Alexis Meadows : Local Mother
Alexis Meadows worried she was not ready to be a mom at only 21 years old. However, when Levi, her oldest, was born, Alexis says, “it was terrifying but absolutely beautiful at the same time.”
Today, Alexis is the mother of three amazing children: Levi (8), Asher (6), and Ruby (born December 28, 2023). “The day each of them was born and placed in their daddy’s arms is the memory that I will never forget,” Alexis says. Honestly, without being cheesy, what’s not to love about being a mom? Tiny humans and their dads who love you unconditionally are a win-win. Everything about being a mom is awesome.”
As all mothers know, it does not matter that siblings are raised under the same roof; their personalities are guaranteed to be vastly different. This is true for Alexis’ three children. “Levi is sweet and tender-hearted. He sees things very black and white, and there is no in between with him! He’s so serious about life, especially about sports! He’s smart as a whip, and he’s going places,” Alexis says. “He’s also a little old man in a way, yet still learning who he is. Since he is my oldest, I feel like I’m learning with him how to be a parent at every new age. We both grow and learn together.”
Alexis’ middle child, Asher, is the life of the party. “He is our ham. His life is full of color and fun. He won’t let anyone walk over him, and he knows what he wants. Asher is super athletic, and he puts on a good show! You never know what you’ll get with him, but he sure makes life exciting,” Asher says. “Our baby, Ruby, is spunky so far, but she’s the best baby. I can’t wait to watch her grow and learn who she is.”
It’s important to Alexis that the kids are raised to work hard, love people, show integrity, and have courage. “We let our kids know that their feelings matter and are valid, and we can work through them,” Alexis says. “At the end of every day, we want to raise our kids to be good humans, and we want them to know they are loved and seen.”
When Alexis needs advice about being a mom, she has several women in her life that she can turn to in her close friend group, family, and church. However, the biggest challenge she’s faced as a mom is overcoming her own childhood trauma. “I had to do this so that I could be the best possible parent to each of my kids in every stage of their life,” Alexis says. “Everything that happened to me in my childhood, I chose to do the opposite when raising my kids. And I have.”
Being a mother has taught Alexis more things about herself than she ever believed it would. She says that it has allowed her to grow as a person, parent, and wife, and she hopes her story inspires others who may have trauma in their past to know that they can overcome it. “It can be a process, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. But you can find healing, purpose, and love,” Alexis says. “I never thought I’d marry someone who loves me so much. I never thought I could be a momma. I never thought I could forgive those who hurt me. But here I am. Married ten years this year with three babies and a heart so full. My cup overflows daily.”
Fun Facts:
1. My dream Mother’s Day would include an all-inclusive beach/Disney two-week vacation with my husband and kids! Hands down, that would be the best.
2. The best advice I’ve ever received as a mom is to think about the actual cause of the issue. We were taught to use this process in our pre-marriage counseling, but it applies to everything. Instead of thinking that you are the problem or they are the problem, focus on the “problem is the problem.” For example, “The problem is my kids don’t feel heard, or the problem is I don’t feel valued. So how do we fix this?”
3. One thing I want to do with my kids is go to every home game of the Arkansas Razorbacks.
4. The one thing I wish I had known about parenting is that you will be ok. I was terrified when I became a momma and didn’t think I could do it at first.
5. The best gift my kids could ever give me would be living their lives for Jesus because He’s the only thing that matters.