Meet a Gazette mom
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Welcome to our newest feature in The Gazette, “Meet A Gazette Mom.” Every Saturday on our new Family Life page, our readers will meet an average mom with an anything but average life — after all, what’s average about raising kids, right? And no two mothers do it the same way. So, with this feature, an Emporia area mom will candidly answer a variety of questions from parenting tips to her favorite junk food. They may make you laugh, they may make you cry, or they may just make you feel like you’re not the only one on this journey called motherhood. If you would like to nominate someone (or yourself) for us to meet please e-mail Ashley Walker at ashley@emporiagazette.com.
Age: 40
Location: Emporia
Occupation: Kindergarten teacher at Timmerman Elementary School
Family members: husband, Stan, 46; Brooke, 13; Hayden, 11
The last time my child(ren) made me laugh: My kids make me laugh every day. They are both very witty and have a great sense of humor.
I carve out time for myself by: I like to be very organized so that things get done in a timely manner so I have time for myself.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my child: I like to pull them on the sled in the winter and go to the pool with them in the summer. We also enjoy a good game of dominos on Sunday evening at the kitchen table.
The one thing I wish I had known about parenting before I became a parent: How hard it is when you cannot take the hurt away when something happens to your kids.
The most important life lesson I want my child to learn: I want my kids to be honest and respectful to others.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: The day I send my kids off to college.
My proudest moment as a parent: I have had many proud moments as a parent. Each time one of them makes a mile marker in life or had a success or accomplishment it makes you proud as a parent.
One invention that I would make to make my life easier would be: A clone of myself; one to do the work, and one to have fun.
The thing about my younger self that I’d like to reclaim: I would like to reclaim the energy that I once had so I can keep up with my teenage children.
The way I encourage “green” habits in my kids: We recycle all of our cans, plastic, cardboard and some glass. We also try not to be wasteful.
My favorite kitchen gadget: I like all kinds of kitchen gadgets but I think my favorite is my Kitchen Aid mixer. I like to bake so it is put to use frequently.
My no-fail stress reliever: That is simple to answer: Pilates!
Favorite way to slow down as a family: We like to sit down and play a board game or watch a movie.
The kid’s snack I am most likely to be caught eating: I am most likely going to get caught in the chocolate or ice cream. Those are my weaknesses!
When I have 30 minutes to myself: It is a rarity that I have 30 minutes to myself. It seems as though there is always something that I should be doing or needs to be done. I do like to go and tan every once in a while.
The one think I hope to do better as a parent in 2009: I hope to spend more down time with my kids, family and friends.