Becky Peters
Age: 29 (will be 30 on Nov. 6)
Location: Emporia
Occupation: Stylist and owner of Envy Salon, 2607 W. 18th Ave.
Location: Emporia
Family members: husband, Zach, a car salesman at John North Ford, 31; son, River, who will be 3 on Oct. 26
The most fun thing about being a mom: Every day is a new experience. I never know what he will do or say from one minute to the next. River will be 3 years old Oct. 26. My, how time flies. I try to embrace the good times — and the trying ones, too. These precious years can never be replaced.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my child: We love the outdoors. We live in the country so we have lots of room for River to explore. River loves to go on adventures. His favorite place is the creek. We spend a lot of time walking and splashing around in the clear water. We enjoy peaceful picnics on the gravel bars.
The most important life lesson I want my child to learn: I want River to respect his peers, to treat people the way he would like to be treated. And that if he works hard, anything is possible.
When I have 30 minutes to myself: I love to read anything to do with the beauty industry. I am always looking to read up on the latest trends, color, techniques and products. I love what I do, and I think it is important to keep up on the latest in my industry.
I carve out time for myself by: I work full-time so when I am home, things are usually pretty hectic. Trying to keep up on housework, being a good mother and wife — most times there are not enough hours in the day. I do my best with all aspects. I love my job, so that helps. I don’t feel drained when I get home. So, needless to say, there is not “me” time. Oh, well. I wouldn’t change my life right now for anything. (I hardly found time to do this.)
The people I admire most: My parents. They have given me the tools to be the best mom I can be. They taught me to work hard for what I want to get out of life. My mom and dad are great grandparents to River. I don’t know what I would do without all their guidance and hope to pass that on to River.
When our family has extra time: We try to get together with friends when time permits. Usually with friends who have kiddos, too. River and I have enjoyed “play dates” with Leslie and Addie. We enjoy cookouts at our house, and we enjoy walks and playing at their house. It gives the kiddos time and mommies time. Can’t beat that.
Our favorite way to slow down as a family: Zach, River and I truly enjoy spending our vacation time in Missouri with Zach’s family. His aunt and uncle own a resort called Rivers Edge in southeast Missouri. We enjoy using our jet boat, running the rivers and playing alongside the Jacks Fork River gravel bars. It is a peaceful, relaxing getaway for the whole family — if only we could get there more often.
Three things on my “bucket list” are: I’d love to take a vacation with my husband to New Zealand and Australia; have a second home in the Ozarks to visit whenever I need a little getaway time; stop living for the future and live for today.
Our favorite family tradition: Our family tradition is to sit around the kitchen table and eat dinner. We do this as much as we can. We know someday River will be in sports and other activities. So this is something that we make a point to make time for now and in the future, too. We think it is an important time of day to reflect on the day’s happenings and keep in touch with what is going on in our lives at school and work.
I knew I turned into my mother when: Let’s see — I talk like her, look like her, think like her — yeah, I’m just like my mother. And I’ve known that for years.
The last time a temper tantrum occurred: Was it the last time we were at Price Chopper or Walmart? Oh, yeah, Price Chopper. River wanted a banana and threw a fit. The store was full. I made him wait until I bought it. Patience.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: Having an empty nest. It seems it will be forever, so not to worry, but truly these first three years have flown by, so it really scares me. I can’t imagine my everyday life without River here in our home.
The one thing money can’t buy: Love, honesty or respect — over and over.
The one thing I promised I’d never do as a parent: Give in. But it is so hard when those sweet, innocent eyes look at you and plead. It is sooo hard sometimes. But I always pay for it in the long run when I do. It makes my job that much harder.
If I had to choose a costume to wear for Halloween this year it would be: A princess — to feel all beautiful and perfect for one night. Ha ha.