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The person who supports me through all of my crazy ideas and adventures is my husband, Phil. Phil and I met camping out in Eastern Washington with our friends. We met at a young age but knew that we would be together forever. I went to school for Interior Design the first part of our relationship and worked part-time. We moved to Arizona for a while during the recession and when we returned back to Washington, I decided to go back to school for my accounting degree at Washington State University. We had had many ups and downs throughout our relationship like most couples do but we have continued to learn and grow together. Phil and I have been together now for 12 years, married for 6 ½ years. We have two beautiful daughters, Julianne and Madelyn. We also have our miniature schnauzer, Sadie, who has gone through every event alongside us. She has been there for our first move out of state, our first apartment, our first house, for the birth of both of our girls and just so many other memories along the way. My husband is blessed to have so many women in his household.

I was born in Bremerton, Washington. I have a sister and three brothers. My sister is only 14 and I describe my relationship with her as being more like a grandparent than her sister. I am 18 years older than her and was living at home for a good amount of time in her early years so I got quite a bit of practice as a “parent” but without the complete responsibility. When Phil and I got together, she was only two years old so whenever we would take her places, they thought we were her parents. Fast forward to August of this year I found out that I have another sister who is only 15 months older than me. She and I are just getting to know each other in the last few months since finding out about each other. Shortly after graduating from high school, I moved out to the Seattle area and have lived out here ever since. What is exciting for me is that having my own family is giving me the opportunity to change my family dynamics. I have always wanted to have a partner to grow old with and share similar experiences with, I was fortunate enough to meet my spouse at an early age.

I am super excited for this project to launch creating a platform for Shaina and I to share our experiences and lessons learned with all of you. As a child, I always looked forward to having kids of my own. As I grew up, I made decisions that I hoped would lead me into a good position to start my own family. Early on, Phil and I started out in an apartment in restaurant jobs but knew that we wanted to start a family in a house where our kids and dog could run and play and be proud to have their friends over. We are always pushing ourselves to the next level so we can provide and give our girls a good foundation in life.

Since becoming a mom, it has been challenging at times but the best thing that has happened to me at the same time. I think what is super hard is just not having a clear-cut direction as to caring for them when they are sick, need discipline, love and just someone to listen to them. I want the best for my girls but also want to make them work and know what it takes in the “real world” to make sure they are prepared when they move out on their own and start their own family. It is my job to prepare them and sometimes you make decisions thinking it is the best for them but really not knowing how it will impact them. Parenting is hard but doing your best is all you can do.

One of my greatest influences in becoming a mom was my grandma. I always admired how she was with her children. I have close friends, older women, mom and mother in law who I look to for guidance in parenthood. I am excited to have our listeners along on this journey of motherhood, going back to work and putting my new baby in daycare.