Last year when I started Raising & Roasting, I posted on our town’s community page on Facebook and asked for volunteers to talk with me about parenting. I received many responses and Sue Dooley was one of them. Quite honesty, she was someone I wanted to interview mostly because she is in a same sex marriage with two young boys (Liam, 5.5; Teddy, 4.5) and everyone else I spoke with were in hetero relationships. Sue and I vaguely set up a time to meet, but in the meantime, we kept crossing paths. At golf lessons. At a dinner organized by a mutual friend. And, when my son went to kindergarten, one of the first boys he met was Sue’s son, Liam. So, I began to get to know her a bit before we met for the interview. Although I was still very interested to hear about how parenting may or may not be different as a same sex couple, I was more intrigued to hear how she manages as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at The Rockport Group, has two completely lovely and adorable boys, a successful and nice wife (Tara), finds time to participate in activities outside of home and work, and most importantly, prioritizes family every day. Sue and Tara are the modern-day Cleavers, except with more perspective and acceptance for everyone. Listen to hear how Sue manages a successful and busy working life while being a present Mom raising two rambunctious and loving boys.  

Elizabeth Cronin lives right next door to me and I often pick her brain about parenting as we take out the trash or as I collect my kids who happened into her yard. She is the epitome of a cool, interior designer who has a contagious, booming laugh and the best ability to roll along with whatever comes her way. Her wisdom is always valued as proof is in the pudding. Her kids are older than mine and are absolutely lovely. Emme is 18 yrs. old and a freshman at NYU, Caroline is 16 yrs. old and is practically my kids' 2nd Mom, and Hugh is 13 yrs. old - he is smart, athletic, and such a nice guy.  Listen to how she creates space for an unconditionally loving, emotionally-focused, open home. She encourages her children to notice the normal, uncomfortable feelings associated with being a kid and remind them that they will always be okay. Emotion is temporary.  Elizabeth teaches major, everyday lessons in what psychologists call distress tolerance and anxiety management, and I'm lucky enough to live next door and learn. 

Jessica Delaney moved to suburban Milton from hip Somerville 5 years ago and quickly regretted her decision. Fearing the worst, she immediately felt lonely and isolated. But, after finding friends and a new career – she settled into home. We met shortly after. I’ve always loved Jess' spunk and youthfulness, which makes her feel like being a mom in the 'burbs doesn’t mean being boring and old. Jess' upbeat energy is palpable. She is my go-to friend for parenting support, someone who shares a love of cooking, and the importance of family dinner. She is authentic, not one to sugar coat the challenges of parenting, and brings humor, fun, and style everywhere she goes. And, to top it off, she began a second career as an architectural photographer after having children and gets regularly published in The Boston Globe, Design New England, Houzz, and other big name design magazines.  Listen to how she raises 3 active girls, manages her blossoming career, and still has time for finding fun in the world!

You might see a tall, gorgeous blond with a bright smile and two little ones and wonder who she is – that is Sarah Cambria, as beautiful on the inside as on the out. In the halls of preschool, you can hear her upbeat voice chatting with passing parents and feel her energy emanating. She regularly says things like, “You are doing a great job with your family! They are beautiful little souls”, and other totally feel good, hippy-dippy, genuine comments that leaves people feeling happier than when she found them.  And no, she doesn’t spend the morning mediating on how to be a good person, she is in fact is incredibly busy as a senior marketer for C Space, a marketing consulting firm. During her 2-year-old's nap and her 5-year-old’s playdate, we sat in her airy living room and talked about how she supports her children on their journeys and what challenges her as a mother.

While she is best known for her super hip and gorgeous jewelry boutique (M. Flynn), Moria Flynn Riordan spends her time outside of the store managing a whole other team: 6-year-old Jack, 5-year-old Paddy, and 2-year-old Maggie. Over a glass of white wine and while our combined 6 kids disappeared somewhere in the house, Moria and I sat on the floor of my living room and chatted about her experience adding 3 kids to an already busy life, the ups and downs of trying to make it through the day flexibly, and what she really hopes for as a full-time, working mom.