Feature Friday with Miranda

Hello Everyone.  I have decided to start a weekly blog titled “Feature Friday”.  Every Friday I am going to feature a different person or thing (organization, business, etc.) 

This week I am excited to feature my cousin Miranda.  I sent her a questionnaire that she kindly filled out in detail, which I very much appreciate.  I hope you enjoy meeting her and reading about what she has to say.

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1.  What Is Your Full Name?
Miranda - I actually have 4 names; one of which is my maiden name.  After 30 years...I couldn't just let my maiden name disappear all together, so I kept it.  I don't use it, but I am happy that it is still a part of my identity.  My husband's nickname for me is Jane - so I guess that would be my 5th name.

2.  What Is Your Favorite Childhood Memory?
Waiting on my Sister to be born nearly 30 short years ago- staring out the back door - waiting on Grandpa Jack to wake up from his nap so he could take me to the hospital to meet her.  I spent the rest of my childhood mothering her, loving her, and taking care of her as if she were my own.   She and I could only be closer if we were twins.  We dream the same things, buy the same things, have the same ideas, and at the same time Couldn't.Be.More.Different!!!!  She has a crazy funny personality, is an awesome writer and story teller, she is not afraid to take risks, always willing to try something unconventional or new, and is SO much fun to laugh with.  She is my best friend.

3.  In One Or Two Sentences, Can You Sum Up What Life Is Like At Your House?
scheduled.routine.predictable.peaceful.clean.
~ and at the same time ~
unscheduled.irrational.unpredictable.wild.messy.
but always home.sweet.home

4.  How Long Have You Been Married?
I've been married for almost 4 years to my favorite person. Seems like we've been married forever because I can't remember life without him.  He's a huge pain in the behind and spoiled rotten, but I love him!  He likes spicy food, good music, and baseball.  He is an awesome Ag teacher and an even better dad. I know that I am married to the perfect person for me!!

5.  What Advice Do You Have For New Wives?
I'm not a fan of the traditional roll of a wife. I am of the opinion that husbands are to be considered equal to their wife not above her or below her, but beside her to support and compliment her as a companion.  Life is too hard these days for couples not to share the duties and responsibilities.  And, according to a recent magazine article...In a recent survey of more than 1,000 men, 9 out of 10 agree that when they share household chores equally with their significant other, they get along better.  So pass your honey the mop!!  
As for marriage...don't hold this against me...but, I'm not so sure that living with a person before you marry them isn't such a bad idea these days..just to make sure they are the kind of person you want to have children with and live with forever. Once married, I recommend forgetting the D word.  Now I'm not saying that living alone would be easier sometimes, but as for my hubby and I, we will not divorce.  This was a decision we made way before marriage and decided it was not an option for us or our children.  We also made a conscious choice not to argue or fuss and are so happy because of it.  We don't let little things become problems and don't approach big things with the attitude that we can't work it out together.  HOWEVER, I feel obligated to say that there are reasons to ditch these ideas especially in abusive or dangerous situations...and in that case my kids and I would be LONG GONE!

6.  Can You Tell Us A Bit About Your Job?
I care for many small children 24/7/365...but only get paid (if you call it pay @ $2 an hour) Monday-Friday from 7a-6p.  I feel like I get pecked to death by a hundred hungry chickens all day long!!   You can read about my typical day here.

7.  What Is Your #1 Piece Of Advice When Dealing With Kids?
I taught for several years before providing child care and I've learned that kids are pretty simple creatures. If you want to know how a child will act just watch their parents.  Apples don't fall far from the tree!  Here are my favorites ideas on raising kids:
Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's almost all small stuff!!
Don't overreact or have too many rules
Have high, realistic expectations - Lead by Example!
Reconnect with your inner child & try to see things from their point of view
Never shout or yell unless someone is on fire or in serious danger of course
Consequences can be the best teacher
Eat together at the table at least one meal a day
Love & Logic and the No Cry Sleep Solution are my favorite methods for raising responsible, happy children!!
And last, find a way to relax and enjoy yourself at least once a week.

8. Can you tell us about your Etsy store?
Wired Up was created out of boredom...While playing with a spool of baling wire, I learned I could create words and names by bending and turning wire. 11 years later, I have made almost 500 of those silly little things! I have wire names in Australia, Canada, and almost all the states in the US.  Ha! I still can't believe such a silly craft, has grown into my own little business. 

 

9.  What Is Your Favorite Way To Spend Spare Time?
I haven't had spare time in almost 1030 days...1030 days is almost 2 1/2 years.  That is oddly the same age as my son.  But that's OK..I'll get it back one day when the kids are grown and while sitting in my quiet, clean house, I'll be wishing they were young again and pulling my hair, throwing up on me, needing me to cook them something, take them somewhere, or read the same book to them for the thousandth time.  So, I guess rocking my kids or reading those same stories over and over would be how I spend my spare time these days.  Their favorite stories, by the way, are No, David and Trashy Town.  (Click on the following videos to hear these stories.)

10.  What Is Your Favorite Blog Post (from your blog)?
Now, that is the hardest question so far.  I like them all because they all have something to do with my family.  I guess my most recent favorite is "Rhett's Little Things".  He has so much life and personality for such a little boy.  And no matter how hard I try, I still do not think I could describe him with all the words in the world!

 

Miranda, thank you so much for being my first guest on Feature Friday!  My favorite blog post of Miranda’s is the one about a typical days work at her house, but I read every post and enjoy keeping up with her amazing family.  Miranda is truly gifted with children.  Watching her with kids is like watching magic.  She is also very organized, very crafty and has a wonderful gift for putting it all together to equal beautiful functionality.  I hope you all enjoyed getting to know her.  Feel free to follow her and keep up with her hectic life and see all the BEAUTIFUL PICTURES she posts. 

If you would like to be featured, or know a person or organization that you would like to recommend, please email me at alifeplannedisneverasexpected@gmail.com.