This Is Us

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"I went to ASU for my undergrad and U of A for my graduate degree. Although I grew up in a strict conservative household of immigrant parents, I did get a lot of time to play with my friends and grow a few key friendships that I've had for 25+ years. I was given lots of lessons and learned to play several instruments: piano, violin, drums, saxophone, and speak a few languages: Mandarin and Japanese. I wish my parents had encouraged me to play sports but now I get to coach my daughter to play soccer... so even perceived losses can be opportunities in the future.  

Now a days I enjoy being a stay-at-home-dad while I build out the framework for my next business. My  favorite break during the day consists of playing with the kiddo and eating snacks while watching Bluey (an Australian child-tv-show). 

If I could ask for one character trait of our next child; it would be a strong fiery spirit. Some of the things I love most about our daughter is that she takes no shit and has the confidence to take on a polar bear. Never in my wildest dreams could I have dreamed we would have such a strong willed child, but I wouldn't trade her for the world." - Matt 

"I was born in Southern California, but I've lived all over the country so I don't think I've felt like I had a permanent home until I married Matt and we moved to a suburban area in Arizona. I also was born to an immigrant parent and that cross-cultural upbringing adds a lot to who I am. I did my undergrad at the University of Nevada. My job is the best job at the company I work for; as Director of Administration and Project Management I get to connect with the entire team on a regular basis. I'm a task oriented person with my reason for doing what I do always focused on the people that I serve. If I were to classify myself in a category of leadership I would say that I am a servant-leader working on becoming a transformational leader.

That mentality of "people first" also influences the type of mom I am. After reading countless parenting books I still don't always get it right; but you can count on me to do my absolute best. I encourage our daughter to do her best with the understanding that there is no such thing as "perfect".

My favorite weekend past-time would be lake or camping trips with the family where we can be loud, crazy, and be in nature. I'm a self-described foodie, outdoorsy, high-energy, loves to read, enjoys play time, roller coasting, wants to travel everywhere, and laughs so hard she pees her pants kind of mom. 

Now for the things I'm not: most moms let their kids win at games/sports/etc., not me. I don't pretend that you're great at something that you aren't great at YET. I want my children to know that when they beat me at something, they have earned the right to say that they are great. You don't get anywhere in life by winning false accolades. I don't sugar coat and I don't spread falsehoods (Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny all being exceptions). Because of this, our daughter knows she can trust me. She trust me to make good choices for her, she trust me when I say something is too dangerous, and she trusts that I would do anything for her because she know that my "I love you" mean everything. 

Our children will grow up to be contributing members of society with happy and loving childhood memories. They will be smart, strong, and hard workers. They may be ambitious, they may be lazy, but they will learn what they need to get what they want... and regardless of what life paths they choose, they will know they are beloved beyond words." - Chelsea 

"My name is Echo, I have no one to play with, and I want a baby sister because when she is grown we don't have to be alone. I'm going to hold her and cuddle her. I'll do my chores when she takes a nap, and when she wakes up I'll take care of her. I promise to be a good sister." - Echo Ann (7)

*Although we share pictures of Echo on this site, her face is covered by stickers to protect her on this useful but also often dangerous thing we call the internet.

KiKi: 

She was adopted off the side of the rode... the story goes that Matt pulled over to look at the pups, Echo said KiKi was hers, and the rest is history. She has been a part of the family for 4 years. Also, Drake's "Do You Love Me" is her anthem. She regularly joins in on family dance parties and is simultaneously the sweetest companion and bravest guard-dog a kid could wish for. 

WaWa:

Adopted from a local shelter, she has been with us for a little over 2 year... and even though she is an older street-dog-lady she has acclimated to the family life. Loves cuddles and camping trips, so she is our kind of girl.

Goldfish:

Won at a fair 5+ years ago, Goldfish keeps hanging in there. We are amazing that he or maybe she is still alive.

Yu: 

Bought to keep Goldfish company, he or she has also stuck around a little over 4 years.