the mom message

How many times have we as women said “oh that would never happen to me”. But what would you do, how would you react when faced with unsettling circumstances you never thought you would find yourself in? This Spring Issue introduces you to a mom who found herself in such a situation. Power and strength aren’t words you use to physically describe feature mom, Angela Smith. Anything but ordinary, this 5 foot 100 pound woman discovered just how strong she really was years ago when she left a man whose only intention was to make her feel powerless. This Mrs. North Dakota International found strength in writing and through her platform began speaking out about her past in the hope of letting other woman know abuse and violence can happen to anyone. Angela, thank you for your silent confidence, brave soul and sharing your story with us.

This Issue also includes a new section called what’s on your mind. We have had an overwhelming response from area moms interested in writing for OTMOM and sharing their perspective on being a mom. It only made sense to create an area where we could share this stuff with everyone. Funny, serious, it’s simply what’s on your mind and you can submit it for consideration at info@onthemindsofmoms.com. Finally, after a near sell out of the MOM shirt we are introducing a new style along with a hip new line for the kiddos. Be sure to check it out at the OTMOM Store online, www.onthemindsofmoms.com.

Founders

A Mom In Motion…

Keeping her word and focus, Kathleen Wrigley, our first featured mom announced to us back in July ‘08 she was training for a marathon in January. Just ten months following the birth of baby Harper, and in Kathleen fashion she out did herself by running the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge at the Walt Disney 2009 Marathon. That’s right she completed a half marathon and then turned around and ran a full marathon the next day. We think she might be a little “Goofy”, but we’re proud of her. Congrats Lady!

A UND graduate, Karina is a mostly stay-at-home mom to Camryn, Lauren and Max. To escape from the realities of life with 3 kids, a husband and a dog, she works part time for Rialee Photography. Karina enjoys reading, writing, running, visiting with friends and longs for a date night with her husband, Darren.

A Fargo native and founder of Catalyst Medical Center, Dr. Mathison cares for patients, specializing in Otolaryngology and head/neck surgery, with a focus on facial plastic surgery and skincare. While her busy private practice is a prime focus, she enjoys spending time with her beautiful baby boy, Grant, husband Steve, six siblings, parents and long-time friends. Dr. Mathison is an avid gardener and occasional golfer.

lisa montgomery writer | fargo

This creative writing major and mother of 3 boys works part-time for a greeting card company, and full time at home. She spends her winters in hockey arenas and Suburban’s, and summers are split between the baseball park, and the lake cabin. When she’s not at sporting events or emptying the dishwasher, Lisa enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Mike, reading, and squeezing in some girlfriend time as well.

A native of Minnesota, Dr. Van Dam is a chiropractor and certified acupuncturist who has been treating conditions of the nerves, muscles and joints for 11 years. He enjoys helping to improve the health and quality of life of his patients, particularly children. Dr. Van Dam and wife Shyrlee have three young children. He is involved in church activities, FM Rotary and enjoys riding motorcycle, playing golf, and basketball.

Founder of Crossroads

Consulting, Jodie has a true passion for helping others identify and discover their passion for life and desires in career. No stranger to searching for her own true path, Jodie has worked in radio advertising, as a career placement recruiter and most recently opened her own businesses. Jodie and husband Eli are proud parents to Foster (6) and Keaton (2).

Originator of

Photography, this once child care professional, wife, and mom of four has been able to turn her hobby of artistic style, with her combined passion for children and photography, into a very successful career. Modern and fresh, Ria photographs with 100% natural light on location as well as in her new natural light loft studio in downtown Fargo.

Tisor

An educator for 27 years with the last 18 years as an Elementary School Counselor for Fargo Public Schools, Nancy has spent her entire working career focused on children. Nancy loves spending time with her 27 year old daughter, Jessica, who also lives in Fargo. She enjoys being an adjunct instructor for MSUM, flower gardening, and reading on her screened in porch in the summer.