INSIDE THIS ISSUE I T ’ S H E R B R A N D ASHLEY RAE KLINGER AMI ND MOTY 2021 C O V E R 1 S T O R I E S M A G A Z I N E 5 7 JOYCE STEVENS EMILY BROOKS AMI ND MOTY 2018 MARY HOFFMAN AMI ND MOTY 2017 C O V E R 2 S T O R I E S A f f a i r s b y B r i t t a n y A n c h o r e d P u r p o s e B o x C h r i s t i a n A d o p t i o n S e r v i c e s D a k o t a V i n t a g e D a s h a n d W h i t e E v e r l a s t i n g H o p e G r a t e f u l C r a t e f u l l s H a r v e s t H o p e F a r m A D V E R T I S I N G G R A N T R E C I P I E N T HS E R I M P A C T F O R T H I S I S S U E Our focus for this issue is to create conversation and understanding around both the joys and challenges of motherhood, and to celebrate ALL women, the maternal energy unique to each of them, and some of the many ways in which women are using their own maternal energy to make a positive impact in the world around them For this issue, we are collaborating with the North Dakota chapter of American Mothers, Inc American Mothers educates, inspires, and recognizes mothers through programs that teach, support, and honor moms, empowering them to positively impact their families and communities Their vision is that Mothers will discover and share their innate abilities to elevate future generations 5 7 13 13 N u V a t i o n H e a l t h S e r v i c e s S a g e L e g a l P L L C T a e a M a d e T e c h 4 K i d s T o g e t h e r C o u n s e l i n g V i s i o n E v e n t s W a t e r W o r k s S E A
Tra Registerg Today AT THE TAP OF A BUTTON Let us guide you to the next level with our FREE on-demand training library. Learn from industry experts on an array of topics and receive downloadable handouts to help guide you through the trainings. NDWBC A partner for Women In Business North Dakota Women’s Business Center WNDWBC BC L i brary We understand you are a busy business owner or professional which is why The Library allows you to access its content at a time which best fits YOU R schedule. SCAN THIS QR CODE TO REGISTER FOR THE LIBRARY 701.223.0707 | NDWBC.COM | BISMARCK, ND 58501
# H e r B r a n d A s w o m e n , w e r e p r e s e n t a n d m a s t e r m a n y r o l e s i n l i f e F r o m o u r r o l e s w i t h i n o u r f a m i l i e s , c o m m u n i t i e s , c a r e e r s , a n d s o c i a l c i r c l e s , w e a r e o f t e n t i m e s s t e p p i n g o u t o f o n e r o l e a n d i n t o a n o t h e r , w h i l e t r y i n g t o m a n a g e t h e m a n y r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s t h a t e a c h r o l e r e q u i r e s o f u s T h e p r i m a r y r o l e s w e c h o o s e t o r e p r e s e n t t h r o u g h o u t o u r l i v e s , a n d h o w a n d w h e n w e c h o o s e t o m a s t e r t h e m , i s d i f f e r e n t f o r e a c h o f u s T h e l i f e a n d j o u r n e y o f e a c h i n d i v i d u a l w o m a n i s u n i q u e a n d s h o u l d b e v a l u e d a n d C E L E B R A T E D T h e r e ’ s n o s e t i m a g i n a r y t i m e l i n e o r m e t h o d t o r e p r e s e n t i n g a n d m a s t e r i n g t h e s e v a r i o u s r o l e s , a s w e a l l h a v e d i f f e r e n t l i f e e x p e r i e n c e s , a b i l i t i e s , p a s s i o n s , a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s H o w e v e r , t h e r o l e s w e c h o o s e t o r e p r e s e n t , a n d h o w a n d w h e n w e c h o o s e t o m a s t e r t h e m , w i l l u l t i m a t e l y c u l t i v a t e a p e r s o n a l b r a n d u n i q u e t o e a c h o f u s . T h i s p e r s o n a l b r a n d w i l l c r e a t e a p e r c e p t i o n o f w h o w e a r e a n d w h a t w e h a v e t o o f f e r t o t h e w o r l d a r o u n d u s . A l t h o u g h t a k i n g a p a s s i v e a p p r o a c h t o c u l t i v a t i n g a p e r s o n a l b r a n d i s c o m m o n , I t ’ s H e r B r a n d M a g a z i n e w a n t s t o e m p o w e r e v e r y w o m a n t o p r o a c t i v e l y c u l t i v a t e H E R B R A N D i n a n e f f o r t t o b e P U R P O S E F U L , I N T E N T I O N A L , E N G A G E D , a n d F A I T H F U L i n t h e l i f e s h e ’ s l i v i n g a n d i n t h e r o l e s s h e r e p r e s e n t s a n d m a s t e r s t h r o u g h o u t h e r l i f e t i m e B y b e i n g p r o a c t i v e a b o u t H E R B R A N D , e a c h w o m a n w i l l b e b e t t e r e q u i p p e d t o b e c o m e t h e w o m a n s h e w a s c r e a t e d t o b e # H e r M o v e m e n t A t I t ’ s H e r B r a n d M a g a z i n e , w e w a n t t o l e a d a m o v e m e n t o f w o m e n c e l e b r a t i n g w o m e n t h a t w i l l b r i d g e t h e g a p b e t w e e n c o m m u n i t i e s a n d c r e a t e c o n n e c t i o n s b e t w e e n c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s t h r o u g h o u t t h e s t a t e W e w a n t t o l e a d b y e x a m p l e a n d d e m o n s t r a t e h o w o u r d i f f e r e n c e s c a n u n i t e u s r a t h e r t h a n d i v i d e u s , a n d h o w w e w i l l a c c o m p l i s h m o r e w h e n w e s t o p c o m p e t i n g a n d s t a r t s u p p o r t i n g . I n f a c t , w e ’ l l a c c o m p l i s h m o r e T O G E T H E R t h a n w e w i l l a l o n e . O n e w o m a n ’ s a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s D O N O T t a k e a w a y f r o m a n o t h e r w o m a n ’ s a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s . T h e m o r e w e c a n e m b r a c e t h i s m i n d s e t , t h e b e t t e r e q u i p p e d w e ’ l l b e t o e n c o u r a g e , s u p p o r t , e m p o w e r , a n d C E L E B R A T E t h e w o m a n n e x t t o u s a n d c r e a t e a m o v e m e n t t h a t w i l l f o r e v e r i m p a c t t h e l i v e s o f w o m e n , t h e i r f a m i l i e s , a n d o u r c o m m u n i t i e s e v e r y w h e r e ! # H e r I m p a c t A t I t ’ s H e r B r a n d M a g a z i n e , w e a r e p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t c r e a t i n g c o n v e r s a t i o n a n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g a r o u n d i m p o r t a n t t o p i c s t h a t a r e i m p a c t i n g w o m e n , t h e i r f a m i l i e s , a n d o u r c o m m u n i t i e s E v e r y w o m a n h a s a u n i q u e s t o r y t o t e l l ; e v e r y w o m a n ’ s s t o r y m a t t e r s ; a n d e v e r y w o m a n ’ s l i f e e x p e r i e n c e s a r e v a l u a b l e W h e n e m b r a c e d a n d c e l e b r a t e d , s h e c a n u t i l i z e h e r s t o r y a n d h e r e x p e r i e n c e s t o m a k e a n i m p a c t i n t h e w o r l d a r o u n d h e r , w h i l e l i v i n g l i f e w i t h p u r p o s e a n d p a s s i o n
. FROM THE FOUNDER I T ’ S H E R B R A N D M A G A Z I N E I S S U E 1 8 J U L Y | A U G U S T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 A s h l e y R a e K l i n g e r F o u n d e r O w n e r E d i t o r P u b l i s h e d b y I t ’ s H e r B r a n d E n t e r p r i s e s L E T ’ S G E T S O C I A L www.Facebook.com/ItsHerBrandMagazinewww.Issuu.com/ItsHerBrandMagazinewww.ItsHerBrandMagazine.com C O N T A C T It’s Her Brand Magazine PO Box 12404 Grand Forks, ND Info@ItsHerBrand.com58208 It’s Her Brand Magazine is a digital and print publication published quarterly by It’s Her Brand Enterprises and is printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2022 It’s Her Brand Magazine. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. It’s Her Brand Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. It’s Her Brand Magazine does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising pre- sented. It’s Her Brand Magazine is not responsible for accuracy of articles or advertising presented. It’s Her Brand Magazine is distributed statewide through participating and approved Distributors. Although Annual Subscription options are available on our website, a limited number of copies of each quarterly issue of It’s Her Brand Magazine are available for free through our Distributors. It’s Her Brand Magazine is a trademark pending registration at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Mamie Eisenhower, Norman Vincent Peale, Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, Phyllis Marriott and Hillary Rodham Clinton and many other notable Americans who have made it a priority to care for those less fortunate
The Mothers Day Committee soon became the American Mothers Committee, and was eventually incorporated in 1950 as a recognized 501c3 nonprofit corporation Today, American Mothers, Inc ® carries on the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt Many outstanding individuals throughout America have also served as officers, leaders, members and supporters of this organization, such as Sarah Delano Roosevelt, J C Penney, First Lady Mami
Today, American Mothers Inc ® remains a valuable network and voice for the 85 million mothers in America and is committed to raising awareness about issues that impact mothers and children It’s purpose is exclusively charitable Through the continued generosity of our members and supporters, our Golden Rule Grant Fund gifts money to nonprofit organizations across the country whose work benefits mothers and children in need AMI Mission: American Mothers educates, inspires, and recognizes mothers through programs that teach, support, and honor mothers, empowering them to positively impact their families and communities. #IHBM A long lasting organization is a testament to the resilient and giving spirits of the members
The idea of a Mothers Committee began in 1931 when Eleanor Roosevelt announced the formation of a nation wide program for the better observance of Mother’s Day that would help dependent mothers and needy children Sponsored by J.C Penney’s Golden Rule Foundation, the Golden Rule Mother’s Day Committee established a fund to promote a Golden Rule observance of Mother’s Day “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you ”
Some words of wisdom from Stevens as she and the AMI board continue to build the national network and recognize inspirational moms through the Mother of the Year® award: “There is nothing more important than being a mom and making memories I know you’ve heard this before: Don’t worry if you aren’t a perfect mother, there’s a million ways to be a good one I want all moms to remember this as they raise their kids to be the next generation of adults”
Joyce Stevens, current national president told us about herself and her true passion and commitment to the organization. Raised on a farm in Nebraska with 6 brothers and 1 little sister, Joyce Stevens acquired a resilient work ethic Family values were paramount during Joyce’s childhood and continued throughout her life An enthusiastic mother of three, Joyce has been married to husband, Doyle for 48 years Joyce retired from her managerial position in a Clinical Pharmacy after 27 years to help with the family business, care for her aging father and spend precious time with her ten grandchildren Joyce continues to serve on many volunteer levels locally in her church, community and her children and grandchildren’s activities Her most recent passion was being instrumental in starting Main Street Treasures, a 501c3 non profit thrift store that donates all the profit back to the community Joyce is currently the MST Board of Directors president Joyce first heard of American Mothers, Inc ® after she was nominated as Nebraska’s Mother of the Year® in 2012. She became very active serving as president and chairing other committees in the Nebraska State Association as well as on the national level Almost immediately after the 2012 Convention in Washington DC, Joyce agreed to be Area 2 Coordinator overseeing 11 states Since that time, she has accepted positions nationally as Secretary, 3rd Vice President, 1st Vice President, and currently National President
Joyce Stevens American Mothers, Inc. National President® Submitted Photos IHBM | 5
Since 1931, American Mothers, Inc ® has built up a strong, ever growing network of mothers thanks to its tirelessly committed leadership for nearly 9 decades!
Every year since, American Mothers has named an inspirational mother from nominees across the 50 states, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands for this important honor
By 1933, committees were formed in most every state and expressed the philosophy that “the truest tribute that can be paid to Mother is to share with others the love that she so generously and often sacrificially lavished upon us ” The funds established were distributed to local hospitals, homes for the aged, orphanages, churches and other welfare agencies to be used where needed most By 1935, the American Mothers Committee of the Golden Rule Foundation gathered New York City’s notable citizens at the Waldorf Astoria where Sarah Delano Roosevelt, the Committee’s Honorary Chairman, presented Lucy Keen Johnson from Georgia as the first National Mother of the Year® The recognition of an “admirable” mother was made to provide an inspiration to the nation that would represent a mother’s unconditional love, inner strength, and courage
American Mothers, Inc ® is rich in history beginning in the heart and mind of Anna Reeves Jarvis as she sought to heal the damage done to families caught in the conflict of the Civil War By organizing a day of love and friendship across battle lines, this simple observance grew into the national holiday known as Mother’s Day for which American Mothers is the official sponsor
N IHBM 7 Article Submitted by: Chelsey Strand Photo Credits: Lindsay Kaye Photography
Mother
H e l l o , m y n a m e i s C h e l s e y S t r a n d I w a s b o r n a n d r a i s e d i n F a r g o , N D . F a r g o i s s t i l l h o m e a n d i s w h e r e m y f a m i l y o f 4 c u r r e n t l y l i v e s I g r a d u a t e d f r o m M S U M w i t h a B a c h e l o r s ’ d e g r e e i n S o c i a l W o r k D u r i n g m y u n d e r g r a d u a t e y e a r s , I m e t t h e l o v e o f m y l i f e , T y l e r , w h o w a s a l s o s t u d y i n g s o c i a l w o r k A f t e r w e b o t h g r a d u a t e d w i t h o u r S o c i a l W o r k d e g r e e , w e c h o s e t o c o n t i n u e o u r e d u c a t i o n a n d g r a d u a t e d f r o m U N D w i t h a M a s t e r ’ s i n S o c i a l w o r k S h o r t l y a f t e r g r a d u a t i o n , T y l e r p r o p o s e d d u r i n g a t h o u g h t f u l p i c n i c a n d w a l k t h r o u g h L i n d e n w o o d P a r k T h e n e x t s u m m e r w e g o t m a r r i e d , a n d l a t e r t h a t f a l l w e f o u n d o u r f i r s t h o m e . T y l e r a n d I b o t h h a d s t r o n g d e s i r e s t o b e p a r e n t s , a n d o u r p r e g n a n c y j o u r n e y b e g a n i n t h e s p r i n g o f 2 0 1 9 I w a s e l a t e d w h e n w e f o u n d o u t w e w e r e p r e g n a n t A t o u r g e n d e r r e v e a l p a r t y , w e f o u n d o u t w e w e r e h a v i n g a l i t t l e g i r l , a n d I t h i n k m y f e e t j u m p e d t e n f e e t o f f t h e g r o u n d i n p u r e j o y a n d e x c i t e m e n t . W e w e l c o m e d o u r p r e c i o u s l i t t l e g i r l i n t o t h e w o r l d J a n u a r y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 R a e l y n w a s e v e r y t h i n g w e c o u l d h a v e e v e r i m a g i n e d a n d m o r e I w a s b l e s s e d t o e n j o y 1 2 w e e k s a t h o m e w i t h h e r d u r i n g m y m a t e r n i t y l e a v e I h a d v i s i o n s o f a l l t h e t h i n g s w e w o u l d d o t o g e t h e r , a n d h o w w e w o u l d b o n d a n d m a k e t h e m o s t o f o u r t i m e t o g e t h e r C H E L S E Y S T R A N D F A R G O , N D
T h e f i r s t s e v e r a l w e e k s w e r e a b l u r , f i l l e d w i t h s l e e p l e s s n i g h t s , d o c t o r v i s i t s , b r e a s t f e e d i n g g r o u p , a n d c o u n t l e s s v i s i t s f r o m f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y . I f e l t s o b l e s s e d b y t h e o u t p o u r o f l o v e a n d s u p p o r t b y o u r f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y a n d l i t u p w h e n o t h e r s w e r e a b l e t o h o l d a n d a d o r e R a e l y n M a r c h 2 0 2 0 c r e e p e d u p a l l t o o s u d d e n l y , a n d I , l i k e e v e r y o n e e l s e , w a s n o t r e a d y f o r w h a t w a s t o c o m e t h a t w o u l d t u r n l i f e u p s i d e d o w n H a v i n g a n e w b o r n d u r i n g t h e s t a r t o f C o v i d w a s a v e r y c h a l l e n g i n g t i m e f o r m e M o t h e r h o o d w a s a n e w c h a p t e r f o r m e a n d o n e o f t h e b i g g e s t t r a n s i t i o n s i n m y l i f e I w a s h u m b l y l e a r n i n g m y r o l e a s a m o t h e r a n d l e a r n i n g n e w s k i l l s m o m e n t b y m o m e n t C o v i d f e l t l i k e t h e w o r l d h a d a b r u p t l y s t o p p e d a n d I f e l t f l o o d e d w i t h u n c e r t a i n t y S u d d e n l y , m y s t e a d y s u p p o r t s y s t e m w a s c u t o f f , a n d I i m m e d i a t e l y f e l t t h e i s o l a t i n g e f f e c t s o f t h e q u a r a n t i n e I ’ m a s o c i a l b e i n g a t m y c o r e , a n d t h e r e w o u l d b e d a y s R a e l y n a n d I w o u l d g o g r o c e r y s h o p p i n g o r w a l k t h e m a l l j u s t t o g e t o u t o f t h e h o u s e d u r i n g t h e c o l d w i n t e r m o n t h s . N o w , t h a t w a s a l s o n o t a s a f e o p t i o n I w a s d i a g n o s e d w i t h G e n e r a l i z e d A n x i e t y D i s o r d e r d u r i n g m y t e e n y e a r s , a n d I h a v e a l w a y s h a d t o b e i n t e n t i o n a l a b o u t m a n a g i n g m y a n x i e t y I f e l t b o m b a r d e d b y t h e m e s s a g e s a l l a r o u n d b y of the Year - 2022 MOTHERS, INC. M O T H E R H O O D D U R I N G C O V I D
AMERICAN
As I reflect on my motherhood journey this far, I cannot help but think of how Covid has influenced so much of this chapter The pandemic has been negative for all of us in so many ways; however, I couldn’t help but challenge myself to think about the good and the growth it has given me
What advice would you give to other Mothers? The advice I would give to all mothers is how important our role is in raising our children. Mothers play a crucial role in instilling important values in our children to grow up and be difference makers. There is no such thing as the “perfect” mom. Social media plays a role in the way we view ourselves and compare to others It is easy to feel we don’t measure up and experience such guilt at times when we need to show ourselves grace Mothers can make a difference by showing up each day, trying our best, and having good intentions. What does it mean to you to be the 2022 AMI North Dakota Mother of the Year?
Being North Dakota Mother of the year is such an honor and a privilege The thing I love most about AMI is their recognition of community involvement This shared value is very important to me, as I have a passion about being an active member in our community and giving back. Being a volunteer has given me many meaningful opportunities to grow as a person I cherish the relationships I have made and find joy in making the world a better place in small, intentional ways I hope to model my love of volunteering and involve my children when possible #IHBM
How has being a Mother shaped your life? Being a mother has significantly influenced my life and shaped me into the woman I am today I look at each decision through the lens of being a mother and challenge myself to ensure my vision aligns with what is best for them and our family I feel a zest for life I have not before, and I feel my maternal energy has driven me to be my best and make a difference in this life. I want to be my best self for my kids and authentically show them how to love others and make their community a better place
MOTHERHOOD Q & A
me of Covid and how to stay safe and out of harms way of this deadly disease. At the time, much was unknown about how Covid could affect children, yet alone newborns I felt overwhelmed by the demands of being a new mom and having to ensure I took all safety precautions seriously to avoid getting Covid During the end of my maternity leave, I still felt the weight of the world with all the uncertainties, especially returning to my job in health care with direct patient contact I was pregnant 9 months later with our son. Things had “settled down” to some extent at this time; however, there were still a lot of unknowns about pregnancy and Covid. I got a lot of questions about how I was going to protect my baby during covid, and the most common question involved whether or not I was going to get the vaccine It was difficult trying to make the best decision I could with the little that was known about the vaccine I had prayed daily for protection over our family and especially my unborn child that we wouldn’t get Covid I continued to be extremely cautious about leaving the house to limit my exposure I was constantly reminded of all the uncertainties around me and how little I was able to control Thankfully, we welcomed our healthy baby boy on July 26, 2021. There were visitor restrictions in place, but for the most part I was grateful the delivery felt somewhat “normal.”
What does it mean to you to be a Mother? Being a mother means loving your children unconditionally and supporting them throughout their lifetime to be their best self. It is an honor to be called mom and I do not take that role lightly. I strive to love my kids intentionally each day I hope to be a source of guidance and support they can rely on no matter the obstacles they may face I aim to love them sacrificially I strive to love them in such a way they feel secure and confident in their abilities to fearlessly engage in the world and love others.
The use of technology and video visits has become more frequently used in our family Raelyn was able to have a virtual first birthday party, and several family members were able to be part of her special day from all over the country that wouldn’t have been able to attend I’ve had to learn how to tolerate the uncertainty and take care of my mental health in ways I wouldn’t have learned without the pandemic It has been a huge reminder that God is sovereign, and it is okay to not know every detail of the plan. I’ve been reminded to accept things I cannot change and have power to control the things I can, such as my attitude and how I am going to care for myself during challenging seasons I adore the innocence when I look into my children’s eyes and know that life is going to be okay. As a mom, I do my best to show up for my kids, even if it’s just putting one foot in front of the other. The most meaningful memories with my kids are having breakfast on Saturday mornings, having silly dance parties, and reading nightly bedtime stories It really is true, it’s the simple things that lead to true happiness Despite Covid being a challenging season to enter motherhood, I have confidence our family can get through tough seasons.
H A R V E S T H O P E F A R M 5 T H A N N U A L F A L L C E L E B R A T I O N F U N D R A I S E R Date: Saturday, September 17th, 2022 Time: 4:00-8:00pm Location: 9695 10th St NW. Moorhead MN 56560 Family Friendly Event Including: Freewill Donation Dinner, Barn Dance, Silent Auction, Dumbledore Drop & More! No RSVP necessary, we hope to see you there! For more information visit harvesthopefarm.org
The Patch EVENT F r i d a y N i g h t +Early Bird Shopping +D I Y Hat bar: Pockets Full of Posies + Silent Auction +Table Top demonstrations: Rae Creates Rentals +Appetizers & Drinks included with Ticket +Limited Tickets Available S E P T E M B E R 1 6 T H 6 : 0 0 9 : 0 0 P M 3 r d A n n u a l E v e n t N e w n i g h t A d d e d D i f f e r e n t L o c a t i o n S a m e g r e a t t i m e ! presents: Makers+Pumpkins+Food & drinks September 16: 6 9 pm September 17: 10 3 Tolley, ND
T o d a y , a f t e r a j o u r n e y t h r o u g h i n f e r t i l i t y , f o s t e r c a r e , a n d a d o p t i o n , w e a r e t h e b l e s s e d p a r e n t s o f f o u r a d o p t e d c h i l d r e n ; M i c a h ( 6 ) , w h o w e a d o p t e d i n 2 0 1 8 , a n d K i n z i e ( 5 ) a n d L u n a a n d S e r e n i t y ( 4 ) , w h o w e a d o p t e d i n 2 0 2 1 O u r i n a b i l i t y t o g i v e b i r t h t o o u r c h i l d r e n d o e s n ’ t d e f i n e u s a s t h e i r p a r e n t s , n o r d o e s i t d e f i n e u s a s a f a m i l y W e m i g h t n o t b e a f a m i l y b y b l o o d , b u t w e a r e a f a m i l y t h r o u g h L O V E T H I S i s O U R f a m i l y , a n d O U R f a m i l y i s d e f i n e d b y t h e L O V E w e s h a r e a n d t h e w a y s i n w h i c h w e s e r v e o n e a n o t h e r . A l t h o u g h i t h a s n ’ t a l w a y s b e e n e a s y , t h i s j o u r n e y h e l p e d u s r e a l i z e t h a t o ur “ i n a b i l i t y ” t o c o n c e i v e w a s a B L E S S I N G , a s i t g a v e u s t h e “ a b i l i t y ” t o O W N o u r s t o r y a n d t o u s e i t t o m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e i n t h e l i v e s o f o t h e r s W i l l I a l w a y s w o n d e r w h a t i t f e e l s l i k e a s a w o m a n t o c a r r y a n d g i v e b i r t h t o a c h i l d ? N a t u r a l l y B u t t h a t n o l o n g e r b o t h e r s m e l i k e i t u s e d t o b e c a u s e w e n o w s e e t h a t t h e o n e e x p e r i e n c e t h a t w e w o n ’ t h a v e h a s o p e n e d t h e d o o r t o t h e m a n y e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t w e w i l l h a v eMOTHERS, INC. I N F E R T I L I T Y • A D O P T I O N F O S T E R C A R E IHBM & Poppy +
Mother of the Year
North Dakota IHBM 13 Article Submitted by: Ashley Rae Klinger “ O w n i n g o u r s t o r y a n d l o v i n g o u r s e l v e s t h r o u g h t h a t p r o c e s s i s t h e b r a v e s t t h i n g t h a t w e ’ l l e v e r d o ” B r e n e B r o w n A s a w o m a n w h o h a s b e e n i m p a c t e d b y i n f e r t i l i t y , I s t r u g g l e d w i t h m y “ s t o r y ” f o r a w h i l e N o t b e i n g a b l e t o c o n c e i v e c h i l d r e n l e f t m e f e e l i n g l i k e a f a i l u r e i n s o m a n y w a y s T h e r e w a s a p o i n t i n o u r j o u r n e y w h e n I f e l t d e f e c t i v e I f e l t i n a d e q u a t e I f e l t l i k e I w a s l e t t i n g m y h u s b a n d d o w n I f e l t l i k e I w a s m a y b e b e i n g p u n i s h e d f o r a l l t h e “ w r o n g s ” I d i d i n m y l i f e D e s p i t e t h o s e f e e l i n g s , I ( w e ) r e m a i n e d f a i t h f u l . A s a w o m a n a n d a s a c o u p l e o f f a i t h w h o t r u s t i n t h e b i g g e r p l a n t h a t w e c a n n o t s e e , w e s t a y e d c o m m i t t e d t o p u t t i n g o u r t r u s t i n G o d ’ s u l t i m a t e p l a n f o r o u r l i v e s a n d f o r o u r f a m i l y T o g e t h e r a n d a l o n e , A n d r e w a n d I s p e n t co u n t l e s s h o u r s i n p r a y e r a s k i n g G o d t o h e l p u s c o n c e i v e a c h i l d , u n t i l G o d p l a c e d a q u e s t i o n o n m y h e a r t t h a t w o u l d c h a n g e t h e c o u r s e o f o u r l i v e s f o r e v e r “ D o y o u w a n t t o b e p r e g n a n t , o r d o y o u w a n t t o b e p a r e n t s ? ” T h e a n s w e r w a s s i m p l e W e w a n t e d t o b e p a r e n t s I n t h a t m o m e n t o f p r a y e r , G o d r e m i n d e d u s t h a t w e w e r e c a l l e d t o l o v e b e c a u s e H E f i r s t l o v e d U S ( 1 J o h n 4 : 1 9 ) , a n d i t ’ s n o t a s m u c h t h e b l o o d a s i t i s t h e L O V E t h a t m a k e s a f a m i l y I t w a s t h e n w h e n o u r p r a y e r s c h a n g e d f r o m “ p l e a s e h e l p u s c o n c e i v e a c h i l d , ” t o “ p l e a s e h e l p u s b e c o m e p a r e n t s i n w h a t e v e r w a y Y O U s e e f i t ” A S H L E Y R A E K L I N G E R T H O M P S O N , N D ( D A Y T O N A B E A C H , F L )
Photo Credits:
Iris Photography
2021 AMERICAN
Infertility didn’t prevent us from becoming parents, it just changed HOW we became them and WHO we became them to This journey has been both incredibly rewarding and incredibly difficult! Truth be told, it’s the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done But, we know God’s plan is always better than our own; we know He doesn’t call the prepared, He prepares the called. So, we continue to trust the plan we can’t see, and we continue to ask God to guide us and to provide us with what we need on this journey and to protect us along the way Without our story, we wouldn’t have the children in our lives that we do today; we wouldn’t be the family we were meant to be
How are you using your own maternal energy to make an impact in the lives of those around you?
MOTHERHOOD Q & A Who has been impactful in your journey as a mother? What lessons do you carry with you and share often through motherhood? Without question, my own mother, Gail, has been impactful in my journey. However, her oldest sister, Jackie, who passed away 8 years ago, and her second oldest sister and my Godmother, Joan, have also been impactful in my journey Neither Jackie nor Joan had biological children of their own, but their unconditional love helped me realize I don’t have to be a biological parent to make an impact in a child’s life I am the MOM I am today because of ALL the women in my life who poured their love AND time into me; a lesson I share often
One Name Not being able to give birth to our children, we wanted to find another way to give them a part of me|us; besides the love and many qualities and life lessons that we share with them So, Micah’s middle name is Andrew And the girls’ middle name is Rae, which is also my middle name Last Summer, when we were adopting our three beautiful daughters, we needed some information from their birth certificates While reviewing the documents, I noticed the middle name of their birth mother and immediately started crying Through God’s design, the two of us share the same middle name; Rae Two moms; one name Our daughters now have the middle name of both their mothers; their adoptive mother and their birth mother In that moment, I was reminded that our lives don’t happen by accident Our lives are all apart of God’s greater plan, and we can be witnesses to that plan if we surrender our lives to Him Before we move to Florida, Andrew and I took the girls to see their birth mother Although they maybe didn’t remember her, I find it hard to believe that they don’t share a special bond. As a mother, she loves her children and wants the best possible life for them On many occasions, she has thank thanked us for giving them the life that she isn’t able to. In all reality, we wouldn’t be able to give them that life if it wasn’t for her So for her, we are grateful and will continue to foster a relationship between her and the daughters we share as it remains appropriate for everyone This family is OUR family It’s nothing like the family I envisioned having long ago; it’s better! All families are different and unique, but they are all made by the LOVE of God! Besides life itself, family is God’s greatest gift, and the love of a family is life’s greatest blessing! As strange as it sounds, we’re beyond grateful for our journey with infertility, as it was through that journey and our devotion to the Lord that God gifted us with life’s greatest blessing OUR family! And Sami is now a part of our family. God brought our family (and families) together for purposes that are beyond our understanding As a couple, we openly share our family’s story with infertility, foster care, and adoption We don’t do it because we’re looking for validation or praise or recognition, nor do we do it because we feel like our family is any better than all the others We do it to simply inspire others to stay rooted in their faith and to trust God’s ultimate plan, even when all hope seems lost; regardless of their circumstances We do it to provide hope to couples and families like ours who have been impacted by infertility, yet long to be the parents and the family they were meant to be. We do it to be a voice and an advocate for the children around the world who we’re all called to love and serve, while encouraging open conversations and better understanding about both the challenges and the blessings of infertility, foster care, and adoption
What advice would you give to other Mothers? Every woman, whether she recognizes it or not, has maternal energy, even if she hasn’t given birth to a child My inability to give birth to our children doesn’t define m me as their mom Rather, it’s my ability to love them, to nurture them, to protect them, to serve them, to guide them, and to help them grow and develop and become the people God created them to be As women and as mothers, let’s remember to harnesses our OWN maternal energy to make a positive impact in the lives of our children, our families, and in the world around us. Let’s not worry about what other moms are doing, and let’s not compare our abilities and efforts to theirs Instead, let’s harness and utilize our own maternal energy in ways that are unique to our maternal gifts and passions
#IHBM
Two Moms
Being selected as the AMI 2021 ND Mother of the Year has nothing to do with being a “perfect” mom or a “better” mom than all the others Believe me, I’m neither of those things As a mom, I fall short in some way every day I always feel like I could do better. BUT, making a positive impact in a child’s life is NOT about being perfect. Being a mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. As moms, we sacrifice so much and give of ourselves in ways that most people don’t see Most days, it can feel like our efforts go unnoticed and unappreciated, but we continue to serve our families because that’s what moms do For me, being selected as the 2021 AMI North Dakota Mother of the Year is about being a voice, an advocate, and a representative for ALL the moms throughout the great state of North Dakota (and beyond), including all the Foster Moms, Adoptive Moms, and nonbiological moms like me who love and serve not only the children in their life, but their families and the communities they live in!
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