Local moms share the joys and trials of being a mother

They make life comfortable. They sacrifice. They provide a shoulder to cry on. They act as a play buddy. They are mothers.

To children, mothers are their world. Many mothers agree, the feeling is mutual. Though it is the toughest job out there, most mothers would not give it up for anything.

Some local moms have shared their thoughts about motherhood and the upcoming Mother's Day holiday.

Tammy Hulme

Tammy Hulme, 37, of Lodi, has four children, ages 15, 4 and twins who are age 7. She spends time with her children by swimming, playing outside, going to Disneyland and camping.

How she feels about motherhood: I love it, but I really look forward to being a grandmother. Being a mom is hard but I have a very supportive husband. I have a good second half. I don't know if I could have done it alone.

Toughest thing about being a mom: The hardest thing about being a mom is balancing each family members' needs as well as my own, in order to keep everyone happy.

Her favorite Mother's Day memory: Over the years, the twins' birthday has fallen on Mother's Day (when it's) on May 8. Actually, last year we went to a big brunch and the whole family was there. We have made brunch at our house before. We have a few good memories.

Her ideal Mother's Day: I think having breakfast and just relaxing with the kids, taking them to a park.

From left: Calista, 8, Daryn and Logan, 8, Morita stand in their front yard Tuesday. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Daryn Morita

Daryn Morita, 42, of Lodi, has 8-year-old twins. She spends time with her children by taking them on playdates and taking them to their sports activities.

"Whatever sport that comes up, we do," she said.

How she feels about motherhood: I love it. We had to go the in vitro way. We always wanted to have kids. My friend was a surrogate mother and that was how we were able to do the in vitro. To think that there may not have been an opportunity to have kids — I'm very thankful.

Toughest thing about being a mom: For me, it's just to continue to have the patience every day. Every day is a new challenge.

Her favorite Mother's Day memory: I think my first one. It was just the realization of being a mother.

Her ideal Mother's Day: For me, it would have to be waking up and having nothing to do. For everyone to be happy and have another day and enjoying it.

Tanya Hernandez

Tanya Hernandez, 37, of Lodi, has two boys, ages 7 and 10. She spends time with her children by having playdates, going on walks and swimming. She also serves on the PTA and works in their classrooms.

"You name it, there's probably not anything we don't do together," she said.

How she feels about motherhood: I love it. It's crazy. It's fun. It's kind of fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants. It's rewarding.

Toughest thing about being a mother: Time. I don't think there's enough time to get everything done that needs to get done.

Her favorite Mother's Day memory: I usually work on Mother's Day until about 4, and then we get together and have a little barbecue. We have my husband's mother come over and my mother come over.

Her ideal Mother's Day: I guess breakfast in bed would be neat, and going on an outing or day trip with my family.

Sabrina Shandrew

Sabrina Shandrew, 31, of Lodi, has two boys, ages 4 and 8. She spends time with her children by camping, swimming, going to the park, riding bikes, playing board games and watching movies.

How she feels about motherhood: I love it. It's the hardest job you'll ever love. I just wouldn't trade it for anything.

Toughest thing about being a mother: Disciplining them and homework. Just knowing you're doing the right thing.

Her favorite Mother's Day memory: Spending time with my mom and my kids. They made me a handprint at the Mud Mill.

Her ideal Mother's Day: I guess a barbecue with my mom, husband and kids.

Stephanie Bates

Stephanie Bates, 31, of Lodi, has three children, ages 12, 11 and 10. She spends her time with her children by watching them play sports such as football and soccer, riding to Lodi Lake during the summer, doing homework, school projects, camping and helping her oldest son deliver the Lodi News-Sentinel.

How she feels about motherhood: I really love being their mom. My kids are so great, especially now at this age. They are totally different than when they were younger. We can talk more and we communicate so much better. It's amazing to see how much they have grown. They are starting to make their own choices. It's great to see that happen and to think, "Wow, they listened."

Toughest thing about being a mom: Discipline. That's a hard thing. You want them to make the right choices.

Favorite Mother's Day memory: Usually the kids will make a card or some kind of craft. It's so cute because they wrap it themselves. Opening their sweet little gifts they make is really great.

Her ideal Mother's Day: We do it now. We wake up in the morning and the kids say, "Happy Mother's Day!" and they give me their little gifts. The kids do it themselves and that's what makes it really special.

Contact Features Editor Pamela Bauserman at pamelab@lodinews.com. Find the best bargains in Lodi. Read Pam's blog, Saving with Pam.

Reader Feedback

Comments on this story are now closed.

Archives

Story Tools

Indexes

Local moms share the joys and trials of being a mother

Reader Feedback

Special Sections

Photo Reprints

Find Ads

Weather

Services

Contact Us

Office

Newsroom

Subscriptions

Advertising

Classifieds