Life is full of curveballs. This month’s featured Mom of the Month shares a curve ball life threw her, and how it ended up sending her right into home plate - we mean, F4MLOU. It has led her to Body Well sessions, Holiday Minis, Strides, virtual classes, F4M Lou Birthday celebrations (we do throw pretty awesome parties), and more importantly - a community of women who have formed an amazing Village. Thank you Joey for being a part of F4MLOU; we’re so thankful you’re here!
Hometown: Horse Cave, Ky about 15 miles from Mammoth Cave
Tell us about your family: I grew up in Horse Cave, KY with my two brothers. Eventually, I went to pharmacy school in Louisville where I met this Bullitt County guy who kept me laughing! Once we graduated, Chad and I got married. We have 2 IVF babes: Grayson (6) and Macy (5).
Current/Previous career: I am a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist at Onco360.
What was your childhood ambition? I had always dreamed of either being a kindergarten teacher or a veterinarian specializing in small animals. When I was in middle school, I would volunteer at the elementary for after-school tutoring for kindergarten and first grade. I loved it! In high school, I decided I wanted to be a vet UNTIL I job shadowed our local vet...needless to say, that ended that dream. I couldn't take the blood.
What does motherhood mean to you? I once read this article that summed motherhood up for me: "It’s exhausting, inspiring, soul-sucking and purpose-giving. It makes you question everything, while also feeling like you know it all." RIGHT ON!!!
What is the furthest you have been away from home? Hawaii
What is your favorite thing to do as a family? It's hard to pinpoint one thing! We definitely enjoy going to yard sales, playing ping-pong, playing outside together, and riding our bicycles.
What is something about you that someone may not know? I had my tongue pierced in undergrad! .
What is your favorite healthy and unhealthy food? Healthy: apple sammy Unhealthy: ice cream
What is your favorite color? Black
What is your favorite song or artist? I have a ton! Right now, I'm digging Soul by Lee Brice and Billie Eilish by Armani White.
What TV shows are you currently watching? Does Bluey count? Lol! I'm currently listening to crime podcasts!!
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us: I didn't want to get married nor be a mom. I wanted to be this career driven independent woman who worked countless hours and didn't have to report back to anyone. (Sounds boring, huh?)
Then I met Chad.
How did you find FIT4MOM? My husband actually found F4M for me! Macy was 3 months old at the time and I didn't fit into any of my pre-pregnancy clothes. I just felt lost with 2 kids under 2. So he sent me a ton of Facebook mom groups to join. F4M stuck out to me because it was an exercise group where you could take your kids with you and workout! I was timid to join so I waited until Macy was 1, but I kept lurking in the group. Finally, on Memorial Day of 2018, I decided to go to a workout and LOVED it!! There were mamas of all fitness levels. The instructor was soothing another mama's baby while the mama worked out. There was a mama doing squats with her 3 month old. AND my kids enjoyed the stroller time! Plus, not ONE person made fun of me. The whole group was very welcoming!
How has FIT4MOM changed your life? It has given me the balance I needed in motherhood! It has strengthen not only my body but my mind! The true game changer was Body Well! Teaching me to meal prep and self-care has been the best thing that has happened to me! And I love having a community where we can ask "mom" questions without being judged.
Favorite exercise:
strength: hip bridges with a band and heavy weight
cardio: knee drivers
Favorite in person class: I love them all, but Strides will forever have my heart.
Favorite virtual class: All of them!!!
November questions:
Best Thanksgiving side dish? My mom's mashed potatoes and mac-n-cheese!
Make the turkey or bring dessert? I bring all the desserts! I love to bake!
Black Friday shopping or at home watching football and cartoons? At home watching football and cartoons
What would you wish for if you got the wishbone? A luxury trip for me and my husband
Quick 5 with the kiddos:
How old is mommy? 14 (Macy) 39 (Grayson)
What is something mom always says to you? I love you, Macy. (Macy) Pick up your toys. (Grayson)
What is mom really good at? Taking care of us and doing all kinds of stuff for us. (Macy) Exercising (Grayson)
What is mom's favorite thing to do? Science and taking care of us. (M) Exercise (G)
What makes you proud of your mom? She takes care of us, gives us toys, and lots of hugs and kisses. She's a good mommy. (M) Giving us food and taking us to fun places (G)