I'm looking for someone who can have an intelligent conversation, who loves to laugh, who can strike the balance between nights spent cuddling on the couch and watching movies and days spent doing something adventurous. I'm an awesome partner-in-crime, and because of that, I'm not settling for anything less than I think I deserve, and I don't apologize for having standards.

You must be able to spell, have a firm grip on the English language, know and use punctuation and capital letters, and don't email me in text message code. If you can't write out the entire word YOU, or if your profile has "lol" or "hit me up" anywhere in it, or you have posted pictures with no shirt on, you aren't the kind of man I'm looking for.

I am a single mom to two children under age 5. Their father is not and will not be part of their lives, so no drama on that end of things.

I'm currently training for a marathon, and run/work out several days a week. No, I don't have Cindy Crawford's body, I don't apologize for my curves (there is a difference between curvy and fat!), but I want a man who moves his body more than just from the couch to the pantry to get another bag of chips. I don't get along well with bump-on-a-log types.

I am a very giving person, and want the same in return. I don't mind taking care of my man, but I don't want to be your mother. I want to be with someone who can't wait to see me at the end of the day, who isn't afraid to tell me how he feels, who is an open book. I don't want to be with someone who can wait three days before calling me. No drama and no games please. Spontaneity is a plus, but just being thoughtful every once in awhile will suffice. I like keeping relationships fresh.

I'm not looking to casually date. I'm not afraid to say that I'm looking for someone to spend the rest of my life with. I don't want to get married tomorrow, though. I'm also not going to jump into bed with you on the first date. I won't lead you on if I don't think there is a future between us. I'm not into wasting my time, or yours. If you think monogamy is a tree, you're not someone I want to date. I do want to get to know you a little bit before I meet you in "real life", but I don't want to be your pen pal.

I've tried dating guys my own age, but have found that they tend to be on the immature side, so I generally date men that are older than me. If you ARE my age, and not all about going out to get wasted and playing head games and looking cool for your friends, feel free to get in touch with me. No matter your age, I want to be with a "grown up".

That said, I'm a goofball, sarcastic, and will tease you (as long as we are both laughing.) I have been told that I have a big personality, and I love to laugh.

I am a domestic diva - I cook and bake from scratch, sew, garden, I'm an awesome mom, and like having painted toenails in my high heels, but I also love watching football and basketball, played softball for 9 years (okay, and I was a cheerleader in high school) and I know my way around power tools. I don't really like to shop. I enjoy a good book, singing along to the radio, and traveling. I'll try anything at least once.

I want someone who can keep me on my toes, who can challenge me, who can have an intelligent conversation, but can also just goof around. Someone who can make me laugh, wants to have a good time every day, and is generally a positive person. I don't sweat the small stuff.

I would say I lean toward the liberal/moderate side of things, but have happily dated Republicans before. ;) (Yes, there IS such as thing as a liberal-ish Christian.) What will matter most is if you are respectful of people and opinions that differ from your own.

Obviously, you must be okay with children. Like I said, my children's father is not involved in their life, and will remain that way. (Yes, there is a back story to this. No, I won't be sharing it here. For the record, I am not one of those evil women who is keeping the kids from their father just to be spiteful, and if/when you hear the story why he is not in their lives, you will understand.) We are a package deal. I don't feel like I'm done having children (no pressure - just being up front and honest!), so if two is your limit, or if you would not be willing to potentially be a father figure to children that aren't biologically yours, it would be best not to contact me. I realize that that's a lot to ask of a person, and not everyone is up to it, and that's fine, but there will be no relationship between you and I if that is a dealbreaker for you. You won't meet my children too early on, but if you don't get along with them, that's absolutely a deal breaker. For the record, my kids aren't brats. (Yes, every mom says that, but my kids are adorable, well-spoken, polite, and fun.)

I expect you to hold open doors, be kind and respectful to the elderly, and aren't one of those people who is rude to cashiers, waitstaff, etc.

I am a business owner, a homeowner, and I own my car free and clear. I am independent, and don't NEED a man; but it certainly is nice to have one around. Can't kiss myself! ;)

If you've made it this far and think you fit the bill, drop me a line! Even if it's just "Hi, want to get to know each other better?" If your profile only has two or three sentences in it, hopefully you will have more to say in a message than, "Hi, want to get to know each other better?" ;)