These 3 'Mamas' are nurturers

When Ann Nesbitt's son was in kindergarten and first grade, he had major behavioral issues at school. His big heart wanted to behave and he felt remorseful, but he would lose it in the classroom at times. He couldn't explain it. The counselors couldn't help. A behavior specialist said she had no advice to give. Ann was slowly watching the spark fade in her child.

After countless meetings with teachers, administrators, counselors, and medical doctors and after trying five different schools, Ann decided to stay home to nurture her son and discovered the core of his problem was anxiety. Changes to his diet ended the "fits." Eight years later, he is a confident, caring, and reliable 16-year-old surrounded by high school students and staff who celebrate his successes.

As a RHM, Ann asks, "When was the last time you worked on a goal over a long period of time?"

As an adult she had forgotten how satisfying it is to work toward a goal and says, "So often we get caught up in our daily grind and forget to reach for the moon. In RHM I am surrounded by stars while we all reach for the moon."

• Ellen Jaeger

Coming from a family of 13 children, she embraced life as a full-time mom and enjoyed being active in her children's lives. Coming from parents who believed in education, earning her degrees was a life-long dream. These two worlds collaborated when she took the risk of going back to school.

She spent long hours on the college campus, and drove many snowy nights home to Cd'A from Moscow. While earning her doctorate, she summoned her mothering spirit as she took on the care of her 13-month-old granddaughter for six months to help her daughter when her husband was deployed to Afghanistan. With the nurturing of her dear sweet granddaughter as top priority, she finished her dissertation, catching a few winks between midnight and 4 a.m.

"I remember reading about the development of this fun, talented and exhilarating group of Red Hot Mamas," Ellen said. "I never dreamed I would become a member!"

Ellen's friend, Suzy Jolley, told her about going to RHM rehearsal for the Macy's Parade.

"Next thing I knew, I was headed to New York City to perform with them," Ellen said. "I am realizing my dream."

• Joanna Westgate

Joanna gives mega-meaning to being a mom. She is a nurturer by nature. With three children at home, she fought to gain custody of her sister's three children after her sister's untimely death. She finds her extended kids amazing and marvels at their adjustment. That makes six children cared for at home.

She and her husband helped their youngest son through a series of poor choices and through drug rehab. Their son, Alex, didn't enter this world alive. Though they revived the amazing baby, he has permanent brain damage. At 21 he has the mentality of a 6-year-old.

"He can be very difficult to live with, but his loving spirit is a blessing," Joanna said.

Their household is a hubbub of sharing, helping, and working things out.

"New challenges arise daily and we deal with them," she said. "God has blessed me with a diverse, crazy, fun-loving family, and through all the turmoil, home is my favorite place to be." Being a wife and mother gives her a sense of accomplishment.

Becoming a RHM required her to take a giant step out of her comfort zone.

"This is an amazing journey to New York City, meeting incredible women along the way," she said. "I thank the Lord, friends, family and RHM!"

There are many organizations offering a boost of new life to participants. Be encouraged to get on out there and seize the day. The Mamas can be followed on Facebook and reached at www.rhmamas.com.

Meet Ann Nesbitt

Age: 42

Married: 18 years, 2 children

Career: Challenge Course Manager YMCA Spokane. Owner/Manager of rental units

Red Hot Mama: 9 months

Pet Peeve: Wet socks

Enjoyments: Huckleberry season. Family. RHM.

Favorite Quote: "We are here for a good time, not a long time." - Her grandfather

RHM Besties: Dancing in the Macy's parade. Life doesn't get much better than this.

Meet Ellen Jaeger

Age: Feeling young!

Married: Husband, 2 children, 5 grandchildren

Career: Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Church Parish Council.

Education: Bachelor's in business technology. Master's Specialist in school psychology. Master's in Counseling and Human Services. PhD in counseling and human services.

Red Hot Mama: 9 months

Pet Peeve: Never enough time!

Highlights of Her Life: Family.

Enjoyments: Traveling. Family. Friends. The movie "Blind Side." Wonderful employers. Great friends. Classical and rock 'n roll music. RHM.

RHM Besties: Working with beautiful and talented ladies. Service to others. Belief in a higher power. Gratitude. Caring. Kindness. Workouts more aerobic than going to any gym.

Meet Joanna Westgate

Age: 48, Feels 21

Married: 27 years. 3 boys plus care of sister's 3 children

Career: Medical Coding and Billing. Pampered Chef Consultant.

Education: College graduate. Administrative certification. Completing certification ICD 9 and 10 Coding Certifications

Red Hot Mama: 9 months

Pet Peeve: Slow drivers in the fast lane.

Highlights of Her Life: Marriage. Kids. Youngest son's two-year sobriety. RHM.

Enjoyments: Selling Pampered Chef. Furniture stores. Home Decorating. Travel. Medical Field. Home. Movies. Kids sports. Green. Mexican food. Holding hands with husband.