Age: 50
Location: Emporia
Occupation: Dolly Madison (Interstate Brands Corp.)
Family members: Two sons, Nathon Daniels, 33, and Colby Hayes 15; two granddaughters, Madison Daniels, 8; Riley Daniels, 5.
The last time my children made me laugh: Colby recently downloaded a ring tone to my phone so when he calls me it says “Mom, Mom, Mommy, Mom, Mommy, Mom” over and over. It makes me laugh every time he has to call me.
I carve out time for myself by: “Playing” in my flower beds. I love being outside.
The hardest thing about being a mom: One of the hardest things for me is when Colby gets hurt.
My proudest moment as a parent: My proudest moment as a parent was becoming a grandparent. That was on 9-11-2001. I can still see Nathon’s face.
The way I encourage “green” habits in my kids: We TRY to be “green.” We recycle aluminum, newspapers and magazines. And we do not litter.
My favorite book to read to my children: Even though I don’t read to my kids anymore, I still love to read “Where the Wild Things Are.” It’s one of my favorites.
My no-fail stress reliever: Going for a drive in the country. I am looking forward to the leaves changing colors.
I hope my kids inherit: A good sense of humor. Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
Three items on my “bucket list” are: To ride in (or drive) a race car, go to New England in the fall and go on a cruise.
If stranded on a desert island, the three things I would take with me: Lots of music, Sam Elliott — and a camera to prove it.
I realized I turned into my mother when: Colby started driving. I’m always saying, “Slow down, do this, don’t do that,” etc.
If I could throw a temper tantrum it would be because: We can’t just stay home for one day and night. We seem to have to go somewhere every day. I can’t imagine how single parents with two or three kids get them everywhere they need to be.
The best thing money can’t buy is: Friendship. I have some wonderful friends.
The last time I said “I’m sorry” to my children was for: Being late to pick Colby up. I felt badly, but those things bother me worse than they do him.
If I had an “I’d rather be...” bumper sticker on my car, it would say: At the beach.
My favorite fall activity to do with my child is: I still enjoy going to the pumpkin patch and getting pumpkins.