Ishanti Bulla is an “everyday mom.”

Ishanti Bulla is an “everyday mom.” But she’s far from ordinary. She’s a busy, dedicated high-school teacher and single mother of triplets. She says her “wonderful kids are a joy to be around.”

Where did you grow up? Fayetteville. Now I live in Eastover.

Did you have any siblings? Between my sister and I, I am the youngest.

Names and ages of your children: Treyawn, 5, Trinity, 5, and Tierany, 5.

What are your favorite activities with your kids? Reading them stories and having them retell me the story and draw a picture. Also, I love to play board games with them. Each one wants to be the winner!

What are your least favorite “mom chores”? Laundry and making the beds.

What kid-free activity do you do in your free time? Go out to eat or shopping.

Tell us about your hobbies. Reading, shopping, and just relaxing with a cup of hot tea.

Are you involved in any organizations? I am part of a “mothers of multiples” group.

Tell us about your typical day. When does it start and stop? I wake up at 5:30 a.m. to get myself together ahead of the kids. Around 6, I wake up them and get their clothes on and brush their teeth. I load the van with my work bag first and then I load the kids up. We’re out the door by 7 and off to daycare. Before they get out of the van, we all say a short prayer to start our day off. I walk them in and kiss them goodbye before heading to work at Cape Fear High School. After seven-and-a-half hours at work, I go to my second job. I work an hour with children ages birth to 3 with developmental disabilities. I pick up the kids and we’re finally home at 6 p.m. I ask them about their day and help them with homework. Then it’s to the kitchen. After dinner, it’s time for baths and then reading. I always read them three books before putting them to bed around 8:30 p.m. Once they are all in bed, I clean or do laundry. Finally, I shower and get into bed about 10 p.m. Once in bed, I enjoy every minute of quiet time.

What advice do you have for new moms? BE HAPPY and SMILE ... and LOVE YOUR CHILDREN. Do you have a time-saving tip to share with other moms? Prepare your day ahead of time. Keep a daily planner. Share your favorite 30-minute (or less!) recipe. As a working mom, I always prepare short meals. The kids’ favorite is pizza. I have the pizza dough that you roll out and different ingredients already prepared. We do mini-pizzas and they put what they want on their on them. I serve salad or some frozen vegetables along with the pizza. Dinner is served!

What is most challenging at your children’s ages? Trying to keep them involved in different activities.

What is most rewarding at their ages? At age 5, the kids are very open-minded. They are eager to learn new things. I enjoy educating them and watching them grow every day. And the unconditional love that they continuously give no matter what.

From your experience, is the label “Terrible Twos” accurate?  Well, I think different moms think different. For me, having three at the same time was challenging and they all wanted and needed my attention at the same time. If they did not get my attention, they would throw their little tantrums. But being a mom, you have to know how to handle them. I always ignored the negative behaviors and praised the one or ones who were doing good.

What do you look forward to most as your children grow? I look forward to them growing into their own personalities and developing their independence.

What cartoon character do you have the most in common with, and why? Handy Manny, because I have to fix everything that they break!

What three words would your children say best describe you? Hard-working, loving and caring.

What is a really silly activity you enjoy doing with your kids? Playing monster.

Have you ever tasted store-bought baby food? Yes, very nasty.

What is your favorite children’s author? Dr. Seuss, because he encourages kids to use their imagination.

Read more “Everyday Mom” profiles at 910moms.com. To nominate a mom who you feel is extraordinary, e-mail Mary Kinney at kinneym@fayobserver.com.