This week’s Meet a Mom is my great friend, Rebekah Stephenson. Rebekah is a kindred spirit of mine– one of those friends that when you leave her presence, you feel refreshed, uplifted and you’ve probably learned something new. She is an incredible mom and wife, and something she didn’t mention in this interview is that she is a very, very talented artist!
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have two little boys: a three-year-old and an almost one-year-old
How long have you lived in Tulsa? What made you decide to live here?
I was born in Broken Arrow and lived in Tulsa until I was five. My family moved back to Tulsa when I was almost 12. I went to high school and to university here. Even though I didn’t choose Tulsa as a child, as an adult I chose to stay in Tulsa because I love the people of Tulsa. Of all of the places I have visited and travelled there is nowhere quite like Tulsa. It is a wonderful place to come home to.
What’s your favorite family activity in Tulsa?
My boys love to go to the airport: Riverside, Claremore or Tulsa International. At Tulsa International they have a little gated area by Fine Airport Parking where you can park and watch the airplanes take off and land. My father-in-law worked in aviation and my husband was exposed to that world at a young age and has made it a point for our boys to be around it. As some pilots like to say the airport is the “happiest place in Tulsa”.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in Tulsa?
I love, love, love, Mi Cocina on Cherry Street. Their queso blanco and brisket tacos are amazing! There is also a little Taco place by TU called Tacos Don Francisco that are reasonably priced but also very good.
Let’s see, shopping. I love Utica Square. Pottery Barn Kids, Ann Taylor and Restoration Hardware are some of my favorite stores over there. (I’m really not that fancy though, I generally shop the sales.) I just love the atmosphere of Utica Square. I also love going to estate sales. There are two estate sale companies I follow that consolidate some beautiful collections.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Most people are surprised when I tell them that I grew up in Russia. I think most people assume that I have lived in Tulsa my entire life.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Becoming a mom has been one of the best and most difficult things I have done. The obvious answer would be my husband, who has been very involved in raising the boys. But more than my husband I think that God has played a huge role in helping me transition from being a wife to being a wife and a mother. I would be lying if I said I was one of those moms who everything came to naturally. Being a mom is tough but I love it more than I ever thought I would.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
A few years ago I started collecting vintage and antique china sets. It has turned into the Tulsa China Hutch which is a vintage china rental company. About a year ago, when my youngest son was born, I took a step back and have had to be very selective in the number of events I do. I love hospitality and things that are beautiful.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now? Or what are you hoping to gain from being a part of this community?
The thing I really love about Tulsa Mom’s Network is the Weekend Roundup they do on Instagram. It is wonderful to have everything organized in such a pretty way. The calendar option on the website is helpful as well. I love how the calendar section is divided into events for the family, for kids only and for moms only. It feels like I have reached another level in my attempts at being a good mom by having the information and option to take my little ones to diverse events throughout the week. Tulsa Mom’s Network is such a luxury. I love all of the helpful tips that they post on Instagram and am looking forward to the wealth of information they are building. It is refreshing to have a community for moms where perfection isn’t required but growth is celebrated. Tulsa Mom’s Network is a fantastic organization that will only get better with time.
