Magnificent Mama: Traci R.

When I came up with the Magnificent Mama Series idea, I knew that I would ask my friend Traci to be featured.  She is one of the most genuine and generous women I know.  Having seen her magnificent mothering first-hand, I knew that her advice and experience needed to be shared. Please take a moment to learn about, and learn from today’s Magnificent Mama: Traci R.

The Mama

How many children do you have and what are their ages?

I have 2 sons, both 4 years old.

What do you appreciate most about your children’s personalities?

I appreciate how polar opposite they are. How they have developed such strong wills, while at the same time this deep compassion for people around them. 

What is something you allow your child to do that you swore before you never would?

Probably the screen time. Too much screen time.

What is one thing your parents did for you that you make sure to do for your children?

As weird as it sounds, I let my kids get dirty. We play outside all day every day, and they can get as dirty as they want without getting in trouble about their clothes or being messy. 

How has motherhood changed the way you feel about your body?

I am amazed at the capability of a woman’s body. The weight I have gained, that I can’t seem to get rid of has definitely hurt my self-esteem. But when I look at the lives I’ve created, it was worth it. 

The Woman

What is one of your passions that you have continued pursuing since your child was born?

Crafting. I love making things with my own hands and I have expanded on my crafting. 

What is one of your passions that you have given up since becoming a mom? Do you think you will ever pick it up again?

Traveling. Once the boys are a little bit older, I’m sure we will go back to traveling. 

The quarantine is over and the kids are asleep. Where is the first place you want to go?

Michael’s craft store. 

Tell us about a book, blog, or website where you found life changing advice.

Micromama! Honestly until Micromama I never read blogs or websites to do with parenting or anything. I leaned on the advice of friends and family. 

How do you like to relax and take care of yourself?

Honestly, crafting is how I take care of myself mentally. I don’t have any special routines that I do, but sometimes I take a bath with a nice smelling bath bomb. 

What She’s Learned

What has motherhood taught you about your own mother?

She was a saint. I knew she was an amazing mama. My grandmother raised me from birth when she didn’t have to. She stayed up all night to feed and comfort a baby that was not supposed to be her responsibility. She had the patience of a saint with me in my toddler years and again in my teen years. My mama was an amazing woman. 

What is something you have learned that you wish more mothers knew?

For us, it’s that patience is key. Our boys can be very challenging at time as they are both on the spectrum. I need to remind myself that they process things differently and I need to be patient with them. 

What do you miss most about your life before children?

Sometimes I miss the freedom of picking up and going somewhere just because. Going to the beach to watch a sunset or head to the Grand Canyon over Thanksgiving just because. Head on a cruise to Mexico. Traveling and seeing things. 

Which quote or saying do you like to remember when life gets you down?

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light.”

– Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter 

“This too shall pass.”

“The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket”

 – Will Rogers 

You’re a magnificent mama! Who helped you become the woman you are today?

Every person I’ve ever been in contact with has helped shape me into the woman I am today, but no one more than my parents and husband. My parents taught me important lessons to shape the way I look at the world and the people around me. My husband has been with me since I moved out of my parents’ house. He has helped me see that there is more to the world than just what my parents taught me. While their lessons were life lessons, I learned there is an entire world of views and lessons to learn from. My husband has stood by me and watched me become my own individual with my own point of view, and my own beliefs.

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Thank you Traci R. for sharing your honesty and wisdom with all of us.

You truly are a Magnificent Mama!

If you would like to leave any feedback, or participate in the Magnificent Mama Interview Series, feel free to comment below or contact me.

Love,