Moms that Make it Happen: Mandy Landry

Mother's Day is special to us and each year we take a minute to highlight a few super cool, super amazing women around us that make it happen each and every day. From cheering their children on to giving advice about relationships, these women leave a lot to be admired.

Next up in our "Moms that Make it Happen" series is Mandy Landry - a Brusly native raising her four children - Maddie (20 years), Alaina (18 years), Nathan (15 years) and Luke (10 years) - in the same town she grew up in. Mandy graduated from Brusly High in 1996 and is currently a kindergarten teacher at Brusly Elementary School. But her path to becoming a teacher may surprise you.

She didn’t attend college after graduating high school because she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do "when she grew up." After marrying her high school sweetheart, working several different jobs and becoming a mom to four amazing children, she discovered what her true passion is....kids!

So, with four small children at home, Mandy decided to go back to school. It wasn't easy, but she made it happen. At first, she worked full time as a Reading Interventionist, went to school full time online, and helped her husband run his business all while keeping up with four very involved children.

We met up with Mandy recently to get her thoughts on motherhood, career and trying to balance "it" all. 

IN A FEW WORDS, DESCRIBE THE BEST PART ABOUT YOUR CURRENT "SEASON."

My children have brought so much into my husband and I's lives. Joy and organized chaos. I try to make it a point to always know what's going on with my children at school, with friends and just every day. Right now, with my two girls living away, working, and doing amazing in college, it’s hard to keep up with them. We text and talk a LOT and I even have Twitter and Snapchat to keep up with them (lol).

When they are hungry, they always come home.

IN A FEW WORDS, DESCRIBE THE MOST CHALLENGING PART ABOUT MOTHERHOOD. 

The hardest part of life right now is just trying to get everyone together. Our schedules are so tough. My youngest, Luke, misses my girls being home. He sends them a good night text just about every night. I love to see that my kids can still be close even with the age difference. 

IF YOU HAD ONE SINGLE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE A NEW MOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

As a mom, it’s so hard to see your child struggle and not give them what they want immediately. However, sitting back and letting them work through their struggles was probably one of the best things I could have done for them.

At times, it was so hard to sit back and just give advice and let them work through things, but it has paid off. Letting go is so very hard. 

If I have to say one thing to parents about raising children - now that I have been through almost all stages - is to know what your kids are into, ask questions until you aggravate them, be their parent not their friend, and just be there for them. Love your babies. 

DESCRIBE YOUR “MOM STYLE.” 

My girls and I LOVE to shop. I may have created their love of fashion…oops! My boys are also into fashion, but they will never admit it.

When I am shopping for myself, I always go for neutrals and every once in a while, a splash of color. I try to stay updated on the basics that can easily be mixed for everyday wear.

Of course, I am constantly asking my girls about what looks good and does this look too young or old for me. They are always honest.

All you moms out there, I know we are always making sure our babies have the newest styles and look super cute, but moms need to look cute too! Make time for yourself and treat yourself to something new sometimes. 

THANK YOU MANDY!

Girl, you rock. From the moment we met you, we could see the love you have for your children in your eyes. Before we ever got the chance to meet your sweet girls (sorry boys, we don't have clothes for you yet), we knew you had the "cool mom" vibe locked up. Your story is inspiring and you have, through you leading by example, shown your children what hard work and determination can bring to you. Happy Mother's Day. 

SHOP MANDY'S LOOK: 

Top (sold out) | Fray Step Hem White Skinny Jeans: $72 | Ayla Flatforms (sold out) 

SHOP MANDY'S DAUGHTER'S LOOKS: 

Back to Basics Round Neck Modal Top: $18 | Button it Up Striped Shirt Dress: $40 | Fray Step Hem White Skinny Jeans: $72 | Seamless Washed Look Legging by Yummie Tummie: $72 | Tabby Earrings: $24 | Tessa Skinny Belt: $8