I am playing today! I’m teaming up with Adrienne from The Mommy Mess for Ask Away Friday! I fell a kindred spirit with Adrienne. She homeschools her two boys. I love how she writes. Her content compels me to reflect. Isn’t she a doll?
Here’s the deal. Adrienne asked me 10 questions which I answer here. And please visit her at The Mommy Mess to see how she answered the questions I asked her.
Without further ado, here are her questions to me!
1. You homeschooled all three of your children from day one. Which I think is amazing! Why did you choose homeschooling? Was it something you always wanted to do?
Wow, now I’m going to have to dig way back. I knew I wanted to homeschool before I had kids. My husband and I were married for 10 years before I actually got pregnant. I had a lot of friends who were homeschooling their kids and it just resonated with everything I believed in.
2. I am so inspired by the women in my life, in person and online, who have gone before me on this homeschooling journey. You are a blessing to know! You give me hope! If you could offer one tidbit of advice or homeschooling wisdom to a mom still traveling this road, what would you tell her? I’m asking for a friend.
You crack me up! Tell your friend to hang in there. It’s about building long-lasting relationships with your kids, not just about academics. Instilling in your children your values and beliefs is a gift for both the parents and the children.
3. I see on your about page that you love to travel and have been to 38 of our 50 states. Out of those you’ve visited, which one is your favorite? Why?
That is a tough one. I love it out west. I especially fell in love with Scottsdale, AZ last year. There’s something about the brown mountains and palm trees that called to me. But I love the beach too. Florida, to be exact. I want to live in the Sunshine State!
4. You leave some of the best comments on my blog. They seriously make my day sometimes! You have such a warm and encouraging nature that shines through, even online. That’s a gift, Laurie! What women have you had in your life that have inspired and encouraged you?
That is so sweet of you, Adrienne. I love encouraging women. My grandma was amazing, and my mom too. I also have a few really good girlfriends who have my back. What an incredible feeling to know people are there for you no matter what.
5. I recently watched your adorable video about creating a bucket list, or as you call it, a 60/60 list. Is there anything on your list that you’re afraid to do? What is it?
Just between you and me I have never flown before, well except for a helicopter ride and a ride in a hot air balloon. I’m flying to San Diego to Women Get Social conference next week! (Squeal) I must admit, however, I’m a little nervous. Not about flying per se, but about the unknown of it all…how to pack, what to expect at the airport and changing planes. I’m excited too, and very happy that a friend is going with me, one who definitely knows how to fly.
6. You’ve been married for 33 years. Congrats! What’s your best piece of marriage advice?
Thanks! Marriage is tough, not gonna lie. It’s not about gushing feelings and sweaty palms. It’s a commitment to love and support the person you chose as a partner, even through the bad times, maybe ESPECIALLY through the bad times. I could go on but I’ll stop there. You’re welcome. 🙂
7. What’s your favorite food?
Chocolate, dang it! Is that food?
8. You tell us on your blog about your childhood growing up as the daughter of a southern gospel singing group. That sounds wild to me! I bet you could right a book. What’s one stand out memory from your childhood?
LOL, oh my but you’ve done your homework! Those years of traveling with my parents and their group definitely stand out. And the times when my brothers and I were teenagers and stayed home while my parents did their singing thing. Those things I don’t talk about so much on the blog…yet. We were typical PKs (preacher’s kids). Those are stories yet to be told, and yeah, they stand out!
9. You seem to really enjoy vlogging. I love your videos and think you do a great job with them. I’m terrified of the camera! Do you have any vlogging tips that you can share with us?
Well, thank you! I watch Mama Kat for inspiration! I love that woman! I read that the more you watch yourself the easier it gets and it’s true! I can actually sit through one of my videos without cringing at how I look and sound and actually critique the content. In a lot of ways it’s easier than writing. I just like the added element. I did have a reader (my grown nephew, actually) tell me he reads my blog while at work, so when I put a video up he can’t listen to it there and usually forgets to do so when he gets home. The pros and cons, I suppose.
10. Does your husband read your blog?
He does. He subscribed by email and I didn’t even have to make him. 🙂
Okay- I absolutely LOVE that you two are together!!! Adrienne- brilliant questions!! And Laurie- oh so much I didn’t know about you!! You have never flown? OH my gosh! And I really need to get on catching up with your family stories… NOT enough time – my mom has been in town to boot!
I have a vlog waiting in the wings… I wonder if I will ever get the nerve to publish it.
I love Adrienne! And I loved her questions. They were better than mine! Nope, never flown…yet! I’m sooo behind on everything!!! Yay for time with your mom. Again…I say a video of you for Mother of All Meltdowns. You are gorgeous, my friend. You should totally publish!!!
I too agree that chocolate is food! Loved that you played this week Laurie and I love Adrienne! And Laurie, you really are an amazing blog commenter! Always encouraging like Adrienne said!
I wish chocolate wasn’t food, or I didn’t like it so dang much! It was fun playing and I love Adrienne too. Aw, Ilene, so sweet of you to say. I love encouraging women. 🙂
Yes, chocolate is food!!
And of the 38 states you visited, do you have one that was your least favorite? I think I’ve been to maybe 33 states or so. I didn’t love..Ohio, Indiana or Delaware. Again, I didn’t get to spend enough time to see all the good stuff!
“Yes, chocolate is food”, a woman after my own heart. I’ve never been to Delaware. I’ve recently come to appreciate the beauty of Indiana. I love the farm land and rolling hills. Not as familiar with Ohio, except for Cincinnati and a nearby amusement park there. What are your favorite states?
I feel a kindred spirit with you too, my friend! So thankful for our connection! XO Thanks for having me today. it’s been fun! I feel like I’m having coffee with a friend. 🙂 I’m impatiently waiting the preacher’s kids stories. LOL
Also, I’m planing on BBC St. Louis. I’m terrified! I never leave the kids, I never fly, I never go anywhere. It was a flash decision and one I’m still believing is actually going to happen. I will be 100% alone.
I meant to say that I’m NOT believing BBC is actually happening.
Loved having you here! I get the perpetual laundry and the non-planned meals and the house that’s not quite clean. They’ll be there. (I don’t know why my button is so big. I don’t know code or I would change it. And I didn’t see code for your button!) So happy to hear you’ll be in St. Louis! Love those face-to-face meetings. 🙂