Meet a Gazette Mom
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Penny Fillinger
Age: 39 (on Oct. 6)
Location: Emporia
Occupation: I am a “domestic engineer” (full-time stay-at-home mom)
Family members: Husband, Brian, 37; Claudia, 10; Julia, 7; and Lydia, 2
The last time I made my children laugh: We went to the movies to see a musical and when the movie was over I got up and started dancing like the dancer in the show. After they got over being embarrassed, they busted out laughing. I carve out time for myself by: Weekday mornings I like to go to the gym to workout. I have been doing this for a year and have found that I have more patience, am not so tired and shed a couple leftover baby pounds in the process.
The hardest thing about being a mom: Discipline. It sometimes feels like that is all I do all day. I know that it is in their best interest and will help make them better people, but it would be nice if they did something the first time that I asked every once in a while.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my children: Currently, I am the soccer coach for my middle daughter. My oldest also plays soccer, so right now we are in soccer mode. Our favorite family outdoor activity is camping. The invention I wish I could create to make my life easier: An extra set of arms that you could take on and off. Think of all the things you could get done if you had an extra set of hands whenever you needed it.
The way I encourage ‘green’ habits in my kids: We currently recycle aluminum, tin, plastic, glass, newspapers and magazines. I am always encouraging them to turn off lights and electrical devices when they are not being used. We try to limit showers to conserve water and our food scraps go to feed the chickens and cats.
I hope my kids inherit: I can only hope that my girls inherit my ability to multi-task and be super-organized. Those two qualities are as important in life as at work.
When I have 30 minutes to myself: I am guilty of sitting in front of the TV to catch a show on HGTV.
My best money-saving tip: Garage sale shopping for kids clothes. Children’s clothes are so expensive and with three girls you need a lot of clothes. You can find some really great gently used clothes at consignment stores, secondhand stores and garage sales.
One of my favorite family traditions is: This is something that we just started three to four years ago when Claudia and Julia were a little younger. Decorating the tree and house for Christmas is a favorite tradition. The first year, Brian wanted to move the ornaments after they were done (all of them were on one branch of the tree) but I wouldn’t let him. The girls thought it was the most beautiful tree.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: When the girls start wanting to grow up. Specifically, when they want to date and go out with their friends. It is going to be hard for me to let go and not be able to control the situations they are in and remind them what “the right thing to do” would be.
The last temper tantrum occurred because: Temper tantrums are a daily ongoing process when you have a 2-year-old in the house. Just today Lydia was screaming for some fruit snacks in the store.
If I could throw a temper-tantrum it would be because: No one picks up their stuff. Toys, clothes, backpacks, socks, shoes, books and papers all have a home but they don’t make it there very often without reminders.
The best thing money can’t buy is: Hugs, kisses and “I Love You’s.”
If I had an “I’d rather be...” bumper sticker on my car, it would say: “I’d rather be on vacation.” We love to travel and see new places. The girls really have the travel bug.
To nominate a mother for Meet A Gazette Mom, please contact Ashley Walker at ashley@ emporiagazette.com.