Six of the Valley’s dearest moms on parenting joys, challenges and making the most of those precious family moments.

 "There is no love like the love you have for your kids. They teach me so much about humility and joy and really taking it step by step and trying to appreciate the little things in life."

Emily Fox, mom of Noah, 8, and Chloe, 6
For Emily Fox, wife of local superstar restaurateur Sam Fox and mother of Noah and Chloe, life is about cherishing those sweet moments between running to school and sports practice, travels and work
obligations. To take on the challenge of time management, a struggle that every parent faces, Emily has made it a resolution to set aside a few moments in each day to regroup with her clan—even just to color with the little ones. This summer, the Fox family is looking forward to a little quality time in Coronado, where the foursome enjoys the ocean and warm weather.

"Whatever [my daughter] decides to do, I hope she has the passion and strength to stay true to herself."

Jenn Delekta, mom of Allex, 3
As mother to Allex, Jenn Delekta not only has a passion for being a mom—she has a passion for moms. Delekta works closely with local mom charities, Moms4Moms and GIVE, as well as runs her own blog, www.desertmommas.com, on which she discusses parenting tips, recipes, crafts and more. (Her full-time career is as the market manager for Provista Diagnostics, Inc. which is currently launching dtectDx Breast.) Though work obligations keep her busy, Delekta, along with her husband Bob, has learned when it is time to turn off the laptop and not stress over the little things—and simply savor bathtime or glow-stick parties with little Allex.

"I try to interject fun in everything I do. If you’re not having fun, nobody is. The mom sets the tone."

Lisa Shapiro, mom of Sophia, 12, and Dalton, 8
Whether she is watching her daughter Sophia during a dance recital or cheering on her son Dalton on the baseball field, Lisa Shapiro says one of her greatest joys in being a mom is seeing her kiddos succeed. Though she aids her husband, Dr. Daniel Shapiro of Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Skin Clinic, with his busy Scottsdale practice, Lisa still makes time to volunteer locally. She takes pride in making being a mommy to Sophia and Dalton her full-time focus, believing that motherhood has come so naturally to her because she had the best role model to learn from: her own mom.

"My greatest wish for them is that they accomplish whatever they set out to do in life. All kids have dreams and dream big—I know mine do."

Jody Jackson, mom of Connor, 7, and Caitlyn, 5
In Jody Jackson’s household, a family that plays together stays together. Jackson, anchor and reporter for Fox Sports Arizona, has been a fixture on Valley television for 13 years. Seemingly in their blood (Jackson’s husband, Chad Ackerley, is a former football player at Arizona State University), it is no shock that the couple’s children, Connor and Caitlyn, excel at sports; Connor takes part in flag football and baseball while Caitlyn enjoys soccer and gymnastics. In their free time, the active family enjoys taking to local hiking trails or making memories in their backyard—which is painted to resemble a football field.

"You want to guide them and protect them and help them go down the right path. You help them become who they are today."

Maggie Argue, mom of Molly, 20 (not pictured; studying abroad in London), and Olivia, 17
With two Miss Arizona Teen USAs in the house (Olivia is the current titleholder and Molly received the crown in 2011), it is fair to say that Maggie Argue, and her husband Tom of Argue Custom Homes, deserve their own parenting prize. In addition to her titleholder duties, Olivia is very active in student government while Molly, who is studying broadcast journalism at Pepperdine University, returns home this summer from studying abroad in London. With her family under one roof, full-time mom Maggie looks forward to a relaxed Mother’s Day that comprises church and brunch.

"Some of my favorite times are when I am making dinner and [the kids] are sitting at the island, just hearing them talk about things that happen during the day."

Angela Scott, mom of Sarah, 18, and Andrew, 13
College sweethearts Justin and Angela Scott know a thing or two about being busy parents: The couple owns both the Homeowners Association Management Company as well as Prescott’s North-Aire flight school. (Angela is also an actress and hopes to start a new lifestyle show.) Though the family—which also includes children Sarah and Andrew—leads an eventful life, Angela makes it a priority to expose her children to other cultures and worldly travels. Most recently, during her spring break, Sarah spent her time volunteering in Mexico while Angela took Andrew to New Zealand and Australia.