Posts Tagged American Mothers Inc.

Monday’s with Mom ~ Connell Branan

Monday, October 10, 2011

Today’s mother is a wonderful combination of smart, savvy and sweet – everything a Southern woman is made of. Meet this week’s mom of honor, Connell Branan from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I have had the distinct privilege of getting to know Connell the past couple of years and I stand in awe of everything she contributes to her community and our nation.

Connell and her husband, Cliff, have two children, Ford, age 15, and Langley, age 12. Connell is tireless in her contributions outside her home, but her first priority and mission field is always her home. She is a dedicated supporter and worker alongside her husband, who is a State Senator, and she is the President leading a national organization for mothers.

Connell with her beautiful family. Cliff, Langley and Ford.

I asked Connell to share more about what she does, as well as the normal Monday questions. I love seeing such different, but equally wise and enlightening answers from the different mothers each week. Connell is no exception.

What do you do alongside your duties as Mom? I am a stay-at-home mother of two, and politicians wife who is constantly flying by the seat of her pants! Nine years ago, my husband entered the political world as a businessman, with the hopes of providing an environment for individuals and businesses to succeed. I learned very quickly that politics is a contact sport. Over the past nine years, our family has campaigned, knocked doors, waved signs, and watched from the sidelines how the deals get done at the State Capitol. Aside from that balancing act, I am currently the President of the board of directors for a national non-profit, American Mothers, Inc. (AMI). American Mothers is an inter-faith, non-political non-profit organization with over 77 years of rich history. We honor and recognize outstanding mothers across the country. My association with this organization began in 2006, when I was named the National Young Mother of the Year. Since then, it has introduced me to some very special women all across the country who care deeply about children and families. Since both of my children are in school all day, this keeps me busy on and off the streets and has supplied me with an incredible national network of wonderful friends at the same time! 
 
What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? I would have loved for someone to have told me that my entire life was about to change. Sure, I had heard those words countless times while I was pregnant, along with all of the usual bits and pieces of advice from veteran parents and grand-parents. In fact, I can vividly recall being asked over and over again, “Are you ready?” However, I’m not sure I really knew what that meant, nor did I truly understand the magnitude of what was about to happen. I’m not sure anyone really can. Parenting is such a selfless act of unconditional love. It changes your entire perspective and the lens through which you look at the world. 

What drives you crazy? Too many cooks in the kitchen! One of my biggest dilemmas as a wife and mother has been accommodating the different culinary preferences of my husband and two children. I have pretty much refused to cook four separate meals every night, so ensuring that everyone has been adequately fed has been one of my greatest challenges.  And, I can always tell when they haven’t, as too many cooks end up in the kitchen!

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? I hope that my children, and all children for that matter, know that they are precious gifts from God and that they are loved by Him unconditionally. As parents, my husband and I try to instill this in our children and to show them our great love for God and for them. It would be my sincerest hope that ALL children can know this unconditional love. I think if they did, it might solve many of the worlds problems.   

How do you feel about your role as a mother? If you had told me 20 years ago that I would love being a mother, I would have laughed out loud. Today, I am laughing, but only because I am loving every minute of it! I am so incredibly humbled for the opportunity to be a mom. Truly, one of life’s greatest blessings. 

What is the one thing you would tell a new mother?  Sleep now and sleep often, because you will never sleep the same again! I would add that you must take care of yourself. Take care of your mind, your body and your spirit. Being a mom requires all that you’ve got; so why not give it your best?

Here is Connell's family in Tennessee. This summer they took a long road trip through the South and enjoyed some of our nation's great history.

Many people wish they could instigate change around them, but just never get started doing it. Not only has Connell dedicated her life to making a difference in our world, she is teaching her children this same value to give to their community and serve those around them. Her service is not only making a positive impact on this generation, but she is creating a legacy that will continue to make an impact.

Being a mother is often times a thankless job, and seldom is it a glamorous one with wiping noses and bottoms, trying to overcome the mountains of laundry and toys, and playing chauffeur each day. Connell seeks out these mothers that are deep in the trenches and honors and recognizes their achievements that are so often overlooked. She advocates for mothers, children and families without ceasing, and I know she inspires me that there is always something I can do for others.

To a woman who seeks to recognize and honor others, I appreciate you Connell, for letting us honor you today. You are a wonderful example for all those who know you. I love your perfect Southern blend combined with a warm smile that makes everyone who meets you feel like an instant friend. Thank you, Connell, for all you are doing that will impact my own children and grandchildren. You definitely have my vote.

 

(If you would like to learn more about Connell’s journey you can follow her blog at http://www.thesenatorswife.net. If you have an outstanding mother in your life you would like to nominate to be honored with American Mothers, Inc. you can visit their website at http://www.americanmothers.org for more information.)

Last day of MOPS convention

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Three great days have came to an end today. I am pooped, I don’t mind telling you. And energized all at the same time because I have spent three full days meeting and talking to incredible women. As American Mothers, Inc., we handed out over 1200 of our Mom to Mom magazines, added mothers to our email list and are enriching our organization by adding genuine, Christ-centered, vibrant young mothers to AMI.

On a personal level, I chatted with some of the funniest and cutest mommies out there. I am honored at the possibility of getting to speak to their groups. What a blast we will have!

I chatted with a couple of mothers from Las Vegas and we swapped stories about my former home of 6 1/2 years, and pinpointed exactly where each other lived. I met a mother who is a real, honest-to-goodness pig farmer from Louisiana. I know, right? How seriously cool is that? She was adorable. Compassion International had a booth across the aisle from our AMI booth and during a lull, I spent time visiting with a young lady working with them. She was a hoot and I so wish our paths would cross again.

 

One of the many beautiful moms I chatted with. She was just precious. Wish our little ones could be playmates!

(Notice in the background the Family Movie Night sign. Their booth was next to ours and I encourage you to check them out. They are advocating and working for what America needs desperately – more family-friendly television. Visit http://moms4familytv.com and support them however you can. I definitely will be.)

 
As much as I enjoyed meeting all these ladies, I am ready to come home to my little people. And their Daddy. Of course, I cannot walk in the door empty-handed. Talk about party-foul. So while the MOPS mothers were in session, I browsed the rest of the vendors. I found goodies.
 

I found the boys Christian comic books and a Bible in NIV child-friendly language with great color pictures. They will love them.

 

I found Anabelle the absolute cutest little flip-flops. And they were only $10 - love that! How creative and simple to make something so darling?

  

Well, yeah. I HAD to have my own pair. And they were $10 also. I am a shopping mastermind.

 I now get to enjoy a relaxing dinner with three of my fellow AMI’ers and discuss the past few days.  But early to bed, early to rise. I have to catch an early flight home to my family, and I definitely don’t want to miss it.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder? I didn’t think it was possible, but my heart is fonder.

Meeting MOPS Moms!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Today was one of those days that can only be labeled as a blessed day. I was able to spend the day with one of my oldest and best friends. For clarification, she is not old. Our friendship has age. We have been girlfriends for 16-plus years now. We have been through the ups and downs of life together. And there have been some very high ups of life and some very, very low downs of life. But that is what gives friendship’s foundation and strength.

We have that kind of relationship that, no matter how long it has been since the last time you saw each other, you pick right up where you left off. It is comforting. It is a joy. It is a blessing. Girlfriends like this you do not take for granted.

Tammy and me, taking a picture of ourselves, of course. You gotta have at least one you took of yourself, right?

 

We nabbed the waiter to take one for us too. But he cut off the buffalo head hanging above us. Oh well. Love her. Love her family too.

 

 After Tammy and I stuffed ourselves with pulled pork, we rolled out of the restaurant and she chauffered me to the MOPS convention. Tonight was the first night of meeting these young mothers, and it was a blast. I talked with mothers from all across the US and even 2 moms from Scotland. I wanted to keep them talking  just to hear their beautiful accent.

I look forward to the next two days working our American Mother’s, Inc. (AMI) booth because I know there will be more opportunity to get to know some of these mothers and hear their stories. There is something awe-inspiring about seeing these mothers who are deep in the trenches of dirty bottoms and snotty boogers and piles of laundry everyday, travel great distances to learn things to enrich their families’ lives.

AMI has a beautiful booth set up and we are excited to be able to offer these mom’s a support system after their little ones are no longer pre-schoolers. Not to mention, those of us working the AMI booth are going to have a blast just hanging out together, too.

Sandy, Connell and me. Bring on the Moms - we are ready! And if you look closely at the poster on the table to the right, that's me! Fun!

 

Sandy, Connell, me and Andrea. Showing off our new members tshirt and Mom to Mom magazine. These girls are savvy!

 

 If you know a mother that does not have a good support system, is looking for a resource for information or just wants to be more involved in her community, be sure to send her to the AMI website. And don’t forget, if you have a mother you think deserves recognition, go to the website to nominate her for the Young Mother or Mother of the Year. AMI loves to honor mothers of all ages. http://www.americanmothers.org
 
I have to get my beauty sleep. I get to meet another 2,000 fabulous young moms tomorrow. Whew, it’s gonna be a great day.

Oh my, Mom is leaving town!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Let me start by saying, my husband rocks when it comes to playing single-Daddy. He is hands-on and, as I have stated before, he doesn’t babysit his children, he parents them. So when it comes time for me to leave town for a couple of days, he has things under control. True confession, it is me that is in the tizzy.

I am so excited to head to Nashville to partner with American Mothers, Inc. (AMI) and work the MOPS convention. I will be selling my book and promoting AMI for 2 1/2 days, but I am most excited to meet these amazing young  mothers. Yes, I know they are amazing simply because they are attending a convention to improve themselves and grow mentally and spiritually as women and mothers.

Any mother knows that to surgically remove yourself from your children for more than 2 hours takes an act of congress. So to be making this 2 1/2 day trek, is nothing short of miraculous. I can tell you exactly what these mothers will be doing tomorrow.

Laundry, laundry and more laundry. Cooking and storing 3 days worth of meals. Writing out to-do lists and to-don’t do lists for her hubby, mother-in-law or whomever is watching over her little cherubs while she is away. Then she will stand in her closet for 28 minutes in shock and awe that there is nothing without an elastic waist line to wear. Thoughts interrupted by the call of the wild, you know, the two young’uns fighting over a piece of candy found in the couch cushion, she will grab a suitcase and moan, “This will have to do.”

After much tears, wiping snot and shouting last minute instructions, she is off to rejuvenate, renew and refresh and spend her whole time away from her children missing them. She will battle the inner voices inside arguing the guilt of being away from her family, against the satisfaction of being able to enjoy personal growth time just for her. Yes, these are indeed amazing moms, and I cannot wait to meet them.

I would write more, but I have to get back to my state of tizzy. I am only half way through my to-don’t do list and I still have to serve my 28 minutes in my closet. And by the way, why can’t yoga pants be considered professional wear? Just something to think about….