Sometimes, it feels like a surreal fantasy. The flight, the chauffeur, the hotel accommodations, the glam squad, the green room, and yes, meeting Kelly Clarkson! But it was all real, and I put in a tremendous amount of effort to make it happen.
Countless friends, acquaintances, and even some strangers have approached me with the same burning question: “How did you land a spot on that show?” Their disbelief mirrored my own, and I get it—it’s not every day that a mom from a small town gets to be on national television.
There’s no simple answer. Was it destiny? Skill? My irresistibly round face? I’m convinced that it’s an amalgamation of many factors—my chubby cheeks may have played a role, but it’s not the whole story.
The Journey to the Show
So for those curious about how this yoga pants-wearing, non-yoga-practicing mom from tiny Brookside, Ohio, ended up crafting alongside Kelly Clarkson and a talented actress named Sarah, here’s the condensed version:
First off, nothing has come easily to me. I’ve always been the person who had to exert twice the effort (sometimes it felt like fifty times more) to achieve the same results as those around me. I never excelled at much, but I quickly learned that if I pushed myself hard enough, I could be “okay” at a variety of things. That didn’t help my frustration in school, where my relentless practice only seemed to yield mediocre results compared to those who coasted through. All I wanted was to be great at something—anything.
And now, I can proudly say I’ve found my calling.
I’m not claiming to be the ultimate super mom or the best mom out there. But when it comes to being the mom of my eight wonderful kids, I’m absolutely rocking it.
With a household ranging from ages two to twenty, I’ve accumulated a treasure trove of parenting hacks, lessons learned, and a few “what was I thinking?” moments along the way. Armed with a repertoire of both triumphs and blunders, tips for budget-friendly shopping, and strategies for crafting meals that feed our large crew, I reign supreme in my charmingly chaotic castle—our cozy house that often feels like a buzzing beehive, where noise, mess, and the occasional sting come with the territory.
Hard Work and Resilience
So here I am, typing away, trying to explain how this girl who never excelled at anything managed to board a plane to LA and secure a spot on a national talk show, crafting alongside Kelly Clarkson—and even Sarah!
Was it sheer luck? Perhaps a bit. But it was also a product of relentless hard work, sleepless nights, countless failed attempts, and the resilience to pick myself up every time life knocked me down. Since I began my blogging journey and made television appearances, I’ve faced my share of rejections.
“No, you’re not what we’re looking for.” “No, we’re not interested.” “No, you need to tone up a bit before we even consider that.” “No, we’re not sure you fit our audience.” I’ve heard it all in the last couple of years.
But what I didn’t hear, because I was too busy heeding others’ opinions, was my own voice. The moment I began tuning into myself was a turning point. I realized that God had been guiding me all along. It wasn’t about my skills; it was about my purpose and who I was meant to serve.
I was destined to be a mom—a mom to many—and to do it a bit differently from anyone I had known before. What began as a challenging journey (being a teen mom is a whole saga of its own) evolved into a fulfilling purpose and a beautiful family that I cherish deeply.
Mastering the Art of Parenting
Raising a large family means mastering the art of budgeting while feeding, clothing, and nurturing a small army daily. For me, it also meant getting creative with our space to build a home that reflects all ten of us under one roof. Sharing my ideas through this blog allowed me to carve out a personal hobby unrelated to the endless cycle of parenting duties.
So, in summary, all of this—and perhaps a sprinkle of the unknown—led me to Los Angeles and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
As I flew back home, all I could think about was reuniting with my little and not-so-little ones, sleeping in my own bed, and stealing kisses from those sweet cheeks. There I was at 3 AM, showering off airplane grime, my false lashes resembling creepy, squished spiders in my hand, realizing I was back where I belonged. The people and the place were the reason I ended up on that show in the first place.
But let’s be honest—during those 36 hours, I was a bona fide star rocking killer lashes and overalls!
For more insights into the world of home insemination, check out this article on Artificial Insemination. And if you’re looking for resources on self-insemination, visit Make a Mom.
In conclusion, my journey has been anything but ordinary, but it has led me to incredible experiences and a deeper understanding of my purpose as a mother.
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