Spotlight

My ward had us fill out a spotlight.  Thought I'd share.

Tell us about your family (husband’s name, kids, etc.)
I am married to Heber.  We met our first semester at Utah State University and fell in love there.  In September, we'll be married eight years.  We have a little boy, Leo (21 mo).

Here's one of Leo waving.

Hometown
I grew up in Grantsville, Utah, the kind of place where people still ride horses down side streets.  Heb and I spent about 9 years in Logan, Utah before moving to Virginia a few years ago.

Education
I have an MS in Instructional Technology from Utah State University.  Instructional Design is a field that's all about helping people to learn and conveying information clearly using technology (websites, graphics, videos).  It's all about looking for ways to make things easier to understand or to be used more efficiently.  Really I am a computer nerd at heart. 


Occupation
I am a full time mom.  I also teach classes at a local bead store and create custom jewelry or glass projects. 

Ward Calling
Relief Society Activities Committee. 

Favorite food/cuisine
Rice.  Pretty much any variety of rice (risotto, ham fried, spanish...).  I also love a good enchilada with chips and salsa.


Favorite Book
I like to read a lot.  My all time favorites that I return to over and over again are Anne of the Island and the Happiness Project.  I also enjoy reading memoirs and creative writing like Nickeled and Dimed.

Favorite Hobby
Flameworking glass is my favorite hobby at the moment.  I make beads and small sculptures from molten glass.  Most weeks I spend Wednesday night in the studio torching hollow beads. 

What’s on your iPod? (What music, radio program or podcast are you currently listening to?)

I really like singer songwriter music with more of an indie or folk music slant.  I think you can tell if the singer means what they are saying.  Lately I've been playing Barnaby Bright (especially her song, "Gravity"), Missy Higgins and Christina Perri.

Best DC Tourist Spot – in your opinion

I can't ever get enough of Eastern Market.  I love to walk around the booths and see the art work that people have created.  Every time I go down there, I come away inspired!  And the food isn't too bad either.


The Library of Congress is also a must see.  Browsing the collection of Jefferson's book collection or admiring the architecture are also favorites.

What are you looking forward to (to do, to see, to go to, to try) this summer?

Going to Outer Banks! 

How would you spend a free Saturday?

Either in the glass studio or out on a small adventure.  I love exploring new places, even if it's in my own backyard.  There's nothing better than hopping in the car and having the day take unexpected turns.  One excursion led us to stay in the oldest operating inn in North America.  Our most recent discovery was the Chatham House down the 95.  It's a beautiful plantation home used during the Civil War by Clara Barton.

What would your mother consider one of your talents?

Being creative, not just in making things (which I like to do), but in finding solutions and solving problems in whatever challenge I face.  I am always looking for ways to improve our home or life.

What do you find uplifting?

Spending time with good people always lifts me up.  I also like to put on conference talks or uplifting music.