Timing Everyting For Full Time Mom

Brenda Wax

Age: 42

Neighborhood: The Greens

Mommyism: "Show them the smaller things in life because those are the things they can learn so much from."

Brenda Wax never had the motherhood itch so to speak.

"I wasn't too worried about it. I had my career and I was married to that," Wax said on a recent day. "I knew it would happen."

And when motherhood did happen for Wax she decided to devote devote the same high energy she'd given to her work as a TV journalist and Tampa Bucs Cheerleader.

Wax, whose husband is named Jon, is now a full-time mom to daughter Audrey, 7, and five-year-old son, Nate. But her days are just as busy as those spent anchoring Bay News 9.

"Motherhood is harder because in the news business you can always hang it up at some point," Wax said. "But with motherhood it never ends."

Most of her days begin at 5am. She's out the door by 7am. After fitting in a bit of exercise for herself, the rest of her day is spent volunteering, which includes being a Daisy Girl Scouts Leader, chairing the Parent's Club at her kids' school, and being a Homeroom Mom.

Motherhood has been empowering for Wax.

"I had taken so much direction from being a cheerleader and journalist and on-air personality," she said. "Now I'm CEO of the household."

On people questioning whether or not full-time moms work hard: "Here are my shoes, give me yours and come back and talk to me at the end of the day."

On enjoying the simple things: "Moms get so caught up in what activity he's in and what he's learning," she said. "Take the time to enjoy and show them the simple things like a bug on the ground."

On returning to work one day: "I do foresee myself doing something in the future, not as demanding though," Wax said. "Being a reporter was demanding, but being a mom is tenfold, but it's much more rewarding."

What motherhood has taught her: "Cherish every moment that comes your way, good or bad."

Editor's note: Westchase Patch teamed up with Westfield Citrus Park to pamper some special moms from our neighborhood. For our Mother's Day photo shoot, Westfield Citrus Park merchant Ann Taylor supplied Brenda's Silk Cotton Camp Shirt in Desert Sky ($68); Cotton Madison Skirt in Bright Emerald ($48); and Bauble Beauty necklace ($48); Silk Colorful Pixels Scarf 'Dahlia' ($38); Neon Lights Necklace in Exotic Hibiscus ($88); Neon Lights Bracelet in Exotic Hibiscus ($58); Cubic Zirconia studs ($38.) Brighton Collectibles Citrus Park provided the Eva Straw Tote bag ($180) that Brenda is carrying.

Mom's Day Gift idea: Still looking for mom's gift? Brighton Collectibles is a great place to snag mom a great summer straw bag that can go from the beach to the boardroom.