We’re continuing with our series featuring some of the creative people that we know. Every Tuesday we will introduce them as they share with us the ten things they can’t live without. And this month, we’ve decided to feature our parents! Get ready for lots of embarrassing pictures of us from when we were little, as well as getting a little glimpse of where we came from. Today we are introducing the mother of the girl, cherub lover, Michiganian, furniture flipper, DIYer, sailor, and green thumb extraordinaire, Becky Stevens [@hurlbutt]

Location: Commerce, TX

[one] family and friends

All of my fondest memories have been centered around my family and friends. Without them life would be pretty meaningless. My parents,  who gave me my life and have always been there for me. My brothers who have played a large role in helping me understand myself.  My husband who has always been supportive of me and is my best friend. My daughter who gave me new purpose in life from the day she was born. My Friends, who share many of my life experiences and stick by me as I do them through thick and thin.

[two] cherubs

They are our two Chihuahuas Rupert and Maggie. When Mark and I became “empty nesters” the house was too lonely. In come the Cherubs. Life is crazy and loud in the house now. Catharine has a new “witto” brother and sister who just adore her.

[three] bird watching

Growing up in Michigan, birds told you a lot about the season and how much longer we had left in winter. As a young girl visiting my grandparents when they lived on the Grand River, Grandma was always quick to point out the different birds that came by her feeders and birdbath. Now I live in Northeast Texas and we live in a major migration route. We have two birdbaths and six feeders. Any time of day I can look out and see Chickadees and Wrens which remind me of my grandmother, Gold Finches and Cardinals which remind me of my mother. Mockingbirds which are the state bird of Texas. Robins which are the state bird of Michigan. Tufted Titmouse, Readheaded Woodpeckers, Hummingbirds, Phoebees and Nuthatch. Just to name a few.

[four] horses

They are large majestic animals with big hearts, and I’ve always thought that they were cool. I love riding a horse who is willing to go wherever you want and is responsive to your every gesture. It can be awesome.

[five] golf

I love being outdoors and the challenge that each hole brings. Spending time with friends on the course is relaxing, and it’s a great way for Mark and I to spend time with each other doing what we both enjoy.

[six] exercise and sports

It has always been a part of my life from elementary school on with the introduction of the President’s Physical Fitness Program. I felt that it was important then and still do now. I wish that more emphasis was put on it, and we would be a healthier nation. Growing up we always had a group of neighbor kids over for a game of football, basketball or just sliding down our hill in the winter. I even played volleyball in Jr. High and High School. Today it’s more exercise and swimming at the A&M Commerce MRC. The students keep me motivated and it’s a nice facility.

[seven] water

I am a Pisces, and there must be something to it because swimming, walking on the beach, and sailing are great pastimes for me.

[eight] travel

[nine] college football

Growing up in Lansing, Michigan we always had the great campus of Michigan State University open to us. In the fall, Dad and Mom would take us on campus to feed the ducks and sometimes we woud see the marching band practicing for the next home game. In my teens I sold programs during the home games and got to go in to watch the games for free.  From the minute the MSU marching band hit the field to the kickoff, there’s nothing like the atmosphere and tradition college football brings to the community. As a student it was even more spectacular because of all the activities and preperation leading up to the games.

[ten] michigan

I love the fact that I’m from Michigan because it is the Great Lakes State, and it’s shaped like a mitten. In what other state in this great nation of ours can an individual hold up their hand and point out where their hometown is?  We have four seasons, each of which can stand on it’s own and be recognized for new beginnings, warm sunny days, cool colorful days and crisp cold blanket of snow. It really gives you an appreciation for the delicate balance in our world. “If you seek a pleasent penninsula, look about you.”

Stay tuned for text Tuesday when we feature the mother of the boy, professional photographer, amazing chef, New Orleanian, Beagle enthusiast, and veggie growing extraordinaire Edwina Klepac.

Until next time!

dc