Once upon a time, Little Girl was born in California on a hippy commune called God’s Army. {Sounds a little crazy… but it wasn’t. It was just the 70’s.}
When Little Girl was three she spent the next year and a half living with her parents and grandparents on a sailboat in the South Pacific.
{I should mention here that she always wanted to be a mommy.}
At five years old, she moved to Oregon – the beautiful place she’d grow to call home. {Fast forward a few years.} And then as soon as she was able she went off to explore the world… After traipsing all around Europe and Asia and a few places in between, Little Girl found herself settling down in Australia. {Crikey, the crocs!}
And then, after 29 years on her own, Little Girl finally met Hunk-of-Spunk. {So worth waiting for.}
Then Little Girl and Hunk-of-Spunk fell madly in love.
Soon after, on a very hot night in tropical Australia, Little Girl got engaged to Hunk-of-Spunk. {They were pretty flippin’ happy about it.}
And before they knew it, the two were married on a little beach cove in Australia…
{They also took photos in the city… cause the beach and the city are two of Little Girl and Hunk-of-Spunk’s favorite things.}
And then {lucky} Little Girl got to wear her dress again in America… for another {sort-of} wedding celebration with all her American friends and family. {Cause they didn’t want to leave anyone out of the fun.}
And after the wedding, and the second wedding(ish) gathering, Little Girl and Hunk-of-Spunk found a place to live Down Under where they could have nice weekend picnics. {They really do get to live here.}
They have a fun relationship and try not to take themselves too seriously too much of the time.
After a year of holy matrimony, Little Girl and Hunk-of-Spunk went for a visit to Spain, a very beautiful place…
…and apparently a very fertile place too. {Deliriously happy.}
After their time in Espania, Little Girl’s belly began to grow…
And grow…
And grow.
And then, Heart-Stealer was born. {Pretty much the best day ever.}
Little Girl thought her heart would explode as love seeped out from all directions… She had to change her name to Heart-Stealer’s Momma.
Hunk-of-Spunk became even more hunky as he became Daddy to Heart-Stealer.
Heart-Stealer was incredibly cute from the very beginning…
… and keeps getting cuter all the time. {Kinda like his Daddy.}
Heart-Stealer’s Momma couldn’t be more glad to have begun her little family. She realizes that she’s all grown up now… even though she sometimes still feels more Little Girl girl than like Heart-Stealer’s Momma.
But, she is learning… She is growing… She is glowing… She is glad to finally be a momma, even though it’s a pretty tough new gig.
Oh yeah, and she’s thinks every good conversation, or read of a blog, goes best with a nice cup of coffee {or hot chocolate… whatever}, which in Australia is called a “cuppa”.
.THE END.
{for now}
{for now}
So mommy friends, this is my story up until now. I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know my family and I a little bit more personally.
Adriel + Ryan = Levi (Didn’t we do a good job?)
And, just because, here are some other things about me:
- When I was a kid I wanted to be the first woman president of America… or a rock star. I now find myself as a teacher and a mom. (Not all that different if you ask me.)
- I love photography, but I still have very little idea about digital photo editing (though I really want to learn… in my “spare” time).
- I am a Christian and my faith is a very important and central part of my life.
- I love following politics and keeping up on current world events.
- I love the beach, but have never had less of a tan since becoming a mom.
- I’m obsessed with all things Asian – the décor, the art, the food, and ohmygoodness the people. I’ve been doing volunteer work as well as teaching in Bible schools throughout Asia on several occasions throughout the last 10 years, and I’ll jump on a plane headed there at any opportunity I get.
- I enjoy writing and reading… and am seriously trying to make time for both in order to stay sane and to keep being deliberate about growing as a woman.
- I love slippers and I probably own seven or eight pairs… even though it’s often too hot to wear them here. (For years I’ve not taken a single flight without a pair in my carry-on bag… and I fly a lot.)
- I don’t think I will ever get sick of movies or live music, bean burritos or grilled cheese sandwiches.
- I’ve lived in California, Oregon, Fiji, NZ, Europe, Malaysia, Egypt, and Australia… and have worked as a preschool teacher, nanny, waitress, PR exec in a government office, and full-time volunteer with a non-profit before becoming the Director of Childhood Development in our home. (Best, hardest job yet!)
- I love my family – the one I was raised in and the one I’m creating with my husband.
- I’ve lived overseas for ten years and I still get homesick.
- I think that perhaps grace is the most important force we could ever pursue, embrace, receive, and give.
- I am frightfully tired, deliciously happy, hopelessly in love, and incredibly grateful for my life.
And lastly mommy friends, have you written an “about me” post or page? If so, please link up here. I’d love to get to know you more personally too!
23 Comments
cooperl788
7 July 2010 at 4:42 pmWhat a sweet and funny post! I haven't done an About Me page, but you've given me inspiration to try. Levi is definitely a cutie! I also really want to learn about digital photo editing, but "sigh" that's not going to happen anytime soon. My "spare" time seems to fly out of my hands!
Christy
7 July 2010 at 4:54 pmI enjoyed reading that! Such an interesting life, and it's still early! You should do this again in 20 years! 🙂
~Lisa~
7 July 2010 at 6:57 pmBeautiful Adriel! Love the timeline and photos. What a life you've had and now is just the beginning…life as a mommy, what great stories you'll have to share.
Pam
7 July 2010 at 7:55 pmYou are such an amazing person, Adriel! I love it! I have an "about me" section of my blog–it's the 'Random Facts' tab @ the top of the page, right under the poll I'm running for the next day or two. Here's a link:
http://cherishingmyreality.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html
kate maggie
7 July 2010 at 11:14 pmI loved reading this! 🙂 you are a beautiful woman my friend…so privledged to know YOU <3
HRH Mommy
8 July 2010 at 5:49 amYou certainly did a great job! you guys are so cute and Levi is just adorable. Love love love your creativity.
Steph, from Be Positive Mom!
8 July 2010 at 3:21 pmLove this post! World traveler…. sounds like it has all been wonderful! Congrats 🙂
TV's Take
8 July 2010 at 4:30 pmWhat a great way to allow your readers to get to know you. Thank you! Love the pictures and the story. What a beautiful family you all are
Cameron
8 July 2010 at 11:54 pmReally…I think we could be friends in real life. I'm really going to talk to my husband about visiting Australia – because another thing that this post made me think was that I really need to make an effort to show Isis the world. I want her to see & experience & feel free to go as she pleases when the day comes. I've never been anywhere but America & that's something that is hard for me all the time. I desperately want to travel & do missions overseas & volunteer & sightsee & just all of it.
I'm thinking you've probably already read this, but here's my About Me page, but it pales in comparison to this post.
http://www.ingenuemom.com/p/about-me.html
Aspiring Napper
9 July 2010 at 8:41 amI loved this!!!!! You go, Girl!
Faith
10 July 2010 at 2:21 pmI SO adore this post! You have such a beautiful family 🙂
Jodie at Mummy Mayhem
12 July 2010 at 12:28 pmHave just discovered your blog, and I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
I'm an Aussie girl myself – home is Sydney (for the last almost 15 years), but I was raised in Perth.
I look forward to checking out your blog! x
Crystal
12 July 2010 at 10:19 pmWhat an adorable family you have! And I love the way you shared your story!
http://www.crystalizedreflections.blogspot.com
Alyson -- Common Sense, Dancing
8 August 2010 at 11:26 amI love this page. It may be one of the best ones I've ever seen! And now I must go revise mine…. (sigh.)
Thanks for the inspiration!
Maryline
14 August 2010 at 6:18 pmSo very glad I found you through the challenge. I really like your pics, and your family intro. Nicely done.
That little guy of yours? He's gorgeous!
Long life to your blog!
RebaMc
17 August 2010 at 3:32 pmFab, fab, fab! I've just discovered your blog amd so glad I did 🙂
You can find out all about me here: http://www.twobecomefour.com/p/about.html
Heligirl
22 August 2010 at 10:07 pmOK, totally LOVING this and your story. How absolutely amazing stuff. I'm putting your badge on my buddies page. I'm psyched you found me. Levi is too dang cute!!
Anonymous
25 August 2010 at 5:17 pmadriels, i totally love what you have done with the mommmy hood memos – i actually had a slight tear in my eye whilst reading your story as i have been able to share apart of that journey. aint it cool to see how far we have come from the days of 134 and 106 summers to now having our own homes with the greatest joys in our lives – our husbands and children. i hope one day that jordana would beable to meet levi. god is and has been so great to us hasn't He. wow im so amazed! jude
Carol
26 August 2010 at 3:27 pmI love this post! I feel like I learned so much about your journey and who you are. Levi is a doll – you did a great job 😉
Gretchen
8 September 2010 at 1:07 amI just started following your blog and absolutely adore it! I'm expecting my first and would love for you to stop by and check out my "About Me" 🙂
Gretchen
8 September 2010 at 1:09 amHere's the link, my preggo brain forgot to paste it!
http://thatmamagretchen.blogspot.com/p/about-me_10.html
Mothers' Hideaway
13 September 2010 at 9:30 pmI just found you and I'm so excited about following you. I can't wait to read more!
Sommer J
1 January 2011 at 2:34 pmAnother great post! Nice getting to know you more!