Moms Rock Finalists!

What an amazing group of ladies!

1. Diane Knight
Diane is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She has been a Single Mom raising her children, including a son with Autism. She is now married to the love of her life and continues to go to amazing lengths for her son. From special dietary needs, to traveling across the country in search of the best treatments for him, she is always on the go. For her to meet you is for her to accept you as part of her family. She never meets a stranger. She was recently signed up to run the NYC marathon in honor of her son and others with autism. When the hurricane hit and cancelled the run she immediately started searching for another run to compete in because she didn’t want to let anyone down. She is an amazing Woman, Mom and Advocate. She just recently signed up for a 104 mile bike ride from DC to Delaware for Autism Speaks, again honoring her son. The ride is the first of August and this time she will do it with her husband. Tackling it together like they have Autism.

2. Stacy Mitchell
Since her son was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes just before his 2nd birthday, she has worked tirelessly to inform about the challenges of Juvenile diabetes, raised money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has had many meetings with local government officials to increase funding for a cure for this disease. Since the day he was diagnosed she never sat back waiting to be told how to handle the challenges of the disease. She jumped in head first and decided to do everything she could to give him a better quality of life and to make things easier for him as much as she possibly can. I could only hope to find the determination to handle myself in the same way if I were ever to be faced with such challenges.

3. Tiffany Osborne
Tiffany Osborne, despite her own illnesses, tirelessly works full time and works full time in their home. She enjoys cooking each child and her husband their own individual and favorite desserts as well as decorating with hand made crafts on a tight budget. She’s active in the Living Stones Church choir and often performs and even tours as a backup singer with the contemporary Christian group “Just Cause”. She never seems to take anytime for herself, taking on the majority of household duties because her husband is an amputee, but doesn’t complain as long as her family is happy. Tiffany’s goal is to be the kind of mother her late mother Mary was to her…compassionate, loving and attentive. Even when she can barely breathe from health related issues, she’s taking 3 year old William and and 2 year Olivia to the zoo and other church and  educational activities. She really rocks because often her husband is deployed to disasters like, most recently, Hurricane Sandy with the American Red Cross during which time both children had to have tubes inserted in their ears. With no family within 5 hours of Alabama this Mom Rocks.

4. Jami Davis
Jami is incredible. She is single mother of one daughter, Mandy.  Jami lives in Pleasant Grove and was instrumental in the recovery efforts from the moment the tornado touched down and for months thereafter. She not only got out and did immediately recovery/ search and rescue before rescue teams could get there, she opened her heart and door to give immediate compassion and care to her small town and it’s citizens. Last year, Jami was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. She has undergone complete reconstructive surgery on her entire lower body. She is currently receiving chemo and radiation. Even with her hair missing, her body in discomfort and her commitment to help others, she remains a beautiful example of what it means to be a mom and rock this world.

5. Laura Stanfield
Laura and I have been dear friends since grade school, so I have a great appreciation for the type of friend, wife, and mother she is.  Laura has a little boy, Wyatt, and she is one of the greatest moms out there. She is so loving and caring, balances life’s challenges and hurdles with so much patience all the while making Wyatt her main focal point!  Laura lost her mom a few years ago and that is something that had a huge impact on her life. Most first-time mothers lean heavily on their moms for advice and counsel, but Laura didn’t have that ability.  Thankfully, Laura is surrounded by so many great female role models and has a huge support group in friends, this wasn’t an issue for her.

6. Suzanne Tullis
Suzanne has three boys that she constantly refers to as “The Sons of Thunder”. Her oldest son is almost 14 years old and was diagnosed with Aspergers when he was very young. I have watched my sister research, fight and most importantly, pray for a son who has major issues. It has become her life’s mission and yet she has never neglected time spent with her other two children. Just recently, she decided to home school Joshua. She is such a beautiful person with a heart of gold and a fabulous, Godly mother.

7. Ashley Bryant
I would like to nominate Ashley Bryant. Although Ashley is a mom-to-be, I know that she will be a fantastic mommy! She eats healthy, exercises, and is very organized. I know all of these traits will carry forth into motherhood. I have no doubt that Ashley, along with her husband Davey, will be fantastic parents. I know that she will cook and process her own baby food to pass on her healty eating habits, take the baby jogging with her, and hand craft lots of fantastic things for the nursery and the baby. I know that Ashley will be the epitome of a rockin’ mom!

8. Stacey Turner
Stacey had her son Declan on May 25th of 2012 and she has managed to make life with a newborn look far easier than it should during this past year. She was able to stay home with Declan over the summer, but returned to work when he turned 3 months old. Each day Stacey goes to work at Alabama Ballet, yet she still manages to give her son all the love and attention he needs. Stacey is involved with several arts nonprofits around town and loves being able to do what she can to help the organizations she volunteers with. Her time with these places is limited from time to time because she really does put her time with Declan first, but I know she has stayed involved because her love of the arts is something she hopes to be able to share with her son, while also giving him a fair dose of love for Alabama football since both she and her husband are UA grads and sports lovers.

9. Jennifer Askins
Jennifer Askins is an amazing single mom.  Her son absolutely comes first in her life.  She is a disciplinarian, as well as a gentle friend to him.  She teaches that 5 year old constantly, and that encompasses many things.  She teaches him to read, to play ball, to be sweet and courteous, as well as compassionate.  She just makes life very special for that special little boy who has totally won her heart, and she still takes time for her family and friends.  Though she is alone as a parent, it never comes through in her attitude and her ways of parenting.  She is my daughter but that is not why I say these things.  I say them because she is a wonderful mom.

10. Anna Marie Lasseter
My real mother passed away 3 years ago this April. I have a step mom though that I could never ask for anything better. She doesn’t have children of her own. But when she married my dad in 2007 she gained twins (me and my brother) and a grandson. She has always supported my family. She has stood by my side when I fought for custody of my son for three years. She never sees the flaws in my life only the positive.   She never puts herself first. If you call her with a problem she flys to get to you.