Friends, in the time since this post was set for publication, Emily and her family have received some devastating news. We grieve with Emily, Patrick, and Miles and lift them up in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The following post is an interview with long-time Simple Kids contributor Emily Carter, of the Pilot’s Wife. I thought that Simple Kids readers would enjoy getting to know her a little better.
You’ve been a writer for Simple Kids for some time now, but I know that you also keep another blog, The Pilot’s Wife. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and the blog?
Thanks Kara! Well, I’m married to a pilot (of course) and we have an almost-3-year-old, Miles, with another baby due in early March. We do a lot of traveling and a lot of moving! I’m an elementary teacher by trade, but I’m taking this year off as we have some big changes ahead. My husband accepted a job with the Air National Guard recently and we’ll be going to training for that in the next few months. Read more about us here.
What inspired you to start The Pilot’s Wife?
My blogging journey started like a lot of other people’s, I think. In February of 2008 my husband and I were living on the opposite side of the country from our families and it seemed like a fun way to keep everyone updated. That month I became pregnant with my first child and I haven’t stopped blogging since!
You’ve done quite a bit of traveling and you’ve also moved a few times. Do you have a favorite place that you’ve been so far?
My husband and I have been married for 7 years and will be undertaking our 10th move in the next few months. So, yes, we’ve done our share of moving! There has been something to love about everywhere we’ve lived, but San Luis Obispo, California probably wins the most beautiful award. We lived about 20 minutes from the beach and about the same distance from fabulous hiking. I like to daydream about moving back someday.
Your family is “on the move” often. What are some of your tips for flying and travel with kids?
I wrote an article here on SK about traveling with kids that has a lot of technical tips, but here’s my best advice: Plan carefully, simplify what you take along, and RELAX! Kids are naturally curious and enjoy new adventures. They will feed off your energy during travel. If you’re relaxed and having fun, they will be too.
Over the years I’ve known you, you’ve introduced me to some good books for parents and for kids. What books are you and Miles enjoying right now?
Sharing my love of reading with my son is such a joy. Miles will be 3 next month and right now he tends to get stuck on one particular book that he wants to hear over and over.
Right now we’re all about Read to Tiger. He loves the pictures and there are lots of opportunities for sound effects. (What toddler doesn’t love that?)
The other book that shows up most at bedtime is Are You My Mother? I’m sure most of you are familiar with that one. My mother says it was one of my favorites as a child, too.
You feature quite a bit of your photography on your blog and you seem to do such a great job of documenting your family life. Have you always been a shutterbug? Do you have any tips for photographing children and those every day moments?
My first photography memory is getting to take a disposable camera to summer camp with me in 3rd grade. I was so fascinated with the process and couldn’t wait to get my pictures developed.
In high school I took pictures for my year book and school newspaper, still on film, of course. A few years ago, I upgraded to a Digital SLR and I absolutely love taking pictures with it. But, to be honest, I still don’t know that much about using it! One of my goals is to take some classes and read up more to get myself out of the “auto” rut.
Although I’m no expert, my favorite pictures of my son are the close up shots of his sweet face. Zoom in nice and close and capture all those little details you don’t want to forget. Also, don’t wait until they are dressed in perfectly matching outfits, or are free of dirt smudges.
This picture happens to be one of my favorites. It is just so him at this age. I want to remember it forever.
Thanks, Emily! It was great to get to know you a little bit better.
Readers can find Emily at her blog The Pilot’s Wife, on Facebook, Twitter, and here at Simple Kids.
About Kara
I met Emily at an Oklahoma bloggers meet-up back in the spring of 2009. I was brand new to the editor’s role here at Simple Kids, and she was one of the first people to step up with ideas and support and enthusiasm for the work being done here. I was immediately attracted to her sweet, funny, honest spirit, and it has been a delight to get to know her in the years since that first meeting!
My heart, of course, aches with her in this loss.
Thank you for featuring her, Kara! She is truly a wonderful part of the Simple Kids family!
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