Awbrey Cyrus

With a toddler on her hip and mud on her boots, this mom can handle a broken gate, a surprise vet call or a child’s meltdown all before 8 a.m.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

Andrew and I have our own businesses that take up a lot of our time. We currently live separately most of the time, between Junction City and Sisters. While it’s not the ideal situation, it does work for us and for our family.

Farming is a big part of our lives and who we are. The day doesn’t end because it’s 5 p.m. or it’s the weekend. The kids have been out in the lambing barn at 2 a.m. or out in the tractor cutting hay all day with me. Our lives are all about agriculture.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a

car seat?

At this point, what haven’t I found? Castration bands, toy cars, headbands, livestock tags, livestock syringes (without the needles); even the kittens ride in the pickup frequently.

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do (skip showers, go to

a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)?

Skipping showers, giving the kids a wet wipes’ bath, going to the store in sweats. I have definitely relaxed a bit.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…

“Knock it off,” “be nice to your sibling,” and “go pick up your room.” Half of the time I feel like a broken record. But of course farm kids also require more, like, “Stop throwing dirt at your brother,” or “no, the rabbit can’t sleep in your bed.”

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 definitely a juggle — especially with two little ones, a full-blown farm and a never-ending to-do list. Some days we’re knocking out big tasks like branding cattle, sorting sheep, cutting hay or working horses from sunup to sundown. Other days, if everyone is fed and the animals are alive and well, I call that a victory.

Balance is less about perfection and more about give-and-take. One thing that definitely falls through the cracks is housework — especially during the busy summer months. I’ve learned to let go of the spotless house standard in favor of feeding lambs or chasing toddlers through the barn.

I’m incredibly grateful for our village. In Sisters, my parents live right on the property and help wrangle the kids when things get hectic. In Junction City, Andrew and I have his parents just up the road. Having that support is everything.

Tell us about your work outside of the home.

Outside of being a mom, I own a horse and carriage business, North Pine Carriage Co, and I breed show lambs and ranch fulltime. There’s no shortage of work to be done!

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom?

Farming and ranching have taught me that no two days are the same — and that goes for motherhood too. Animals, equipment, weather, kids…nothing runs on schedule, and nothing ever goes quite as planned. I’ve learned to be flexible, patient and creative in how I solve problems because sometimes a broken gate, a surprise vet call and a toddler meltdown all happen before 8 a.m.

Owning my own business has also taught me to keep long-term goals in mind, even when the short-term feels overwhelming. That mindset helps me parent with perspective — reminding myself it’s okay if the house is a mess or dinner is late, as long as the kids are loved, safe and growing. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to work hard but also when to step back and just enjoy the little moments, which is sometimes the hardest part of all.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

One recent moment I’m incredibly proud of was getting to hook up our baby Belgian filly alongside her mom to our horse-drawn wagon and walk them in the Sisters Rodeo Parade. It was her very first public outing, and seeing her calmly walk through the noise and crowds by her mother’s side felt like the perfect blend of hard work, trust and tradition. That moment brought together my love of animals, horsemanship and community in such a powerful way.

Beyond that, I’ve been expanding my carriage business while also planning to make our family farm more interactive and educational for kids and families. Agriculture is my passion, and I’m proud of how I’ve built a life that brings work, family and purpose together — sometimes with a toddler on my hip and mud on my boots.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years?

Absolutely. One of my biggest goals is to take over the family farm in Sisters and continue that legacy while building something sustainable for our family. At the same time, I’d love to create more flexibility in our day-to-day so we can slow down occasionally and soak up more time together — without needing to schedule it between feedings and fence repairs.

I am also hoping to expand North Pine Carriage into the Willamette Valley. Right now, most of our carriage work is in Central Oregon, but growing our reach means I could serve more communities while keeping things fresh and creative for myself, too.

Long-term, I dream of turning our farm into an interactive experience for families: something hands-on and educational, where kids can meet the animals, learn about how food is grown and fall in love with agriculture. I’m a firm believer that agricultural education matters more now than ever. Bringing together my livestock, my business and my love for teaching feels like the perfect full-circle goal.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today?

I had a unique childhood: part of it was spent on a golf course, and the rest on my great-grandparents’ old property once I was about 13. We moved there so I could finally keep all the animals I’d been collecting at my grandparents’ place. I’ve always been drawn to the rhythm of farm life and the responsibility that comes with caring for animals.

I come from a big, close-knit family with two younger brothers, lots of cousins and deep roots in farming. My parents were tough and hardworking, and they raised us the same way. By the time I was in middle school, I could drive a tractor solo, pull a lamb, change irrigation lines, ride for cattle across thousands of acres and give livestock vaccines. That kind of hands-on upbringing shaped everything about who I am now as a mom. I want to pass on that same work ethic and independence to my own kids, but I also want them to have fun and enjoy their childhood. They’re often riding in the wagon with me giving tours, checking cows or on the road for vet trips to breed horses. Just like I was, they’re learning by doing — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you?

I was born and raised in Sisters, Oregon, where my family has been rooted for generations. Growing up in a small, agricultural community shaped my values early — hard work, resourcefulness and a strong connection to the land. It’s the kind of place where neighbors help each other, kids grow up riding horses and stacking hay, and your word means something. That foundation has influenced every part of my life, from how I raise my kids to how I run my businesses.

What’s your superpower?

I would say perseverance. I have definitely faced some hardships and hard times in my life that no one should have to go through. One of the hardest has been learning how to adjust to life after a traumatic brain injury.

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?

To fall asleep in the blink of an eye.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal?

If they had chasing cows on horseback in the Olympics, that would definitely be it!

Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you.

I lived in Tokyo, Japan as an exchange student when I was 14.

What keeps you sane?

Definitely Andrew. He is my rock, even if he drives me a little nutty as well.

Listen to mom.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom?

The dishes can wait.

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier?

Taking care of myself first, whether that means asking for help, taking a break or just drinking more water. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids?

More freedom to just be kids. I want them to have responsibility, but also imagination, play and time to be silly without pressure.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Fresh flowers, even if I pick them from my own garden. There’s just something about a mason jar full of blooms on the kitchen table that makes the chaos feel a little softer.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Jo March from Little Women. Strong-willed, independent and determined to forge her own path — just like I try to be.

Who is your favorite real-life hero?

My mother. She worked hard, raised us with grit and love, and always made sure we knew how capable we were.

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better?

Other hardworking rural moms and women in ag — those building lives on grit, grace and purpose. Seeing others do it reminds me I can, too.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most?

Yes and no. I knew it would be hard but I didn’t expect how much it would transform me. I’ve never felt so exhausted and so full of purpose at the same time. What surprises me most is how much joy can live in the tiniest moments — sticky kisses, toddler logic, the way your child looks at you like you hung the moon.

Do current events shape how you parent, and if so, how?

They absolutely do. I try to teach my kids resilience, compassion, and the importance of thinking critically because the world is complicated, and I want them to be kind and capable no matter what it throws at them.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Tell it like it is.

You’re doing better than you think. Some seasons are chaos and some are calm — but all of them matter. Let go of perfection, ask for help, and lean into the mess. You don’t have to do it all to be a good mom — you just have to love them well.

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MOM’s favorite…

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Uno, once the littles are down

…binge-worthy podcast: The Dating Detectives (I was interviewed for a two-part episode.)

…way to get out of making dinner: Call it “snack night” and put out a spread of crackers, cheese, fruit and whatever’s in the fridge — bonus points if it’s eaten on the tailgate or in the barn aisle.

…inspirational quote: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt

…time-saving app or digital tool: The calendar app and my phone’s camera roll.

…parenting book or philosophy: “Don’t do for your kids what they can do for themselves.”

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MOMs love local…

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Sisters Apothecary

…coffee spot: Country Coffee

…restaurant to take the kids: Sisters Saloon

…meetup spot for happy hour: The patio at Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Canyon Creek in Sisters

…spot to get a good workout: Sisters Athletic Club

…hair salon: Beauty Barn Salon in Crooked River Ranch

…restaurants for a date night: Noi Thai or Sisters Saloon

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: The Bite in Tumalo

…local park where kids can let off steam: Little Bug Play Hub in Redmond

…event in your community: Sisters Rodeo

…any other local places you love: High Desert Museum

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