Text by Katie Kerl, Copyright 2019
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Modern Mom
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Life is complicated it takes real work to sustain a marriage, social life, and kids. At 35 I am not sure how some women literally do it all. I think life gives you what you can handle in your own time. I never felt the pressure to get married and have kids. I want that one day, but it took 33 years to come to that conclusion. As I got older I realized children keep you young. It is basically reliving your childhood as an adult and keeps you from becoming bitter. You learn greater patience than you ever thought you had. You also get the opportunity to mold a mind to be self-confident, kind, and resilient. That is actually a greater accomplishment; being good parents rather than just acquiring things with another person. Things do not take care of you when you are sick in the end of life.
My friend Amy who I have known since nursery school seems to stand out as a go getter stay at home mom. Most people down women for selling beauty products at home, but Amy found the time to turn it into a real business winning a free tropical trip. She even had the fairy tale Cinderella inspired wedding that had a few interesting moments. Her Instagram: @rosegoldamy promotes easy time saving, organic, beauty, home, and child care products. Ones she actually uses in her daily life at home with her husband and two boys. The beauty short cut article I did has nothing on the information Amy puts out there.
I decided I wanted to know how she had the time to do it all, what life was like with two busy boys, and a husband with his own business.
1. How old were you when you met Dan?
I was 19. We met at a hotel party on New Year’s Eve (2003, going into 2004) that my friend and I threw. We actually didn’t hit it off when we first met. We didn’t like each other at all actually. He for some reason asked for my phone number any way, and I gave him the wrong one. He eventually got the right one, and things just seemed to just fit in place.
2. Did Dan go to college, or did he just go right into self employment?
Dan didn’t go to college, but seemed to learn a lot by going right into his own business…
3. I remember your Disney Cinderella themed wedding. What is the fairy tale you hoped for?
We were engaged on Christmas in 2007.
Then, we were married on November 11, 2011.
I wore a Cinderella inspired dress. Our wedding cake shimmered it had Hello Kitty/ Dear Daniel as the topper. The groom’s cake was super Mario themed.
I only had about 3 break downs that day, so I was happy with myself. Let’s start at the beginning… I woke up with crest whitening strips on that I had put on the night before and forgot to take off. My whole mouth was insanely sensitive. I cried on the way to get my makeup done with my mom. We were arguing because I was running late. Fast forward into the afternoon Dan calls to let me know he took Damien to the creek to throw rocks. This may had started breakdown number two. Then, when we’re (bridesmaids, my mom, & I) leaving for the church about 40 minutes late mind you. We pulled up to the church and my mom remembers the programs were left at home. Since I was the last one in the limo bus I made the driver loop back home to get them for the ceremony.
The harpist was playing, all the guests are seated, and I’m in the front of the church trying not to pass out! My dad is calmly trying to get me down the aisle, but I guess with the craziness of the day I forgot to eat (and my mouth was still super sensitive from the crest strips) I felt super light headed and I needed the cold air to get my adrenaline going. After a few minutes (more like 20). I walked down the aisle and everything was perfect!
Since I was running so late we ran out of time to get lots of church pictures after the ceremony. The reception was a dream! Damien unbeknownst to anyone somehow hurt his shoulder and was fussy (in pain) the whole time. After our reception we took a mini honeymoon to Miami. As we are in a cab on the way to our hotel my parents call to let us know they took Damien to DuPont Hospital. His shoulder ended up being dislocated, and he was to remain in a sling until it was healed.
4. Now the two of you have two busy boys. How old were you when you had them and what age are they now?
Damien is 11; I had him when I was 23 years old.
Paxton is 6; I had him when I was 28 years old.
5. How do you make being a stay at home mom work for you?
I help my dad with his work a few days a week, but I’m home mostly all the time. I’m a complete homebody so I love it.
6. What do you like to do for yourself besides being mother and a wife?
I love to go to the casino, shop, and sleep. Being a mom the sleep part is important.
7. What made you want to start your own home beauty business selling Posh products?
I saw it as a challenge plus I loved the products. Some recent changes in the cooperation made me distance myself a bit. Once I earned the incentive trip; I knew that was what I wanted to achieve. It was time to move on.
8. Tieks seem to be your staple footwear. Stylish flats for moms on the go. How did you come across them?
Tieks are just fun. My mom introduced me to them.
9. What are your top three favorite best bang for your buck beauty boxes you subscribe to?
1. Boxycharm is my one and only beauty box. I’ve had them all and this is the only one I will stand by. It’s definitely the best value for your money.
2. Monobox is not beauty products, but it is accessories and I love it! You get a monogrammed clothing item and 2 coordinating accessories monthly for $25
3. Can’t Clutch this is amazing! You get a unique adorable clutch every month. Pricing range $20-$40 depending on what you add on to your bag.
10. How do you have time to do it all through the day?
I don’t, if I get one thing done I fell like something was accomplished.
11. Tell me a few funny mom moments that even surprised you?
The whole Damien issue at the wedding; I never thought he could so easily dislocated his shoulder. My Parents are amazing, and made sure he was well taken care of while we were away.Then there was Paxton telling his teachers he’s moving to China, and changing his name to Optimus Prime.
12. What do you and Dan do to keep the spark alive with two little guys?
We still go on date night! Yes I am a mother; but I am also a wife. You should never stop dating your husband.
13. What were two major things that you both have overcome that brought you closer together?
Major medical issues with both boys. Both have needed medical procedures and both have IEP’s which means:
Kids that have developmental/ learning disabilities.
Paxton’s IEP is for speech/language/ and his bilateral hearing loss.
Damien’s IEP is for speech/language/ and comprehension.
14. What are your favorite parts of being a modern mom?
Watching the boys become cool little dudes. Seeing them act like good hearted humans in situations is all I could want/ask for as a mother.I think the best part about asking these questions is I received honest answers. There was no sugar coating her responses. I have known Amy for a long time, and am glad I started with her perspective of being a modern stay at home mom.
The reality is no one will have the perfect romance, wedding, and children. We all still stumble through life riding out the good and bad times with the ones we love. Family to me is the most important thing we have. Growing through problems when you finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as a couple; just might be the perfect part.
To all my busy moms out there; do yourself a favor and follow Amy. She might just give you the home advice you are looking for.
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About The Author: Katie Kerl. Born 1984. Raised in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Education: Drexel University studied Behavioral Psychology. Occupation: commercial/ residential design Philadelphia resident since 2011 . Hobbies include: Foodie, whiskey drinker, fitness , cooking , tattoos & house music lover. Instagram: @kerl_up_with_kate. Email: Kate.Kerl32@gmail.com. To access additional articles by Katie Kerl, click here: http://tonyward.com/katie-kerl-atlantic-city-fun-guide/