October 22, 2013 2:35 pm Party with Moms Interviews Icy Frantz! This Week’s Mom of the Week!
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?
I love being with my children- all of them. My eldest are boys-17, 16 and 16 and my youngest is a girl, 7. Sadly my three teenage boys are not that interested in being with me at this point in their life so I try to meet them on their page. I go to their games, I practice driving with them and I get them food. Sometimes we watch a movie together. My daughter is at an absolutely incredible age- she still loves me and wants to be with me. I read with her. We play the piano. We lounge around and watch some of her favorite Disney shows, like Dog with a Blog. We shop together sometimes online or I plan afternoons of lunch and mani/pedi’s. I want my children to be passionate about their life. I want them to love their friends, their school, their work and their recreation. I want them to feel grateful and to give back to their community in whatever way they can.
When and where are you the happiest?
I love being by the water-on a paddleboard or on the shore. These beautiful fall days are perfect. I love to go on walks with our dog and my husband (by the water). I love family dinners on Sunday nights when my boys are home from school and we can all be together (by the water). And I love to get in bed early with a good book.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
South Africa- I have never been and am dying to visit. I read a biography of Nelson Mandela and ever since I have wanted to experience South Africa. Also I love islands- Nantucket and St, Barth’s are two of my favorites. I am always beyond happy when I am on an island and really love to be in the ocean.
What quality do you most admire in a mother? And what woman has had the biggest impression on you?
Mothers need to balance strength with gentleness and humor. It’s a difficult thing to do at times. I often fall short but I try. My Mom is a strong woman. She was divorced by the age of 30 and had to care for three children under the age of 9. I give her a lot of credit. My sisters and I weren’t easy. Also I have a wonderful woman in my life named Maritza. She helps me care for our children and home. She is from Peru and has three of her own children. She is smart and capable and has taught me so much about love and sacrifice. She never complains and has so much on her plate.
What is your favorite book? Movie?
I usually love what I am reading at the time and a movie I have just seen- So Captain Phillips is awesome. Tom Hanks is brilliant and the actors from Somalia are incredible too. I am reading The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri. It is an incredible story about two brothers from Calcutta. I also loved all of Abraham Verghese’s books.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
This year, Scott and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage. I think that is awesome. I am proud of our book, Sargeant’s Heaven and for having celebrated 25 years of sobriety this year.
What do you like to do for fun?
I just started playing the piano with Randy Atcheson and I really love it. I love playing squash and I love to go cycling. I enjoy being with our golden retriever, Maui and watching my kids play sports. I love being with my close girlfriends doing just about anything. One of my favorite things is to drive with my husband to and from my boys’ games at boarding school. It is relaxing and a great way to catch up.
What is your favorite time of the day and why?
I set my alarm to get up before anyone else in the house. I love to go out on the back porch when it is still quiet. I can catch my breath and think about the day. It’s such a nice way to start the day and allows me to be a bit more centered and ready for the growls of my teenage son when I wake him.
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what do you like to drink?
SoulCycle and water!!