Danielle Humphreys, our newest addition to the MOPS Steering Team, has been married to Matthew, a native Oregonian, for over 7 years. She enjoys being creative, backyard farming, music, eating good food with good friends, and is an Independent Consultant for The Pampered Chef on the side. She also serves as one of the adult leaders in the youth ministry at Campbell Church of Christ and loves being around teenagers. She and Matthew have two sons, ages 3 and 9 months. Danielle is one of the welcoming faces you will meet at our Wednesday MOPS gatherings!
Here are some other fun facts about Danielle:
Where are you from?
I am a California native! I grew up in the East Bay and have lived all over the Golden State—Santa Barbara, Huntington Beach, Pasadena, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and for the past couple of years, Campbell. It’s nice to be back in the Bay Area!
What was your childhood like?
I have a sister who is 9 years older than me, so it was fun growing up with a cool older sister who could drive and take me to do all the fun stuff my parents wouldn’t do, like go horseback riding. I was still in elementary school when she graduated and left for college, so I felt like an only child at times. I was a good student academically and participated in high school sports. A lot of my value and self-esteem came from the approval of the adults in my life (parents and teachers).
What values did your family emphasize when you were a child?
My parents always encouraged me to do my best in school—education was a high value. My dad took us to Catholic church every Sunday and I, being the good student, was also a good Catholic and sincerely believed in God. A strong work ethic was balanced out by vacations or day trips to local festivals. We always ate dinner together and discussed life at the table, and meals are still a strong tie that binds us together today.
What did you study and where did you go to school?
I have a Bachelors Degree in Aquatic Biology from UC Santa Barbara (ole, ole, ole, ole, Gauchos, Gauchos!). I started out pre-med, considered switching to art studio, and ended up in aquatic bio! Being involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship really helped me to grow as a follower of Jesus. I also have a Masters Degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. I loved my seminary classes and I love thinking about and discussing theological issues and practical application for our life and the Church. Fun Fact: I met my husband, Matt during orientation at Fuller in 2001.
Before becoming a mom, what did you do?
I helped design worship services and did graphic design both with Fuller’s Chapel office and at our previous church, and was a commissioned Pastor to Youth and Families along with Matt. I have been in youth ministry for the past 12 years in both paid and volunteer roles. I stepped out of “professional” ministry after Noah was around 1 ½ years old because it became too hard to balance consistent bedtimes and non-traditional work hours that come with doing youth ministry!
What do you miss most about being a working mom?I feel like I’m losing my skills, my “street-cred” so to speak. I miss having a mental shift and being able to really focus on something that is intellectually stimulating and challenging, and of course being able to invest more in our teens. I also miss working with Matt, being on a staff and collaborating with people. It’s been, and is, a hard transition to being a SAHM, which is one of the reasons why I need the support and encouragement of MOPS!
What is the best thing about being a stay-at-home mom?
Being able to play with my kids and have a major influence on them throughout the day. It can also be fun to tackle crazy new projects, from learning how to make homemade pickles to learning how to sew.
Who are the most important women in your life right now?
My mom and my sister. My sister had her first baby, a son, 1 week after my second son was born, so we are having fun walking alongside one another and watching our kids grow up together. My mom has been a huge support in my life and I’m thankful both my mom and sister live in the area. I am thankful for new friends I’ve made through church and for my old friends that I still keep in touch with as well.
Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
In those rare moments, I like to read or watch a little TV with my hubby at the end of the day.
Favorite way to be spoiled?
I like going out to eat (especially if it involves chocolate at some point!), but real spoiling would be getting a massage! I have some serious knots in my back and shoulders!
Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you about being a mother of young children? Teresa Drake (
www.teresadrake.com) who just spoke at our Weds. MOPS group, taught us 3 responses we can give to people who give uninvited and uninformed criticism:
“That’s a clever idea…”
“Hmmm, that sounds interesting…”
“I’ll have to look into that…”
There will always be people in your life that criticize something about your parenting, and these are tried and true responses I have used to politely avoid an argument!
