Angie Larsen: Mother of the month

You all know and love Angie Larsen from Good Things Utah on ABC 4. She was chosen as the Mother of the Month for many reasons. Here is the interview that I had with Angie. What a spectacular mom! I think you will have a fun time relating to her answers.

Did you always want to be a mom?

Angie: My desire to be a mom is inherent. I knew from the moment I cuddled my first bottle/burping doll that my true calling in life would be to have children. But sometimes desire isn't enough. At the age of 24, I thought my chances of motherhood would be sabotaged by a grapefruit sized cyst on my left ovary. The cyst destroyed my ovary and it was removed. I struggled for three years to get pregnant with my first child, and then I had two mis-carriages between the births of my two boys. I am deeply grateful that after all this, I was able to bring two precious children into the world.

What is your favorite part about being a mom?

Angie: The unconditional love that pours from the souls of my two boys. My two-year-old Parker will run at me with arms spread wide and jump onto my lap. Once safely nestled in my arms, he looks at me with his big blue eyes and says, "Mommy, yofv you." Luke my five-year-old always calls me his beautiful princess. Now what mother wouldn't eat that up? One morning he came into my bathroom as I was getting ready for work and exclaimed, "Oh mommy, that shirt is adorable. You look fantastic!" I am my boys' biggest cheerleader and they definitely return the favor.

What is the hardest thing about being a mom?

Angie: The hardest thing is being a single mom and having to shoulder my responsibilities alone. I love my job, but I hate leaving my children. I wish I could clone myself and be a stay-at-home mom and an anchor/reporter for ABC 4. But I have found balance and am so thankful to have so much of the best of both worlds.

What advice do you have for other moms?

Angie: I used to be that mom who could not leave the house with toys on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink, but I've had a tent city made out of blankets and couches in my living room for a week now and I could care less. My advice is don't sweat the small stuff. Prioritize. Choose those things that really matter and put your focus on them. I would rather read my boys a second goodnight story than clean up the toothpaste they spilled while brushing their teeth. We don't have to be perfect. People are always more important than things.

Have you ever thought "I'm never going to be the mom that _____" and now you are?

Angie: I told myself I would never be the mom who would let her children throw a temper tantrum in the grocery store. So may I use this opportunity to say a huge "I'M SORRY!" to all the employees and customers at the Herriman Smith's? I try to pacify them and bribe them with treats, but at the end of a long work day, when all I need is deli turkey and milk... I just want to get in and out as fast as I can. I will be more considerate in the future.

Do your kids love to see you on TV?

Angie: My wonderful babysitter almost always turns the TV to Channel 4 at 10:00 a.m. The boys jump up and down and tell all their little friends, "That's my mommy. And those are her friends." They both know every word to the Good Things Utah theme song as well. Every time we see a Good Things Utah billboard or commercial, Luke always shouts, "That's mommy's show!"

What it your favorite thing to do with the kids?

Angie: I love to ride bikes and go on walks with the boys. We also love going to the movies to see who can down the most popcorn. My two-year-old usually wins.

What is the most important thing that you want you kids to learn from you?

Angie: I want my boys to learn love and respect for other people. I am certainly not perfect in my example, but I genuinely care for people and hope to pass that along to Luke and Parker. Empathy and compassion can go a long way in this world. I also want them to understand the importance of laughter and meeting challenges head on.

Are you like your mom? Did you always want to be like your mom?

Angie: My mom is the most amazing woman I know. My dad worked three jobs to take care or our financial needs which left my mom, who taught Jr. High Special Education full-time, to shoulder most of the home responsibilities. She never missed a soccer game, a theater performance or debate competition. Each Friday night she would rotate through the five kids and take us on a dinner and grocery shopping date. We got to pick the one sugar cereal and one treat. She always supported us and made us feel like we could accomplish anything. She taught me the value of hard work and a positive attitude. I pray I will be as good a mom as she is. I think I'm doing ok.

Do you have a favorite song you sing to your kids?

Angie: Oh yes, but it changes almost weekly. Right now we love to sing the "Dora the Explorer" theme song because Parker loves to belt out the "Swiper no swiping. Swiper no swiping. Oh man!" at the end. We also love "Five Little Monkey's Swinging in the Tree" and "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree." "This is the Way We Wash the Body" has also saved me in the bathtub. Those boys have more important things to do than get clean.