Meet a gazette mom
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Jackie Miller
Age: 48.
Location: Emporia
Occupation: regional emergency management coordinator with adjutant general’s dept/Kansas division of emergency management
Family members: Husband, Monte, 51; Chase, 19; Kaitlyn, 16; Miranda, 13
The thing I was most prepared for with teenagers: Absolutely nothing.
The thing I was least prepared for with teenagers: Letting them leave home behind the wheel of a car or as a passenger in a car, without a parent.
The biggest difference between teenage boys and teenage girls is: There is far less drama with boys than with girls.
The last time I made my children laugh: A few nights ago, we were all acting silly and wild at dinner and my oldest daughter tossed a sweet potato fry at me. As luck would have it, I managed to catch it between two of my fingers when my hands were in front of my face. This is one of those “you had to be there” stories, but it was very funny to my girls. I do not know if they laughed because my catch was cool or if I looked ridiculous.
The hardest thing about being a mom: As most mothers know, there isn’t just one hard thing about being a mom. For me, it is difficult to see my child hurting whether it is physical or emotional pain. Illness, injury, the pain of a pet dying or being left out of a party, it is heartbreaking to not be able to take away the hurt.
The most fun thing about being a mom: At this stage of parenting, it is fun and terrifying at the same time to “give them wings” and let them make some of their own decisions. I think I would have answered this differently 10 years ago.
The invention I wish I could create to make my life easier: A robot that could fold and put away all the clean laundry, neatly of course.
My proudest moment as a parent: When my children reach out, stand up for and are kind to someone who has been treated unfairly or rudely by others.
The thing about my younger self that I’d like to reclaim: Oh wow, only one thing? It is a tie for my weight and energy level.
My best money-saving tip: I send my husband to the store. This advice probably won’t work for everyone.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: When my baby goes off to college. My youngest, Miranda, told me to answer this way. I have always said that it is a blessing to have a child physically and intellectually capable to leave home and go to college. Seriously though, I do dread it when the last one leaves.
If I could throw a temper tantrum it would be because: I feel like I do not get enough help around the house.
The best thing money can’t buy is: Is a hug and “I love you, Mom.” These words and actions are especially priceless coming from a teenager.
The last time I said “I’m sorry” to my children was for: Not listening.
If I could change places with anyone, living or dead, it would be: I wouldn’t trade places with anyone living or dead. My life is crazy and wild, but I am blessed.
One way I try to foster a spirit of gratitude in my children: I try to model a grateful heart. I am personally working on my own spirit of gratitude and I hope that as I grow in this area I can be a witness to my children.