Profession: Educational assistant at Oak Grove Elementary School
Community: Albany
Partner: Aaron Lichty, manager at Pepsi
Children: Austin, age 17, and Cadence, age 14
Photos by: Marilla Kay
Family comes first.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours.
Aaron and I met when we were in our late teens and have been together for 27 years and will be married 20 years this August. We have two children, Austin and Cadence, a beagle named Becker and a cat named Ollie. We live a humble life in North Albany. You’ll find us spending a lot of our time sitting in the stands watching our son play soccer and lacrosse, and in the auditorium watching Cadence perform at her choir concerts. We love supporting all the kids and are avid Oregon State Beaver fans. We enjoy family time, camping and going on road trips.
What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat?
My wedding rings, though they weren’t found between a sofa cushion or behind a car seat. Cadence has always had an eye for pretty things, and at age 3 she decided to take my “pretties,” and she put them somewhere…but could not remember where. It took almost a month to find them. I even borrowed a friend’s metal detector to see if she hid them outside. After much searching, they were located on the lower shelf (her level) in our pantry cupboard. From there on out I had to make sure to
find a safe and out-of-reach spot from her.
In what way are your children like you? How are they different?
Both kids are very kind, loving and have a great sense of humor. Austin has taken on my creative gene and outgoing personality. Cadence is more shy, but is very sassy, much like me. They have picked up from my husband and me to be kind, compassionate and willing to help others when needed.
You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say… “Anyone need to go to the bathroom before we leave?”
What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now?
I’m relishing in all the moments. My favorite time is when the kids sit down, want to chat and/or hang out. Even if I must bribe them from time to time, I just appreciate the human beings they are becoming and enjoy any chance I get to spend with them.
No one works harder than mom.
We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? Life is a whirlwind…I feel like we go-go-go and some days I’m playing catch up in the wee hours of the morning. My hubby knows how important it is for me to be a part of events and how much joy it brings to me to complete a project. Over the years, I have volunteered many hours to help create events for others. These events are extremely time consuming and laborious, but worth the exhaustion and work when you see the joy that it brings to others. Thankfully, I am blessed with the best village. My hubby is my rock, and I am so grateful for all he does for us. He will step in and do the tasks that seem to fall through the cracks, when I am not able to get them accomplished.
Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. When the kids were in elementary school, I practically lived at the school. I would drop them off, then start helping with various projects for the teachers. I planned all the class parties, chaperoned every field trip, was a runner for the kids for picture/hearing/testing days. I loved it: seeing the kids and being able to offer a hand to the teachers and staff is awesome.
While the kids were in middle school, I worked in the student store, created and ran games at Summer Slam, helped plan the eighth-grade promotions and chaperoned and planned the school dances. More recently I’ve helped plan the senior night for my son’s soccer team, and I’m currently a co-team lacrosse mom and helping plan the high school senior all night party. I find myself always saying, “yes!” to help because I know what it takes to pull off such events. Although it can bring much exhaustion, stress and trials at times, my kids and others will always know I did my best to help make it special for them.
What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom?
While I worked for Winco for 26 years, I learned the importance of patience. You need to have a lot of patience when dealing with disgruntled customers and you need to offer them compassion when they are having a hard time. It helped prepare me to be a more patient and compassionate mother and with the kids I work with at school.
Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.
I’ve been called “the butcher paper queen,” creating numerous school backdrops for musicals, door decorations and bulletin boards. I like to bring cheer to others when I can. It makes me smile to hear the “oohs and awws” when people like what I’ve created.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.
Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today?
I’ve been blessed with incredibly loving, caring, helpful and supportive parents who showed the true meaning of being present. As a parent myself, I, too, always tried to be present. After many missed events when I worked evenings for WinCo, I decided I had to make a change, so that’s why I started working at an elementary school. Being on the same schedule as my kids has allowed me to be
a part of so many more things.
Which good habit do you wish you started earlier?
Probably meal prepping, so there is no guess to what we will eat. I go through phases where I’m on it and get meals lined up, then life happens, and I get busy and lazy.
If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?
I would love to teleport my grandma Gladys (GG) back, just so she could offer her wisdom and be a part of our everyday lives. She was a remarkable woman, and I miss her every day.
What’s your superpower? The gift of gab!
I’m Miss Talks-a-lot and can make a friend anywhere. Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without.
Texting my kids every morning and wishing them a good day. I love it when they respond with words and not just a thumbs up.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I love stouts and porters. I’m also a sucker for rom-coms, thrift shopping and going to garage sales with friends and family.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My children. Yes, they are priceless, but they are very expensive.
Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better?
I am inspired by anyone who wants to make you feel welcomed, loved and seen.
Listen to mom.
Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most?
Motherhood is truly rewarding. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been exhausting, challenging and frustrating at times, but it’s one of the most wonderful gifts to receive. The love we have for our children is unlike any other love.
What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Stay true to your convictions. Allow others to help. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. It’s ok to make mistakes, we all do. Just know you are a great mom, and you got this!
MOM’s favorite…
Tell us about your favorite…
…place to find some peace & quiet: Visiting the coast, hearing the waves crash in and putting my toes in the sand. Also soaking in a hot bath or relaxing in the hot tub.
…family games: cribbage, 31 and cornhole
…inspirational quote: Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.
MOMs love local…
We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…coffee spot: The Brim Coffee Co.
…hair salon: Phagans’ Beauty School — those kids need to have someone to practice on, and I’ve been lucky so far.
…restaurant to take the kids: The Barn at Hickory Station
…restaurants for a date night: Blue Agave
…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Hasty Freeze, Shortstops, Rivas Dulce Vida, Los Vecinos and Ohana Kitchen at the Barn
…meetup spot for happy hour: Southpaws
…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Weathered Together Market, Oak Creek Collection
…events in your community: River Rhythms, Storybook Land
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