I started this feature to celebrate real mums. Mums are amazing and come in all shapes and sizes but sometimes we can feel alone, we can feel as though we are the only ones struggling to keep on top of things. I want to lift the lid on motherhood so we can all feel part of a sisterhood, to feel proud about our own achievements and know that we are doing the best we can!
Without further a do let me hand over to Randi!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
Hi! I’m Randi and I have been married to wonderful husband Josh for 2 years but, we have known each other for over 12. We are a blended family and together we have 4 children, Aidan 9, Madilyn 7, McKynlee 5 & Ella 18 months. So, we are a bit busy to say the least.
Describe a typical day in your life
My husband usually wakes up at either 4:30 or 5:30 am depending on his shift at work, which means that even though I am not out of bed, I am still awake. Technically, my alarm goes off at 6:30am. I usually throw on the standard yoga pants and t-shirt and then begin making breakfast for all the of the kids & coffee for myself. I prepare each of their place settings before waking them up each day at 6:45am for school. I set out outfits for the 2 oldest children on their beds (the 2 littlest wear their jammies) and then I get everyone’s toothbrushes ready. We leave the house each morning by 7:15 to head to school.
The 2 youngest girls and I arrive back home a little before 8:00am. The girls usually play together while I tidy up from the mornings whirlwind of preparing for school. I try to get most of my housework done during the morning hours, while McKynlee tries to see how many art projects she can create & Ella watches the movie Frozen 14 times while playing. Ella is potty training so my housework is pretty consistently interrupted with numerous trips to the potty.
We usually have lunch around noon and then Ella goes down for a nap shortly thereafter. McKynlee heads outside to play when the weather is nice, while I clean up from lunch. McKynlee and I get quality time together while the older kids are at school & Ella is napping.
Josh gets home around either 1:45pm or 3:00pm depending on his work schedule. I try to go for a run once Josh has gotten home, otherwise if I wait I will be way too tired. Ella typically wakes up from her nap around 3:00pm and loves to play “side” (Outside) and we will be outside until Madilyn arrives home from school at 3:30pm and Aidan at 3:45pm. Then, it is time for homework. Once the older children have finished with their school work, they change into their play clothes and head outside to play.
Josh is usually in charge of the little ones, while I begin making dinner around 4:30pm so that we can eat by 5:00pm (A schedule that my grandmother has had me on since I was little.) All 6 of us sit down for an “awesome” meal that I prepared and talk about our day. Once excused from the table the 3 older kids play, Josh cleans up my mess from cooking and I give little miss Ella a bath, which is usually desperately needed after eating.
After Ella’s bath, Josh & I usually play with her for a bit before she goes to bed for the night. The older kids take showers around 6pm (later on summer nights) and we either have family game night or all 5 of us snuggle on the “big” couch to watch our favorite game show Wheel of Fortune. The big kids are in bed by 7:00pm.
This is when Josh and I can just go crazy! Oh, who am I kidding, we are lucky if we are still awake by 9 or 9:30pm. He and I catch up with each other and tell each other our “crazy” stories from our day and simply try to do as little as possible and just relax and watch tv because tomorrow we get to wake up and do it all over again! I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What is the best thing about being a mum?
For me, each of my children make me feel special & bring joy to me in a different way. With Aidan, (as a step-mom) it’s when he thinks I’m cool. With Madilyn it’s being able to snuggle her each evening and her random hugs. With McKynlee, it’s being able to do laundry together or housework together (She acts like a little mommy & wants to do everything I do) With Ella, it’s when she learns something new that I just taught her and she is just so proud of herself and wants to show me.
What have you found hardest about motherhood?
The hardest thing I have found about motherhood is making sure I have enough of a balance between what needs to be done (like housework, chores, blogging,etc) and what should be done (like taking time to play with the kids). It is something that I struggle with. I just have to remind myself that, that “stuff” will always be there, but my children won’t always be this age.
How has your body changed?
After having 3 babies, all about 3 years apart, my body has certainly had it’s ups and downs. But, I am very excited to say that after a TON of hard work and A LOT of miles, I am back into pre-baby, it’s maybe even safe to say college days, weight and size.
Do you wear makeup? If so what does your routine look like?
Well, when I worked outside the home I wore makeup regularly…nowadays, I only wear makeup when I go somewhere (and a lot of times it depends on where). I am pretty good at showering, getting dressed and putting on makeup in under 30 minutes. But, when I do wear makeup I usually wear concealer, a bit of foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara & blush.
What’s in your handbag?
I have a ton of receipts, my wallet that has nothing I really use anymore other than medical insurance cards, a makeup bag that used to have makeup in it that now has dwindled to an empty bottle of tylenol, a tube of toothpaste, and perfume. I also have 5 ink pens at the bottom. After writing this…I should really clean out my handbag.
What is your relationship with housework?
With having 6 people in our household, it seems like the housework is neverending! There are always dishes to be done and laundry to be washed. So, I would say that I have a fairly dedicated, yet harmonious relationship with housework. And, one things for sure, it will always be there.
How do you relax?
If my husband answered this question about me, he would say that I never sit still. He actually laughed when I read him this question, because it is a topic we have discussed on numerous occasions. But, after the kids are all in bed Josh and I usually watch television together until we just can’t keep our eyes open anymore then we go to bed for the night.
What’s the best parenting advice you have ever been given?
Your children will undoubtedly embarrass you at some point in their life, its just all in how you respond.
For any new mums out there, what would you like to tell them?
Parenting is not easy. You will never be perfect at it and you will always feel stretched thin, but take time and enjoy your children. At the end of the day your children will alway love you no matter what.
What makes you happy?
I’m not going to lie…Margaritas make me happy, especially after a hard day.
And finally, complete this sentence:
I am a great mum because….. I have learned to recognize the importance of childhood guidance & structure, the essentialness of laughter, independence, and the value of loyalty & encouragement; all of which makes our family union resilient and irreplaceable.
Haha I love that you put Margaritas! Your day sounds so full on- 4 kids must be tough but it sounds like you are a fab mom! x
You can find out more about Jenni and her world over at her blog Mrs Sheets & Co.
She is also on Twitter so go say hi
If you would like to take part in my Real Mums series then email me at katy@whatkatysaid.com. x