Real Moms: Elizabeth Thompson
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Hometown: Carteret, New Jersey
Where I live now: Aberdeen, New Jersey
Kids:
Thing One: 13-year-old daughter
Thing Two: 11-year-old daughter
Little Man: 8-year-old son
Mini-Me: 5-year-old daughter
Husband: Peter
Job: Stay-at-home mom
10 Questions for Elizabeth
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you before having kids?
Having children doesn't automatically make someone an expert on motherhood — being a good mother takes time, patience, and the ability to forgive mistakes. You will make them and that's okay, too. I would have enjoyed their baby years more, if I had appreciated the simple things like, not be too concerned about what clothes they wear as much as taking the time to enjoy their tiny little naked feet and hands, or correcting baby talk and then learning just how much I will miss it all, one day!
What was the best piece of advice you've ever received about parenting?
Two weeks after giving birth to our first child, my husband and I were hosting Thanksgiving dinner — it was just easier, because I couldn't walk any further than the front door without having to sit down or falling asleep — and, right around dessert, I remember feeling suddenly overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. I just sat beside my daughter's crib and stared at her. My mother walked in and I questioned her being able to handle raising twins.
"I brought you guys home from the hospital, placed you side-by-side on my bed, and cried for about two hours. And then, I just did it."
Since then, I've been just doing it, too.
What is the one quality you most hope to instill in your children?
My husband and I trust that our children will grow up and remain as close and loving towards each other as they are now. We're raising them as a team and hope they will remember how we would cheer each other on ... family comes first!
If you could wish one thing for each of your children, what would it be?
For my 13-year-old daughter, I wish for you the chance to see Venice, Italy.
For my 11-year-old daughter, I wish for the world to know your laughter.
For my 8-year-old son, I wish for your heart to remain unbroken for as long as possible.
For my 5-year-old daughter, I wish for you peace in the knowledge that you are very loved.
What's one luxury you indulge in regularly that keeps you sane?
Mommy play dates, girls' nights out, and private time with my husband (alone) are very important to me — if Mommy ain't happy, ain't nobody happy, yes?
What is your most treasured family tradition?
Growing up with Hungarian parents, my twin brother and I were lucky enough to be surrounded by a heritage filled with traditions, such as Mikulas (St. Nicholas) Day, which we celebrated well into our adulthood and I continue with my children. Every December 5, my children clean their best shoes (typically, their deepest boots) and leave them by the front door (or under a window sill) for St. Nicholas to come and fill them with trinkets and chocolate treats to be found, the next morning, by good little girls and boys. My children often times reminisce about the time one of their great-grandmother's brothers found nothing but a lump of coal, two years in a row!
What Web sites do you have bookmarked?
Imperfect Parent
BlogHer
DotMoms
Mommybloggers
Cool Mom Picks
What's been the best discovery you've made, recently — whether it's a product, service, or indulgence?
My husband treated me to a weekend away on my 40th birthday and it was the first time that he and I spent time together, alone, and without the kids, to one of our favorite places — Cape May, New Jersey — and had our first spa experience. We had such a relaxing and wonderful time that we decided to splurge on ourselves, once a year, because it was so worth it and so are we!
What's the one kid-friendly dish you can throw together in a pinch?
Finding something that all four of my kids like, at the same time, is tough — but, my 11-year-old's recipe for Cheesy Sloppy Joe's happens to be a family favorite:
Thing Two's Cheesy Sloppy Joe's
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbs. tomato paste
1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
8 hamburger buns
Brown the meat in a nonstick pan (about 5 minutes), breaking up into crumbles pieces. Drain the fat and return to heat, adding the rest of the ingredients, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Fill hamburger buns with approx. 1/2 cup scoops and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
How did you feed your babies, and how did you come to that decision?
I believe that a mother should decide for herself whether or not to bottle-feed or breast-feed — each method has its benefits (and concerns) — and my husband and I decided that I would bottle-feed my oldest daughter. After feeling pressured by doctors, some family members and friends, I attempted to breast-feed each of the three babies after, but I just didn't have the patience. I resigned myself to the fact that I was a much happier mommy bottle-feeding my babies and — though, it wasn't a good fit for me and my babies — I am glad that I at least tried breast-feeding.
Read more from Elizabeth at This Full House.
