Cat and her husband Taylor were born and raised in Florida. After attending Flagler for her undergrad, Cat moved to Nashville for Grad School at Vanderbilt, but knew she’d always come back to St. Augustine. Now a mama of 2 girls, read what Cat loves about being a mom, how she balances a full time career to find time for herself and her family, as well as what she loves about being a “Fit Mama!”
1) What is your favorite part about being a mom?
I just really love spending time with my girls. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Reading books and even just playing on the front porch can bring me so much joy to see things through their eyes. Of course, hugs and kisses and cuddles are pretty great as well!
2) What is your favorite mom “hack”
My kids are at the age of being picky about vegetables. Even though they will usually try a bite of something new, if it’s green, it’s not a favorite food. I hide tons of green veggies in smoothies. I’m pretty sure my girls think smoothies can only be green!
3) What do you and your family like to do in your free time?
We are centrally located in the heart of St. Augustine, so we love to explore all the great things close to us. Anastasia State Park and the Alligator Farm are staples in our household. We also like to ride bikes, spend time on the water, cook, work in the yard, and enjoy all of the local shops and restaurants around town.
4) How do you juggle your full time career as a special education teacher and being a present mom?
It’s definitely not easy, but as a teacher who has worked full time, part time, and enjoyed summers off, I think it’s more about making the choice that best fits your lifestyle and personality. For me, I had to go through feeling mediocre at my job and as a mom to realize a change needed to be made in order to feel good about all of my roles. I recently began working at a new school and just that one shift in location has lifted my spirit in all aspects of my life, even more than I truly realized needed to happen.
In order to be more present at home, while balancing all of the adult tasks, I try to make meals as simple as possible, having memorized a few easy favorites and sometimes ordering from a weekly delivery service. I also try to get as much paperwork done as I can at my job, so that when I walk out the door, I can focus on my kids.
5) What’s a hidden talent most people don’t know about you?
Well, it WAS hidden until Fit Mamas Appreciation Night, but I make decorated sugar cookies. It was something I grew up doing with my mom for fun and kept on until I had kids. Now that my girls are getting older, I hope to make my own cookie decorating memories with them!
6) What do you love about being a part of the fit mamas tribe?
The Fit Mamas Tribe is my place for renewal and fellowship among strong women. The bond that is shared among sweat, pain, laughter, and crazy mom stories is something that I will forever need in my life. I am so thankful for the friendships I’ve gained because of this wonderful tribe!
