National Convention - Lincoln, NE

National Convention was held the week of April 23 - 29, 2008 in Lincoln, NE. What an amazing congregation of people. Men and women from all over the country, in every different stage of life were present at the Annual AMI National Convention. Betsy Lowe accompanied Heather Deshler to convention. Heather was also joined by her husband and her parents. "What a great honor it is to be here among such outstanding women," says Deshler.

The convention was packed with various activities. From the onset with orientation, the mothers were actively participating at every gathering. The first night was BIG RED NIGHT. We had a traditional "Husker" dinner with folk singing and dancing. Later we were entertained by the Nebraska Husker Mascot:

Heather and Betsy with the CornHusker Mascot; GO BIG RED!

Thursday was a very BIG day for all the State Young Mothers as they presented the audience with their three minute speeches. The pressure was on to get everything said in less than three minutes. Heather Deshler and Betsy Lowe at National Conveniton after her speech
Heather did a fabulous job on her speech!
2008 State Young Mothers

Throughout the convention there were several workshops to attend offering information on the various program offered by AMI. Betsy Lowe and Heather Deshler attended workshops on Mother Mentoring, Chapter Group Development, Anti-Pornography (WRAP) and Public Awareness. Following the awards luncheon where the winners of the 5th Grade Essay Contest, Music Award, Literature Award, and Arts Awards, we were invited to tour the State Capital and have tea at the Governor's mansion.

Betsy Lowe & friends with Heather's family at the Governor's Mansion Heather and Betsy at the State Capital

Friday was another wonderful day filled with funny, heart felt and touching stories from the State Mother's of the Year. Following the speeches was the traditional Young Mother Luncheon honoring the 2007 National Young Mother, Mrs. Ansley Barnett. Friday night was the Gala for the Young Mothers, Mrs. Kimberly Shelton on New Hampshire was announced as the 2008 National Young Mother.

Saturday started with the Interfaith Memorials and Honors Breakfast. Later we heard from Jon Bruning, NE Attorney General. We had a wonderful lunch followed by speaker Gail Brand " Family Strengths". The afternoon was open for picture taking and personal time. That evening was the GRAND GALA where it was announced that Ellen Jo Blackwood was selected as the 2008 National Mother of the Year.

A highlight of this convention was that the Young Mothers, including Heather and Betsy were filmed in the process of making a documentary on motherhood. The documentary should air around Mother's Day 2009.