the Hood project: Mary Alisa

Mary Alisa - How fun would it be to be in the business of raising 3 little ladies?

                     She's someone I absolutely love!

                     She always has kind words to say. I don't think I've ever heard her say anything mean.

                     She really helps her girls bring out their individual talents and personalities.

                     I was glad that she let me interview her.  I think she's gorgeous!

...their dog "Jake" (from State Farm) lol.

What are some time-saving beauty tips or things that you do that are helpful?
Sunscreen and accepting my bush.

What are your greatest desires for your kids?
To be kind, honest, human beings.  To be happy, confident, and genuine.  To know and love our Heavenly Father and his gospel.

This was an art piece done by her father (He was one of my art professors years ago). He is an amazing artist and has done murals all over the Pacific Islands.

What's the hardest part about being a mom?
For me, a single mom who shares custody, the hardest part about being a mom is not being able to be with my kids as much as I want to. For another mom, it might be not being able to get a moment alone to herself.  We have different struggles, but I love that we can all support and root for one another in our unique journeys. There are so many wonderful mothers in my life who I love, respect, and try to emulate.

How has your personal style evolved throughout the years?
Hmm... I wore maternity clothes for like, 5 years straight and now I do everything in my active wear.

...I love their home.  Their own artwork hangs everywhere, maybe framed or with a magnet to the fridge.  They can sit and explain to you about each of their pieces.

...and then we went to my favorite hill that was close to their home.

What's the most treasured piece of advice that you ever received?
I'll share one of my favorite quotes.
"Be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged.  Things will work out."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley

What's the biggest surprise of being a mom?
Sounds corny. I've always wanted to be one, but I didn't realize just how much I'd cherish it. I LOVE being a mom.

What are some of your favorite things that make you happy and get you through the day?
Diet Coke and Hulu

Any crazy birth stories?
Kina's birth included an ambulance ride to the hospital in Provo, a life flight to the hospital in Salt Lake City and over 24 hours of labor.  As soon as she was born (premature 4lbs), she was taken to the NICU at Primary Children's Hospital where she stayed over a month to treat her gastroschisis or hole in the abdomen.  She was a week and a half old when I got to hold her for the first time.  It was SO scary at the time... but now the only evidence I have that it happened is her lack of a belly button:) (Kina is the one in the middle).

What are your favorite things to do together as a family?  
We do a lot of fun things in and out of the home, but honestly some of my favorite moments (mine, probably not the kids, haha) is when we're working together.  Every Fall, we rake and bag about 40 bags of leaves from the big trees in our yard.  During the hours it takes us, I often pause to just look at them while their busy with the exhausting task at hand and my heart is full of pride and humility at their dedication and service to our family.

the Hood project : Nia Samani

Nia Samani - It was fun to spend time with these guys.
                      It seems like just yesterday they were newly married and ready to start their family.
                      Now they already have 3 of their own cute little peeps!!!
                      She's amazing and so beautiful, but super down to earth and kind.

*Something I've been noticing while doing this project is the questions that are being chosen to be answered.  I emailed all my moms a little questionnaire.  I told them to answer the ones that they wanted and skip the ones that they didn't want to answer.  Some questions could have brought out negative vibes (lol).  It's been interesting how all the moms have chosen to focus on the positive points of their life, choosing to remember the good in all of this.  Just a little note that I thought was interesting.  We all know that motherhood is not a piece of cake and not always glamorous.  When I look back on these crazy years, I hope that I will choose to remember the good over the bad.  I think all moms naturally tend to dwell on the good even though at times, it might be hard.

What are your greatest desires for your kids?
One of my greatest desires for my children is for them to grow up and be good, hard-working, honest people.  I hope that I can instill in them a strong testimony of our Savior so that they can weather any storm life may throw their way.

What are your favorite things to do as a family?
One of our favorite things to do as a family is family movie night.  We camp out in the living room with tons of blankets, pillows, and snacks watching movies all night.  We always end up falling asleep together.  It's the best!

What's your favorite/least favorite part of being a mom?
My favorite part of being a mom is definitely hearing my kids laugh.
My least favorite part is seeing them sick or hurt and the lack of sleep. Lol!

What important lessons have you learned from your children and spouse?
One lesson that I have learned (and keep learning) from my children and spouse is how to love unconditionally.  I never knew how much I could love anyone until I had them.  My husband teaches me to compromise and how to laugh through tough times.  My children teach me patience each and everyday.  Lol!

If you could go back to when you first became a mom, what would you tell yourself?
If I could go back to when I first became a mom, I would definitely tell myself that motherhood is a journey and to enjoy it.  Don't waste your time trying to be the "perfect" mom because there is no such thing.  Ask for help when you need, reach out to others who may need you, be a good friend, go on dates with your spouse, and last but not least, don't neglect yourself!  Take care of your body, your mind, and especially your spirit so that you can be the best mom you can be.