Monica Butts is an "everyday mom."

Monica Butts is an “everyday mom.” But she’s far from ordinary. Maybe you can relate to her daily routine, which starts at 5:30 in the morning and usually ends at 11 – if she’s lucky. Here’s what Monica says about being “Superwoman”:

• Where did you grow up? San Diego, Calif.

• Did you have any siblings? Megan, my younger sister.

• Where do you live now? Lillington

• Names and ages of your children: Tommi Lynn is 8 and Tyler is 3.

• What are your favorite activities with your kids? Playing outside and going for walks. They like to walk the dog.

• What are your least favorite "mom chores"? Laundry and mopping!

• What kid-free activity do you do in your free time? Go shopping or just relax on the couch. I cherish my quiet time.

• Tell us about your hobbies. Hobbies? What hobbies? I used to love scrap booking and I hope that someday soon I will have the time to get started in it again.

• Are you involved in any organizations? Not right now. I wish I had more spare time for things like that.

• Tell us about your typical day — from the morning wakeup until you finally climb into bed. Wow, well I get up at 5:30 a.m. and try to get in a good half-hour of my own time before I get the kids up. After getting dressed, doing hair, brushing teeth, eating breakfast and walking the dog, we are out the door at 7 a.m. I drop one off at her school and the other off at preschool. Then I’m off to work where I spend eight hours taking care of anyone’s wants or needs. I am the Executive Assistant for five executives, so it can get pretty busy at times. When I leave at 5, I rush to pick up both kids in two different locations by 5:30. When we get home, I start dinner, help with homework, walk the dog again, give baths, brush teeth, have tickle time, read a book and put the kids to bed at 8. Then I usually get on the computer and do my homework for a couple hours (I’m working on my bachelor’s degree). I am lucky if I hit the bed by 11 p.m. My husband is in the Navy and is gone all week, so I am basically a single mother through the week. Are you tired yet?

• What advice do you have for new moms? There is no such thing as a perfect mom. No matter how prepared you think you are, they will prove you wrong. It is a learning experience for both of you.

• Do you have a time-saving tip to share with other moms? Always keep ingredients in the house for at least one favorite quick meal. This way, you’ll always have something easy on hand when you don’t know what to make for dinner.

• Share your favorite 30-minute (or less!) recipe. Tacos. All you need is meat, taco shells and whatever toppings you like. Simple, delicious and easy ingredients to keep on hand!

• Share a funny and memorable moment with your kids. Every moment I share with them is a memory I will cherish forever, but one of my favorites is when daddy was coming home from his last deployment and our children saw him for the first time in six months. I will never forget their little faces and how they could not run fast enough to get to him.

• What is most challenging at your children's ages? Forget the terrible twos, I think they hit at three!

• What is most rewarding at their ages? My daughter is a huge help to me. She is just old enough keep me sane. She is just starting to explore her individualism and asking to have friends over. It is fun for me as a mom to watch my daughter go through these stages. My son is now starting to get more independent as well and does not need mommy all the time. He still needs me enough to snuggle and cuddle with, though. I love it!

• What do you look forward to most as your children grow? Watching them develop into wonderful, loving people.

• What cartoon character do you have the most in common with, and why? Superwoman … need I say more!

• What three words would your children say best describe you? Loving, dependable and courageous.

• What is a really silly activity you enjoy doing with your kids? We love to have our tickle time. After baths every night, we sit on the living room floor and just spend time together. We tickle each other, laugh and just goof off for a bit. It is our quality time that I would not give up for anything in the world.

• Have you ever tasted store-bought baby food? Was it any good? Yes, I would have to let my daughter feed me in order for her to take a bite sometimes.  Thank goodness it was usually the fruits, so I did not mind it.

• What is your favorite children's book (title and author) and why? “Love you Forever,” by Robert Munsch. I cannot read this book to my children without getting a little teary-eyed. This is all about true and unconditional love for your children.