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Saturday, April 3, 2010

Smarty Mom: Amy Jarvis


By Katie M

Happy Smarty Mom Saturday, and what a beautiful Saturday it is! I'm so happy to introduce Amy Jarvis to you all. Loyal reader Sara Mayse "mominated" Amy and it's been so fun getting to know her. We're excited for you all to meet her too!

Amy and her husband Mark have four adorable children: Joshua (10), Zachary (7), and twins Mya & Noah (4). Amy grew up in High Point, attended UNC Charlotte, married and then moved back to the Triad where she's been for the past 15+ years. She works part-time as a library assistant at the Lewisville library, and in her spare time she enjoys reading, crafts and gardening.

So let's find out what makes Amy so smarty!

I love that you work at a local library! We have not profiled anyone with this type of job. Can you tell us about some great events happening at our local libraries this summer?
We always have a variety of programs for people of all ages. Everyone can participate in the summer reading program and win prizes. There will also wonderful programs for kids throughout the summer.

Triad Smarty Pants ran a blog about summer reading programs happening at all the Triad libraries last summer. We will run an updated blog this May - be sure to stay tuned!

What do you do as a library assistant?
I help check library materials in and out to patrons, process books for circulation that are donated to the library, and repair library materials that are damaged, to name a few.

What are some of your favorite summer reading picks?
My favorite summer pick for adults would have to be The Help by Kathryn Stockett. As far as books for kids, let your little ones choose their own books. It's fun to see what they pick to read about. Books have a way of expanding the imagination.

How do you balance your part-time position with your life as a mom?
I take one day at a time and try to be as organized as possible. I also try not to sweat the small stuff. You don't have to be Super Mom every single day. And remember to laugh - it's always been the best medicine and stress reliever!

What's your best way to stay organized?
We have a calendar that is color coded for each person and looks like a rainbow! And with four kids, communication between my husband and myself is crucial. Each person in the family has a color which helps us to know who needs to be where and at what time each day.

Favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
Twin City Mothers of Multiples Clothing Sale every March and September!

Favorite place to splurge on kids clothes?
I let Nana splurge on their clothes! She loves it! :)

What is your favorite family activity?
Praying as a family. We have each child tell something they love about one of their siblings and it's amazing to hear what each says and how the excited the one receiving the compliment gets!

Favorite “mommy-time” activity?
Lots of hugs and kisses! Plus any one-on-one time with each of my kids! It's amazing how they open up!

Best place to eat lunch and/or dinner with the kids?
I think taking a picnic somewhere is better than any restaurant (and cheaper!)

Favorite date place?
Any place where I don't have to cook or clean up afterwards!

Funniest thing your kid(s) has ever said?
"Mom, instead of having more babies, can we have a BIG sister?"

Favorite park in the Triad?
Our neighborhood playground at Meadowlark Glen - so convenient!

Mini-van or SUV?
Mini-van - one of the millions of Honda Odyssey's on the road!

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
Besides grandparents being close by, there are so many great activities for families.

Best kept secret in the Triad?
Free plays put on at Shallowford Square in Lewisville. There are usually several plays throughout the year and are targeted towards families. Last summer, they did Peter Pan and actually had Peter Pan fly across the stage. It is outdoors so everyone brings a lawn chair to sit in. They sell refreshments but we usually pop some popcorn at home and take it for a snack!

Best birthday party you have attended?
We did a circus-themed party for our twins and had a blast with games, cotton candy, sno-cones and clown cupcakes.

Best book you’ve ever read?
My Bible - I can't imagine trying to raise a family in this day and age and not having God there with me every step of the way!

Do you have any great gardening tips you can share?
Get your kids involved in the gardening - they usually will eat (or at least try) the vegetables they helped to grow!

What’s your favorite thing about Triad Smarty Pants?
Learning great tips/advice from local moms. It's the hardest, yet most rewarding job we'll ever have! Women are amazing and we can all learn from each other.

I could not live without my... Husband - he is my rock and truly, the love of my life!

I wish someone had told me sooner about... No matter how crazy life gets, at the end of the day, there is nothing more precious than watching your children sleep!

Thanks, Amy, for all your smarty answers today! I just finished The Help last month and it is officially one of my favorite books. Great summer read idea! It's been fun getting to know you on TSP! Please keep us posted on fun events happening at your library branch!

And if you know of a mom or dad you'd like to see profiled on Triad Smarty Pants, shoot us an email at triadsmartypants@gmail.com. We love to receive submissions!

Smarties, don't forget to register for this month's give-away with Whitebox Photography. Just be sure you are a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber, then click here to enter your name in the giveaway! We will choose a winner through Random.org on April 9, 2010 and will contact you that day!


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just read The Help,too, and thought it was incredible!
We also love the plays at Shallowford Square in Lewisville. It is always nice to be outside enjoying a FREE family event!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS AMY!!!!!!

Jeni said...

I'd love to know more about your Circus birthday party. What types of things did you do to keep the kids entertained? Games? Great idea!

AmyJ said...

I had each child decorate their own goodie-bag. Using white lunch bags, I cut out shapes to make a clown face and had them glue stick them on. Then, at each game, they won a prize to add to their goodie-bag. For the games, I made a ring toss game using water bottles that I added different colored paints to the inside and used the rings we that take to the pool. I drew an elephant face on foam board,used a paper towel cardboard tube for it's nose, cut out the mouth, and had the kids throw peanuts thru the mouth. I drew a clown and balloons on another foam board, cut of several circles and had them toss bean bags thru. I set up play (soft) bowling pins for them to knock down. I made a bunch of water balloons and had them throw them at a target. I also set up our sand table for them to play in. My older two boys did face painting. We just set up all the games in an oval shape on the driveway and then set up card tables in the garage for the kids to eat their clown cupcakes. The kids were able to go to spread out and go around to all the games. It really turn out great! We ended up with 25 kids so we definitely lucked out having great weather and being to able to do it outside!

Unknown said...

Such a cute birthday idea. I also LOVED reading The Help!

Anonymous said...

Yay, I am so glad to find out a little bit about Amy! I live in Lewisville and am a frequent flyer at the library. Amy is always so kind and helpful. Thanks Amy!

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