As a momma of four, my life is pretty hectic and crazy. There is always someone needing to potty, eat, or just plain crying. And that’s not even including my kids! I get asked often how I have time to do the things I do. Most of the time, my answer is simply “my amazing husband”. But if one looks a little closer, they’ll probably see a reflection of themselves in my story…as with any mother’s story…she just does it.
1. What is your work schedule?
Managing a personal lifestyle blog, a photography business, and event coordination for AMB, my work is wherever I can fit it in. Usually, it’s at night after my kids go to bed, however, certain things have to be done during business hours naturally…which means shushing my kids or confining myself to a closet for phone call.
2. How do you handle childcare?
Well, being a stay-at-home mom, I don’t have (or need) official childcare…however, my oldest is homeschooled, my second is in public school, my third is in a tw0-day a week program and the little guy sticks with me. Any childcare needs outside of that usually fall to my mother-in-law, my mom, or husband. I really hate asking friends to watch my kids (I don’t like to inconvenience them), but I’ve been known to do so in a pinch.
3. Where do you work during the day?
Within the walls of my own home…and at beautiful photo locations!
4. What do you like best about your current setup?
I always knew I wanted to stay home with my children. I understand it’s not for some…my own mom has even questioned my choice once or twice…but I’ve always firmly said I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My husband is super supportive and thankfully has a flexible job, so our way of managing kids, jobs, schedules, etc. works for us.
5. Do you have anytime for yourself?
What’s that??? Actually, thankfully yes. In fact, I’m currently in one of those states of mind where I’m about to lose it with my kids…which means I need a night away stat….or maybe a few nights. I play bunco once a month with my girlfriends, I have frequent girls night dinners, but one area that could improve would be date night with my husband. We’re lacking in that category, unfortunately. Aren’t most couples? I also love to get my nails done, but I have a strong frugal bone, so I usually talk myself out of it in lieu of walking around Target alone…which is pretty much the best thing ever, am I right?!?
6. How do you and your husband fit marriage into the balance?
Blake and I dated for ten years before we got married…we knew each other really well. Then when we started having kids, we had always hoped for a large family. So from the get-go, we knew our marriage would always have to be top priority if we were to be good parents and accomplish the goals we set for our family. We firmly believe that if you put your spouse first, everything else will fall into balance. I’m able to manage everything that I do because of him.
7. Do you ever wonder how other women manage the juggle? Have you talked to other women about it?
I’m sometimes curious when I see moms who seem to have “it all together”….but for the most part, no. I know that sounds kind of haughty, but I tend to just do my own thing and not worry about what other people think about me or how they’re doing their thing. Comparing myself to other moms can only take away from my own experience and confidence as a mother, and it’s hugely skewed, as no one has identical situations. A few tips and tricks here and there are helpful, but I think our mom culture as a whole could do well with less observation of “how other moms are doing” compared to themselves…just be happy and try your best.
8. What advice would you give other moms who work inside the home?
I wouldn’t. (See no. 7) But if I had to, I’d advise little TV time except for of course DWTS, Bachelor, Castle, Downton Abbey, and Modern Family….lots of dark chocolate (the good kind)….getting dressed everyday once a week….if you get a cold, take advantage of the fact that you can’t yell at your kids….go up and down the stairs no less the 234 times a day for exercise….and last but not least, Diet Dr. Pepper.
