Meet Katie Carney

I grew up here in DC, middle child of 8 (with thriving middle child syndrome alive today), and have been blessed that my closest friends are my sisters and the same girlfriends I have through childhood and high school. I met my husband, Tim, at a party he was hosting that Ellen Connolly brought me to. He asked me out 3 times before I said yes. Thank God I finally said yes! We have to kids, Lucy (2.5) & Charlie (8 months), my peanut gang. I'm a fairly active blogger who openly describes my ups and down of motherhood, my adventures in the kitchen and life in general. I'm a photographer. I specialize in life style photos, I love to capture the personality of a child in a candid moment.

childhood ambition: to a Navy helicopter pilot
fondest memory: geez, I have a lot. but I think the moment I knew what unconditional love was when I was sitting with my infant daughter one day alone in the middle of the winter. i had been holding for hours and knew I could never stop loving her.
soundtrack: anything my Beyonce or Rhianna. yes I love my hip hop music. Anything that will get me dancing around the kitchen and shaking my booty.
retreat: a beach
wildest dream: to live in Paris with my husband and kids for a few years
proudest moment: professionally, having my photography published in a major newspaper.
biggest challenge: getting out of bed in the morning
alarm clock: my children
perfect day: breakfast of eggs Benedict, relaxing out with kids all day, romantic seafood dinner with husband, a movie & popcorn before bed
first job: intern at a naval architecture firm
indulgence: chocolate
last purchase: j.crew dress
favorite movie: oh geez, I don't think I have just one.
inspiration: my mother, my sisters and absolutely my husband.
My life (finish the sentence): is truly a happy struggle, blessed with flaws and wonderful surprises.

--
Katie G. Carney

http://www.katiecarneyphotos.com

Recipes and Profiles

Hey All-
Don't forget to email me your recipes and profiles for the weekly entries. It has been great hearing from many different people's kitchens and homes. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.
Spring, here we come!
Elle
ellenconnolly@gmail.com

Meet Sharon Humphries

(photo by Katie Carney)
Everyone has a story... here is a part of mine.....

I was born in Washington DC and spent the first 3 months of my life in an orphanage (St. Ann's Infant Home in Hyattstown, MD). I was adopted by my wonderful, loving, extraordinary parents and grew up with a sister and brother in Silver Spring, MD. I spent 5 years in a french elementary school and speak french fluently because of that. Then I moved onto Oakcrest, followed by 2 years at Salisbury State University and 2 1/2 years at the University of Maryland.

At 18, I met my birth mother and at 26 met my birth father and have a wonderful relationship with both.

Just as I was ready to move out on my own, my father's cancer returned and I decided to stay at home to help out. He died the next year and I am forever grateful for all the extra time I got to spend with him. This experience has forever shaped my life.

I met my husband in 9th grade but we didn't date until college and have been together now 11 years! Whoa! That is crazy now that I think about it. We got married and moved to Germantown, MD. We love our neighborhood and spending time outside with neighbors.

After getting married, I discovered some health issues that would impact having children and thus began a new chapter in my life ... battling infertility and managing a high risk pregnancy and dealing with 3 1/2 months of bed rest. But as of today that is the past and we are blessed with a wonderful daughter. The most wonderfully perfect daughter in the world, in my humble opinion :)

My life is not what I imagined it would be, both good and bad, but I have grown so much more because it wasn't. I am truly blessed with who and what I have in my life today.

Husband: Nicholas

Kids: Stella (22 months)

where you live: Germantown, MD

Hobbies: Playing with my daughter, traveling, blogging, reading (including celebrity gossip); gardening; shopping

Profession: Wife and Mother, Auditor for GSA's Office of the Inspector General

website you have: www.thehouseofhumphries.blogspot.com

Fill in the blanks:

childhood ambition: mom, killer whale trainer

fondest memory: being on my farm with my family

soundtrack: it is a mix of all kinds of music

retreat: my farm, this is my second home and the most relaxing place in the world to me ; and the television (a place where I can think about another person's made up life or in the case of TLC, real life)

proudest moment: One day when I was upset, Stella was nearby playing and saw me and immediately came over and wiped the tears from my eyes and kissed me on the cheek. It was at that moment that I realized I must be doing something right as a parent. My daughter at only 1 1/2 understood and expressed such love and compassion to another person .... it made me cry more :)

biggest challenges: watching my Dad loose his battle with caner and having to say good-bye and my long battle with fertility

alarm clock: weekdays: 5:35 am (my cell phone); weekends 8:00am (Stella)

perfect day: spending the day with my loving family and good friends

first job: bus-girl at Mrs. K's Toll House

indulgence: Cinnabon (I haven't had one in years but they are sooo darn tasty!!)

last purchase: bottled water

favorite movie: It's hard to narrow down but Gone with the Wind, Notting Hill, Walk the Line, Once

inspiration: it has varied through-out my life but right now it is strong women who seem to have their act together.... I strive to be as organized, up-beat and calm as they are

My life (finish the sentence): is a long and winding road but it has just begun and I can't wait to see what is in store for me in the years to come.

Meet Lori McGovern

I grew up on a small family farm in Northwestern Pennsylvania (a tiny town called Conneaut Lake 2 hours north of Pittsburgh) and I came to Washington DC in 1998 to attend Catholic University. I didn't really want to go to school there (it took a lot of convincing and a generous scholarship), but God knew what he was doing because that is where I met my amazing husband, Tim. Tim had to do a little convincing of his own as I was sure I was called to be a missionary in Africa. After a few years of patience and prayer, we started dating my senior year (he had graduated two years before me). Within two weeks, I knew we would get married. Tim says he knew for two years before we started dating. I was youth minister for a year and a half after I graduated and then we moved when Tim took a new job. I have stayed home ever since and raised our kids, taken care of the house and enjoyed being a wife!

childhood ambition: too many to count, including being in the Guiness Book of World Records
fondest memory: my wedding day
soundtrack: always changing- right now the girls and I love listening to opera, but I always return to Sugarland for a good dance around the kitchen with a whisk!
retreat: a long, long run, preferably in the woods
wildest dream: to take my family to Africa and live there as missionaries
proudest moment: bringing my three babies into the world
biggest challenge: patience
alarm clock: early so I can have some time alone to pray and run
perfect day: long run, breakfast with the family, fun with the kids, lots of laughter, nice dinner, early bed for kids, Scrabble, ice cream and snuggle with Tim
first job: on the farm- milking cows, cleaning stalls, feeding calves, etc.
indulgence: home baked cookies with ice cream on top
last purchase: new bread machine (mine died after 6 years of hard use and I cannot live without one!)
favorite movie: The Princess Bride (a childhood favorite), Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves (cheesy, but I love it), Star Wars
inspiration: my husband
My life (finish the sentence): is a beautiful struggle.

Meet Elena Kilner

My first memory of my husband's family is a backyard talent show when we were 8 years old. His Dad was the MC and held my hand and sang "Daisy, Daisy, Give Me your Answer Due". We went on one date in High school, One date in College but didn't actually date for real until I had finished college and he was working on his master's in Spain. Our courtship consisted of a summer of dating, lots of letter writing and overseas phone calls. I had to introduce myself to most of his extended family minutes before we announced our engagement. I had no idea how good he was for me until after we got married--I just thought he was really cute before that.

childhood ambition: to be a mom
fondest memory: so many but maybe my husband and my first kiss - in the rain on a walk by the tidal basin downtown
soundtrack: If I had my way it's be something U2 or Rascal Flatts, reality: Wee Sing and Learn ABC's
retreat: a hike in the woods, I love going for walks
wildest dream: to up and live in a different country...because I never did a semester abroad
proudest moment: being pregnant with my first baby and realizing that another life was totally dependant on me
biggest challenge:motherhood - keeping it all together - trying to remain a well balanced person - very much an ongoing thing
alarm clock: her name is Madie, rarely does my actual alarm clock actually go off.
perfect day: family outing days are the best, picnic lunch, hike, run around with the kids, kids go down early, relax with hubby
first job: checking memberships at the front desk of a pool
indulgence: chocolate milk
last purchase: a sling! never thought I'd do it honestly but I can't wait to start using it.
favorite movie: not sure but I'm a sucker for action movies--but not gory ones
inspiration: my mom - she has strength that can only be described as supernatural
My life (finish the sentence): is a work in progress, if I live till 90, I'm 1/3 through it and I definitely have not accomplished 1/3 of what I'd like or should....and that's assuming I live till I'm 90!

(Picture taken by Katie Carney)

Chrissy's Hidden Potential

Picture taken by Katie Carney.

Meet Christine White

I'm 27 years old, originally from Kansas City, MO. I've lived in the Washington area (specifically, northern Virginia) for almost six years. I'm married to my college boyfriend, Steve. We started dating our freshman year at University of Dallas when we were 18 and now we've been married three years. He is my best friend and I'm very glad for that. I think I drive him nuts with my constant chatter, questions, hypothetical home furnishing purchases, and plans for our future. Our relationship is unique because we both have very strong personalities. We're both Irish and German so we bicker like it's our job but we laugh a lot. We have a lot of joy in our life and I'm thankful for that. We have great friends and a loving family.

We're expecting our first child in August and I'm due on our third wedding anniversary. The thought of having a child doesn't freak me out, which is odd because every life change that I've been through so far has. I think if we hadn't had to wait three years for this baby, I would be freaked out, but, I have new found appreciation for receiving a gift that I probably don't deserve, so I'm enjoying every moment of it. I'm sure my child will be a terror…I was…So payback is expected. I'm looking forward to it. That said I believe my child will be clean and perfect.

I love shopping and eating. It makes me happy in ways that most people somewhat understand but probably don't. A perfect day for me would be to get my hair done, buy a new outfit and have a manicure/pedicure. I eat every four hours. It's not intentional per se, but it just happens.

Fill in the blanks:

childhood ambition: I would have liked to be a professional gymnast or a professional ice skater
fondest memory: the night my husband proposed to me.
soundtrack: Rascal Flats for everyday moments, but P. Diddy if I need to get in a good workout. Otherwise, I know almost every popular song playing on the radio at any given time. Steve asks me how I know the words to all the songs all the time.
retreat: the beach. I love it there. It's my happy place.
wildest dream: I've been trying to go the Bahamas for years. It hasn't panned out yet. One day it'll happen!
proudest moment: telling my husband he's going to be a dad. It's all he's ever wanted to be and I have no doubt that he will be the best father to our children.
biggest challenge: hands down humility and pride and learning when to keep my mouth shut. Is there room for a paragraph here? My imperfections – let me count the ways!
alarm clock: an obnoxious white alarm clock that goes off an hour before I get up and a cell phone for when I really need to get up early.
perfect day: shopping, eating, mani/pedi
first job: a cashier at the local true value hardware store. I can fix plumbing problems like a pro.
indulgence: a Whopper from Burger King. With cheese. No onion. Fries and a Diet Coke J
last purchase: maternity clothes…no….clothes for Steve.
favorite movie: oh boy….I'm not sure that I have one.
inspiration: my mother.
My life (finish the sentence): Is the best gift that God could give me. It's much better than anything I could have dreamt up myself.

New Weekly Profile

New Weekly Profile:

Meet the moms from Moms Resource! There are many women connected with Moms Resource...and we don’t all know each other!! Whether you have perfect attendance to every meeting, make it only when you can or just catch the virtual happenings online, we are all a part of a community of women offering moral support to each other.

Each week a new profile of one of our moms will be posted.

I thought it would be fun to partially base it on the American Express ad campaign that is out there by getting each profile to respond to the same questionnaire with her unique responses.

Other info to include (as long as you are comfortable!) Husband and kids names (ages) where you live... anything you want us to know about you...hobbies, other profession, website you have?? A picture of you (alone or with your family) would be a great addition so we can put names to faces.

email profiles and pictures to ellenconnolly@gmail.com and I will post a new one each week on Wednesday.

Fill in the blanks:

childhood ambition:
fondest memory:
soundtrack:
retreat:
wildest dream:
proudest moment:
biggest challenge:
alarm clock:
perfect day:
first job:
indulgence:
last purchase:
favorite movie:
inspiration:
My life (finish the sentence):

Profiles so far: Melanie Hebert's and January Donovan's from 2 years ago. January, we want updates!

New Weekly Profile: Meet Melanie Hebert

Melanie is married to Jason and they have 3 kids:
Josh (4) Catherine (2) John David (11 months)

About Me:

I am married to an amazing man who is solid as a rock, so calm and so great with children. He doesn't worry about anything - God definitely knew what I needed.
I love my children tremendously and couldn't imagine doing anything other than being with them every day.
I still have regrets almost every day wishing I had spent more time with them and less time "getting things done".
I'm from Texas and I love it but I have loved living here more than I ever imagined.
In some ways it will be hard to move back to Texas.
I love Mexican food.
I was a math major in college - there was only one other person (a girl) that graduated at the same time as me.
I worked for Andersen (formerly Arthur Andersen) and a small consulting firm before I had kids and I don't miss it a bit.
I love sports but after kids the best I can do is go for a run every now and then and do an exercise video at home (it's awesome by the way if anyone is interested!)
I love college football.
I also love to cook and bake - much more when I have lots of time and someone to clean up after me.

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Fill in the blanks:

childhood ambition: To have straight hair
fondest memory: Just one? those first sleepy, or sleepless, weeks with my husband after having our first child, trying to figure out our new life
soundtrack: Starlight Express
retreat: the outdoors on a beautiful day
wildest dream: I guess I'm not that wild
proudest moment: giving birth to my children
biggest challenge: raising children, getting to bed on time
alarm clock: my cell phone
perfect day: beautiful weather, clean house, exercise, time outside with my family, a good meal and good friends
first job: TCBY
indulgence: Margaritas
last purchase: besides groceries? shoes from Target that I need to return
favorite movie: The Sound of Music
inspiration: mothers of large families and people who suffer with a lot of joy
My life is about diapers, laundry, cooking, cleaning and kids... and I love it.

Profile of the Month: Meet January Donovan

January has been married just a little over a year to her husband Ryan Donovan. They live in Germantown, MD with their 3 1/2 month old son Jack.
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What I do:
I worked in Capitol Hill for a Congressman for 3 years before becoming a Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate (ironically, where I met my husband). I loved working in Capitol Hill but somehow I realized that I needed to find a job that was conducive to motherhood and working there did not quite fit the profile so I decided to go into Real Estate.

(January's website has been added to the Market Place Section on the right hand side of the blog. Check it out!)

Hobbies:

I love cooking/hosting/ and making a meal for friends (having people over is a big part of the Filipino culture growing up), I get really excited about the whole process.

I love traveling and exploring (my poor son is now forced into this hobby...until he can speak his mind). I love learning

about culture and the different ways people live....it is fascinating to me.

I actually like to clean (its a stress reliever for me, I know it sounds funny). On the other hand, I do get stressed when it is not clean and I have a 3 month old so I need to learn not let it get to me b/c I'm sure it is

only the beginning. I would sometimes go to my friends house and organize their closet, it was both a stress relief for them and me...I know its silly but I like it.

I love quality tea dates with a girlfriend...I think that it is sad that the value of friendship is not emphasized in our culture b/c I think we could all use it. I like walking out of a conversation knowing I've learning something and have become a better person from it.

I come from a musical family and didn't do much of sport watching aside from the occasional Redskins but since being married, I've watched all 4 golf majors, world series, post season baseball, March Madness and the Super Bowl ...and all football games in between. I think next to my marriage contract there was a little caveat that said, "watch sporting events with husband".

I love homes and even though it is my job, I actually look at homes in my spare time. I think that a home says

so much about our lives and it is not just having a house but building a home with a purpose. I love to decorate

and do fun stuff with a creative budget:-)

I love to dance..I also come from a dancing family. My grandfather taught me the Cha-cha and jitter bug, my dad and I do the waltz, salsa and swing--this is probably my second favorite hobby, if not the first. My husband is also a great dancer so now we really enjoy a good dance.

I like to read books that help me become a better person.

Friday date nights: My husband and I have been pretty religious about Friday date nights which I look forward to every week. Because we are pretty busy every weekend, we keep our Fridays sacred unless we absolutely need to move it to a different day.

I am petrified of squirrels...and that bothers me but I can't help it...its a silly fear that I really need to get over.

*****