Beth Cory is a double agent like me which means she is not 100% a working mom and not 100% a SAHM. She has created a way to keep her career going and balance her family priorities.
I met Beth at Jami Masters School of Dance 3 years ago as our daughters entered the world of dance as first timers in the same class. Beth is organized, energetic and always on top of everything.
I am so excited to induct Beth into the hall of fame known as Smarty Moms!
Married to: Cannon for 15 years
Mom to: Alex (8 years old) and Meredith (5 years old)
Occupation: 24 hours/week as Finance IT Consultant with Duke Energy (i.e., Computer Nerd)
‘Hood: Myers Park
Hometown: Marietta, GA
1. What is something that most people don’t know about you? I sleep with a stuffed animal pig named “Poo Poo Piggy” that my husband (then-boyfriend) gave to me in college. (I can’t believe I just told you that.)
2. You are entering new territory this fall with both children in elementary school. Any thoughts on this milestone? Right now, I am so excited! On Monday, when my youngest goes to school, I may shed a tear or two. She may be five going on fifteen, but she is still my baby! But having them on the same schedule will be wonderful. The logistics in our house the past three years have been tricky: I would take my oldest to Selwyn at 7:30 and go on to work. My husband would take the little one to preschool at 9, pick her up at 12:30, and wait for me to get home from work at 2:00. When he travelled for work or had meetings, things were iffy. I am mostly happy that my husband does not have to get to work as late, take long lunches, and work late anymore! I guess I carry some “mommy guilt” about that. And I have never had a morning to myself, which I will now have on Fridays, my day off. What will I do with all that time?! I can’t wait to find out!
3. Now for the important stuff … who is your celebrity crush? David Beckham, definitely. When he took the torch into the Olympics by boat, it was quite nice to watch…
4. What is the last meal you cooked? Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo – super easy and yummy! I love to cook and try new things. Websites like allrecipes.com and myrecipes.com are great. I figure that if 1,500 people rated a recipe with 5-stars, how bad could it be?
5. If you wrote a parenting manual, the title would be… “Constantly Surprised and Amazed”. I had no idea that these little girls would be so talented, sweet, smart, challenging, and inspiring. They have taught me so much already, and I feel blessed. Sometimes in the chaos of parenting, I forget to absorb their many wonders.
6. Household chore you despise the most? I despise them all equally, but doing dishes is currently in the lead.
7. Behavioral trait you hope your children don’t inherit from you? Always being in a rush, and therefore being late!
8. The phrase you’ve said to the kids more than any other at home is… “Seriously, GIRLS, how long does it take to eat THREE baby carrots?!”
9. Favorite kids’ movie? I love all of them, especially the Disney Princesses and even the Barbie musicals, that I said I would NEVER watch. Our current favorites are Dolphin Tale, The Sound of Music, Willy Wonka (old school) and the new American Girl McKenna movie.
10. Household appliance you couldn’t live without? Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner. We are Bernese Mountain Dog owners, and the dog hair is abundant!
11. Funniest thing Alex or Meredith have ever said to you? There are so many! Here are a few of my favorites (can you tell I keep a list of them on my computer?):
• When Alex was 2 ½, we had Thanksgiving dinner with 15 relatives. Before the meal, we all joined together for a blessing. Everyone gathered in a circle and joined hands. Just as my father-in-law was about to say, “let us all bow our heads”, Alex sang at the top of her lungs, “RING AROUND THE ROSEY!” (Why ELSE would a big group of people join hands, right?)
• My youngest daughter was a stubborn potty trainee. So at nearly 3 ½, she finally was going on the potty. I was giving her some guidance on wiping. I said, “OK, Meredith, be sure to pat your cheeks dry to get any extra drops of tee-tee.” And right on cue, Meredith pulled the wet tissue from between her legs and patted both sides of her face!
• While watching the Panthers/Falcons game, Cannon told Alex (4½) to watch because the Panthers were going for a touchdown. Before the play, one team called a timeout. Cannon said, “Just one minute, Alex, they are going to a timeout.” Alex said, “Which team has to go to timeout, Daddy? The bad team? The bad team has to go to timeout? That is good, right?”
• When Meredith was three, we got a new puppy, who we decided to name “Jasmin”. Meredith said, “I don’t want to name her Jasmin! I don’t want to name her after a princess who wears PANTS!” The word “pants” rolled off her tongue like venom, because of course she’s a dress-only girl!
• Finally, I was driving and trying to make a right turn. My view was obstructed by a huge van beside me trying to make a left turn. I sighed, “Alex, I can’t see Jack Squat.” Alex replied, “Mommy, if you tell me what he looks like, I’ll help you look for him!”
12. Favorite CSP article? I love Courtenay’s Weekend Scoop. It makes Charlotte feel smaller, accessible, and inclusive, which I love.
13. Guilty pleasure? Scramble with Friends on my phone. It is a great 2-minute escape. To have a booming voice tell you how “Incredible, Amazing and Excellent” you are is a good pick-me-up, too!
