I was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, graduated high school there and got my degree in journalism from Drake University. Right after college, I went to work for The Des Moines Register. Working my way through the ranks there, I eventually landed a spot writing features with an eye on pop culture and Gen X-related content. From there, I moved to Indianapolis, Ind. where I helped the Indianapolis Star start-up a Gen X publication called INtake Weekly. My husband and I missed Iowa and decided to move back home to be closer to family. We have three kids, a 5 year-old daughter and 3 year-old twins ( a daughter and son) and we've called West Des Moines home since 2004.
Personally, when and if I have spare time, I love to read, travel, write and spend time with friends. I've had my own personal blog for six years that tends to say a little too much about the crazy things my kids do. I haven't had a lot of time for myself since I became a stay-at-home mom in 2006 but my husband and I talk often about what the coming years might bring us in terms of free time once the kids start school. I'm so looking forward to it.
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<b>Politics</b>
I won't lie - I'm not at all political. As a reporter for the mainstream media, we were discouraged from voicing our true opinions and were told never to divulge our affiliations so as to not bias our coverage. I got kind of used to that so I've never really been a squeaky wheel.
That said, I am a registered Democrat but I never vote a straight democratic ticket. I prefer to listen to the issues and tend to side with those who are more liberal.
<b>Religion</b>
I grew up Presbyterian and come from a long line of Presbyterians and yes, I am still a Presbyterian. What I like about my church and religion is that they welcome people of all backgrounds and never turn anyone away based on their personal beliefs. It's refreshing to be a part of a congregation that embraces everyone's differences.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Waukee is a growing at a rapid rate. In 2010, the city was clicking along at almost 14,000 residents up 169 percent from 10 years previous. Growth like that is bound to cause growing pains. Along those lines, some of the hot topics include how the schools handle an ever-increasing student body, how to accomodate new business, and how the city will follow through on projects meant to bring in more business, more residents and consequently, more growth.
Parts of Ashworth Road will be closed starting Wednesday for street patching. The project will be done in phases and is expected to take up to three weeks to complete.
Several incidents of burglary and theft were reported in Waukee last week, some occurred in neighborhoods not far from one another.
What's that you say - temperatures are going to be in the mid 90s today? Sounds like a great day for a swim.
Waukee Police responded to three traffic accidents last week including a report of a vehicle vs. deer accident.
The National Weather Service says record highs are expected today with temperatures reaching into the upper 90s.
What should airlines do when there's an unruly child onboard a flight?
It was completely random but we chose a winner in Patch's Father's Day upload contest. Was it your dad?
There have been many TV dads over the years, but it seems everyone has an affinity for one (or maybe two). Who is your favorite?
State Republican Leader Jerry Behn says there's already much to love about Iowa but more jobs would make it an even better place to live.
Looking for a little weekend fun in Waukee? Here's what's happening this weekend, June 15, 16 and 17.
Several players on the Waukee High School girls soccer team were named to the first and second teams of the coaches CIML Iowa Conference soccer team this week.
More than 165 kids participated in vacation bible school at St. Boniface Catholic Church this week.
Patch helps pinpoint the perfect Father's Day gift on any budget with this list of eight things you can find right here in Waukee.
Neil Hamilton, director of the Agricultural Law Center at Drake University Law School, has been named to the Rural Iowans for Obama Steering Committee.
If you like a bargain or maybe just the thrill of the hunt, take a look at the garage sales we've found this weekend, June 14, 15 and 16 in Waukee.
Under former city administrator Jeff Kooistra, several planned projects in Waukee fell behind. Wednesday night at a special work session, members of the Waukee City Council forged ahead on those projects.
Members of the Waukee American Legion and V.F.W. will host a flag burning ceremony today at 6 p.m. on the Waukee Triangle. The event is open to the public and is being held in honor of Flag Day.
Students entering kindergarten in the fall got a crash course in safety this week through the Waukee Police Department's Safety City program held at Waukee Middle School.
The project has been fraught with problems and tonight at a special session the Waukee City Council will give an update on the fate of the Waukee Community Center.
The Waukee Area Arts Council and the Fireplace & Stone Center have recently claimed their business listings - how about you?