SuperMomSpotlight~ Kate Dunn Pease

We are so excited to introduce you to Kate Dunn Pease, She is an Amazing Mother of 2, 

and a very Talented Photographer over at Kate Pease Photography.  

We Love Kate's Passion for life and her joy and honesty when it comes to Motherhood. 

SMT:  Who was your biggest role model growing up?

KP: Although I didn’t know it at the time, or I was too stubborn to admit, I’d have to say my Mom! She is a superb example. I feel like everything good that I am, she taught me, or she planted the seed. She is such a source of wisdom, I don’t know what I would do without her!

SMT:  What are some traits that would describe you?

KP: I have a zest for life. I want to experience life to the absolute fullest, even if that means putting myself through something potentially scary or painful (like drug-free childbirth!). I love traveling and would much rather have life experiences than things.

SMT:  You have a special Love and Talent for Photography, Where did it all start?

KP: Thank you! You know that feeling where your heart just swells, but you don’t really have the words to put the sentences together to describe it? That’s how I feel about photography. It’s that swelling feeling when you hear a piece of music that just touches you, or brings you back to a moment in your life. For me, it’s not about the shutters, lenses, and megapixels. It’s about people, their stories, and their relationships. Photography is emotional. Think about how important photos are! After tragedy like 9/11 and Sandy Hook, we were inundated with the last known photos of victims and their families. Photos are just priceless. They freeze in time an important moment to be relived, and remembered through the photo. Viewing photos brings back the flood of love and memories of that time a photo was taken. Nothing else can provide that! EVERYONE has a story worth telling, and deserves to be photographed with those who they love the most.  This is why I say “please, please don’t wait until you’ve lost those 5-10lbs before you have your photo taken!” Your family loves you just the way you are now! I got started in photography because I love love, and I wanted to provide something meaningful for people to be enjoyed in the years and decades to come as they remember their lives, legacies, and stories.

SMT:  If you had any one piece of advice for someone looking to go into the Photography field what would you tell them?

KP: Your camera and your lenses are important, but what’s more important is the three inches behind the camera (aka your brain!).  Don’t rush out and buy all this gear you think you need, because you don’t. Once you’ve honed on your vision, and what you like to shoot, and learned like crazy, then start thinking about buying an expensive piece of gear. Because if you buy it in the beginning before you’ve done those things, you will most likely regret buying it because it wasn’t really what you needed/doesn’t suit your vision. Invest your time and your money learning, learning, and learning. There are so many wonderful (and free) online sources for learning about photography. Learn from the Masters, or those who’s work you look up to. Hone your vision; find out what you like to shoot (architectural, commercial, product, wedding, portrait, babies, nature, birth, etc). Everyone can own the same camera as you, but they’ll never have the knowledge, style, personality or vision that you have.

SMT: Describe a typical day in the life of Kate?

KP: Honestly, my days revolve around my 2 kids Claire (age 5) and Simon (turning 2 in January). We get up real early, go to the gym, play, go to school (Claire), take a nap (Simon), answer emails/inquiries (me), watch a movie and go to bed. They go to bed fairly early (6:30pm-7pm) so that I can have the energy and time to tackle the mountains of editing I have to do until I go to bed. I work my shoots in there and when my husband has the time off, or I get a babysitter.

SMT: What does motherhood mean to you?

KP: How do you expect me to answer this?! Haha! Motherhood means e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. Motherhood pushes you to your absolute limits that you didn’t know were possible. It opens up these chambers of your heart with each kid that you had no idea you had the capacity to fill and love that much. It also can be hands down the most frustrating, all encompassing, never ending, and exhausting thing you could ever dream of doing. Motherhood pretty much dictates everything you do/don’t do. Motherhood is the constant inside battle of loving your kids to the moon and back, and wanting to give them everything you possibly could, without spoiling them. It comes with heaps of mom guilt for reasons you’re not really sure you should feel guilty for (like “oh my gosh, I pretty much have never done any cute Pinterest craft with my kids…should I be doing that? Are they missing out on life because of it?!” or “I’m giving my kids hot dogs for dinner…again.”), and always questioning if you’re doing a good enough job. It is the hardest, most thankless, but most rewarding and joyful thing you could ever do. Whether you are pregnant with your first or have 10 kids, it is giving 100% percent of everything you could ever give mentally, emotionally, physically and financially, and then some. Once you’re a mom, you have a hard time remembering what life was like before you were a mom. I have never felt truer joy than from those blissful little moments of being a mom with my kids and family.

 

SMT: How do you keep the focus of what Christmas is really all about in your Home?

KP: You know what? We keep things really really simple. Here is the most we will do during the entire Christmas season: put up a tree, listen to Christmas music, drive around and see lights, temple square lights, visiting Santa, watch Christmas movies, make cookies, drink cocoa, read the scriptures about Jesus, give Christmas PJs, and open presents on Christmas morning. No elves, no crafts, no daily traditions or advents, no home-made gifts or knick knacks…nothing! I refuse to put un-due pressure/work on myself for creating every craft, gift, recipe and idea on Pinterst for the holidays. I am busy enough/have enough pressure on me already as a mom to two little kids, and running a business. In my mind, and in our home, simpler is happier. My kids don’t want a crazed stressed out mom trying to bake hundreds of cookies for our neighbors. They want to chill with me on the couch and watch Mickey’s Magical Christmas for the 500^th time, and I’m fine with it because that means quality snuggle time!

SMT: What are your passions in Life?

KP: Family, Travel, Learning, Culture, Experiences, Photography

SMT: If you could vacation anywhere in the world where would you go?

           KP: Tahiti,  Kho Phi Phi, Thailand, and then Angkor Wat Cambodia African Safari in Botswana then travel to the border of Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls Zip line and see volcanoes in Costa Rica

SMT: Aside from Food and Shelter, what is the one thing you couldn’t live without?

KP: Internet and hot water!

SMT: If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?

KP: As you may have guessed, motherhood is so near and dear to my heart. I have had such a wonderful blessing and privilege of bringing children into the world in a warm, and safe environment with adequate prenatal care, wonderful and safe births, and adequate medical care for my children as they grow. My wish would be that every woman gets to bring children in the world of her own accord, in a safe, clean, sanitary birth environment.  That she wouldn’t have to fear for her safety, and that she and her children don’t have to starve. It just is so sickening to me that there is indeed enough food in the world to feed the world, yet so many in the world go hungry. My wish would be safety and love for every mother and child.

If you want to get to know Kate a Little better make sure to follow 

Kate Pease Photography and Facebook Fan Page!

{A very special Thank You toSarah Knight Photography For Such Beautiful Pictures.}

SuperMomSpotlight~Tara Marshall with Pure Pilates

Well SuperMoms, it's that time of the week when we introduce you to someone who is truly making a difference in their comunity and empowering woman.

With the new year started, resolutions written and Swim Suit weather on the uprise I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce to you Tara Marshall or Orem andy share with you her April ABilates home workout video.



Tara Marshall is the owner of Pure Pilates located on 394 South State St. Orem. By appointment only.

You can visit her web sight at OremPilates.com or her Facebook at Pure Pilates.

I happened upon Pure Pilates after I dropped my son off to school just off of 400 s. Just that morning I had seen a Facebook add for this location in Orem and decided to check it out. 

 

I was immediately impressed with the clean and simple atmosphere and the cost for classes (for personal attention) phenomenal! 
I bought 13 sessions and have found myself actually looking forward to attending each and every one of my Pilates Classes. 




SMT: First off, Thank You for taking time to share with our SuperMoms what Pilates means to you and why it has become a passion in your life.
Tara, where did you grow up?
TM: I grew up in Kingwood, Texas. I only have an accent after visiting back home, because my parents definitely do.

SMT: When you were growing up, did you take dance lessons of any kind?
TM: I took Tap and Jazz when I was 4. That was the extent of my dancing career. I was such a shy child, not a performer. Though people often ask me if I am a dancer from the posture Pilates has created in my body.

SMT: How long was it until the concept of Pilates was introduced into your life?
TM: I was introduced to Pilates at the age of 19. I was first introduced to the method after being in a car accident that left me neurologically unsound.  My right thumb twitched uncontrollably, If I was startled by anything my body would reacted on it’s own by collapsing on the ground and I would not be able to move.

I was enrolled in BYU's dietetics program at the time, and decided to move back home to get myself together. That same week, I met a woman who was a Pilates Instructor, whom changed my life. She just so happened to have her Master's in neurology.

I worked with her for a couple of months doing private sessions. During this time, my thumb twitch ceased, I stopped collapsing randomly, and I felt like a completely different person. No other exercise had created the grounding or connection in my body as this did. I was hooked, and I wanted to know how it worked. So I enrolled in Colleen Glenn's Comprehensive Pilates System certification. It's been my foundation for movement in any exercise practice.

SMT: What was your biggest challenge when you first started Pilates?
TM: My biggest challenge was just being comfortable in my own skin. Trusting my body to move at someone else's precise instruction. And moving with someone watching me.
I was so very shy and never really liked being noticed. So for me to have so much attention, while I'm flailing my legs open in the air was kind of mortifying. I really had to dig deep to get over this, and it helped me grow as a person.

SMT: Do you choose to teach Pilates over other exercise?
TM: I do! It is a movement that I am so passionate about because it has changed my body for the better. In healing and strengthening my body. It has transformed me and given me REAL strength and flexibility. It works all the tiny muscles around your superficial one, creating more stability and power in movement.

Pilates is an exercise that carries over to other forms of exercise so well. Empowering you in any movement, because you learn how to move efficiently. For example, running, you learn how to lengthen instead of compress in your movement and stabilize in your core. Your legs and arms move as a pendulum from your center proving efficient movement.

SMT: Has your life been changed since using Pilates? Have you seen others lives changed and how?
TM: My life has been changed by a number instances since practicing Pilates. I mentioned recovery from the car accident earlier. Another way besides physically impacting my life for the better, is I guess you would say, emotionally.
It has taught me how to love my body, at whatever stage in life I am at. I know how to work with what I have, and move from love, instead of self-loathing.
There was a time in my life, that I did have an unhealthy relationship with myself and no matter how far I pushed myself, I was still never happy. It has changed driven confidence in myself, because Pilates taught me my potential in movement. 

There are so many exercises in the Pilates Method that are empowering. For my body, there is nothing more rewarding than defying gravity. I used to be skinny, and looked great, but weak!
And please visit the "Pre-Post natal" section of my website to read another time Pilates was life changing for me.

Pilates has been such a rewarding profession because of the individuals I have been able to work with. I have had so many people inspire me along this journey with their hard work and dedication. Pilates provides a system for you and your body to work together in a moment of movement.

EVERYONE has their own demons to conquer, when it comes to movement. Weather it's flexibility, range of motion, or mobility, or gaining strength, it's an individual process that is your own. I have seen people learn to love their bodies through the work, reach their goals and surpass them, and learn to move despite physical set backs. Change happens when you realize your potential of movement, but work in the now.

Pilates changes lives by connecting you to yourself, in that most vulnerable state. I have seen it empower so many men and woman to have the confidence to progress in more than the physical, and to appreciate their own timeline of progress. Goals aren't achieved overnight. Movement is an everlasting relationship that must be nurtured.

SMT: You are a mother, have you seen your life benefitted for motherhood and life in general?
TM: Being a mother, Pilates has overflowed into this aspect of life. It literally saved me physically after my first delivery and during my second pregnancy. So physically, absolutely. Mentally, it has really taught me patience and understanding that I feel translates over to my children's development. Daily practice gives you the time focus on your body's needs so you are prepared to give all day long. 

And don't forget about the nights. Because that's what you do as a mom? Pilates doesn't leave you crawling out the door or unable to sit down for days like other rigorous training programs. It helps you levitate through your day with a bounce in your step. Ready for anything your babes throw at you. (literally). The mental focus that required in Pilates helps me stay sharp as a mom, and mentally happier.

"When mom is happy, everyone is happy!"

SMT: What are your future goals for Pure Pilates?TM: My goal for Pure Pilates is to create a space for Pilates lovers to come and have their cups filled. We would love to expand to provide instruction on more Pilates apparatus such as the Cadillac, Core Align, etc. Currently Pure Pilates is offering a Pilates Apprenticeship so we can meet class requested times, and offer diversity.

SMT: What advise would you share with someone looking into Pilates for the first time?
TM: Anyone who is new to Pilates, I recommend finding a comprehensively trained instructor to start under. Check into their certification and make sure it was more than a weekend workshop.
The one comment I hate hearing most, is "I tried Pilates, and I injured myself." Pilates is a low rep system. If you are fatiguing your muscles, and doing more than 20 reps, you might not be doing true Pilates. 

In Pilates, we stimulate the muscle, and move on to work it in a different way. 

Pilates is for everyone. Not just flexible or skinny people. Exercises can and should be modified for your body. If you can't perform an exercise, let your instructor know, so they can customize it for you.


SMT: I personally have loved my Pilates class time with you. I’m always self-satisfied when I “Walk Away Tall” As you are famous for ending your classes with. I feel grateful I participated and always feel like a I accomplished more than I thought. Someties I wake up and think, do I really feel like going today….wich brings me to my next question Tara. Do you ever have days that you are not motivated, and how do you motivate yourself?
TM: Especially as a mother, I do have those days. Mainly it's trying to figure out where to place my workout. If I wait too long in the day, I can talk myself out of it because I'm too tired.
As a mom, if I want to workout without someone sitting on my head while doing the "Swan", I have to wake up at 5 am before the kids are up. 

So my advice….
1. Take time to think about when your peak energy level is and start there.

2. You are more likely to get your workout in if you plan it at a time you feel the best and most energetic.

3. Keeping to a schedule always helps. And adding friends to your workout so you have someone holding you accountable. Also, that is why we are here. If you can commit to driving to class, we take care of the rest.

4. Don't worry about the workout, just get here. You never regret it.

On another note, the amazing thing about our bodies, is we crave what we need. I am literally addicted to that "In and Up" lift Pilates creates. So usually when days start out that way, a few hours into it, I realize I am not going to function at my best and my body actually wants to do that specific movement to create that lift.

The great thing about Pilates, is the mat work! It is designed to be performed everyday, in your home. (So pay attention to the mat work in class so you remember it.)

You can literally drop and do 3 of the core exercises at your house.
Sometimes I have to push all the kid's toys out of the way, lay out the mat, and go. It literally takes 3 minutes or less.

1. 100 Beats;
2. Roll up;
3. Single leg circle.

I love these first 3 exercises placed at the beginning of the Classical series. It's a warm up for everything. Who doesn't have 3 minutes in there day?

So, even if you don't make it to class, or remember the entire 50 minute mat series, don't kick yourself. Do the reasonable and the possible.

As moms, I feel we get so caught up in what we don't get done in the day. Make this something easy that you can get done, and grow on that. Our days usually don't go as we planned, so be flexible. And remember,
“Something is Always Better than Nothing.”

SMT: Wow Tara, thank you for sharing with you’re your story of finding your passion through life’s trials. And for using your passion for the betterment of other’s lives. This truly is what our SuperMomTested Mission is all about.
For your chance to see her first two at home Pilates class for the month of April, check out her April ABilates series on YouTube by clicking the link above. Join her on Facebook and fallow her on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

SuperMomSpotlight~Greta White (A Director's Wife)

We love the opportunity of sharing in other's life accomplishments.  That's why we do these Spotlights.  Today's SuperMom is a fantastic and dedicated mother of 5.  Her husband just released his movie titled "Inspired Guns."  A Christian film with comedy and spirit about two missionaries who get mistaken for the Mafia.

Greta White I am so excited to be able to share a little bit about you with our SuperMom community!

I love your enthusiasm and excitement of sharing this grand adventure with your husband Adam White's movie!  Your a busy mom at home, and yet you still find time to support your husbands dreams. 

I want to take a dive into your life as a director's wife.  

SMT: What has been your experience with it? 

GW: This has been a WONDERFUL  and FUN experience! To witness the process of making a theatrical release movie... Surreal. 

SMT: Did you know that your husband wanted to do this before you married him? 

GW: Nope. He was an athletic basketball player when I married him, the only plan he had then was to play basketball on a scholarship to pay for his education... To get a degree.

SMT: What do you feel your role is in supporting his dreams? 

GW: My role is to hold down the fort here. And #1 cheerleader of course! He is a great person doing great, big things... I'm so privileged to be his best friend, the one he comes to when he's super excited and the one he comes to when he's had a rough day.

SMT: What is the hardest thing about being a director's wife? 

GW: Hmmm, I'd say stepping into the role of the sole parent during the filming. He put in a lot of long days, which was just fine. I would visit him on set with our youngest sometimes, just spend more time with him. But for a short while, I was the only parent.... And those days can get long at home with 5 kids.

SMT: What did you do when he said he wanted to make this movie? 

GW: I was so excited with him! We shouted for joy, and felt really thrilled that we going through with it. It didn't matter that he didn't have the years of film school or training, he  knew he could do it, so once he made the decision, it was full speed ahead!

SMT: How has this movie changed your life?

GW: Well, the highs are high and the lows are low. Stress comes with the territory. When you dive into something you really believe in and you think will be a hit and people will love, it's risky... So the adventure has been rocky at times, but so worth it!  Watching his movie go from words on a page to the big screen was thrilling!! I'm so proud of him! And to hear how so many people really loved it too, its just great to hear!

SMT: I love that, "words on a page to the big screen" in other words an idea becoming a reality! 

let me ask you this....What advice would you give to someone else who's spouse is considering following their dreams in the film industry? 

GW: Stick together! Be a team, because all the stress and the people and the deadlines and the outside needs and the family needs will multiply and seriously rock the boat. Be there for your film-maker and you will be both share the experience of your life together! No matter what! And don't forget to pray :)

Greta I can tell that your are a dedicated mother and support mentally physically and emotionally for your husband.  You have accomplished his dream together through the ups and downs and that's what makes you a power couple.  Thank you for your powerful example of truly embracing life with a passion together.

For our SuperMoms, do you or your spouse have a true hearts desire to live your dreams?  What can you do now to better support those desires and aspirations?  Share your comments with us. 

SuperMomSpotlight~Becky Mackintosh "Modest is Hottest"

We are excited to introduce our featured SuperMomSpotlight Becky Mackintosh! 

I had the privilege of meeting Becky at a Tiffany Peterson workshop October of 2013.  I felt her enthusiasm for life and passion for people immediately.  That was even before I heard anything about her amazing and influential life. 

SMT: Hello Becky, thank you for shareing this time with me. What would you say are your goal as a mother now with the added media interest over your husbands example of "modest is hottest"?

Goals - Growing up I couldn’t wait to be a mother!  I wanted TEN kids. I was the youngest of five and always wished I had younger brothers and sisters, because of that, I wanted to make sure the #5 child in my family had younger brothers and sisters. But when child number seven was born, I told my husband it felt like I had ten and I was calling it good - we named him Skye because “Skye’s the limit.”

I had my first 5 kids in six and a half years and I could kick myself for not doing the math to realize those FIVE would be teenagers at the same time.  Seriously it was a great thing.  Most days they were best friends. (Once the girls got past the mornings of fighting over the bathroom and who was wearing who’s clothes or what belonged to whom) Our house was the hangout home filled with teen friends galore. I had to make a choice to either love teens or dislike them ...I chose to love them, which actually was pretty easy to do.  

Kids grow up too fast and because my first five were so close together, they were out the door and on to college, missions and marriage before I knew what had happened, leaving behind the two youngest Myley now 19 and Skye 17.

One thing a parent learns pretty quickly is that every child is unique and come with their own gifts, talents and attitude! What works for one child does not work for another.   Our daughter Myley is her own beautiful unique self and likes to do things her way - sound familiar to anyone?  One day my husband, Scott decided to parent in a different more humorous way to get a point across to our daughter about modesty.  The family was planning to go to dinner and miniature golfing, but when he saw what Myley was wearing, instead of preaching up a storm, he went to his room and cut an old pair of jeans into shorts, Daisy Duke style.  As he did this, he noticed a t-shirt that an older daughter had given him for Father’s Day that said; “Best.Dad.Ever” across the chest.  On the day he received the shirt he thought “When would I ever wear that shirt except on Father’s Day”?  but this day he thought “Perfect shirt to complete my outfit”.  His intention was to walk downstairs sporting the shorts and his daughter would see him, laugh, and say “Okay DAD, I get it” and then they would both go change into longer jeans and head out the door for a night with the family.  That was the plan. That was what was supposed to happen. You know the rest - he ended up taking it on the road, because like other teenagers, our daughter didn’t notice, her face was in her phone. Scott wanting this to happen naturally instead of forcing her to notice, he got into the truck and started it up and headed down the road with our two teens in the back seat unaware of anything going on outside their phones. Not until Scott got out of his truck at the restaurant did she notice.  To read the story in it’s entirety go to my blog. http://beckymacksblog.com/2013/09/the-real-story-behind-the-short-shorts/.

We did not expect a picture of my husband that was posted to twitter by our son, Facebook by me, and to tumblr by our daughter Myley; would turn our lives upside down.  (Be careful what you post on social media - it can take on a life of its own and you can’t take it back.)

 First it was the funny picture of Scott with a not so accurate caption that was beginning to go viral.  I encouraged Scott to write the REAL story behind the short-shorts and I would post it on my blog and share it to the social media sites.

 It was when the real story was posted that the media picked it up.  It started with the local news station KSL and the Deseret Newspaper. Then our phone started ringing off the hook; this is the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, Rachael Ray and many others, focusing on “Modest Is Hottest” a line Scott used at the end of the blog post story.  

We tried to make the best of all the media’s attention, which extended to dozens of radio interviews, and even a live interview with the #1 morning show in Australia.  

Both Scott and I have worked with various youth organizations throughout our adult life.  Now this gave us an opportunity to reach the youth in a broader way, to share a positive message with the world.  

The message was so much more than modesty; it was a message of the love of a parent. Scott wanted his daughter to know of her great worth and importance and wants every teen to know they play an important role in this world.  

SMT: Who would you say is a role model in your life?

Role model - My mother, who was always supportive and involved in my life. She taught me the importance of family, God and being grateful for every little thing.  

SMT: What advise for young mothers would you pass on in raising healthy confident children?

Advice: The advice I would give to young mothers is to Love, Listen and Laugh everyday and of course to give lots of hugs and most of all to encourage their children to go after their dreams AND a reminder that they grow up in a blink of an eye.  ENJOY every stage.  

This unexpected experience has lead to my husband Scott and I speaking to youth groups, adults and even at corporate events.  My friend Bridget Cook, a New York Times bestselling author, helped me to write my first book; My Husband Wears The Short Shorts In THIS Family! Parenting with Humor, Courage and a whole lot of Love.  A book was another unexpected surprise, sharing the many lessons learned in raising our seven children in hope of strengthening families with an emphasis on getting through those teenage years.  

To keep in touch and to see what happens next, please follow my blog BeckyMacksBlog.com and visit our website at LifesShortLessons.com

Warm hugs and best wishes in raising your children

Becky

Thank You Becky for sharing your delightful story of loving your children through examples.  SuperMoms please check out a short clip of their "Short Adventure" on YouTube.Then purchase your copy of the book on Amazon.

We would love to hear from you SuperMom’s about your experience of raising teenagers and what advise you would share with younger mothers raising these precious ones.  What questions do you have?  Let our community answer them for you. Like and Share let's keep our community growing strong.

SuperMomSpotlight~Jenny Eckton

Jenny, we couldn’t be happier to be spotlighting you to kickoff our 2014 year, we feel you are such an amazing mother, not to mention role model. Please tell us what it’s like in a typical day in the life of Jenny Eckton?

Thank you for asking me, it’s my pleasure! My day? Well, it varies, but the gist of it is this: wake up at 6 something, help kids get ready for school, and out the door for morning carpool. Once the kids are at school, my day consists of any combination of the following: going to the gym, running errands, writing from home (my job), housework. I pick up my kindergartener mid-day and then have lunch and finish whatever I didn’t get done in the morning. When my older kids get home our afternoon is a mix of homework and music practice before dinner. Some nights I’ll get dinner ready and then my husband takes over for the evening, getting the kids in bed, etc., while I’m at the theater for rehearsal and/or shows. I get home anywhere from 10-midnight.

Who was the person that most inspired you growing up and why?

My best friend’s mom, Sonnie. I always admired how she balanced a busy life with seven kids.

Tell us a few qualities that describe you.

I’m a very loyal person. I like to support my friends in living their dreams, and I hope my kids consider me a source of truth and love.

You have a special passion for dancing, since you were just a little girl. How has following this passion allowed you to carry a message of hope to others?

By sharing how I’ve followed that dream (and my dream of getting back into acting) many people – mainly women, mainly moms – have said that they’ve been inspired to go after one of their long-dormant goals. It’s easy to lose yourself when you become a parent, but I maintain that you don’t have to give up your dreams, you just need to redefine your dreams until they fit into your life. Here is my Ignite presentation from EVO'12, "Evolution of a Dream"

What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone doubting to pursue a dream?

I would advise them to breathe, take a look around, and ask themselves what is really holding them back. A lot of time it’s fear, maybe fear of failure. I would then remind them that they are worthy of their dreams, that their dreams are worthy of their time and effort, and for those who are mothers I would remind them that their pursuit of their dreams is a great way to show their kids the strength of their mother.

If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

I think about this all the time, and I have three answers. My first choice would be to take my family to New York City. In addition to everything else the city has to offer, I’d love for them to play around in Central Park before they get too old to enjoy such a thing. Best city in the world. Only slightly behind that, though, is a family trip to Hawai’i – O’ahu, probably, with time split between the North Shore and Aulani (the Disney resort). Third, I want to take my family to Spain…I’d even live there.

What is the hardest thing you have ever had to overcome, and what advice would you have for other mothers going through the same thing?

The most difficult thing I’ve ever had to endure is the loss of my son Taylor. He was stillborn over 13 years ago. Throughout the years I’ve met and been introduced to many women who have also lost children, and it’s heartbreaking. As for advice, I would just say to those who are enduring such an unimaginable loss: Your pain is real, and you are loved. Everyone mourns and grieves differently. Parents who lose children go through a rollercoaster or emotions over years – years. To those who have a loved one who has lost a child I would say this: please just love them. Please don’t offer a reason, as there is no reason to be found. Suggestions such as, “It’s meant to be,” aren’t helpful. Just show love and help your loved one grieve as they see fit. If they want to talk about their child, stand by and listen. And love. Always love. *Here’s my presentation from Utah’s first ‘Listen To Your Mother Show’ from May 2013.

What are the top 3 things you most hope for your children as they get older?

Oooh, I hope for so much for them. I hope that they will feel love, meaning that I hope they will see their own value and love themselves, and that they will each find someone who loves them and celebrates them for who they are. I hope that they always have open minds, positive attitudes, and generous spirits to enjoy this beautiful world and the people in it. And I hope they find satisfaction and enjoyment in whatever work they choose to pursue, whether they are working in the highest profile corner office building or within the walls of the home they create, that they take pride in their work and never stop learning.

What does Motherhood mean to you?

I wish I had forever to think about this because I feel like answering a question like this is so…final. But I’ll give it a shot. Motherhood is the ultimate sacrifice, and I don’t say that in a martyr-ish way, but that’s what I think. Having a baby makes you a mom, but motherhood is more than that – it’s work and energy and effort and time. When you become a mother your life is no longer your own, it’s split. Like a horcrux, but happy. With each kid you have your life, your soul, your heart is in that many more pieces. The trick is to find happiness in letting go as your kids get older; they become their own people and your heart swells to the point where you feel it’s going to break, but you just love them so much that you realize that your heart isn’t breaking, it’s full. Motherhood is as filling as it is draining, and it’s worth every effort, every sleepless night, every tear, every step back.

What is your number one goal for 2014?

I’ve thought a lot about this, and here’s what I’ve come up with: I want to make the right decisions. That sounds generic, but I just think that there is so much that this world, that this life offers, and many paths are put before us. It’s not even about good paths or bad paths, but many good paths, many good opportunities; I want to make sure that I’m in tune enough with myself and the needs of my family to make the best decisions for all of us.

 

If you want to get to know Jenny a little better, you can also visit her blog over at Formerlyphread.com.