EVERETT — Gina Corpening’s Silver Lake house shows the signs of motherhood.
Breakfast dishes are waiting to be washed, toys litter the floor and two small kids want attention.
What isn’t obvious is that Corpening, a stay-at-home mom, has a dormant career that might draw her back to a paying job someday.
Meanwhile, Corpening, 33, is a member and volunteer with the South Snohomish County Chapter of Mothers &More. A national nonprofit organization, its members seek to improve the lives of mothers, whether they are full-time family caregivers or are also working full time outside their homes.
For Corpening, having it all as a mother means not having it all at the same time. At least not for the time being.
Corpening and her husband, John, both New Mexico natives and Peace Corps alumni, moved to Washington state when he decided to become a video-game programmer. Corpening, who majored in broadcast journalism, had worked in college administration, just like her mother.
When her son was born, Corpening planned to go back to work, also just like her mother. After all, her mother had found the balance between career and home, she said.
“It was never my plan to stay home with my kids,” Corpening said. “Then I realized it was the right thing for me to do. I really enjoy it.”
Looking for other mothers with whom to share thoughts and ideas, she stumbled onto Mothers &More.
“I didn’t want just a play group for the kids. The goal was to retain my identity as a woman eventually headed back to work,” Corpening said.
It didn’t take long before Corpening volunteered to serve as a local chapter’s program coordinator.
The group meets monthly to talk about diverse topics that have included self-defense, breast-feeding, rebuilding a resume and communicating with in-laws. It also schedules a monthly mom’s night out social event and periodic children’s activities.
Mothers &More appeals to women in many stages of motherhood, said fellow member Sara Mangat of Mountlake Terrace.
“Gina is a great example of our membership. She is willing to devote extra time and effort to keep us moving forward as a group and bring new knowledge to our members,” Mangat said.
Corpening said she and Mangat have formed strong friendships in the group.
“They are fantastic women who I can talk with about what I’m going through as a mom and as a woman,” Corpening said. “Moms &More and my volunteer work has been a lifesaver for me.”
The current generation of young mothers aims to take care of themselves and the organization helps them do that, Corpening said.
The adage that “if mama’s not happy, then no one is happy” is true, she said.
“I want to be the mom who assures others that the decisions they make as mothers are the right ones for right now,” Corpening said.
Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.
How to join Mothers &More
Mothers interested in joining the South Snohomish County Chapter of Mothers &More are invited to attend the group’s Mother’s Day meeting, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at DeVine Wines in the Mill Creek Town Center.
To register, leave a message at 425-948-1040 or e-mail membership@snohomishmoms.org. More information is available at www.snohomishmoms.org.
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