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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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!