Quilts to Kosairs

Today has started off so wonderful.  I have been trying to arrange to deliver some beautiful quilts made by the American Mothers, Inc. Chapter in Lexington to the Kosair's Children hospital for a few months, but we've been playing phone tag, and had schedule match up issues.  Finally, today was the day that we were able to meet.

At 10:30 am I picked up Susan Hill, 2011 Mother of the Year, and together she and I drove to downtown Louisville, Kosair's Children Hospital to deliver the four huge bags of quilts.  When we arrived in the lobby, there were three people waiting to greet us.  Julie was my main contact.

We unloaded all the quilts onto the train trolley (a decorated cart) and took some photos (coming soon).  Just as we were finishing up the photos, a lady that was passing by asked if she could buy a quilt, and then proceeded to explain her story.  It was terrible, her little granddaughter fell under a lawn mower and her arm was severed.  We were happy to give her a quilt.  Seeing the joy in her face, and knowing that was one of fifty people that will receive a beautiful hand made quilt was everything I needed to know this was worthwhile.  She looked at the variety of quilts and chose one with an elephant.  It was precious!

Service is, and always has been a very important aspect of my character and life.  I hope I can instill this value in my children through example and opportunity.  What a great morning!

American Mother Meeting at the Capital

Betsy has been working frantically for the past two weeks (while subbing), to get everything in place for today's "Celebration of Motherhood" being held at the Kentucky State Capital.  So much planning goes into this meeting - letters from dignitaries, proclamations, trays, engravings, flowers, certificates, figuring out what to say, when to say it, printing programs, etc.  What a huge event to prepare for.  I've been praying all will go well.

RuthAnn Sullivan

Well, after staying up until 2:00 a.m. to finish printing the programs (because I've been working on something else), Betsy thinks she has everything she needs for the presentation and program.

Betsy leaves the house around 8:45, gets gas, picks up Norma Hodge, 1980 Mother of the Year  and off we drive to the State Capital Building in. Frankfort, KY.

 Today is a day of honoring mothers; two in particular,  Mrs. Susan Hill, 2011 Kentucky Mother of the Year, and Mrs. RuthAnn Sullivan, 2011 Kentucky Young Mother.  It is also a day of recognizing the creative writing of three 5th grade students that wrote about their mothers.

The program went as follows:  I welcomed everyone out, Pearl Taylor, Mother of the Year from 2001 gave the invocation, and then I introduced RuthAnn Sullivan.  

She spoke for 10 minutes on the influence of evil and how we need to prepare our homes and families.  I presented her with a roses, her Young Mother necklace, an engraved silver tray,  a certificate from American Mothers, a letter from Senator Rand Paul and a Proclamation from Judge Executive of Oldham County, David Voegle.

Susan Hill

Next I introduced Susan Hill.  She spoke for 10 minutes sharing many joyous moments in raising her family.  

I presented her with a roses, her Mother of the Year pin (presented previously), an engraved silver tray,  a certificate from American Mothers, a letter from Senator Rand Paul and a Proclamation from Mayer Fisher of Louisville, KY.

I then introduced the 5th grade essay program and announced that we were here to honor our three state finalist.  

Cole Geredmann took 3rd place - he read his essay.  I had already presented him with a certificate and gift card to Barnes and Noble at his school, but today I presented him with a proclamation from Judge Executive David Voegle and a gift certificate from Osbourne Books.  

This repeated with the second place winner, Abby Harlan,

















and the first place winner, Morgan Jemtrud.  

It was my pleasure to also publicly announce that Morgan was named the 2nd place winner in the National Essay Contest.  I presented her with a letter, certificate and check for $75.  She was thrilled.

We concluded with a brief expression of thanks, and an explanation of what we do in American Mothers.  I shared some of the programs that we run in the state.  We then adjourned to the Rotunda for photos.

Following the photo session we caravanned to the Candleberry Tea Room for a luncheon.  I sat with Brother and Sister Pina and LaDonna Richardson.  What a wonderful lunch.

Norma and I loaded up the van and had a nice safe drive home!  What a great and successful day.  I felt very good about everything that had happened.

Cole Gerdemann and his mother Karri,
Abby Harlan and her mother, Dana,
Morgan Jemtrud and her mother Jamie.

American Mothers
Betsy Lowe, Jamie Jemtrud, Dana Harlan, Karri Gerdemann, Carrol Hoagland, Susan Hill, RuthAnn Sullivan, Pearl Taylor, Teresa Pina, Norma Hodge, Vivian Foe and LaDonna Richardson.

Mothers of the Year:  Betsy Lowe 1996, Carrol Hoagland 2000, Norma Hodge 1980, Susan Hill 2011, RuthAnn Sullivan 2011, Pearl Taylor 2002, and Vivian Price 1994

Susan Hill, 2011 Kentucky Mother of the Year
Betsy Lowe, Kentucky State President
RuthAnn Sullivan, 2011 Kentucky Young Mother

Susan with her family, husband Robert Hill and one of their three children John,
Betsy Lowe,
RuthAnn with her husband Kenn Sullivan

AMI National Convention in Salt Lake City

On Thursday, April 28, 2011 I flew out early in the morning bound for Salt Lake City to attend the 76th annual National American Mothers, Inc. Convention.  I really enjoy attending these conventions and feel so inspired to come back and be a better mom.  I also serve on the National Board so I had to be there for business meetings.  

On the first night, the whole group boarded buses that took us on a tour of SLC and then up to Heritage Place where we experienced first hand what it would have been like to be an early settler in Utah.  Here is the monument entitled "This is the Right Place," which are the words Bringham Young proclaimed upon seeing the Salt Lake Valley below.    We had a lovely pulled pork barbecue dinner, a train tour of the early settlements and good old fashion line dancing and singing entertainment this first night.  

Betsy with Vivian Dibb and Karla Cox

Betsy with Kimberley Shelton and Rene Donifon

Sara Cunningham, YM 2010 from Utah lead us in the Country Line Dance.  She is very dear to my heart!!!

Kathy DeLone, Betsy Lowe and Lisa Phillips

The next morning at the Tapestry Breakfast, I am treated to the biggest surprise of the convention, Lisa Phillips the NC Mother of Young Children and the 1996 National Mother of Young Children (my year) was there at the tapestry breakfast.  Oh My Gosh!!!  I was so excited to see her.  We've kept in touch through email and Christmas letters, but the distance has kept us from seeing each other.  Lisa was the mother of 6 back then, and now is the mother of 8 including a beautiful 1 year old baby.  She is amazing.  I was also so blessed to see my other "long time" good friend from AMI, Kathy DeLone from Arkansas.  She was named the 1997 National Young Mother - the year following Lisa.  I was in Arizona at the National Convention when she was named Young Mother.  I'm so glad we've stayed strong and true to this organization.  There is no better job than that of a mother, and no better organization to stand up for the roll of motherhood in society!  

RuthAnn Sullivan and Betsy

After the tapestry breakfast we were treated to hear the Young Mother speeches.  RuthAnn Sullivan is the Kentucky Young Mother.  She is a dear friend (and my previous Visiting Teacher).  She was blessed to have her whole family here to see and hear her do such an outstanding job sharing her thoughts!   RuthAnn was so composed and shared such a powerful message.  

Following the Young Mother
speeches we immediately went into the ballroom for the Awards Luncheon.

Betsy Lowe, National Literacy Chairperson, Connell Branan, 1st VP and President Elect, Irene Costilow, Area 5 Coordinator, and Sheri Calstrom 2010 National Young Mother

Betsy and Sheri Carlstrom at the head table

Dianne  Calister,  Sheri Carlstrom and I sat at the head table along with (not seen) Judith Joe and Ellen Ralph.  It was my pleasure to announce the winners of the National 5th Grade Essay contest.  1st place - Andrea Perez of Oklahoma, 2nd place - Morgan Jemtrud of Kentucky, and 3rd place - Brynne Stevens of Utah.

Betsy presenting the National 5th Grade Essay Awards

Just before the luncheon began, I introduced myself to the 3rd place winners family, Brynne Stevens.  Since they were from Utah they were able to be in attendance.  It was to my huge surprise and delight to find out that the mother of the essay contestant was once a young women in the Dulles Branch back in Virginia, where Mark and I served a 23 month mission in a Southeast Asian branch.  Choa was a Laurel and heading off to college the first year we started serving in that branch.  What a thrill and joy to, not only see her as a grown women and mother, but to be able to honor her for her daughter's essay.  WOW!!!

Betsy with Choa, Brynne and Willie Stevens of Utah
Brynne is the 3rd place winner in the 5th Grade Essay Contest

Betsy Lowe with Susan Hill

After the luncheon we were so blessed to hear the Mother of the Year speeches.  People that don't even attend the convention come to hear these speeches.  Mrs. Susan Hill of Louisville represented Kentucky, and gave such a heartfelt touching talk.  She, like RuthAnn had her husband and one of their children, John in the audience.  How wonderful to have their support.  John has just graduated from BYU and will be heading to Boston soon.  What a treat for him to see his mother honored as the Kentucky Mother of the Year!

The Keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. John Gray, author of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus".  I was in stitches laughing at some of his comments - mainly because they were so true.  It was hilarious.  Following his remarks we had a beautiful performance from the Academy of Dance.  These girls were amazing!

to be continued ...

That night Shawnalee Eyre Pothier of Arizona was named National Young Mother of the Year.  I didn't realize it until that evening, but it was her parents' (Linda and Richard Eyre) books Teaching Children Joy, Teaching Children Responsibility and Teaching Children Charity that have made a huge impact on my mothering.  I loved reading their stories.    

Betsy with Joan Braitch from Washington DC.  Joan and I roomed together at the Waldorf Astoria.  We had a wonderful time together.

The next day started with the Honors and Memorial Breakfast, a quick National Board meeting followed by the General Business Meeting and morning workshops.  We had a lovely lunch in which our Keynote speaker was John Bytheway.  He gave an inspiring presentation  P.A.R.E.N.T.S.

Betsy with Lila Shoemaker, Jean Pryor and Sondra Anderson.
All whom she met serving over the years on the National Board

Betsy with John Bytheway

After the luncheon we had more workshops and time to relax and prepare for the Big Event … the Mother of the Year Gala.  I love going to the Gala and applauding all the amazing women that are such shining examples of motherhood.  Each will say, "no, not me" but it's true - they are all so amazing!!!  I also love the chance I have to be with friends - friends I only have the chance to see 1-4 times a year.

Betsy with Valerie Earnshaw from New Hampshire

Betsy with Susan Hill before the Candle light Entrance

Betsy with Sheri Carlstrom and Ansley Barnett.
Sheri is from Indiana and Ansley is from Georgia

Joy Weller Miller is on the left and Ruth Manning is on the right.
Both are past National Presidents of AMI

A huge surprise came to me the night of the Gala.  Sitcon from the Dulles Branch was

Betsy with new friends from Virginia

Betsy with RuthAnn at the Gala

Betsy with Sheri Zerker and Realene Hill

Betsy with Immediate Past President, Deanne Taylor

Sign our Petition!

SIGN OUR PETITION!

American Mothers, Inc. has women and men all over our great nation gathering signatures to protect children from hardcore p*rn on the Internet. The petition asks the United States Justice Department to enforce the existing laws vigarously. Betsy has been hard at work collecting signatures from anyone that supports this effort. If you would like her to add your name to the petition, feel free to email her at betsy4kids@aol.com asking for her to add your name and address. Betsy will be collecting signatures throughout the month of October. The petition is going to Washington DC before the election!

Join our fight - protect our children!

American Mothers

National Board Members at Magagio's Restaurant
City Hall: Philadelphia!
Do you love being a mother? I do. I guess that's why I love serving the American Mother's organization. I've just returned from being at our National Board meeting in Philadelphia! (What a great city). American Mother's purpose is to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundation of the family and home. It is such an awesome feeling when you touch the lives of others or share in the lives of others. If you have any interest in any of the listed subjects below, please let me know...
Fighting pornography before the election
5th Grade Essay Contest
Community Chapter Groups
Mother Mentoring
Cultural Arts Contest (Music, Art, Photography, Literature)
Nominating a Mother of the Year
Nominating a Young Mother (mother with children at home).

Thanks!

Current Events

I guess mothers are allowed bragging rights: I'm so proud of my kids. They all work very hard in school. Devon and Jessica making all A's most of the time - the little ones don't get letter grades. They also do their chores, help around the house and most importantly get along with each other. They aren't quitters, even if they'd like to. They are involved in activities like Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Marissa likes to rock climb, play soccer, participate in Activity Girls and Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts she earned the Bronze Award on 5/29. This is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. She is also working on her Faith in God award. The best thing about Marissa is her positive attitude and her willingness to help out. She is so caring of others. She also has a very funny side to her that makes me crack up (all the time). She keeps the cleanest room in the house and does her chores without being asked. (She's too good to be true).

Robert is a Cub Scout, and an avid sports fan. Almost every day after school, he will leave out the soccer ball, basketball and kick ball. He has a tremendous amount of friends in the neighborhood that he plays with on a daily basis. Robert has earned his Wolf Badge, and is currently working towards his Bear Award. He will attend Cub Day Camp later this summer. He is also attending basketball camp with Rojan Rando (he's so excited). Robert keeps us on our toes. When you think of Robert - think all boy - all ball! He is extremely competitive - determined to be better, faster and smarter than his siblings.

Devon has had an amazing year. He's earned almost all A's all year long. He was inducted into the Jr. Beta Club and serves in the Environmental club at school He is very involved in church and Boy Scouts. Right now Devon is a Life Boy Scout, working towards his Eagle project and award for next year. In church, Devon serves as the Deacon's Quorum President. Devon is keen to be knowledgeable and helpful to others.

Jessica has also had a wonderful and remarkable year. High school has been good for her. She's earned almost all A's this whole year. She has been asked to be a part of the National Colliegic Leadership Conference, the national something for High School Scholars, and just recently was selected to be one of less than 1% of all high-achieving high school student to be asked to attend the Congressional Youth Leadership Council in Washington DC. Jessica serves as the Mia Maid Secretary and on the Stake Youth Committee Council. She has loved her first year as a seminary student - she was asked to be the class president (which helped make sure she wasn't late). She played Freshman and JV basketball for the school (scoring 19 points in a game), and decided to try running the 100 hurdles in track for the school. This was a good move - she took second in at the county and fifth at the regional meet. She also served as an alternative for relay at the State meet. Most importantly, Jessica just earned her Young Women's Medallion. This is comparable to earning the Eagle Scout award. I'm so proud of her and the choices she makes. She is very considerate and caring of others. Jessica brings such joy and laughter into our family while she is also a leader, and great example to the younger kids.

I guess that's enough bragging rights for one post - I'm new at this so if I'm not supposed to do that - let me know. I don't often brag so much. Now me. If you can believe this, I joined a women's soccer league. We play once a week. I love playing the game, but the other "professional" women are much better than me.

I love being involved in whatever the kids are involved with so I'm busy with PTSA stuff at the middle school, volunteering in Robert's class and finishing up this year as Marissa's Girl Scout Leader. I also coach Marissa's soccer team, and serve as Executive VP on the OCYSA board. Times are changing.

Next year I'll have one in high school, two at the middle school and only Robert in elementary school. I can't believe Marissa is old enough to be in middle school. I'm in shock. This is my last year as a Girl Scout leader, and I'm giving up coaching soccer because Marissa has decided to switch to Cross Country. I won't know what to do with myself and the extra time.

Actually, I plan to do is get back to attending institute and continue as the PTSA President at the NOMS. I also facilitate the Parent to Parent Lessons sponsored by the NOMS PTSA. I serve on the National Baord for American Mothers (love it), but I also plan to support American Mothers on the state level more than I have in the past by working with Heather on some service projects and chapter groups. American Mothers is a passion of mine. I'm sorry to say I was too afraid to start anything here because I didn't want to come across as pushy... Now, I've decided to share my passion about the organization and make the most of it. Hopefully something good will come of it. You can learn about American Mothers at http://www.americanmothers.org/.Thanks for listening...