Heather Martin

What keeps this mom of two going: fiercely loving her people.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

I’m a single mom of two girls. We have a dog and a cat, and I have been dating my boyfriend for a year. He also has two kids and a dog that we adore.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

Back when I was a 7-year-old playing Barbies, I was the Barbie that had a minivan and 11 kids…definitely glad I stopped at two.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments.

I don’t have a specific moment but it always makes my day when I get an email from my kid’s school complimenting her on how kind, responsible and eager she is to learn.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments.

I find the most humbling moments to be when you see other parents doing something that you wish you were better at. For example, I wish I was better at de-escalating tantrums in a more patient but stern way.

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)?

Let the kids have tablets at a restaurant. I’m working on not doing this but when I do it, it’s more for the other guests.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different?

My girls are very different from each other, and my youngest is definitely more like me. She is loud, fearless, likes to be at the center of the action and has FOMO. My oldest is more of an introvert and keeps to herself a bit more but she likes to read like me so we share that joy.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say… I need to go potty.

What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now?

Seeing my girls’ personalities start really showing and what they are becoming interested in. My oldest is finally starting to want to play sports and has told me she wants to try volleyball which was my first love and passion, so I am looking forward to seeing if she loves it.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks?

I have to get up at 5 a.m. if I want some me-time, and I feel like I have the best days when I do this. I will get up and workout, then make coffee and drink it while it’s hot while reading a book until the girls wake up. Then I get the girls off to school and daycare. Now that I work from home, I can do some chores on my lunch break, but if anything falls through the cracks it’s definitely deep cleaning. I did pay for a house cleaner at one point but felt lazy doing that so I stopped.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home.

I have been in the banking industry for 13.5 years and am currently a Small Business Relationship Manager for a local credit union. My focus is outside sales and small business lending. This means you can see me out in the community at events and visiting small businesses to let them know what we do and how we can help them grow, which in turn helps our business community grow. When I get time

to volunteer, I enjoy working events for organizations that support children like the Boys and Girls Club and Friends of the Children.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom?

Consistency is key. If you want results on anything you must be consistent in your actions. This is especially important to remember when trying to break bad habits or encouraging new good habits.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

My first passion in life was volleyball and it’s also my proudest accomplishment. I didn’t start playing until eighth grade but ended up getting college paid for via athletic scholarships and even played Division 1. This experience made me a firm believer that anyone can do anything they put their mind to, and there are no substitutes for passion and hard work.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn?

Although I don’t view it as a failure now I would probably say my divorce a few years ago. I wanted so badly to stay in it for the kids but I learned I was actually showing my kids strength. My girls are now growing up seeing respect, happiness and what healthy love looks like. We are all truly thriving and happy and that is a success.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years?

I would love to buy a slightly bigger house and use my current home for a rental so I always have some passive income.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape

the mother you are today?

I had very present parents growing up. They both worked hard for us to have everything a kid could want. Even with them working they made time to be at all of my sporting events and attended the things that mattered to all of their kids. I know they are my biggest fan, even today. This made me want to be a present parent and one who never misses an event, one who lets their kids know that I am so proud of them.

Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you?

I grew up in Prineville and absolutely loved it. I think it shaped me to have strong morals and family values. I’m a very small town, country kind of girl who values time with family and friends above anything else.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you?

There is no substitute for hard work.

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier?

Flossing in the car.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids?

I feel so fortunate that I can’t think of one thing for this answer.

What is the quality you like most about yourself?

My passion and love that I have for life and the people in my life. I just want to love the people I have in my life and give everything and everyone 100%.

If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?

I would love to be fluent in Spanish because it would help me so much in my profession. I did take Spanish in high school and college, and it just didn’t stick so I think I would need this to just be an instant skill.

What’s your superpower? Organizing. If I were to ever do something else for a living I would start an organizing company because I can organize anything and I really enjoy it.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal?

Cornhole or inner tubing on a lake — I do not let go!

What is your least/most favorite household chore?

Least favorite is definitely cleaning the bathrooms — I would pay someone to do just that. Folding laundry is probably my favorite just because I can watch TV while I do it.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Trashy reality TV shows like The Bachelor or Love is Blind.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I have recently started getting my nails done about once a month. It just makes me feel put together and professional.

Who is your favorite real-life hero?

My grandpa was my hero. He was the most kind, generous, hard working and funny man I knew.

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better?

Just wanting to give my kids and myself the best life...I want to be the healthiest I can be so I enjoy as much of my kids’ lives with them as possible.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Skydive!

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most?

I don’t think I realized I would be tugged in so many different directions, especially with having two very different kids and having to adapt my parenting style multiple times a day. I also didn’t realize how heavy the mental load could really be.

Do current events shape how you parent, and if so, how?

Everything going on in the world just makes me want to emphasize how important it is to be kind! The saddest part of today’s world is how politics can tear apart so many relationships and divide us as a country. I want my girls to include everyone and not judge people so harshly.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today?

My mom. She would do anything for her children and I have not once doubted how much she loved me.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom?

Don’t listen to the noise of other people, especially those who don’t have kids, when they have negative things to say about how you are parenting your children.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all want to get this motherhood thing exactly right, which is likely an impossible feat. However, if your kids are loved, valued, cared for and if you constantly try to instill great morals in them, then you are doing a great job.

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MOMs love local…

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift: Herringbone Books

…coffee spots: Tite Knot Coffee, The Well Oiled Machine

…spot to get a good workout: Hotworx

…hair salon: Lotus Beauty

…restaurant to take the kids: 7th Street Brewery

…restaurant for a date night: The Brickhouse

…take-out, food truck or quick bites: Otto’s Landing, General Duffey’s

…meetup spot for happy hour: The Wayfarer inside the SCP hotel

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Willow Wild

…local park where kids can let off steam: Baker Park

…event in your community: Ghost Tree Invitational, Flannel and Frost

…any other local places you love: The Hideaway

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MOM’s favorite…

Tell us about your favorite…

…family games: Guess in 10, Catan

…place to find some peace & quiet: On a walk or at the gym

…binge-worthy TV: Nobody Wants This

…way to get out of making dinner: Call up my boyfriend or a friend and see if they don’t want to cook either so we can go out to eat.

…inspirational quote: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford

…time-saving app: Grocery pickup from Fred Meyer’s

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