Smarty Mom: Christy Lewis

The day after Christmas, I packed up the fam in the Smarty Party and headed to the booming metropolis of Vero Beach, FL over 650 miles south of Charlotte with a population of 16,939. My hubby and I grew up there and we make the 10-hour drive a few times a year. This year was a little different. I was nervous about busting into town in the brightest car on the planet, not sure about what kind of feedback I would receive.

It was such a fun trip, all thanks to the Smarty Party. All along 1-95 we’d glance over at the car next to us and see a thumbs up or a high five and our kids reveled in the attention. Once we got to Vero, I kind of forgot about the pink & green statement and fell into beach mode.

When we got back to Charlotte after a week of being completely unplugged, I decided it was time to check the overflowing CSP inbox. To my delight and surprise, I found a one-liner from Smarty reader, Christy Lewis: “We saw the Smarty Car in Vero Beach, FL over Christmas!”

W-H-A-T? Are you KIDDING me? That can’t be real! Well come to find out, Christy was staying right across the street from my mother-in-law. And her hubby’s cousin went to high school with me. And her hubby’s other cousin went to high school with my big sis. Crazy small world, huh? It was my best six degrees of separation performance ever!

So I’d like you to get to know avid Smarty reader, Christy Lewis, who took time out of her vacay to send us that fun note. Let’s meet Christy!

Christy Lewis Smarty Mom Stats

Mom to: Ethan(6), Owen(3), and sweet Ava (15 months)
Married to: John, we’ve been married for 11 great years! We’ve lived in Charlotte for 9 years and love it!!!
Occupation: Recently began working part time as an executive assistant for Hurd Realty group of Keller Williams. It has given me a great balance b/w family and having a career again.
College Alma Mater: Appalachian State University-GO APPS!
Hood: South Charlotte
Hometown: Born in Cape Girardeau, MO but raised in NC

Favorite winter activity with kids?

We love to go swimming at the Harris Y. My little fish need water in their gills year round and we’ve found this is a perfect place to go. I can manage all 3 at one time. The boys love the new water slide and lazy river, while Ava and I can play in the zero entry area. On warmer days, we hit parks in the area with friends.

Favorite birthday party?

I am a huge fan of outside parties! For Ethan’s 6th birthday we had his buddies over to make tie dye’s and eat pizza. They loved taking turns picking out their own colors and designs. It also was a great party favor to take home. He was so happy when he went to school Monday and his friends all had the shirts on they made. Of course every good party also needs a piñata. Doesn’t get much better as a little boy to be able to beat something up then have candy fall out of it! Ha ha!

Birthday party go-to gift?

For little kids we always hit up Michael’s for a bag of art supplies, as the boys have gotten older anything Lego or Nerf seems to be the hit. I am looking forward to joing the circuit of girly parties in the years to come.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Rob Lowe

Best book you’ve read lately?

Who has time to read? Our book club just finished The Middle Place. It was a very touching book and easy to relate to as a mom and daughter.

Favorite movie of all time?

It’s a Wonderful Life! The end gets me every time!

Minivan or SUV?

Both, but for this stage of life I have to say, I love our Honda Odyssey.

Favorite phone app?

I think I was the last person to get an iPhone and learn to text! I am technically challenged so only have the few it came with and/or my husband loaded on for me. New year’s resolution is to become more savvy with it. So far though, I’d say Angry Birds, because when we are out, I can bribe my kids with a game of it in the car on the way home to do just about anything. Personally my favorite is Pandora. Any other must haves???

Favorite CSP article?

I love your site so this is a hard one for me! Thinking back one of my favorite was The Power of Cream of Mushroom Soup. This really hit home for me. My favorite part is when she mentions “what it means to be a part of a caring community and to give unconditionally”. We are blessed with a wonderful community of friends who have been there for us thru the ups and downs of life! They are our family.

Finish this sentence: I could not live without my…

…Girlfriends! We do not have family locally in Charlotte, so over time my girlfriends and their families have become part of ours sharing the joys and trials of our life. I am not sure I would be able to make it thru motherhood without them. They have been here to greet and celebrate the birth of each of our children and help make milestones in their lives special. I once had a friend who came over to sit at the top of my stairs for an hour and repetitively put my son back in his crib as he would continue to climb out, ha ha! They are there when you need anything from a shoulder to cry on, an ear to vent in, a good laugh, or to borrow an egg. They seem to know just what to say and do when you need them, along with knowing when to come over with a bottle of wine in hand or to meet you for a good workout to talk thru a problem. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful ladies in my life! They say it takes a village to raise a family and I truly believe it!

Of course, It also goes without saying, my family who means the world to me and has taught me the meaning of loving unconditionally. My husband is a very hands on father who I could not imagine doing this journey without. He encourages me daily to be the best I can be.

Thanks, Christy, for making my YEAR!!! I {heart} Christy Lewis!