Text Box: I have had many Women ask me how I was selected Mother of the Year for Weber County and I have told them honestly, “I have no idea!” When Jeanne Godfrey and Collette Healy came to my home with a lovely bouquet and told me I had been nominated and selected, I laughed and said, “I’ve what?” They repeated, “You were nominated and have been selected Weber County Mother of the Year for 2007.” This time the shock had worn off a bit and I asked, “Who did this?” They told me it was confidential, but did tell me the nomination did not come from my family. By this time I had recovered a bit and asked them to sit down as they explained American Mothers, my role and responsibilities and all the wonderful things I would be a part of. They were wonderful in helping me to complete my portfolio for the State organization and gave freely of their time, counsel and advice. I felt their warmth, love and genuine concern for me. I felt those same feelings as I went on Text Box: to the State Convention. Marilee Sorenson and Jenneice Beckstrand were so wonderful in helping me to prepare. When I was selected Utah Mother of the Year 2007 I felt so inadequate. I shared these feelings with one of the leaders of my church who told me, “Sometimes our prayers are answered in unexpected ways.” I wondered what it was I had prayed for that would result in this answer for me. I remembered an experience at Thanksgiving. Our son Matt brought two roommates home for dinner. Seth from New Mexico and Will from California helped me peel potatoes and asked, “Where do we find a good old fashioned girl? Do they exist anymore?” I asked them for a definition and they replied, “A girl who isn’t threatened by her role as a Mother.” I was taken back by that. These three handsome, educated young men were so discouraged. That night I did pray that I would be able to be a good influence on the young women that I serve in my church. That I could help them to understand that being a Mother would not take away, but add to their lives rich blessings that would not and could not be found in any other way. I believe that this is indeed an answer to prayer; my sphere of influence has been greatly enlarged. Once again I felt warmth, love and genuine concern from Nancy Hansen from New Hampshire and GeNeil Cheney from North Dakota who prepared me for Text Box: the National convention. I received email correspondence several times a week from them. Helpful hints, what to wear, how to register, counsel and advice were much appreciated. Once again the dark feelings of inadequacy crept in, but prayers were answered through the words of one of the many great speakers at the convention; Richard Paul Evans. He taught us four lessons to live by: 1. Remember there is divinity in you. Pray and ask for divine communication, set aside the noise and listen for answers. Write them down and have the courage to act on them. 2. Take risks! Let go of fear. “I feared failure and I got failure!” 3. Accept adversity as a blessing. Remember that you have a greater ability to reach others because of your challenges and the lessons you have learned from them. 4. The most important principle in life is LOVE. I have learned many things since Jeanne and Collette first knocked at my door, but more importantly I have felt many things; warmth, love and genuine concern to name a few. This organization is great because of the people who participate in it. I was surrounded by women from all over the United States in Las Vegas and I felt an instant bond, it was the Magic of Motherhood. I am honored to represent you. carolesquilter@aol.com Text Box: Mother of Year Carol Stephens Text Box: Page # Text Box: Newsletter