Applicant #11: Janette Key

Janette Key is a mom from Marysville.

My video application:

Find me online:

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A bit about me:

My name is Janette. I'm what most would define as a stay at home mom, which means I spend most of my time in the car. I am a licensed Zumba and Hip Hop Hustle instructor. Having been obese for all of my 20's and early 30's, I have a deep connection to those moms who are striving to be a better example for their children. Either it be finances, exercise, nutrition, or education, to be improving and learning is the best example we can set.

I have blogged in the past about being a mom, and the craziness that can ensure the moment children are awake. I am excited at the opportunity to give it another go. Please consider all the applicants and vote for who you feel best fits the description of 'Verity Mom'. Thank you.

My blog post:

Being a mom is a challenge. I am a mom of 4 kids. Sometimes they're wonderful, and sometimes they challenge my patience. I have a 12 year old son, an 11 year old daughter, and 9 year old twin daughters.

My children have taught me that I'm not as in control as I thought I was, and that my ability to multitask has improved.

I am what I would be considered a stay at home mom. I do work outside the home approximately 6-8 hours a week. I am a fitness instructor for the YMCA of Snohomish County and Emerald City Athletic in Everett, WA.

Growing up, I never wanted children because my mother ran an in-home daycare and there were always kids getting into my stuff. When I married in 1997, the decision to have children changed, and we had our first in October of 1998. I've learned to live in a mess. I've learned that cleaning can happen when the kids go to bed, and I've learned to make no apologies for the fact that my home has fingerprints on the walls and toothpaste in the sink.

My children are my life. I will defend them to my last breath and cry for them when they're not looking. No matter how frazzled they can make me, I wouldn't change my decision to have children - ever.

Women have an incredible responsibility to handle a budget and make a dollar last. Being a couponer, I am learning to be less frivolous with my discretionary income. With so many single moms out there, all women can serve as an example of proper spending and stewardship. We need to be an example to our children about what's an acceptable expense.

I would love to be the Verity Mom. I have my finger on the pulse of the frazzle mom. I understand why my kids are wearing pajama tops to activities. It's because I can't keep up with the laundry. I have 4 children that are fluent in 'Whinese' and unfortunately, I lost my ability to speak it around the age of 14. There are many moms out there just like me. We are witty, focused, sensitive, and above all in love with our kids. I believe I can do this.

Janette