Okay, Smarties…feast your eyes on Smarty Mom, Lauren Lindberg (and her magnificent looking family). I actually have never met Lauren, but I work with her equally Smarty Husband, Jason, but I have a serious Mom-Crush on this beautiful mom. She makes having 3 kids, running a household, staying sane (and looking gorgeous while doing it) super easy.
Since I haven’t actually met Lauren, I asked her husband to give us a little insight into what we should know about Lauren so I could give her a proper introduction before we get into her Smarty questionnaire. Jason’s answer was so beautiful and romantic, that I decided not to paraphrase and just give you what he says about his amazing partner in life:
“I could go on for days about her:
1. Her poise and grace in unmatched. Our kids are VERY spirited to say the least. It’s a physical and mental workout all-day managing our littles. Her ability to handle all that she does and keeps a smile on her face is amazing to me.
2. She’s the most selfless person I know. It’s the family first 100% of the time. I aspire to be more like her in that aspect.
3. She’s hysterical and her self-confidence. These are the two main things that drew me to her 10 years ago. Her wit has no measure and I love it.
4. Her research abilities. The women never stops reading on all things. Her brain is like Mary Poppin’s bag. You can just keep taking knowledge and insights out. She researches everything from recalls, to kids accessories, stays up to date on health issues, kids activities, remedies for illnesses, latest in education and technology, how-to everything. She is literally a machine.
As I said, I could go on for days about her. I’m a blessed man and I thank God for her each and every day.”
RIGHT? I’m seriously in-love with this couple!
And, now, for Lauren’s answers to our Smarty questionnaire:
Married to: My way hipper counterpart, Jason.
Mom of: Six and four-year-old girls and a one-year old boy
Time in Charlotte: Two months
Hometown: I was born in Oklahoma City but I’ve lived all over the Midwest.
Alma Mater: MS from California University of Pennsylvania
Occupation: Domestic Engineer, homeschool teacher, and on occasion a personal trainer.
What inspired you to stay at home?
I was extremely blessed to have a mother who stayed home with me and my sister. I really feel like it forged the bond in the relationship we have now. However, I had intentionally planned on returning to work after my first daughter but she had severe reflux and cried 24 hours a day. When it came time for me to return, the thought of her crying in a caregiver’s arms instead of mine just broke my heart. So, I decided to stay home with her. I’ve personal trained and taught barre classes here and there but with each new babe I fall more in love with my ‘job’.
Your family decided to homeschool your kids. What inspired you to do that and what has the journey been like?
I LOVE being around my children and my oldest daughter is so smart and creative I wanted her to be able to explore her world without the confines of an unbending curriculum. She still has her normal course work but we focus on the things that interest her. She desires to be a veterinarian so we spend a lot of time with animals, learning about them, and really working on science that is above her grade level. Our co-op is outdoor play based so she gets her work done and then we explore. I realize she’s still very young, but that’s the beauty of HS. It changes and adapts so she has the freedom to pursue her current passions beyond the after-school timeline. I would love to say that it’s all been magical but we have hard days, too. Siblings can be a distraction, learning new concepts can be frustrating, and sometimes I don’t want to teach that day. Then I take a breath and remember that my ultimate goal is to raise healthy, happy, well rounded children and we’re on track with that and by the grace of God I get the opportunity to be fully hands-on in my children’s academics.
Do you have any advice for parents that debating if homeschooling is right for them?
Absolutely! Research! Research! Research! Talk to other homeschooling parents and find out what worked for them and what didn’t. Look at all the different curriculums. Ours is Abeka, which is spiritually based, which is so important to our family, but it isn’t one size fits all. There’s so much freedom to do what works best for your family and each different child. If the decision is made to homeschool, surround yourself with veteran homeschool parents. They are a lifeline and the cheerleaders you need, they celebrate milestones with your family and are the wealth of knowledge you need when you get stuck.
How do you find the time for everything?
Does anyone? I try to stick to a housekeeping schedule…each day has a plan and if everything is clean I really don’t mind a mess. With three kids you must learn to let go a little. I try to focus on the task at hand, finish one and move on. My husband is absolutely wonderful at filling the gaps like finishing dinner so I can take a long bath, or cleaning the kitchen or living room while I put the kids down for bed. Our partnership is what keeps me sane and his support for homeschool really gives me the drive I need. Unfortunately, I rarely seem to find the time to fold laundry. I have a secret hope that everyone will just wear things straight off the couch. That’s the dream anyway.
Favorite Family Activity
We love to go to the farm and watch the kids just be kids. Climbing trees, feeding goats, playing chase. It just brings so much joy to my heart.
Favorite Kid Friendly Restaurant
Hands down Chick fil a. They have the best customer service and they never let this Momma’s sweet tea run dry.
Best Date Night Spot
My husband and I have a ‘date’ every Friday night on our couch when the kids are in bed. We watch a movie or talk, laugh about the day, or just catch up. Plus, there’s always some delicious snack. I look forward to it all week long.
Best part of being a mom
Getting the opportunity to love a person with no expectations, no selfishness, just pure love. I learn so much about myself through them.
Favorite Self-care activity/ritual
Binge watching shows in the bathtub.
Charlotte’s best kept secret
I haven’t been here too long but I would definitely have to say their hospitality
*Photo Credit: https://www.EricaRichardPhotography.com (another super Smarty mom of 4)
