Mom's Minute #6-- Jenny

I saw this type of feature on a few other blogs and absolutely loved the idea of celebrating Moms.   I know that we are very busy being mom and we sometimes forget about ourselves. So, I would like to take the opportunity to honor you as a woman & as a mother.

I created Mom's Minute to introduce the world to the woman behind it all. Because you are an amazing person, not just a mom.

So it is my pleasure to introduce... Jenny

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm the oldest of 8 kids and I never planned to get married and have kids. I got married at 21 and had my first child when I was 24 (married with kids before most of our friends were married). We didn't plan our first child but after one didn't want to wait too long to have more. Now I have 3 and I'm hoping for a 4th. 

What is your favorite food?

I love a good BBQ rib. I'm not really good at making my own but there's a few places, including a little local restaurant, that make awesome ribs.

 How would you describe your clothing style

 My style is pretty classic. Most days it's jeans and a t-shirt. I love GAP clothing, and if it's a classic style I'll probably wear it. 

What was one thing you did regularly before having children?

Reading, I love to read. Some of my favorite authors are Charles Dickens and James Fenmore Cooper, not terribly easy authors to read with constant interruptions. These days, I just collect books, with the intention of reading them. I've been working on Charles Dickens Old Curiosity Shop since my youngest was born - he just turned 2 - and I'm halfway through it. Another 2 years and maybe I'll finally finish! After that, I have a whole set of James Fenmore Cooper's seafairing tales to read, and if I get bored I can always read the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire (I think I'm somewhere in the middle of chapter 2 right now). I'm still doing some reading these days, but not as regularly as I'd like.

Describe your parenting Style...ie strict, structured, laid back, easy going

Back to that 7 younger siblings thing, I'm really pretty laid back as a parent. I have rules, but unless it's a breach of etiquette or harmful I'm going to think about it a second before I respond. Politeness, consideration of others, and teaching self-management (such as cleaning your own room, brushing your teeth, not running out in the road, etc.) are my main goals. I'm a big fan of cause & effect. If you hit your brother and he hits you back, you're both even, both apologize and no more hitting.

           

Tell us about a proud mommy moment.

My proudest moment was when another mom told me that I had really helped her be less stressed as a mom. We enjoy hanging out and I think just seeing that my kids aren't perfect either helped her relax and enjoy being a mom instead of being constantly stressed about what her child was doing.

What is the hardest thing about being a mom?

Not having time for all my goals. I've had to pick and choose a few to keep and put the others on the back-burner for the time being. Maybe when the kids are older, or maybe not. But it's always sad when there's an opportunity that I would love to take but I just can't because there's just not time in my schedule.

What is something that you have learned from your children?

 I've enjoyed being a mom way more than I expected. I love how children are constantly asking questions, pushing the limits, and seeking to know more about life.

If you would like to learn more about Jenny check out her blog Chocolate N Children. You can chat with her Facebook or Twitter or follow her on Pinterest and Instagram.

I would love to celebrate you,  so if you are interested in being featured on Mom's Minute please Contact me or tweet me @MrsSheetsandCo to find out more! 

XOXO

Randi

Mom's Minute # 5 -- Gretta

I saw this type of feature on a few other blogs and absolutely loved the idea of celebrating Moms.   I know that we are very busy being mom and we sometimes forget about ourselves. So, I would like to take the opportunity to honor you as a woman & as a mother.

I created Mom's Minute to introduce the world to the woman behind it all. Because you are an amazing person, not just a mom.

So it is my pleasure to introduce...Gretta

Tell us a little about yourself.

      My name is Gretta,  I live in Tasmania, Australia.  I am married and have three girls aged 4 and under.  I love to cook, sew, crochet, organise and my newest found love is blogging!  I am totally obsessed with blogging and learning everything I can about it.

What is your favorite food?

      I am a terrible sweet tooth!  I have no willpower when it comes to sugary goodness.  In particular, chocolate, puddings and custard.

How would you describe your clothing style

     Whenever I am at home you will find me in track pants, a t-shirt and a hoodie.  Unless it’s after 7pm, and then I will be in PJ’s.  Any style that I have is very random.  I like bold colours and prints, jeans, skirts, cardi’s and knits and I almost always wear some sort of scarf and my pearl stud earrings. 

What was one thing you did regularly before having children?

        Travel.  Well maybe not as regularly as I might have wanted to but my husband and I loved backpacking overseas and have some fantastic memories of travelling on the cheap.  Our most memorable moment, a 12 hour overnight bus trip in Bolivia on a corrugated dirt road with an overflowing toilet.  Not all that pleasant at the time but hilarious to think of now!

Describe your parenting Style...ie strict, structured, laid back, easy going

          Structured, definitely structured!  We eat, sleep and play at the same times everyday, I have tried to go with the flow but that just totally stresses me out!  I blame the former Early Childhood Teacher in me.  I would also say that I can be quite strict about certain things but enjoy having fun and joking around with the kids too.

Tell us about a proud mommy moment.

        There are lots.  The first that comes to mind is when my Miss 4 wrote her name independently for the first time without any prompting.  She had been drawing and brought it over to show me and there was her name.  It never ceases to amaze me how children learn and pick things up so quickly.

What is the hardest thing about being a mom?

           Being needed 24/7.  I definitely struggle with this the most.  It is amazing how refreshed I feel after just having a few hours to myself doing what I want, when I want.

     

 What is something that you have learned from your children?

          I have learnt a lot about my personality that I didn’t know.  I have learnt that I am definitely more of a control freak than I realised!

Thank you so much Gretta!  I loved hearing about you and your family. I never would have made it backpacking that's for sure. I have enjoyed getting to know you.

If you would like to learn more about Gretta check out her blog Mumma Plus Three. You can chat with her Facebook or Twitter or follow her on Pinterest and Instagram.

I would love to celebrate you,  so if you are interested in being featured on Mom's Minute please Contact me or tweet me @MrsSheetsandCo to find out more! 

XOXO

Randi

Mom's Minute #4 -- Sara

I saw this type of feature on a few other blogs and absolutely loved the idea of celebrating Moms.   I know that we are very busy being mom and we sometimes forget about ourselves. So, I would like to take the opportunity to honor you as a woman & as a mother.

I created Mom's Minute to introduce the world to the woman behind it all. Because you are an amazing person, not just a mom .

So it is my pleasure to introduce...Sara

Tell us a little about yourself.

         Hi! I'm Sara.  I live in San Diego Ca with my 3 children and my husband whom I affectionately refer to as my "sexy beast." Life is busy and I wouldn't have it any other way.

What is your favorite food?

         Living only 30 minutes from the Mexican border, my favorite food would have to be Mexican.  Beans, rice, tortillas, salsa, seafood, carnitas, cilantro, jalapeños etc.  You name it!  I could eat it all day everyday... and now I'm hungry.  

How would you describe your clothing style

         My clothing style is Eclectic I guess.  I like to pair neutrals with one eye popping color (usually green because it's my favorite.)  I love my skinny jeans and am a sucker for necklaces and other fun accessories (scarves, hats etc)

What was one thing you did regularly before having children?

          Before I had children I danced.  I began dancing at age 6 and continued throughout college.  Performing ballet, jazz and hip hop. When I had kids the dancing went out the window.

Describe your parenting Style...ie strict, structured, laid back, easy going

           My parenting style is definitely structured and somewhat strict. I believe in leading by example and that I am a parent first and a friend later. We are extremely busy with extracurricular activities and club sports and without structure and organization, it would be chaos. I can't do chaos.

Tell us about a proud mommy moment.

          I have many proud mommy moments. When my children demonstrate kindness and courtesy in the presence of strangers, I feel like I must be doing something right.  The signs of chivalry from my 4 yr old son also makes me happy.  Chivalry is not dead!   Oh, and when one of my kids scores a winning goal on the soccer field...that's pretty freaking cool too.

What is the hardest thing about being a mom?

         The most difficult thing about being a mom?...I can only pick one? Patience. I have none to speak of so it makes it that much more difficult for me.  I am also an only child so I am new to this sibling rivalry and constant bickering and I'm not a fan.

What is something that you have learned from your children?

       I have learned a lot about love from my children; unconditional love.  My children have also reminded me to love myself more because they love me and think I'm pretty cool. Also, to not take life too seriously.  I tend to get wrapped up in the "must do's" of life and stress out, but then one of the kids farts and laughs hysterically for an extended period of time or says something ridiculous and it helps me to snap out of my funk.

Thank you so much Sara for sharing. I could definitely relate to several of your answers. You have a very beautiful family!


If you would like to learn more about Sara check out her blog Happy And Humble. You can chat with her Facebook or Twitter or follow her on Pinterest and Instagram.

I would love to celebrate you,  so if you are interested in being featured on Mom's Minute please Contact me or tweet me @MrsSheetsandCo to find out more! 

XOXO
Randi

Mom's Minute # 3 -- Kat

I saw this type of feature on a few other blogs and absolutely loved the idea of celebrating Moms.   I know that we are very busy being mom and we sometimes forget about ourselves. So, I would like to take the opportunity to honor you as a woman & as a mother.

I created Mom's Minute to introduce the world to the woman behind it all. Because you are an amazing person, not just a mom.

So it is my pleasure to introduce...Kat

  

Tell us a little about yourself.

       My name is Kat and I am a wife and mother to 3 amazing kiddos. I have a BS in Interior Design and MS in Environmental Design. I am currently a SAHM, playgroup organizer, blogger, photographer, carpool runner, and am contemplating giving life coaching a try...I figure you only live once, mine as well give it all a try!! Haha! Live life to the fullest!! And that is precisely what we do in our household.

  

What is your favorite food?

      My favorite food is peanut butter. Truth be told sometimes I take a spoon and eat it right out of the container..shhh!! I thank God everyday for not making me allergic to my favorite food. I can't even imagine! My heart goes out to all those adults and children who can not enjoy all the goodness that peanut butter has to offer.

How would you describe your clothing style

     My clothing style is often whatever is clean. haha! I have a weird body type, all legs no torso so it makes buying clothes a little tricky. I am so fortunate to be born during a time when leggings are acceptable. Thus leggings or yoga pants paired with a top is what you will almost always find me wearing. 

  

What was one thing you did regularly before having children?

         Peed and showered without an audience. Haha! Talked to my husband without being interrupted! I used to paint, oil paint was my preference. In fact the nursery was my “studio”. I like it MUCH better as a nursery/kids bedroom.

Describe your parenting Style...ie strict, structured, laid back, easy going

      This is a great question! I am more, good cop and my husband is bad cop, haha! I am the more laid back parent...I will redirect and provide guidance but I am not good with handing out punishments.

           

Tell us about a proud mommy moment.

      Our oldest is in 3rd grade and is in the Chess Club at school. She attended her first tournament last month and lost all 7 games! That is basically an entire days worth of losing! And she handled it so well, she illustrated such integrity and perseverance.  This day and age I feel like losing isn’t even something that is addressed...far too often “everyone wins” and children aren’t given the opportunity to learn how to lose with grace and dignity. I was so proud of her...it was a defining moment...a moment when I knew she would be okay in life because life isn’t about always winning or getting the job, there is failure, sometimes a lot, and it is good to know she will be well equipped for life!

What is the hardest thing about being a mom?

       Having confidence in your decisions and not questioning yourself...wondering if you made the right decisions about, you name it...breastfeeding, potty training, sports, friends, etc. 

 What is something that you have learned from your children?

          Resilience! It is fascinating how they bounce back from emotional, physical, etc. issues.  Sometimes I feel like adults let things linger for way too long.  

Thank you so much for sharing Kat! I absolutely loved your answers. I can definitely  relate to going pee and showering with an audience. Your family sounds wonderful!

If you would like to learn more about Kat check out her blog Mom on the go in Holy Toledo . You can chat with her Facebook or Twitter or follow her on Pinterest.

I would love to celebrate you,  so if you are interested in being featured on Mom's Minute please Contact me or tweet me @MrsSheetsandCo to find out more! 

XOXO

Randi

Mom's Minute -- Special Edition

I saw this type of feature on a few other blogs and absolutely loved the idea of celebrating Moms.   I know that we are very busy being mom and we sometimes forget about ourselves. So, I would like to take the opportunity to honor you as a woman & as a mother.

I created Mom's Minute to introduce the world to the woman behind it all. Because you are an amazing person, not just a mom!

This Sunday, I thought what better Mom to feature than my very own!

So it is my pleasure to introduce...My mom, Candy

Tell us a little about yourself.

   Married for 35 years. Mother of 4 daughters, which includes a set of twins and grandmother of 7. My husband is a Mason and Shriner with the Ansar Shrine Center. he is presently on the line as 2nd Ceremonial which keeps US very busy traveling the state. Currently working full time as an Executive Assistant with plans to retire in about 2 1/2 years. Live in the country on a 3-acre rural estate in the house we built...literally. We have been working on the house for years; having built it new and now extensive remodeling. Asked once if we were done with the house yet, I told them if we were it would have a for sale sign in front.

Our "Old Time" Family photo

How would you describe your clothing style

    Sooooo last season. I developed a habit of shopping on the clearance rack when the girls were little. If I didn't make it to the sale, I never paid full price. Well, I do a lot more shopping now....following y husband to Shrine functions...but I still start at the clearance rack. 

Mom's Minute # 2 --Amanda

I saw this type of feature on a few other blogs and absolutely loved the idea of celebrating Moms.   I know that we are very busy being mom and we sometimes forget about ourselves. So, I would like to take the opportunity to honor you as a woman & as a mother.

I created Mom's Minute to introduce the world to the woman behind it all. Because you are an amazing person, not just a mom.

So it is my pleasure to introduce...Amanda

Mom's Minute # 1 -- Anna

I saw this type of feature on a few other blogs and absolutely loved the idea of celebrating Moms.   I know that we are very busy being mom and we sometimes forget about ourselves. So, I would like to take the opportunity to honor you as a woman & as a mother.

I created Mom's Minute to introduce the world to the woman behind it all. Because you are an amazing person, not just a mom.

So it is my pleasure to introduce...Anna

Tell us a little about yourself.

           My name is Anna, I am a wife of a teacher and a teacher myself. I am currently on maternity leave with my second daughter. I am Canadian and live on the West Coast of Canada (Victoria, BC). My older daughter is Amelia and she is 2. My youngest is Molly and she is 7 months old. My husband Jamie and I got married here in Victoria and went to New York City on our honeymoon (which is our favorite place!). I love decorating cakes, running, chalk painting, hosting parties and wish I had time to paint!

What is your favorite food?

          My favourite food is probably cheese. You can do amazing things with cheese and it goes perfectly with wine!  It can be served elegantly on slate at a fancy dinner party, simply on a delicious cracker or melted in a mouth-watering panini.   The options are endless and I don't think I can go without it.

How would you describe your clothing style

            I was actually thinking the other day that I bet there are so many other moms that have the same problem...my style is stuck in the year that I had my first child! Priority always goes to my girls so I don’t really seem to ever get anything new. My typical mom-attire while I am at home with my babies is jeans or leggings, t-shirt, cardigan and Toms. Pretty boring if you ask me!

What was one thing you did regularly before having children?

           My husband and I would work out together all the time. I really miss it! Either the gym or go on runs together.

Describe your parenting Style...ie strict, structured, laid back, easy going

           Both my husband and I are pretty strict. We expect great manners and don’t stand for misbehaviour; however, we try to let our toddler be a true kid and use teachable moments rather than just discipline or use consequences. We also don’t try to coddle or overprotect her too much. I can totally see us being more relaxed with our second though! I guess that always happens LOL.

Tell us about a proud mommy moment.

           I think the most incredible moment I have had as a mother is when Amelia met Molly for the first time. Amelia is a bouncy and enthusiastic ball of energy, but when she came into the hospital I will never forget her little face. She was so serious and sat there so still holding her new baby sister. I have never seen her so gentle and proud herself. It was such a special moment and I am so proud to call them both my little darlings.

What is the hardest thing about being a mom?

           I think the hardest part about being a mom is not knowing what ‘the best’ thing is to do in different situations. In everything else that I have done in my life, there has always been another person above me or someone who knew more than me about something. I have been able to get the right answer to whatever I needed to know. As a mom, you can Google something, ask a friend or call your mom; however, no one is going to have the right answer for your particular child. You are the one in the end that has to make hard calls about absolutely everything. It’s a lot of pressure and I always seem to second guess myself about doing the ‘right’ thing for my babies. I am getting better about putting so much pressure on myself but it is definitely hard.

What is something that you have learned from your children?

           I have learned to be more positive about myself. I have always had a hard time feeling great about my body specifically; but now that I have 2 little girls who look up to me and will see, hear and observe absolutely everything I do and say, I know I need to show them that I am a confident about myself. I know they are super small, but I want them to grow up thinking that their mom feels great about herself. It has helped me already and like the saying goes, “fake it till you make it”!

Thank you Anna for sharing with us!  It was a pleasure reading your answers. You have a wonderful family with 2 adorable little girls! 

If you would like to find out more about Anna please visit her blog All My Kids in a Row. You can chat with her on Twitter and Facebook and follow her on Pinterest and Instagram.

I would love to celebrate you,  so if you are interested in being featured on Mom's Minute please Contact me or tweet me @MrsSheetsandCo to find out more! 

XOXO
Randi