts that we think, that we release everyday from our bodies, our minds. Yes, I believe the pollution on this earth is also affected by the toxicity we release with our negative and fear-based thinking everyday. This must contribute energetically to the pollution here on our earth, how can it not? So as a result, I do my best to not engage in t.v., radio , or news or newspaper articles that create more fear, anger, hatred and judgement. There is so much of this that permeates our media, that there is no wonder the fear and hatred based crimes continue. Do you think if kids Never watched things that trigger this part of their brain and mental emotional bodies they would even think about trying them out too? This pervasive negative, violence and corruption has reached into the video games, music videos, cartoons, and our children's lives are now saturated with it.

So as this cause is a passionate thing for me what I choose NOT to do is become more critical of it, angry about it and judgmental about it. I just stay disciplined to keep my thoughts and feelings from adding to the toxic dumping ground that we all then spend the day breathing. My air is your air. What are you adding to our air we breathe today?

We deserve to add more trust, love, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, acceptance, courage, confidence,responsibility, and humility to the air we breathe. Now this might add a considerable amount of flushing out of the toxins we breathe, don't you think?

Children's Rights and Education:
I AM passionate about children and their education and am a huge advocate for them being raised with a healthy, loving and guiding authority that allows them to discover who they are, allow failure, pick themselves up, follow boundaries, understand natural consequences. and be listened to. I am NOT supportive of them being shamed, humiliated, condemned, abused, in any way shape or fashion. I am typically NOT an advocate of getting kids on medication to mellow them out or stuff them into a mold that will keep teachers and parents happy, and then they don't have to deal with them.

I realize this might sound extremely judgemental and I am simply declaring what I am supportive of and what I am a stand for!

My husband and I were so passionate about this long ago, that when we decided to have children, we immediately began talking about home schooling for our girls and researching the options. We found out about a form of education centered around the Heart, Home and Hands. This is called Waldorf Education, and is founded and based on the study of anthroposophy: A spiritual philosophy that in part maintains that the child deserves to be educated to strengthen themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

So we set out to carry on the gift of being our children's first teachers. We had taught them how to say DaDa, and to go potty on a toilet, why not be the first to teach them how to write, and read? This was such a gift to be home with our girls, to teach them and learn from them on many levels. These days were the richest, most simple, and rewarding days as we had a very educative based life. Life is and eduction, education is life. It allowed us to be and stay really connected, communicative, patient, understanding, and supportive with our daughters.

Children, especially the young child, deserves to learn though the senses.... the arts, nature, music, and science, and being able to be by the mother or father in those first few years following healthy modeling.

Teen Advocacy:
I am a stand for teens making it in this world and finding their empowering voice that is not just from entitlement, ego, and anger. I feel teens have a very high level of idealism and they sometimes feel they don't have a lot of positive, authentic, adults of integrity around them to live up to. So if they can't live making a difference in the positive way then they will make a difference in a negative way. I love being there for them, and getting curious about what is happening for them in their lives, and just listening. Many of them are extremely connected to what they are here to be and have a deep spiritual connection. I think they are misunderstood a lot!

I love to teach yoga to teens! They are so excited to move their bodies, quiet their minds, and find some peacefulness in their over scheduled lives. I feel this is one of greatest things teens can do at this age, is yoga. It allows them to listen to their body, heart, mind, and spirit and find the connection to themselves and to something greater. I have met very few teens who do not totally groove on it.

Women's Empowerment:
I am passionate about women getting powerful from the inside out, and I mean from their divine spiritual center, their heart! Whether it is woman suffering from a teen pregnancy to a 56 year old woman whose husband just left her after 30 years and and she has no idea how to make it on her own, or who she is! I love to encourage and support women in finding their voice, strengthening their assertiveness and speak from a place of honesty, courage, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, love and inner self-esteem. Women are the heart of the home, the solid rock for the husband, and the feminine powerful energy on this earth, which is what will eventually heal the planet.

Seniors/Elder Advocacy:
I love Seniors, and the elders in this world. They have so much wisdom, and experience to pass on. They deserve to be kept in their homes as long as possible and to continue to be heard, honored, and supported emotionally. I feel the cultures where the elders are kept in their children's homes once they cannot take care of themselves, is so beautiful! The family stays together and supports them in their transition out of life, which is a so beautiful! Like my passion for home birth, I feel the same for home death."

KARA: "If you were given the money to redo one room in your house, what would you choose to do?"

CYNTHIA: "That is a tough one, there are a few. Kitchen or Bedroom. Kitchen to more efficiently and enjoyably create food and provide more space for more people when entertaining both inside and out. Bedroom to provide more of a sanctuary/meditative energy that allows for a beautiful space for meditation/yoga and deeper, blissful relaxation, and connection with my husband and sleep. This would include lots of windows to allow the natural light, sun and nature to pour in."

KARA: "Would you do the work yourself, or hire someone?"

CYNTHIA: "My husband and I would do a lot of the design work ourselves and hire out what we did not feel equipped to do in terms of manual labor."

KARA: "How would you transform that room into a place that represents what you love?"

CYNTHIA: "Kitchen to more efficiently and enjoyably create food and provide more space for more people when making food with and for others and entertaining both inside and out.

Bedroom to provide more of a sanctuary/meditative energy that allows for a beautiful space for meditation/yoga and deeper, blissful relaxation and sleep. This would include lots of windows to allow the natural light, and nature to pour in."

Tomorrow is our last day with Cynthia. Come back and enjoy Cynthia's answers on time management and beauty secrets.

Incredible Woman # 49 - Cynthia Wand. Business and Trials...

2010-09-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us about your business and the book you wrote – "Living the Heart Life"."

CYNTHIA: "The book "Living the HeartLife...Letting Go of the Hard Life" is about a model of transformation. The model we write about is actually an acronym of the word HEART. It stands for:
Honor
Embrace
Acknowledge
Respond
Trust

We deserve to work, play, interact and express/LIVE from our hearts, this model. It is who we are here to be and to become.
I believe that a hard life is not what we are destined to be living. Yes, challenges can strengthen us and yet I believe that it is not the only way we can grow. We can grow, explore, and master who we are here to be, from living from this model of the heart. If we Honor, Embrace, Acknowledge, Respond to, and Trust first ourselves in our divinity, then all people and life, our lives will not be hard. They will be an ever changing, growing, thriving, and mastering of our spiritual journey here, and they will be an adventure to be grateful for.....not dread, be afraid of, avoid, resist, or become numb to. That journey then becomes a blessing to all of life!

My HeartLife™ coaching business is grounded in this model. With my clients I use our book and our 90 day "Living the HeartLife Daily Practices Journal" as my coaching curriculum. My clients have an opportunity to explore, reflect on, learn from and strengthen these main areas of life within our time together, spirituality being at the core of them all:
• Family/marriage
• Relationships
• Health
• Wealth/Finances
• Career

Sometimes a client will come to me simply for parenting advice because of a particular difficult child, and don't realize the breakdown of connection that could be happening with all of these other areas in their life as to why they are having the parenting challenge. They actually think it is all about the challenging child. Then to realize how much the imbalance in some of these other areas is at the root cause of the challenges with the child. They start seeing more of their own responsibility in why things are difficult or HARD.

Or a client is trying to decide on which man in her life to marry and through our work together realizes there is such a lack of attention in many of these other areas in her life, that once there is clarity about what is working or not working in these areas it will provide the answer to her about which one to marry or maybe at this time not marry at all. Realizing that once she gets to know who she really is as a powerful and confident women in her heart, she will see how she can start attracting a different kind of man altogether in her life, which is more of who/what she really wants.

My coaching is about therapeutic spiritual discovery and mastery, and it is a lifelong journey of the heart. When we approach life's challenges from this place of understanding we are not just putting a band-aid over the problems but getting to the core of them and breaking through what keeps us living a limited life, and creating a life we love and are excited about as we greet each day! It is about connecting to our divine, spiritual nature and gifts!"

(You can visit Cynthia's Website by clicking HERE.)

KARA: "What kinds of trials have you had in your life? What tools did you use to overcome those trials? What lessons have you learned through your trials?"

CYNTHIA: I have to admit, I have not had many. However if I focused on and embellished my trials from the past I could probably make my life sound pretty bleak.

Trials:
• Overweight/depressed at 19
• Addicted to weight loss pills/shots
• Lived on and addicted to fast food/junk food
• Emotionally overate
• Hated my body
• Self-esteem and self-confidence issues
• Overcompensated from lack of self-confidence with plastic surgery
• Challenging, emergency hospital birth of my first daughter, both in ICU for 1 week.
• Experienced bankruptcy

That is enough - sounds awful doesn't it? I have not even thought of many of these things in years because I have done my own spiritual work around them.

Tools:
I basically practiced what I preach! I began to Honor, Embrace, Acknowledge, Respond to and Trust my body, my spirituality, my heart, my path and life. I have hired and continue to hire my own coaches, teachers, spiritual masters, and mentors, and enroll in my own personal/spiritual development courses and work, and chose/choose to DO THE WORK, move through the hard stuff to get to where life is full, rich, trusting, heart based and a journey to LIVE/THRIVE not just survive.

Other authors and their books have also been great support, some of those are:
• Louise Haye
• Marianne Williamson
• Deepak Chopra
• Stephen Covey
• Craig Russel
• Karol Truman
• Wayne Dyer
• Debbie Ford

Lessons:
• One cannot ever release the pain, ( emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically,) by avoidance, or with use of any sort of medication, or addictive practice, substance, or distraction.
• Explore the pain, fear, suffering, anger, judgment, and then choose to let go of it's strong hold on us.
• Important to move towards that which scares us, and get through the fire of it.
• HAVING to be right about things comes at a huge cost, and keeps us from feeling free and accepting of others.
• Whatever you think you can and cannot do or are, you will prove to yourself.
• The size or look of our thighs is not our demise.
• Feeding/putting attention on our ego, (fear and its family,) is a never ending path of suffering
• Feeding/putting attention on our heart (love and its family) is always a fulfilling, expansive, freeing, joyful, and beautiful journey.
• Do not take things personally.
• Do not assume anything.
• Be impeccable with your word. 3 of the 4 agreements
• Our children are our teachers.
• Our spouses are great mirrors.
• Those we criticize and cannot stand are also great reflections to learn about ourselves.
• Love/compassion/trust/honesty/understanding/acceptance/moderation/joy/integrity are at the core of a bountiful life.
• Detachment and compassion is a powerful combination of virtues that can bring about healing.
• Life is to be enjoyed, expressed, expansive, marinated in, thrived, and LIVED no matter what!
• Service to others with moderation is a gift.
• Service to others with no moderation can be a huge cost to our own lives.
• Assertiveness balanced with tact, courtesy, confidence, detachment and kindness is lovely and freeing.
• It is not just what we say to others that matters most, it is what kind of energy is behind what we say.
• Spend one on one time with your husband.
• Spend one on one time with your children.
• Spend one on one time in silence with yourself.
• I LOVE MY LIFE, ALL OF IT, even the challenges. That is why I am passionate about supporting others on this journey."

I hope you've been able to gather some great information from Cynthia in this interview so far. Tomorrow Cynthia will share the causes she is passionate about.

Incredible Woman #47 - Cynthia Wand. Nature and Goals...

2010-09-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You told me that you love “just being present to natural surroundings”. Describe what you mean by that.

CYNTHIA: "I love being in nature doing NOTHING....sitting, and taking in a sunset, or listening to the orchestra that abounds with the natural music of the birds, waterfalls, streams, bugs, bees, and breeze. Being in nature is so energizing, grounding, and centering for me. I feel like I get really present to myself and to my environment when I am in nature. I feel nurtured, grounded, supported, connected, embraced and calmed by being in nature. Yet at the same time I feel energized, uplifted, expanded and released when I am in nature. I LOVE WHAT IS NATURAL, PURE, and SIMPLE. It makes me feel NATURAL, PURE, and SIMPLE!

If we can be really aware and present to each moment, (the sun on our body, the breeze on our skin, the rain on our face, the peeling of the carrot, the crunch of the leaves, the chill of the snow,) we will experience the GIFTS within the PRESENT!"

KARA: "Each birthday you set a goal to do something in that year that you’ve never done before. What are some of the past things you’ve accomplished?"

CYNTHIA:
• Going to France and living there, learning the language, and getting work.
• Go on an overnight stay by myself in complete silence. No music, radio, T.V., books, magazines or phone. Just my journal and my thoughts.
• Moving to a place in the US where my husband and I knew no one and starting over.
• Taking on Home-schooling
• Running a Bed and Breakfast
• Getting to the top of a particular hike in Zions, solo.
• Experience a sweat lodge
• Doing a "Ropes" course
• Getting my initial yoga certification
• Writing our book and getting it published.
• Learning new yoga poses each year that scare me, or I think I am not capable of, like a headstand in the middle of the room.
• Got a Native American flute and learned how to play
• Creating and hosting my first Camping Yoga Retreat."

Boy, I'd love to spend just one day with Cynthia, wouldn't you?! Tomorrow we'll discuss Cynthia's business, her book, and her trials.

Incredible Woman #49 - Cynthia Wand. Self and Family...

2010-09-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is the start of another great week here on Incredible Women. A few months ago, I asked our previous Incredible Women to nominated women they knew for the blog. And I had a great response. Our Incredible Woman for this week - Cynthia Wand - was nominated by Linda Black. If you haven't read Linda's interview, take a minute to look at it (on the left sidebar). Let's start this interview...

KARA: "Describe yourself (hobbies, talents, like, dislikes,etc.) What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

CYNTHIA: "I love to:
• Create beautiful, delicious, healthy food, especially when it is local, organic, and seasonal.
• Plant, tend, and harvest my garden which makes the above hobby especially delicious and enjoyable.
• Write poetry
• Read anything inspirational and uplifting.
• Learn everything I can about health, food, and well being.
• Continue to learn about spirituality, other cultures, gaining new ideas, tools for inner growth, thus deepening and broadening my understanding and acceptance of this world and the people in it.
• Sing, dance, hike, ride my bike, walk, run, and move my body in any form of artistic or athletic expression.
• Practice yoga, and teach and support others in the practice of yoga. I completely enjoy providing others an open space and loving environment to express themselves and learn about themselves from and through their practice.
• Play the piano, and the flute not that great, however I play by ear better than I can read notes, so I love to just sit and create whatever I am in the mood for.
• Entertain! I love to have people over and share food, fun, laughter, and meaningful conversation along with games or activities, that make us all laugh!
• I LOVE TO LAUGH til I CRY and this is a pretty common occurrence.
• Life Coaching, which is another one of my passions. It is extremely fulfilling to support others in living their dreams, and raising their level of awareness to gain clarity about how to start living from the heart.
• Be with children, and interact with them on their level. They are so free-spirited and open to love, joy, and being in the moment. I enjoy teaching them about things they do not know how to do, and I also love to learn from them, for they have sooooo much to teach me. I love to marinate in their love and light.
• Be with elders (the wise, mature ones on the planet that have lived the most years, and for some the most life.) I love to hear their stories and listen to them. I feel they deserve to really be listened to and dialogued with. They also have so much to share.
• Be with people in general! Learn about them, and what they think of the world, and life. What lights them up, what scares them, what brings them joy. I love interacting with others.
• Experience adventure! I am up for new experiences everyday.

Some things on my bucket list are:
º Going to India
º Shaving my head
º Traveling to unique and interesting cultures that are very different than the US.
º Living on a small farm/orchard. Having a goat, a few sheep, chickens, a horse and lots of land for growing food, connecting with others, and gathering with others.
º Living in France, Italy or Spain and becoming bi-lingual. We had a taste of this 18 years ago but for only 6 months."

KARA: "Tell us about your family. Try to use one word to describe each member! What do you like to do together?"

CYNTHIA: "My family is the heartbeat and pulse of my life! My husband and I started having a family later in life compared to Utah standards anyway. (36 years old) Yes, it has resulted in us being "older parents" and yet I feel it has also resulted in us being "wiser" and more committed and passionate parents.
We worked and played hard for 10 years before we decided to move in to the family way, and it was the best choice for us. I feel today we are better, more patient, grounded, and understanding parents than if we had not chosen that path for our family.

Steven my husband- Supportive
Sophie 17 year old daughter- Depth/Wisdom
Sadie almost 12 year old daughter- Love
Cynthia - Light

• We love to prepare and enjoy food together. One boundary for our family is to have at least one sit down meal together each day as a family. Rarely does this not happen.
• We also love dining out experiences where we can explore other types of culture through their food.
• We love to entertain as a family and have all kinds of diverse people into our home.
• We love to travel together, ANYWHERE!
• We enjoy biking, hiking and even just going for walks together.
• We love to have heart connecting conversations and also laugh together.
• We love to attend all kinds of concerts, theatre, and movies together.
• We love to be working in our yard together, although my kids may not agree with this one.

As you can see we really just basically love to be together doing anything!"

Join us tomorrow for the next two questions in our interview with Cynthia. See you then!

ANNOUNCEMENT...

2010-09-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for another great interview here on Incredible Women! Check back tomorrow morning to meet Cynthia Ward. Cynthia was nominated by one of our previous Incredible Women - Linda Black.

See you tomorrow!

2010-09-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Artwork and Beauty Secrets...

KARA: "I love your art work! Share some of your portraits with us – which is your favorite? Tell us what projects you are currently working on. What is your advice for women who want to expand their creativity and maybe try something new?"

SERENE: "Well thank you! And I don't know if I have one particular favorite, but I'll show you a few of my favorites!

Well, as I mentioned before, I do monthly primary posters for Latter-day Village, and I'm looking for some new photos for next year if anyone has any they want to submit.

I'm also experimenting with adding Christ into some drawings in case people want it done in their portraits, we'll see how it goes.

As for any advise, I would say to look up your local city arts council or community centers. They usually offer beginning art classes and are loads of fun! More importantly, never say never! You never know if you'll be good at something, or love doing something till you try! So go try!"

KARA: "What are your beauty secrets? What keeps you healthy and happy?"

SERENE: "Beauty secrets? Oh dear, well... for me a hot shower everyday is a necessity, it totally makes my day. I never skip out on one, ever. I also put make-up on everyday, though usually it's just the very basics. It just helps me feel more on top of things and more secure in case someone unexpected stops by.

Even with four little kids it makes a world of difference if I exercise. I don't have a lot of time so short, intense intervals training is the key for me. Though I'll settle for a walk around the block with the kids.

Aside from the chocolate, my diet closely resembles the Eat 4 Your Blood Type plan. I would highly recommend you google it. When I stray, I notice a severe decrease in energy level. Not good with so many toddlers running around.

And most importantly, cute shoes. Take it from one who never owned any until about two years ago, shoes really do make a girl happy. :D

Thanks to Serene for a great interview. I hope you've enjoyed this week - I sure did! I love finding new bloggy friends, and I'll try to share one with you every once in a while. This interview will be up in it's entirety all day Saturday and Sunday. Then, we'll be under construction as I prepare to bring you another Incredible Woman next week. Have a GREAT weekend!

Incredible Woman #48 - Serene Heiner. Favorite Word and Handmade Books...

2010-09-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What is your favorite word? Why?"

SERENE: "Splendiferous. Because it makes me happy. I also like making up words. I think swearing is highly overrated. It's so much more fun to say something like: stinkin' blinkin'."

KARA: "Tell us about making books. I’ve always loved handmade books – what is the process you go through?"

SERENE: Well, someone recommended the class to me at BYU. Once I took it I just fell in love. I love working with my hands and I even had the opportunity to teach Bookbinding at BYU for two semesters before we moved. It's fun because you get to decide everything about it!

All the materials I use for the covers and the paper inside are very large so I cut everything down to the size I want. I can make the book covers out of paper or fabric, sometimes both, and there are different ways to hand sew it up depending on the style I want.

It's pretty time consuming. Not only work wise but also because things need to dry thoroughly before you can move on.

That's just fascinating. I love to see a talent like that. I wish I could learn to do something like that, don't you?! Tomorrow is our last day with Serene. We'll talk about her artwork and her beauty secrets. Don't miss it!

Incredible Woman #48 - Serene Heiner. Love Story and Talents...

2010-09-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us your love story – where did you meet? How long was your courtship? What do you like to do together? What are your goals as a couple?"

SERENE: "Well, we met at BYU, of course. But in all honesty, I could not tell you the first time we met. I know, bad huh. I have to take my husband's word for it. He told me that for him, it was kind of like love at first sight. He said he saw me walking by and felt his heart flip. From then on, he was determined to get to know me.

But at the time, he thought I was dating someone, which I wasn't, and he was fresh off the mission and scared of the female race, so he never bothered to pursue me. It wasn't until almost a year later when we were both seriously dating other people, that he saw me with my boyfriend. I guess my husband had had a class with him and didn't think much of him. Apparently, that gave him the courage to pursue!

That fall, I was dumped, then Luke broke up with his girlfriend and soon we were spending lots of time together, becoming good friends. Winter semester, so January 2003, we started dating, May we got engage, and June we were married.

We are pretty low key. We enjoy watching movies together, working out in the garden and on the house together. We have goals to someday have a house that sits on several acres, have a killer food storage, go on a couples mission, and eventually travel the world together.

KARA: As I looked through your portfolio on your blog, I realized what an incredibly talented person you are! Where do you get inspiration for the things you create? Who do you share your creations with?"

SERENE: "Well, as a kid I was always drawing, coloring, painting, or crafting something. I would spend hours scouring through books and images, collecting pictures I liked and would try to re-draw them, or follow the instructions for some craft.

I still do the same thing for research and I am still hunting down tutorials for crafts that require little sewing. I don't sew. Like, at all.

Then, I had an art teacher who instilled in me a love for drawing portraits and capturing facial expressions. I started drawing pictures of my own children for fun. Now, I draw monthly primary portraits for an on-line company called, Latter-Day Village. I have had the opportunity to draw some magnificent images and drawing children is my favorite subject to work on.

I also do freelance work. Anyone can send me a photo or two, and I'll draw it up!

If you want to contact Serene for artwork, comment on this post and we'll forward your information to her. Or, go to Serene's Portfolio Blog (HERE) and contact her that way.

Tomorrow's questions include Serene's favorite word, and making books by hand. Can't wait!

Incredible Woman #48 - Serene Heiner. Blogging and Trials...

2010-09-07T01:00:00.001-07:00

KARA: "When did you start blogging? Tell us about your blog – what kinds of things do you write about? What is your favorite post of all time. Do you get many comments from readers? What do you like about blogging?"

SERENE: "I've been blogging for over two years now. I had originally started it when we were starving students a BYU, hoping to build a home business and make a little money on the side to help out. Then someone suggested I throw in some personal stuff. Pretty soon I was solely blogging about the craziness and messes that come with having little toddlers and babies, sometimes my feelings, sometimes just random posts about my opinions, desires, goals, etc. I'm afraid I can't boast of it being anything particularly special, I'm amazed people actually read it!

Favorite post of all time? Oh dear, out of 600 posts it would be hard to choose just one.

Not too long ago I wrote about a very average day in a very unique way, trying to preserve the memory of it. It's called,"Just another Day". And once, after a particularly bad week, I wrote a post called, "Did you ever get the feeling?" They still make me smile.

I average about 20 - 25 or so comments per post. Sometimes less, sometimes more. And like any blogger, I love comments. Though I confess with so many little ones at home, sometimes it's hard for me to keep up with everyone else's blogs, responding to comments, etc. I hope they forgive me!

I've really come to love blogging because first, it offered an outlet for me and a way to express, in humorous ways, the hard times we go through with our kids. I also discovered a love for writing and have made many wonderful friends."

KARA: "Talk about some of the trials you’ve had throughout your life – what helped you get through those trials? What kinds of lessons did you learn from your trials?"

SERENE: "Well, one that jumps right to mind would be when my baby girl Alayna had to have cranial reconstructive surgery last year at Primary Childrens.

She was born with a slightly funny head shape and by six months, it was only getting worse. So they did a CT scan and discovered she had something called "Sagittal Craniosynostosis".

In a nut shell, that means her top two head plates where fused together as one solid bone. So as her little brain was growing, it was pushing in the direction that would give, meaning forward and back. That explains the elongated head. But as her brain kept growing it would have eventually put pressure on the brain, causing lots of health problems and even possible brain damage.

The surgery was five hours. They cut her scalp in a big zig zag from ear to ear, removed all the head plates from her head, reconstructed them correctly, and put them back together with dis-solvable plates and screws.

It was pretty scary for us and really hard to see her have to go through that. But I had total faith in the Priesthood blessing she received from my husband where she was promised that she would be okay.

Not to mention Primary Childrens is a very humbling place. As scary as our situation was, it was cake compared to what others were going through. It helped us maintain perspective.

In the end, she did better than anyone could have expected. You are welcome to read the full story HERE.

One of the things Serene said in that last answer made me remember the time when our youngest son, Matthew, had to have plastic surgery on his eyelid at the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. Serene said "It was cake compared to what others were going through". I agree. I remember being in the waiting room with Matthew before the surgery and playing with the little children who clearly had much more severe problems than Matthew. I remember feeling so grateful that Matthew's problem was small. Some trials really do help you to maintain perspective. Join us tomorrow, when we'll talk about Serene's love story and her artistic talents!

Incredible Woman #48 - Serene Heiner. Self and Family...

2010-09-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Our Incredible Woman for this week is Serene Heiner, a fun blogger that I found this last month. I know you'll love her. If it's been a while since you've been here, a reminder about the blog: each day of this week, I'll post 2 questions/answers from my interview with Serene. So, don't forget to stop by for a few minutes each day.

KARA: "Describe yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

SERENE: "Well um, let's see. I'm a 27-year old mother of four. I grew up in Florida and never learned how to surf or ski unfortunately. Never really cared for swim suits, you know?

I adore reading. So much in fact that whenever I get to reading a good book, the kids end up on their own and before the book is over, my house looks like it threw up on itself. I also love used bookstores and finding old treasures for my book collection.

I love to draw, it has always been a passion of mine and I have a degree in Visual Arts from BYU, where I also learned and taught Bookbinding.

I have a pretty severe chocolate addiction. I'm surprised I haven't been brought before a disciplinary counsel for it yet. And aside from clam chowder, I detest seafood.

I think I'm pretty incredible because I wear flip flops in the winter. Anyone who can wear flip flops in the snow must be incredible."

KARA: "Tell us about your family. What is one important thing you’ve learned from each member of your family?"

SERENE: "My husband Luke and I have been married for seven years now. If anything, he has taught me how to communicate my feelings. Gosh, sounds like such a girly thing to say, doesn't it? But the truth is, I was terrified of expressing how I felt, which is vital in any relationship.

No, really I was. Once, after a boyfriend of mine had "unofficially" proposed, then dumped me, I sat by him for two hours and couldn't gather up the courage to ask him why. Bad, huh. So, Luke helped me get over that, which has done wonders for our marriage.

My children are Savannah, who just turned six. Joseph, age four, Jacob, age three, and Alayna who is a year and a half. Having children has taught me to rely on Heavenly Father, sometimes just to get through the day. I have discovered both strengths and weaknesses that I never knew I had. And right now, I'm learning how to develop a whole lot of patience. :D

Join us tomorrow, as Serene and I talk about her blog and some of the trials she's been through.

We're Back for Our Second Year of Incredible Women!

2010-09-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

We're BACK! I'm so excited about this new year of Incredible Women. I've spent the last month locating more incredible women for the upcoming interviews - all of them nominated by previous Incredible Women. I'm putting together the interview for this week, and I'll introduce you to our first Incredible Woman tomorrow.

See you then. :-)

Happy Birthday Incredible Women - One Year Old!!!!

2010-08-02T16:12:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to US! The Incredible Women blog is a year old - can you believe that? I hope you've enjoyed getting to know the 47 women I've featured here the last year. I'm going to be taking the month of August off. This is the last month I will be able to spend with my kids before school starts, and there are so many things to do! No matter how incredible we as women are, it's hard to juggle everything that needs to be done, right? Please come back the first week of September and enjoy the start of a new year here at Incredible Women. And please email me with nominations if you'd like to see one of the women you know be featured here... kara@incrediblewomen.blogspot.com.

An Interview with a Breast Cancer Survivor - Bethanie Newby...

2010-07-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

It's been tough for me to get an interview with anyone lately - I think it's because summer is SO busy. This week, I won't have a new Incredible Woman interview for this blog, but I'd like to point you to an interview I did with a breast cancer survivor - Bethanie Newby (who is an Incredible Woman!). Her interview appears on the blog of a survivor group I belong to... Sister Survivors. If you'd like to read that interview, CLICK HERE.

Have a great week. I look forward to interviewing another Incredible Woman soon.

Incredible Woman #47 - Shannon Stahura. Family and Beauty Secrets...

2010-07-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us about your family. What is one thing that each one of them has taught you that makes you a better person?"

SHANNON: "My husband and I are celebrating our 22nd anniversary in August. We have 4 children: Samantha 18, Seth 17, Sadie 13, and Shad 10. My husband and I met on a blind date. He is a salesman and probably the best one in the world. His first big sale was convincing my dad to let him marry me. My dad all but forbid the marriage. Rob had no money, no car, and had barely started college. He is a the type of man who has overcome incredible odds throughout his life. This holds true for our marriage as well. It has been a struggle for us, but we have committed and covenanted and worked extremely hard to be successful at marriage. I don't want to say we are experts, but we have been to various marriage counselors and therapy programs during the last 22 years and we have learned a lot of valuable tools to help us improve our relationship. And throughout that time many couples have come to us for help and advice. I am a huge advocate for marriage counseling. I believe good counselors help good marriages become great. Everyone needs instruction on first how to be their best self, which in turn will help them be the best companion they can. The first counselor we worked with happened to be one who worked with some of the apostles and their wives. The first time we sat down with him he shared this...

He reviewed Heavenly Father's plan for his children. That was for us all to come down to this earth and be tried and tested in order to prove ourselves worthy to return and live with him someday. The trials had to have the power to purify us, to purge us of our imperfections. He explained, just like a piece of coal must go through thousands of years of extreme heat and pressure before it becomes a diamond, so the lord had to create a situation that would cause us the greatest heat and pressure to help us become "diamond-like" so we could return to Him someday. The plan to accomplish this was to bring a man and a woman together! What better way to create immense heat and pressure! The lord definitely knows what he is doing.

My husband grew up with 13 siblings raised by a single mom and they had nothing but each other. He teaches me to persevere no matter how bad things seem. To be strong and courageous, to not care about what other people think about me and to not make judgments on other people.

My daughter Sam is amazing. She has always been the type to have everything done without even being asked. She is driven and disciplined at whatever she undertakes. She teaches me to do the same. Whenever I start to slack off she will tell me about something she accomplished or she is working on and I am motivated to get back on track.

I love to be around Seth. He has a great sense of humor. He makes me laugh. I love his impersonations. He teaches me how to deal with my emotions in a healthy way. When we are in a heated discussion, he will remind me not to raise my voice or he will suggest that we take a break and come back together and talk later. It is a wonderful thing as a parent when they re-teach you the things you have taught them.

Sadie is so easy-going and chill. She rarely gets angry at anyone. She teaches me to stop the craziness, take a break, relax and watch tv or do a craft. She pulls me out of the race of this crazy life and reminds me what its all about.

Shad is my comforter. He is always looking out for me. If I am down or having a hard day he will come put his arm around me and ask me if I'm ok, or if I need anything. He will remind me I probably need to pray or just let my bad feelings go.

My mom also teaches me to slow down. I am constantly going and doing. Most of it seems necessary and productive. But my mom reminds me to stop and take pleasure in the little things. She taught me this each time she came to stay with my after I had my babies. I would be rushing around being the busy mom and she would notice all of these amazing miracles happening with the baby as they were growing and changing each day. She is the one who pointed out the tiny hands and fingers or whatever changes had occurred. I was too involved in cleaning or changing or feeding to take time to notice. And I guess I'm a slow learner because 18 years later she is still teaching me the same thing only now they aren't babies, but still there are many details about each child to notice.

My favorite thing in the world to do is to just be with everyone in the same room laughing and playing games. And then, if I'm really lucky, I love to go on bike rides with our whole family and have a picnic!"

KARA: "What are your beauty secrets? What makes you happy and healthy?"

SHANNON: "As for my beauty secrets I have one, and this was also something I learned in battling depression. Do Self Care. As women, wives and mothers we tend to be constantly sacrificing and giving up for everyone else. We are usually last on the list and sometimes not acknowledged at all. We almost think ourselves selfish if we do anything for ourselves. But, you've probably heard the saying when you fly on an airplane. "Put your mask on first before helping someone else". If we don't take care of ourselves, we likely won't have strength to take care of everyone else. I believe in taking off, whether it is a walk around the block or a trip to Maui. Whatever the budget allows. Maybe its a manicure, makeover, massage or a moment to read a book in a chair. Take time to do what you want. This makes me a better wife, mom, and a better me."

Thanks to Shannon for this wonderful interview. I've known Shannon for a long time, but I still learned so much from this interview. She is even more amazing than I thought! I hope you've learned at least one or two things that you can apply to your own incredible life! Thanks, Shannon! Shannon's full interview will be up on the blog through Sunday afternoon.

I once again, need to ask for your help in finding Incredible Women to interview. I know some of you have suggested women, and if I haven't interviewed them, it's probably because I can't get ahold of them. I try to interview all of the women you nominate. If there is someone you'd like us to know - please email at kara.incrediblewomen(at)gmail(dot)com. Give me their email address so that I can get ahold of them, and also some information on them - what you loved about them. I look forward to getting your nominations. Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #47 - Shannon Stahura. Traveler and Caregiver...

2010-07-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Have you done a lot of traveling? Where is your favorite place for vacation with your family? What about with your husband? What one place do you want to visit someday?"

SHANNON: "I don't think I travel a lot. If you asked my husband he would say otherwise. I visit my sister in Florida, my brother in Kentucky and whenever I can I enjoy a week in Maui. We have a unique situation. My husband hates to travel. He hates to fly, drive, take a bus and especially not take a train. So we have learned to work around this. I am consequently looking for fun and exciting vacation destinations that are close to home. Over the years, hands down, our favorite spots are Zions Ponderosa Ranch in Mt. Carmel Utah. I actually found out about it in the Family Fun Magazine. It is an all inclusive wilderness resort. You stay in cabins and go on different activities all day such as 4 wheeling, paintball, repelling, archery, shooting range, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, etc. All the meals are provided. And there is a kids' camp for the kids 3-12. There is always some type of fun evening activity such as a barn dance, skit night , or bon fire. Second, we love Aspen Grove Family Camp in Sundance, Utah. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while sleeping in the luxury of a bed, spend time with your kids, get alone time with your husband and do amazing fun activities. Our family spends hours in the art shack painting ceramics. Finally, we love to go on boating weekends at Pineview Resevoir in Ogden Utah. Lakeside resort properties is an amazing condominium complex built for the Olympics right on the lake and it is reasonably priced with 5 star amenities."

KARA: "You are a caregiver for your mother right now while she is going through treatments for breast cancer. What are the challenges in doing this? What are the blessings you’ve received as you’ve helped her? Have you learned anything new about your mother?"

SHANNON: "For the last 22 years I have lived 1600 miles away from my mom. We have seen each other at least once a year. But she has not been able to attend any of our families special events such as baptisms, birthdays, etc. It is a blessing to have her in our home. It is exciting for me to have my kids interact with her on a daily basis. It is like having your best friend living with you. Prior to her cancer, we went to lunch everyday and I would talk nonstop and she would just listen. It was difficult when she got cancer. She had just sold her home and all her possessions and moved here from Kentucky and was living with us. She put her papers in to go on an LDS mission and in the process she got the results back from her physicals and the mammogram showed she had a mass in her right breast. It was shocking! And things just got worse from there. I know I didn't understand what she was going through. All I knew to do was just be there for her. Many of the nurses who took care of her had decided to pursue their careers because someone close to them had suffered or died from cancer and they wanted to give back. Their way of giving back was inspiring to me. It has also been a blessing for my children to be involved in helping care for my mom. I am away most of the day at school and my youngest daughter and son check on her and help prepare her meals. My oldest son and daughter have both had the opportunity to take my mom to chemotherapy and help care for her needs there for the day. It has helped us all put things in perspective and take a break from our hectic frivolous lives and take time for Grandma. I feel like my mom has pioneered the cancer experience in our family. She was the first and she probably won't be the last to deal with this in our family, but at least having gone through this with her. I am not afraid. I know what to expect and I know it is something I could get through. My mom is my example. We have laughed and we have cried. And when we talk she shares her stories of how she makes it through each day and she inspires me.

One special thing as her caregiver is flowers bring her such great joy. I knew that she would not have the strength to walk the gardens and check on the flowers and vegetables. So prior to her chemotherapy treatments, we created several pots of flowers and hanging baskets all within the view of her bedroom. So on the days she can't get out of bed she can look out her window and see an amazing view of flowers everywhere. And on the days when she can, she does manage to walk outside her door and she has a chair where she sits in the shade and enjoys the beauty of all the flowering blossoms."

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the last day of Shannon's interview - we'll learn about her family, and her beauty secrets (I know you won't want to miss that!).

Incredible Woman #47 - Shannon Stahura. Atonement, and Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

As I was posting the questions for yesterday, apparently I missed part of Shannon's answer about trials. I'm sorry about that - here is the rest of the answer (Shannon mentioned that her success in overcoming depression was two-fold. This is the 2nd "fold")...

SHANNON: "The second part was realizing the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. I learned how to use the power of the Atonement on a daily basis to strengthen me and help carry my burden. It was difficult. It did not happen overnight. There were setbacks. Some days it seemed too hard. It seemed like it would be easier to wallow in my misery. But, somehow I got the strength to move forward. This trial, like all trials, has been one of my greatest blessings. It was through this trial that I learned who I was, my greatness and what I am capable of when I choose to turn to the Savior. Prior to this I had learned of the healing power of Jesus Christ, I knew he was there. And every Sunday I repented of my sins and recommitted myself to following Him. But through this trial I learned how to make him a constant part of my daily life. Calling on him moment by moment, unceasingly to help me carry my burdens.

For the rest of this part of the interview, I'd like to share some pictures of Shannon's family. We'll call this part "Wordless Wednesday"...

I just LOVE that last picture! Join us again tomorrow for 2 more questions/answers from Shannon.

Incredible Woman #47 - Shannon Stahura. Good Nutrition and the Trial of Depression...

2010-07-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

KARA: "I admire that you are very knowledgeable about nutrition and exercise – talk to us about the importance of that in your life."

SHANNON: Exercise and eating healthy became an important part of my life during my first pregnancy. Since then I have worked out with numerous trainers and taken classes on nutrition and tried to take good care of my body. I must admit that my first motivation was quite vain. I wanted to look good. But the more I learned, the more my motivation changed to taking care of my body because I had a greater love and appreciation for my body and the miracle that it is. I also learned that the way I treat my body now will determine my quality of life as I age. The thought of spending the last 20-25 years of my life immobile or full of disabilities was not pleasing. I knew, just like everything else, you have to plan for the future. If I wanted to be healthy and functioning well in my old age, the preparation started now. Also, just like everyone else, I recognized that when I ate healthy and exercised I had more energy, I just felt better. Some of the main things I try to do are... exercise daily rotating between cardio and weights or yoga, drink lots of water, eat fruits and veggies daily, try not to eat carbs after 5:00 and no soda."

I have to stop here for a second and comment on something Shannon said - she just talked about not drinking soda. I was a big soda drinker until about 6 months ago. You know how some people just live for Diet Coke? Well, that was me - except I liked the "hard" stuff - no yucky Diet Coke for me - only Regular Coke would do! I used the excuse that Coke took away my headaches. It was my "drug" of choice. Because my family also liked soda, we had it all the time. All. The. Time. In December of last year, I was trying to figure out some things I could do to get more healthy, and decided to cut out soda from my diet. Two of my boys agreed to do this with me - Alex, because he was going into training for football (and there is NO soda in football!), and Matthew, probably because he just wanted to do something with Mom and big brother, Alex. So, for the last 7 months not one sip of soda has passed our lips. The result? Well, I can say that I haven't lost weight - which is REALLY surprising to me, BUT I feel so much better. I don't get headaches often anymore. And I drink a lot more water, which is very healthy. It's made making more healthy choices much easier. Alex, of course, is much stronger - he joined the track team at school - trained hard - and made it through the first few football practices without throwing up (something that not all the players were able to do! Haha!). But, I have to tell you that it's made the biggest different for Matthew. He has had a "chubby" problem six he was 6 years old. It's been so hard for him, because none of his siblings are even close to chubby. It's affected his self-esteem, and just plain made him miserable. He has lost a major amount of weight. This kid has shot up in height and trimmed down like you wouldn't believe! One day, not long ago, I heard him say... "Sometimes I wish I could have a soda. But then I think about how good I feel, and I don't want one." Wow. Seriously... I wish I would have challenged all of us sooner - if for no other reason than to help Matthew. Ok, sorry about that little side trip, but I'm so happy with the results of doing that one little thing, that I wanted to share it with you. I've often, since I started interviewing women for this blog, tried to implement something that I've learned in the interviews. I think it's made me a better ME! Back to the interview...

KARA: "Can you talk about your trials and how you were able to get through those trials? What lessons did you learn from your trials?"

SHANNON: "Like everyone I have had my share of trials. I experienced a 5 year bout with depression. I had the usual symptoms. I did not want to get out of bed. I would sleep for days. I had no desire to do anything, even those things that used to bring me joy. When I was awake I was usually crying. I wanted to be alone. I found no joy in life. I did not want to be on this earth any longer. It was a huge burden to talk on the phone or answer the door (which I did not) or even go out to lunch or out with my husband. I didn't want to be around anyone and avoided everyone. Everything was a burden. All I could do was sleep. I tried medication for a few months and had no success. My success in overcoming this monster was two fold. I started to attend the Institute of Healing Arts. This is a place where I participated in emotional release therapy. I learned that depression was the result of being stuck in your anger. Even anger you don't know you have. When we experience various situations throughout our life and hold onto anger or resentment without even realizing it, we can become paralyzed. Eventually our body physically cannot stuff anymore emotion and everything comes to a standstill. This is due in part to all of our energy going toward keeping our feelings inside and then we have no energy left to propel us forward. Consequently, we become stuck. We can't move forward. Once I realized what the problem was I knew it was something I had the ability to overcome."

I just want to thank Shannon about talking so openly about depression. I think that it is something that is more common than we understand. Hopefully her words will help someone who reads this. Stop by again tomorrow as we continue our interview.

Incredible Woman #47 - Shannon Stahura. Self and Nursing...

2010-07-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week I'm really pleased to share my interview with a friend of mine - Shannon Stahura. She is actually my "back door" neighbor. In the church I belong to - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - we have a womens organization. There is a program called Visiting Teaching, where you are assigned a partner, and the two of you go to visit a few other ladies in your area. Shannon is one of my visiting teachers. She really helped me alot while I was going through cancer treatments. She is a kind, spiritual person, and I greatly admire her. She doesn't really talk alot about herself, so even though I've known her for several years, I don't really KNOW her... ENJOY!!

KARA: "Tell us about yourself (i.e. hobbies, talents, likes, dislikes, etc.). What makes you an incredible woman?"

SHANNON: "I love golfing. It is a great way to spend time with my boys. It takes us out of the mother/son scenario and makes it just friends playing a fun game. It also gets me out in nature, otherwise I might not take the time to enjoy. Also, it is a great activity to share with my husband and helps us plan for retirement so we know we will have something to do.

I also love gardening. I haven't been doing it very long. My mom is a floral designer and flowers are her passion. Whenever I would visit her in KY, the first thing she would do when she woke up was go outside and walk her garden and check her pots on her deck and water them. I would watch her and I thought I would never do that, and here I am. I look forward to every spring planning what to plant. And yes, every morning the first thing I do is go outside and walk the gardens and check on how everyone is doing. I love seeing the progress. It is like watching a miracle in action. I love smelling the dirt and feeling it between my fingers. Whenever life gets overwhelming and I seemed to be pulled in a million different directions that means I need to get "grounded", so I get to the temple to be grounded spiritually, and then to the garden for physical grounding.

I also love biking. I love to go on big biking adventures like the ULCER or ride Provo canyon. My favorite ride is probably a summertime lunch ride to Subway with my kids.

I also enjoy cooking. My sister studied cooking in the South of France and has taught me a lot, especially about growing herbs and cooking with them. Also, my sister-in-law is an amazing cook and crafter, and she has also taught me a lot.

Finally I enjoy acting and writing. I have had a few articles published in the Ensign and also a few rejected. And I had the opportunity to play a supporting role in my first movie which comes out this fall. It is an independent film produced locally called "Elizabeth's Gift."

KARA: "You’ve recently gone back to school to study nursing, right? How did you make the decision to do that? What influenced you toward this field of study? What do you hope to do when you finish school?"

SHANNON: "This past spring I decided to go back to school to get a nursing degree. I graduated from BYU in communications 20 years ago. I never had a desire to pursue nursing until just recently. All 4 of my children are in school now and my oldest just graduated from High School. They are all movers and shakers and seem to be gone all the time. It is hard to make the adjustment from having them all around to being out and about. Although they aren't around as much I still have that desire to nurture and take care. I found myself with a lot of time on my hands that got filled with endless errands. I needed something more. Then my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and moved in with me. I found myself in the hospital a lot visiting with nurses. They all seemed to love what they do. I spent a lot of time questioning them and was so impressed with their love of their work. And I thought what better way to spend my time than to be in constant service. Then I just decided to go for it. I am in the process of completing my prereqs at UVU and then I am applying to the University of Utah's BSN program in January."

We'll have two more questions/answers from the interview with Shannon each day this week - take a minute to stop by each day and learn about Shannon.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-07-18T22:32:00.001-07:00

UNDER CONSTRUCTION tonight - join me tomorrow for the start of my interview with Shannon Stahura.

Incredible Woman #46 - Colette Harris. Sister Survivors Service Opportunity, and Health & Happiness...

2010-07-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us about the Breast Cancer foundation you are involved with, and what your role in that is."

COLETTE: "I feel very honored to be a member of a board of directors that helped create an incredible new support group for breast cancer survivors in Utah. It is called Sister Survivors. Sister Survivors is a non profit foundation dedicated to providing support and wellness programs for individuals and their families affected by breast cancer.

The goal of Sister Survivors is to reach out and provide support to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, to those going through surgery and treatments, to those recovering and trying to redefine their lives, to those with recurrent cancer, and to those family and friends that have loved ones affected by breast cancer.

We have monthly meetings and quarterly activities that are very fun and educational and provide tools for self improvement, managing side effects from cancer and living life to the fullest. One of the main benefits from going to the cancer support group is to enjoy the friendship and support of other breast cancer survivors.

We also have "mentors" (breast cancer survivors) that have been trained to mentor newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. It is scary going through breast cancer and it is always nice to have someone that has traveled the road help you on your journey.

We have a blog page: www.sistersurvivors.blogspot.com that is updated daily. It has dates and times of upcoming events and is loaded tons of valuable information, recipes, exercise and eating healthy tips, inspirational thoughts, and much, much more.

We are especially proud of the fact that we are also a service organization. The monies donated to our organization will allow cancer survivors, their family and friends make need scarves, hats, blankets and other comfort items for breast cancer patients. We also want to be able to provide funding for women that can't afford needed treatments or surgery.

I am humbled to be the program director for Sister Survivors. I hope and pray that the monthly support group I over see will meet the needs of the breast cancer survivors in our area.

Breast cancer survivors are some of the most amazing women I have ever met. Our motto for Sister Survivors is "Share the journey and the wisdom one sister at a time." I am so honored to share the journey with breast cancer survivors. They are dear sisters and friends and are very close to my heart."

KARA: "Finally, tell us your beauty secrets! What makes your healthy and happy?"

COLETTE: "Aging is inevitable, so laugh a lot because "smile wrinkles" are a lot better looking that "frown wrinkles." If you feel like Mother Nature has let you down, a little Mary Kay can always perk you up! I think that true beauty is reflected in your countenance. If you are beautiful on the inside it will shine through your eyes, and you will always be beautiful to those whose lives you touch for good.

Being a cancer survivor, I view life differently now. I realize that each day on this earth is truly a gift from a loving Heavenly Father. I am now a lot more aware of the importance of taking care of my health. I have an exercise DVD I do with my husband for thirty minutes four times a week and I try to walk five times a week for 30 minutes. I am also trying to improve my eating habits. I try to cut out most sweets, watch my carb intake and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Waking up each morning is a celebration of life. I am so happy to be here! The song of a bird, the wind on my face, children playing--the simple things in life, touch my heart on a much deeper level than they did before being diagnosed with cancer. I am so grateful that I feel well enough to make meals, weed my garden, and clean my house again. But most of all, I am looking forward to many years ahead spending time enjoying the company of my wonderful family and friends. I really want to help others as a way of saying "thank you" to a loving Father in Heaven for my gift of life. That is what makes me happy. I am very blessed! Life is good!"

Thanks goes to Colette for this wonderful interview! I know Colette from serving with her on the board of Sister Survivors, and it has been a pleasure learning more about my fellow cancer survivor. She is always happy, and kind, and it makes me feel good to be around her. She is a very humble person - putting other into the spotlight. I admire her greatly. Colette's entire interview will be on the blog through the weekend, so if you haven't had a chance to read the questions from each day, take a minute to do that. Sunday night we'll be under construction once again as we prepare to bring you another Incredible Woman. Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #46 - Colette Harris. Breast Cancer and Marriage...

2010-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us what you learned through your experience with breast cancer."

COLETTE: "While I was going through cancer, I was too sick to write about the experience in great detail. I had many profound thoughts, spiritual insights and humorous experiences along the way. I compiled a list I call "Twenty Things I learned From Having Cancer." The twenty short thoughts represent my cancer experience in a nutshell. I shared my list with family and friends at Christmas time. It touched some people very deeply, others told me it made them laugh and brought a smile to their face. I was humbled by their responses.

Colette was nice enough to share her "20 Things" with us here...

Twenty Things I’ve Learned From Having Cancer
By Colette Harris

• Life is a gift from God not to be taken for granted.

• The only stuff that really matters is the quality of your relationship with God, family, and others.

• A good cry is like a cleansing rain with the hope that dark clouds will soon lift and sunny days will be ahead.

• A bad night doesn’t have to turn into a bad day.

• Heavenly Father has been, and will always be, only a prayer away.

• If you choose to view the world through grateful eyes, you will begin to see God’s tender mercies all around you.

• Anger and pride must be nipped in the bud or their long-term effects will consume the heart in malignant proportions creating the worse cancer of all: cancer of the soul.

• The side effects from cancer are only temporary; the resurrection will take care of those; it’s the side effects from unrepented sin that should be worried about.

• If you get up one more time than you fall down, you will always end up back on your feet!

• Laughter is like a good laxative—a daily dose of it will loosen you up and keep you regular.

• Hair is highly over-rated.

• Don’t ever open an oven door with a wig on or you will melt your bangs! (I nailed the same wig twice by opening the oven door. I finally put a sign on my oven that said “Wig Alert!”)

• The gift of humor has helped me smile through pain.

• A mind filled with happy thoughts has no room for the opposite.

• During my darkest hours I always found two very good friends: Heavenly Father and the Book of Mormon.

• Every day it is important to turn-off the darkness and turn-on the light.

• I have learned that battling cancer isn’t “all about me.” Family and friends that visit, call, write, text, or e-mail all have trials, too; yet, they love me enough to forget about their problems for awhile and inquire about mine. I must never take them for granted. Their love and their friendship are priceless. I am blessed beyond measure to have them in my life.

• Cancer, you are a formidable foe. Fighting you I have lost my breasts, my hair, and my energy. Because of you pain is my daily adversary and neuropathy has numbed my fingers and my toes making it difficult to write and to walk. You have beat me up and worn me down; but, I will not let you win, for I control my heart and soul which I will never surrender to you as long as I live!

• I will always be eternally grateful for the gift cancer has given me: the privilege and blessing of understanding the Savior’s atonement and feeling His love on a much deeper level. He has extended His arms of mercy to me, lifted my burdens, and encircled me with His love. He is my best friend. I love Him with all my heart!

• Life is good—even with cancer! :)

On the road recovering from cancer, Heavenly Father placed angels in my path: a loving family, supportive friends, and gifted health care specialists. To all the angels in my life, THANK YOU! Not only did you choose to travel this journey with me, but many times you also picked me up and carried me along the way."

KARA: "What helps to keep your marriage strong? What is your favorite thing to do for date night - what do you and your husband do together?"

COLETTE: "Life has been crazy at times raising six children. Taking time to pray together before bed and taking time for "pillow talk" has helped us keep the lines of communication open with God and each other. My husband is fortunate enough to only work five minutes from home. He tries to come home every day for lunch and I try to be at home when I can to have lunch ready for him and to eat with him. It is nice to have that time with him. We also exercise together four times a week. I think taking the time to talk and spend time together has been the cement that has kept our marriage strong.

Mike and I like to go out to dinner and to movies and spend time with other couples. We have favorite DVD's we have collected through the years that we like to watch together. Lately, we have had a lot of Home Depot dates picking up items for home improvement projects and then working on the projects together. We also like to plan time during the year when we can go on a little vacation without the kids, even if it is just over night."

Please join us tomorrow for the last day of our interview with Colette. She is such an inspiring person... I hope you've enjoyed getting to know her.

Incredible Woman #46 - Colette Harris. Being and Grandma, and One Thing I Want To Do...

2010-07-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You are a grandma - how is that different from being a mom? What is your favorite thing about being a grandma? What is the hardest thing?"

COLETTE: "Being a grandma is like re-living raising your own children--only better! You can enjoy your grandchildren, love them, and praise them, without worrying about the daily stress of having to discipline them.

Right now I only have one grandchild, Rachel (almost two.) My favorite thing about being Rachel's grandma is seeing her grow and develop, seeing what makes her happy and sad, and seeing how she interacts with her parents. It delights me watching her personality blossom. I love the times she wants to climb on my lap to give me hugs and show me things. It warms my heart when she cries when she has to go home because she is having so much fun at Grandma's house. The hardest thing about being Rachel's grandma, is saying good-bye when she has to leave."

KARA: "It sounds to me like you have been very involved in your kids' schooling through the years, you've spent lots of time serving others, and that you like to keep busy! Is there anything that you'd like to do that you haven't had the chance to do yet? Tell us about one unforgettable experience that you've had."

COLETTE: "Travel! Travel! Travel! I love people! I would thoroughly enjoy visiting all of the different countries in the world to learn about the people, their customs and their culture. I would also like to see more of the many scenic and historic places in the United States. Also, since I have had cancer, if I can get my legs back under me again, I would like to be able to not only walk a complete 5K but to actually be able to run one. I haven't hiked Mt. Timpanogos for years. It would be fun to do that again.

I had very simple, unforgettable experience while being treated for breast cancer that was a turning point for me emotionally.

A couple of weeks after my bilateral mastectomy, I found myself in a very dark place emotionally. I dreaded the months of treatments I had ahead of me and worried if the cancer was really gone. I was moping around the house wandering slowly from room to room and then I would go back to bed. I finally said to myself, "Girl, you've got to shake this mood!" I realized that I had not been outside since my surgery. I was weak, but decided I could still go outside if I sat on the bench on the front porch.

While I was sitting on the porch, I began to hear the birds sing. There was a gentle breeze. The sun gently beat down on my head and arms and made me feel like I was being snuggled up in a warm blanket. I noticed that the grass was getting greener and that the blossoms were popping out on our plum tree. It felt wonderful to be outside again.

I started feeling a little weak, so I decided to go back inside. I was almost in the house when I saw three neighbor children walking home from school. I leaned against the door frame and decided to wait for them to walk by my house so I could say "hi" to them. When they approached me, they all had huge smiles on their faces. The oldest child, a nine year old boy, beamed at me and said, "Sister Harris, how is your cancer doing today?" That simple question melted my heart and brought an instant smile to my face. I told him that I was doing great (his kind inquiry really did make me feel great) and I asked him and his sister and friend how they were doing.

I went into the house and reflected on what just happened. If I had not taken the time to go outside and look at the beauty around me, I never would have heard the birds sing, felt the wind and sun on my face, or heard the kind words from a concerned neighbor boy. It was then and there that I realized that I had a choice every day whether I would turn off the darkness and turn on the light in my life. God's tender mercies were all around me to bless my life every day. I just need to open my eyes and my heart to truly see them.

That experience was a turning point for me. And to this day when I may feel a little down, I think of what my neighbor boy said, "Sister Harris, how is your cancer today?" It tickles me all the way down to my toes and brings a smile to my face every time."

Join us again tomorrow as we continue this interview with Colette!

Incredible Woman #46 - Colette Harris. A Mission and Trials...

2010-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You told me that you served an LDS mission in Argentina. Describe that experience - how did that help you as you became a wife and mother?"

COLETTE: "I served in Argentina when their government was on the verge of collapsing and the country was in the middle of the Falkland War with England. Since England and America have always been allies, the United States of course supported England in the war. American missionaries in Argentina at that time were not the most popular people on the street.

High inflation was crippling the country. A bill that was worth $50 in the beginning of my mission was worth 5 cents at the end of my mission. People were afraid and families went without. Men were told at work that they had to go and fight in the war. They couldn't even say good-bye to their families in person. They were allowed to talk to them on the phone from work, and then they were transported to the war front.

The missionaries were told to go into hiding for one week and not leave their apartments. We were told to be near a phone in case the mission president called with instructions on how to leave Argentina and quietly slip across the border into Chile for protection.

While being quarantined, my companion and I heard the constant roar of low flying military planes flying overhead. How would this war turn out? We yearned to be working among the people helping them through this difficult time. In about a month and a half, my mission would be over. I wondered if I would ever be able to go back outside and say good-bye to the wonderful people of Argentina that I had learned to love with all of my heart.

Since I couldn't leave my apartment, I studied a lot that week. I did a lot of soul searching. I asked myself what would be the most important message I could leave my brothers and sisters in Argentina. One day while reading in Ephesians in the Bible, I came across a passage of scripture in chapter four that talked about putting on the whole armor of God that "ye may be able to withstand in the evil day." It talked about putting on the shield of faith, the breast plate of righteousness, etc. That was it! That was the message I wanted to give them----to put on the whole armor of God and let Him fight their battles for them. If they did that, I knew that they would be okay.

I never got to give that message. Instead, I got a phone call telling me that I had less that 48 hours to pack my bags, travel to the mission home, and catch a flight back home. (Many other missionaries also received the same instructions that were also within a couple of months of finishing their missions.) With a heavy heart I left my beloved Argentina and came home.

The message I wanted to share with my brothers and sisters in Argentina has always stayed with me. As mother I realize that even though I couldn't share it in Argentina, it was the most important message I could ever share with my children. By putting on the whole armor of God, you are putting God first in your life and everything else will fall into place. To me that is truly the key to a happy life."

KARA: "You've had some major trials in your life. Can you tell us about those, and what helped you to get through those trials?"

COLETTE: The Car Accident...
"When I was a sophomore in high school, our family was in a car accident soon after we picked my oldest brother up from the Salt Lake airport. He had just returned from an LDS mission in Australia and we were anxious to get him home so we could have a big family dinner and hear all about his mission. We were traveling south on the freeway on our way home to Provo. After a series of events, we were hit from behind by a double oil tanker. For a brief moment I went unconscious. When I came to, my body had been thrust on top of my mother's body. She was limp and lifeless. I thought my heart would break. I just remember silently praying, "Heavenly Father, please help us." A few seconds later, I heard her moan. She was alive!

Mom sustained the most injuries from the accident. She broke her back in several places. She was never the same physically after the accident. Dad had a concussion and memory loss. I got a whiplash.

That accident had a profound impact on my life. I was not the typical high school sophomore girl any more. Instead of focusing on the cute boy in my English class I silently wished would take me to a dance, I thought about what I would make for dinner, what I needed to do to keep up with the laundry and chores, and how I would juggle my homework taking on added responsibilities. Mom was down for a long time, but she was a great side-line coach from her bed teaching me how to run a home. Her courage and positive attitude were truly and inspiration to me.

The most important thing I learned from the car accident was that life is precious and should never be taken for granted. Through the car accident we grew closer as a family. Our faith and gratitude grew and our love for God and each other deepened.

Cancer...
Another challenge that has changed my life forever, was being diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2009. I will never forget that day. I was grocery shopping in Macey's when I got a call on my cell phone. I heard my gynecologist's voice on the other end. He said, "I am really sorry to inform you that you tested positive for breast cancer." I was stunned. I couldn't speak for a few moments. I slumped down on the cart and stared at the floor. Somehow I wished it would just swallow me up. The canned foods that lined the isles offered little comfort.

I tried to keep my composure until I got home, but when I saw my husband's car in the driveway I started to lose it. I found him in his office chatting on the phone with his back to me. Hearing me enter the room, he turned around and saw my tear stained face. He immediately dropped his phone and ran to me. I melted in his arms and sobbed.

That was the beginning of an adventure that has taken me down paths I never thought I would travel. It has been sixteen months since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During the past year I have had a bilateral mastectomy, eight rounds of chemo (over a four month period), thirty-three radiation treatments, and reconstructive surgery.

Cancer has been a great teacher. The past year I have learned more about what really matters in life than I ever did in the previous fifty years. Life is good and I look forward to each new day.

Bald is Beautiful...
The past year I don't think I have laughed more or cried harder. I found that it was much more fun to focus on the funny things that happened when I had cancer then the negative things.

Here is a sample of an e-mail I sent to family and friends with the hope that my funny experiences could somehow brighten their day.

May 5, 2009: Chemo again. Things are better this time than last--less nausea, a little more energy the first five days. I am thrilled! The big change is the prickly, tingly, achy feeling in my scalp as my hair begins to fall out. By Sunday things were pretty sparse on top, so I decided to no longer prolong the inevitable and break out the wig I was trying to ignore. After all, it was Mother's Day and moms are supposed to look good on Mother's Day. Right? I tried it on and attempted to style it. I quickly turned my head to one side and the darn thing flew right off my head! I am glad that it didn't happen at church! I discovered that there are tabs in the back of the wig that are adjustable. Hopefully I will have things under control before the next big wind storm.

The insurance company has a glorified definition for a wig: cranial prosthesis. I wonder if the person that invented that choice definition, could present it before a board of directors with a straight face. I know that I am kind of off-the-wall sometimes, but I thought that definition was pretty funny.

As I contemplated life without hair, I am becoming quite excited! There are advantages. Here are my top four reasons why it is good to be bald.
1. There are no bad hair days!
2. You don't have to shave your legs any more.
3. You don't have to use shampoo, conditioner, gel, hairspray, blow dryers or curling irons.
4. With all the time saved not having to use the above mentioned items, I may actually take up a hobby! Life is sweet!

If you see me hanging out in my yard or roaming the neighborhood wearing my "cranial prosthesis", scarf, or hat, please remember that bald people are the same as everyone else, they just have less fur on top! ;)

Well, my cancer update wasn't so brief. If you are still reading this, I don't know whether to hug you for taking the time to mull through all of this or to tell you to "get a life." Anyway, I hope you know how much I love you. Thanks for your continual love, support, and prayers."

Incredible Woman #46 - Colette Harris. Self and Family...

2010-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I met one of the nicest women I've ever known. Her name is Colette Harris, and she serves with me on the board of Sister Survivors - a breast cancer foundation. She is a fellow breast cancer survivor. I'm just getting to know her, so this interview is a treat for me! Hope you enjoy this week - as always, I'll be posting 2 questions/answers from Colette each day this week, so don't forget to take a few minutes to check the blog Monday-Friday. Let's start this interview...

KARA: "Tell us about yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

COLETTE: "I was born in Provo, Utah. I grew up the only girl in a family with three very active, athletic brothers. I graduated from Provo High School in 1977. I attended BYU and USU, served a mission in Argentina, and then graduated from BYU in 1983 in Elementary Education. After graduation, I taught sixth grade one year before I married my awesome husband Mike in 1984. Our life together has taken us to Colorado, Idaho, and Utah. Mike and I are the proud parents of six wonderful children - three girls and three boys.

I like snuggly blankets, cooking, sewing, long walks, hikes, girls camp, vacations, children, fresh fruit and garden vegetables, singing, learning, reading, canning (when it is done and the jars are on the shelves), and spending time with family and friends.

Just for fun, I asked my youngest daughter what she thought I didn't like. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she said, "Mom, you don't like disobedience." That jogged my memory and reminded me of other things I don't like besides disobedience that start with a "d" such as: dishonesty, disrespect, dirty dishes and dirty laundry. (It seems like just when you get caught up, the next day there is a new wave of dirty dishes and laundry to haunt you!)

I don't consider myself an incredible woman; but, I consider myself an incredibly blessed woman. I have been blessed with the opportunity to be born in this great nation. I was raised in a wonderful home with loving parents. I was taught moral principles that have guided and blessed my life. I have a wonderful husband and children. I have had the opportunity to graduate from college, to serve a mission, to teach school, and to be a breast cancer survivor. The greatest desire of my heart is to be able to give back to my family, church, and community as a way of saying "thank you" to a loving Heavenly Father for my wonderful life."

KARA: "Tell us about your family. Describe each person with one word. Tell us one thing you've learned from each one in your family."

COLETTE: "When my husband and I had a two year old and a nine month old, we found out that we were expecting twins (a boy and a girl). When the twins were born we had four children three and under. It was a sight hauling our four children down the road all strapped in their car seats in our mini van.

One day, I was helping my two older children with a project when I noticed that it was too quiet and that the twins were no where in sight. I quickly called out their names and got no answer. I went in the kitchen and found my daughter, Jennifer, standing in the middle of the kitchen table with a big smile on her face. She was so proud of herself for having made it to the top of the table. I swept her up in my arms and carried her down the hall with me where I discovered her twin brother, Jason, having the time of his life throwing objects down the toilet. Each day with my young family was definitely a new adventure! For the sake of self preservation, I learned early on with my young, rather large family, that you can't sweat the little things or you won't focus on the important things. My advice to young moms would be to enjoy the journey!

Three years after the birth of our twins, we were blessed with another son. Four years after that, our last daughter was born.

Besides being blessed with six wonderful children, Mike and I also have two awesome sons-in-law and an adorable, almost two year old, granddaughter.

Here some adjectives to describe each member of my family:

Mike (fifty something): Devoted. My husband is one of the most dedicated men I have ever met. He doesn't take enough time for himself because he is always trying to make the best life possible for me and our family. He is an engineer and constantly tries to fix things like: appliances, computers, plumbing, family problems, and troubled hearts. He has taught me to never give up trying to fix broken things.

Greg (25): Driven. Greg is very ambitious and works very hard to do his best. He bubbles to the top in everything he does. He has taught me that if you make up your mind to do something, with proper planning and hard work, you can achieve great goals in life.

Kristen (23): Creative. When Kristen was a small child she had asthma. She desperately wanted to go outside and play with the other children, but found it difficult to breathe. Instead of complaining about staying inside, she threw herself into music, art, and writing. She is an accomplished pianist, teaches piano lessons, and is currently writing childrens' books. She has taught me to make the most of any situation.

Jennifer (22): Considerate. Jennifer was a very gifted high school and college athlete. Even though she was fiercely competitive on the basketball court, every girl on her teams through the years knew she loved them and would do anything for them. Even now when she is married, she will come over and see things that need to be done and just do them like: mowing the lawn, vacuuming or doing the dishes. She is great example of seeing things that need to be done and just doing them.

Jason (22): Well-rounded. Jason worked hard to get his associates degree before his mission, yet he also made time to fulfill his family and church responsibilities and to take time socializing friends. He has taught me that a balanced life is a happy life.

Jonny (19): Fun-loving. Ever since Jonny was very small he recognized the power of humor. When I would tuck him in bed at night, he always tried to have a joke for me or would ask me if I had heard a new joke that day that I could share with him. He has always been a practical joker and fun to be around. He has taught me that daily laughter is as important as breathing and eating.

Connie (15): Easy-going. When I was going through surgery, chemo, and radiation, Connie was the one in the family that was home with me the most and saw my ups and downs. She never complained when she had to put things in her life on hold or when mom wasn't quite up to doing the normal "mom stuff." Instead of complaining, rolled up her sleeves and readjusted her life to helped me whenever possible. She was truly heaven sent. She has taught me to roll with life and make the most of it.

Tom (25) son-in-law: Hard working. I admire Tom for taking upon himself the responsibility of working full time to provide the necessities for my daughter and granddaughter as well as trying hard to complete his education. He is a great example of perseverance.

Trevor (25) son-in-law: Thoughtful. Trevor does things for others without being asked. When we have all of the family over for Sunday dinners, he quietly clears the table and begins doing the dishes. He is a great example of quiet service.

Rachel (almost 2) granddaughter: Precocious. My adorable granddaughter can hardly contain herself as she excitedly discovers new things around her. She can hardly wait so show us a bug on the sidewalk, a flower, or a new toy she received. She has reminded me to not take simple things for granted and to not let my excitement for learning and experiencing new things grow dim."

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-07-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Check back tomorrow - I'll be introducing another Incredible Woman... Colette Harris!

Incredible Woman #45 - Marie Ricks. A Day to Herself, and Beauty Secrets...

2010-07-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "I know you are one busy, busy woman! If you were offered one day to yourself, what would you do?"

MARIE: "Oh, I know exactly what I would do because I do this once a year on my birthday. I would get up very early and watch balloons rise to the July sky and I would attend a grand parade. I would have a picnic somewhere outdoors and then come indoors for a classic movie. I would spend an hour painting a smooth rock with flowers, cut squares for Primary Children's hospital quilts, and then I would spread pennies (as many as I am old) during my evening walk along the sidewalk for children to discover the next morning."

KARA: "Will you share your beauty secrets? What keeps you happy and healthy?"

MARIE: "This is my motto: To be pretty is a gift, to be beautiful is a skill. I exercise every morning. I showered and wear an outfit one level higher than my mood. I'm partial to perfume and earrings, wearing bright and happy colors, and most importantly, putting a smile upon my face, the most important element of my beauty secrets."

Thanks goes to Marie for sharing herself with us this week. It was a pleasure to interview her. Her interview will be up on the blog through Sunday afternoon.

If you know someone who you'd like to see featured here on Incredible Women, please email me and let me know: kara.incrediblewomen@gmail.com

Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #45 - Marie Ricks. Public Speaking and Inspiration...

2010-07-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You are a public speaker – a good one! I’ve been to a few of your classes. Tell us about the kinds of classes you teach, and what kinds of things you offer your students."

MARIE: "I teach classes on helping people become more organized. That includes personal organization, time and food management, filing systems, and clutter control. If you have a mess, I can help you figure out ways to manage it! And, do it while we all laugh and have fun together as a class."

KARA: "What inspires you?"

MARIE: "I'm inspired by early mornings before the sun it up, women with no hair wearing brightly colored scarves as they go on with their lives until the hair returns, small children who hiccup loudly, older women that wear pretty earrings and coiffeur their hair, robins that nest too close to the ground so I can see eggs inside their nest, people who keep an old car running to keep themselves financially safe, and anyone in a wheelchair that will smile at me like my father did."

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for the last day of our interview with Marie!

Incredible Woman #45 - Marie Ricks. Trials and Favorites...

2010-07-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Everyone goes through trials in their life. What trials have you gone through, and what have you learned from those trials?"

MARIE: "Oh, the trials in my life are continuous as is the learning process. It is the same for us all. Don't be fooled into thinking that once this trial is done, life will be good again. The trials don't end, they just change shape. It is learning to treasure life's smallest beauties in the midst of the pain that has helped me sing a song in my heart. The newly budding rose, the endearing smile of a friend, the laughter of a joke well told, and the sense of a belonging that a hug brings are all precious to me."

KARA: "Tell us your top 10 favorite things."

MARIE: "I like yellow roses, sentimental movies, hot brownies, frozen cookie dough, hugging a newborn child, seeing my sons taller than me, watching my spouse grow wise, cutting interesting fabric for a quilt, drying a new type of foliage, and making ambigrams (a type of reversal line art, my newest passion, a sample of which I have included: ricks to ricks when you flip the picture upside down).

Tomorrow we'll ask Marie about public speaking and what inspires her. Please join us again then.

Incredible Woman #45 - Marie Ricks. Website and Books...

2010-07-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us about your website –House of Order. Is this a business? What kinds of things do you offer?"

MARIE: "Through House of Order, my internet site, I offer a newsletter, articles, videos, and audio files on how to get more organized. I also have produced various materials to share that help get the housework done, teach children to work, housecleaning products to make it easier, and motivational tips to keep all of us focused on getting, being and staying organized. My updated website will be up and running in just a few short weeks!"

KARA: "I know you’ve written several books – tell us about those. What is your all time favorite?"

MARIE: "You are right, I have written several books. My favorite always seems to be my latest, The Children You Want with the Kids You Have. It is now on Deseret Book store bookshelves, and is a delightful instruction manual on how to raise children with a great work ethic who are happy, willing, and obedient. You will love it!

I've linked Marie's new book (above) to Deseretbook.com for your convenience. There are several more books there by Marie. If you are interested - click on any of the titles on the right sidebar to link to Deseret Book. And make sure to take a look at the House of Order website - it's great, with so many different helps. I really enjoy it. I also get Marie's newsletter. Check back in tomorrow to continue reading the interview with Marie.

Incredible Woman #45 - Marie Ricks. Self and Family...

2010-07-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to week #45. This week I'll be featuring a local "celebrity". Her name is Marie Ricks, and her website is House of Order. I heard Marie speak at a class a few years ago, and I loved her ideas on staying organized in all areas of our lives. She has a wonderful website, a free newsletter, many many resources, and books that can help you Get. Be. Stay. Organized. (see our sidebar for a list of books - many of which are linked to Deseret Book, where you can buy them).

I admire her for so many reasons - I think you'll understand when you get to know her.

Let's get started...

KARA: "Tell us about yourself. What makes you an incredible woman?"

MARIE: "Since I believe all women are incredible, I will answer this question by saying that the movement to true greatness involves understanding your passion, pursuing it with vigor, and staying with it until you find satisfaction and significantly impact the lives of others. In my different seasons, that has meant being a wife, a mother, a servant of God, and now includes writing, speaking, presenting, and coaching others about personal, home, and family organization. If you love it, find a way to make it a part of your life. You will be happier, more productive, and useful to our Heavenly Father."

KARA: "Tell us about your family. What is one thing that each of the members of your family has taught you?"

MARIE: "Well, I have 28 aunts and uncles, close to 100 first cousins, seven siblings, 43 nieces and nephews on one side of the family, and another 21 nieces and nephews on the other side, and a husband, four sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson. So my immediate circle of family influences approaches 200 individuals, diverse and absolutely precious to my learning process. Their greatest contribution is cheering me on during the extremely tough lessons life offers: death, discord, and emotional pain."

If you are new to this blog, please return for a few minutes each day this week - Monday through Friday I'll be posting 2 questions/answers from my interview with Marie. See you tomorrow.

Under Construction

2010-07-04T21:53:00.001-07:00

We are UNDER CONSTRUCTION tonight. Please check back tomorrow to meet our newest Incredible Woman - Marie Ricks.

Incredible Woman #44 - Marina Gonzalez. A Day to Herself, and Beauty Secrets...

2010-07-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "If you had one day to yourself, what would you like to do?"

MARINA: "That would be hard without my family included. But if I had one day to myself it would be to go to the family history library and research my ancestors."

KARA: "What are your beauty secrets? What helps you stay happy and healthy?"

MARINA: "Nicole Miller products, cosmetics and hair dye. LOL!! A positive attitude and a passion for healthy foods. I should put daily exercise in that too but the truth is... I need to be more dedicated in that part of my life."

Thanks goes to Marina this week for the great interview! I learned so much. I'm excited to put some of what I learned into practice. I hope you've enjoyed this week as well. Marina's full interview will be on the blog through Sunday. Sunday night we'll be under construction again, as we prepare to bring you another Incredible Woman! Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #44 - Marina Gonzalez. Missionary work, and Marriage secrets...

2010-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "I was told that you are a LDS missionary mom! Tell us about your son and his mission - what have you been blessed with because of his service?"

MARINA: "I am. Twice. I had a daughter serve in the Chile Santiago West Mission from 2005-07 and that was tough having her separated from me for 18 months.
Currently I have a son who is serving in the Mexico Merida Mission (the same mission his dad served 25 years ago). He is a dedicated and obedient missionary. He is a senior companion. He has baptized wonderful people practically every month since he arrived in Mexico. Before he went on his mission, he worried that he wouldn't have hot salsa or tortillas to eat. He was excited when he learned where his mission would be and now he adds "habaneros" to everything he eats.....even pizza!!

-Our family has been blessed spiritually and with employment during these hard economic times. Our family emails him weekly and exchange experiences and counsel from him. Both of my younger children want to serve a mission because of his great love and example."

KARA: "What do you and your husband do to keep your marriage strong? Any favorite date night plans?"

MARINA: "We tell each other "I love you" daily. We talk about our goals-- individually, couple and family. We do things together, especially scouting. We have weekly date nights whether it's renting a chick flick or going out to dinner. We associate ourselves with other great couples. We are constantly looking for ways to better our relationship. We compliment each other. We look out for one another and make sure that the other is happy. -Dinner and a movie at the temple."

I, too, have had a son serve an LDS mission, and I agree that it's a wonderful opportunity - not just for the missionary, but also for his family! Think about it - these missionaries SERVE almost 20 hours a day! They grow and mature, and become really great people. I love Marina's marriage advice - "talk", "do things together", and especially "associate with other great couples".

Tomorrow is our last day with Marina - come back to learn how she would spend a day all to herself, and all about her beauty secrets.

Incredible Woman #44 - Marina Gonzalez. Parenting and Scouting...

2010-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "I understand that you teach parenting classes. Tell us about that - describe what you do and teach."

MARINA: "Yes, I have been teaching parenting classes to Spanish speaking parents for over 10 years. I help parents recognize the beauty of raising children. They learn that it's not a tough job if you have the right tools in your life. I empower them with knowledge and strategies on how to communicate with their children. My favorite part in this program is the last week when we bring together the children and parents to play games as a family, for some it is the first time in their lives."

KARA: "You are heavily involved in scouting - what is the most challenging thing about that, and what is the biggest blessing you've received because of that?"

MARINA: "Yes, you can definitely say HEAVY. I help my husband run two local units. One is a church troop with about 30 boys and the other is a community coed Venturing crew with about 25 young men and women. We have dedicated leaders who help us out. We have monthly activities and sometimes too many that wear them and us down. We also serve on the district level and help teach leadership skills to the Spanish speaking units. We believe that every boy and girl deserves a trained leader.

-Keeping them focused on the goal whether it is to get them to their Eagle rank or to their Silver Award.

-Youth who are transformed to incredible human beings because an adult took the time to care and develop their leadership potential."

I for one, am so grateful for incredible scouting leaders who have helped my sons so much. It's so great that Marina spends so much time helping other people. I can tell how happy she is - a direct result of service. I love the idea of a family game night. I'm sure those families will build some great memories that way.

Tomorrow Marina will talk about her missionary son, and what keeps her marriage strong - make sure you take a few minutes to stop by.

Incredible Woman #44 - Marina Gonzalez. Work and Trials...

2010-06-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us about your work. Why are you passionate about what you do?"

MARINA: "Well, I love to help people. When I see a need I want to help. People are amazing and I love meeting all types of families. I love to work with parents, they are the instrument of success to every child. When I learn or am trained in something new I love to share it and enlighten parents so that positive things happen to their families. Finding resources to enhance families is what I thrive on."

KARA: "What trials have you had, and how have they made you a stronger person? What have you learned from your trials?"

MARINA: "The toughest trial.... I have to say, was losing my dad to pancreatic cancer. Next to that was being a single mom for four years. I've learned that you never take anyone for granted and that you cherish every moment of your life with those you love. I also learned that one of the best gifts you can give your children is a father who loves their mother as much as he loves them."

Come back tomorrow to learn more about Marina - she teaches parenting classes and she's BIG into the scouting program!

Incredible Woman #44 - Marina Gonzalez. Self and Family...

2010-06-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to introduce Marina Gonzalez - 1) because she was nominated by one of our readers, and 2) because I can't wait to learn all about her myself! She sounds like a wonderful woman. I had a nice surprise after I interviewed Marina - her husband, Richard, wrote to me. I thought I'd share what he said before we start the interview...

"You don't know me but I'm Marina's husband. She forward this e-mail to me which pretty much describe her from her point of view. If you ask me, the best description I can give of my beloved wife will be "She is Angel without wings". I know there is more then one word, but that will be the best description, and I said "without wing" because if she have them, people will freak out! But I think she has earned. She is very passionate about anything she commits to do, she has received several recognitions through the Scout program, she attend wood badge course in 2006 (Advance training for leaders) & each year since, she comes back as staff to help other leaders to learn more about Scout program. As result, she has earn her wood badge beads - this is a special recognition among the scout leaders. She also received the Venturing Leadership Award for being an outstanding leader helping the Youth. Also, the "Vale la pena" is a high recognition for the spanish speaking Scout Leaders - never been given before here in Salt Lake &
only two was given in 2009. Marina was one of the recipient. She also was among the 10 more influential women in Salt Lake City among the scouting program first time presented this recognition last year. She also receive the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest that the Great Salt Lake Scout Council can give to a volunteer this year. I can go on & on, but the bottom line... she is so amazing that after all these years being together, I'm still learning from her the way she is with everyone. I love her so much because all she does comes from her heart."

Isn't that great?! So, let's start this interview...

KARA: "Describe yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

MARINA: "I am a 46-year old Latina who enjoys life. I love taking pictures. I take my camera everywhere, because I'm afraid I'll miss a Kodak moment. I love FaceBook. I don't have time to call all my relatives and friends and this is a great way to stay in touch. I love reading - from scriptures to comic strips. I believe a smile can heal wounds, uplift a weary soul and break down barriers. I love learning about other cultures, and embrace all people. I am committed to my family and religion. I am most happy when I receive a sincere hug and when I am surrounded by the beauty of God's creations. I believe there is a solution for all things in life, except death. I love mozzarella cheese and everything that is made with it. Summer fruits and fresh vegetables are my favorite snacks. I dislike negative attitudes.

I never thought of myself as an incredible woman. Just insanely busy!!!"

KARA: "Tell us about your family. What one word describes each of the members of your family?"

MARINA: "We are a scouting family and enjoy hanging out with each other. Our kids actually are best friends. It's hard when a member of the family is away. One word is hard to describe each member, because I can write a long list for each of them.

OK here's my best description:
My husband Richard = Romantic.
My daughter Janina = Sweet.
My son Chris = Kind.
My daughter Krystal = Passionate.
My son Jonathan = Loving.
My son-in-law Pearson = Noble.
My grandpuppy Cole = Adorable!!"

I love asking that question - the "one word description" question, because I think it's kinda neat to hear what words are used to describe the special people in our lives. BUT... sometimes I wish I would have given them more than one word - Marina's family sounds wonderful. Please join me tomorrow and each following day this week to learn more about Marina. I'll be posting 2 questions/answers from our interview each day. Tomorrow... work and trials!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION TONIGHT

2010-06-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Check back tomorrow for our feature on Marina Gonzalez!

Incredible Woman #43 - Becky Rainer. Goals and Happiness secrets...

2010-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What kinds of things do you do that help you to improve yourself? Do you have a goal you are working toward?"

BECKY: "The thing I find myself doing daily to improve, is repent. I’m a two steps forward, one backward kind of gal. Some of my goals are to go to the Vancouver and Gila Valley LDS temples this year, take my grandchildren on a trip, even if it’s just camping out in my backyard, serve a mission, study French and Italian, and do some de-junking. I should say exercise more and lose weight, but that would be a downer."

KARA: "Tell us your beauty secrets - what do you do to stay healthy and happy?"

BECKY: "Beauty secrets—I have none. Obviously. Healthy and happy? Enjoy what you eat, play with kids, don’t feel guilty sitting down to a good book or a conversation with a friend, and forgive and repent quickly."

Thanks goes to Becky for the interview this week. Becky is a neighbor of mine, and I've admired her for several years. I hope you enjoyed getting to know her. The interview will be on the blog in it's entirety all day Saturday and Sunday. See you next week - have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #43 - Becky Rainer. Books and Being a Grandma...

2010-06-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You are an avid reader - just like me! I believe you belong to a book club, right? Share with us some of your all time favorite books. Which authors do you love? What role have books played in your life?"

BECKY: "Yes, yes and yes! Books are my escape, and they also teach and inspire me. As a child, I lived in Scotland, and because of the cold, damp weather, was often sick. Reading became such an enjoyable pastime and companion! I read everything. I have too many favorites to single out one or two. About nineteen years ago, I joined a book club, and six of us are still going strong! My book club, loosely termed, has doubled as an out-patient therapy group for almost two decades now. We gather monthly to discuss politics, religion, our children, review movies and restaurants, buoy one another up, eat, and yes, discuss books as well. A few favorite authors are: Maeve Binchy, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Sandra Dallas, Celia Rees, Rosamund Pilcher, Gerald Lund, Taylor Caldwell, Katherine Paterson and M. Catherine Thomas. I’ve kept tracked of the 750 plus books I have read since being in book club and am always ready to recommend! My granddaughter loves to come to my house to check out books from my library, and then we talk about them."

KARA: "You've raised some really great kids, and now you are a grandma. How is being a grandma different from being a mom? What lessons are you learning as you watch your grandchildren grow? What is the best thing about being a grandma?"

BECKY: "These three questions about being a grandma can all be answered the same way: less is more! Less exhaustion, less fuming and less worry and MORE fun, MORE amazement, and MORE blessings (and not just because I have more of them than I do children now!) I see how this rising generation are power-packed spirits anxious and READY to experience their mortality. I’m straining to keep up! So bright, so curious, so kind, so sensitive, so talented! If I had known being grandma was this great, I would’ve skipped children and gone straight to them! JK, any of my children who might read this. It’s due to their parenting skills and insights that my nine grandchildren are so wonderful."

Don't miss out tomorrow - it's our last day with Becky, and she'll tell us what goal she's working toward, and her beauty secrets!

Incredible Woman #43 - Becky Rainer. Trials and Faith.

2010-06-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Everyone goes through trials - can you share with us a few of the trials you've been through - how did those trials mold you into the person you are today? What valuable lessons have you learned from your trials?"

BECKY: "Hmmm…let’s just say we have learned to put the fun back into dysfunctional! My biggest trial has been getting myself to where I want to be."

KARA: "How has faith played an important role in your life?"

BECKY: "Faith has been my lodestar in life. I credit my Catholic upbringing for teaching me about faith, my mother for reinforcing it through her example, and my children for making sure I don’t let it lie fallow. Oh, and most certainly, faith is what led me to the truth and to join the Church."

Please stop by tomorrow - Becky will share her love of books, and thoughts about being a grandma.

Incredible Woman #43 - Becky Rainer. Service and Art.

2010-06-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You do quite a bit of humanitarian work. Can you describe what you're involved in? Which project has made the biggest impact on you? What have you learned through service?"

BECKY: "What little I do for humanitarian has brought unequal reward and blessings. Little efforts done here and there have brought our whole family joy and have involved the grandchildren as well. I miss the days of assembling hygiene, newborn and school kits. The most fun was gathering items for an orphanage in Haiti a few years ago. Now I mostly knit newborn hats and tropical sores’ bandages, and color ABC books and print flash cards to teach English."

KARA: "If I remember right, you and your husband are collectors of art. Describe some of your collection. Which pieces do you love?"

BECKY: "Our home is an eclectic mix of European and southwest influences, some early marriage and a few great finds! My favorite oil is the one in our entry way and it features an elderly couple by the fire, he reading the Bible out loud while she sits quietly knitting. That’s us in our old age; (about ten years from now!)"

Join us tomorrow, as we continue the interview with Becky. I'll ask her about trials and faith.

Incredible Woman #43 - Becky Rainer. Self and Family.

2010-06-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us about yourself. What makes you an incredible woman?"

BECKY: "What I love to do is talk with my children, read, travel, dance, (more watching than doing now,) try new foods, expose myself to different cultures and languages, love studying the Gospel, home décor, making new friends and hangin’ out with “old” ones; Two hobbies that have brought me joy are having my own aerobic dance business and chasing down my ancestors through some creative sleuthing; I involved my children with both of these activities. Then a new focus took hold about 5-6 years ago: a desire to go to all the LDS Temples on the North American continent and perform ordinances for relatives. What a joy these Temple trips have been! Dislikes: getting up and going to bed early, hot weather, and canned peas."

KARA: "Tell us about your family - describe each one, and tell us something each has taught you."

BECKY: "About my family: My three sibling brothers taught me it’s not cool to tattle, and even thought we had great times together, I always wished I had had a sister.

My children: Sean, 33, my beautiful “Gerber” baby taught me the absolute joy of a first baby after 9 miscarriages; he is strong, resilient and resourceful. When he was six months old, I was in a horseback riding accident, and had to have a complex surgery which put me in the hospital for a few days. It was so hard being away from him and I was still nursing; on top of that, they put me in the youth ward (imagine, a 26 year old mother!) so my twelve year old roommate got an early education on nursing babies! When I was finally released, Sean stayed curled up next to me on the bed for hours and wouldn’t move a muscle, so content and so careful not to bump me. Sara, 32, is a wise, old soul; I knew that the minute she was born and looked me straight in the eyes with such a knowing. She is a sweet and caring person, and a great mother. She listens with her heart and never makes a judgment, and gives me great counsel. She is always doing for others and not enough for herself. Summer, 30, has four children, and is immensely savvy and perceptive like her dad; she also helps me put things in perspective, makes me laugh, and we have shared many a life experience. Both my girls are my soul sisters. Spencer, 28, is the gift that keeps on giving, gentle, caring, utterly honest and reliable and attuned to others’ needs, he is both loving and kind. There isn’t a day that goes by that he hasn’t served me and made me feel appreciated. He is a joy to be around. Shane, 18, was our family’s love child, and a miracle baby after two more miscarriages; he is how I celebrated turning forty! He has taught me so much. Because of him, I am more patient, more honest and more empathetic; I laugh more and cry more and feel more alive. He may be my greatest teacher yet. He has a zest for life, a tender heart, and a forgiving nature. My husband, Howard is my rock, my prince and my eternal partner. Ever ready to explore and enjoy life, he has taught me to savor the moment, and if possible, capture it on film!"

Thanks for joining us as we introduce Becky! As always, each day this week we'll post 2 questions and answers for the interview we Becky. Please return each day to learn more about this Incredible woman!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-06-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

This blog is UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Check back tomorrow to meet Becky Rainer!

Summer Break

2010-06-14T06:54:00.001-07:00

This week I'm taking a summer break. I hope your summer vacation is going great!

If you want to take a few minutes each day to read about an Incredible Woman - check out the Past Incredible Women on the left sidebar. I've loved interviewing every one of those women - I'm sure you'll love learning about them.

See you next week!

Incredible Woman #42 - Kristi from Visible Voice. One Wish, and Beauty Secrets...

2010-06-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "If you could fulfill one wish, what would it be?"

KRISTI: "Obviously, I would have starred in High School Musical while still in High School. Don’t think I’m kidding – I’m being for real. I’ve dreamt since I was five of being a singer/dancer/movie star and really HSM is all that wrapped up into one! ;) But besides that wish, I think the thing I wish for the most is to become healthier, happier and better each day or year that I get older. I’m heading into my 30’s in less then two weeks and all I want for this decade is to feel great! I want to be the best I can for me, but I want to be the best I can for my husband and my kid(s)."

KARA: "What are your beauty secrets? How do you stay healthy and happy?"

KRISTI: "I do have a few beauty must do’s that I try to live by, though I am no expert by far! And these go hand in hand with helping me feel as healthy and happy as I can.

*I only wash my hair twice a week. It may sound gross, but it keeps it from drying out and breaking. On top of that I use a leave in conditioner. Right now I have Redken Color Extend Total Recharge. It feels like butter for the hair. And no, my hair doesn't get greasy.

*Olive oil is so good for you. And it’s good for your skin. I’ve even washed my face with it. My fave thing to do with it is put it in the tub and you come out with your skin just feeling moist, soft and hydrated. This is also good for the kiddos too.

*I drink tons of water. Water is pretty much the only thing I drink. It’s so super good for you and I can tell the days that I’ve not had enough. And with that said, I don’t drink pop. Hardly ever. In fact the only time I have pop is at a friends house and then, after that, I’m ready to give it up. Pop is just not good for you.

*I put my make up on and get “ready” every day. It’s super easy when you’re home all day to just not try. But I think it’s good for your soul and your emotional well being to put a few minutes into yourself daily.

*When I can muster up the energy (remember, weird health issues) I love to go for walks. Especially outside walks. Take in the scenery, the air, and clear my mind while helping me get some exercise. I try to do this 3 days a week if I can fit it in my crazy schedule. I find it’s way easier now with the weather warm and it being stroller season.

*I pray. I pray a lot. This may sound like a weird beauty secret, but to ponder and pray and have a bit of stillness and quiet refreshes you.

*LAST – I nap when I need to. I’m a Mom of a small child, who is pregnant. If I can catch extra Zzzz’s I take them. I'm a way better person for it."

WOW! What great healthy advice. I can't say enough how much I've enjoyed this week with Kristi. It has been a pleasure interviewing her, and getting to know her. I hope you've enjoyed it as well. Thanks SO MUCH, Kristi! Kristi's entire interview will be on the blog all day Saturday and Sunday. So, if you missed the chance to check the blog each day this week, you can catch up on Saturday.

I have to admit, for the first time in a long time, I've got no one to interview for next week. I've sent several emails out, but no one has written back. Summer is a super busy time - maybe everyone it on vacation! ;-) So, I'm not sure if we'll have an interview - we might just be taking a break. BUT... please check back on Monday anyway. I might just be able to surprise you with another Incredible Woman! Have a great weekend everyone.

Incredible Woman #42 - Kristi from Visible Voice. Lessons From An Isolated Community, and About Kristi's Blog

2010-06-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What are 3 things you have learned from living in an isolated community? What do you do to keep yourself busy - besides being a wife and a mom, housework, etc.?"

KRISTI: "Well I for sure have learned a lot about food storage!! And I want to definitely keep that up especially once food and things like that become cheaper for me. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things in life that we take for granted. Being able to walk to a park, go to church on Sunday, take a visit to the library, and having friends for my son to play with. Never take for granted the resources you have. I’ve been tired and not feeling good for most of my life and after having two years of not being near doctors and other specialists that could maybe finally help me – I realized that I took for granted all those years that they were always at my finger tips. And I've learned to be true to who I am. Always.

I definitely keep busy up here. I actually work part time at my husbands work. And since there is no childcare here I work opposite him. We often play “tag you’re it” when he walks in the door and I walk out. But when we have days off together we try to take advantage of some of the perks of living here. We have full access to four wheelers & boats and we love to make good use of them. We also have bonfires with our neighbors and often that includes lots of yummy food."

KARA: "I love your blog! Why did you start a blog? Tell us about your guest bloggers. What things do you blog about?"

KRISTI: "Yay! I’m so glad you love my blog! That’s a wonderful complement.

I started my blog back in the day as a family blog because a friend of mine convinced me to. I never thought I’d use it. I think my first entry even says something like…"we’ll see how well I do with this thing". But as time went on it started to evolve into more of a creative outlet as well as a way for all of our loved ones to keep up with us as we move around. And I've made so many friends through this. It's amazing to me. It's kept me sane and kept me from being alone. You'll often see me beg for comments because I so love and need to hear from the outside world. I really hope to do big things with it someday. It truly is a passionate hobby of mine.

On my blog I have what’s called a PEEK series. I got the idea one day when driving around Winnipeg on one of our trips out. I’ve always loved peeking into peoples windows as we drive by and seeing them in their home and always wonder about their life, and why they like what they like and do what they do. And then I realized that that is exactly why I love blogging - or rather blog stalking ha ha ha! I love seeing how normal people live and love hearing about their lives. So I came up with the PEEK series so that my readers and myself could take a PEEK into something in their life. I’ve had people show their craft rooms, inside their favorite candy store, their kitchens, right into their bathrooms. Doing the PEEKS is also a great way for people to get their blog out there if they are looking to connect and find new followers or blogging friends. It’s been super fun to do. I have slowed down in the last little while as we have had a lot going on but I have some PEEK’ers lined up for this summer so you’ll have to stay tuned.

As far as things I blog about....I really blog about anything and nothing all the junk in between. I blog about my family life, things that I love, and random thoughts. Sometimes I host giveaways for people to promote their business or blog. Often this goes hand in had with my PEEKS. I usually try to make things light and funny but I also try to be myself as much as possible and sometimes that means you’ll get a post about things that may be bugging me. I just try super hard to be myself and maybe even say things that people normally wouldn’t be willing to say. And I always make sure to only blog when I want to. There was a time where I was posting stuff just to post and it wasn’t fun or who I was and so I really make it priority to do it all just for me."

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the last day of Kristi's interview. She'll tell us what wish she'd love to have fulfilled, and all about her beauty secrets! Oh, man, I'm so excited - she's beautiful!

Incredible Woman #42 - Kristi from Visible Voice. Trials and Love Story...

2010-06-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Tell us about your trials and how faith has played a role in those challenging times."

KRISTI: "Oh my. Well I don’t count my trials any greater than others. In a way we’ve been so blessed. Most of my trials from this experience have been pretty internal. I mean being isolated is definitely isolating. I remember one time last year I was starting to feel like I was going a bit nutty and feeling like I just wasn’t myself. I realized I hadn’t left the house for two weeks straight. Not even stepped outside onto my doorstep. I hadn’t seen anyone but my son and my husband. And I realized how lonely I felt. It’s been hard to live so far away from family, from friends, from my church community and just people. But like I said my trials have been internal. My mind really works against me when I have too much time to myself. But I soon learned that God knows where I am as long as I call on Him. That it doesn’t matter where I go, He finds me. That the small miracles of a phone call from a friend or an emergency root canal where we got to finally take our first trip out are Him helping me and healing me. (Yes my root canal healed me –in more ways then one!). I’ve also realized just how important it is to be who I am. That life is too short to be anybody else. That holding strong to what I believe in is what has carried our whole family through this journey. Some of our beliefs and standards have left us a bit of an outcast. And to be honest it would have been really easy to throw in the towel and say, I’ve got nothing or nobody - I can’t fight this anymore. But at the end of the day I know that to be true to myself, to my faith, and to my Heavenly Father, I had to hold on to what I know and feel is right. God can find you anywhere. And He’ll be for you anywhere. We've been really blessed to have the knowledge that we do."

KARA: "Tell us your love story. How do you keep your marriage happy?"

I remember seeing him. His feet dangled over the edge of the chair. And when he folded his arms they were sorta chubby and they didn’t quite fold together right. This is the earliest memory I have of my now husband. We were about four or five. You see, we’ve always known each other. Since we were babies. We grew up together in church. But never really “knew” each other. He was always the nice guy that I never really took notice of. He was just there. He was Matthew, as I always called him. It wasn’t until later in life that he noticed me and for the first time in MY life he began his silent chase after me. No one has ever chased after me to be with them. People often teased me that he liked me but I just thought whatever and "ew weird" I’ve known him my whole life. But as the next couple of years went by (and a mission with letters back and forth) a friendship started forming. Until one day he told me how he felt. 8 months later, and after me telling him NO twice, he asked me a third time “will we only be friends forever?” to which I responded (with a smile that was saying more) that yes, I think we would always be friends forever. And now I’m married to him. And he’s still my bestest, closest friend. And he’ll stay that way forever.

I believe in all honesty that what keeps our marriage happy is my husband. He once learned “Happy wife, happy life” and for sure he keeps that at the front of his mind at all times - ha ha ha ha! But in all seriousness the things that keep our marriage happy is that we stay friends with each other. We stick to each others side and we try to remember that we’re first married and then we are parents. Not in a selfish, neglectful way, but in the way that we know that long after our kids are grown and gone, we’ll still have to have something to talk about and love each other for, if we want to have a fun and happy eternity. We also try to laugh a lot. With one another and at one another. We don’t get date nights where we can go out anywhere. I mean where would we go up here anyway???? And since we don’t live near family and we’re a bit shy to bug new friends we make along the way, our date nights are spent at home after our son has gone to bed. This may be the case for lots of readers out there. We make sure that even if it’s always just movie and snacks that we do that grown up time together. And we talk. This he doesn’t have much of an option for. Because I love and NEED to talk. And since he lives by “Happy wife, happy life” our communication skills are pretty darn good! And again, he’s my friend. And with his job moving us around as it has, he really is my constant and stability. And I am his. It works. And it works because we want it to."

I'm really enjoying this interview - I hope you've learn some things so far from Kristi. Don't forget to check out her website (see the sidebar). If you like what we do here at Incredible Women, please become a follower - and comment! We love comments. Please come back tomorrow for two more questions in our interview with Kristi.

Incredible Woman #42 - Kristi from Visible Voice. Home and Shopping...

2010-06-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Describe your home - what took you and your family to Northern, Manitoba?"

KRISTI: "My current town is a Native Indian Reserve. We take a fairly small plane to get here and it seems farther out then it probably really is. (Though to me it seems like there sure is a lot of trees down there when I’m on the flight coming here!) You can only get here by plane OR in the winter time you can drive on the winter road which is only when the ice freezes enough to drive on it. I myself have not taken that long long trek. It is very different here then where I’m from. I grew up in Bridgewater Nova Scotia but spent almost ten years prior to moving to Manitoba, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. So it may be safe to say that I’m a city girl.

The scenery here is beautiful with gorgeous sunsets and we even can see the Northern Lights here.

Here there is only one small store.

There are no malls, movie theatres, cafés or restaurants. There’s no parks, museums or public libraries. There is next to nothing. My church is also not here, something that is a huge part of my life. (We actually do a little church from home, in our living room) The closest these things are available is a 1 hour plane ride.

My house sits in the middle of a compound with my husband's other co-workers and their spouses. Here you can see (sort of in the middle) an aerial shot of our compound. It’s the cluster of houses close to the water.

We don’t live right on the reserve. In that photo above is an island.

Just as we moved here two years ago they were finishing up this bridge.

Before this bridge was here the only way to get to the island was by boat, barge (with your car or four wheeler) or in the winter you could drive your skidoo’s or four wheelers across the lake when the water was frozen! People still use that as a way to get around. But now they have the bridge as well, which makes life so much easier up here, because everyone needs to get to the island at some point or another as this is where the store is and also where the airport is. We are VERY lucky to have this bridge.

We are here for just two years (which will be up this summer) for my husband’s work. He works for the Federal Government. Like I said there are gorgeous views, a small population and a life that is very different then what I’m used to. But we have a lot of fun here on our compound with many potlucks, stories and get togethers.

I say as respectfully as I can to my community, that the area is quite run down. Many have broken windows and doors and sometimes with spray paint on the siding. Many don’t have plumbing and their homes aren’t big enough to fit their whole family. Here you’ll see one of the worst houses…so not all are this bad but many are needing to be fixed up sorta like this.

We pray for this community to get some great leadership in the future in hopes of helping them to thrive. There are many things and people we’ll look back on fondly. That being said I’m ready to move on to a new adventure."

KARA: "I want to know about how you grocery shop! (do you really have to order off the internet or fly into Winnipeg, Manitoba to go shopping?!)"

KRISTI: "I really do shop on the Internet for groceries! Or yes - if we go to Winnipeg we tend to stock up! It’s a little bit of a process but I’m so glad for it. Just this past year Canada Post set up a program to send food to these areas at a cheaper price. Normal shipping price is about $1.49/lb. With this program it’s about $0.33/lb. That makes a BIG difference. We order through the Safeway Food Mail program. This allows me to fill out a form online and even type some specifics as to what I want. Then they get my order, fill it, and ship it up to me via airplane. This has been a lifesaver for me this year because last year we had a friend shop for us and I just hated to burden someone with that. AND it was expensive.

We do have our little store as well, which I spoke about before. It has anything from fresh (ish) produce to living room furniture. However it’s quite pricey (a gallon of milk is $11.00 and a bag of chips can run you up to $7.00), you can’t always get what you want or need and often times it’s expired. So we do the food mail to get our bigger items and have fresher food. We do buy our milk, eggs and bread at our little store most often. And if we are running low on food and waiting on a food mail order (it usually takes five days to get my food mail order) we just go ahead and do a grocery shop of what we need. Cereal, treats, yogurt, etc… I do however do ALL of my other shopping online…toiletries, laundry soap, clothes, toys, movies, books, etc…all online. Yes it is all more expensive but one day it just hit me – “Kristi – you must embrace living in isolation.” And since that moment I let go and just realized that we need what we need and paying the price is worth it and stressing about how “cheaper it is normally” isn’t worth it.

It will for sure be nice to be able to go to the store myself again. To be able to check out all the options and think of new ideas. Right now I just go from memory as to some things you can get. BUT I have a feeling when I’m at home with two small children I’ll be missing my food mail program where someone else goes up and down those isles for me…hee hee! So for now – I love me some food mail ordering :)

Come back tomorrow and we'll talk to Kristi about faith, trials, and her love story. Can't wait!

Incredible Woman #42 - Kristi, from Visible Voice. Self and Family

2010-06-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to introduce a blogger to you this week. Her name is Kristi, and she blogs over at Visible Voice. Kristi was nominated by one of our wonderful readers. I'm excited to get to know Kristi - hope you enjoy the week. As always, I'll post 2 questions and answers from the interview each day this week, so make sure you check back each day to learn more about this Incredible Woman. And don't forget to visit her blog - click on the link on the right hand column.

KARA: "Describe yourself. What makes you an incredible woman?"

KRISTI: "Thanks so much for having me Kara. I’m humbly honored.

As far as describing who I am. I love to joke around. But I can be a sensitive gal. Though I don’t count that as always a bad thing. I am a huge dreamer and dream just like I did as a kid….with endless possibilities. Or at least I try to. I’m loving being a Mom to my 2 ½ year old son (with another on the way) and wife to my bestest buddy in the world, and all things that go along with running a home. Well most of the time ;)

I actually don’t have a ton of hobbies (though there are many MANY things on my bucket list to try someday)

I’m really big into all things journaling. I have one that’s a “no boundaries” one where I can let it ALL out. One for my cute kid. And one for my husband and I. I recently started doing Art Journaling, which I find to be such a fantastic artistic outlet while still capturing some of my own personal history (you can see what pages I've done on my blog). And of course blogging is another form of journaling for me. I love me some blogging!

I love to read. I always have a book on the go. I read every night before I go to sleep. I think it’s soo good for my imagination, for my brain, and as a way to escape into another world.

I dabble a bit in photography but mostly just to have some great shots of the family and something attractive to tell stories with on my blog.

I took Multimedia Graphic Design in school and I still love to play around with stuff on the computer and am just starting to do more of that. Who knows…maybe someday I’ll create the coolest Kleenex box one has ever seen ;)

On my to do list is to learn more than the three songs I know on guitar; try silk art; finally figure out a cool way to do photo transfers on canvas, and I really want to learn to knit and sew better. And so so much more.

I love to talk and I love to help. It drives me nuts to not be helpful or be able to share information or tips or have anyone share them with me.

I absolutely dislike when people make fun of other people for what they like to do, watch, or believe. Cliques amongst people also make me sad. And as much as I’ve tried to like tomatoes – I just can’t do it. I really really tried.

KARA: "Tell us about your family. Describe each one - what is a lesson you've learned from each one?"

KRISTI: "I have a pretty big family. Lots of siblings (six with blood that we share and two step) and of all different ages that range from 15-40+. I also have four parents. It is them that I’ll focus on today.

My Mom – My mom has taught me to be a fighter. For most of my life my mom has not been well. She’s had many set backs and surgeries, one which almost took her life. My mom told me what kept her alive all these years was us kids. And even though sometimes she would have liked to give up – she knew we needed her. I don’t have the best health (lots of allergies and fatigue) and she’s taught me that I need to not only fight through it but overcome it. And with that fighting attitude she also passed on to me her feisty-ness. I don’t often get too feisty – but if it’s something I’m passionate about you can bet it’ll come out in me. I get that from my mama.

My Dad – My dad never waivers in his faith. He has always been consistent. He has always been true. And he will always stand up for what he believes in. He also has given me my sense of humor. And I know when I’m a grandmother I’ll be telling all of my lame jokes over and over again – just like he does – and it’ll be super funny just like it’s still funny when he tells the same jokes. I love it.

My Step-Mom - My step-mom and I have always had the arts in common. Music, dance etc… But most importantly she’s the one that would take me to the salon and get my hair done all fun and fabulous, and she taught me how to wear eyeliner. The eyeliner was LIFE. CHANGING.

My Step-Dad – My step-dad is about 587 years old but gets around like he’s in his 20’s. He’s a grumpy “scary” old man, who is SUCH a softy and is a sucker for getting his step-daughter a chocolate bar. Man I could always talk him into going to the store to get me a Mr. Big. Oh those were the good days. He always has a great story and more often then not is on my side even if he doesn’t want to admit it.

I think from all of them I take the best qualities. I live from their example and I listen to their mistakes that they don’t want me to repeat. You think that with that many parents that I would have been grounded all the time. But I wasn’t. That’s what happens when you’re the favorite ;)

Join us tomorrow when we'll find out about Kristi's home, and about how she has to shop for groceries! Hint: internet

Incredible Woman #41 - Vicki Dalia. Inspiration and Beauty Secrets

2010-06-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What inspires you?"

VICKI: "What inspires me are songs and books about other real life people who have devoted their life to the Lord."

KARA: "We’d love to hear about your beauty secrets! How do you take care of yourself? What do you do to stay healthy and happy?"

VICKI: "My beauty secrets. That makes me laugh. I pay attention to what I eat and almost never eat processed foods. I drink goat's milk and raise most of my own food including the meat which we eat sparingly. I exercise everyday and use coconut oil for my lotion."

Thanks to Vicki for the interview this week. It was fun getting to know her. I greatly admire her for the work she does with the children of Guatemala. Vicki's interview will be up through Sunday. We'll be under construction at that point, so that we can bring you another Incredible Woman on Monday! Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #41 - Vicki Dalia. Goals and Guilty Pleasure

2010-06-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What are some of your short-term and long-term goals? What is the most important thing you’d like to accomplish in this life?"

VICKI: "Short term goals are to finance a director's house in Guatemala so my family can live down there more of the year as well as other families that wish to help. Also to get all my children through school and on missions. Long term is to help all my family members get to Celestial Glory. To have the energy to keep up with my Heavenly Father's plans for Guatemala."

KARA: "What is your guilty pleasure? If you had a full day to do anything for yourself, what would it be?"

VICKI: "A full day for me would include a massage at a spa that had delightful meals with no calories esp. the chocolate desserts. There would be great music playing the whole day and I would get to be the vocalist for the bands as long as I lasted."

If you haven't checked out Vicki's blog about the Guatemala orphanage she runs (Casa de Sion), please do. There was an earthquake recently and the orphanage was damaged. Plus, many people were hurt, and lost their homes. It doesn't take much to finance building another house for them - only $40. Yes, that's right - $40! You would be surprised how much you can help with a small donation. Please return tomorrow, and we'll wrap up the interview with Vicki - we'll find out what inspires her, and also learn her beauty secrets. Thanks for stopping by.

Incredible Woman #41 - Vicki Dalia. Marriage Success and Humanitarian Aid.

2010-06-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What kinds of things do you do to maintain a good relationship with your husband? How do you work on having a successful marriage?"

VICKI: "Marriage. A lot of hard work and compromise, but it sure beats loneliness. Our lives are so full with all the kids, and the projects in Guatemala that we spend a lot of time working on compromises and working together. We take 2 days off each month to have time to talk through issues and reconnect with each other romantically and on a fun level. We have been married for 33 years, so something is working."

KARA: "Tell us about the orphanage you’ve opened in Guatemala."

VICKI: "Our orphanage in Guatemala is temporarily closed. Instead, we are putting our energy into community children. We have 17 acres and several buildings among 1.5 million Mayans, so we will never run out of things to do there. The people are desperately poor and suffer from malnutrition and all manner of diseases. We do lunch and tutorial programs for elementary children. We do feeding programs for infants and toddlers. We have child development and prenatal classes after which we feed 50 mamas and 100 children. We have a clinic and a birthing room where the midwives can come with the laboring mothers and they can give birth in a clean environment. We have student sponsorships and child sponsorships and family sponsorships. We build homes for needy families. And that is just the beginning. We love volunteers and donors. My email is 20.vicki@gmail.com. Here is our blogspot. http://www.casadesion.blogspot.com and facebook. http://www.facebook.com/casadesion.

I'm really proud to have helped Vicki with the feeding program through Four of Hearts - the foundation I belong to. We just sent some money - enough to hopefully feed the kids for several months. It's such a pleasure to help such a worthy cause. Our interview continues tomorrow... Vicki's short-term and long-term goals, and her guilty pleasure! Can't wait!

Incredible Woman #41 - Vicki Dalia. Trials and Adopting Children

2010-06-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Can you tell us about some of your trials and how you were able to deal with those trials? How have those trials helped you become a better person?"

VICKI: "My biggest trial was my childhood. My father had me involved in child prostitution and pornography. He and his buddies were sexually, physically, emotionally and spiritually abusive. Because of it, I have serious Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have done therapies of all kinds for the last 25 years. The principles of the Gospel have helped me tremendously. As has the strength of family and service to others. Trying to help other children at risk is my life long passion."

KARA: "What made you decide to adopt children? What are the challenges and blessings of having adopted kids?"

VICKI: "My passion for children was the reason I decided to adopt. I love children and was old enough where I did not think I could have more through birth. (I was wrong, as Scotia came when I was 45). So we started adopting. There was and still is much need for families who would take black children. Three of our adopted children are black, four are bi-racial and one is Hispanic. and has Downs Syndrome. The challenges and blessings seem about the same to me as those of having birth children. Some days are good and others are pieces of crap."

Join us tomorrow, when we'll ask Vicki about marriage, and about her orphanage in Guatemala.

Incredible Woman #41 - Vicki Dalia. Self and Family...

2010-05-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to be able to introduce Vicki Dalia this week. She was nominated by one of our readers. She runs an orphanage in Guatemala and is an amazing person. I hope you'll enjoy the interview and getting to know Vicki this week.

KARA: "Tell us about yourself. What makes you an incredible woman?"

VICKI: "My name is Victoria Louise Dalia. I am 61. My hobbies besides family and our projects in Guatemala are music, gardening, sewing and the Gospel. It is hard to think of myself as an incredible woman, so I don't know what to say."

KARA: "You’ve got lots of kids... Describe each of them and tell us one special thing about each one. Also, how is having grandkids different from having your own kids?"

VICKI: KIDS
Matthew-42-very easygoing and fun to get along with
Jenn-33- a great mom
Sarah-32-a great business woman
Erin-30-an innovative mom
Joey-28-a diligent worker
Flossie-26-loves her family
Bryan-24-great athlete
Bethany-22-great missionary
Hannah-19-my hippy child
Johnny-17-the football hero
Heather-16-the teen princess
Scotia-15-great student
Caleb-14-the leader of the pack
Seth-12-the dancing king
Emmie-10-leader of the barbie club
Alisa-10-loves to cook
Tony-8-Mr. Smarts
Gabby-5-the baby princess

Kids and grandkids are different in that you have no control with grandkids. Your kids are going to raise them the way they see fit, but you can give the the grandkids back or never take them at all if you so decide. I have 18 grandchildren under 6 as of May 22, 2010!

If you are new to our blog, here's how it works... Each day we'll post 2 questions and answers from the interview with Vicki. Come back each day to learn lots about this incredible woman!

Incredible Woman #40 - Amy Oakeson. Friday's Question.

2010-05-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What are your top 10 favorite things?

AMY:
1- My daughter & husband – seeing them accomplish something new.
2- huge & awesome extended family, good friends
3- snowboarding
4- cracking up with my HILARIOUS siblings
5- growing a veggie garden
6- getting some exercise
7- chocolate anything
8- Zoning out in front of the TV – I’m a junkie – Modern Family, Office, Parks & Rec
9- music … just about all kinds
10- Bear Lake in July/August

KARA: "Tell us your beauty secrets. What helps you stay healthy and happy?"

AMY: "That’s funny because I’m pretty low maintenance. I try to get as much exercise as I can and make it a point to put on at least a little make-up each day.

But I do love my pedicures! I definitely take care of my feet. If my toes look good, everything feels right in the world."

Thanks to Amy this week for a wonderful interview. Amy was nominated by my sister, Kris, who is on the board (with me) of the Four of Hearts Foundation - a non-profit organization that helps feed and clothe little children in Guatemala. We are the charity that is involved with Amy's business - Just Between Friends. I got to meet Amy this year at the Spring sales, and help out a little bit. It was so much fun, and of course it was great getting to know another incredible woman a bit more. I've learned a TON from Amy this week - hopefully it was an enjoyable interview for you to read.

Amy's full 5-day interview will be up on the blog all day Saturday and Sunday. Sunday night - like always - the blog will be UNDER CONSTRUCTION while we get ready to bring you another Incredible Woman. Have a great weekend!

Incredible Woman #40 - Amy Oakeson. Thursday's Question.

2010-05-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Your husband described you as "compassionate and caring". What kinds of things do you do to show compassion to others? How does this enrich your own life?"

AMY: "Seriously? Wow. Surprising because I have struggled with this my entire adult life. I’m not very openly emotional with most people. In fact, I’ve even been told I can be a pretty tough cookie. I’m really working on doing better with this. I feel very deeply for others, but struggle to express it. Because I’m not great with expressing my feelings, I tend to be a woman of action. I’m better with concrete things like that... a person has a specific need, so I fill it the best I can. I certainly won’t be the first person to give a big hug or write an emotional letter. But if a friend needs help with her kids, I’m on it. Or someone has a financial issue, I’ll give everything I can. I have to give credit to my husband’s family, particularly his parents, for showing us the value of actively serving others. We’ve had many opportunities to serve together as a family and it’s been a powerful learning experience for me. I cannot describe the joy in doing something for someone that they cannot do for themselves. I came to appreciate this even more after having my daughter. It was a particularly difficult thing physically and there was a lot that I simply could not do. I had so many wonderful friends and family members help with the simplest things and it made all the difference in the world to me! I feel a little selfish sometimes in helping people actually, because I get so much out of it for myself. I guess that’s just the beauty of it, right?"

KARA: "Your husband also told us that you were a cheerleader in high school and college! (Aren't husbands just so wonderful!) I've had several friends who have been cheerleaders... how do you think being involved in this type of activity at a young age helped you prepare for later life?"

AMY: "Gee, my husband is super wonderful … (insert sarcasm) not at all embarrassing.

Cheerleading paid for college, which was awesome because I’m frugal! So that was great. It also taught me discipline. You can’t get up before dawn every morning and have so many time commitments for years and not learn to be a little bit responsible!"

Tomorrow is our last day with Amy. I'm anxious to find out her Top 10 favorite things - and, of course, her beauty secrets. I bet you are too. Come back tomorrow to enjoy the end of our interview.

Incredible Woman #40 - Amy Oakeson. Wednesday's Question.

2010-05-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You are a stay-at-home mom in addition to your consignment business. Tell us what you enjoy most about staying at home. Was it hard to go from full-time outside work to full-time at home work?"

AMY: "To be honest, I had a tremendously difficult time transitioning from the role of more-than-full-time breadwinner to mostly-stay-at-home-mommy. I had my sweet baby a little later in life – by Utah standards – at the ripe old age of 30. I’d been in the workforce full-time since I was 18. I had financially supported my husband while he completed his education and then as he built his business from scratch. I was good at what I did and I enjoyed working. I felt active, powerful and in control. I was firmly entrenched in that role and the change was rough … okay, disastrous for my fragile ego. Everything that I felt had defined me was gone, and here I was in a new role I didn’t feel I could fulfill. It was overwhelming and the perfect recipe for a fierce depression that became one of the greatest struggles of my life.

After awhile, I decided to get through the transition the only way I knew how … I got to work! But I had to re-think it to fit my new life because I wanted to be home with my daughter as much as I could. Work for me became time in the gym, becoming a distance runner, and taking on some new challenges on a snowboard. I had the opportunity to run in multiple races since Hailey was born, including the Salt Lake 10-miler, Half Marathon and the Ragnar Wasatch Back! Before training for these, I had never run farther than about a mile without walking or stopping. I truly felt blessed to have those opportunities come to me. In the many hours I struggled along roads, trails and mountaintops around our beautiful state, I learned some powerful lessons about life and about myself.

I’m still fairly new at being a mom and being at home so much. And I still struggle often with feelings of sadness and difficulties with this transition. But I have learned that I am so much more than just my ability to make money for my family or what I am professionally. I learned that I can and will do whatever I train myself to do. I’ve learned that each of us have tremendous value for no other reason than that we are people, children of a loving Heavenly Father. I’m glad I struggled so much with the transition to “mommy.” I truly wouldn’t have it any other way."

KARA: "I've always thought I'd like to own rental properties someday. Tell us a little bit more about that. What are the challenges and blessings of this type of work?"

AMY: "Since I talked about this a little in the other question, I’ll give you the Cliffs notes version...

Challenges — work, work and more work! When our other young married friends were out playing, we were working to improve our little properties. We sacrificed financially for the sake of the properties, too. I’m sure our life in the short-term would have been more comfortable without the properties. It took some time to get them “in the black.” And to most couples, a fabulous vacation would have been more enjoyable than a down payment on a tri-plex!

Blessings – It’s no secret that our generation doesn’t have tremendous faith in the government or the stock market. I feel a lot more comfortable having a little more control over our investments and retirement vehicle. It feels nice to have something tangible. Our goal was to create enough cash flow each month from our properties to pay for our personal mortgage. When we reached that goal as a couple, it was bliss! Accomplishing something as a team feels amazing and we get a little of that every month that the properties turn a profit. It’s also great to see young families move on from our apartments and purchase their first home. It’s exciting! And it has made us stronger together."

I'm learning so much from Amy this week! Come back tomorrow to find out what two words Amy's husband used to describe her...

Incredible Woman #40 - Amy Oakeson. Tuesday's Question.

2010-05-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "You own your own business. Tell us about what you do. Why did you choose this particular business? Tell us some of the ups and downs of this business. What is your favorite thing about it?"

AMY: "I own the Utah franchises of Just Between Friends. JBF is the nation’s leading children’s and maternity consignment sales event. We hold sales events twice per year (Spring & Fall) in Davis County and Utah County. We provide a venue for families to sell their outgrown, gently-used children’s items and put some money back in their pockets. They tag their items & bring them in. Then we sell them at a 3 day event, and pay the consignors 65%-75% of the sold items’ prices. It’s also an opportunity for families in the community to purchase items for their children at drastically reduced prices … usually 70-90% off retail. We get everything from clothing to books, games, toys, sporting goods … it’s awesome!

There are certainly a lot of ups and downs in this business. There is so much work going on “behind the scenes” to make a sale successful and it requires significant energy and financial investment -- I’m sure more than most people realize. And every sale is an exercise in faith. You just don’t know if it will be successful until it’s all said and done. But the ups far outweigh the downs. Seeing what a blessing the sale is to the families in the community gives me so much joy! I love writing big checks to consignors after the sale, and putting money back into the pockets of local families! And I love seeing families of all ages, sizes and situations saving money and stretching their budget so they can do more for their kids. And of course, being able to make a significant contribution to our partner charity – The Four of Hearts Foundation – feels wonderful!"

KARA: "How did you and your husband meet? Tell us your love story! How do you keep your marriage fun and exciting?"

AMY: "We worked together and we were great friends. Not the most romantic love story, really. But I already told you I’m not super girly – no mushy stuff for me! We were just great friends at first and, lucky for me, it turned into a whole lot more. We dated about a year before getting married in 1999.

I think our marriage stays fun and exciting because of a few things: what we have in common, what we don’t have in common, and good ol’ fashioned hard work!

We have a shared love for real estate and investing, so naturally we worked together in the area of investment properties. We started a rental properties business in 2000 and have been growing it ever since. It was such a sacrifice of time, money and effort. But we did it together and it felt amazing to build something as a team. Aaron found his passion through that endeavor and began managing property and finding investment property for others as his career. Today, we’re both licensed realtors / property managers but work in very different spheres and focus on totally different things. But our roles complement each other and, I think, come together to make a successful business as a whole.

It doesn’t sound like the most romantic thing, but spending time apart pursuing separate passions has helped our marriage stay fun too. Aaron is totally in love with his two sports: basketball and golf. He plays basketball anywhere from 5-7 times per week! And he golfs just as must as possible. I really try to accommodate his hobbies because it’s been great for our relationship. And he’s great to make sure I get to work out and snowboard as much as I’d like, which is a lot! I swear I’d spend every winter day on a mountain if I could! Because we work together, and we’re together probably more than most couples, time apart helps keep us interesting to one another.

Probably the most defining characteristic of our marriage has been WORK. We make a point to work together and serve others together every chance we get. We are the happiest when we are working together to achieve a common goal. It doesn’t even matter what the task is. It has been anything and everything from buying our first rental property to roofing on an August day to getting out of debt. And now, raising our family. We even have a little family cheer … Teeeeeaaaam Oakeson!"

Come back tomorrow, when Amy will answer questions about being a stay-at-home mom (kind of), and a little bit more about the rental business.

Incredible Woman #40 - Amy Oakeson. Monday's Question.

2010-05-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week I'll be interviewing Amy Oakeson - nominated by one of our readers. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Amy this last month or so. Amy owns a consignment business that sells children's clothing, toys, and equipment. The foundation the I'm part of - Four of Hearts Foundation - was chosen by Amy as the charity for her business, Just Between Friends. We were lucky enough to get all of the "left-overs", the items that weren't sold at the end of the sale. Amy has been so gracious, and seems to really want to help us make a better life for the kids in Guatemala. It amazes me how generous she has been. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did...

KARA: "Describe yourself. What makes you an Incredible Woman?"

AMY: "I’m a practical girl, not particularly “girly.” It doesn’t take anything big to make me happy. I’m happiest being outside running, riding 4-wheelers or snowboarding. I’m also happy as can be wandering the Home Depot for hours dreaming up projects! Finding an amazing bargain also makes my day! Of course, spending time with my family is my most favorite thing in the world. We really can do anything together and have a great time. It helps that my hubby shares my passion for a good deal and endlessly “browsing” the hardware store. My husband and I both have fairly large families. So family activities are a big part of our free time too.

I surely don’t see myself as an incredible woman … just a girl doing what any wife and mother would. If it needs to get done, I make it happen the best I can. My mom taught me something that was passed down to her: “There’s no men’s work and there’s no women’s work. There’s just work. And its gotta’ get done.”"

KARA: "Tell us about your family. What is one word that would describe each member? Tell us one thing you love about each one."

AMY: "My husband Aaron: GENEROUS! I love that he is so giving with his time, money and talents. He really loves people and would do anything for anybody. He gives me wings. He is the reason for just about everything I’ve been able to accomplish over the last 11 years. He is calm, encouraging and supportive of all my endeavors. I’m quite aware of the fact that I “married up.”

My 2 1/2 year old Hailey: Spirited. She is a little spitfire! I love that she knows what she wants and goes after it intensely. There is absolutely no stopping that kid. It’s a struggle as a parent, but it’s a quality that I’ll truly value in her as she gets older and goes out into the world."

If you are new to the blog, this is how it works - each day for a full week, I'll post 2 questions/answers from Amy. So, please check back each day this week and follow the interview. And speaking of following... I'd love it if you became a follower of the blog! And if you'd like to nominated an incredible woman in your life, just give me a buzz at kara.incrediblewomen(at)gmail(dot)com. See you tomorrow.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-05-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

This blog is under construction tonight. Tomorrow we'll bring you an interview with Amy Oakeson - nominated by one of readers.

See you then!

Incredible Woman #39 - Dani Shields Platz. Friday's Question.

2010-05-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "What is one thing you've always wanted to do, but haven't had the chance to do yet? Do you think it will ever happen?"

DANI: "I have been blessed in that I have taken advantage of the many opportunities that have come my way. I have traveled all over the world, I have become a mom, have 2 great kids, my deaf son can hear (and laugh at me pass gas...such a happy mama moment) thanks to the cochlear implants he got a year ago, and thanks to all the people who contribute to his daily life and ongoing therapies, my son, that couldn't talk now can tell me no and question everything I say thanks to getting his tongue surgery..and ongoing therapy. I am happily married...thanks to ongoing therapy...just kidding!! I have my health (after a hysterectomy, 3 back surgeries and the gastric band..LOL) and very good friends, who keep me grounded and down to earth when my Dysfunctional Drama Queen Disorder plays up..LOL.

I tend to do as I please by habit, so I have done many of the things I have wanted to. One thing was I always wanted to do was to swim with dolphins, and recently on a trip to Gulf Shores, AL while in the ocean, three wild dolphins swam by....I tried to swim after them much to my husband's horror. I didn't catch them, but I was as excited as someone my size (18..Loud and proud peeps) should be without popping or having a heart attack. I would like to swim with dolphins up close still, and I think I will make that happen (whether the dolphins consent or not..LOL).

It has taken me almost 35 years to get here, but I think I am really blessed and pretty content. God is good...I think He enjoys playing practical jokes on me, but He is good!!" :)

KARA: "Tell us your beauty secrets. What helps you stay healthy and happy?"

DANI: "Beauty secrets? Tattooed eyeliner (one of the best 'time saving things' I have ever done for myself), Botox (my kids coincided with early menopause, giving me incredulous "What the heck?" lines on my forehead...like "What the heck are you doing/thinking/thinking of doing..etc", or "What the heck is happening to my body??..Can a hot flash really be THIS hot??"...you get the idea....LOL) and red wine (ok, I don't know if that makes me look any better, but it sure makes me feel better..hahaha).

Healthy? Ummm..... I don't know if I can advise anyone on that!! LOL I will say, that I am obsessed with my poops, well everyone's poops really !! I had a radical hysterectomy last October at 34 years old and I had a series of Facebook posts called the 'Bowel Chronicles". It is so not good to be constipated !! Special K has these sachets of 'Protein Water', you can get them in pink lemonade and strawberry/kiwi flavor...they have 5 grams of fiber as well as 5 grams of protein and are only 30 calories...I really recommend these with a multivitamin and calcium supplement a day.

At the end of the day we all know what is 'healthy' ..water,nutrition and exercise, and what isn't healthy.....drugs,smoking and over indulgence in just about anything, but take your health into your own hands. Listen to your body...you know yourself better than anyone...don't be afraid to get a second opinion !!

Happy? Having great faith in God, my husband, my friends and my own judgment!! Loving, laughing, and this was a difficult one for me due to how awful my adoption experience was - letting go of anger and hatred. When my youngest son's adoption was complete, and he came home with a host of disabilities and needs, I realized I couldn't be 'whole' to him and my family because part of me was still so bitter."

What a GREAT week! Really... there is no way to explain how I feel, meeting all of these wonderful women. And having such great readers and supporters for the blogs. I just love all you guys. And I loved getting to know Dani. My sister, Kristin Johnson (one of our previous Incredible Women) nominated Dani. She told me that I'd laugh at almost everything Dani said, and she was right. And there's nothing better than laughter for lifting your spirits, right? Thanks so much, Dani, for spending the week with us. I'm sure everyone learned something from you - I know I did.

This entire interview will be here on the blog through Sunday afternoon. We'll be under construction again Sunday night, and bring you a new Incredible Woman on Monday. Can't wait!!! Please join us then.

Incredible Woman #39 - Dani Shields Platz. Thursday's Question.

2010-05-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

KARA: "Do you (or have you previously) worked outside of the home? Describe your job. What did you most love about it?"

DANI: "I now stay home full time with my children, with the occasional plus size model gig through Colors Agency here in Memphis. I have been a 'fit' model for Catherine's (a plus size retailer), have been in print and Internet ads for State Farm, and walked the Macy's runway with the host of 'What Not To Wear',Clinton Kelly.(Although I did stop mid runway when he alluded I was not a 'delicate' flower :-P...cheeky!!)

I was the Membership Director for a local Memphis YMCA prior to becoming a full-time mother. I had about 6,000 members and about 20 staff members... my job involved everything from customer service, to fund raising, to handling people's membership fees and I loved it. I feel a connection I cannot explain with the YMCA Organization and their mission. It was the first thing I joined upon coming to Memphis and I have been part of the YMCA family ever since :) A lot of good friends have been made there and I learnt so much from my experience. I loved working with all the different people, hearing their stories and touching their lives. At times it was crazy and being the boss of people and having people be the boss of me had it's challenges, but I think it also brought out the best in me, and gave me the confidence to be who I am now. I will forever be remembered for quoting a potential member his joining and membership fee.. "$88" in my Irish accent, and for him thinking I was saying 'idiot', him getting more incredulous each time I said '$88" and me continuing to repeat to him and wondering what was going on until another staff member 'translated'...

Prior to that I also taught at a Montessori School with children 3 through Kindergarten. I enjoyed learning a new teaching style and learning from the kids. My favorite 'teaching' moment was one day in class and a wee girl asked what it said on my cup. I told her it said "Elvis" (a gift from my Elvis crazed mother). I asked her if she knew who Elvis was and she rolled her eyes at me and said "Well of course Mrs Platz, he helps Santa make the toys!!"...priceless

I have also owned my own special needs day care - Dani's Little Leprechauns - for the military community in Germany, taught drama and theater techniques to kids, and been a kid's entertainer, for which I won a 'Best Supporting Actress in a Musical' Army in Europe Tournament Of Plays award for being Beauty's ugly sister in Beauty and The Beast...Hahahaha, very hard to take yourself very seriously when you not only got nominated, but WON for being an ugly sister!!

Good times, great memories :-)

KARA: "You recently traveled to Ireland with your family, right? Tell us about your trip. Where else have you traveled? Where do you dream of going on vacation and what would you like to do there?"

DANI: "I was recently in Ireland as my Great A. Eileen was very sick (she since passed, a month shy of her 90th birthday), and although I would have loved her to meet my kids, the family were not with me. It was only 6 days long, but was a great time to see family and childhood friends.

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I took our first family vacation, and the kids' first time at the shore. We went to Gulf Shores, AL....it should have been a 7 hour drive, it took 10.5 hours for my hubby to drive and get lost, and like most family 'experiences', I think my nerves were shattered before it even begun. Traveling with a 49 year old, an almost 3 year old and 3 1/2 year old will do that I think. The boys loved the beach... naturally one loved the sand, the other loved the sea.... both loved making a mess and running wild in the beautiful condo we stayed in that wasn't childproof. I came home from that vacation and needed serious 'alone' time. I swear they nearly broke my botox (*see my beauty comments on Friday...LOL).

I have lived in Germany, England, Ireland, New York, New Jersey, back to Germany and now in Memphis,TN. I have traveled extensively too - England, Ireland,Scotland, Wales, France, Amsterdam, Belgium, Luxemburg, South America, North America, The Canary Islands, Portugal, Spain. I love to travel and meet people from all over the world. I would love to travel to Italy and it is one of my very few regrets that I didn't go there when I lived in Germany for 8 years. I would also love to go to Egypt, see the pyramids, India and see the Taj Mahal and Bombay, and China to see the Great Wall. I would love to see these either without my children or when they are old enough to not require supervision (still in denial that that time will come!!)"

Don't forget to drop by tomorrow, when we'll wrap up our interview with Dani - we'll ask her what is one thing she has always wanted to do, and also about her beauty secrets - I'm dying to hear about the whole botox thing!