Radical Responsible Mothering

Mothers Institute Days of the Week Themes

2010-01-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

Mothers Institute Days of the Week Themes

Our goal in creating our MI Days of the Week themes and correlating action items is twofold, to be 1) direction defining and 2) action producing -- thus suggesting a general day-by-day focus for families which promotes thoughtful and heartfelt activities, helping to identify goals and accomplish tasks pertinent to individual families needs and desires.

Serendipity Sunday: A day for appreciating the Serendipitous nature of Motherhood and the wonder of accidentally discovering something fortunate, while looking for/expecting something entirely unrelated.

Mothers Institute Monday: A day for participating in Mothers Institute activities. Reserve some time on Mothers Institute Monday for posting updates and info on Mothers Institute Moms (MIM). Promote MIM via social networking sites, and to friends, family and our communities IRL. PLUS remember to enjoy the company of other Mothers Institute Moms during our weekly online chats at 8pm Central.

Teaching Tuesday: A day for educating ourselves, our children and others on what it means to practice Radical Responsible Mothering.

Weeding Wednesday: A day for weeding out material and/or mental clutter -- whether it be weeding the garden or weeding out unproductive thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of living the life we want.

Thrifty Thursday: A day for actively working to reduce our bills/debt and sharing a time/money saving tip with friends and family.

Family Friday: A day for spending significant quality time with our family members ... creating cherished moments and memories.

Seeding Saturday: A day for planting seeds as a compliment to Weeding Wednesday -- whether those seeds be sown to grow food … or food for thought.

Note: MI Days of the Week themes are copyrighted material

A Few Favorite Quotes That Resonate With Radical Responsible Mothering

2009-11-07T09:20:00.001-08:00

"Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees."
- J. Willard Marriot

"I live ...
For the cause that lacks assistance,
For the wrong that needs resistance,
For the future in the distance
And the good that I can do."
~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton

"... The point is to live with courage and boldness, in the face of those things that terrify us. The point of life is to live fully, to engage in life with gusto and with faith, instead of quaking and trembling, crippled by anxieties and fears. Life is to be experienced in all of its wonders as the exquisite gift it is, and not missed because you're too scared of what might happen or what you might catch, who might hurt you or how you might lose what you have!"
~ Jeanie Miley, FaithStreams Archives

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."
~ Thomas Paine, 1776

"If you think in seasons, plant cereals. If you think in decades, plant trees. If you think in centuries, educate your children."
- Chinese Proverb

Homeschooling/Unschooling Teleconference for Mothers for Liberty Moms and Friends

2009-08-03T05:32:00.001-07:00

Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups across the country are joining together for Quarterly Teleconferences beginning Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Our first teleconference will feature Mothers Institute Advisory Board Member, Lori Loranger, who will speak on the subject of Homeschooling/Unschooling. Lori is as a long time and successful unschooling mom herself.

I first "met" Lori back in 2005 when I started the Mothers for Liberty Yahoo Group, in an effort to connect up with other like-minded, liberty-loving, out-of-the-box-thinking moms. Lori's experiences, wisdom and philosophy-put-into-action made her a welcome addition to that early group and today she continues to provide valuable input to The Mothers Institute via her writing and now through her speaking.

The teleconference begins at 7:00 pm Central time and Mothers for Liberty Members (and their guests) are invited to join us on the call.

For more information, visit and join The Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group nearest you (links for all of our MfL Meetup Groups are available via The Mothers Institute Mothers for Liberty page at: http://www.themothersinstitute.org/mothersforliberty.htm or post your request for more information here.

Jan

Our Mothers Institute Forum

2009-08-03T05:10:00.001-07:00

In an effort to make The Mothers Institute a more "hands on" resource for moms and families, we have created our own MI Forum/Discussion Board for sharing information, experiences, and a general Q and A for Radical Responsible Mothering.

We currently have a wide range of topics being discussed which include:

* Pregnancy and Birth
* Mothering/Parenting
* Homeschooling/Unschooling
* Schools: Private, Charter and Public
* Children's Books, Magazines and Websites
* Health and Wellness
* Gardening/Homesteading/Self-Sufficiency
* Hobbies/Talents
* Recipes (from A-Z)
* Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group Activities
* Politics - Local, State and National
* The Mothers Institute Book Club
* General information and news about The Mothers Institute
* And More!

Our forum is open to mothers (and others) and is a great place to converse with like minded moms who support the time honored traditions of reason, logic, creativity, civility, discourse, debate and dissent.

Come join the conversation at: http://themothersinstitute.org/forum

Jan

Can You Give a $1 to The Mothers Institute Today?

2009-07-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

Can You Give a $1 to The Mothers Institute Today?

The Mothers Institute Needs YOUR help!

We all know that non-profit organizations rely on donations. And we also know that with an uncertain economy, many families are watching their budgets a bit more closely these days.

That said, expenses still go on at The Mothers Institute and donations are still needed! So we've come up with the "Can You Give a $1 Today" idea which hopefully will be do-able for most individual pocketbooks and family budgets.

If all of The Mothers Institute's members, readers and friends would chip in and give just $1, MI would have some much needed funds to help cover our ongoing expenses such as rent, utilities, advertising, educational and promotional workshops/events, office supplies and more.

So, for all the mothers (and others) out there who appreciate the work The Mothers Institute is doing, and can contribute $1 today -- it would be much appreciated!

To give your $1 online, visit our website's homepage at: http://www.themothersinstitute.org/ and click on the "Support The Mothers Institute Today" Donate Button at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for considering this --- and as always your support is greatly appreciated!

Jan Stover
Founder and Director
The Mothers Institute

The 20 Daughters of Liberty

2009-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

The 20 Daughters of Liberty
By Anonymous~ 1768 ~

Since the men, from a party or fear of a frown,
Are kept by a sugar-plum quietly down,
Supinely asleep--and depriv'd of their sight,
Are stripp'd of their freedom, and robb'd of their right;
If the sons, so degenerate! the blessings despise,
Let the Daughters of Liberty nobly arise;
And though we've no voice but a negative here,
The use of the taxables, let us forbear:--
(Then merchants import till your stores are all full,
May the buyers be few, and your traffic be dull!)

~~~~~

Stand firmly resolv'd, and bid Grenville to see,
That rather than freedom we part with our tea,
And well as we love the dear draught when a-dry,
As American Patriots our taste we deny--
Pennsylvania's gay meadows can richly afford
To pamper our fancy or furnish our board;
And paper sufficient at home still we have,
To assure the wiseacre, we will not sign slave;
When this homespun shall fail, to remonstrate our grief,
We can speak viva voce, or scratch on a leaf;
Refuse all their colors, though richest of dye,
When the juice of a berry our paint can supply,
To humor our fancy--and as for our houses,
They'll do without painting as well as our spouses;
While to keep out the cold of a keen winter morn,
We can screen the north-west with a well polished horn;
And trust me a woman, by honest invention,
Might give this state-doctor a dose of prevention.

~~~~~

Join mutual in this--and but small as it seems,
We may jostle a Grenville, and puzzle his schemes;
But a motive more worthy our patriot pen,
Thus acting--we point out their duty to men;
And should the bound-pensioners tell us to hush,
We can throw back the satire, by biding them blush.

This poem was published anonymously in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1768. It is thought that it was written by a Quaker lady who lived in Philadelphia. It was dedicated to the Daughters of Liberty during the Revolutionary War.

The Value of a Mom

2009-04-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

The Value of a Mom

A father came home and found his three children were outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.

The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess.

A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.

In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled onthe counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled onthe floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sandwas spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles ofclothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel.

She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"

She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world did I do today?"

"Yes," was his incredulous reply.

She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

~ Anonymous

What is The Mothers Institute?

2009-03-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

What is The Mothers Institute?

In an effort to describe how The Mothers Institute began, I’d like to offer a quick look at a few of my personal interests and endeavors. I have always had two great passions in life - Family and Freedom. I had the good fortune of successfully melding those passions together during the years I raised and homeschooled my two sons. After my children headed off to college, the time was right for discovering new opportunities to honor these same passions.

My husband and I chose to become involved in politics. During that time, our efforts focused primarily on spreading the message of individual freedom and personal responsibility through a variety of political campaigns, promotional events and local activities. In addition, I began looking for a viable approach to bring the ideas of freedom to the next generation. With that goal in mind, I initially organized a Mothers for Liberty Yahoo Group which served as a discussion board for mothers choosing to raise their children with a self reliant, independent, libertarian spirit!

As like-minded mothers from across the United States discovered the new group, membership increased and soon included a blend of everything from political activists to apolitical moms who simply shared the philosophy of individual freedom and personal responsibility.

The age-old quote, "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world" by William Ross Wallace resonated with our Mothers for Liberty members as did the inspirational quote of anthropologist Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has."

In January of 2007 after a short illness, my own mother passed away -- but before her death, she and I discussed the idea of an organization which could successfully promote an approach to mothering that would encourage the principles we women had already been discussing and practicing. My mother, who was also my mentor and friend, had been my business partner in prior endeavors and was a successful businesswoman along with my father for over sixty years. Knowing she had given her "thumbs up" to such a project assured me I was on solid ground.

In March of 2007, hoping to network with more like-minded mothers throughout the country, I organized another online discussion group and its membership grew quickly - today reaching over 750 mothers and representing almost every state in the U.S. Again, some of the members are politically active while others simply live a philosophy that promotes peace, prosperity and freedom while enjoying a connection with other mothers who are seeking to practice similar life tenets.

With the enthusiastic support of so many dedicated women, the time was finally right to organize The Mothers Institute along with our "boots on the ground" aspect of the organization - our Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups. Together, we are practicing and sharing with others the message of Radical Responsible Mothering ... bringing the concept to the forefront of today’s parenting conversation.

And as The Mothers Institute continues to grow - with the help of many talented members - it is wonderful to know that my own mother's influence is, and will continue to be, felt and appreciated by mothers of all ages and in all stages of this wonderful experience called motherhood.

Homeschooling Humor :-)

2009-03-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling Humor by Melany Noltenius (a homeschooling mom from Tennessee)

Q: How does a homeschooler change a light bulb?

A: First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas Edison and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles. Next, everyone takes a trip to the store here they compare types of light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill. On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill. Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And there is light.

Creating "Community"

2009-03-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

Creating "Community"

Merriam-Webster recognizes the individual in its definition of community, showing such fellowship and organization as a reflection and manifestation of individuals’ needs, desires and interests. Accordingly, communities or groups should be created, sustained and thought of as an adjunct to the individual, rather than an entity maintained for its own purpose.

Merriam-Webster also describes community as “society at large” and, as such, calls to mind these historic words from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense ...

“SOME writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher. Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one ...”

Ron Paul’s Freedom Principles also aid in the understanding of community and groups as they relate to the individual as well as Paine’s assessment of society vs. government.
* Rights belong to individuals, not groups.
* Property should be owned by people, not government.
* All voluntary associations should be permissible -- economic and social.
* The government’s monetary role is to maintain the integrity of the monetary unit, not participate in fraud.
* Government exists to protect liberty, not to redistribute wealth or to grant special privileges.
* The lives and actions of people are their own responsibility, not the government’s.

So what then is community ... family, neighbors, homeschooling groups, churches, political organizations, food co-ops, online forums, our Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups? Yes to all of the above. And through such communities, we find common ground by way of our shared interests, experiences, goals, strengths, and even weaknesses.

We create community by first recognizing the need for and benefits of joint effort in a given arena and then by inviting like-minded individuals to share that effort and ultimately that reward with us. We build community by bringing the best of ourselves to the group, by giving and receiving resources, tools and talents which enhance the lives of those involved.

Historically, community has been at the heart of our nation’s success, and loosing touch with community has initiated problems that are now becoming evident. In the wake of that realization, Americans are establishing relationships and reconnecting with community on a local and national level. People turning to people for friendship, assistance, information and resources ... and in response people voluntarily offering the same, is as Paine points out, a blessing.

To quote Karl Hess, well known and beloved libertarian writer and activist, “The most revolutionary thing you can do is get to know your neighbors.” And to follow that thought with a quote by Mothers Institute Advisory Board member, Lori Loranger, “A free market in goodwill is the same as an economic free market - the more interconnected we become, the more we really can’t afford to be enemies.” we have a better understanding that through community, we can find solutions that better enable us - as individuals - to live the lives we choose.

Grandma's Apron

2009-03-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

Grandma's Apron

"I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.

After the peas had been shelled, itcarried out the hulls.In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Send this to those who would know, and love, the story about Grandma's aprons. Or it can be a good history lesson for those that have no idea how the apron played a part in our lives.

REMEMBER ...

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron. I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron .... but Love!!"

~ Author Unknown

Our Truest Friend

2009-03-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."

--Washington Irving
--------------------------------------

As children we are blessed to have mothers like this and as mothers we are privileged to be our children's truest friends.

The quote reminded me of the following precious personal examples ...

My oldest son once told me that when things are difficult for him -- he simply calls home, I tell him he's wonderful (hopefully with some sage advice thrown in the mix) and he goes back to his business of the day with a different perspective and outlook.

My youngest son once asked me if since he and his brother were born, did I ever do anything without thinking of them first ... then before I could answer he looked me in the eye, smiled, and said "never mind" Knowing he knew the answer before I had to respond assured me my devotion to him/them had been adequately practiced -- and observed.

Knowing this quote may remind other moms visiting my blog of specific moments or situations in their childhood - or as moms themselves - when a mothers' love was the perfect fit and fix for problems large or small, I invite you to share a few of those special moments here.

To a Homemaker

2009-02-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

To a Homemaker

Sweetness and soul,
We find joy in your gentle ways.
You nurture all of us: the dog, the bird,
The plants, and people - lucky ones you love;
You're caring, ever caring, here - and far
Where letters send your light to sunny up
A burdened life.
With fierce protective eye
You scan afar for threat to those God gave
You vigil o'er.
From morn to night you work:
You cook, you wash, you sew, you clean, you shop.
What for?
Why just to make a home
For us who come - and go.
You suffer little leavings every day
And bravely bear the pain and think of ways
To make homecomings glad and good, and build
Us strong again.
You cook. Oh, how you cook!
Not as some other women cook, with weariness,
Complaint: "So many years, so many dinnertimes.
"No, you cook like God would cook, I think.
Each meal's a miracle.
Dried beans and rice
Become gourmet for you.
But more than that,
Each meal's a feast of love
Turned into bread and drink.
We humbly take.
There is no way to honor you enough.

by Carla Emery

"Cannot" Lessons Worth Learning

2009-02-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot lift the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

-- William Boetcker(1873-1962) German-born Presbyterian clergyman1916

Participative Leadership

2009-02-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

What's Your Leadership Style?

Psychologist Kurt Lewin identified three major leadership styles. Learn which best describes your leadership style in this 18 question quiz at:
http://psychology.about.com/library/quiz/bl-leadershipquiz.htm

My results indicate that my leadership style is predominately: Participative

Participative Leadership ...
Participative leaders accept input from one or more group members when making decisions and solving problems, but the leader retains the final say when choices are made. Group members tend to be encouraged and motivated by this style of leadership. This style of leadership often leads to more effective and accurate decisions, since no leader can be an expert in all areas. Input from group members with specialized knowledge and expertise creates a more complete basis for decision-making.

Monday's Child is Fair of Face ...

2009-02-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

MONDAY'S CHILD IS FAIR OF FACE

Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go.
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for a living,
But the child born on the Sabbath Day,
Is fair and wise and good and gay.

Do you remember that Mother Goose poem many of us recited as children? Wonder where you fit into the days of the week? Have fun finding out at: http://www.bethanyroberts.com/MondaysChildIsFairofFace.htm

BTW, I'm a Wednesday Child
Wednesday's child is full of woe.
You are a serious person, and try to change things that seem unfair.
You make the world a better place!

Stay-at-Home Mothering

2009-02-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

"Stay-at-home mothering is as beneficial for the mother as it is for the child ... each reap the daily rewards of shared and sacred moments." ~ Jan Stover

I'm always quoting others ... decided to quote myself for a change ;-)

Reason, Logic, Creativity, Civility, Discourse, Debate and Dissent

2009-02-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

In writing the Mission Statement for The Mothers Institute, I chose to include the concepts of reason, logic, creativity, civility, discourse, debate and dissent.

I asked several friends to share with me what those terms mean to them and found their definitions interesting. Below are their thoughts...

Reason - as opposed to superstition
Logic - as opposed to intuition
Creativity - as opposed to bland conformity with tradition
Civility - as opposed to strident rudeness
Discourse - as opposed to stay silent, not airing problems
Debate - as opposed to unconsidered acceptance
(accepting) Dissent - as opposed to requiring capitulation

Reason= motivating factor for an action or thought.
Logic= reasonable thinking.
Creativity= In studio classes we were always charged with creating our own art, but in art history we were taught there is basically no "new" art. I guess for me it would be my own way of doing something.
Civility= agree to disagree in a respectful manner
Discourse= a conversation, argument
Debate= a civil argument
Dissent= refusal to submit to authority

Reason and Logic, to me, go hand in hand. It is logical to follow what is reasonable. i.e. common sense. If more people just did what made sense rather than doing something that they know is not right, then the world would be a much better place. Be logical, be reasonable and encourage others to do the same.

Creativity to me can be many things. There may be an insurance salesman who uses loopholes in company policy to actually help customers. There may be a painter or an artist using their craft to make the word a better place. There may be a writer, telling stories or researching to tell the truth. It may be a child- everything they do is creative. It is their own, before they are shaped by the world and before many of them let their peers tell them who they are.

Civility to me is a hard one. Civil as in not arguing or voicing your opinion in order to keep the peace? (Not in my house, lol) Civil as in politically correct? (not so much) Civil to me means that you are polite and can deal with others in civilization. It is important to do this on a daily basis with children- especially home schooled children. This is what people mean when they cry "Their socialization!" in opposition to homeschooling. As if every child who is not brought through public schools will either be a robot answering questions as such with no spirit or a wild animal. It is up to us to show that children can have freedom of expression but behave, they can be socialized with their peers but not be dependent on them, they can use reason and logic without being an automaton, and be civil about it.

Discourse, debate, and dissent all rule my life. Why? Because to most, the concept of personal responsibility and freedom are alien ideas. When I talk about the changes I would like to see, I get a mildly horrified look. So, I am prepared to debate. My choices politically, and of course the ever present debate on parenting. It takes alot of energy to constantly explain why you are not vaccinating, why you are homeschooling, why you don't like the people in charge... and on and on. It is all about educating people on your point of view so at the end, they understand what you mean even if they don't agree. The path to peace is paved with understanding.

To hear Richard Dreyfuss speak eloquently on a number of these same issues watch his appearance on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd7p1SGMuqU&feature=related

A Virtual Tea Party

2009-01-27T20:57:00.001-08:00

What do you do when you have a community of moms scattered across the country who would love to spend a leisurely afternoon chatting with each other over a cup of tea or cappuccino (if distance wasn't an issue)?

The answer's simple ... you host an online tea party :-)

And that's just what Mothers for Liberty moms are doing this Wednesday, January 28th.

Between 2 and 4pm central time, moms will "gather" at Mothers for Liberty National (an online group via CafeMom) and share conversation, inspiration, information and more! Some moms will be able to join in for the whole event, others will only be able to drop by for a while ... but whatever their schedules permit, this online tea party is a great way to spend an afternoon with long distance friends.

To share a cup of tea with this community of moms simply join the Mothers for Liberty National Group online via CafeMom. Go to: http://www.cafemom.com/ -- Type in the words "Mothers for Liberty National" in the search bar -- This will take you to the group's homepage where a link is provided to register at CafeMom so you may join the group. Note: If you are already a member of CafeMom, simply click on the following link: http://www.cafemom.com/group/54702/

Another novelty is the tea-party, an extraordinary meal in that, being offered to persons that have already dined well, it supposes neither appetite nor thirst, and has no object but distraction, no basis but delicate enjoyment. ~ Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, The Physiology of Taste

Sister City Camp Outs!

2009-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Plans are in the works for a Mothers for Liberty "Sister City" Camp Out in June. With two of our Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups located in communities named Greenville (what are the odds on that one, eh?) we've decided to have a little shared fun and each group is planning to host a Camp-Out the same weekend. Our MfL group in Greenville, Illinois has been discussing a theme for the event - "Old Fashioned Family Fun" - and knowing the mama who is in charge of planning MfL events in Greenville, Michigan - that will be right up her alley too :-)

A little "Old Fashioned Family Fun" might include sack races, egg tosses, a rousing game of horseshoes, crafting, singing 'round the campfire and more!

Hubby is a ham radio operator ... thought it might even be fun to see if our Sister Cities can connect up via the airwaves during the event as well.

Looking forward to a good turn out as we will be inviting Mothers for Liberty from across the country to join us ... heading to the Sister City Camp Out nearest them.

To learn more about our Sister City Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups, visit

South Central Illinois Mothers for Liberty at: http://moms.meetup.com/3107/

and West Michigan Mothers for Liberty at: http://moms.meetup.com/3675/

Camp Out details to follow!

Sunflower Seed Pancakes ... Yum!

2009-01-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

When my oldest son was little, he had many food allergies ... so I was always searching for (and concocting) new and tasty recipes.

In the process, I came up with the recipe for Sunflower Seed Pancakes (which we still eat and enjoy today). Thought folks might enjoy giving them a try ...

Ingredients:
1 and 3/4 cup raw sunflower seed flour ( I buy raw sunflower seeds and grind them myself via our coffee grinder)
3 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix ingredients and prepare in skillet in the same fashion as more traditional pancakes.
Serve with real maple syrup ... yum!
Recipe makes 6 medium size pancakes

Note: These are heavy, hearty (almost "meaty") pancakes. If you like a lighter pancake, sift sunflower seed flour before adding other ingredients to it and/or add a bit of wheat flour to the mix (adding additional water accordingly).

Mondays with Mothers for Liberty

2009-01-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

"Mondays with Mothers for Liberty" is a weekly Live Chat (via our keyboards) with moms across the country who are interested in the philosophy and practice of individual freedom and personal responsibility.

These brainstorming sessions offer like-minded moms a chance to share thoughts and build off each other's ideas and efforts.

To participate in these Live Chats, moms will need to be a member of our Mothers for Liberty National Group. To join, simply visit CafeMom at: http://www.cafemom.com/ Type the words "Mothers for Liberty National" in the search bar. This will take you to the group's homepage where a link is provided to register at CafeMom so you may join the group. If you are already a member of CafeMom, simply click on the following link: http://www.cafemom.com/group/54702/

Looking forward to tonight's chat (Monday, January 12th at 8pm Central!)

Saying NO to Vaccinations ... At Any Age!

2009-01-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

Neither of my sons were vaccinated throughout their elementary and high school years (we homeschooled some of those years, but not all, so we did deal with government schools and the pretense that vaccinations are mandatory)

My husband and I simply signed a form that indicated our decision to not have our sons vacinated was religious based.

College was a bit more difficult ... the university (state funded) “insisted” my sons get their MMR vaccinations. Both boys were over 18 at the time, so they were legally/personally able to make their own choice on the matter (even tho I expressed my disapproval and concern). My oldest son’s exposure to the vaccine went without incident. My youngest son’s story was quite different (and confirmed my fears about vaccines in general). He become VERY ill - extremely high fever, the worst headaches he had ever experienced, nausea, etc... - a trip to the ER followed by several doctors visits confirmed his exposure to the vaccine played a significant part in triggering a virus that was possibly laying dormant in his system (or introducing it?) and he was diagnosed with mononucleosis - a similar strain of virus as measles, meningitis, etc. He missed 2 weeks of classes and took several months to really get back on his feet (btw, he still suffers from viral infections much more frequently than the average person).

Later, the university, in its infinite wisdom, decided that despite my son’s initial serious reaction to the first round of the MMR vaccine, he needed to follow up with a second round which was "required" of all students. We were able (at first) to get a medical exemption as mononucleosis had been confirmed via my son’s blood work and our doctor felt comfortable writing a letter stating that “at this time vaccinations were contraindicated”.

The school left no stone un-turned, however, and picked up on the “at this time”. They kept pushing for our doctor to give exact dates as to when he could/could not receive the vaccination, so we began to look for other solutions - and went back to the religious exemption idea. However, we were told that to claim a religious exemption - to satisfy the state - my son had to verify that he was attending a church were such a belief was in fact part of the church's practice/doctrine. He was not, so that option was unavailable to us.

Since we were convinced that another round of the MMR vaccination would seriously affect my son’s health AGAIN - there was no choice but to keep looking for ways to successfully opt out. After researching the subject via the internet, I found that a “PERSONAL religious exemption” was different than a religious exemption ... and so my son took that route, writing the following letter to the university:

"After much thought, reflection and meditation, my personal religious beliefs prohibit the injection of foreign substances into my body. Therefore, owing to the Knowledge that The Higher Power which created us all, rejects this same notion of foreign substances entering into the body, I object to the following vaccinations, including but not limited to, DTaP\DTP, HepB, Hib, MMR, Polio, Varicella, and MCV4. Therefore I am filing this personal religious exemption in accordance with: TITLE 77: PUBLIC HEALTH CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SUBCHAPTER k: COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL AND IMMUNIZATIONS PART 694 COLLEGE IMMUNIZATION CODE SECTION 694.210 RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION”

The university finally backed off.

For more info on vaccinations visit: http://www.vaccineawareness.org/aboutIVAC.htm and http://www.thenhf.com/vaccinations.html

Remembering The Bill of Rights ... 217 Years After Its Ratification!

2008-12-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Midwest Mothers for Liberty Conference Highlights

2008-10-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Fun was had by all ... at the Midwest Mothers for Liberty Conference!!

The Mothers Institute in partnership with the South Central Illinois Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group held its first Regional MfL Conference this past Saturday, September 27th. Twelve moms from 4 states gathered in Vandalia, Illinois, to share knowledge and forge friendships. After an opening welcome from Jan Stover, Founder and Director of The Mothers Institute, vendors had a chance to speak to the attendees about their products, services and organizations. Vendors speaking included Karin Vermillion representing South Central Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group, Leanna Clark representing The Clark Farm and the Bond-Fayette County Libertarians, Corben Rice representing Uncle Ben's Toys, Patty Tweedle representing the Bob Barr Presidential Campaign, and Jan Stover representing the Bake Back America Bake Sale and The Mothers Institute. Attendees then joined in a round table discussion sharing with each other what brought them to the Conference as well as a bit about themselves and their families.

Over lunch, Jan spoke about experiences with homeschooling and the public school system, as well as her passion for family and freedom ... all key elements in her decision to start The Mothers Institute in hopes of building an educational and networking resource for mothers of all ages and stages. She also discussed the goal of growing the "boots on the ground" aspect of the Institute, our Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups.

After lunch, Leslie Whitney (with assistance from her mother, Robin Van Loon) demonstrated how to make homemade soap. After the demonstration, attendees had a chance to visit with Leslie and ask questions about the process. Conference attendees also received handouts on soap making and apron patterns courtesy of Leslie and her mom!

Next, Andrea Rice spoke on A Thomas Jefferson Education: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders offering attendees descriptions, discussions and tools to avoid a conveyor-belt education and instead provide age appropriate opportunities, materials and expectations for our children as well as enouraging the love for life-long learning within ourselves.

Following Andrea, Candidate Ruth Strebe-Motes offered a Behind the Scenes Look at Running for Office. Her comprehensive approach to making the decision to run for City Council and shared advice from her campaign experiences gave attendees encouragement to consider a future run for office of their own.

Along with the experience of the event itself, attendees took home a number of things from the Conference such as a complimentary coloring mug featuring The Mothers Institute and Mothers for Liberty logos as well as a "Choose Liberty" bumper stickers. Mugs were donated by Karin Vermillion and bumper stickers were donated by Jan Stover on behalf of the South Central Illinois Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group. Moms also went home with tasting treats purchased at the Back Bake America Bake Sale as well as great items from the Silent Auction. Proceeds went to support The Mothers Institute and the host MfL Meetup Group.Several of the Conference attendees stayed over for the evening Reception which was enjoyed by local liberty lovers as well.

Special thanks also goes to Don Stover for his "jack of all trades" contributions to the event and to the Sunshine House Health Food Store in Vandalia for their donations of chips, cookies, drinks and more.

Plans will be in the works shortly for a Mothers for Liberty NATIONAL Conference in 2009!

Suffragettes, The 19th Amendment and Women Today!

2008-08-12T09:17:00.001-07:00

On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified giving women the right to vote. The Suffragettes worked tirelessly - against what must have seemed like insurmountable odds at times - to ensure we women would have a voice in our own government.
To the young first time female voter of today, voting in the upcoming election may seem like the natural order of things ... but in the history of our nation, it is a relatively new occurrence for the female population to be able to walk into that voting booth and cast our vote for the candidate of our choice.

Without question, this August 18th, we should take a minute to remember the Suffragettes and how their dedication to such a worthy cause changed the political landscape - not only in their time, but for all time! To honor the legacy of these brave women, it is incumbent upon women today to continue the practice of an informed citizenry and educated electorate - which requires more than just casting a vote, but becoming an informed voter!

This November women should go to the polls with a working knowledge of our founding documents as well as an understanding of the candidates' platforms and voting records to proudly cast an informed vote while remembering the Suffragettes who made the opportunity possible!

"The Modern Mother of 1934" by Anna Roosevelt Dall

2008-07-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Truth and wisdom are true and wise no matter what the year!

The Modern Mother of 1934 as seen by Anna Roosevelt Dall...

The modern mother's great job is to bring up children who are brave, strong and adjustable to the changing world in which they live. That doesn't mean that these children can't be rebels; there is such a thing as being a well adjusted rebel.

If I had to put down a dictionary definition, I'd say a modern mother: Has a background of knowledge about child growth, physical, mental and emotional; has as her objective for her children their growth into self-reliant, independent men and women (yes, even independent of their mothers) ; has a friend-to-friend relationship with her children which includes all the characteristics of friendship - consideration, respect, confidence, and good manners; teacher her children the fundamental qualities of honesty, truthfulness, kindness, and tolerance by self-example instead of constant preaching ...

You aren't suppose to be perfect, and you might be very dull if you were. There's nothing worse than the mother who takes herself too seriously. Mistakes, and even the admission of mistakes, are to be expected! ... But mothers, like depressions and measles, can and do improve!
~ Anna Roosevelt Dall

The Declaration of Independence

2008-07-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Begin a tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence at your 4th of July celebrations ... Lest we forget!

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Signed by ...

New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

545 People

2008-07-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

545 People
by Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, The Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court justices - 545 human beings out of the 300 million - are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress.

In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority.

They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman or a president to do one cotton-picking thing.

I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault ... They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall!

No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits!

The president can only propose a budget.

He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.

Who is the speaker of the House? PELOSI!

She is the leader of the majority party.

She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want.
If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts - of incompetence and irresponsibility.

I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.

When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.

Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses - provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper

"Lucky Jones"

2008-06-06T06:05:00.001-07:00

With Fathers Day approaching, my thoughts turn to my dad. Although he has been gone for nearly 12 years now, the man he was and the legacy he left live on in those who knew him ...

My dad’s given name was Harry Donald Jones. Grandma affectionately called him Harry Don, childhood friends called him Donnie, business associates knew him as Don, but it was my Aunt Kathryn who gave him a nickname that was an apt discription of his life ... Lucky Jones.

Yes, he was lucky alright ... lucky in school, sports, business, love and life. But it was my brother, Jeff, and I who were really the lucky ones ... after all, we got Dad for a father.

For over forty years we had him in our lives. He taught us to swim, bowl and drive. He taught us to make change, check our math and treat people with respect. He told us he loved us and showed us he loved us. Yes, we were the lucky ones.

He was a dedicated son, loving husband, talented photographer, WWII veteran, respected businessman, wonderful dad, attentive grandfather and an all around decent human being. He was never too busy to listen, never too tired to help and was always there for us. Yes, we were the lucky ones.

Looking back on Dad’s life, I think its safe to say that while Lucky Jones started out as just a nickname, it ended up being the legacy he left his children.

I guess you could say that makes us second generation Lucky Joneses. Not a bad legacy, to be sure.

Thoughts on Stay-at-home-Mothering vs Daycare

2008-05-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

The debate between stay-at-home-mothering vs daycare can sometimes get ugly but these thoughts have been rolling around in my head for some time now ... so here goes.

"I do not believe that all woman should stay home and have babies, but I am firmly convinced that all mothers should stay home and raise their children."

Now before I continue (or find some folks up in arms about the impracticality of my statement) let me also say this: I realize there are always exceptions to every rule. Some circumstances which would affect a mom's stay-at-home option might include: divorce, single parenting issues, mental and/or physical illness, finances, etc...But for lack of a set of circumstances beyond a mom's control, I do believe a mother's place is with her children. And if not possible at any one given moment in time, that should be the ultimate goal. And not just for the children, mind you, FOR THE MOTHER as well!

Mothering is a wonderful experience and I know I am certainly a better person for having dedicated my time and energy to full time parenting. Not only did my kids always know (as Doctor Phil says ;-) that their home was "a safe place to fall" - but as their mother in this process, I reaped the benefits (then and now) of a uniquely close and enduring relationship with my sons.

BTW, in a libertarian world, with no income tax, it would be much more do-able financially for moms to stay-at-home. :-)

Just a thought ... and as always, comments are appreciated.

Jan

"Bake Back America"

2008-04-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

I love the phrase AND the concept, Bake Back America! I first heard it used by a friend of mine, Debbie Hopper, who is the founder of Mothers Against the Draft.

During our conversation, we discussed how generations of moms have been successful in promoting and funding causes they believe in with tried and true methods such as bake sales ... and rather than reinventing the wheel, we moms with causes today might want to return to those same tried and true methods.

And since many moms share the desire to "Take Back America" ... take it back from the socialist, the fascists, and those in power who have conveniently forgotten the limitations of government set forth by the Constitution itself, combining the bake sale tradition with the goal of returning our country to its founding roots ... the name "Bake Back America" seemed like a perfect blend.

So ....

In the long tradition of American mothers and grandmothers, The Mothers Institute is planning a series of bake sales in an effort to bring public awareness to the organization and to serve as fundraisers for the Institute, the Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups and community endeavors. In preparation for such upcoming events, MI is holding its first "Bake Back America" Recipe Contest and they are looking for YOUR best bread, cookie, cake, and pie recipes! The top three winning recipes will be posted on their website, distributed to the Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups and baked all across America during the first Bake Back America Bake Sale (date to be announced). In addition, the first place winner will also receive a Mothers Institute Apron.
Individuals may submit up to three recipes. Submissions may be sent in via The Mothers Institute website by visiting the homepage, clicking the Subscribe-Contact page and typing your favorite recipe(s) into the Message box. Or you may go directly to the Contact page via this link: http://www.themothersinstitute.org/Subscribe.htm Submissions will be accepted through May 30, 2008

Time Capsule for Liberty

2008-04-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Mothers Institute Suggests Creating a Family “Time Capsule for Liberty”

Many families enjoy such hobbies as scrapbooking, photojournaling, crafting and more. Telling stories of our lives, preserving memories, and recording the significant events of our time is often uniquely accomplished by these talents and techniques. The Mothers Institute is encouraging moms across the country to consider using these talents in the creation of their own family “Time Capsule for Liberty”.

Knowing many of the ways families promote and practice the concepts of liberty in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities, the items produced for/included in such a time capsule would, no doubt, be inspiring! “Letters to the Editor”, family photos taken at community protests/political rallies, photos of children undertaking a free market project, campaign buttons from a respected candidate, artwork and stories children create with liberty as their theme – this list is endless!

And getting the whole family involved in such a project can be great fun!

The Mothers Institute would also like to hear from moms with more suggestions for time capsule content and would enjoy receiving photos of time capsules as well!

Simply send your Family's "Time Capsule for Liberty" suggestions and photos to The Mothers Institute via the website's Subscribe/Contact page at: http://www.themothersinstitute.org/Subscribe.htm

Jan

Children Learn What They Live

2008-04-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Daughters of the Revolution ... Mothers of the Republic

2008-03-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

We, as American women, are all Daughters of the Revolution. Yes, proven blood line or not, this is our birthright. Lineage intact or unknown, this is our heritage. The extraordinary women of the American Revolution are unquestionably our Founding Mothers and so, in turn, we are their daughters ... generation after generation ... of the Revolution.

And just as we are daughters and mothers in life, we also carry both titles in the continued quest for Liberty. As the American Revolution saw the birth of a nation and gave way to the growth of a newly formed Republic, the women of that great time in history gave birth to new ideas and teachings which educated and encouraged a new generation of young Patriots. Women organized such movements as the Daughters of Liberty and the Republican Motherhood to instill in their children, not only the Founders’ vision, but the tools to become an educated, responsible electorate and citizenry.

The brave and eloquent women of our history have laid the groundwork for today’s outspoken female patriots and patriots yet to come. From Abigal Adams and Mercy Otis Warren to Dr. Mary Ruwart, Wendy McElroy and Claire Wolfe - American women have moved through the ages while writing, teaching, advocating and practicing liberty.

Just as our Founding Mothers joined forces and organized movements, women today - as daughters and mothers - are still carrying the message of freedom and responsibility, still protecting our Republic.

From coast to coast, women are flying the banner of "eternal vigilance" - under different names and in different styles - but the banner continues to fly high none-the-less. From our nation’s western boundaries hail such advocates for liberty as Mothers Against the Draft, the Association of Libertarian Feminists, and the Liberty Belles. From the heartland springs our Mothers for Liberty and The Mothers Institute and from the east we find the Liberty Ladies and the Free Staters.

Across this nation, women’s activism and accomplishments are furthering the cause of liberty, and sharing the Founding Mothers’ call to "protect and defend" our nation’s original message of Independence. Whether it be on a national or local scene, women like Sharon Harris, president of Advocates for Self-Government; Elaine Badnarik, mother of Libertarian Presidential Candidate Michael Badnarik and a candidate for Lt. Governor herself, or Debbie Hopper, founder of Mothers Against the Draft, women continue to reach out with the essential good news of liberty - and we as Daughters of the Revolution and as Mothers of the Republic are charged with doing the same.

How well we fulfill that charge, and by what means, is both fodder and inspiration for our new non-profit organization, The Mothers Institute, and its grassroots effort via the many Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups that are now springing up throughout the United States.

We - Daughters of the Revolution and Mothers of the Republic - can and must make a difference ... for ourselves, our children, and our nation!

Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups ... A Real "Boots on the Ground" Approach

2008-03-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

There is no denying that we moms are often the "boots on the ground" when it comes to fighting for causes which benefit our children. And as mothers raising the next generation of free-thinking, independent individuals ... we are indeed at the forefront of the fight for liberty!

Mothers for Liberty we are!

And to assist in that effort ... connecting like-minded, liberty-loving moms on a local basis, I have started the first Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group - hoping groups like this will spring up across America. I invite everyone to check out my new South Central Illinois Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group at: http://moms.meetup.com/3107/ and join if you'd like ... especially if you live in Illinois or one of our neighboring states.

And if any self-professed Mothers for Liberty out there want to start a Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group in YOUR OWN AREA, just drop me a note and I'll be happy to share the how-to's of getting things up and running.

Let's spread the word together ... boots on the ground!

Jan

Should We Ask the Government for Everything?

2008-03-12T08:05:00.001-07:00

Have a favorite charity? Suffer from a devastating illness? Want a new museum in your community? Well just ask the federal government for money ... right? Wrong.

We have become so used to turning to the federal government for everything we want or need that we as a nation have long since forgotten the purpose of government - and perhaps worse yet, we have forgotten the difference between government and society. As Thomas Paine wrote “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one ...”

Wanting to help find a solution to a problem, promote a worthy cause, find a cure for a disease are all honorable tasks and benefit society ... but funding for such endeavors should come from society – NOT from government. The more we turn towards government, the less we turn towards each other ... and individuals, neighborhoods and communities loose their sense of self and strength in the process.

It is time we Americans look to each other for creative answers to our problems ... and cut the strings which always come with government intervention and oversight. Let us reclaim society's blessings and further remember the "Common Sense" words of Thomas Paine ...

“SOME writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher.

Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamities is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer! Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built on the ruins of the bowers of paradise. For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform, and irresistibly obeyed, man would need no other lawgiver; but that not being the case, he finds it necessary to surrender up a part of his property to furnish means for the protection of the rest; and this he is induced to do by the same prudence which in every other case advises him out of two evils to choose the least. Wherefore, security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expense and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others...”

For the complete text ... http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/commonsense/text.html

The Many Seasons of Life

2008-03-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

In another forum I frequent, a woman suggested that mothers who stay home with their children are little more than babysitters and are shortchanging themselves and their communities by not "doing more". She also suggested that women are taken less seriously by men when acquiescing to the age old sentiment that "A woman's place is in the home".

Below is my response to her ....

I think something your observation and opinion forget to acknowledge is the many seasons of life. We as women are not defined by a single season, but rather the sum total of all the wonderful seasons our lives embrace.

Before I was married and had children, I owned my own business. After my first child was born (premature and with a variety of allergies) I sold the business to take care of him full time. Initially I had planned to keep the business and take my son to work with me ... but his needs required more than that situation would have allowed.

Recognizing he was my first priority ... it was out with the business and in with full time parenting. I became a stay-at-home mom from then on and 4 years later when my second son was born, he was a welcome addition to the family. Never did I think of myself as my children's babysitter ... I was/am their mother, their teacher and their friend. And on the few occasions when my husband took care of the boys solo, never did I say he was babysitting them - as I have heard many people comment when dads are home with the little ones. It seems to me that knowing they are his children too, and he is in the process of caring for them ... it is not babysitting either!

That said, I was totally devoted to my sons' care when they were little, totally devoted to their education when they were homeschooled and when they were in the public school setting. Initially that left very little time for outside activities, but as they grew and the seasons of their lives changed, so did mine.

Eventually, even as a stay-at-home mom, I started a small news-magazine with a friend and eventually co-founded a magazine for Senior Citizens with my mother. By that time, my oldest son was in public school - but my youngest, whom I was still homeschooling, often traveled with me to do interviews, get advertising and deliver the magazine to 30+ communities.

After both of my sons entered college and moved away, a new season in my life began. My husband and I became very active in politics and eventually I was appointed to serve as Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Illinois. During that time, as I spoke to Libertarians throughout the state, I found many men were very respectful when they learned of my homeschooling efforts. Not from “a woman's place is in the home" attitude, but rather a "good for you for bucking the system and putting your libertarian ideals into action" attitude.

I suggest no matter what opinions and statistics reflect regarding equality, we are all only as equal or unequal as we personally feel. Recognizing that staying at home and raising our children is of value, knowing that our children grow up and leave home grateful and secure for the time and attention we have given them, and knowing that the different seasons in our life are not limiting - but rather appropriate, productive and wonderful – makes us women a viable force to be reckoned with on many fronts.

Jan

"The Mothers Act" ... a quaint little name for another invasive piece of legislation!

2008-03-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Mothers Act ... yes, its a quaint little name for another invasive and expensive piece of legislation more formally known as Bill S. 1375: Mom's Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act.

The legislation is currently in committee via the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions after passing overwhelmingly in the House.

With just a quick look at the summary of the bill (below) an individual more trusting of the government than myself might find it harmless at first - but upon further reading, red flags will no doubt show themselves to many a concerned American!

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Sumary: THE MOTHERS ACT amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to: (1) states to provide to women who have recently given birth and their families, before such women leave their birthing centers, education concerning postpartum depression, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and postpartum psychosis and to screen new mothers for such postpartum conditions during their first year of postnatal checkup visits; and (2) public or nonprofit private entities to provide for the delivery of essential services to individuals with such postpartum conditions and their families. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the heads of other federal agencies that administer federal health programs, to organize a series of national meetings that are designed to develop a research plan for postpartum depression and psychosis. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to expand and intensify research relating to postpartum conditions to carry out such plan.
Source: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-1375
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For those friends and visitors here who have read the summary and perhaps even clicked on the link to learn more about the bill, I'd like to pose the following questions ... First, when has the government ever awarded grants/provided funding to individual states for specific programs without having strings attached??? Think No Child Left Behind and our Interstate Highway system.

And secondly, what makes government via its agencies qualified to educate, screen, council and medicate new mothers and their families in an unbiased manner??? Should those agencies offer advice, will they be inclined to provide alternative methods of treatment as well, considering Big Pharma is Big Business in Washington??? Worse yet, might the mention of drug-free options be prohibited?

Our nation needs less government intervention and oversight - not more!!!

As government continues to intervene in the lives of individuals and families, promising solutions to all that ails us via government services, we have become a nation suffering the consequences of turning away from the very family and community assistance once accepted as natural and turning towards government as a solution.

Government assistance always includes government bureaucracy ... and sometime the waiting game can be a dangerous proposition to someone in real need. How often have we all heard of someone falling between the cracks, no matter how many government agencies were supposed to be providing services? Once the government gets us use to them being in our living rooms, birthing rooms and medicine cabinets, the drug companies and the politicians benefit ... and We the People suffer.

It would benefit us as a nation to rekindle the practice of young and/or new mothers creating and looking to their own support system which could included their mother, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, neighbors, friends, co-workers, a trusted family doctor or other health care professional, etc ... women (and men) who are available for wise counsel (or sometimes simply to offer the new mom a night out on the town or a few extra hours of sleep!)

Help keep the government out of our living rooms, birthing rooms, medicine cabinets and doctors offices! Call your Senators today and tell them to vote NO on The Mothers Act! Let keep our private lives and our medical concerns private ... without bureaucratic oversight and intervention!

Jan

2008-02-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

Starting this blog, called to mind several pieces about mothering I had written and published in the past. With my children grown now, its always heartwarming for me to take a look back and remember just how much they inspired me during their growing up years.

Mothering ... I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way

When I was young, I had no great desire to get married or have children - it somehow didn't fit into the equation of my life ... an yet, here I sit, married nearly 18 years with two kids and wouldn't have it any other way.

For someone that showed very few maternal instincts as a youth, I did an "about face" when my children actually came along; I suddenly believed in natural childbirth, breast-feeding, stay-at-home-mothering, and homeschooling - all of which I did with a passion (and I'm still homeschooling my youngest today). Its interesting how those little faces can miraculously transform our original conception of the world ... and our place in it.

Somewhere we make that jump - that transition - from being children ourselves to raising children of our own. And on that sometimes, wonderful, sometimes bumpy journey, we grow up and grow into a way of life that brings out the best in us.

Mothering these last 16 years, I have given more than I have taken, been awake a whole lot more than I have been asleep, and have been blessed more than I could have imagined. Its a strange mixture of love, hope, frustration and fun ... and, no, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Reprinted from The Senior Review copyright © 1997 Jan J. Stover

A Mother's Work of Art

If I were but an artist
Who could make a paint brush dance
By placing brush to canvas
In a rare but timely dance

I'd paint the splendor of the moment
Capturing in time
The gentle transition
Of a babe no longer mine

To a little boy discovering
Venturing out into to world
Standing still and at the same time
Into the future he seems hurled

If I were but an artist
Who could make a paint brush soar
I would paint this little being
As I've ne'er seen him before

Capturing on canvas
His clumsiness and grace
The frustration and accomplishment
Both seen upon his face

The child within the babe awakening to life
The babe within the child reckoning with strife

And if I were but an artist
Who could make a paint brush sing
I would paint with brilliant colors
The gladness this child brings

His temper and his tenderness
Would blend a brighter hue
Than any paint could on a pallet
Ever hope to do

And with each stroke would be revealed
The beginnings of a man
Arms outstretched to a world unknown
In hopes to understand.

Reprinted from The Senior Review copyright © 1997 Jan J. Stover

2008-02-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

What is Radical Responsible Mothering ?

Before I offer a definition of the term Radical Responsible Mothering, I thought it would be appropriate to first offer a sampling of Merriam-Websters’ definitions of the individual words: radical and responsible.

Radical: 1) of, relating to, or proceeding from a root: as of growing from the root of a plant 2) of or relating to the origin: fundamental 3) a: marked by a considerable departure from the usual or traditional: extreme, b: tending or disposed to make extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions c: of, relating to, or constituting a political group associated with views, practices, and policies of extreme change d: advocating extreme measures to retain or restore a (political) state of affairs.

Responsible: 1) a: liable to be called on to answer or to be called to account as the primary cause, motive, or agent; b: being the cause or explanation, c: liable to legal review or in case of fault to penalties 2) a: able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations: trustworthy b: able to choose for oneself between right and wrong 3) marked by or involving responsibility or accountability
I like these definitions - hearty, encompassing, flavorful - so much more than today’s often limited and skewed interpretation of the two terms.

Far too often, the word radical evokes negative connotations - when in fact it clearly defines motherhood at its core. Claiming Webster’s first and second definitions, to be radical means to be at the origin or the root of our children’s lives - their conception, birth and development from infancy to maturity. Claiming the third set of definitions we see motherhood at its best: ready, willing and able to step outside the norm, to investigate options, to make extreme changes - and to take on traditions, institutions and authorities for the sake of our children.

The word responsible traditionally carries with it positive overtones and its definition is perhaps more often understood than that of the word radical. Again, the practice of being responsible is a core principle of motherhood. Webster’s definition reminds us that we as mothers are the primary agents of our children’s health and well-being. We are also the cause of and explanation for much of the world around them. Clearly our own choices teach them right from wrong. And how we accept our own responsibility and accountability in the raising of our children will be reflected in them as they grow and mature.

Understanding these two words separately, gives us a better sense of their joint meaning. Radical Responsible Mothering suggests the importance of passing on personal core values, but with a pliable approach. Radical Responsible Mothering encourages mentoring with an open mind. And ultimately, Radical Responsible Mothering is the ever present awareness that there is no greater responsibility or privilege than to raise one’s children with a devotion and dedication that rises above the needs, impositions and mandates of society. Consequently, when the individual child is cared for, raised in love, allowed to flourish and create, both society and the individual are the benefactors!

Jan