Ten Thirteen Things About Me:

1. I am 30 years old, but I feel older!

2. I have four kids, and one step-daughter who lives with her Mom.  I also have four angels from miscarriage.

3. I am a veteran, and served in the Air Force from 1998-2002.  I originally wanted to work in health care, but the only jobs avaiable when I enlisted were in computers, so that's what I did. 

4. I met my husband, Ben, in Basic Training.  We were both engaged to others at the time, but fate intervened!  We met in July 1998, got engaged on Christmas Eve that year, found out we were pregnant with our first child in April 1999, got married in June, and Crystal was born in December.

5.  I got out of the Air Force in 2002 while pregnant with our second child.  Ben re-enlisted, and within weeks had orders to Korea.  Emily was born during his overseas tour, and a few months later Crystal was diagnosed with type one diabetes--which changed our lives in unimaginable ways.

6. Ben got out of the Air Force in 2007, after nearly 10 years of honorable service.

7. I am originally from north central Texas, and Ben is from Louisiana.  We currently reside in NW Arkansas.

8. I was an Army brat; my step father spent six years in the Army.  During that time, we lived in Belgium for three years, and San Francisco for two.

9. I have one older sister, and two younger sisters.

10. Politically, I am a conservative libertarian.  My principles are not for sale and I NEVER compromise.   I believe in small government that adheres to the Constitution.  I carry a pocket-sized version of the Constitution in my purse (I can help you get a copy for free if you want one too!)   I believe that the Republican party AND the Democrat party are jokes and basically represent the same awful ideas.  I hold my beliefs very strongly, but I can almost always get into someone else's shoes and understand why they feel the way they do. 

11. Things I love to do besides Mommy-work, teaching my children, and housework include: researching stuff on the internet, Myspace and Cafemom, Reading, Writing, Crafts (sewing, quilting, painting, making wreaths, crochet, cross-stitch), and listening to music.

12. I love people, but I have a hard time making close friends.  I sometimes worry too much what other people think.  I struggle with depression and anxiety.  I also have ADD, which makes it hard to focus and stay on topic.  I also talk too much!  I tend to get a little opinionated, especially if I get worked up, but I don't mean to step on any toes.  Unless, of course, someone steps on my toes first..... ;)

13. I like to get along with everybody, and try very hard not to judge people, because I don't like to be judged either.  I am the type of person who gets stepped on a lot--particularly by those close to me.  That's okay, because I'd much rather get hurt than cause hurt.  I believe in the Golden Rule, and that everyone will eventually have to answer for the choices they make in life.