Des Moines Moms Blog has added more voices to our amazing team!

In September we put out an open call for additional writers; and after a lengthy and difficult selection process, we are honored to introduce you to our newest contributors. These mamas have remarkable stories, talents, and passions to share; and we can’t wait for you to get to know them!

Meet Ashley

Hello! I am so excited to begin a new journey of writing for DMMB. I grew up wanting to be an author, and after taking a LONG detour away from writing, I am excited to get the opportunity to write now!

Let’s back up a bit…. I grew up in Royal, which is up in the very northwest corner of the state. After high school I moved four hours away from everyone I knew to attend college. There I met my soon-to-be husband, Travis. We are both proud Dutch graduating from Central College. We married shortly after graduating and just celebrated our eight-year anniversary! We are blessed to have two beautiful daughters, Tessa (5 years) and Amelia (almost a year).

Travis works for a company in Ankeny while I work for a company based in West Des Moines. We have stationed our family home right in the middle, loving the Polk City community that surrounds us. With dance lessons, multiple sports activities, school, and homework, our lives are always moving. I definitely would not change anything (other than to have time slow down just a bit).

A few random things about me…

• I LOVE movies and TV shows that make you think. (Lost still ranks as one of my favorite shows.) Looking for hidden meaning behind things and connecting the dots is fascinating to me. (I took a lot of cinema classes while completing my Communications degree.)
• I also love to read. I read books over and over again. My guilty pleasure book series? Harry Potter! (I even have books about the books… bit of a nerd I am!).
• I enjoy taking pictures – but not of people. I prefer inanimate objects that typically don’t move mid-shot, like trees.
• I am the middle child between two brothers. My older brother and I are both adopted while my younger brother is not. My parents were definitely blessed.
• I love working out… but have to work out in the early morning hours or it just won’t happen.
• My husband does 95% of the cooking in our household. He loves trying new recipes and getting the “selective” eaters to try new food. (Selective eater = me.)
• Big fan of board games and game nights with friends! We haven’t done this enough since having kiddos, but definitely hoping to play some Catch Phrase or Pictionary with our friends/neighbors soon!
• Am NOT a fan of playing board games with my five-year-old…. I am a bit competitive. BUT I get to practice my patience and she gets to learn how to play games correctly – even if it takes an hour to play Candy Land.
• I love handing down to our children the childhood traditions that Travis and I grew up with.

That is a bit about me. I can’t wait to get to know each and every one of our readers, and I hope you enjoy hearing from me!

Meet Erica

In honor of entering the (gasp) 30 club this summer, here are 30 things you need to know about me!

1. I’m married to Tony – going on 8 years!
2. I love my church – Cornerstone Family Church in DSM.
3. I was a heptathlete at Iowa State University – Go State!
4. My husband was a long jumper at Iowa State – my dad was his coach!
5. I am the quintessential Daddy’s Girl – I miss him every day.
6. I brag about my children, constantly.
7. My son TJ would win in a pancake eating contest – he’s 5!
8. My son Marcus does pull-ups all by himself – he’s 3!
9. My baby, Brooklynn, is a Momma’s Girl; and I like it!
10. You can find me at preachteach.com.
11. I can drive a stick.
12. I can’t wink or whistle.
13. Vanna White has my dream job.
14. I procrastinate when it comes to cleaning.
15. Bugs scare me.
16. Mice scare me more.
17. My husband is co-owner of CrossFit West Des Moines…. He can do pull-ups by himself, too!
18. Ice cream is a must!
19. I’m a fanatic of all things Disney.
20. I met my childhood idol, Jackie Joyner, in a bowling alley.
21. Little girls’ closets stress me out!
22. I coach the Waukee High School girls hurdlers and jumpers. (Back-to-Back State Champs!!)
23. I taught fourth grade for six years.
24. When I grow up, I want to be an author.
25. Against all my childhood “I’ll Never’s” I now drive a Mom Rocket (AKA – minivan).
26. Everything can relate back to a Friends episode.
27. I never lost at air hockey until I met my husband.
28. Reality TV competition shows are my guilty pleasure.
29. I make mistakes.
30. I believe in forgiveness.

I’m excited and honored to be a part of Des Moines Moms Blog and looking forward to exploring this mom journey along with all of you!  XO- Erica