Kelly Baker
Age: 42
Occupation: Cosmetologist and owner of Salon Mirage
Location: Emporia
Family: Husband, Jim Baker, 38; stepson, Dylan, 17; stepson, Sammy, 15; Allie, 5; Teegan, 3
The most fun thing about being a mom: I’m an older mom so it’s fun trying to keep up with my kids. They have a lot more energy than I do.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my children: We love going to the park, and we spend the whole summer at the pool. It wears them down and that gives me a little time for myself later.
The one think I wish I had known about parenting before I became a parent: What an awesome feeling that it is when you get hugs and hear “I love you, Mommy.”
The most important life lesson I want my children to learn: Treat everyone as equal. Don’t judge someone until you have walked in their shoes.
The invention I wish I could create to make my life easier: A clock that would go a lot slower; but not at work.
The thing about my younger self that I’d like to reclaim: My energy. I always had a lot until I had kids.
My favorite kitchen gadget: My husband. He’s a great cook.
My no-fail stress reliever: Dinner out with just my husband or visiting family in Branson, Mo.
Favorite way to slow down as a family: Watch movies and eat popcorn. Our favorite show as a family is The Biggest Loser.
I hope my kids inherit: Their dad’s calm, patient side, my silly don’t-care-what-people-think personality and my social skills.
Three items on my “bucket list” are: Swimming with the dolphins, Disney World and watching my girls get married and having families of their own.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: When my kids leave me to go to college. Of course it will be the same year I retire. Ha Ha!
The one thing as a kid I promised I’d never do as a parent: Yell at my kids. I find they don’t listen to me any better than I listened to my mom.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a parent is: Being an older mom, everyone said I should have more patience. If that is the case, I’m definitely glad that I’m not 20.
The best thing money can’t buy is: The hugs and hearing “I love you.”
If I had an “I’d rather be...” bumper sticker on my car, it would say: Vacationing with my family anywhere — and shopping.
One way I try to instill an attitude of gratitude in my children is: Showing them that not everybody has the same things that they do and that’s OK because everyone walks their own path in life.
To nominate a mother for Meet A Gazette Mom, please contact Ashley Walker at ashley@ emporiagazette.com.