I am very thankful that I joined FIT4MOM Burleson-Crowley. When we moved here almost two years ago I didn’t know a soul in town and only one other person in all of Texas. I was looking for something to do for myself exercise wise, but I also had two young children under 3 that I had to worry about finding childcare for. I joined some of the local Burleson and Crowley Moms FB pages in attempts to maybe meet some people or find out more about the area, which is how I found out about FIT4MOM. I went to my first trial class at Bailey Lake and then signed up for a membership later that same day! I was so glad to find a group that I would not only benefit myself but also give my children future friendships as well. Now it’s been about a year and a half of being a member and heading to “workout” (as my boys’ call it) is part of our weekly routine. I look forward to the socialization I get with other moms and the boys enjoy the play time and activities afterward. I cherish the friendships that I have made because of FIT4MOM and I look forward to seeing them continue to develop as time goes on, because I’ve learned that motherhood is not something you have to do alone!

Q&A: Get to know Natalie!

Where are you originally from?

Modesto, California

Tell us about your little workout buddies!

Collin is almost 5 and starting Kindergarten in the fall. Elliot just turned 3, and we are expecting #3 coming in October!

How did you meet your husband?

Ray and I met through mutual friends while I was in college.

What’s your favorite family activity?

We like to go camping as a family, we recently bought a Texas State Parks pass and hope to take our trailer to some new places this year.

Tell us a little about your career—pre or post baby or now.

I am currently working part time as a RN at a Surgery Center, but prior to that I was a full time ER nurse for 5 years.

How did you find out about FIT4MOM?

I had seen some information come across one of the Burleson Moms FB pages and I had specifically asked for more information and was linked to Amy.

What is your favorite part about FIT4MOM?

I enjoy being able to workout and have my children present and engaged, as it is difficult to do that during a home workout.

What has inspired you the most since being a part of FIT4MOM?

I love that I am able to have so many women and mothers that I can relate to on different struggles of motherhood, it makes me feel like I am not alone in some of the tougher parts of it.

Do you have any big plans this month?

This month we have a camping trip planned for Mother’s Day that I am excited about. The boys have been begging to go camping for a while and it is finally working out. We will also be finding out the gender of Baby #3 this month!

What is your proudest moment as a mom?

It makes me very proud when I see my boys being loving and compassionate toward each other. Don’t get me wrong there are times when they are pulling each other’s hair out, but the “I love you brother” moments and the sweet interactions make it all seem like I’m doing something right.

Have you ever thought, gosh I can’t do this, and what brings you to see the good?

All the time! But I pray about it and ask God to help me with patience and understanding. And sometimes talking to another fellow mama who has been there also makes me feel a little more normal in my struggles.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I have had to learn how to practice excessive patience and understanding, things that often do not come easily for me. But being a mom has also made me more compassionate toward others and their struggles.

What advice would you give a new mom?

Take everything that you hear with a grain of salt because EVERYONE will try to give you advice. Take the parts of their experiences that you want but make motherhood your own experience that you decide for yourself because only you know what’s best for your child(ren) and your family.