Escondido conference equips moms for motherhood

By: NOELLE IBRAHIM - Staff Writer | Saturday, January 27, 2007 11:13 PM PST ∞

ESCONDIDO ---- Motherhood is a valuable profession. That was one of the main messages of the Moms Day Out "Motherhood Rocks" event in Escondido on Saturday, a one-day conference for mothers at all stages or seasons of life.

The conference was put on by Hearts at Home, a Christ-centered organization that encourages, educates and equips women for the profession of motherhood through resources and events.

"Our whole goal is to encourage women to keep their hearts at home," said Jill Savage, founder and executive director of Hearts at Home. "Whether they are stay-at-home moms or work outside the house, home is a priority in life. We want mothers to keep their priorities in the right place and make choices that are family first."

About 600 mothers and moms from throughout the state gathered at the Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, where they listened to keynote speakers and attended workshops tailored to their needs or struggles, returning home with strategies that work.

A mix of encouragement and school, "Motherhood Rocks" was aimed at reframing how women think of their role as mothers. The event offered a safe environment where mothers could relax, refresh and refuel.

Often, mothers feel isolated or underestimate the value of what they're doing, said Savage. Connecting with other mothers helps them realize that they are not alone and that their feelings and struggles are normal, she said.

"It's a place for moms to get their tank refilled, their batteries recharged," said Savage, a mother of five who has authored five books and speaks to more than 15,000 women and men each year about their priorities and purpose in parenting.

Based in Illinois, Hearts at Home was founded in 1994 and holds three conferences annually. "Motherhood Rocks" is its first event on the West Coast, said Savage.

Saturday's conference kicked off in a pep rally atmosphere, as music, drama and laughter melded with words of encouragement and advice. Kelly Hughes of Hearts at Home performed a comedic skit, using different hats as props to represent the different roles she plays as a wife and mother.

"All right troops, give me your name, rank and cereal preference," said Hughes, as she sported a camouflage army-style hat, causing the audience to break into applause.

After a musical performance by Crimson Bridge, Savage recounted four key lessons her children have taught her: motherhood is a profession, the marriage relationship should come first, we must maximize the moments we're given and have a solid understanding of value and self-worth.

Savage used personal examples to illustrate her main points. For example, she explained that she has been married for 24 years, but only 14 of those happily.

"We were making a big mistake, putting our children before our marriage," she continued. "The lesson I learned is how to be a wife first and a mother second. What provides children the most security is having a mommy and daddy who love each other."

Point Loma resident Lesley Yates said that was a piece of advice that hit close to home.

"My husband and I have struggled with that in the past and have started working on that," she said. "As moms, we tend to shut ourselves in and think we're the only ones dealing with a problem. It's nice to have someone relate to you."

Once Savage's speech was over, the women broke up into groups, choosing from eight different workshops that covered topics such as "Is there really sex after kids?," "The balancing act," and "Taming your family zoo."

Before discussing the importance of taking care of the "me" in mommy during her keynote address, Lisa Whelchel, who played Blair Warner on NBC's "The Facts of Life," led a workshop called "Creative Correction." Based on one of numerous books she has authored, the workshop suggested creative yet practical ideas to everyday discipline.

"Being a mom is the most important role in my life," said Whelchel, a wife and mother of three who home schools her children. "This is a great way to equip other moms in the most important job in the world."

For more information about Hearts at Home, visit www.hearts-at-home.org.

Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 761-4404 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.

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