AKA

As people we're constantly generalizing others with a phrase or brief description, and I've found that the phrases describing me have changed throughout years. So the following, in semi-chronological or overlapping order, is a list of what Lisa was also known as (AKA) . . .

"The Red" -- I was famous for my red hair back in my school days. Seriously, what is so novel about red hair?

"The Nerd" or "Brainiac" -- I was always flattered by that title because the kids were just reminding me of my academic success.

"Goody-goody" -- I was definitely a wide-eyed, innocent girl back in my teenage years. I probably seemed particularly angelic when I was amongst the five pregnant girls in the Young Woman's program. The ward was so crushed with this onslaught of teen pregnancy. One of the counselors in the bishopric told me that if anything like that happened to me, he'd leave the Church. I was his last hope for the youth (oh, goodness!).

"The Music Girl" -- I've always been dubbed the piano player or music girl in every ward I've attended. In one student ward, my callings were music chair, organist, relief society pianist, choir accompanist, and sunday school accompanist. I was so busy! And if I was sick or out of town, the ward was out of luck because no one else could (or would) play.

"The Sports Fanatic" -- I've been known to be a rabid follower of BYU and the Utah Jazz.

Now I've found that my titles are not about me anymore . . . they're about my kids (it's interesting how that's evolved). Since I've been a mother, or an expectant one, here are some other titles I've had:

"The Horribly Sick Pregnant Lady"

"The Mom with the Sickly Child" -- During Jayce's first two years, he had five surgeries, a hospitalization, constant visits to the pediatricians/specialists, and a club foot. I'm still reeling from that intense time in our lives.

"The Mom who has clingy kids" -- I was at a baptism the other day, and as I was playing the song Alyssa climbed all over me and I was dodging her body parts so I could continue reading the music . . . much to the amusement of the attendees. I kept playing, though -- I can multitask better than anyone. But sadly, my kids have major separation anxiety issues, which makes things difficult.

"The Mother of Jayce who says inappropriate things" -- Actually, he's not that bad, but at said baptism, he said a doozie. As the boy came out of the font and everyone was quietly reflecting, Jayce, repeatedly and very loudly, said "Mom, I don't want to get baptized." Okay??? How do I handle that in a quiet room?

"Mother of Jayce and Alyssa" -- The best title, ever! I don't mind taking a back seat to the kids. They're much cuter, smarter, and funnier than I am anyway.

So what is the point of this post? I have no idea! I'm hurting for material. :)