Celebrating Mother's Day

What is your favourite memory you have with your grandmother?

One of my most treasured memories with my Grandma Diane is the time she spent helping me with my speech. I struggled with a severe speech impediment growing up, and she patiently supported me every step of the way.

I remember her wearing this gold teddy bear pendant that I was completely obsessed with, I always said I wanted one just like it. When I finally reached a point where my speech had significantly improved, she gave me a gift: her pendant.

I still have it to this day, and it means the world to me.

What is the one piece of advice they have given you that you live by?

No matter what anyone says or thinks about you, remember this...

It’s your life, and you have every right to live it your way. We only get one shot at this, and in the end, we all leave the same way.

Don’t spend your time wishing you lived differently. Create a life that feels right to you, not one that fits someone else’s expectations.

What's a quality that you admire most in your mother?

There isn't just one quality that I admire most about my mum, I admire everything.

She is the most selfless, compassionate, loving and caring human to ever exist.

As I have gotten older, I can appreciate everything that she has done for my brothers and I.

I hope that I can be a parent as selfless, compassionate, loving and caring as her one day.

What's a moment when your mother's love made a significant difference in your life?

It is hard to find just one moment that mums love made a significant difference, but I would have to say it's how she turned up for everything. 

Every sports game, every training session, every appointment, every school event, she was at it all and not just for me for my two brothers as well. 

Mum was our biggest cheerleader and still is to this day. So, I would have to say that there isn't just one moment that her love made a significant impact on my life. It is the fact that we (my Dad, brothers and I) are Mum's biggest priority. 

She would move mountains if it meant she could be there to support us all.

What has been the biggest learning curve of becoming a Mum?

The biggest learning curve in becoming a mum? Realising my time is no longer mine. Like, at all.

One day, I was binge-watching Netflix and taking naps for fun, and the next, I was negotiating with a tiny human over why pants are necessary and why bananas don’t go behind the couch cushions.

It’s wild how quickly your world shifts - from doing whatever you want, whenever you want, to revolving completely around someone else's snack schedule and sleep patterns (or lack thereof).

Your wants and needs take a backseat, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, your kid hits a new phase and everything changes again.

Motherhood is basically a never-ending game of “just when you think you’ve got this.”

But somehow, between the chaos, the mess, and the million questions, you grow right alongside them - and maybe even learn to enjoy the madness.

What has been your favourite family moment since Erin was born?

Honestly, I don’t think I could choose just one favourite family moment since Erin was born - there have been so many, and they seem to pop up in the most unexpected, messy, hilarious ways.

It’s never the big, planned-out things that stick—it’s the tiny, chaotic, joy-filled moments that really leave a mark (and usually a trail of crumbs).

We love spending time together as a family - think chaotic picnics where the dogs steal the food, backyard adventures that end with someone barefoot in mud, and family visits where Erin walks in like she pays the mortgage.

So, if I had to choose a favourite moment… it wouldn’t be just one.

It would be all of it - the cuddles, the dance parties, the dog chaos, the family time, the ridiculous made-up songs, and the laughter that always sneaks in, even on the hard days.

All those imperfect, perfect little moments are what make this whole parenting thing pretty magical.

How important is your Mum to you? How would you describe your relationship?

My Mum is incredibly important to me, she is someone who I turn to for advice and support.

This is going to sound incredibly cliché but I speak to Mum maybe 2 or 3 times throughout the day, this started when I moved interstate and has continued ever since.

She is someone I go to when I need to soundboard my thoughts & ideas to. She also always gives the best advice and knows what to say in the moment when I need it, even when I don’t agree with her.

She truly is a special person, and through this makes me want to be a better person by the way she carries herself through each and every day.

I’m so lucky I get to call her Mum and I know she is going to flourish in to the most incredible Nana. The spoiling has begun well and truly – there are no surprises there.

How has your relationship changed as you've grown older?

Mum & I have definitely grown closer the older I have gotten. Whilst I would say it’s only natural for us to have grown together, it’s a friendship I am truly grateful for. She’s always willing to help me, and wants the best for my brother and I each and every day. It’s a special feeling to have that kind of relationship.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve always admired what she does for our family each day. As I start my transition into motherhood myself, I admire her tenfold. The things she can fit into one day make me tired thinking of it.

I count myself incredibly lucky and grateful to have someone who can stand by my side and help show me the ropes to this new phase of my life. She doesn’t know this yet, but she will be moving in with me in our first few weeks as a new family of three.

One of my favourite memories with my mum is from the countless weekends we spent together, where she enthusiastically played the role of 'Mum's Taxi' to ferry me to my weekly sporting events.

Every weekend, without fail, she'd be ready to drive me, and she wasn't just another spectator - she always made me feel capable and confident. Despite the long drives and early starts, Mum never once complained - she genuinely enjoyed being part of my sporting life. Her presence was a constant reassurance, and I knew she was always there to cheer me on, rain or shine. 

One of the highlights of our weekends was sharing packets of Allen's Fantales. After the game, we'd sit together, savour the sweet treats, and indulge in the quiz printed on the wrappers. The quiz questions were a fun challenge, and we revelled in trying to guess the answers together, laughing at our wrong guesses and celebrating the correct ones.

These moments of shared joy and bonding over something as simple as weekend sport and a confectionery quiz are memories I hold dear. They are a testament to the love and support my mum provided, making each event a cherished chapter in my life.

Mother's Day in our family is a heartfelt celebration of love and appreciation, even though distance often keeps us apart. With Mum living interstate, we've had to adapt our traditions to ensure she feels cherished and celebrated, no matter the kilometres between us.

One of the highlights of Mother's Day for us is the long catch-up phone calls. We make sure to set aside plenty of time to connect over the phone, sharing stories, laughter, and updates about our lives. These calls are not just about catching up on daily happenings, but also about reminiscing about cherished memories and creating plans for future visits. It's a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and let Mum know just how much she's loved and missed.

I am also fortunate to have a wonderful step-mum, Marg. Ultimately, Mother's Day in our family is about celebrating the incredible women who have shaped my life. Regardless of the distance or how we became family, it is important to make them feel valued and appreciated. 

What is your favourite thing about being a Mum?

One of the most rewarding parts of being a mum is witnessing my children's growth and development. From their first words to their blossoming personalities, every milestone is a testament to their resilience and potential. It’s a privilege to be a part of their journey and to support them as they navigate the world.

One of the most special aspects of being a mum is creating cherished memories with my children. Family traditions, shared experiences, and simple moments together become cup-filling parts of our family story. 

In essence, being a mum is a journey filled with love, learning, and growth. The bond I share with my children and the memories we create together are what make this role my favourite and most fulfilling part of life.

What is your advice for mums juggling family and work?

Motherhood is an adventure that is both brilliant and brutal, marked by moments of joy, challenge, and growth. Balancing work and family can often feel like a high-wire act, but with the right mindset, it is possible to create a healthy balance.

Creating realistic goals, a manageable work schedule and routine for home, and establishing a strong support system is crucial for any Mum - Don't shy away from asking for help either. 

Your days are filled with both big and small moments. For me, it is recognising that each moment, no matter how insignificant it may seem, contributes to the overall balance of family life. 

Remember that perfection is unattainable. There will be days when things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself, acknowledge your efforts, and celebrate the small victories. Motherhood is an evolving journey, and each day is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Balancing work and family as a mum is a challenge, but achievable. By embracing the journey, prioritising, leaning on your support system, and taking care of yourself, you can create a fulfilling and balanced life for you and your family.