Meet a gazette mom
Friday, February 27, 2009
Age: 38
Location: Americus
Occupation: Accountant at Emporia Pet Food
Family members: Husband Fred, 49 (big 5-0 this summer); three daughters, Alex, 15; Peyton, 11; Riley, 6.
I carve out time for myself by: Taking a hot bubble bath and reading a book. Most of the time it is not until 10 o’clock at night, but it is relaxing.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my children: Going camping — away from home and chores and your “to-do” list. At the lake, we get to spend time with our family and friends and not feel pressured to be getting things done.
The most important life lesson I want my children to learn: Don’t be judgmental. You never know what a person is going through or what their life is really like.
The invention I wish I could create to make my life easier: A clone. My clone could go to work and clean my house and do laundry, and I would have more time to spend with my family and friends.
My proudest moment as a parent: Every day. My kids always make me proud. They are so smart and talented. I am very lucky.
The thing about my younger self that I’d like to reclaim: My energy and fun side. It is too easy to always be stressed about everything you have to get done in a day that you miss the little day-to-day moments, and that is really what life is about.
Favorite way to slow down as a family: One night out of the week we make a point to all stay home and eat in the family room and watch “American Idol” together. Sometimes we follow it up with by all sitting in the hot tub and talking.
The kid’s toy or game I will never understand: The Wii. We got it for the kids for Christmas and it is SO beyond me and my days of playing Atari!
The kid’s snack I am most likely to be caught eating: Hot chocolate. After everyone is in bed I sometimes curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and watch TV.
When I have 30 minutes to myself: In 30 minutes I can unload the dishwasher, reload it with dirty dishes, clean the kitchen and start a load of laundry. But I would rather go kick back in the recliner and watch my soap!
The future parenting moment I fear the most: My kids leaving home. I tease my teenager how I only have three more years before I can kick her out, but truly I will be lost without them!
The last temper tantrum occurred because: I was exhausted, overwhelmed and felt like no one in my house was helping me.
The one thing as a kid I promised I’d never do as a parent: Telling my kids “not now” or “maybe later.” I will be so sad when they are all grown up that they don’t want me to play with them anymore
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a parent is: Juggling it all. It is so hard to work, take care of a home, juggle the kids and their activities and still feel as if we spend quality time together.
If I had an “I’d rather be...” bumper sticker on my car, it would say: At the lake.
My favorite way to show my family I love them: To support them in all they do and help them follow their dreams. I want them to know I am their biggest fan!