Gina Slayden
Age: 43.
Location: Emporia
Occupation: registered nurse at Newman Regional Health.
Family members: husband James, 46; Evan, 15; Stephanie, 12; Sawyer, 9; Reed, 7
The last time my children made me laugh: My children were blessed with a great sense of humor!! They make me laugh everyday. They say “laughter is the best medicine,” and I believe that is so true.
I carve out time for myself by: With four children there is not a lot of time for myself. If I have a few minutes to myself I enjoy watching HGTV for new decorating ideas.
The television mom I am most like: My daughter Stephanie replied very quickly to this question. She said “Kate,” in “John and Kate plus eight,” always organizing and keeping everyone in line and on task. However I only have four children instead of eight!
The hardest thing about being a mom: I believe the hardest thing about being a mom is trying to find balance between working outside the home and household duties, taking children to after school and summer activities while trying to spend quality time as a family. (Thank goodness I have a great husband who helps so much!)
The most fun thing about being a mom: That’s an easy question. What could be better than four little people who love you and count on you more than anyone else in the world. When they say “I love you,” or “you’re the best mom,” It makes me feel like I am doing a good job as a parent.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my children: We spend alot of time swimming in the summer. The children are in the pool three to four times a day some days. They love the evenings we swim as a family in the dark! We also enjoy weekend evenings, grilling, and playing catch in the backyard.
The most important life lesson I want my children to learn: I want my children to show respect to everyone and to accept everyone for who they are. I encourage my children to always do their best, but most of all have fun along the way!
My proudest moment as a parent: My children are such great kids! I am so proud to be their mom. Evan is so happy and has taught us about the “important” things in life, like food and game shows. Stephanie is very bright and is a great swimmer, Sawyer is a good athlete and a natural at baseball, and Reed is quite a little gymnast and has such a sweet personality. Watching children grow into unique individuals has to be the best and proudest moments in any parents life.
If I could change places with anyone living or dead it would be: Definitely my son Evan who has autism. Evan has taught me so much. He knows nothing but happiness! All that matters to him is what game show is on next and what the menu is at home or at school. When life gets hectic or I get stressed I just think about Evan and it makes me slow down and remember what is really important. All of the little things really don't matter! I would love to experience what Evan would be like as a teenager. What sports would he play or what he would talk about with his friends or about his day at school.
One of my favorite family traditions: I love decorating the entire house for the holidays. I start November 1st every year. James and the kids give me a hard time, but they love helping (Yes, you too, James! You love it!). It is always fun to see the house lit up inside and out for the holidays. It is such a special time of year!
My most embarrassing paenting moment: We vacationed in Austin the first of June and Evan wandered off before any of us realized it. (He’s quick to get away, sometimes) We found him in the condo next to ours. He was standing in the neighbors kitchen as they ate their breaskfast — total strangers! Evan kept asking them “Man eat breakfast, Lady eat breakfast.” Thank goodness he wasn’t there for long! And thank goodness everyone had clothes on!!!
The one thing as a kid I promised I'd never do as a parent: I always said I would not make my children eat everything on their plate. I remember trying to find ways to hide the food in a napkin, on the floor etc. As long as the children are eating something healthy it doesn’t bother me.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: When the children are old enough to drive and gain more independence!
The best thing money “can’t” buy: Money cannot buy love or time. Time spent with children and family creates memories to last a lifetime. I hope our children always remember the fun we have by spending time together as a family.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a parent is: Having a child with a disability and all of the extra time, planning and coordination involved. It is sometimes difficult to be in all of the places that we need to be for all of our children and there are times that it is not appropriate to take our oldest son as he makes noises. We are blessed to have great friends and neighbors who have helped us with getting our children where they need to be or by helping us with Evan! Thanks!
My best advice for getting kids outside to play during the summer: Anything that has to do with water seems to work. And my children love water balloons.
To nominate a mother for Meet A Gazette Mom, please contact Ashley Walker at ashley@ emporiagazette.com.