Mom of the Month: Jena Hunter {May 2017}

We are loving our Mom of the Month series! Do you know a special mom in our community who deserves some extra recognition? Fill out the form to nominate a mom you know here! Thank you to Whole Foods Market Oklahoma City for partnering with us to provide a special gift to our Mom of the Month. 

Meet our May Mom of the Month, Jena Hunter!  Jena lives in Yukon, Oklahoma.

We are excited to introduce you to our May 2017 Mom of the Month, Jena Hunter!

Jena was nominated by Katie Baker and here’s what she had to say about her.

When I had the flu my friend Jena volunteered to pick my son up from Mother’s Day out on her only day off. You see my friend runs an in home daycare while trying to establish herself as a realtor as well as supporting her husband who works a full 40 hours and is in clinical rotations for his masters program. Not only did she pick him up she even kept him all night as we were in the emergency room until 10. The next morning she took him to school and even knew to pack him a lunch without having to be told because she remembered our previous conversations about his lunches. Jena is the definition of having a village when it comes to raising a kid. As we don’t have family close it was a true life saver to not have to sit in the ER alone or subject my toddler to an ER waiting room.

How many kids do you have and what are their names and ages?

2 kids: Adam 4 years old, Gracie 2 years old

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

One favorite thing about being a mom… is everything an option? I genuinely love being with my children (almost ;)) all the time! Waking up to their big smiles and the sparkle in their eyes, their excitement for the simple things in life, their BIG hugs and kisses they give me, when they tell me they missed me after I’ve only been gone for a few hours, their willingness to love and forgive so openly, singing “Amazing Grace” with them every night at bedtime, watching them reach milestones, cuddling on the couch to watch a movie, having a “dance” party in the living room, picnics at the park, flying kites, going for a short hike, introducing them to new things and seeing their reactions, the list just goes on and on. Hearing my children (or any child) laugh, watching them dance, or watching them complete a task and witnessing the joy they get from their accomplishments makes my heart smile. They remind me to enjoy the little things and they keep me young at heart!

Whats the most challenging thing about being a mom?

I hope to raise my children to be respectful, forgiving, joyful, compassionate, hard working, God fearing individuals who live life to the fullest. Therefore, I set high expectations and have to remind myself that they are children and sometimes you have to pick your battles and just let it go.

And, time management- trying to get enough family time in so we do not miss out on those opportunities to create special memories. I work 2 jobs and my husband is completing his masters program as well as working full time. Fortunately, my job as a licensed realtor allows me to work some of my hours from home after bed time. I have come to the realization that no matter how much I try to soak in and appreciate every moment with my precious children, I am always going to feel like it was not enough. They simply grow too fast.

What could you not survive without as a mom?

We have no family here. With our crazy busy schedule, I would never survive without these things:
Prayer. Faith. My amazing, understanding and patient husband. My mom who is the BEST mom ever and willing makes the 4 1/2 hour drive down here to help with the kids even if it’s only for 6-8 hours. And lastly, my friend Katie Baker – who is always willing to come help out with the kids if I need to show a house or run to the office or just need a few moments to sit down and enjoy my coffee. She even delivers coffee. <3

What is your proudest mom moment?

So many proud moments, too many to list!

When I receive compliments that my children are kind and respectful. Every time I watch them accomplish something or learn something new.

When the Sunday school teacher told us that our quiet, shy son “always answers their questions and that he is the star student” it made me feel good, like we are doing something right.

Watching Adam and Gracie lean on and encourage one another.

Jena – we recognize you as being an amazing mom! We hope you enjoy your basket of goodies from Whole Foods Market! Congrats on being our May Mom of the Month!!

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Amy
Amy is an Oklahoma City Native who is the mom of 3 kids ages 14, 11, and 9 and married to her college sweetheart. She ditched Corporate America and her accounting career in order to pursue her creative side and keep up with her kids. She is the author of the blog JustFinishStrong where she blogs about food, family and fitness. Coffee, a scenic run, her border collie, Izzy, and exotic chocolate are a few of her favorite things!

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