The Marvelous Moms of WESCO: A Mother’s Day Q & A
WESCO has been blessed with an experienced leadership team. Everyone here is dedicated to providing services that empower and support the strengths and abilities of the individuals we serve. This level of care just goes to show the amount of compassion we can have for one another. It’s the same sort of selfless devotion demonstrated in motherhood. In an ode to mothers everywhere, we’d like to introduce you to the marvelous moms of WESCO.
Sherry Reiling
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have three brilliant children! Sarah in Australia, Caleb in Phoenix, and Sam,16, at home, finishing his sophomore year at OABCIG.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mother when Sarah was born in 1985.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
My most embarrassing moment was when Sam was in 6th grade, ‘The Talk’ for boys was scheduled. Fathers were invited. He wanted me to be present–oh boy, the only mom in the class. Sam kept raising his hand to ask questions. I kept saying, “Put your hand down; we’ll talk about that later.” [laughs]
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
My first child, no, I did not find out. We had two bedrooms, one was pink, the other blue. I had everything in the blue room; I had to swap rooms.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Spend time, breathe, and discipline without anger. Enjoy!
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
Work. [laughs] Spending time with my kiddos–when possible–riding horses and being outdoors.
Mackenzie Kock
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have one.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 2021.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
Nothing embarrassing yet! Sometimes, she gets a little rowdy and loud during church, which can be a little “embarrassing.”
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
No, we wanted it to be a surprise!
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Take time and get all the snuggles in that you can! People aren’t kidding when they say it goes by fast!
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
I like to go shopping.
Heidi Hansen
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have two wonderful daughters, KaLee, 23, and Kambree, 19.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 1998.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
My kids don’t embarrass me much; it’s defiantly the other way around, especially since I coached their youth sports and was a girl scout leader.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
There was no finding out; I wasn’t given the option.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Enjoy the little things–you celebrate all the first milestones, but you don’t stop to think about the last milestones (the last time you change a diaper, the last time they drink from a bottle, the last time they sit on your lap, the last time you read them a bedtime story, etc.) those are the tough ones.
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
Instead of mom duty, I LOVE grandma duty even more! My 3-year-old grandson is my best friend, and he will tell you that.
Jeanna Baxter
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have one daughter, Morgan, who is 23.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 1999.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
I can’t really think of anything right off hand.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
No, We did not. We wanted to be surprised!
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Even though your child may be difficult at home, know that usually, it means they are a saint at school and with others.
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
I like to be outdoors, camping, floating down the river, going to outdoor concerts–oh–and, of course, visiting my grandbaby at the hospital.
Deidra Brown
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have three; four with my stepdaughter.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 2013.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
I really cannot think of an embarrassing moment.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
Yes, I found out during both pregnancies that I am a planner and need to be prepared.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Enjoy every moment; it goes by way too fast! Enjoy the little things, leave work at work, and be present at home.
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
I like to go on side-by-side rides, spend time with family, and go shopping.
Shelby Davis
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
One son, Sawyer Eugene, who is four!
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 2018.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
A few weeks ago, he informed a lady–who didn’t have a leg–that he still had both his legs. [laughs]
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
When I found out, they first told me I was having a girl, then five weeks later, he became a boy.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Enjoy the chaos!
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
I like not to be bothered and enjoy the peace.
Kaci Behrendsen
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
A son, Joseph, who gained his wings after he was born, and a daughter, Harlee, who turns two this month!
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 2017.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
She loves to yell, “I farted!” at the top of her lungs while out in public. [gives unamused look]
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
Yes, I wanted to be able to prepare and decorate the nursery. Also, not a fan of surprises.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
YOU ARE–WILL–BE A GREAT MOM! I feel like we do not hear this enough.
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
Relaxing, catching up on sleep, and going out with friends.
Tami Long
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
Five that I gave birth to, Tiffany and Courtney (twins), 37; Alex, 31; Dakota, 27; and Kaity, 21. And two bonus children that came with marrying my husband Michael: Trevor, 28; and Ian, 24. And a whole lot of fur babies.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 1985.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
I really can’t think of anything right now.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
With my first four, no, but my last one was a high-risk pregnancy, so yes, I knew I was having a girl.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
They grow up so fast, enjoy all of the milestones, and make happy memories!
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
I am a crafter: painting, sewing, making jewelry, making mugs and t-shirts. Traveling is a must.
Tina Schwery
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have three children–Chantel, 28; Mitchel, 26; and Wyat, 22. Also, two grandchildren–Austin, 18 months; and Violet, six weeks.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mother in 1993.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
I remember one of them writing a Mother’s Day letter in school saying my favorite thing is when mom makes me TV dinners. [laughs] For those who have younger children, advise when they get older, like 16 and older, that they don’t pee outside–you can go to jail. Yes, I had to bail one of my children out for that.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
Nope, it didn’t matter to me!
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
[reitterating] For those who have younger children, advise when they get older, like 16 and older, that they don’t pee outside–you can go to jail. Yes, I had to bail one of my children out for that.
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
Camping, swimming, kayaking, and lady’s night out.
Gina Houston
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have two adult children, Nathan, age 36, and Emily, age 31. They are both married and live in Denison and Deloit. I am also a grandmother. My son has three daughters, Addison, Elly, and Macy, and my daughter has two sons, Raymond and Jaxon.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 1986 at the ripe old age of 18! Well, 18 and a half!
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
I was called to the Denison Police Department back when my son was in high school. My son and his friends decided to do a prank they had recently seen on the show Jackass on a random homeowner, and they ended up getting caught.
No one was harmed, and there was no damage done; the Chief of Police’s son was also one of the kids in on the prank. The officers actually stood there and laughed as the boys were getting lectured by the chief of police in front of their parents.
I didn’t think it was very funny, as this was the first (and only) time I was ever contacted by the police department about either of my children. The worst part was I personally knew the person that they tried to pull the prank on.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
No, we did not. I don’t think it was really “a thing” back then to find out like people do these days. We didn’t have gender reveals or anything like that either. Also, ultrasounds weren’t common to perform unless there were problems. Things were a lot different 36 years ago! We decorated the nursery in neutral colors and had a few outfits for either a boy or a girl ready to go.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
I think the best thing I can offer would be just to enjoy every single minute of it because, truly, time goes so fast. Your babies will be grown and on their own before you know it. So instead of worrying about cleaning your house, or doing the yardwork, sit down and play with your kids and spend time with them.
Don’t get hung up on material things for your kids. What your kids really want is you and your time and attention. They’ll forget about the toys and treats, but the memories you make will be with them forever. And don’t forget to tell them they are loved!
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
My kids and grandchildren are pretty much my hobbies. It seems like I’m either working or transporting children, going to a soccer game, dance recital, or babysitting. I do enjoy reading, I like putting puzzles together, and I enjoy working in the yard and usually have some kind of project going on in the house to keep me busy in my downtime. Oh, and I have recently discovered TikTok! I’m not going to say the amount of screen time my phone tells me I use every day!
Shannon Chandler
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have four kids–Shelby, 29; Kolby, 27; Kyle, 23; and Samantha, 15. Also, two grandkids–Carter will be four in June, and Genesis is two. Better not forget Ryan, my son-in-law!
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 1993, 1995, 1998, and 2007.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
When Shelby’s uncles bought her a Casper the Friendly Ghost toy knowing she can’t say Casper and having her say what it was-she called it bastard. They made sure she took that toy everywhere. Way too many moments with Kolby. And some of you have seen Samantha’s shenanigans, but at this point in my life, it is just who we are–not even an embarrassment anymore.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
Only found out with Samantha.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Let it go! Oh, and just laugh. In the end, whatever happens, will be funny!
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
Hang out with friends, concerts, races, and travel. But right now, I am enjoying all of Sam’s high school moments cause I know they will be over in the blink of an eye!
Rebecca Green
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have one, Sadie Mae. [dog]
What year did you become a mom?
I became a [dog] mom in 2016.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
Sadie has always been a skittish little girl. She has never liked guys but overall is doing better. One night when I had some friends over, she got so scared that she literally pooped from my living room all the way into the bathroom.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
Yes, because I haven’t had–nor do I want–male dogs.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
These kinds of children are the best because you can kennel them and have little guilt. I do have guilt when it turns into a long workday, and she has been kenneled for so long. Also, spend the time because once the time is gone, you will NEVER get it back!
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
I enjoy playing English Rummy or any card game with family and friends. I enjoy camping with those I love.
Sara Woerdehoff
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
I have three kiddos. Halley,18; Dane,11; and Jude, three.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 2003.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
There isn’t any “one” thing, but my kids have always felt it was their duty to overshare with their teachers.
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
No, I did not. I wanted to be surprised. Just one more thing to look forward to. The ultimate surprise.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Sign up for a diaper delivery service. This saves a lot of time and money.
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
I like to paint or just be creative. I also like to listen to Murder Mystery Podcasts and watch documentaries. I am also big into politics and attend conventions/meetings regularly.
Brooke Hillhouse
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
Four: Aliyah, 16; Tay, nine; Von, eight; and Ja’Kees, three.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 2006.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
Where do I start? This happens more often than not. [Gives surprised look]
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
With Aliyah, no, I only had one ultrasound with her. Tay, no. Von, yes. Ja’Kees, yes. I was determined one of the last three would be a girl. The Lord knew I could only handle one of those. [Gives a big smile]
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Keep open communication with your children. Sometimes we get wrapped up in work and life in general; your children may feel like they bother you by telling you things. Make time for conversation and ask them about their day. The newborn stage for me was not the worst stage. It is them, toddlers, on up, that’ll do it to ya!
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
Binge-watch Netflix, exercise, clean, and sleep if there is any time for that.
Amber Newman
WESCO Industries
How many children do you have?
Three: Bailey, Cassica, and Calleigh.
What year did you become a mom?
I became a mom in 2001.
What is the most embarrassing moment you can remember that your kid caused?
At Bailey’s first Preschool concert, he put his hands up to his eyes like binoculars for the ENTIRE show. The crowd laughed as he looked around with his “binoculars” and did not participate in the singing or dance moves with his class. He is now an audio engineer and musician, so he’s on stage all the time. I haven’t seen the binoculars since! [Laughs]
Did you find out if you were having a boy or girl before the big day? Why or Why not?
Yes, to prepare.
What advice do you have for new and expecting mothers?
Make your kids a priority, enjoy quality time together as they really do grow up too fast, have patience, go on vacations, and have “YES DAYS!”
What do you like to do when you aren’t busy with “mom duties”?
Travel, hike, do yoga, shop, camp, watch football, and Formula One!
