A Journey Through Roots: The Unforgettable Tapestry of My Family and Childhood
Welcome to day one of our “31 Days of Discovery,” a deeply personal exploration into the foundational experiences that have shaped who I am today. As we embark on this journey, I’m thrilled to share an intimate glimpse into my origins, starting with the remarkable family I grew up in. It’s a story brimming with creativity, resilience, and the unique dynamics of a large, loving household, and I hope to make it as engaging for you as it is meaningful to me.
This cherished photograph captures my parents on their wedding day, a truly inspiring moment. My mother, with her extraordinary talent and fearless spirit, meticulously crafted her own wedding dress. Her prowess as a seamstress was legendary, and this dress stands as a beautiful testament to her skill and determination. What makes this particular image even more special is the connection it holds to my own life: I once wore my grandmother’s blue dress, also handmade by her for this very wedding, to a dance when I was dating my now-husband. That memory, intertwined with generations of love and craftsmanship, is something I treasure deeply. It’s a vivid reminder of the heritage of creativity and independence passed down through our family.
Growing Up in a Large Family: The Seventh of Seven
I am the seventh of seven children, arriving after three sisters and three brothers. Yes, that indeed makes me the “baby” of the family. To many, this might conjure images of a perpetually spoiled child, and I won’t entirely deny that I enjoyed a certain level of pampering. However, I believe my status as the youngest didn’t lead to a “snotty” disposition. Instead, it offered a unique perspective and a built-in support system that few are lucky enough to experience.
In defense of the youngest child, it’s crucial to note that I never truly “got away with anything.” By the time I came along, my parents were seasoned veterans, wise to every trick in the book. There was no escaping discipline; they had honed their parenting skills over six prior children! Moreover, I benefited (or perhaps was constantly guided by) the collective wisdom of eight “parents” – my two biological parents, and six older siblings who, in their own ways, felt entitled to offer continuous advice on what to do, how to do it, and what I was doing wrong. While at times this chorus of instruction could be overwhelming, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the profound sense of security and unwavering support it provided. I had hoped that turning 30 would magically grant me full adult status in their eyes, but now at 31, I realize that the loving oversight never truly ceases. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am incredibly fortunate to have six extra people who consistently have my back, ready with encouragement, advice, and unconditional love. This robust sibling bond is one of my greatest treasures.
A Northern California Childhood: Heaven on Earth
My early years were spent amidst the breathtaking beauty of Northern California. My parents, epitomizing a “can-do” and DIY spirit, acquired a modest acreage on the outskirts of town and, with their own hands, built our family home from the ground up. I can genuinely attest that my childhood felt like living in heaven. Our home was perched atop a hill, flanked by two meandering creeks that converged at the back of our property. Every day, we embarked on a walk to school that truly felt like stepping into a storybook – literally “over the river and through the woods.”
For the first eleven years of my life, my world was primarily outdoors. I lived and breathed nature, often immersing myself in elaborate games where I envisioned myself as either a pioneering settler or a Native American. There was a profound sense within me that I had been born in the wrong century; I felt a deep kinship with characters like Laura Ingalls Wilder and harbored a secret desire for my name to be Alice, after my beloved grandmother. Instead, I spent my days chasing after my older brother, Josh, delighting in driving him playfully nuts. These carefree days of exploration and imaginative play are among my most cherished childhood memories, shaping my deep appreciation for nature and fostering an independent spirit.
A Father’s Artistic Transformation: From News Anchor to Chainsaw Sculptor
For much of my older siblings’ lives, my father was a news anchorman, a public figure known for delivering daily news. However, by the time I was born, he had undergone a remarkable career transformation, embracing his true calling as an artist. And not just any artist – he became an incredibly cool chainsaw wood sculptor. This unconventional and captivating profession filled me with immense pride. Growing up with a father who wielded a chainsaw to create intricate and beautiful works of art made my childhood all the more exciting and unique. It instilled in me a particular brand of fearlessness; thanks to Dad’s mastery of the chainsaw, I’ve never once been intimidated by fictional chainsaw murderers in haunted houses. His ability to transform raw timber into stunning sculptures taught me about the power of vision, creativity, and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from unconventional tools.
Here are just a few examples of his incredible carvings:
One particular carving that remains etched in my memory, and which I desperately wanted to keep, was this magnificent carousel rocking horse. I was genuinely heartbroken when he sold it, a testament to its beauty and the emotional connection I felt to his art. It was a masterpiece of intricate detail and whimsical charm.
A Mother’s Nurturing Heart and Creative Spirit
I feel incredibly blessed that my mother chose to stay at home with us, dedicating her boundless energy to raising her seven children. She was the unwavering heart of our household, a constant source of warmth, creativity, and practical wisdom. It was from her that we all learned essential life skills: the delicate art of sewing, the comforting rituals of cooking, and the joyous expression of singing. My mother is a remarkably lively and passionate singer, deeply involved with Sweet Adelines, a women’s barbershop chorus organization. Her love for performing is infectious, and she often brought that vibrant energy into our home, filling it with music and laughter. Her commitment to teaching us these skills instilled in us a strong sense of self-sufficiency and an appreciation for handmade crafts and homemade meals.
A Family United by Creativity and a Growing Legacy
The creative spark ignited by our parents clearly permeated through all of us. My siblings are a diverse tapestry of talent and innovation: we have a fashion designer, a poet, two accomplished chefs, a seasoned world traveler, a meticulous clock designer, and another gifted sculptor following in Dad’s footsteps. This rich, artistic environment fostered a profound appreciation for different forms of expression and a continuous encouragement to pursue our passions.
When I was eleven, our family underwent a significant change; we moved from our idyllic Northern California home to Utah. This transition was driven by a desire to be closer to our grandparents, allowing us to offer them support and care. This pivotal move ushered in a new chapter, and I’ll delve deeper into my teenage years and the experiences of adapting to a new environment tomorrow.
But for today, let me conclude with a glimpse into our magnificent, ever-expanding current family. Seven children multiply fast, indeed! Our family portrait now includes an additional six in-laws (one of whom is regrettably missing from this particular photo, but always in our hearts), a cherished foster brother, and nearly twenty-five grandchildren, creating a bustling, joyous, and incredibly supportive clan. Each gathering is a testament to the enduring bonds of family, a vibrant testament to the love and legacy started by my parents.
Thank you for joining me on this first day of reflection. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more insights into my “31 Days” journey!
