“It is in the shelter of each other that people live.”
—Irish Proverb
Motherhood is one of life’s most profound and beautiful journeys, but it is not without its challenges. One of the greatest comforts for a mother comes from the community of other moms—a network of support, laughter, and shared understanding. Personally, I can’t imagine navigating the ups and downs of motherhood without the solace of friends who have been there to offer encouragement, share a cup of tea, and simply be present while our children played together.
In honor of Mother’s Day, I am delighted to embark on a special series over the next two weeks. This series celebrates motherhood in all its forms—raising children, being raised, and the remarkable bonds that shape us. I’ll be sharing interviews with inspiring blogging moms I greatly admire, highlighting their unique experiences and perspectives on what it means to be a mother.
To begin this celebration, I’m thrilled to feature my creative and unstoppable friend, Cassie of Primitive and Proper. Cassie is a master of transformation, breathing new life into forgotten furniture pieces, running a successful business, and turning her house into a warm and inviting home. Above all, she’s a devoted mother to two young children. Her love for motherhood radiates in every corner of her blog, and today, she shares her story.
How many children do you have, and how old are they?
I’m blessed to have two children: Sawyer, who is 6, and Emmy, who is 5. Having one of each feels like a perfect balance, and we are content with our little family. No plans for more—ever!
What has been the hardest part of being a mom?
The hardest part for me is witnessing my kids experience pain. Last year, when Sawyer started kindergarten, he faced teasing from some girls who called him a baby and said he was too small to be in school. Being on the smaller side for his age, he came home angry and upset, eventually confiding in me about what happened. It was heartbreaking to see him hurt like that. As a mom, I can comfort him and try to lift his spirits, but I can’t erase the pain he felt. That helplessness is the toughest part for me.
What do you love most about being a mom?
Watching my kids grow into independent thinkers with unique personalities is the most incredible part. I adored the baby phase—their sweetness, innocence, and that unforgettable baby smell. But seeing them now, talking, sharing ideas, cracking jokes, and expressing themselves creatively, is even more magical.
What has been your biggest surprise in motherhood?
I never realized how fiercely I could love another human being. The depth of love that comes with being a mom is beyond anything I could have imagined.
Tell us about a mom you admire.
Without hesitation, my mom is my greatest inspiration. She has been an extraordinary role model in every way. She fostered a deep bond with my brother and me, creating a relationship built on trust and respect. Growing up, the thought of disappointing her was more devastating than any punishment. Beyond that, she was incredibly involved—coaching my softball team, leading Girl Scouts, organizing school events, and throwing unforgettable Halloween and birthday parties. Her dedication to our lives has left an indelible mark on me.
What is your greatest wish for your children?
Whenever I hear the song “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts, it brings me to tears because it perfectly captures everything I hope for my kids. I want them to live lives filled with happiness, resilience, and a positive impact on others. The lyrics, “My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big and your worries stay small,” encapsulate my hopes. Above all, I want them to know they are deeply loved and supported, no matter where life takes them.
How has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood has motivated me to take better care of myself. I want to be there for my children for as long as possible—to witness their lives unfold and celebrate their milestones. It has also inspired me to lead by example, showing them the importance of living a healthy and balanced life.
What three words describe the kind of mother you want to be?
The three words I would use to describe the kind of mother I strive to be are nurturing, open, and supportive. Nurturing in both the emotional and creative sense, where I encourage my children to explore their feelings, creativity, and dreams. Open, meaning that I remain receptive to new ideas, approaches, and challenges that come with raising my kids. And supportive—always providing a strong foundation for them to grow, learn, and thrive.
What is one of your favorite childhood memories of your mom?
One of my fondest childhood memories of my mom takes me back to when I was obsessed with the movie Annie. Every summer, our family would visit Ogunquit, Maine, and there was this charming theater where I first saw Annie. It was such a magical experience, and my mom made the day even more special by taking me there. It was a perfect mother-daughter outing—just the two of us, sharing the joy of the movie and making memories together.
In what way(s) do you aspire to be like your mom?
If I can be even half the mother my own mom was, I will consider myself incredibly fortunate. She was so involved in our lives, and I try to emulate that in my own way. For example, I’ve coached Sawyer’s T-ball team and made an effort to volunteer at the school whenever possible. These are small things, but they remind my children that they are important to me, just as my mom’s involvement showed me that I was important to her.
What is your absolute favorite thing about your mom?
My favorite thing about my mom is her unwavering willingness to help others. She has such a big heart, and despite her small frame, she’s always there for anyone who needs her. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a stranger, my mom is the first one to step in and offer help, and that is something I deeply admire.
What is the most important parenting lesson you learned from your mom?
One of the most important lessons I learned from my mom was the art of patience and guidance. I was reminded of this during the chaos of Hurricane Katrina when my family was evacuated. At that time, Sawyer was just a baby, and my husband had to return to Louisiana to help with the aftermath of the storm. My mom played a crucial role in helping me train Sawyer to sleep through the night. She gave me the guidance and support I needed to help him sleep soundly at just six weeks old. When Emmy came along, I already knew exactly what to do because of her wisdom. That lesson in patience and parenting has stayed with me and helped shape the way I approach motherhood.
How would you spend your ideal Mother’s Day?
My ideal Mother’s Day would be spent with my family, doing something meaningful together. Last year, we planted roses at our old house, a beautiful and symbolic gesture before we knew we would be moving. This year, I would love to spend the day outside, creating a vegetable and herb garden with my family. We all love spending time outdoors, and for me, it’s not about being pampered—it’s about enjoying time with the people I love, doing something productive and fun. Afterward, a simple dinner on the grill and a glass of wine would make the day perfect. Oh, and on Mother’s Day, Chris takes over bath and bedtime duties for the kids, which is always a welcome treat! 😊
Do you have any gift recommendations for a father and children for Mother’s Day?
My favorite gifts are the ones that are thoughtful and creative. I came across an idea for Father’s Day that could easily be adapted for Mother’s Day, and I think it would make an incredible gift. The idea is to create a photo book filled with pictures, and then have the kids answer a series of questions about their mom. Their answers would be so heartfelt and meaningful, and the photos would make the whole gift even more personal. It would be an unforgettable and sentimental keepsake!
What morsel of advice would you share with a mom-to-be?
The best piece of advice I can offer to a mom-to-be is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Every family is different, every child is unique, and every mother’s journey is her own. The key is to trust your instincts, do what feels right for your family, and never feel pressured to follow someone else’s path. Motherhood is personal, and you get to decide what works best for you and your loved ones.
Thank you, Cassie, for sharing your beautiful perspective on motherhood with all of us today!
