Staying organized is key in keeping everything balanced for Michelle and her family. With Google Calendar and Google Tasks synced through her laptop and her cell phone, Michelle tackles her daily tasks with ease and doesn’t feel like her day is complete until she has finished her to-do list.
Although she has managed to plan large events such as birthdays and holidays a year in advance due to her incredible organization skills, Michelle still wishes she had even more time to advocate for children and families, specifically those going through adoption, foster care, and infertility.
Her passion for helping children find their forever homes encouraged her to return to school so she can one day help other families experience the amount of joy and love that she experienced the first time she laid eyes on her adopted son.
Three things you always have with you? Insulin pump because I’m a Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetic, my cell phone, and a law school book.
How would you describe yourself? Flexible, sentimental, and a little over the top.
How did you meet your husband? We were both involved in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at LSU when we were in college. I pretty much fell in love when he sang me a goofy song he wrote about our first few dates.
Most recent proud parenting moment? Every morning that I successfully get the kids out the door—dressed, breathing, teeth brushed, both shoes on—and buckled in the car. I picture myself receiving a “Good job. You did it!” Achievement Award as I snap that last buckle in.
Greatest thing about being a mom? I love watching them learn and experience something new each day. I can’t wait to hear them say things like, “I put my swimming pool on,” instead of “I put my swimsuit on.” They bring so much joy, love, and laughter to my day.
What’s something parents shouldn’t feel guilty about? Saying no. It’s the only way I can stay sane and also be the best mom I can be for them.
What good habit do you have that you would like to pass on to the kids? Compassion for others, including taking the time to get the full picture of what’s really going on in someone’s life and understanding where they’re coming from.
Bad habit you would not want to pass on? I am an “event” cleaner and not an “as you go” cleaner. My husband, though, is the ultimate “as you go” cleaner. Here’s to hoping for “as you go” cleaners.
Most treasured gift you have received? My children. After years of infertility, loss of a child during pregnancy, and a failed adoption attempt, my babies are my most treasured gifts of all.
What do you like to do as a family? We love being outside, but we also love playing games, having dance parties, and having snowball fights with snowballs made out of scrunched up computer paper.
What’s one piece of advice you often give your children? Our family motto is, “love like crazy, live wisely, and laugh a lot.” We constantly talk about each phrase and how we can live them out each day.
How has parenthood changed you? Completely. Growing my family has shown me the depths of love I can have for someone I never got to hold in my arms as well as someone I do not share the same blood with. Parenthood has stretched my faith beyond what I thought possible.
What’s the best parenting advice you have ever received? We asked a couple who had healthy and thriving children for the secret to successful parenting, and they told us to talk to our kids like they could understand the “why” behind things from birth. We take the time to explain things to them. We never water it down, even if they are looking at us like, “What in the world are you talking about?”
What’s your favorite time of day? Bible time. Bible time consists of one of us trying to tell a Bible story, sharing scriptures we have memorized, and praying. It often takes the form of rapping or singing or full on “dance ensembling it,” whatever it takes to make it fun and memorable.
What advice would you give to other parents? Time flies. It’s not about the big events; it’s the small moments that build them up in the way they should go: the getting on the ground to play, cheering them on at the game, stopping to get ice cream, and listening to them tell the long drawn out story.
Fill in the blank!
Before kids, I never thought I would…be totally cool with picking someone else’s boogers.
The parenting item I couldn’t live without…my mini van. The doors just open up when you walk up to the car, and they are magical.
Favorite movie growing up…Cinderella.
My guilty pleasure is…cookie cake. Of course, this only became a craving of mine after my Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis.
Growing up, I knew I wanted to…be a mom…and a killer whale trainer, but then I realized I was scared of them.
