Lisa Cooley

This single mom has entered a new era of parenting.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

I’m a single mom. Nora’s dad has been wonderful to her and very present in her life.

Our old doggie Aspen, a golden retriever lived until she was 16. Then we got Greta, and now we have Maisie Bell, our 10-year-old Golden Doodle.

I have a tremendous group of girlfriends who always have my back, and my sister Lauren whom I cannot imagine life without. We own our business together. All of these wonderful women have helped me shape who Nora is today.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

Honestly, I don’t remember giving it much thought. I really decided when I was about 35 years old, and then my biological clock started to tick. I was finally able to have my miracle daughter when I turned 40.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. There are so many, many proud moments.

I cried on the first day of school every year. I was so proud of her when she graduated from middle school, and once again my heart filled with pride and I cried. Recently, Nora graduated from high school and received a full scholastic scholarship. I cannot tell you how proud I am of her for this incredible achievement. (My pocket book is very happy, too).

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments.

Not so fine moment: we did a penny fundraiser during middle school to fund something (I forget what it was for) and I went to all of the classrooms to pick up the very heavy glass bottles filled with pennies. I dropped one in the fourth grade classroom and I said a bad word in front of the whole class, and everyone in school knew that Nora’s mom cussed. So embarrassing.

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

I found a melted plastic horse in the shaft of the pit in my pellet stove. Nora had been playing and put it in the stove. Later, when we turned it on, the horse melted, and I had to call a professional to help us clean it out.

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

“Born in a barn? Don’t leave the door open.” “Is this where your shoes belong?” “If all of your friends jumped off of the bridge, would you?” All the dumb things my mom would say that I swore I would never say. Now I can’t help it. It just comes naturally.

What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now?

I’m enjoying the freedom of our friendship right now, as there isn’t a whole lot of momming going on. She is 19, and a self-sufficient college girl. She stops by the house at least once every other day for laundry, food, etc. Now I get to really enjoy the woman she is becoming. She is funny and smart. Quick-witted too. She’s truly a pleasure to hang out with.

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?

Being a business owner, running a foundation and being a full-time single mom is not easy. I find the only way I can ensure that I don’t forget anything is being organized. I use an old-fashioned daytimer as a planner and utilize it just how I learned to use it in college: The Franklin Covey System. I even teach my employees a time management class. Most things do not fall through the cracks; however, I tend to procrastinate when it comes to deep cleaning my house. The other thing I am terrible about is shopping — I do not like it and use Amazon way too much.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home.

I own an in-home care company called Your Memory Care Team. My sister and I have been running this company for almost five years now, and we are small — only about 10 homes — and we specialize in caring for elderly folks with dementia (in their homes). We have about 10 employees, and we really are the go-to people if you have someone that you care for who has dementia.

I also run two dementia support groups at the Campbell Community Center. I love being able to help families who really are stuck when it comes to dementia. Also, I am the coordinator of a 50+ staff and crew with the Oregon Country Fair: we take care of the refrigeration for all of the food booths as well as sell ice.

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

To be a good listener. I find that too many people jump in to answer without actually hearing what the question was. You can really learn a lot about people if you simply listen to them. And it’s amazing what you can learn from your kids if you take the time to listen to them without interrupting.

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

I published two books! I’m very proud of them. They are for sale on Amazon and under the pen name of Jordan Keys. Both books are historical accounts from the Bible. Faithful Women of the Bible is the one that’s actually selling right now. I’m also working on a children’s book series about the animals that live at Rocky River Ranch. The first one is about a little baby sheep named Button, and I hope to have it published this fall. Also, I’m working hard to start an online business running courses and support groups all about dementia. Once it goes live in September, I’m going to be so proud.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

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

My mom died when I was 10 years old, and I was raised by my dad and his wife. She was great. I didn’t always like her, but she definitely taught me right from wrong, and I really was lucky to have her. She’s still a very good friend to me, and we talk all the time (she’s only 15 years older than me).

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

I grew up in Denver and it truly influenced my love for the outdoors: camping, hiking and skiing are all things I still enjoy. Although it was hard to get used to the rain here, I can say without a doubt that Oregon is beautiful.

What is something you will never do again?

Probably skydiving. I used to skydive a lot. I have about 60 jumps in…and then I got scared. I think I’m still too scared to do it again.

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

Financial freedom, especially to travel. Nora loves to travel; she's already been to Iceland, Italy and Mexico.

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 be able to play my ukelele. I’ve been trying for years and I find it so hard.

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

Bed making — I can do it better than any employee at a five-star hotel.

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

I like to cook. I am actually a good cook, but I don’t do it often because I live alone.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do?

Work on my books. And in my garden or simply read a good book. I love to sit on my front porch and read while also spying on my neighbors.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)?

Money, of course. As a single mom, I have always had to worry about money. I want everything for my daughter, and I cannot afford to give her everything.

What is your least/most favorite household chore?

Unloading the dishwasher. I don’t know why I hate that job so much. I love doing laundry and will trade you any day if you’ll unload the dishwasher for me.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

Ice cream and the Hallmark Movie Channel.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling is my extravagance. Even without the financial security, I have traveled to Africa, Egypt and Europe. I work hard so that I can afford to travel.

Listen to mom.

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

It was way more work than I thought it would be, yet, more importantly, it is full of love. I had no idea that the kind of love a mother has would be so powerful. I absolutely love, love, love being a mom, and I would have three more if I could.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today?

My friends mostly. I have amazing friends that are moms. I watch their strength and joy and draw from that into my own relationship with my daughter.

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

Never get too busy to play. When your child says, “Mommy, will you play with me?” do it. Too many times, I said, “Honey, I can’t right now, how about after dinner?” I wish now that I would have dropped everything and simply gotten on the floor to play. I won’t get those moments back.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

Go easier on yourself! There’s no such thing as a perfect mom. But we can get close. Also: I wish I really knew, or understood just really how FAST it goes. Next thing you know, 19 years go by, and what I wouldn’t do to slow down that time.

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MOMs love local…

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

…coffee spot: Hideaway Bakery

…hair salon: Gervais Salon & Day Spa

…restaurant to take the kids: Cornucopia

…restaurants for a date night: Mazzy’s, Beppe & Giannis Trattoria

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Tie Died Chef

…meetup spot for happy hour: Bier Stein

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Title Nine, Hirons, Whole Foods

…local park where kids can let off steam: Washington Park, Tugman Park

…events in your community: Bark in the Park, Alzheimer’s Walk, Friendly neighborhood gatherings

…any other local places you love: Hey Neighbor! Pizza House, Amazon Park, Sheldon Pool

MOM’s favorite…

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Trivial Pursuit

…favorite words of wisdom: Told to me by my Grammy when I was about 11, “Do not wear lip-gloss on a windy day!”

…place to find some peace & quiet: My backyard garden next to the water feature.

…binge-worthy TV: Game of Thrones

…inspirational quote: “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” — Dolly Parton

…time-saving app: Genius Scan