Gazette Mom
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Name: Tonetta Walecki
Age: 39
Location: Emporia
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Family members: Husband, Frank, 40; Andrew, 19; Colby, 18 (today); Alyssa, 12; Savanna, 10; Morgan, 3; Tanner, 17 months
The last time my children made me laugh: They make me laugh every single day. Between the goofy things teenagers do and the silly things toddlers say, there is never a dull moment.
I carve out time for myself by: Staying up later than I should. After the kids are in bed is the only time the house is quiet.
My proudest moment as a parent: Watching my children develop their talents. I enjoy wrestling meets, orchestra concerts, piano recitals and anything else they are involved in. Tanner is too young for any of that — all he has to do is smile at me, it makes me proud to be his Mom. It is wonderful to see the amazing young people they are growing into.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my children: I enjoy taking walks and bike rides. We also love riding four-wheelers.
The invention I wish I could create to make my life easier: It would be a robot that walked around the house all day picking up things that do not belong on the floor — shoes, toys, clothes, etc. — and placing them in their appropriate spot. I would have a lot more free time!
The way I encourage “green” habits in my kids: We have been recycling for many years. The kids enjoy helping to sort items and take them to the recycling center. I hope that it will become enough of a habit that they will continue even when they’re grown.
My favorite book to read to my children: I loved reading Junie B. Jones books when Alyssa and Savanna were younger. She is such a funny little girl. Soon Morgan will be ready and I can read them all over again.
My no-fail stress reliever: Walking or jogging depending on my energy level. Since we live in the country I can go two to three miles passing only a few houses (but lots of cows). It is so peaceful!
Favorite way to slow down as a family: We love to play board games. Andrew and Colby think they are too old to play games, but in the end we all have a great time.
The kid’s snack I am most likely to be caught eating: I love ice cream, or anything with chocolate. I can’t resist!
I realized I turned into my mother when: I couldn’t get out the right name and resorted to calling my children, “whoever you are.”
The future parenting moment I fear most: An empty nest. By the time Tanner is old enough to move out, we will have been raising children for over 35 years (EEK!) I fear an empty house will be hard to get use to.
If I could throw a temper tantrum it would be because: The house is always messy. Seriously, am I the only one who knows where shoes go?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a parent is: There are six of them and only one of me. I love having a large family, but it is not always possible to be at everyone’s activities if they are at the same time. Sometimes I have to choose, and that is so hard.
The last time I said “I’m sorry” to my children was for: I feel like I say “I’m sorry” all day long. “I’m sorry your brother hit you.” “I’m sorry she pulled your hair.” “I’m sorry your favorite jeans aren’t clean (even though you just wore them yesterday).” “I’m sorry you can’t have a new shirt.” “I’m sorry he got marker on your new comforter.” You get the idea.
I like my summers to be “crazy busy” or “super lazy” and why: I would love for them to be “super lazy.” I don’t want my children to feel over-scheduled. I want them to enjoy their childhood and have fond memories of mornings at the park, afternoons at the pool and late-night movie parties. But with six kids it always feels “crazy busy.”