America's Favorite Mom

Donny and Marie Osmond will crown "America's Favorite Mom" chosen by your votes from submissions in five categories: Working Mom, the Single Mom, the Military Mom, the Adopting Moms and the COE (Chairman Of Everything) Mom. Don't miss this extraordinary event presented by Teleflora, Sunday May 11th 7/6c.

The Nominees

Patricia Griffith - Working Mom

Meet one candidate, Patricia. She's no cookie-cutter mom? she much prefers pie!
Patricia Griffith, 42, of Pittsburgh, CA, had been a stay-at-home mom to daughters Bianca and Danielle (now 9 and 7) for three years when she got the itch to do something new. But rather than return to her software job, she followed her passion and started the Southern Oven Baking Company. "It's hugely fulfilling," she says. "My husband, Bill, is so supportive, and my girls say they're proud of me, which is the best."

Patricia's first I-love-mothering moment:
"While the doctor was still stitching me up from giving birth to Bianca, I said to Bill, 'We have got to do this again!' I could immediately feel the unconditional love in both directions."

What she's learned from her own mother:
"My mom didn't choose good mates--my stepfather sexually abused me--but learned from that how crucial it is to be a strong, independent woman and to find the right man to complement those qualities. Bill is such a blessing for me--he makes me laugh and is such a loving husband and father."

How monkey bread changed her life:
"Growing up, we'd go to Sunday dinner at my grandma's, and you could smell her monkey bread a block away. During those meals, things always felt right. With my baking, I wanted to recapture that cozy feeling that comes from good cuisine. I eventually expanded from selling my pies and breads at the farmer's market. Now I sell 50,000 desserts monthly at more than 100 stores."

Patricia's mothering style:
"I'm cautious but giving. I want the girls to know that they have to work through life's bumps and bruises, but that I'm here to help. Bill and I pray with them and push them to discover and pursue their passions. I want to help them grow into spirited, strong women."

What surprises her about motherhood:
"Before I had kids, I didn't realize how much I'd care about politics and the environment. I want to leave my kids with a peaceful, clean world. So now I recycle and I talk with the girls about laws and how voting will give them power."