Smarties, I’m very excited to introduce you to Smarty Mom, Kathie Harper. Kathie is that go-to mom on everything from preschool programs to dance schools to where to find cool glasses (yes, I actually called her in a pinch before my flex spending $ disappeared on December 23rd and she delivered!). Kathie is always one step ahead of you paving the path. Kathie is that mom who is not afraid to invite multiple families in the big fam club (3+ children) over for a BBQ. When other moms would have heart palpitations if they had 12 children running rampant through her house, Kathie is in her element, cool as a cucumber. When Kathie is not volunteering at her childrens’ schools (even one that her children no longer attend) and her church, you can find her in her kitchen whipping up the most delectable cheesecakes you have ever tasted, just for fun.
Kathie’s Smarty Mom Quick Facts
Married to: Jim, for 11 years
Mom of: Elizabeth (10), James (8), and John (6)
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom extraordinaire
Hood: SouthPark
OK, let’s get to know Kathie!
You are a rockstar stay-at-home mom. So much that you are THE favorite house to play at in every circle of your children’s friends. My boys in particular get really angry when I pick them up from the Harper house. So what’s your secret?!
We have a great tree house in the back yard and many legos for boys. I do not have too many rules, except no screaming in the house. I also keep a gum drawer and a candy drawer – many kids favorites! They all know where to find the goodies.
You did Restaurant Week in a very Smarty way last time. Share the scoop!
Last time Charlotte had Restaurant Week, my husband and I used it as a great way to catch up with friends and family. We scheduled babysitters and went out three nights to three different restaurants. We went with our parents to Cafe Monte in SouthPark and had a fabulous meal starting with fondue, a main course of scallops and ending with key lime pie. One night we went to Sole on East Boulevard with two other couples. It was a great Spanish meal and we all tried foods we normally would not get. The third night we went with a large group to Lulu on Central. We had great Italian food paired with great wines. For only $30, you get choices for a 3-course meal with signature dishes at Charlotte’s finest restaurants. You just can’t beat it! It is a wonderful time to try new restaurants in new parts of town. The list of places that participate is very extensive. Perfect for your a Mom’s night out that would not break the bank. Check out the Restaurant Week website and try it this week (January 21-30). You won’t be disappointed!
What is your favorite family time activity?
Discovery Place – the new and updated Discovery Place is fantastic.
Favorite mommy-time activity?
Moms night out with girlfriends – we all need this.
Favorite lunch spot sans kids?
Café Monte with Jim
Favorite place to score kids clothes and shoes?
Kixx for shoes and Lands End for clothes. They carry great slim sizes for my boys.
Favorite place to take the whole fam to dinner?
Showmars for the Gyros and the awesome chicken salad or Kabuto Japanese where we love the flaming onion volcano
.
Favorite boys after school activity?
Park Sharon sports – baseball and soccer. This is a great way for parents to get involved too.
Favorite girls after school activity?
Dance at Jami Masters – Elizabeth is in her 7th year and loves it!
Best book you’ve read lately?
The Lightning Thief series – read them with your children. They are great!
Best movie?
Recently, The Ugly Truth – hilarious! All time – has to be the Sound of Music.
Funniest thing your kids have ever said to you?
I have a little help with my “blond” hair and one time John said “Mommy, you have a racing stripe on your head.” Guess it was time for that help!
Best birthday party you’ve attended/hosted?
The surprise 40th for my husband. I actually pulled it off. He was surprised and loved it!
Favorite date-night spot?
Any place that is quiet with good food and good wine.
Minivan or suv?
Definitely minivan – so much space and easy for the kids to get in and out of. I have an 8-passenger van and it is full many days. I love carpooling!
Favorite Smarty phone app?
Don’t have any – I am still old school. I do not even text. (Gasp!)
Favorite CSP article so far?
When 
Best kept secret in Charlotte?
Sharon Presbyterian Weekday School – best value, best preschool education, wonderful teachers and parents and the best director around. My children’s best friends are still the ones they made in preschool and so are mine. That is how I met Jen P. Most of my Moms nights out are still with my preschool Moms. If you want a great community and a great place for your children, enroll them in Sharon Presbyterian Weekday School.
I could not live without my…
Slim Series exercise tapes and my wonderful family, of course!
Thanks, Kathie, for sharing your Saturday with us! Do YOU have a Smarty Mom, Dad or Child to nominate? Please email us!
Smarties, don’t forget to vote for your FAVES in our first-ever 
5 comments
I am so happy to see Kathie featured here! I know Kathie through our BWE pool and swim team. I loved reading this interview – I feel like I know you that much better! and it's great to hear you do not text – neither do I (yet!) but it's coming since I do have a middle schooler now. I look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood Kathie – what a nice Saturday surprise to read this!nanine
I second the SPWS recommendation for preschool—we've been so impressed and happy there. My twins boys absolutely love it.
You are such a SUPER mom! Thank you for all that you have done to make my life better!
Kathie is such a true and genuine person- the world needs more Kathie Harpers! Thanks for all you do- and you do make a mean cheesecake!
Kathie, I was so excited to see your write up today in CSP! I learned even more about you and loved your thoughts. I too am amazed how you keep your cool with having a bunch of people over at your house. Maybe you can share some of your "laid back tips" with your neighbor?-shannon