April 10, 2016 5:04 pm Meet Annie Schreck, Mother of 4, Co-Founder of Tiny Tots Consignment
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?
My favorite days are when we get to have tea and read aloud. That doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it’s a great day. My kids are 6, 4, 3, and 1. My greatest wish is that they grow in virtue and build resilient character – Growing up today is a bit harder than what I went through, so we’re focusing on resiliency (or what my husband and I refer to as grit).
When and where are you the happiest?
We spend many weekends in NH at an off-grid log cabin that my husband built. On winter nights, we light the oil lamps, kids crank the gramophone to dance, and we read by the wood stove. It’s magical.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I’m dreaming of island hopping the Pacific Islands with my husband… Our kids will be happy to know that their parents loved spending time together.
Who has had the biggest influence upon you? And what quality do you most admire in a mother?
Both of my parents, and one of my grandmothers have been a huge influence. My grandmother showed me to be joyful and merciful (which isn’t always easy with a houseful of little people!). My parents only had 2 kids, but they wanted more, so they have always been totally devoted to my sister and me – it’s quite inspirational. I love being around moms who are goofy with their kids – that doesn’t come naturally to me, but I know how much my kids love to be silly.
What do you like to do for fun?
Does Pure Barre Platform count as fun? Date night with my husband is a favorite. We’re also raising backyard chickens, and I love having a reason to be outside with a cup of coffee early in the morning, or collecting eggs with my kids in the afternoon.
What is one of your favorite books? Movies?
I’m loosely in a book group called The Well Read Mom – we recently read Ida Elisabeth by Sigrid Undset – I couldn’t put it down.
Besides motherhood, what other careers/opportunities have you enjoyed? What are your strongest qualities?
I’m retired from the NY Bar, though I began my career as a stay at home mom as soon as I passed the Bar, so I wouldn’t call myself much of an attorney. I’ve worked on political campaigns and for non-profits. Now I feel fortunate to run a small business with my sister – Tiny Tots Consignment. We have so much fun working together… almost all of our phone calls are cut short by screaming kids (my sister is expecting her 6th!).
What is your favorite type of food and what do you love to cook?
My favorite food is a hamburger with spicy anything on top. I love to cook breakfast – with our backyard chickens, we get incredible eggs. One of my kids is on an egg strike right now, so we’ve added oatmeal to the breakfast rotation… the hens won’t stop laying for his strike though, so we have a backlog of eggs.
What is your favorite time of the day and why?
I look forward to a few times of the day – 1) morning coffee and prayer/meditation about my day, 2) going to Pure Barre around noon, 3) when my husband comes home. Between 1) and 2), I homeschool and do what feels like a million things around the house – it’s really high energy and rewarding, but I run out of the house for that Pure Barre class.
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what’s your favorite drink?
I’m a big fan of the Mill Street Bar and Table – they make a smoked margarita that’s killer. I also love to go for a Sunlight juice at Meli Melo after Pure Barre.
Tiny Tots Kids Consignment will host its 2nd semi-annual Diaper Drive at Greenwich Catholic School from 7-10 PM on Thursday, April 14th. New and gently used items for babies & kids will be sold for 30-90 % off retail. The event will benefit Kids in Crisis.
