Meet Amanda

Having 13 kids and going anywhere is one way to make a statement, raise questions, or make heads turn. Driving a giant red van that can easily be spotted a mile away is also a sure way to stand out.

Standing out is something I’m used to.

I’m from Alaska, where we do speak English, and I didn't need a green card or passport to move to the “lower 48.” I’m probably one of very few people that can say they have ran an obstacle course while carrying a slippery salmon, wearing a sash and a tiara; one of my many adventures during my reign as Miss Bear Paw-Alaska 1994. I flew away to Utah when I was 19, met the man of my dreams, aka David, and didn't go back.

There is never a dull moment, or peace and quiet in our house, and the laundry is always taller than Mount Everest. We really do have 13 kids. In a few short weeks, my husband and I will be celebrating 15 years of marriage in the Bahamas - oh wait, that’s only if I can make my basement look like the Bahamas. As a family we love traveling, playing in the back yard, going to BYU sporting events, running a family bakery and acting crazy together. I have 8 beautiful daughters, and 5 trouble making boys: 3 kids by birth, 9 by adoption, and 1 foster baby.

I love being in the kitchen. Cooking and baking is my stress relief in life. I enjoy starting projects and never finishing them, and I’m a project supply hoarder (I like to buy everything needed and never do the project). I do love to scrapbook, sew, travel, plan trips, and anything I can find that helps me avoid cleaning. I’m a Facebook junkie, and don’t tend to have time to watch TV.

I am the wearer of many different hats. Aside from being a mom and chaos manager, I work as a Certified Health Coach. I love being part of many people’s lives and helping them achieve optimal health. It’s rewarding. I easily make friends with others from all walks of life. And strangely enough I tend to get bored if I’m not doing an excessive amount of things. I believe in living life to the fullest, and that all things are possible. I’m not afraid to be who I want to be, stand up for what I believe in, and be the change I’d like to see in the world.

-Amanda