Name: Pamela Marks
Children’s names and ages: Megan, age 10 Madelyn age 8, McKenzi, age 4 and Macy Jo, age 20 months
Where were you born and raised? I was born in California. I moved a lot as a kid, but I have been in NW Arkansas for most of my life.
How long have you lived here? Since I was 11, so 27 years. For two years my husband and I lived in Los Angeles. Right after we were married, we moved to California and owned and operated our own restaurant. I was thrilled to move back to NW Arkansas!
What’s your favorite thing about summer? I love having the kids home (even though it gets very chaotic around our home). I love sleeping in a little later and planning each day as we like. It’s great to not have the school schedule, gymnastics, dance, etc…. I love taking the kids swimming – they love the water. Of course when it’s time for school to start back, I’m ready!
What’s your favorite place to take all the kids in Northwest Arkansas? My parents’ house. They live in Siloam Springs and they have a pool, a game room and a couple acres of woods. The kids always have a great time there. My sisters live close by and they bring their kids over so the cousins/grandkids can all play together. My dad loves to BBQ ribs and my mom’s a great cook. We all have a blast swimming, eating, laughing and watching the kids.
How long have you been married? Darryl and I have been married for 15 years. He is an absolutely wonderful husband and father and I love him more every day. I know, I know, it’s mushy but it’s true 🙂
How did you meet? We both attended JBU and we also worked at the same restaurant. I invited him out one New Year’s Eve – just as a friend along with a group of other friends. It took him several months, but he finally had a mutual friend invite me to his house for a party.
What’s something that has surprised you about being a mom? Well, the fact that I have 4 daughters is a big surprise! We always planned to have two kids. We didn’t care if they were boys or girls, but we were sure we would have two and stop. I am so blessed to have 4 beautiful girls. I have 3 sisters and I hope my girls will be as close as my sisters and I are. Also, there is no way to know how much you will love your kids until you become a mother. It’s a love so huge and sometimes it’s overwhelming because you want to protect them 24/7. I thought I knew what it was to worry, but I never really did until I became a mom.
What’s your favorite way to unwind? I love to sit in bed with a glass of Sangria, some cheese and crackers and read a good book.
Name three things you always have with you: My driver’s license, mascara and tweezers (shaped eyebrows and lots of mascara make me look less sleep deprived).
Your favorite restaurant in NWA? I have to pick two: Sushi King and A Taste of Thai
Do you have any phobias? I am incredible claustrophobic and it’s not just small spaces. Any space without windows makes me very nervous. My husband’s office is in the basement of the Benton County Admin. building and I have never been to it – he’s worked there for ten years!
Is there something you say all the time? “Have you seen my … car keys, cell phone, the remote control, the sippy cup.” I also say “I love you” very often
The last “alone time” outing you had: Yardsaling a couple of weekends ago. I love a bargain!
What is stressing you out the most right now? The fact that I am so disorganized and need to manage my time better.
The best thing about having children: All the love and laughter we share as a family. I’m amazed with how blessed I’ve been.
Your favorite memory (so far) of each child: Those first incredible moments when I held each of them for the first time and nursed them. It’s such a gift from God. Not to mention the supreme relief that labor is over! As far as for each one individually, it’s hard to pick just one moment but here is are some of my favorites:
Megan – watching her sing When You Wish Upon A Star on stage. I was so proud and nervous for her.
Madelyn – When she was about 2 years old she would get in these very serious moods. One day Darryl and I were sitting on our bed with her and she had this very serious expression on her face and Darryl and I were doing our best to get her to smile. We were cracking up and laughing so hard we had tears rolling down our face. Madelyn’s lip would twitch in a tiny half smile but she immediately return to her stoic stare. She was so focused and determined and we were in hysterics.
McKenzi – She had a dance recital yesterday and it was sooooooo adorable!
Macy Jo – The other day while I was doing laundry Macy was pulling clothes out and putting them on. She found a pair of Darryl’s underwear and pulled them on. Then she managed to get one arm through the leg hole. Grandma and I were laughing and clapping for her. Macy was strutting around the living room proudly posing and modeling her “Tighty-Whitey Toga”!!
One word to sum me up: Happy!
