Lauren: What Did You Want to be When You Grew Up?

As a child, what did you most want to be when you grew up? Did you end up doing this? Why or why not?


There were quite a few professions that I dreamed of having when I was young. They ranged from neurosurgeon and writer to model and show girl (think Rockette not Vegas nudity).

I wanted to be a neurosurgeon because I loved science and, at the ripe old age of 6, I thought that money made the world go round. Neurosurgeons made lots of money. I had no idea that such a job would require a lifestyle with little room for friends, family or relaxation. Once I discovered the personal sacrifices this job entailed - the dream faded.

Good thing I had other dreams. I have always loved to write, won several contests throughout my school-age years and knew it was something that I could succeed in should I choose to make a career out of it. When I was younger - there were a few years when I was determined to grow up and be a journalist. But, as time went on I abandoned that aspiration because I realized that writing was an artform and like any true artist - I didn't want someone else (a boss, magazine editor, etc.) telling me how to "do" my art. I enjoyed writing what I wanted to write about, in a voice that was uniquely my own and I had no desire to be asked to conform to someone else's style or preferences.

There was a period of time (middle school years) that I wanted to be a model or a show girl. Not the naked, peep show sort of show girl but a New York City Rockette or dancer on Broadway. I was trained in all styles of dance and thought surely it was something that I could make a career out of. But, in 9th grade I gave up on that ambition too.

Finally, during my senior year of high school, when I made the bold (OK, it's true I just couldn't hack it) move to quit calculus class in exchange for accounting 101, I settled on the "job of my dreams" - accounting. I decided rather quickly that I wanted to work in public accounting for a national or international firm. Accounting was something that I could do and do well. It was basic and simple. Either the numbers matched up, the books balanced - or they didn't. When I did well - I knew it and so did everyone else - the financial statements were proof. To succeed in the profession of public accounting all you needed to know was principles, standards and financial rules, apply them, pass certain tests, and maybe have a few people skills (although the last qualification is debatable). There was no subjectivity to the process of accounting and so I determined that I would choose a job in this field. My writing would be left for personal use so that I could explore the talent under no pressure or opinion of anyone else. My parents were indeed shocked when I applied to college with a declared major of Accounting.

I sailed through the college courses with an A average - all but that one lonesome"B" that I got in Cost Accounting. I was offered a full-time job (and accepted) with a regional accounting firm before my senior year of college, passed my CPA exam (on the second try) and had a great career.

BUT - my heart was never in it. My heart - was to be a mommy. AND THAT IS WHAT I AM.

I may have talent in writing, speaking, baking, and accounting but the gifts that I desire to refine in my life are the gifts of patience, teaching, understanding, innovation, peace-making, communicating, creativity, nurturing, advocating, protecting, welcoming, providing, trusting, praising, encouraging and LOVING. And those gifts are best displayed in my lifelong career choice: to be a Mommy to as many little kiddos as I can.

Jen: What Did You Want to be When you Grew Up

As a child, what did you most want to be when you grew up? Did you end up doing this? Why or why not?

As a child, I loved playing house. I would take my babies...a.k.a. "Cabbage Patch Kids" everywhere. We would cook together, go on stroller rides, have school, and even have church services where I would put on worship music and we would sing to Jesus together. I loved being a Mommy and wanted to be that more than anything else when I grew up.

So...did I end up doing this? NOT YET!!!

I believe the Lord loves to give us the desires of our hearts (Ps 37:4). We continue to DREAM BIG, believing God that He will give us a family in His perfect timing. I long for the day when I can be a mommy and see my dreams become a reality. You will be a MIRACLE! An answer to our hearts cry for a long time. We can't wait to meet YOU!! xoxo.

Romans 8:35~ ..."But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently"

Meghan: What did I Want To Be Growing Up

As a child, what did you most want to be when you grew up? Did you end up doing this? Why or why not?
January 5th, 2011


My obsession growing up was animals, more specifically, dolphins and whales. I loved being outside, nature, animals and all the fun things you could explore and do outside. But by late elementary school I constantly talked about dolphins and whales, to the point that one Christmas I remember getting just books upon books on these amazing creatures! I would sit, read and look at pictures for hours. Eventually I got the idea in my head that one day when I grew up I wanted desperately to be a dolphin trainer. My favorite place to go was the Baltimore aquarium and watch the trainers interact with the dolphins. Even after graduating high school, my parents took Dwayne and I on a trip to Florida in which one of our days was spent at Sea World. I ,of course, only wanted to go to see the Shamu show, but convincing Dwayne was another story. He would only go if I went on the roller coaster which consisted of several loops. If you know me, I'm not much of a ride kind of gal because I get horrible headaches after they are over. This day was no different and I remember going on the roller coaster and having the worst headache afterwards(especially since the temperature that day was around 95 degrees) but I didn't care. In my mind, I'd earned the right to watch the Shamu show!

I obviously, living in Lancaster, Pa, am not a dolphin trainer. I think one of the biggest drawbacks was always that there was nowhere close by to pursue this dream of mine. I am a homebody and couldn't imagine moving away. Still to this day I do love these animals. As a graduation present to one of best friends Lindsay I asked her if on our travels to Florida if she would go to Discovery Cove with me to swim with the dolphins. She of course said yes and so we did! The experience was one I will always treasure and I would swim again with them in a heartbeat if given the chance.