I'm often thankful I went for my Masters right away, pre-hubby, pre-kids. I'm not sure it would've happened otherwise. So when my friend Becky announced she was going to school to become a teacher, I was happy for her, albeit a little nervous. College isn't easy, especially when you add the role of dedicated mother and wife to your plate. But she did it. And she has a great story to tell!
Here's Becky:
Bio: I currently live in Earling with my husband Jeff of 16 years and two boys; Dalton 14 and Clay 11. I experienced life outside Shelby County while growing up in multiple states. Earling is by far my favorite place to live! This will be my second year of teaching kindergarten at Boyer Valley Elementary School.
Favorite family tradition: We really try to sit down and have meals as an entire family as many times a week as we can. I love talking with the boys and Jeff about their day. We love to drive around the countryside together, whether it’s in an ATV or our vehicle together. We have some pretty fun conversations while doing so.
Funniest kid story of late: My boys have the best personalities! They are completely opposite, but each funny in their own way. Dalton always has something goofy to say or do and I love laughing with him. Clay has a belly laugh that has been contagious from a very young age, and he is usually laughing at his brother.
Most surprising lesson you’ve learned about being a mother: PATIENCE! I have a type A personality; which really seems to hinder the fun times if I don’t put myself in check once in a while. Having boys means messy rooms, smelly socks (or smelly anything to do with clothing), a lack for the details, and constant boy life habits. Did I mention I have a type A personality?! I have learned that the mess can truly wait (to an extent!) I cannot expect them to want things done the same way as I do. Patience was not something that came easily to me. I have learned to really take a deep breath and just simply let some things go! I knew I would love my children, but I never imagined how much love you truly have for them as their mother. I am blessed to be a mother and thank God for that daily!
Opinion on work/life balance: Last year was my first year away from my boys working full time. I was a full time college student for 4 ½ years and managed to make it to most of the boys’ activities while doing so. I was a stay at home mom before that and made it to everything! This year was really hard on me for the balance factor. Jeff was amazing at picking up my slack this last year. This is where and when I had to let some things go. Family has always come first, but now, I had to make it a priority when my time was limited. I am still a work in progress on the whole balance of both!
Comment: Having a supportive husband goes a long way on the work/life balance issue. And "work in progress" is a great way to describe every woman's attempt at balance!
Guilty pleasure: I love to simply eat a bowl of cereal for supper. Who am I kidding; it’s never just one bowl! And, it’s not healthy cereal.
Last book you read that you couldn’t quit thinking about: I just finished to book “Me Before You.” I loved the book, but still thinking about the ending. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Best family tradition: We tell our children good-night EVERY night, whether we are home or we call and tell them good-night and that we love them. I want them to have the last thing they hear from me every day is that I love them.
Favorite or most-used app: Jane.com: It has everything from clothes, to household items. I love to look through it and find items for a reasonable price.
Who’s your celebrity obsession? I cannot say I really have a celebrity obsession, but I love movies with Reece Witherspoon. I can spend a Sunday afternoon watching Legally Blonde and Sweet Home Alabama.
What advice would you give to new parents: Sleep when you can! Also, time goes so quickly, so enjoy your children while they are with you. You may want time to go faster, but really, it goes too fast on its own. Take time for each other. Try to make time to go on a date when you can. Your children are important, but your relationship is important also. When they are gone, it’s only the two of you! Breathe! NO ONE is a perfect parent! We have all been there and understand if your child is throwing a screaming fit in the middle of the homily at church!
How do you recharge? Running! I love to run and it really does recharge me. It is “me time.”
Anything else you’d like to add about being a working mother: We all make mistakes and lose our patience, but it’s important to show your children unconditional love.
Thanks Becky for sharing. Love your comments on learning patience. I'm sure there's a pack of mothers out there who completely relate!
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| Becky and her Boys! |
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