We're going a little farther afield for our TriangleMom2Mom mom of the week. This week, it's Jess Robison of Fort Bragg, who is involved with a group that serves people with developmental disabilities in North Carolina.

Here's Jess ...

Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself.

Jess: I am a military wife at Fort Bragg and mother of 3 girls ages 5, 5, and 3. Recently, I earned my masters of business administration with a focus in healthcare management. I re-entered the workforce about 6 months ago after taking 4 years off to care for my children. I am currently working with Team Daniel, LLC (www.teamdaniel.info). Team Daniel serves individuals with developmental disabilities on a specific North Carolina Medicaid waiver. This experience has been especially important to me because my one daughter, Naomi, was diagnosed with autism. It has never been easy trying to receive help for Naomi, partially due to the fact we have moved frequently over the past four years. Working with Team Daniel gives me a sense of personal satisfaction since I am helping other families receive the supports they need for their loved ones.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite family place in the Triangle?

Jess: We have yet to go to the Triangle. However, we are planning on taking a trip to the museums in Raleigh. I am really excited to take my girls to the Marbles Kids Museum and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. My children love to learn new things and at this age they are incredibly curious about their world. In the Fort Bragg Area, my children like going to the Jambbas Ranch in Fayetteville to see the animals and to Gross Farms in Sanford to pick fresh strawberries and see the pond of turtles. Gross Farms has a ton of different things for families to do throughout the year.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite place for yourself?

Jess: My favorite place for myself is sitting on the front porch in the evening after my kids are in bed. During this time, I can catch up with my husband and talk about our day, call my friends and family to say “hi” or chat with passing neighbors.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite ritual with your kids?

Jess: Our family loves to go to the play park down the street. We all get on the play equipment and pretend we are on a pirate ship or in a jungle. It is a great way to spend quality time together as a family. My husband and I reconnect with our inner child and our girls think it is hilarious that mom and dad run around like they do.

Mom2Mom: What did you eat for dinner last night? Can you share the recipe?

Jess: Last night we had steak, pirogies, fresh fruit salad and my kids’ favorite dessert-Strawberry Whip. Quick and simple, but so good! Here is the recipe for the Strawberry Whip:

-Make strawberry Jello according to directions -When strawberry Jello is almost completely firm, beat in an 8 oz brick of room temperature light cream cheese. Mixture will be a little lumpy.
-After the cream cheese and Jello are mixed together, add a tub of thawed light whipped cream. Beat on a low setting to keep the fluff.
-Add a pint of fresh strawberries cut into bite size pieces. Stir the strawberries in by hand.
-Spoon into a casserole dish and place back into the refrigerator until Jello dessert is firm.
-Serves 6-8

Mom2Mom: What's your guilty pleasure?

Jess: My guilty pleasure is the two weeks I have to myself when my kids go to Pennsylvania to spend time with their grandparents. I get to spend time with my husband and we can go and do just about anything without worrying if it is going to be a place the kids will enjoy. I will admit though at about 10 days, we really miss them!

If you know a mom we should feature, e-mail me. Learn more about other moms by going to www.trianglemom2mom.com/meet and checking back here every Monday.