march / april 2022
10
SUPER MOM
Tuscaloosa Eyecare 3519 Watermelon Rd . Northport , AL 35473 205-758-0242
MARY-ELIZABETH ATKINS Nominated by : Niki Olek
I am nominating a church friend , Mary Elizabeth Atkins . She has 4 children and is a homeschool mother , a wonderful cook , always takes care of her family and home and has a few roles in our church as well . She teaches the children ’ s grades 1-5 on Sundays and also helps organize events in the young married
Pickens Eyecare 206 First Ave . East Reform , AL 35481 205-375-8200
Hale County Eyecare 703 Tuscaloosa St . Greensboro , AL 334-624-9967
Bring in this coupon and receive
$ 10.00 Off our Frame and
Lens Package starting at $ 79.00 . Exclusions may apply . Offer is valid through 12 / 31 / 2022 . adults Sunday school class . I ’ ve known her for many years and she ’ s always a blessing to others and has a smile on her face and willing to help or pray for you ! Busy isn ’ t the word , but she ’ s never too busy to be kind . She is the definition of a Supermom !
Mary-Elizabeth Atkins is the oldest of 8 children , wife to Brad and mom to Mary-Caton , Harland , Treasure and Brighton . In addition to Wife and Mom , she also goes by : Home Maker , Home Educator , Young Living Distributor , Classical Conversations Essentials Tutor , and Skyland Baptist Children ’ s Worship Co-Teacher . Things she and her family enjoy doing together are : family worship , cooking , baking , movie nights , read-alouds , nature walks , and beach vacations .
On the subject of parenting challenges , Mary-Elizabeth shared hers with us : “ The birth of my first child through surgery in 2011 was a major wake up call for me . I had given complete decision-making authority over to a near stranger solely in the name of knowledge . The outcome drastically affected my physical , emotional , and spiritual well-being . Part of my healing process was to find the courage , in Christ , to take back autonomy over my health decisions . I was concerned that blindly continuing in the practice-based healthcare model would leave me trapped at a dead end , like it had during my elective induction . My VBAC in 2015 ultimately affected the wellness of my family as my confidence in trusting my convictions and God ’ s good ways skyrocketed . As I began questioning each item that I served my family or brought into our home , my eyes were opened to God ’ s work in leading me , as a mother , to live well and teach my children to live well . During this journey , God has reminded me many times over that Truth is a person , Jesus Christ . It is vital that I listen to the Holy Spirit and not compartmentalize him to my “ spiritual life .” At times , I still find it incredibly challenging to turn off all the voices : blogs , Google , friends , even sermons and discern what God has for my family . Despite often taking two steps forward and one step back to survive and thrive in this season of young children , we are thankful for this significant challenge . Through it , our family has been able to understand , enjoy , and benefit from a more holistic approach to life .
When we asked Mary-Elizabeth about the most valuable parenting advice she ’ s received , she replied : “ Be careful not to undercut your husband ’ s parenting in front of your child or others . If he ’ s willing and able to step into his role , give him space to grow and discuss the nuances of the matter later as a team .”
We all know “ free time ” for a mom happens about as often as the spotting of a rainbow unicorn ; however , we always love to hear what other moms enjoy doing in theirs : “ Realistically : A dark roast coffee & planning ! Most often updating homeschool lesson plans and general calendar events . Also getting a jumpstart on birthday or Christmas season . Rarely : Pedicure or massage .”
Of course , behind every mom is someone who inspires her . For Mary-Elizbeth , that would be her husband , Brad : “ His kindness , compassion , and encouragement in Christ hold me up in a way that nothing else does . He knows all my failures , listens to my excuses , and speaks truth when I ’ m at the end of myself . He inspires me to remember what we ’ ve been called to , take a deep breath , and press on .”