Someone on the Ask Anything survey asked: what were you like as a child? Of course, I have my own opinions. I remember being slightly spoiled, a camera ham and overweight. I also remember having a lot of fun. But instead of relying on my own memories alone, I decided to go to my mom and dad. I sent them each an email asking the question.
My parents got divorced when I was young, so I thought they may have different memories of me. However, they both confirmed one thing: that I was a happy child. I was excited to see this response because I completely agree. Looking back, childhood was a very special and important time for me, and I couldn’t have asked for a better growing-up experience. It was different from many other children my own age, and I count that as a blessing. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be me.
From Mom:
Before I begin, I did ask your stepdad to describe you as a child growing up and he said it with one word: ENTERTAINING. You were a happy little girl! Also, the word that comes to mind when I think of you growing up is determined. You didn’t give up easily, ie. basketball, cross country in high school, softball. . . you worked hard at everything were involved in.

Also, the creativity started to really blossom when you were probably 10 or so. . . ie. writing, reading, etc. You were always writing.

I would have to say you were definitely a tomboy also. This is not a bad thing. . . you had a short stint with Barbie dolls, but it was never really your thing. . .
You were also very inquisitive as a toddler! Thus, the photo of you examining the camera!
I will never forget putting you to sleep in your crib (supposedly) with the Santa Sleigh that Aunt Ethel made (with all the presents on the sleigh) sitting on the floor beside the crib. . . In the morning I found that you had unwrapped all the little presents! It’s amazing that you didn’t get hurt, as she used straight pins to pin all those little packages on that sleigh!

After a brief period of sibling jealousy, sorry, but you were a tad jealous of Justin. . . you blossomed into the most wonderful big sister anybody could ever want! That’s why I sent some photos of you and Justin. . . he absolutely adored you and still does!


Lastly, I would say you had an extremely active, busy childhood! You were involved in so many things. . . which was good! That business seems to have carried on into adulthood and I admire all that you do on a daily basis!
From Dad:
As a baby you were one of the best. From day 1 you had and still have a very pleasant disposition with a touch of a moody side. Usually in the morning.

I can remember taking you to church each Sunday and you behaved very well. That made your dad proud. One time, when you were about 4, I was in front of the church doing the readings and you came up on the altar and wrapped your arms around my leg as I was reading on. Dad was real cool then.
When you were about 7 we took our first trip to Disney. What I will never forget is when we were in the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon a huge wave carried you at least 100 feet. I thought that would be the end of you in the pool. You could not wait to go back for more. There was always a little daredevil in you.
Around the house you did most of what I asked of you especially when you were younger. You even made some meals, this was the first sign of a food blog to come.
You always had a mind of your own. That really escalated when you became a teenager. I wasn’t as cool then. Your 9th grade year may have been the biggest adjustment year of your life. You were quite social that year. I may have gave you too much space but you came out of it fine.

You could probably recite every episode of Saved by the Bell. This was a staple every morning while you were eating breakfast.
You spent many days on your grandparents’ farm. They really loved having you. There you learned how to play cards which, for them, was a rite of passage. You passed the test.
When it came to sports, you developed these interests on you own. You may not have been the most gifted athlete but you were second to none when it came to work ethic. As a result you had many many great sports moments/years.

What you did in cross country was very special. In 9th grade, we used a calander to track your time – as you were not very fast. By your senior year you earned multiple varsity letters and was a team co-captain. This did not happen by accident. You worked very hard at this and along the way you made lifetime friendships.

Sports for you was 50% competition and 50% social. Watching you grow in sports were some of the best years of my life.
I remember the day you totaled my Dodge Dakota Extended Cab truck. You were really shook up and thought I would be very angry with you. As you found out, I wasn’t angry – just worried that you were ok and you were; thank god.
You never got in any big trouble. If you did, you did a great job of keeping it from me.
It was a blessing for me to be involved with you when you were a kid. There was a lot of fun along the way.
From Me:
Everything said above is true. I had a lot of fun in sports – learned determination and made a lot of great friends in the process. I was never really that girly – always wanted to get my hands dirty in some way. My mom was right – I was a super busy child, and that definitely transferred into my adult life.
These photos couldn’t help but remind me of how overweight I was at one point. It contributed to a lot of awkward middle school interactions:

I remember feeling pretty down during that time period. I got picked on a lot (especially when I transferred schools), and I could never find a boyfriend. Luckily, most of my friends never seemed to judge me and even stood up for me when I was picked on.
Sometimes I look at pictures like this and get a little discouraged. But then I remember what happened just a few years after that. I started running cross country and literally ran off the pounds. Not only that, it showed me that with determination and hard work, you can achieve what you want. This is something I’ve tried to carry with me. Sometimes I think that running contributed the most to my life – it taught me determination, good health and helped me meet some of my best friends in the world.
But even though sports, writing, etc. all contributed to my adult self, a big part of who I am today is because of my parents. My mom and dad (and stepfather and stepmother) have all loved me unconditionally and have shown me love, compassion and positivity. Without their love and support, I don’t know what kind of person I’d be. And I hope they realize how much they’ve impacted my life.
Thanks again, mom and dad, for taking the time to write down your thoughts and send them my way! Also, thanks to mom for sending the pictures!