I was born and raised in Farmington, NM. I have 5 siblings, 4 brothers and 1 sister. We had a happy childhood, my mom is the queen of fun. My dad worked at a local power plant while my mom taught piano to almost 40 students and did just about any odd jobs she could pick up. Music has been a huge part of my life from the beginning. My mom is an amazing pianist and singer and my dad plays the drums and does sound. I grew up in a house that had a recording studio in the basement where my parents would rock out with their band "Breezin" until late hours. I loved going to their gigs and parties and would dream of my future love during every slow love song they played.
Music was the glue that has always bound our family together and still does. My oldest brother Clint is 5 years older than me and an amazing drummer who now lives in Denver, CO. My sister Megan is 4 years older than I am and loves to sing. Then there's me, I sing and play the piano and flute. Tyler is about 18 months younger that I am and plays the guitar, drums, sings and writes his own songs. Ryan is about 18 months younger than Tyler and plays the guitar, drums, bass guitar, piano and just about anything else he gets his hands on and he also sings. Stevie is the baby who was a surprise to everyone. He's 9 years younger than I am and our family would not be complete without him. He plays the drums and bass guitar. He has a beautiful singing voice but doesn't use it unless our mom uses her magic powers of persuasion. Every Christmas my mom pulls out music for all of us to sing together. It's one of my yearly highlights.
My parents marriage was rocky most of the time which was difficult for everyone but they stuck it out for 30 years before finally deciding to divorce. That time was difficult even though everyone knew it was coming. It's never easy to see your family separate but I can see how that decision led to so much more happiness for both of my parents.
My freshman year was a big year for me. I was teetering on the fine edge between making good decisions and bad decisions. I was starting to rebel a little at a time and was testing the waters. I was blessed beyond measure to have a best friend, Jill, who needed a ride to early morning seminary. Since I would do absolutely anything for this wonderful girl I got out of bed every morning and drove us to class. This is what changed the course of my life forever. I started to feel the Spirit in ways that I had never experienced. And then one day the teacher challenged us to read the scriptures daily and pray about what we were reading, whether it was true or not. I took this challenge to heart. It didn't happen on the first day I prayed, in fact I don't remember how long it took for me to get an answer. But I was persistent and when I received an answer it was so strong that this experience will forever be the core of my belief in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I went to high school at Farmington High and was involved in band, choir and seminary. I also played basketball and ran track, even though my athletic ability is quite lacking. :) I always enjoyed the workouts at practice more than the actual game or meet because I'd get SO nervous when I actually had to perform. It was a great experience though because it taught me a lot about exercise and health that has served me ever since. I met Tom my sophomore year of high school but we'll be sharing our story on another page so I won't elaborate on that yet.
After I graduated high school I went with my best friend Jill to BYU Idaho for a year. This was one of the greatest years of my life. I had 5 roommates, who I still get together with on a normal basis, who quickly became some of my lifelong friends. I grew and learned so much during my time away in a gospel centered world. My testimony and understanding grew more than I ever imagined it could. I also had SO much fun, went to classes and experienced a cold that New Mexico just doesn't have.
From there my life has pretty much been intertwined with Tom's. He's the love of my life and everything I could ever imagine in a best friend and partner.
I'll just finish this up by naming a few things that I enjoy doing. First and foremost I LOVE being a wife and mother. I found my calling and purpose in life when Jacob joined our family and I've always wanted more than just one child. I also love to be home. This is my favorite and most comforting place in the whole world. I enjoy exercising and learning about health, this has become an interest of mine over the past 5 years since I was pregnant with Jacob. When I had a completely pure body to care for what I put into my body and his became very important. Of course I will always enjoy the finer foods, like ice cream, cake and Oreos. :) I love to read fiction. If I get even a few minutes of "me" time I will most likely have my nose in a book. I love where the written word can take me. And last but not least, I love music. I sing as much as possible and play the piano, a little less willingly. I teach piano and voice to 19 students from ages 7-17. I love what I do and especially that it allows me to be an at home mom since all of my students come to our house for their lessons.
I have such a large need and desire for more children. I don't know what the future holds in store for me and my family but I am excited to find out.
From Tom...
Amber is one of those individuals that everyone wants to know and be around. She is so incredibly kind to everyone, makes people feel uplifted and good about themselves and always considers others around her. She sticks to her word, which makes her a wonderful mom, Jacob knows that if we say something that we will stick to it.
She takes care of so many things with Jacob and our home then finds time to watch our nephew and teach piano and voice lessons, sing in the community choir and performs at many other functions. She loves her students and particularly loves when her lessons include hearing about what's going on in their lives.
She is an amazing daughter and sister to her family and will always be there for them. She appreciates everything she has, finds the positive in anything and loves life. She is simply wonderful!
She enjoys the rare moments when she can catch a short nap or get into a good book. Her love for myself and Jacob is amazing and we are incredibly blessed to call her our wife and mom.
No comments:
Post a Comment