Auburn-Opelika Moms Mother of the Year {2021}

Auburn-Opelika Moms was created with a passion for the Auburn-Opelika community and the moms who live here, and our goal is to make the “loveliest village” that we all live in feel just a little bit smaller. We may not always have the same opinions, parent the same, or have similar backgrounds, but we all know it takes a village to raise these tiny humans. We cannot do it without the support of one another! To champion our mission, we are thrilled to announce the 2021 Mother of the Year!

Voted on by our local community, Auburn-Opelika Moms 2021 Mother of the Year is…….

Marie Foshee

“Marie is the absolute best at loving on and investing in young moms. She is constantly looking for ways to encourage them and serve them- whether it’s treating them to lunch, living life alongside them, or helping with their children. Marie spends so much of her days giving to children and young moms. She is the best of the best. Hands down.”

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We are honored to have Marie selected as the Auburn-Opelika Moms 2021 Mother of the Year. We are encouraged by her desire to walk alongside young mothers and her heart for children. If you need a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on we know that you can call upon her. As said by the MANY that voted for her, “she without a doubt represents the best of Auburn-Opelika Moms”

Mother of Three (Adult Children and One Grandchild)

Works in a Part Time Role

Where were you born? Opp, Alabama

Where do you currently reside? Auburn, Alabama

What brings you joy as a mother? “No greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in truth.” 3 John 1:4

What is your reaction to being nominated? Absolutely do not deserve this.

What is your advice for new/expectant mothers? This is your season, enjoy it. There will be a time later in life when you can sleep 8 hours, have a clean house, exercise daily. Enjoy the late night rocks and snuggles with your child. Being a mom is your career for now. Do not listen to the negative of the world.

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself? My biological mother left when I was 4. My dad had 4 children to raise I was the youngest. He remarried a window that had grandchildren my age. She loved me as if she had given birth to me. She is my role model.

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Below you will find the Top Nominees that were nominated by our local community. The Auburn-Opelika Moms Team had the difficult job of narrowing all of the incredible nominations down to 10. It was encouraging to read so many stories and praises of local moms, it was almost impossible to narrow down as EVERY SINGLE mother nominated (and those who were not) deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

Our community had the job of voting for the 2021 Mother of the Year. We were blown away by the number of votes and encouraging words from our community about these mothers. We believe they should be celebrated and encouraged often. Thank you for each nomination and vote.

Please join us in celebrating these incredible women.

Dr. Nicole Carter

Mother of Three (17, 14, 10)

Works in a Full Time Role

Where were you born? Flint, Michigan

Where do you currently reside? Auburn, Alabama

What brings you joy as a mother? All three of my boys are so different. I love seeing them explore different interests and passions. I love watching them play sports and perform on the stage. And I’m just lucky to get to be their mom.

What is your reaction to being nominated? I’m truly honored.

What is your advice for new/expectant mothers? Pat yourself on the back and be proud of the mother you are. Love your kiddos. Spend time with them. Be present. That’s what matters.

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself?

If I’m half the mother my mom is then I’ll be proud of myself. My mom is one of the most selfless people I know. She always thinks of others first and her family is most important to her.

What others are saying about her: “She has the biggest heart – for her own three boys, her parents and extended family, her husband, and our community as a whole. This year has drained her physically, emotionally, and spiritually…but there hasn’t been a day she’s given less than 100% to her children or our community. She perseveres and doubles down when most throw in the towel. And she instills that kind of work ethic and commitment in her boys. You want her in your village, and you want to help her with hers.”

Joy Irvine

Mother of Two (5, 2)

Stay at Home Mom

Where were you born? Tuguegarao City, Philippines

Where do you currently reside? Auburn, Alabama

What brings you joy as a mother? It’s the simple things, really. When the kids say either that they’re happy, that I’m a good Mom, that the food was delicious or that they know Dad & I will care for them when they’re sick. And those smiles!

What is your reaction to being nominated? Shock! Honestly though, it’s quite humbling to be nominated.

What is your advice for new/expectant mothers? I would encourage new/expecting mothers to make sure they take alone time for themselves… can’t take care of others well if you don’t take care of your own wellbeing!

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself? Well, growing up in an Asian household, full of regiment, she taught us the importance of discipline, as well as the importance of family; additionally, she constantly reminded us that we should be thankful for all things we have, whether big or small, because they are blessings from the Most High.

What others are saying about her: “She is ever-grateful for everything the US provides & represents in our world, that it accepted her as one if its own.”

Mehgan Lazenby

Mother of Three (11, 9, 6)

VCOM Med School Student

Where were you born? – Montgomery, Alabama

Where do you currently reside? – Auburn, Alabama

What brings you joy as a mother? – It’s a privilege to be their biggest cheerleader, to help them grow in their faith, kindness and love for others, and to pursue their passions in life with no regrets.

What is your reaction to being nominated? – Pretty shocking; I definitely don’t feel deserving.

What is your advice for new/expectant mothers? – To be excited for what is coming! There are challenges ahead for sure, but nothing in comparison to the growth in yourself and joys in life you will soon experience.

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself? – My mom has the biggest giving heart. Growing up she was constantly doing more for other people than herself. Her example truly showed me how to love people well and was influential in my desire to become a physician. Without her constant support and faith I wouldn’t be the mom I am today. I’m grateful for all she instilled in me to pass on to my kids.

What others are saying about her: “Mehgan is just incredible and so humble. Juggling being a wife, mother, daughter and friend while being in college full time to be a doctor. She does it all so gracefully, never complaining. Her goal is to become an OBGYN because she loves people and loves the idea of helping others bring life into this world and being a part of her patients lives in a deeper way throughout their pregnancy and beyond. She’s literally a super mom!”

Mallory Rice

Mother of Two (5, 10 months)

Works in a Full Time Role

Where were you born? Huntsville, Alabama

Where do you currently reside? Auburn, Alabama

What brings you joy as a mother? Seeing how much my two girls love each other, and being able to watch their friendship grow day by day.

What is your reaction to being nominated? Very surprised! And also very thankful that someone would take the time to nominate me.

What is your advice for new/expectant mothers? Being a mom is tough and at times it can feel like you are not doing enough, and you wonder if you are doing the right things for your kids. Just know that you yourself are enough for your children and that you are the perfect parent for them! They think the world of you and you are so special to them.

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself? Her resilience and sacrifices to make sure that my brother and I were always taken care of no matter what set a great example for me to always work hard and pursue my goals.

What others are saying about her: “Mallory is a Nurse Practitioner and the best Mom! She takes care of patients all day and then juggles taking care of her girls. She’s amazing!”

Michelle R. Roney

Mother of Three (6, 4, 2)

Stay at Home Mom

Where were you born? I was born and raised here in Auburn, AL and when I married my husband, with his career we’ve been able to travel with our two oldest born in Germany.

Where do you currently reside? My husband is currently deployed so the kids and I have lived here in Auburn for the past 13 months.

What brings you joy as a mother? Being a mother brings me so much JOY! Just the look in their sweet baby blue eyes when they come up and wrapped their little arms around you and say “I love you momma” … melts me every time.

What is your reaction to being nominated? WOW… This was totally unexpected! This past year has been a year of challenges and to think someone looking in may have thought I looked like I have some things together is humbling but yet a honor.

What is your advice for new/expectant mothers? My advice to new Moms : The nights may be long but the days are so short… it’s just a chapter and it’s all so worth it!

What others are saying about her: “Michelle is a phenomenal mom because she is constantly nurturing and loving on her babies. Her husband has been deployed over seas now for 13 months. I get to see her in action every day and it never ceases me how strong and resilient she is. Homeschooling, piano practice, Girl Scouts, meal prep and mountains of laundry are just a few things she has to do within her weekdays. She is super neat and creative.”

Jayme Smith

Mother of Two (12, 6)

Works in a Full Time Role

Where were you born? Brewton, Alabama

Where do you currently reside? Auburn, Alabama

What brings you joy as a mother? The greatest joy is watching my girls develop their own relationship with Jesus. The simplicity of their faith is so encouraging and God uses them to teach me something new daily.

What is your reaction to being nominated? I fall short every single day and often lie in bed thinking of the “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” moments. To know that someone else thinks I’m doing a good job raising these girls is very humbling and I am honored.

What is your advice for new/expectant mothers? Don’t compare yourself to others. What is best for you and your family may be very different than what is best for others and that is okay. We are all on our own journey and rarely see the whole picture of someone else’s path. Also, be intentional to set aside time with your child(ren). Talk with them and listen to them. Start this young and they will be more likely to continue an open line of communication as they get older. Finally, set boundaries. It is not your responsibility to be your child’s best friend. Children crave (and thrive with) structure, rules, and discipline.

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself? The thing I most remember my mom saying is, “Right is right even if no one else is doing it and wrong is wrong even if everyone else is doing it.” She had very high expectations for me that I didn’t always appreciate when I was younger, but as an adult I am now so thankful that hard work was expected, and mediocrity was not tolerated.

What others are saying about her: “She’s kind, firm and loving. It’s one thing to be a good Mom but she also loves all her students and loves on them as well!”

Jara Walden

Mother of Seven (4 biological from ages 17-10 and 3 adopted ages 8-6)

Works in a Part Time Role

Where were you born? I was born in Texas and lived there until I was eleven years old.

Where do you currently reside? We moved to Mississippi and then to Alabama. I have lived in Auburn now for 22 years since attending Auburn University, so I definitely claim it as home.

What brings you joy as a mother? Some things that bring me joy as a mother are…bedtime (not really, kidding), seeing my kids succeed, and watching them grow their relationships with each other.

What is your reaction to being nominated? My reaction to being nominated for this was actually hysterical laughter. I am no different than any other mom who loves her children and wants what is best for them. In fact, my kids would probably agree that many other moms are better than me. I was recently told by my 6 year old that I am an “embarrassing mom.”

Many years ago when I was pregnant with my fourth child, many people reacted with surprise that I was having more children. I told one of my friends, “I just love them so much.” She replied with something that changed my perspective and she was TOTALLY right. She said, “I really love my children too, but I only want two.” I never doubted that other people loved their children, but I realized in that conversation that I had a high tolerance for chaos, not more love. Since then, we have adopted three more children. The children, the chaos, and the love are abundant in our home. I always thought that my own hyperactivity and somewhat unconventional way of doing things was something that I needed to change. But, I truly believe that God uses what we think are imperfections for good.

My biggest word of advice would be: My advice to new mothers would be to embrace the person that God made you to be…not your friends, not your neighbors, not your fav instagram mom. He made you the perfect mom for your children.

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself?

My mom is the hardest worker you will ever find. She taught me not to limit myself, to have high expectations, and most importantly that Jesus is the reason for everything that we do. My parents planted the seed of adoption in my heart. They seriously talked about adoption when I was about ten years old. For a variety of reasons, they were never able to adopt. But, I never forgot about it. I don’t recall specific conversations that we had, but there is no doubt that those conversations were the reason that I highly valued adoption and believed that it was something needed and that I could do.

What others are saying about her: “Jara is selfless. She just loves kids (plain and simple). She believes her passion for kids is a gift from God.”

Katherine Walden

Mother of Three (5, 4, 2, with #4 on the way!)

Stay at Home Mom

I was born in Cullman, AL.

I currently live in Auburn, AL.

Something that brings me joy as a mother is definitely.. nap time – but in all seriousness, having the opportunity to daily pour into, love, and build up my children is one of the highest honors of my life. Being my favorite people’s “safe place” is an incredible feeling.

What is your reaction to being nominated? – I absolutely cannot believe someone thought to, and took the time and energy to nominate me, especially considering how many INCREDIBLE mothers I know in this community! In this season where I often question if I am doing well as a mother, and I cannot receive affirmation from my kids on that front just yet, due to their young ages, it is incredibly encouraging to hear that someone out there thinks I am doing well in this role!

My biggest word of advice would be: have your people. Have someone (spouse, friend, sister, mother, whatever) that you can be open with about EVERYTHING. Some of the heaviest loads we carry as mother’s are the silent, mental burdens we are tempted not to share, and the relief that comes from being able to simply speak frankly with someone is absolutely huge.

And in that same vein, having a solid church family that you know and that knows you, can be one of the biggest ways the Lord blesses your journey as a mom.

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself?

I am one out of ten children, so as I have become a mom, I am more and more in awe of the sacrifices my mother made to care for us, from her example, I learned that, however imperfect your efforts might be, giving all you can for your children is absolutely worth it.

What others are saying about her: “She spends her days tirelessly investing in the lives of her kids- she makes mom life look so fun and easy while being honest about the struggles!”

Haley Wine

Mother of Four (4 year old twins, 2.5, and Newborn)

Stay at Home Mom

Where were you born? Dothan, AL

Where do you currently reside? Auburn, AL

What brings you joy as a mother? It brings me so much joy as a mom seeing my kids grow and learn. Each stage is so much fun and I feel so honored to have a front row seat to cheer them on. I can’t wait to see how God uses their lives for His glory. It also brings me joy when all my kids nap at the same time.

What is your reaction to being nominated? So humbled! There are so many amazing mamas on (and off) this list.

What is your advice for new/expectant mothers? Comparison is the thief of joy.

What influences did YOUR mother (or similar figure) have on you as a mother yourself?

Man, where to begin? I know that no parent is perfect but my mom is awfully close. One thing I appreciate about her the most is that she modeled the behavior she wanted to see come from her children, even though all four of us are very different people. She wanted us to be kind, so she was kind. She wanted us to be quick to forgive, be honest, and good friends and so she did and was all of those things too. She serves her family selflessly and is constantly looking for ways to meet practical needs of everyone around her. I hope to be half the mother and woman she is.

What others are saying about her: “Just know that she rocks, all around. And absolutely deserves to be pampered! She has spent the last year taking care of three young kiddos, while being pregnant, and done it with such grace!”