With Mother’s Day just a few days away, we took the opportunity to celebrate some beautiful moms in our latest lookbook. Our first mom, Leanne Barlow, is a lover of her adorable children, fabric, interior design, J.Crew, and hydrangeas (the epitome of a Morning Lavender girl, don’t you think?). She designs and sells her own clothing and runs the blog Elle Apparel where you can find tips and tricks to all things fashion. We asked the moms to give us a look into their busy lives and Leanne, mom to Cash, Bradley, and a baby on the way gave us these heartwarming answers:
1. Describe your daily routine of being a mom.
It’s jam packed! We usually wake up to both boys in our bed in the morning. They always tend to make their way up to our bedroom sometime during the night. I fix them breakfast then get my oldest, Bradley, off to school. Then I’ll run errands with Cash, my youngest, and will try to fit in a trip to the park or library. We head home for a quick lunch, then pick up Bradley and head back home so that Cash can take a nap. While Cash naps I’ll let Bradley relax and watch a few shows while I get work/emails/sewing done in my office. I always try and sneak in a 20 minute nap when I can! Around 4 I’ll get Cash up and help Bradley with his homework, then have them play outside while I fix dinner. Dinner is usually something super simple since we are all tired and hungry by then! After dinner it’s baths, picking up the house, usually some laundry, prepping school lunches for the next day, jammies, stories, scriptures, and prayers. Once the boys are down I get to work! I am usually blog, email, or sew until about 1am. Needless to say by the end of the day I am wiped out!
2. What is the best part about being a mom?
It’s hard to choose just one thing! Being a mom is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I think seeing my kids learn principles that my husband and I have taught them is the most rewarding part. Watching them share with each other, say please and thank you, or show unconditional love without having to be told is such a great feeling for a mom!
3. What is the hardest part about being a mom?
I’ve always said that life as a mom can be so bipolar. One minute my kids are great and I am so in love with them, and then 5 minutes later could bring a melt down or I’m trying to balance doing 10 things for them at once. It is stressful! I think keeping consistent patience is the hardest part. Kids require lots and lots of patience, something that I am constantly working on!
4. What advice would you give other moms out there?
While there are definitely hard stressful days, make a conscience effort to focus and reflect on the good days. Soak up each moment that you spend reading to them, even if it’s just for ten minutes. And using a kind tone no matter what you are saying to your kids works wonders!
5. What is the best advice your mom gave you?
Pick your battles. If you make every move or disagreement a battle you and your kids will be unhappy. So hold your ground on the important things, and let some of the smaller things go. It’s ok to let them get what they want sometimes.
Shop Leanne’s looks here!