I guess I'll start from the beginning... it probably explains a lot!

I grew up in Independence, MO with two wonderful parents and one older brother. I was a real tomboy, as I was always wanting to play whatever sports my brother was playing. Which paid off, since playing basketball ended up paying for my college education. I'm only 5'5 and I weighed 104 pounds my freshman year, but I like to believe it was all part of my strategy. I always found it amusing when a friend would introduce me to someone who didn't know me and say, "She's the point guard for Missouri Western." I would always wait for it... wait for it... and there it is! The inevitable "head-tilt" with the question, "REALLY?" (in a higher than usual pitch). But I truly believe sports taught me so much and is largely responsible for the person I am today. I learned commitment, persistence, perseverance, discipline, working hard for what you want, and (something that comes in handy whether you're at the freethrow line or expected to get an entire fabric line done in two weeks!) remaining cool under pressure.

My other interest growing up was crafts- of any kind really. Everyone in my family had a knack for some kind of art or craft. My dad was a carpenter for many years, and he does wonderful woodworking and carving. My mom dabbled in everything and, therefore, so did I. My brother was great at drawing (and anything else he attempted). And my grandparents, oy! They did the more artistic endeavors too, like oil painting and cake decorating. I sketched a lot when I was younger, before basketball and school monopolized my schedule. One of my favorite things to sketch was horses. I loved horses. My room was full of them, and I loved to try to capture the flow of their manes and their musculature. But, like I said, school and sports took over and there was no more sketching for many years.

So, I went to college and got my accounting degree thinking some day I would have my own craft business, but until then I could still make a decent living :o) I also met my husband, Brian. He was a baseball player and we fell madly in love (My sons would insert, "Ooh." right here.) my freshman year. After I graduated, we married, and he whisked me away on a 15-year, 8-state, 2-kids-later, whirlwind tour of the United States! But FINALLY, we are settled down here in Winterset, IA, close to family, to let our kids finish school in one place. I truly believe God has a plan for each of us, and that our little nomad lifestyle led me to my life as The Wooden Bear. And I thank God every day.