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10 Things you might not know about me

Just to start out, I am a very real and raw person. Words just sort of fly out of my mouth like no big deal, however to some people they are shocking. So I do apologize for that, however I have come to realize that I am on this earth to be bold and say all the things. Just a warning some of the things you might not know about me will be funny, some will be interesting and some will be sad. But that is life, right?

1. My first pregnancy was for my friends, aka surrogacy

Yup! The first time I was ever pregnant was for my friends, AND it was twins. I get ALL the questions about this topic, so I promise there will soon be a link right here to read the entire story. But for now I will share a synopsis. I was 25, unable to get pregnant (got married when I was 20 and never used any birth control) when my friends asked if I would be their gestational carrier (surrogate) “YES” just flew out of my mouth and the journey began.

Twin boys were born via c-section in January of 2015 at 33 weeks. No I was not attached to them. No it wasn’t weird. No it was not my eggs used. Yes I still see them, they are my friends after all. Yes they know who I am. More will come later

2. I love to dance at the club

My poor husband, that’s all I have to say. Dancing at the club is not his favorite thing to do, it probably doesn’t even make his top 1000 things he likes to do. If I could dance at a bar/club every night I would! Loud music, booming bass and dancing like a weirdo is my JAM! Even after having babies I still like to get down with my bad self every now and then. However my knees and legs the next day feel as though I am 157 and approaching death, lol.

3. I played violin for 8 years

Now this isn’t that exciting, like everyone played an instrument in school. But I saved my money and was the first kid in middle school to have their own brand new violin. I was basically a balla for real! Lol! Two fine arts camps, tons of practice, a lot of concerts and a used violin later I can honestly say I haven’t played since high school, so please do not ask me to play violin at church! I do miss it though.

4. I can’t make Mac n’ Cheese

Yes, you read that right! There is a good story to this ridiculously easy meal. It all starts with my mother. She never ever, ever uses a timer for anything! I have no clue how she does it. Everything she makes besides grilled chicken aka blackened rock, is truly amazing. Including her famous Mac n’ Cheese, the recipe will just blow you away. Meijer spiral boxed Mac n’ Cheese, follow instructions to make except add tons more butter and a slice of Kraft American cheese and BAM best Mac ever lol.

As a naive 18 year old living with my boyfriend (now husband) I thought I can tackle this insanely easy meal. But nope. I cannot. After 5 or 6 nights in a row of me making the most rancid tasting mac ever, I broke down crying and yelling. Since that night almost 11 years later, I’ve never attempted to make my kryptonite.

No I have not a freaking clue why it sucks so bad. So I have just given up completely. My glorious husband makes it, and it tastes amazing. SMH.

5. I have earned the use of 2 free cars with Mary Kay

No they were not Pink Cadillacs, that is the highest car you can earn. The first one I earned at age 21, a Chevy Malibu! I was on cloud freaking 9! The second car I earned was at age 23, a Chevy Cruze. I was so blessed to drive free for about 5 years and its about time I get another FREE car for my family!

6. I love buying books, but rarely finish them

Whoops! Sorry Justin, I know it’s not great on the budget. I don’t know what is wrong with me. The high of buying a brand new book is amazing. I rush home to crack open this new joy bomb, then just read 1/4 of it and onto the next book. I probably buy 1-2 new books a month and actually finish maybe 6 books a year. That is some bad math. You can actually see right where I stopped reading because I am that person that underlines and writes in books! THE HUMANITY! And I fold corners down! I just lost some friends, I know it.

7. I am a product of teenage pregnancy

I was born to two of the most amazing humans on the planet. First of all they share the same birthday, they were born on the same day 3 years apart! Dad was 19 and mom 16 when I was brought into this world. But my childhood was far from what most people think of teenage pregnancy and teenage parenting.

My parents were and are AMAZING! They did not stay together after I was born and that is 100% okay. My dad/stepmom had every other weekend with me and my mom/stepdad the rest of the time. They both got together with my step-parents when I was 1 and 2 so I really don’t remember anything else. I thought that all children had two sets of families, when I found out they didn’t I thought “sucks to be you.” lol.

All of my parents worked so hard to give me/my brothers the best life possible and I loved our childhood. As a mom of two in my late twenties I am blown away by the wisdom and strength that they both had at such young ages. I love you mom and dad!

8. Rock music is my all time favorite

I was born in 1990 and had young parents who still had some life in them, meaning I listened to all the rock n roll. At age 7 I distinctly remember being devastated when Guns N Roses was breaking up. Here is some of my rock concert line up! Velvet Revolver, Styx, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Offspring, Ozzy, Alice in Chains, Guns’ N Roses, Stone Sour, Def Leppard, Rage Against the Machine, Sublime!

9. I was sexually abused as a child

This is my hard topic to talk about. I actually kept this a secret for years, and I didn’t talk about it until after I was married to Justin. It was one time, by a friends uncle, I remember it clearly to this day 22 years later, I was too afraid to tell anyone and lastly I have forgiven this person. This is a yucky topic, but I feel like everyone should know that there is life after trauma. If you or someone you know has had this happen to them, PLEASE support them how they want to be supported and get them into counseling. Counseling was a saving grace to create a healthy relationship with husband, that was previously destroyed due to this trauma. There is hope!

10. I love Jesus

Truly this is last but NOT least, I am nothing without Jesus. He died for me, you and every human on this planet. His death and resurrection took away all sin, little or big, all sin is covered. I am a NORMAL person, like so not perfect! But Jesus has become the single greatest thing in my life. He’s grace keeps me going daily and I have become a much better person. I would love to talk to you about God and Jesus if you have any questions.

Well that is a little about me! Feel free to comment on this on what surprised you the most! Much love always, Brandi