Arden Park, married mother of four
Elijah is 8, Ari is 5, and twins Zachary and Zöey are 3.

Elementary School Teacher & Creator of Eaz-Z Baby Wraps
After her twins were born, Ott was inspired to create an organic, handmade, hypo-allergenic line of baby blankies big enough to accommodate multiples. The line is named after—who else?—her own babies: Elijah, Ari, Zachary-Zöey. Check ‘em out at www.Eaz-zWraps.com.

Describe yourself in three words
Compassionate, practical, ultra-organized (I have to be!).

The best part of being a mom is
The hugs and cuddles… nothing is better! A hug or cuddle from one of my children makes even the worst day better!

The worst part of parenthood is
The driving… from one activity to another.

What do you like most about living in Sacramento?
I really value the close-knit group of friends I have made in the ten years that I have lived here.

My favorite place to hang out with the kids is
The park – it is free and provides a full day of fun. We pack a picnic lunch, games, and can even walk there.

My favorite place to bring out-of-towners is
Lake Tahoe – there is lots to do for the kids, it’s an easy drive from Sacramento, and it’s beautiful.

The best parenting advice I ever got was
Always have a bag of “kid-friendly” stuff in your car… I carry a tote bag filled with crayons, coloring books, play dough, Hot Wheels, dolls, and books. Whenever we go to a restaurant, I take it with us.

When I need to relieve stress, I head straight for
A walk – sometimes it’s the treadmill at the gym, and sometimes it’s walking outside, listening to my iPod.

I couldn’t live without
My cup of tea. I am a fanatic for tea and love going to the tea shop to find new flavors.

My favorite junk food fix is
Peanut butter and chocolate ice cream milk shakes – a habit I picked up when I was pregnant!

If elected Queen of America
I would ensure that children get the best education possible. It’s the teacher in me!

What’s your motto?
Don’t stress over the small stuff – try and focus on what’s important and what really matters.

The best decision I ever made was
Marrying my husband.

My proudest parenting moment (so far) was
I’m sure this is a very cliché answer, but every day I look at my four children and think how lucky I am. Watching them grow into amazing and unique individuals makes me proud every day.

Do you know a “mom next door” you’d like other readers to meet? E-mail amy@sacramentoparent.com.