It's all over....

It was a little over a year ago that I began my journey as Oregon's 2012 Young Mother.  We just had our gala, and I passed the title to a new Mom.  My kids are a little sad.  I told them that they were the "kids of the year."  When they were out of line, I would just remind them of their duties, and they would immediately return to perfect behavior.  (kidding :)  I'm so excited for new 2013 Young Mother.  She is amazing.  The National Convention is in New York at the Waldorf Astoria.  What a year she has in store.  Here is a little photo collection of my adventures:

My handsome escort

Arriving at the Gala with my 2 oldest daughters

Waiting for the long walk up to the podium

My acceptance speech

It's official

Then we made the trip down to Salem to meet with Representatives in the State Capitol:

Oregon State Capitol

Before the session

Then it was off to Washington DC for the National Convention.

Private Congressional Reception inside the Capitol.

I would sneak out for an early jog to see the sights-White House

Met some amazing mothers

My speech:  "Inspired, empowered and raising the next generation."

Lovely new friends

My sweet sis-in-law came from Seattle to join me

Allison Sweeney from Days of our Lives and Biggest Loser spoke about health and balance in families.  We met with the founding board member of National Women's History Museum.  Dr. Gina Messina-Dysert, a feminist theologian, presented about domestic violence against women.  Velva Dawson explained her UN initiative improving the health of women, children, and families.  We heard from Ree Drummond the Pioneer Woman blog star/TV personality.  The most touching talks were by the lovely Shawni Pothier-2011 National Young Mother. 

We spent an evening in Georgetown and saw the Monuments by night:

White House with a full moon

Jefferson Memorial

Capitol Building

Formal Gala at the Mayflower Hotel

We were special guests at National Cathedral Service-remembering the importance of faith in the cause of motherhood.

Back to Portland for Mother's Day address at Catholic Grotto Sanctuary.

Summer brought community service:

Decorating floats for the Rose Festival-Grand Floral Parade

Marching with some of my kids in the Jr. Rose Parade

Ended the Summer with the Days for Girls Service Project with my daughters and the Young Women.

Fall brought the Honors Luncheon at Claremont Country Club.  This is a speech explaining our purpose at American Mothers.

Christmas came with our annual service project.  We had a large donation of quilts, food, and supplies for the Sunshine Pantry in Beaverton.  We toured the facility and donated to their "Christmas Shop" for needy families to get Santa presents for their children.

2013 Gala

Do we look tan?  (just back from Hawaii)

NW Orchestra started an elegant evening.

I gave my farewell speech.
Congratulations to the amazing and talented Liz Caswell!  She will represent Oregon well in 2013...

A native of Moline, Illinois, Elizabeth Caswell began studying piano at the age of 7. She earned the Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude from Augustana College, and the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in piano performance from the University of Iowa. She made her professional debut in a concert for King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden in Stockholm at the age of 19. She was a professor of piano at New York University, and made her debut at Carnegie Hall in 1996, and has performed at Lincoln Center and throughout Europe and the United States. She moved to Portland in 2004 and now works part-time outside the home as a concert performer, and as an Adjudicator for the Oregon Music Teachers’ Association.

Elizabeth has been married to her husband Paul for 20 years, and they are parents of two children. Ian is 14 years old, and a freshman in high school and Abbie is 10 years old and in 5^th grade.  Elizabeth spends significant time volunteering and chairing many programs at her children’s schools, in Girl Scouts, and for her church and charitable organizations in the community.