Vicki Sweet
Mom to Peyton, age 8
and Olivia, age 6
Woodbridge VA
Military mothers are their own
special breed—they’re committed,
fierce, loyal and understanding.

Vicki fits that mold. As a military
mom, she’s present in the lives
of her daughters and has learned
how to appreciate the moments in
everyday life.

Occupation: Executive assistant for Brightline
Interactive, and small-business owner
of Vicki Sweet’s Vinyl.

What’s the best parenting advice
you’ve ever received?
It sounds totally cliché, but just
to remember to stop and enjoy your
children for the amazing tiny humans
they are. Take time when they are small
to get to know them as individuals,
so you can help nurture them and
encourage them to grow into an adult,
true to their inner self.

What advice would you give to new or
expectant moms?
I would tell new moms to humble
themselves and lower any expectations
they have put on themselves and on
others, for that matter. Mom-ing is
HARD and in today’s society there is so
much pressure to be a certain way or
do a certain thing. Do what you feel is in
the best interest of your family and try
to eliminate people from your life that
bring negativity. And ask for help. Don’t
be too proud or stubborn to go through
this parenting journey alone.

How has motherhood changed your
outlook on life?
Motherhood has definitely put much
of my life in perspective. It has helped
me to focus on what truly matters and
has also forced me to slow down and
appreciate the precious moments of
everyday life.

What goals do you have for yourself?
If you had asked me this ten years
ago, I would have listed out a well-
articulated five-, 10- and 20-year plan.

At this point in life, a mother is not
often asked this question—typically,
the focus is solely on our children! And
having children has certainly changed
my perspective and my priorities in life.

When I paused to think about how to
answer this, the first thing that came to
mind is how I hope to be able to glorify
God in all that I do on this Earth. I know
that seems broad, but I believe we
were put here for a purpose. By living
a worthy, intentional life and building
His kingdom through the relationships
and interactions we have with others,
I expect the rest of my ambitions and
goals to fall into place if they are meant
to be.

What would you say your secret
is to balancing life/family/work/
motherhood? I had to laugh a little when I read this
question. I wish I could say that I had a
secret to making it all work flawlessly,
but let’s be real—does anyone really?
It’s all about prioritizing and knowing
what will matter at the end of the day
and what won’t. There are some days
that life doesn’t cooperate and it’s okay
to just accept that and move on, ready
to face tomorrow!
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