Des Moines Parent Spotlight: Candi Ladwig
Candi Ladwig is a local mom and go-getter within our Des Moines community. She works endlessly to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In September she reached out about running for Woman of the Year in 2020 and I cannot wait! Learn more about her work and her best parenting advice below.
Give us a little background on your family and personal life! How many kids do you have? Have you lived in Des Moines all your life?
My husband, Ryan and I have 3 girls. Hallie (15), Reese (13), and Piper (11). We live in Urbandale. I am originally from Cedar Falls, graduated high school in Ida Grove, college in Ames and we lived in Illinois a little while before landing in Urbandale 11 years ago. We love Urbandale … the schools are smaller, reminding us of our hometown.
What is your business, and what do you do?
I am the Senior Campaign Manager for the Man & Woman of the Year and Student of the Year campaigns for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Iowa Chapter. I get to work with incredible men, women, and students across our state, helping them raise funds in a philanthropic competition.
Where is your favorite place to take your children to play indoors?
When my girls were all elementary-aged our favorite was the Science Center for indoor fun. Now that they are older we love going to Painting with a Twist, Kid’s Warrior gym, and in all honesty … Target!
Where is your favorite place to take your children to play outdoors?
All three of my girls play competitive softball … so my favorite place outdoors is the ball field! Our Des Moines community is lucky to have some great complexes and facilities for these athletes to play.
Parent’s day/night out. Describe your perfect parent only day/night out in Des Moines.
This happens so far and few between I can hardly remember! Our nights out tend to be at fundraising events. Again, our Des Moines metro has some really incredible non-profits with fun and unique events. I love having a fun night out while helping raise money for a good cause.
What are some tips on juggling parenthood, working, and personal life?
Enjoy being a parent, close the laptop and put down the phone, and enjoy time with your friends. Time goes by SO fast, I do not want to look back and regret not spending enough time with my family and friends. I know there are times when you have deadlines, and meetings and you can’t just shut down … but there are times when I find myself doing things that can wait, and that’s when you close it up and head home.
Also, I love that so much of my career I am able to involve my family. Let them understand what you are doing (even if it’s not the full details). When someone asks my girls “what does your mom do?”… they better have time on their hands. They are going to get statistics, a full list of upcoming events, and the biography of our honored heroes! They take such pride also being a part of our organization.
My middle daughter, when she was in 6th grade came home and said: “I need more money for school.” “What?? I just gave you $20??” She looked right at me and said “I know, but they were taking donations for the Special Olympics at school and that’s all I had. They really needed it. It’s important and I wanted to help.” And right there I knew they were hearing and seeing my every day, and they are going to be volunteers in their communities, and help those who need it more than we do. My career is helping shape my daughters into amazing women. And I love it!
What is your number one parenting tip?
JUST DO IT!!!!
Buy the last-minute concert tickets, take them out of school for lunch, take the vacation, bake and decorate cookies, whatever it is… just create memories!! I am watching my girls grow up right before my eyes and when we look back at social media posts, scrapbooks, or our blog it makes my heart so happy listening to them reminisce on some of the most simple things. And my inner scrapbooker is screaming … DOCUMENT your memories! It’s as easy as just taking pictures, or as detailed as scrapbooks. Video your little kiddos voice, take a picture or save a handwritten note they give you. Time flies and that scribble of their name on your laundry room wall in red Sharpie will someday melt your heart.
Follow Her:
Website: http://www.lls.org/iowa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candi.ladwig
