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Faces of Waukee: Cy Phillips

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Photo courtesy of Laura Wills Photography

Where were you born?

Clover Bend, Arkansas. It’s a small town of about 60 people in Northeast Arkansas.

Where did you attend college?

University of Iowa, 2002-2006. I earned a BA in Communication Studies and a Certificate of Entrepreneurial Management.

Tell us about your family.

Proud father of two children, Charlie (2½) and Genevieve (1), lucky husband of Meighan, and pet owner of 2 Jack Russell Terriers (Lily and Bridget).

Tell us briefly about your current career.

I earned my real estate license at the end of 2007… arguably one of the worst possible times to step into a career in real estate. It turned out to be one of the best professional decisions I’ve ever made. Today I really enjoy helping people find great homes and in the process, I’ve met some incredible friends!

What are your hobbies/interests?

If I’m not working, I’m outside playing in the backyard with our little people and organizing my garage!

I love mowing the yard (some might say I am very particular about the stripes), washing my truck and playing with our kids at Gym Space.

What do you like most about living and/or working in Waukee?

The people! Our quality of life and amenities. The buzz around town about the future. The small town feel. I really like being able to wave at people when driving
down the road.

This is an incredible community and I’m proud to be a part of it!

Do you know anyone we should feature for future editions of Faces of Waukee? Let us know! Visit our contact page and drop us a line.

No Stone Unturned

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Kettlestone to Offer Waukee Residents World-Class Shopping, Trails and More

A new town center is coming to Waukee unlike anything residents have experienced in Central Iowa before. Kettlestone, an innovative mixed-use neighborhood where visitors will find everything from world-class shopping, dining and entertainment to expansive parks, ponds and trails, is currently in development in a 1,500-acre area between University Avenue and I-80. Kettlestone will serve as a unique tourist attraction as well as a favorite hometown hangout, all nestled within the beautiful Waukee landscape.

Thanks to more than a decade of strategic planning by the City of Waukee, Kettlestone will be a development where Waukee residents will live, work and relax, all in the same place. Native plants, water features and open areas will provide a host of amenities and activities that will keep Waukee residents active and entertained.

“Kettlestone will have a positive impact on Waukee and the metropolitan area,” said Mayor Bill Peard. “It will provide residents and visitors with retail and personal services, miles of trails that meander among the many ponds, and career opportunities in new businesses.”

 

Greenways 

Greenway-smallAs many cities have found, greenways provide a number of positive amenities to a community including walkability, accessibility and a framework to manage storm water. The City of Waukee embraced this concept with a design focused on greenways that will elevate the quality of life in Waukee.

“Healthy lifestyles, family-oriented recreation and a connected community are all by-products of greenways done well,” said Waukee City Administrator Tim Moerman.

The greenbelt that will run through Kettlestone will utilize the native Iowa plants and grasses that once covered the entire area. These hardy, deep-rooted plants attract wildlife, reduce flooding, filter water and recharge the ground water system – in addition to creating beautiful community recreational areas. A series of linked trails will connect all of the open and retail spaces so that once a resident or visitor leaves their home or car, they won’t have to return until they want to.

Pedestrian Underpasses

In order to ensure easy travel for recreational trail users, the City of Waukee integrated three locations where the trails will pass under the future Grand Prairie Parkway. One is located midway between University and Westown Parkway; one is midway between Westown and Ashworth Road and the third is between Ashworth and the new interchange at I-80.

“We want to make it easy for our residents to get to Kettlestone and travel through the development, whether they’re coming by foot, bike or car,” said Mayor Peard. “These pedestrian underpasses will connect to our Waukee trail system, which then connect to the regional trail system, allowing access to visitors from across Central Iowa.”

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Pedestrian Plaza and Amphitheater

The heart of the pedestrian experience at Kettlestone will be an open-air plaza where street festivals can flourish. It could also feature a splash pad that doubles as an ice skating rink in the winter, encouraging recreation and allowing for year-round family activity.

A future regional amphitheater is another example of how Kettlestone’s design will bring architecture and landscape design together to create spaces that are both attractive and functional. The natural bowl-like shape layout of the Sugar Creek basin will make the perfect location for the amphitheater. Thanks to the large size of the area, the venue will seat thousands of people. With the backdrop of water and the wooded north shore, the area will become a regional attraction.

Fountain-small“Kettlestone will offer the opportunity for increased community in Waukee,” said Moerman. “The possibilities for events of all kinds are endless and we are excited for the future.”

For updates and news about Kettlestone and its progress, visit www.kettlestonewaukee.com.

 

 

Faces of Waukee: Scott Politte

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Scott Politte

Photo courtesy of Laura Wills Photography


Where were you born?

I was born in St. Louis, Missouri.

Where did you go to college?

I attended Southern Methodist University, University of North Texas and Rutgers University.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science.

Tell us about your family.

My wife’s name is Lisa, and my grandmother, Dorothy, is 95.

Tell us briefly about your current career.

I left Stivers Lincoln Mercury in 2005 to open Stivers Ford in 2006. We had purchased the assets of Mid States Ford. We had a very large learning curve in terms of sales and service because of the number of Ford models. The auto business experienced tremendous change from 2008-2010, and we adapted with the times. We put a lot of time into finding and training the right people, and it has paid off.

We added Lincoln to our Ford dealership, and have been Iowa’s#1 Ford Lincoln dealer since 2010. We completed a 14,000 square-foot expansion in 2013. We were recently awarded the President’s Award by Ford Motor Company.  We’re the only dealership in central Iowa to achieve it. It’s Ford’s most prestigious award, and only the top 10% of dealers earn it.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like to read when there is no football or hockey to watch.

What do you like most about living and/or working in Waukee?

I live and work in Waukee, so being a part of intelligent growth is exciting.  I like seeing familiar faces everywhere I go. I like greeting friends when they come to the dealership. Being involved with the Waukee Chamber of Commerce, Waukee Arts Council, the Waukee Leadership Institute, and several other organizations means that I get to meet other people that are also highly engaged in the activities and opportunities in Waukee.

What motivates and inspires you?

I’m inspired by the life lessons and values that my parents instilled in me – honesty, hard work and treating others as you would like to be treated.  I also like the quote: “If you don’t have the time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over?”

 

Do you know anyone we should feature for future editions of Faces of Waukee? Let us know! Visit our contact page and drop us a line.

 

Faces of Waukee: Angela Wagner

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Photo courtesy of Laura Wills Photography

Where were you born?
I was born in Fort Madison and raised on a farm outside of West Point.  As the youngest of six girls, my sisters always thought that I was spoiled, but I remind them that if I had been a boy, I would have given a whole new definition to spoiled.

Where did you go to college?
After attending a small Catholic high school, I chose a small Catholic college, St. Ambrose University in Davenport, to pursue my degree inaccounting. After graduation, I went on to pass the CPA exam.

Tell us about your family.
My husband Leroy and I have two boys. Owen just graduated from Waukee High School and will be attending DMACC in the fall. He’ll be living in the campus housing in Ankeny. Jerad will be junior at Waukee High School.

Tell us briefly about your current career.
I’m a Manager at McGowen Hurst Clark and Smith, PC, a full-service public accounting and business advisory firm with offices in West Des Moines and Winterset. I work at the West Des Moines location. I help both individual and corporate clients by assisting them with their tax returns, providing accounting services and serving as a consultant on other financial issues. I enjoy working at MHC&S and I’m proud to be part of the team.

What are your hobbies/interests?
My boys are growing up quickly, so I enjoy spending as much time with them as I can – or as much as they will allow!  I also enjoy giving back to my community.  I have served on the boards of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce and the Waukee Leadership Institute. I currently serve on the board of the Greater Iowa Chapter of JDRF, a Type 1 Diabetes research foundation, and I volunteer at many of their events.

What do you like most about living and/or working in Waukee?
When I moved to Waukee more than 20 years ago, I thought I was moving to the country. Hickman Road was only two lanes and the home I currently live in was a grassy field. Who would have known back then that my son would graduate from a high school with 475 students in his class? Although Waukee has grown greatly, it still maintains its small-town feel.

Living in Waukee, where much of the development is complete, I can walk to the ice cream shop, farmer’s market and football stadium, which makes it feel like a small town. However, I’m excited to see the next phase of Waukee develop. The growth in the past has been in housing and in the school system. It will be great to see the commercial side of Waukee expand and grow, especially as the new Kettlestone Development begins to unfold. It’s an exciting time to live in Waukee.

What motivates and inspires you?
I enjoy helping clients and knowing that my work is valued. Hearing “thank you” from anyone – be it a client, co-worker, family member or friend – always makes me feel appreciated and makes me want to do even more.

 

Do you know anyone we should feature for future editions of Faces of Waukee? Let us know! Visit our contact page and drop us a line.

Unlocking Potential: The Waukee Leadership Institute

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“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
– John Quincy Adams

The Waukee Leadership Institute (WLI) provides leadership development through training, networking, mentoring and roundtable discussions. “The WLI can be summed up in three words: learn, lead and grow,” said Brian Conway, Executive Director of the WLI.  “We want the participants to learn about the city and school district, become a better leader, and help grow the city and make it a better place.”

The WLI was founded in 2006 to develop community leaders and improve the quality of life in Waukee.  More than 100 participants have graduated from the WLI, and many graduates, such as Chad Airhart, continue to engage the community as leaders and serve on the board of the WLI.   Airhart is currently the president of the WLI.  Dr. Brad Buck received the 2014 Alumni of the Year Award for his exhibited excellence in leadership. Dr. Buck, along with many other graduates, has used what he has learned in life and from the WLI to demonstrate active leadership in the community.

Tyler DeHaan is one of the most recent graduates of the WLI and recipient of the 2014 President’s Award, which is given for outstanding service and involvement.  DeHaan says he enrolled in the WLI because he thought it would be a great way to network with people in the Waukee area and learn about various functions of local government.  One of the greatest take-home lessons from the class for him was learning about the importance of working together to better the community.  “Anytime you have two or more people in a room, you have to be cognizant of how other people like to work so that others are encouraged to work in ways that are suited best to their strengths,” he said.  DeHaan also noted that he continues to apply the skills he acquired from the WLI in his workplace and throughout his life.

WLI participants work together to complete a class project prior to graduation. They brainstorm ideas and implement a project that will enhance the city of Waukee.  In the past, projects have involved donating signs that direct people to the Waukee Historic district, raising funds for an outdoor amphitheater at Centennial Park, and supporting the Waukee Historical Society and the museum in the Waukee Library.

The 2014 class project was a Meals on Wheels project that delivered Easter meals to citizens within the Waukee School District.  The class worked with the Waukee Christian Food Pantry and Waukee United Methodist Church to identify families that would like a warm Easter meal delivered the Saturday before Easter.  Hy-Vee, Stivers Ford, Gilcrest Jewett, People’s Trust, and the Atlantic Bottling Company are just some of the local businesses that contributed to make this project possible. Over 150 meals were served to community members.  “It was truly a collaborative project by many individuals and organizations in the Waukee community,” said DeHaan.

All current and future leaders are encouraged to enroll in the WLI in order to gain a better understanding of themselves and of the community while diversifying their training, enhancing their imagination and expanding their network.  “If you want to learn all of the ins and outs of the city and school district, get an inside look at the new Kettlestone project, become a better leader and network, then this is perfect for you,” said Conway.

WLI classes are held at a convenient after-work time once per month from September through May at a cost of $550.  For more information or to enroll in the fall session, visit  http://waukeeleadership.org/about/.

“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.  And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal”
– Vince Lombardi

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Class of 2013

Back Row
Todd Smothers, Brandon Converse, Ambria Luettjohan, Evan Koester, Tori Long, Andy Goodall, Brandon Lampkin, Jay Pearson, Chad Holtz, City Councilman Brian Harrison and Tyler DeHaan

Front Row
WLI Director Brian Conway, Justin Luettjohan, Dallas County Recorder & WLI President Chad Airhart, Waukee Mayor Bill Peard and Kim Olson.

Graduates not pictured
Tomme Tysdal, Nate Zittergruen, Troy Dubberke

Full Time Moms with Full Time Jobs

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It’s hard enough working a full-time job, but when the clock hits 5:00 p.m., the second shift often begins for many working parents.

Having just celebrated Mother’s Day a short time ago, we wanted to ask working Waukee moms how they do it!

Cindy Anderson | Waukee Medicap Pharmacy

Mom to Taylor, Riley & Regan

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How many children do you have?

I have 3 girls, not sure what I did to deserve that…….

Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.

I have worked for Medicap for 13 years, the last 8 in Waukee and the last 2 & 1/2 as manager. My oldest daughter is pre-med at Wartburg, my other girls are 7 and 8.

What does a day in your career look like?

My long days at work are 8-6, so it’s early to the sitter for the girls to catch the bus to school, I’m at work 7:45 – 6 or 6:30. Fortunately, when my husband took his current job we were able to work our schedules together so we both pick the girls up 2 or 3 days a week. The longer days make it so I can have a day off during the week which is WONDERFUL, I get so much done on that day, it means more family time on the weekend. My day off and shorter days it’s softball for both girls, soccer for one, girl scouts for both and tae kwon do for one.

You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?

My husband and I have really been able to coordinate our schedules well. It is still difficult sometimes. My parents moved here from Colorado to be with us and they help when they can. An amazing sitter, like a second mom, is also incredibly helpful for us.

Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?

Take deep breaths, make the most of the time you do have together and forgive yourself for being at work, you know what is best for your family, don’t feel guilty about whatever decision you have made.

What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?

Fortunately, my schedule is such that I am able to spend a significant amount of time with my kids, plus I get the benefit of them seeing me doing something important, helping people, I love it when they are proud of me for that.

Tonya Hotze | Pizza Ranch

Mom to Lindsay, Olivia, Taylor & Tanner

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Business professional title?

Owner/Operator Altoona, Waukee, & Urbandale Pizza Ranch

How many children do you have?

2 Daughter Olivia 21 and Taylor 19 and 2 Stepchildren 1 Girl Lindsay 21 and 1 boy Tanner 17

Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.

I am the owner of the Altoona, Waukee and Urbandale Pizza Ranch. We opened Altoona 8 yrs ago, Waukee 6 years ago and Urbandale has been open 6mons.
My husband Brian and myself have been married 11years. We have 4 children Lindsay is 21 and just finishing up her college at UNI. Olivia is 21 and currently in her first year in the Respitory Therapist program at Dmacc. Taylor is 19 and is currently going to Aveda Salon in West DesMoines. Tanner is a Jr. in High School over at West Central in Stuart Iowa.

What does a day in your career look like?

My day starts off with a workout at 5am then on the computer to find out how all the stores did business wise the night before. Then off to either one of the stores. Depending on the day sometimes I can end up at all 3 stores making sure that everything is running properly. Depending on the day I sometimes can be home for supper or some days I won’t get home until 10pm at night because I helped close one of the stores. Everyday is different and everday is a great challenge.

You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?

You have to have a supportive family and you have to prioritize your schedule. You have to be able to communicate with everyone and always always be willing to be open to new ideas and new schedules My life has always be busy. I lost my first husband to cancer when I was 28 years old and we had two daughters together. They at the time were 3yrs old and 16 months old so I had to learn a long time ago how to make the most of every situation and always take every minute and spend with them as much as I could weather that meant singing in the car together or writing special notes to them so that they knew no matter where I was at or what I was doing I always was thinking of them.

Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?

Take time to really see the big picture in life. Always remember that your family comes first. Work is always going to come and go but your family is what gives you the support that you need to be the best at what you really want.

What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?

As my daughters have grown up they never new there DAD and that really made me sad as he was a wonderful person and I always wanted them to know him. So I always was trying to make sure that I kept pictures and that I talked about him all the time. And not so long ago they sat me down and said Mom we know that you loved our dad and we know that you want us to know everything about him but they looked at me and said Mom we can’t ever miss something that we didn’t know we had. Right at that moment I knew that God gave me wonderful caring daughters and that I am so proud that they gave me the peace to know that all those years of working and not always being there when I wanted to they still turned into beautiful daughter.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just to let working mom’s know that you have to know how balance work and home if you can’t do that and believe me there were times that I thought I would go crazy but if you can’t do both that is ok. If someone told me today that I needed to give it all up to save my marriage or my daughters I would even have to think twice I know that my family comes first no questions asked.

Michelle Holtz | Sweet Rewards Gluten-Free Bakery

Mom to Ryan & Connor

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Business professional title?
Owner, Sweet Rewards Gluten Free Bakery, LLC

How many children do you have?

2

Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.

I have 2 children, Ryan is 21 and Connor is 14. I am married to Chad who works for Wells Fargo. We have lived in Waukee since December 2001. I grew up in the Des Moines Metro area, went to Hoover High School, made a few moves to Naperville IL, Fort Scott KS and then back to this area. This is home, and we love Waukee. The bakery was my husband’s idea. He has not been able to have gluten or dairy for several years. He convinced me to do some farmer’s markets, to taste test my bakery items with friends, family and acquaintances. We took the feedback and perfected our product. We are always striving to do more, come up with new recipes, and just be able to give to those who can’t have your everyday bakery items.

What does a day in your career look like?

I am usually in the bakery by 7:15/7:30 and I leave around 6 p.m. The day consists of a lot of baking, finishing, cleaning, and the most important part of the day is talking with our customers. Without our customers, we wouldn’t be here. They are the important part of our business, and we do our best to spend time with them when they call or visit.

You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?

My husband is so supportive and helpful! I was a stay at home mom for quite a few years. I took care of everything around the house so that when he was home, we had family time. Now that I am getting home after he gets there, he is starting the laundry, helping with dinner, and just always asking what he can do to help. My kids are helpful too. Which is a blessing!

Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?

My advice is don’t force it. Let it happen when it’s to happen. Whenever I have tried to force a business decision it failed. When I let go, and just prayed about it, then it happened when it was meant to happen. The other key is patience, understanding, knowing that you will fail at times, struggle, etc, but it’s learning from those times that is the key.

What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?

Well, I have been fortunate to have be both a stay at home mom and now I am back outside the home. The rewarding part is making the contact with our customers. Our customers are great. The excitement they have when they come in is awesome. Then one a first time customer walks in and says, “WOW! Look at all this stuff. Amazing”. That’s is probably the best thing ever! So many people that come here the first time are just overwhelmed. It might have been years since they had a cupcake that tastes like a “normal” cupcake, or a cookie that tastes like the peanut butter cookies their grandma use to make. That is very rewarding! Love it!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just that I am so blessed. I really am.

Sara J. Larson | American Trust & Savings Bank

Mom to Jake & Lauryn

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Business professional title?

Vice President and Branch Manager at American Trust & Savings Banks

How many children do you have?

Two – 16 year old son named Jake and 10 year old daughter named Lauryn

Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.

I have worked for American Trust & Savings Bank for seven years. I have worn numerous hats in my time here and currently run the day to day activities of the branch. Just over 17 years ago, I started my banking career as a teller in Waterloo, Iowa while I was a student at the University of Northern Iowa. I have also been a State Bank Examiner and an Internal Auditor. I have been married to my husband, Justin Larson, for 18 years. Our two kids keep us very busy with soccer, cross country, gymnastics and church activities. In my free time (Free time? What’s free time?), I enjoy running, reading books, being active in my church and playing volleyball.

What does a day in your career look like?

In my line of work, there really isn’t a “normal” day. I meet with clients to discuss their borrowing needs and find solutions. I do the interviewing, hiring, and mentoring on the retail side of the bank here in Des Moines. I cover when people are sick, work on new accounts, lead meetings, train, etc…

You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?

Managing both work and home can be a challenge! I have a wonderful husband who splits much of the at-home duties with me 50/50 We are a great team. We have a family calendar that has EVERYTHING written on it. The four of us talk every evening or morning, making sure we all know what is on the schedule for the day. I am also very thankful that Jake has his driver’s license. That helps immensely too!

Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?

Stop trying to do it all! Honestly. I am only one person and I know that I need to ask for help Most of our kids’ activities are done via carpool. It is amazing when parents work together how much less work it is for everyone. And…be sure to take time for yourself. You will be a better mom, wife and co-worker if you have a few minutes to yourself every once in a while!

What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?

Hearing my kids laugh. I know it sounds simple, but I know my time with them is so limited. I hope we have instilled in them the values that will make them strong, kind, hardworking adults with caring, faithful hearts. Our son will head off to college in two years and our daughter won’t be too far behind. With everyone being so busy, I really try hard to be in the moment with my kids. And laughter is by far my favorite part!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just that I love being a mom. It is the hardest role I have and by far the most rewarding!

Donna Stall | Iowa Realty Waukee Office

Mom to Ryan & Kyle

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Business professional title?

Assistant manager and real estate agent at the Iowa Realty Waukee Office since 1993
Of which I could not ask for a better company to work for.

How many children do you have?

Two boys – Ryan /17 yrs old & Kyle / 14 yrs old (both students at Waukee)

Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family:

I grew up in NW Iowa, in a small town called Palmer (greatly know for their winning streak in basketball). I was raised on a farm and learned the value of work ethic from my parents at an early age. I have two siblings, middle child of three girls. I attended the University of Northern Iowa where I received my BA. I moved to Waukee in 1990, was married in 1992 and taught in the area until 1995. I got my real estate license in 1993 and began working the business part time. I absolutely loved real estate and Waukee so decided to make the transition to real estate full time and I have been with Iowa Realty’s Waukee Office since then as both a sales agent and assistant manager.

What does a day in your career look like?

Every day is different! It gets kind of crazy depending on the time of year.
I fortunately get to start every day with my family. I love the flexibility this career offers but that does come with somewhat of a trade off at times (working evenings/weekends). After seeing my kids off to school I tackle my schedule either in or outside of the office depending on appointments for the day.

As a working mom in real estate I am fortunate that “most of the time” I have the flexibility to not miss school events, games or other activities my kids are involved in. A day in real estate is different every day and that is partly why I enjoy it so much. Whether showing homes, listing homes, working with builders, working with other agents, in meetings or just at my office tackling paperwork I truly love what I do! Having been at the Iowa Realty Office in Waukee for 21 years it is like my home away from home and the group of people there are like my extended family so spending time at the office is enjoyable for me. I make “eye to eye” contact with my kiddos after every school day and then hit it again of an evening if needed. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Thus, the 21 years in the business with the same company and same office!

You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?

I believe that staying connected during the day is very important! My kids are 17 and 14 so I text and call them (probably too much if you ask them) to stay in touch in regards to school, practice, homework, etc.
I am very organized and plan. I live by a prioritized list and take it one changing day at a time. I have to be as flexible as the business I am in.
I have a very supportive and understanding family, supportive and understanding clients and a supportive group of people at my office!
I guess that is why I live, worship, play and work in Waukee. It’s just a great place work raise a family and call home!

Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?

It’s very individual. You have to do what works best for you and your family. A good support system is a must! I believe working moms “do it all” each and every day no matter what they are doing /working in or outside the home. Learn to live with guilt. Most moms feel guilty when they have to divide their time and attention between home and work. Accept that sometimes you will feel conflicted and move on. Remember to fit some valuable “me” time into your schedule! Take care of yourself, which I know from experience is easier said than done but if you manage your energy well you will be more productive at home and at work. Be proud of your juggling abilities and all that you are achieving. By doing this you become an inspiring role model for your kids.

What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?

I get to teach my kiddos the importance of good work ethic. I get to show them that you can have both a successful career and a family and how to find a balance. They see the value and importance of supporting one another and giving back. My kids have been on plenty of appointments with me over the years and have been on my end of numerous business calls in the car, at home, on vacation and I love that they have had the opportunity to see the value I put on each and every client. It’s like the old saying, “Tell me and I Forget, Teach me and I Remember, Involve me and I Learn”. My kids have been involved in many aspect of my business since they were toddlers. Many of my clients have become lifetime family friends and I am proud of that. However, my kids know that selling real estate is what I do, it’s not who I am and that is important to me.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Being a mom is so very rewarding in itself. I happen to work outside the home and have had a great support system both at work and home. I have found a balance that sometimes I admit gets out of whack at times and that is alright. It’s not about having it all or about doing it all. It’s about doing what‘s best for you and your family and for each of us that is something different. Remember to enjoy life. The time you have as a parent of young children passes more quickly than you expect so think of parenting as a gift. Just remember what’s important and in the end it will all come together.

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

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