Tell us about your family:

I have been married to Andrew for five years, and we have a son, Gibson, who is 14 months old. We also have a 7 year old black lab, Darlin.

Why is FIT4MOM important to you?:

Fit4Mom is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to get a good workout in without seeking childcare for Gibson. Given my current schedule, this is ideal for me! Not to mention, I love the extra time I get to spend with him. Watching me exercise provides him with ample entertainment!

What do you remember about your first FIT4MOM class?

My first Fit4Mom class was so much fun! I had a great time seeing mom’s from my community get together for a fun workout with our kids. In that moment, I knew what amazing opportunities Fit4Mom was going to provide for mom’s in Texarkana!

What was your childhood ambition?:

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I graduated with my masters in teaching from the University of Arkansas and taught for 4 years before leaving to assist my mom with her stroke recovery. Aside from teaching, I always dreamed of being a mom. Having Gibson has changed my life in the best way possible. Being his mom is the biggest joy of my life! Not many people can say they’ve achieved their biggest childhood ambitions—I am so thankful!

What are 3 of your favorite things?:

Red wine, comfy clothes, and an afternoon nap!

What is one of your 2023 goals for YOU this year?:

One of my biggest goals this year is to be more intentional with the time I spend with my family. Andrew and I are trying to stay off of our phones and have quality time with Gibson before he goes to bed.

What has being a mom taught you?

Being a mom has taught me SO much. My biggest lesson? No matter how much control I think I have, I have zero control over anything. I can make every plan and schedule our day to a T, but that stuffy nose or nap strike is going to hit when I least expect it. My type A personality has learned to let go and take each day as it comes.

Advice for first time moms?:

My number one piece of advice for first time mom’s is to be flexible! Every single baby is different. What works for some, might not work for you. Don’t be too hard on yourself and enjoy the ride! When it gets hard, just remember, this too shall pass!

You have 4 hrs of FREE babysitting, what would you do with your time?

If I had four hours of free babysitting, I would probably spend a couple of hours strolling the aisles of target with a large coffee in hand. I would enjoy looking at all of the cute clothes and home decor without little hands reaching for the breakables! The remaining hours would be spent taking an uninterrupted nap!

Favorite spot to eat in Texarkana?

Okay, this is a tough question. Depends on the occasion. Lunch with friends? Ironwood Grill or Reggie’s. Date night? Benchmark or Twisted Fork. Family dinner? Chappos or Loca Luna. What can I say? I love to eat!

Favorite thing to do as a family?

The hours after Andrew gets home from work and before Gibson goes to bed are so sweet. Gibson is currently into playing with cars, so we sit on the floor and roll cars back and forth. It seems very simple, and it is, but those moments have quickly become some of my favorites.

What is a fun fact that many may not know about you?

I have one green eye and one blue eye!

If someone was thinking about attending a FIT4MOM class or joining, what would you tell them?

DO IT! Fit4Mom is an amazing workout WITH your baby (YAY for not having to find childcare) This community of moms wants to come alongside you and encourage you in all areas of motherhood! There are always a million reasons not to do something, but you will not regret doing this for yourself!