Applicant #29: Melissa MacMurdo Ross

Melissa MacMurdo Ross is a mom from Seattle.

My video application:

A bit about me:

My name is Melissa and I live in Ballard. I am the mom of 4 children, ranging in age from 6-18. I am a Birth Doula, Parent Educator, and Teacher. I am a single mom and I make all the decisions in our family and all the weight of daily responsibilities falls on my shoulders. My positive attitude, children and belief that I am making a difference every day is my fuel. I love my life and look forward to all of it!

My blog post:

I am Mom - hear me roar - I became a mom for the first time a month before I turned 21. My son, Taylor, came into this world a month early and with many challenges ahead. Scared, sleep-deprived and inexperienced, he taught me that positive was the only way to be. Pity parties and excuses got you no where and we could do it! He went through numerous surgeries and recoveries, finally getting his "walking papers" last March from Children's Hospital. He is now a thriving, incredibly active 18 year-old, with a huge hunger for living and an even bigger heart. He spent two Springs in Antigua, building schools with the villagers, all by his own accord. His friends and family cherish him. Taylor teaches me to be positive, be inspiring and take risks - live life. My daughter, Morgan, teaches me everyday to be myself. She has been comfortable in her skin since she was born. She walks into a room and lights it up, without even realizing her amazing presence. She is so strong, so smart and someone w ho will get what she wants in life! She is silly and reminds to be dorky too. She is also one of my biggest cheerleaders. Morgan teaches me to be comfortable in my skin and encourage others around me. My son, Jack, is almost 10 years old. He was a very challenging baby and toddler, but has grown into one of the most precious people I get to hang out with. He is incredibly cool and in tune with those around him. He has plotted his NBA and/or MLB career and has offered me his manager position. I'll be there, at every stadium and every arena - he is amazing to watch and exudes joy when he is playing a sport he loves. He is silly, sarcastic and very tender. He is scared of many things, most I will not mention to keep his embarrassment to a minimum. You would never guess he still sleeps with a furry monkey - he claims it is just something to hold his wristbands - ya, right. Jack reminds me to hug the people I love; look them in the eye and say, "I love you." Last c omes my baby - Nate. He is 6 going on 40. His brain is mind-blowing (hee hee) and is already figuring out square roots and sarcasm. He helps me to remember to listen - to slow down and be present in the moment. I am so blessed to have these 4 constant reminders of all that is great in my life and to keep me on track. Becoming a mother was the very best thing that happened to me and I do my best every day! Follow me on my blog at: http://boogerstometh.blogspot.com/

Melissa