Mom of the Month: Angie McKenna {April 2019}

We love our mom of the month series! Do you know a special mom in our community who deserves some special recognition? Fill out the form and nominate a mom you know here! Thank you to True Sky Credit Union for partnering with us to provide a special gift to our Mom of the Month! 

We are excited to introduce our April 2019 Mom of the Month, Angie McKenna! 

Angie was nominated by one of her students, Annabelle Gentling. Here’s what Annabelle (and her mom) had to say about her teacher! 

A couple of months ago, Annabelle and her mom had the privilege of witnessing a dance performance executed by Angie at a show in Tulsa. A tribute to her own daughter, who is a lifelong dancer and musician, Angie danced in front of her friends, her daughter’s friends, and professional dance judges. And there was not a dry eye in the house. Angie danced both to gain a deeper understanding of her daughter, and as a model of courage and proof that we can do hard things. Angie invests in and encourages her four kids in ways that I’m quite sure I will never even know about.

But it doesn’t stop there. As a middle school teacher, Angie mothers several hundred students every single day. She doesn’t merely teach them about music, but about character and integrity and hard work. Angie makes her students feel seen and known. They like to spend their lunch period with her, though I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a moment of quiet. They sign up for every class and activity that Angie is involved in teaching. I truly cannot think of anyone more selfless and more invested in bringing up the next generation of leaders. We are blessed to know her. And I know her own children would agree.

Let’s get to know Angie! 

How many children do you have and what are their ages? 

Joseph, stepson (28), Jarod (20), Lauren (17), Tyler (13)

What is your favorite thing about being a mom? 

The late nights, early mornings, and road trips. I love when one or all my kids are stuck in a vehicle with me. We turn off the music and just talk – about dreams, plans, concerns, and life. I enjoyed them as toddlers, but the teen years (and young adult) have proven to be even more rewarding. I have some opinionated, strong-willed, funny, future world-changers in my house. They are a constant source of energy and inspiration. 

What has been the most challenging thing about being a mom? 

The most challenging thing about motherhood has been trying to navigate activities versus family time. The world spins fast and I want it to slow down and enjoy the moments, but often just end up chasing my own tail. Orchestra, choir, dance, piano, and multiple other lessons to build their musician skills pulls them in more directions than I’d like. Finding the balance is hard for my own life. I want my kids to learn balance early on. 

What could you not survive without as a mom? 

My planner – I write everything down, and misplacing it causes great panic. Kids are color coded and lists are made – all in one place.    

What is your proudest mom moment? 

This past year my kids have been saying no to things that they enjoy to embrace things they love. They have walked away from activities and classes that used to mean the world to them in order to explore things that ignite their passion. I am finding joy through watching them learn boundaries and strengthen their resolve. It’s hard to watch at times, because many of their decisions are difficult and painful – but they are drawing their own big picture and not following the lead of others. This season is bringing change and growth – I am proud to witness them be brave. 

 

Angie, we recognize you as one amazing mama! We hope you enjoy your gift card from True Sky Credit Union! Congrats on being our April Mom of the Month! 

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Jess Graefe
I'm a wife, foster mama, dog lover, amateur chef, instagram fanatic, starbucks addict, nurse turned photographer. I grew up in the Northern Virginia area and moved to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma Christian University in 2008. I married my ruggedly-handsome high school sweetheart in 2014, started my own photography business in 2015, and opened our home for foster kiddos in 2016. I enjoy baking, loving on my fur babies, Thunder games, traveling, and date nights with my husband! I am so excited to share the ups and downs, highs and lows, heartbreaks and victories of foster parenting with you all. While we don’t yet have any permanent kiddos of our own, we are so blessed to be able to provide a home for children that need one and to talk about that process here.

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