Full Heart with Shailynn Hodgins

What do you consider a mother’s most important role?
Being her kid's safe place. Being ready to support, cheer, protect, listen...that is so vital as a mom. 

How do you define your role as a mother?
My role as a mother is to be present and always growing and learning MYSELF as I provide love, guidance and nurturing support for my girls as THEY learn and grow.

What's something that motherhood is teaching you right now?
What it means to truly love and be loved—unconditionally.  

What about motherhood has surprised you?
How absolutely fun it is. My kids crack me up daily with their little quips and we have a blast together. 

When do you feel at your best as a mom?
When I have taken the time to work on myself or do something I like, I feel like I am at my best as a mom. That doesn't look like a day at the spa (although that would be nice, haha). For me, that might look like reading a page of my book, putting on a cute outfit or listening to music I love. Little things like that fill up my cup, which then overflows into the way that I mother that day.

Walk us through a typical day in your life.
I wake up at 5 am on weekdays to see my husband off to work. He leaves at 6 am, and then my children all wake up one-by-one. We eat breakfast, play a bit, the baby naps and then we start our homeschool day! 

Then we have some lunch, and spend the afternoon with activities, nap time, outside time, playing or watching a show. Then we clean up, I make dinner and we eat together. Then it's our bedtime routine! 

The kids usually go to bed between 7:30-8 pm, then my husband and I have time together before we head to bed around 10 pm! 

What would you do with an extra hour in the day (other than sleep)?
I'd probably do something like work on my art or my photography...or go thrifting! 

Tell us more! What kind of art do you make? Favorite thing to thrift?
I create digital portraits and hand-lettering art that I sell in my small shop, Mae and Sparrow. I love thrifting clothes for myself and the girls and for unique home decor!

Where was the first place you took your baby (other than the pediatrician’s office)?
To church! 

What’s something you loved to do before baby that you still do or would like to start up again (eventually)?
I'd have to say making music! I used to sing and play piano and flute, and I've gotten out of practice. I'd love to start that up again with my babies! 

Favorite piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood?
My favorite piece of advice I've received is to enjoy it. The days can seem so long but it goes by so quickly.  

Words of wisdom would you share with other moms?
Give yourself grace. Take a deep breath and start again. One thing going wrong or out of schedule doesn't mean the whole day is shot. Also...blow all the bubbles. It's really hard to frown while blowing bubbles.