LDS woman honored as state Young Mother of the Year

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By Kara Houser, Staff Writer
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May 24, 2010 — Rachel Borders, of the Beacon Hill Ward in the Spokane Stake, is quick to admit she is not a perfect mother - but the job doesn't require perfection. It only requires effort and growth, which is why Rachel was recently named Washington's Young Mother of the Year.

Washington's 2010 Young Mother of the Year, Rachel Borders (right) pictured here with Lynn West, Washington's 2010 Mother of the Year. Contributed Photo.

The award is given out by an organization called American Mothers, Inc. which is an interfaith, non-political, nonprofit organization emphasizing the important role of motherhood through educational programs and community outreach.

The organization began 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.

The first national Mother of the Year was chosen in 1935. American Mothers was officially organized in 1950 and became an independent, nonprofit organization in 1954. Many LDS women, even past Relief Society general presidents, have been involved in the cause and very supportive of the organization.

All of the women honored at this year's American Mothers, Inc. Mother of the Year ceremony. Contributed Photo.

There is currently no chapter of this organization in Washington so Borders received her award at a dinner in Portland, OR on April 16, along with many other talented and dedicated women. Seeing the impact these women have on their families and communities has inspired Borders to think about starting a chapter in Spokane and hopes that she will find others willing to be a part.

"The awards are one part of the organization, but the other part is about service and education and mentoring - that's what I want to focus on." said Borders. "I have a great support network of family and the church, but not all mothers have that and this could be another resource. LDS women can be great examples and mentors, even if we don't have all the answers."

When asked how she fulfills her role as a mother, Borders sites the motto of American Mothers, which is that it works to preserve the family and strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and home. That is what she focuses on when raising her children.

"I guide them and let them grow into who they are," says Borders, and then quotes the words of Joseph Smith. "I teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves."

She says the schedule in their household consists of meals together, family home evening on Monday and family time on Saturday afternoons as well. Other ideas include regular date nights with her husband and unity in disciplining methods.

"We have to work together to be good parents," she said. "Especially with disciplining, we are both willing to compromise because it's more important to be unified than to be right."

One key to this is to adapt to each child.

"It takes some work to find out what motivates each one," she said. "I try to individualize them. One of my kids gets sent to their room because they don't like being alone, but this wouldn't phase the other one. So, he gets dessert taken away."

For the nomination process, Borders wrote an essay and answered a number of questions about her role as a mother, her service in the parent/teacher organization and her church involvement. Her husband was also asked to write a letter.

"He's a great cheerleader and his support is what allows me to be at home with the kids," Borders said.

Rachel Borders pictured here with her husband, Matt, and their four children. Contributed Photo.

Even with four children all under the age of 6, Borders takes time for herself as well. She has a degree in interior design and enjoys renovating houses. She loves playing sports with her husband, working in the garden, drawing and exercising.

"To be a good mom, you have to be a sane, healthy mom," says Borders. "And some days are better than others."

This summer, Borders plans to start pulling together definite ideas for an American Mothers chapter in Spokane. She has a lot of ideas but wants to find out what will best help other mothers in the area. Some of her ideas include a mentoring program for young mothers, a luncheon with speaker once a month, parenting classes and campaigns to educate the community on the dangers of pornography and other issues that can greatly affect families.

When asked how she would balance this new project with her family life and other commitments, Borders recognized the dilemma but confidently says, "I'm not too worried, because you can make what you want of it. Whatever I do, I'm going to commit to it - but I plan to enlist a lot of help."

It's what any smart mom would do.

If you would like to contact Rachel Borders about being involved in starting a chapter of American Mothers, Inc. in Spokane, please e-mail her at rsborders@gmail.com

Comments

5/24/2010 2:34:17 PM | Joann said:

Rachel is a wonderful person, she derserves this and all those lives she has touched through her example including my own.

5/24/2010 2:40:09 PM | Ted said:

How about sharing her maiden name and a little something about her own mother? I know her mother-in-law is one of the sweetest people on earth.

5/24/2010 11:10:48 PM | Mariah said:

Rachel totally deserves this award. Not only is she a wonderful Mother, but just all around a wonderful person.

5/25/2010 10:08:45 AM | Vicki said:

Congratulations Rachel, there is no question in my mind that you deserve this award. Ted and I are the 'Moons'. We have known your in-law family for many years. Being in the north stake, our ward boundaries were all just reconfigured, and we ended up in the Shadle Park ward with Jenny's family. Yay! I knew your father-in-law's parents in Colville many years ago. The church sometimes makes the world smaller. You sound like an acceptional mother, but I wouldn't have expected Matt to marry anyone less. I know you'll keep on being a great example. Thank you, Sister Vicki Moon

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