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
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sister City Camp Outs!
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!
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!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sunflower Seed Pancakes ... Yum!
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).
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).
Monday, January 12, 2009
Mondays with Mothers for Liberty
"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!)
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!
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
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
Monday, December 15, 2008
Remembering The Bill of Rights ... 217 Years After Its Ratification!
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.
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.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Midwest Mothers for Liberty Conference Highlights
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!
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!
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