Betty Crocker Search for the American Homemaker of Tomorrow

I love hearing your Betty Crocker Search for the American Homemaker of Tomorrow Scholarship stories. Keep sending them my way!

I'm also still hoping to hear from a state or national winner. Recently, I paged through this test to see how I would fair. And I say without the least bit of modestly that I would have failed. This test is tough! I've heard over and over again from winners (at the high school level) that it was an easy test. I'm mystified. I think the winners are smarter than they realize.

But still, some questions are fairly easy. Here is a sample question:

A homemaker will enjoy her housekeeping task more if she:

A. has the right equipment.
B. has someone to talk to while working
C. does the task systematically and regularly.
D. has a working plan suitable to herself and her family.


I'm guessing the answer is "D". I say this because I don't have the answer key - just the questions. This was a timed test, so the participants could not spend too much time on one question.

Do any of you remember the questions from the test? Do you remember your answers?

Happy Mother's Day!

In lieu of getting a tattoo...Happy Mother's Day to anyone who mothers anyone or anything.

And to my own mother, Alice Lucy Springer Marks - a woman who could give Betty Crocker a run for her money - I want to share a few words of wisdom that you have imparted upon me. These words have profoundly shaped me and I thank you for that.  Two of my favorites:

I was nine years old and unbelievably seriously about everything. I told you how I was unfairly treated by a neighbor girl and I was crushed that I thought of a good retort... the next day. Sympathetically, yet almost laughing, you told me, "Is that the worst? Oh well, life is full of 'I should of's." Boy, you're weren't kidding. I can't tell you how many times your words helped me let go.

Another thing that you said that rings in my ears happened when I was 18 or 19. I thought you went overboard with decorating for some minor holiday (I think it was Flag Day) and I didn't hesitate to tell you so. You shrugged and smiled and said, "There's so much sadness in this world, I'll take any opportunity to celebrate." At that moment, I was struck by how wise you are.

On this day, Mother's Day, even though your kids are far away, I know you are celebrating in style.