2009 NATIONAL CONVENTION - PORTLAND OREGON

The 74th American Mothers, Inc. National Convention was held at the Embassy Suites in Portland, Oregon from April 23 - April 26. It was a wonderful four day event. At the Wednesday night banquet, Mrs. Bobbie Burbridge Lane was honored for her hours of donated service and her generous monetary donations to AMI in the effort to stop pornography. Betsy Lowe, State President has supported Mrs. Lane since 2002. They have worked hard to change law in Louisville and around the state. Above: Betsy Lowe, KY State President with Bobbie Burbridge Lane of the Burbridge Foundation.Above: Ilene Barlow - National Awards Chairperson, Betsy Lowe - National Literacy Chairperson and Judith Joe - National Literature Chairperson.

On Thursday we had State President's training. We also were priviledged to hear the Young Mothers speeches and attend workshops and hear from some the of the nationals best at mediation in schools, the problems of meth, character development, problems with pornography and internet bullying. We honored the 2008 National Mother of Young Children at the Lunchoen. Thursday evening was the Awards Banquet. Betsy Lowe along with Judith Joe and Ilene Barlow presented the National Awards. Betsy was very pleased to announce the winners of the National 5th Grade Essay contest: 1st place - Chris Chu from Kentucky, 2nd place - Stephanie Bradford from Oklahoma, and 3rd place - Kamish Kabani from Texas.

On Friday, we had the priviledge of hearing the Mother of the Year speeches and then attending the Gold and Silver or Tapestry gatherings. Lunch was in honor of our 2008 National Mother of the Year, Jo Blackwood. Friday evening was honoring the 2009 Young Mothers and the announcement of the 2009 - National Mother of Young Children. Mrs. Kimberly Wright of Nevada was selected. I had several opportunity to get to know Kimberly - she is such a delightful young mom!

Above: Connell Branan - Area V Coordinator, Ansley Barnett - Past NMYC, Kimberly Wright- 2009 NMYC, Kimberley Shelton - 2008 NMYC, and Betsy Lowe - KY State President, National Literacy Chair and past MYC (Ohio).

Kimberly with her husband!

Saturday started with the Interfaith Memorial Breakfast. Special attention was given to Phyllis Marriott, and Nancy Hawk, both Past National Presidents. It was followed by the Legacy Project and the Garden tour. What spectacular gardens are seen in Portland.

After the Garden Tour, our expedition to us to the University of Portland for the unvailing of the "Walk of the Heroines - Legacy Walk." I felt so priviledged to be at the very special ceremony to see all the amazing work that had gone into making this beautiful walk and fountain in the name of famous women and mothers.Later that evening was the Gala Dinner. What a spectacular evening. Ms. Betty Jean McGregor from South Carolina was named as the 2009 National Mother of the Year.

Mrs. Betty McGregor of South Carolina was named 2009 National Mother of the Year.

Mrs. McGregor receiving a kiss from her husband.