Motherhood isn't always grand gestures or perfect Pinterest moments — often, it's the quiet triumphs in everyday life that shine the brightest. It’s the car rides filled with deep conversations, the lunchbox notes, the loud cheers from the sidelines, and the hugs after a hard day.

This Mother's Day, we’re celebrating six local moms — women who are raising remarkable kids while finding meaning, humor, and strength in the beautiful chaos of life.

 

Bailey DeCarli, Fredericksburg

Meet Bailey! She and her husband Cody are raising their sweet, spirited 3-year-old son, Stellan, in Fredericksburg. For Bailey, motherhood has been a beautiful blend of humbling moments and joyful victories. She’s learning and growing right alongside her little one, embracing the daily chaos with love and patience.

 

Her advice to fellow moms? “Some days will feel like a win, others are pure survival. Give yourself grace and know that you're doing great...and that snacks solve most problems!”

 Samantha Henry, Fredericksburg

Meet Samantha! She’s been happily married to her husband Stanley for 15 years, and together they’re raising their 11-year-old son, Kobyn. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, they moved to Fredericksburg in 2021 and got to experience the excitement of watching their home being built from the ground up. Motherhood is everything to Samantha, bringing her immense joy to know that she’s raising him with the same strong values her mom instilled in her. This season of motherhood is especially meaningful as she watches Kobyn grow, discovering what he loves and having deep, thoughtful conversations with him.

 

Her advice for fellow moms? “Spend time with your kids. Like real time. Time moves so fast. You will never get these moments back, they will only be memories.”

 Helen Jarrett, Spotsylvania

Meet Helen! A proud single mom of five — Rebecca (17), Leslie (17), Ella (14), William (12), and Hazel (9) — she’s also the proud caretaker of a crew of pets, including two dogs, two guinea pigs, a bearded dragon, a Toka gecko, and a corn snake! As a single mother, Helen has navigated the ups and downs of motherhood with strength, humor, and heart. Motherhood has been everything to Helen, even as she adjusts to her kids becoming more independent.

 

Her advice for fellow moms? “‘Let Them.’ They have to figure things out on their own, even when we can see that the outcome may not be what they hope for. As long as they won't be harmed, then let them figure it out for themselves.”

 Wendy Latella, Fredericksburg

Meet Wendy! She’s raising her two boys, George (13), Robert (10) with her husband Jason in Fredericksburg. Her sense of humor is contagious, and her kids love to joke around, often laughing at her antics. Wendy’s journey to motherhood wasn’t easy, with many challenges along the way, but that has only taught her to cherish every moment with her growing boys because she knows all too well how quickly the years are passing.

 

Her advice for fellow moms? “Your kids are lucky to have you as their Mom.  You are their only Mom and you have the exact traits that they need to grow, be comforted, be helped and healed, and be loved.  You are uniquely perfect for your littles!  So be you, Mommas!  Let them see your strengths and your weaknesses.  Let them see you make mistakes and fix those mistakes with grace and a smile.  And the best you can do:  Let them see you soar with your natural talents and gifts.  When you then encourage them to embrace their talents, they'll know how to take the bumps, make the mistakes, and soar like eagles because they watched their Momma do it first!  Happy Mother's Day to you all!”

 Venise Lewis, Spotsylvania

Meet Venise! She and her husband, Karim (who’s originally from Casablanca, Morocco), live in Spotsylvania but spend most of their time in Fredericksburg with their energetic 14-year-old son, Ramsey. Ramsey is an athletic and adventurous spirit who keeps his parents on their toes with his passion for football, basketball, and cultural activities. From attending the Marquis de Lafayette gala to taking Regency period dance lessons, Venise is making precious memories with Ramsey as he grows. For Venise, motherhood has been about being there for her son through all the stages — from fun childhood adventures to the excitement of sporting events and future college tours.

 

Her advice to fellow moms? “As much as you prepare for it, you are never ready. There is always something unexpected or something you should have learned more about that will pop up. Just do your best and don’t worry about being the perfect mother, it will all work out in the end.”

 

 Jacey B. Renner, Stafford

Meet Jacey! She and her husband James are an Air Force family, raising their two sons, Cam (7th grade) and Cason (3rd grade), in Stafford. For Jacey, motherhood is everything — her greatest joy is watching her boys grow into kind, open-hearted people. As a teacher at the school where her oldest attends, she treasures being part of their daily lives both at home and at work.

 

Her advice for fellow moms? “Listen, motherhood is tough. But what you will remember most, despite being exhausted, despite being overwhelmed, is the way they make you laugh on the hardest days, and all the ways they teach you to be the best person you can be. So, hold on, and know that you're in it, and it will be amazing.”

Celebrate the Moments That Last a Lifetime

So Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms who are turning everyday moments into lifelong memories! Whether you’re wiping away tears, sharing a laugh, or savoring quiet moments together, you are creating a beautiful story that your children will carry with them forever. Your love, patience, and dedication do more than just nurture — they shape futures and create bonds that last a lifetime. We are so grateful for the ways you pour your heart into your family every single day.

Tell us - what is one piece of advice you’d give a new mom or share with your younger self?