I’m 37 years old and in the process of raising seven children with my husband. Because so much of the past 19 years of my life have been a blur with having so many young children to look after and care for, I’ve decided to document some of what is happening now.

I’ve discovered that I have a great love of photography. Those who are paid to capture moments in time are some of the most blessed people I can imagine. I love to read and write, cook and bake but the profession I love the most is mothering. I get such a thrill when I can turn a bad attitude around with a joke or saying something silly to my children. I love to observe them gain self confidence and new skills. Mothering is all that it’s cracked up to be! Even on the bad days.

I am extremely shy and it takes great effort for me to be social. Being a reporter for the local newspaper leaves me no choice but to put myself out there. Still, it’s uncomfortable for me to ask strangers if I can take their photo. I love soft pajamas. I’m a night person. I’m 5′2″. I love to help people in need and will drop everything to do so. I think in black and white. I hate all sports unless my kids are involved. Then I never miss an event. I could probably benefit from taking an antidepressant but refuse to because I prefer to struggle. I love Ann Coulter and dislike Oprah. In May 2006, I donated my left kidney to a 17 year old girl who is now well for the first time since she was five. I can handle pain from the neck down but migraines or tooth aches make me beg for narcotics. I’m a strong proponent of sedation dentistry. I love historical novels. I never tire of the movie “Pride and Prejudice” and can recite the dialogue from memory. I imagine a world without golf and illness. The minivan I drive smells like old shoe and some generical floral scented air freshener. I’m a great listener. I hate public swimming pools and prefer to swim in lakes. I miss having babies. I sleep on my left side. I don’t tan thanks to my Irish ancestors. I won’t eat beets. I have a crush on the musician, Seal. I’ll play one song I love over and over, sometimes for days at a time. I love chess and hate Chutes and Ladders. I have a great sense of direction and a poor sense of rhythm. I kill indoor plants. I am highly competitive and don’t understand those who are not. I’m not voting in this year’s Presidential election because I don’t like either candidate. I love the scar on Joaquin Phoenix’s lip. My favorite color is yellow. I generally eat once a day, sometimes once every other day but I drink coffee and energy drinks constantly. I spent 17 weeks on bedrest with Daniel and yet he was born 6 weeks early and spent 3 weeks in the NICU. He pulled out his intubation tube, tape and all at 28 hours old. I had four miscarriages. I prefer to be barefoot. I’m the first to jump up to answer the phone. For the first time in my life, I do not have late fees at the library- a sign that I am maturing. Don’t yell at me, dare me not to do something, tell me I’m overreacting or assume the worst of me. I’ll immediately cry- signs that I am not maturing. I can’t get pass medium on Guitar Hero because of the damn orange button. My hand isn’t big enough to reach between green and orange. It drives me nuts. I wanted at least 4 more children. Oh, and I shoot left-handed even though I write right-handed.

Anything else you want to know? Email Jennine at heelprintsinthesand dot com. I’d be happy to answer any question except “How much do you weigh?”