American Mothers Fall 2012

Fall 2012

Featuring

2012 National Mother of the Year, Dr. Ruby Cheves 2012 National Young Mother of the Year, Carrie Leonard Meet the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummand

Published by American Mothers, Inc.速

&

Mother Year of the

Young

Mother Year of the

American Mothers, Inc™ is dedicated to recognizing the important role of motherhood through educational programs and community outreach. By annually selecting the National Mother of the Year® and Young Mother of the Year from candidates across the United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, it continues to promote mothers and the key role they play in the foundation of families.

The first National Mother of the Year® award was presented by Honorary Chair, Sarah Delano Roosevelt, in 1935 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Every year since then, American Mothers, Inc.™ has continued its tradition.

To qualify for Mother of the Year®, the nominee may only have one child under the age of 18. To qualify for Young Mother of the Year, the nominee may only have one child over the age of 18.

If you know someone you would like to nominate for the 2013 Mother of the Year®/ Young Mother of the Year, the nomination packet with detailed instructions is now available online at www.americanmothers.org.

1666 K. Street, NW, Ste. 260 Washington, DC, 20006 1-877-242-4264 info@americanmothers.org www.americanmothers.org twitter: @americanmothers facebook: American Mothers, Inc.

About American Mothers Inc.® |

Letter from the Director It’s that time of year again, the kids are back in school, the family is getting back into a routine, and it’s time to get working on growing our organizations membership! As you know, American Mother’s Inc.® is nothing without you, the amazing, hardworking mothers who make this organization possible, but we’d like more mothers to know about us, which is why we are excited to announce the official start of the AMI Membership Challenge.

As an organization whose goal it is to empower and honor mothers, American Mother’s Inc. ® should be a household name. The AMI Membership Challenge contest will run from September 1st through April 1st. I’d like to ask each state chapter to recruit new mothers to be a part of our organization. Remember

to start small to grow big! If your chapter earns one new member a month, you will gain 12 new members for the year!

As mothers, I know that you can be creative and convincing at the same time (how else did we survive our children’s toddler years?). Contest winners will receive prizes and recognition at the National Convention and on the American Mother’s website for the most creative strategies and the highest percentage increase in chapter membership.

So this fall let’s kick it into gear and make American Mother’s Inc. ® the household name it deserves to be! Like us on Facebook to get all of our updates, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our newsletters at www.AmericanMothers. org so that you are always in the loop, and encourage new members to do so as well. Who’s ready to make it happen?

Fall 2012

Featuring

2012 National Mother

of the Year, Dr. Ruby Cheves 2012 National Young Mother of the Year, Carrie Leonard Meet the Pionee r Woman, Ree Drummand

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

On the Cover: 2012 National Mother of the Year Dr. Ruby Cheves and 2012 National Young Mother of the Year Carrie Leonard.

— Andrea Ball, Executive Director

Table of

contents

3 4 5 12

Letter from the Director Letter from the President

14 16

From the States

Member Profiles 012 National Mother 2 of The Year: Dr. Ruby Cheves

18 19

Member Profiles 2012 Young Mother of The Year: Carrie Leonard

Relationships “Villages” Help Elders to Age in Place

Perspective Lessons Learned From Mom

Feature I nterview with Ree Drummond, Pioneer Woman

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

20 22 24 26

Literacy Raising a Polyglot Tot

Parenting ot Your Grandmas Couponing N Any More

Convention 2012 Convention Recap

Essay hat My Mother W Means to Me

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| About American Mothers Inc.®

Letter From the President American Mothers, Inc.

®

Executive Director: Andrea Ball Communications: Sandy Sponaugle Membership: Jacquie Ball info@americanmothers.org

2012-13 AMI Board of Directors

President: Connell Branan 1st Vice President: Joan Braitsch 2nd Vice President: Cristi Bulloch 3rd Vice President: Kimberley Shelton Secretary: Sondra Anderson Treasurer: Valerie Earnshaw Area I Coordinator: Sherri Zirker Area II Coordinator: Debbie Sipos Area III Coordinator: Tonia Nantkes Area IV Coordinator: Jennifer Larsen Area VI Coordinator: Vivian Dibb Area VII Coordinator: Johanna Buit Area VIII Coordinator: Dawn Briggs Area IX Coordinator: Jenny Champana Area X Coordinator: Carolyn Branagan Immediate Past-President: Deanne Taylor Nominating Chairman: Sherri Boyd Public Relations: Dianne Callister Membership Chairman: Kimberly Wright Education Chairman: Julie Starr Endowment Chairman: JaLynn Prince Awards Chairman: Miki Farris Literacy Chairman: Renee Dunifon Bylaws Chairman: Yolanda Perez Special Projects Chairman: Jan DuPlain National Mother of the Year®: Dr. Ruby Cheves National Young Mother of the Year: Carrie Leonard

The American Mother Magazine Editor-In-Chief Sandy Sponaugle sandy@platinumpr.com Editor Salle Mickey Contributors Philip Adams, Connell Branan Design Kalico Design Frederick, MD www.kalicodesign.com Printing and Fulfillment Graphcom Inc. Gettysburg, PA www.graphcom.com

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It’s no secret I have a passion for history. I am constantly reading my children’s history assignments or find myself star struck in the biography section at my local library. Naturally, it comes as no surprise that I would be enamored with American Mothers, an organization so rich in history.

The story began in 1933 when America was in the middle of a great depression and women were taking on many roles in society to make ends meet for their family. A businessman by the name of J.C. Penney, enlisted four prominent New Yorkers, including famous clergyman and author Norman Vincent Peale, to organize the American Mothers Committee under his Golden Rule Foundation. He felt strongly that honoring and recognizing mothers would strengthen the fabric of our society.

Two years later, in 1935, New York City’s elite gathered at the Waldorf Astoria where Honorary Chairman, Sarah Delano Roosevelt, presented Lucy Keen Johnson from Georgia as the first American Mother of the Year ®. It was written that she embodied the highest qualities found in the typical American mother at the time and those qualities became the criteria for the selection of her predecessors; first, that she be a successful mother as evidenced by the character and achievements of her children. Second, that she be an active member of a religious body. Third, that she embodies those traits highly regarded in mothers: courage, patience, cheerfulness, affection, kindness, understanding, and homemaking ability. Fourth, that

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she exemplify in her life and conduct the precepts of the Golden Rule. Fifth, that she have a sense of responsibility in civic affairs and be active in service for public benefit. Sixth, that she be qualified to represent the Mothers of America in all responsibilities attached to her role as the National Mother.

Every year since, American Mothers has recognized women who are courageous, bold, innovative, and creative. Moms who come from all walks of life, different states, different faiths, and various cultural, educational and professional backgrounds. Mothers who are making a significant difference, not just with their own children and families, but who have made a positive impact in their communities, their states, and our nation. An organization comprised of strong moms who strengthen families!

It is truly endearing to be a part of this seventy-eight year old organization armed with the mission of honoring mothers.

These extraordinary women are genuine examples of that typical American mother and their stories nothing short of inspirational. They embody all of the admirable qualities for which that first honor was given. They are stay at home mothers, working mothers, young mothers and grandmothers whose invaluable and selfless contributions will benefit the next generation.

I hope you will join with us as we continue this long-standing tradition. Nominate that special mother who inspires you and help us celebrate motherhood next spring in New York City as we write another chapter in American history!

—C onnell Branan, President American Mothers, Inc.®

State Updates |

From the States Arkansas

Delaware

We have continued in Arkansas to support books for babies through Reach Out and Read Arkansas (ROR). Book Bashes are a great way to get families and children together while collecting books via a baby shower, a child’s or adult birthday party, or any themed get-together, outing or drive. These birth to five books are then presented to a Pediatric clinic that uses the ROR model to note literacy milestones during a young child’s wellness checkup. Look over the website reachoutandread.org for information in your area. We know that the brain develops, creativity soars, and language skills improve when we take a few minutes each day to read to a child....way to go “Little Rock”er Moms!

Our chapter is off to a running start with a new slate of officers. Our new president, Candy Abbott, called a brainstorming and planning discussion in May and the gathering meeting of the new board in June. The Delaware chapter has established an Internet presence at www.AmericanMothersDelaware.com.

-Kathy DeLone, Arkansas State President

Colorado Colorado Mothers member Edna (Eddie) Hollis celebrated the notable milestone of reaching 100 years in May. Edna was the Colorado Mother of the Year in 1966. Among numerous achieveColorado Mothers member Edna Hollis celebrating her ments, she mentored 100th birthday. young girls through three Girls Scout Troops. Eddie has been the primary newsletter chairman since 1966, preparing typed and hand-addressed newsletters for members. We are so appreciative of the work, support and inspiration Eddie has shown to the organization and individual members over these many years. She was also honored by a tribute from the Colorado Legislature which was presented by past Mothers of the Year Senator Suzanne Williams and Representative Nancy Todd.

On July 14, we held a “Family Picnic” at a park in Seaford, which is located in the lowest of Delaware’s three counties. We had many extended families and friends in attendance. The picnic was furnished with fried chicken, “fixins,” plates, cups and beverages. The park had a wonderful children’s playground with fun activities for the children.

The keynote speaker was Rosalie Betts Walls, Delaware’s 2012 Mother of The Year. The event chairman is Betty Daudt, a former DE MOY and a Life Member of American Mothers, Inc. Following the “Family Picnic,” attendees were invited to tour a nearby magnificently restored plantation, formerly owned by a Delaware Civil War era Governor, which contains some of the finest period antiques of its time.

Join Us! Hop on board and help American Mothers in reaching, teaching and honoring outstanding moms across the country who are making a positive difference. Sign up for the Mom2Mom e-newsletter, become our friend on Facebook or follow us on Twitter where mothers of all ages can share stories, parenting advice and their passion for motherhood! We want to hear from you!

Connell Branan, National President American Mothers, Inc.®

We have signed up five new members for our Chapter, and are looking for an exciting year ahead.

– Kay Wood Bailey, Secretary, Delaware Association of American Mothers

Georgia For the fifteenth year, many members of the Georgia Mothers Association and their husbands and children met at 8:30 a.m. at the Salvation Army Red Shield Homeless Shelter in the heart of downtown Atlanta to hold a breakfast for the women at the shelter.

This Mother’s Day the homeless mothers and their children gave thanks to their mothers, the Salvation Army and the mothers of the Georgia – Eleaner Scott, Colorado State President Association.

It was a wonderful day. Everyone sang songs. All the mothers shared some words about their own mothers. There were tears and warm, warm, feelings. Gifts were given to give each person at his Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

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| State Updates

From the States or her table. The gifts for the mothers were brand new pocketbooks, which the Georgia Mothers had filled with gifts

MOY and YMOY Nominations!

Do you know a special mother?

If so, nominate her for Mother of the Year, Young Mother or one of our new Mother of Achievement Awards by visiting www.americanmothers.org.

Nomination forms with the necessary information are now available online.

As the Georgia Mothers workers left, there were many happy faces. Everyone felt good through and through because they had the job of helping God’s children who were struggling with living.

They all said, “Can’t wait to volunteer for this again next year.”

We were live on CBS for the 5:00 p.m. and the 10:00 p.m. news on Mother’s Day Sunday Evening. The Monday morning Atlanta Journal/Constitution newspaper had a picture and an article about the breakfast in the Metro Section of this largest newspaper in the State of Georgia. It was a great event for everyone. Hopefully, it brought a feeling of being loved and a real possibility of a better future to the homeless moms and their children who were present.

– Ruth Manning, Gerogia State President

Hawaii The year 2012 has been a busy one so far for the Hawaii American Mother’s Chapter.

On March 30th, we held our annual banquet at the beautiful Hickham Officer’s Janis Loo, Hawaii’s Mother Club at Hickham Air of the Year, and Janny Force Base, Oahu to Gibson, Hawaii’s Young honor our new mothers Mother of the Year being honored at the Hickham of the year, Janis Loo Officer’s Club at Hickham as Mother of the Year Air Force Base, Oahu. and Janny Gibson as Young Mother of the Year. Both of these women were able to attend the national convention in DC with their husbands, and they had an amazing time. Our Tongan chapter has been growing and flourishing since they were established two years ago. They organized a ball where two women were selected to attend the convention in DC all expenses paid thanks to their fundraising efforts. We are now preparing for our

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annual mother’s conference which will be held this fall. The purpose of the conference is to uplift, educate, inspire and embrace all, including those whom we refer to as mothers.

– Amalie Monlux, Hawaii Mililani Chapter President

Indiana

The fifth grade essay contest winners, Marcus Leach and Isaac Dunifon.

Greetings from Indiana! Another successful Spring is in full swing! Our sponsorship, of our local Healthier Moms and Babies charity fundraising luncheon, helped to make it a big success.

They’re continuing their mission of helping at risk moms and babies, from varying cultures, in our community, to have safe pregnancies and healthy babies—one baby at a time.

At present we are busy preparing for our Courthouse event and reception honoring our YMOY, Jill Adams. Jill is the mom of three children under 8 years of age, and she writes a column called “Life Without Bumper Pads” for our local newspaper.

She’s a wonderful example of successfully blending family and career. Our State essay contest winners will also be recognized during this program. They are Marcus Leach, 1st place winner, son of Matthew and Pamela Leach of Fort Wayne, and Isaac Dunifon, 2nd place winner, son of Renee Dunifon and Martin Dunifon also of Fort Wayne. Their framed essays and a small gift will be presented to them at this event.

In July, our AMI members will be participating in our local Three Rivers Festival parade, which kicks off our week long festival showcasing our wonderful city. The parade is a fun time and helps us keep the public aware of our organization and mission.

The American Mother Magazine

State Updates |

We’ve started planning for our fall activities, which shoes, swimming, soccer, a Hawaiian program and will keep everyone busy and involved in AMI. lots to eat. We are optimistic about Ks. American Fund-raising activities, convention planning and Mothers, Inc. growing. regular meetings are on our agenda. Best wishes – Louise Thiebaud, Kansas State President to everyone.

– Darlene Cyr, Indiana State President

Kentucky

Members in the state of Kentucky are busy doing what we do best … being mothers to our chilIowa held their 52nd Annual Meeting April dren. For some of us that means watching the 20-21, 2012 at the Best Western Metro North, grandkids, driving the kids here and there, and for in Ankeny. June Goldman, 1978 Mother of others it is managing nap and feeding schedules. the Year, gave an inspirational talk and Kay We continue to host the Power of Positive ParentLucas, 2003 MOY, gave a message on ing classes. It is a weekly class offered to parents.

“Treasured Memories”.

We look forward to starting the 5th Grade Essay Contest next month and beginning our Mother of – Nancy K. Meyer, Iowa State President the Year and Young Mother Search.

Iowa

-Betsy Lowe, Kentucky State President

Kansas Kansas Association of American Mothers Inc. and the Kansas Crochet Guild received a letter with signatures of students, faculty and staff of Reading Ks. School saying, “Thank Kansas Association of American you for your kind and Mothers Inc. and the Kansas generous gifts of books Crochet Guild and blankets given to us after the tornado. Our 1st grade was thrilled to receive them.” We are donating fabric, fiber fill and our service at the “Bears for Badges” project for the Sheriff’s Department, June 29th at the County Extension Service. This fall we are donating homemade baby blankets with crocheted edges to the “Community Wide Baby Shower For New Mothers,” sponsored by the Extension Service. Future plans include our Ks. Mother of the Year appearing with Governor Brownback on September 13th - Governor’s Day at the Kansas State Fair. Our “Fun In the Hawaiian Sun Luau” for families will be August 24th. The purpose is to include families and invite prospective members to learn about American Mothers. There will be food, fun activities including sand volleyball, horse-

5th Grade Essay Contest Fall marks the beginning of back to school season as well as the annual 5th Grade Essay Contest! This annual contest honors mothers, encourages young students to be creative and original, while fostering the mother-child relationship. This year’s theme is “What my mother means to me”.

Visit www.AmericanMothers.org where the needed forms, rules, and letter to send to local schools asking for participation in the contest can be found. We look forward to reading your child’s essay!

Essay Rules • 150 words or less • Written by a fifth grader or the equivalent • Submissions due February 8th, 2013

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

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| State Updates

From the States Send Us Your News!

AMI wants to share your good news and experiences with our members!

Send your State Association updates and photos (must be 300+ dpi) to: info@americanmothers.org.

Maryland AMI members at the “Living Legacies Wisdom Chat” Series. Pictured above is Mrs. Virginia E. Hayes Williams and Mr. Gary Mays. Mrs. Williams was recognized for a lifetime of achievements as a Christian Woman, mother, and community activist. Mr. Gary Mays was recognized as a phenomenal athlete, respected businessman and community activist.

Maryland The Maryland AMI chapter, “Mothers and Others Serving Together (MOST)” is excited to introduce our “Living Legacies Wisdom Chat” series. Our mission is to build strong families by modeling and teaching respect for our ancestor’s wisdom.

We have four goals for our families and communities, which can be summed up in the acronym “WISE.” We seek to Wake up, Inspire Action and Activism, Serve/Support Families, and Educate/ Encourage.

On June 9, 2012, we launched the series by celebrating and honoring two living legends, Mrs. Virginia E. Hayes Williams and Mr. Gary Mays.

Mrs. Williams was recognized for a lifetime of achievements as a Christian women, mother and community activist. She has dedicated her life to serving all humanity, especially the children and seniors. She has dedicated her life to serving all humanity, especially the children and seniors. Mr. Gary Mays, aka “The Bandit” was recognized as a phenomenal athlete, respected businessman, and community activist who achieved unprecedented success and he did it with one arm. In attendance were several other elders ranging in age from the late eighties to one gentleman who was ninety-six years old.

The Maryland MOST chapter is dedicated to making sure that young people all over America get a decent education. This education includes respect for themselves, their parents, their com8

munities, and their ancestors. MOST’s President and Maryland Mother of the Year, Barbara S. Talley, and Vice President of Membership, Sharon E. Parker sponsored this event in Clinton, Maryland with the dedicated support of it’s executive team Terry Tabor, Cerise Hart, and Linda Griffin.

Future programs will showcase the lives and tell the stories of many other living legends who are committed to educating youth about their capacities, spiritual essence, and culture.

– Barbara S. Talley, Maryland State President

Oklahoma Oklahoma Mothers celebrated their MOY, Kathy Walker, YMOY, Carrie Leonard, and Mother of Achievement, Connie Fox, during our day at the state Capitol, Monday April 2nd. We implemented a new format for our day of celebration, with a Blue Room Ceremony and reception in the morning where Governor Mary Fallin attended to celebrate the honorees. Then we had a quick lunch for the honorees and their families before presentation to the Senate and House of Representatives. After the presentation and speeches celebrating Oklahoma Mothers and families, our mothers were ready to spend some time with their own families and prepare for the national convention in Washington D.C.

The American Mother Magazine

State Updates |

All three of our moms represented Oklahoma incredibly well, as did all of our attendees: Connell Branan, National AMI President; Irene Costilow, National Board Member and Search Chair; Miki Farris, Awards Chair; Sherri Boyd, Nominating Chair, and Barbara Thompson, 1995 National Mother of the Year. Oklahoma was well represented and proud to be a part of the national meeting!

– Shelly Soliz, Oklahoma State President

Oregon

Our Mother and Young Mother of the Year are in the thick of parade season and are appearing at various festivals and events all over the state.

We will be helping the city of Portland prepare for the Rose Festival, which will take place from June 2nd through 9th. Each year we decorate some of the beautiful floats that grace our streets during the Grand Floral Parade.

Two projects were adopted at our last board meeting: The Peaceabilities Project—teaching children to live and solve problems peacefully and The Mothers Legacy Project—blessing the lives of two women with one donation.

– Julie Hess, Oregon State Co President

Puerto Rico

Oregon mothers and daughters at The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowing Mother, where the members are invited to speak at the mass each year.

The Oregon Mother of the Year, Bobbie Jager and Young Mother of the Year, Amanda Larimer, have returned from the National Convention. They have reported how wonderful it was to be with so many incredible women in our nation’s capitol.

In February, we attended a legislative session in Salem, our state capitol. Bobbie gave an opening address about the importance of motherhood. We were invited and welcomed to the session by Representative Michael Dembrow. Other representatives took the time to talk to us while we met for our monthly board meeting in the capitol building.

Our association was invited to a Mother’s Day Mass at The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowing Mother in Northeast Portland. The Mother of the Year gave an address that day. It was an honor to be invited.

Natty Haddock, 2012 Puerto Rico 2012 MOY, and family at the Senate Luncheon for Mothers.

Honored by the Commonwealth Senate The 15 Merit Mothers 2012, the Puerto Rico Mother of the Year 2012, Natty Haddock, the 2012 Young Mother Basthy Davila, and Esther Caro, National Mother of Achievements 2012 were honored on May 11, 2012 by the Senate of Puerto Rico. With an attendance of over 200 families, Senator Itzamar Peña, a former City Mayor, and a true supporter of American Mothers, Inc, Puerto Rico Association, hosted the recognition ceremony.

2013 American Mothers National Convention Listen to nationally known speakers on women’s issues, congratulate American Mothers’ state honorees and join us as we celebrate the 2013 Mother of the Year and Young Mother of the Year at the Annual American Mothers’ Inc. convention in New York City April 25-27.

Register by December 1st to receive the very early bird discount of $395, register

by March 1st for early bird discount of $450. After March 1st will be $495.

A luncheon followed the event, at which time all 15 Mothers and Young Mothers had the opportunity to express appreciation for the State

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

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| State Updates

From the States Save the Date!

We are excited to announce The American Mothers Annual Convention will take place April 25-27, 2013, at The WaldorfAstoria Hotel in New York, NY.

honors presented. Each mother received a Senate Resolution proclaiming their selection as Merit Mothers and Young Mothers for each respective city and town.

The highlight of the event was the honor and recognition presented to Ms. Esther L. Caro-Morales, the Puerto Rico 2012 Mother of Achievements and one of 6 National 2012 Mother of Achievement. Ms. Caro became the first ever Puerto Rican mother recognized at the National level.

PUERTO RICO 2012 Mothers of Achievement Unveils Name in Plaque at the State Capitol Honored by her local Chapter on May 26, 2012, Esther L. Caro Morales unveiled her own name in a plaque at the Puerto Rico State Capitol. Her name as one of the 2012 National Mother of Achievements, the first recognition posed upon a Puerto Rico Chapter mother at the National level, shown now in the Capitol building.

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The Puerto Rico Association feels very proud of Esther’s achievements in her work towards improving the quality of life of young adults with intellectual handicaps in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

– Yolanda Perez, Puerto Rico State President

Utah In February we had the honor of visiting Capitol Hill were our new 2012 MOY (Cynthia Richards) and YMOY (Lori Conger) where recognized. They were First Lady Jeanette Herbert honored on the floor of at the Governor’s Mansion the House and Senate announing the 2012 Utah Mother of the Year and Young where they read a Mother of the Year. proclamation for each of them. We also had the opportunity to introduce them along with the MOA and State Board, to Governor Gary Herbert.

We presented him with a certificate in honor of his mother who had just passed away in the fall.

We then were invited to the Governors Mansion where Mrs. Herbert hosted a High Tea. Our MOA Luncheon was a wonderful experience for all who attended. We honored 20 mothers in our state for the outstanding things they are doing in their homes, communities and state.

The luncheon was held at the Little America Hotel in SLC and was a huge success! The first of June Utah AMI volunteered to help at our annual Triathlon, held in Logan Utah. It is a great fundraiser for our state and we appreciate On The Hill Events who invites us to help each year. We are now looking forward to summer and a little vacation time. In the fall we will start our Mother Search and have planned our MiniConference. This will be our 22nd year!! Thanks to all the wonderful mothers in Utah and across the Nation who are doing so much for so many.

Thanks for your dedication and service. You are a great example!

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The American Mother Magazine

– Jenneice Beckstrand, Utah State President

State Updates |

Washington D.C. The DC Metropolitan Area Chapter was a part of the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Women and Infants Services Annual Fair on August 11, 2012. AMI had been asked to present the history and outreach of AMI. We also had a booth at the fair and distributed the AMI Mom to Mom magazine. This collaboration between the DC Chapter and the Women and Infant Services Division began on July 4, 2012, when NMOY Ernestine Allen and other members of the DC Chapter presented ABC Quilts for Babies to the first 20 babies born on the 4th of July 2012 in

the Nation’s Capital. Each quilt was beautifully wrapped and presented in a gift bag with AMI literature enclosed. The hospital staff was delighted with the gifts and pleased to include AMI in their community outreach initiatives.

– Joan Braitsch, First Vice President of Virginia

AMI Member Profile:

Luisita Sulsona De Sola

By Salle Mickey

Luisita Sulsona De Sola has many things to be proud of: being a great mother and a wonderful grandmother, being an inspiration to all of the students she taught while working as a teacher, and being one of the longest standing members of American Mothers Inc.® Luisita, of the Puerto Rico chapter has been involved in American Mothers Inc.® since 1962.

Fifty years ago she became a member of our great organization when American Mothers Inc.® was known as the American Mothers Committee. She is currently the recording secretary for the Puerto Rico Association Executive Committee. She has served on the State Board since 1970 in various positions, mainly as Secretary.

She says that American Mothers Inc.® has given her the opportunity to demonstrate that mothers are indispensable in creating future responsible citizens. “I adore this association since it has allowed me to meet other extraordinary women that, like me, were determined to be good mothers and community service women.”

Luisita raised two children, a son named Luis, and a daughter, who passed away at the age of 12. “Luis has been the blessing of my life” she says.

Her proudest moment as a mother was last Christmas when her daughter in law said to her “Mom, thank you for all you did for Luis, an extraordinary husband, an educated, lovely, and hard working man, the blessing of my life.”

“I raised my children with clear values, such as respect to God, being obedient, and to study hard so as to obtain higher education. As a mother and a former teacher, I taught values to my students, many of which are extraordinary service-oriented citizens in Puerto Rico.”

American Mothers is proud to honor such an outstanding member of our organization. “It is more than recognizing yearly mothers of achievement and of merits” she says, “It is to teach and reach other mothers about the great responsibility of forming the generation of the present and the future.”

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

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‘12 | Member Profile

National e h t f Mother o Year: Caring for children has always been a passion for Dr. Ruby Cheves, the 2012 Mother of the Year. Her passion for children seems to permeate all aspects of her life. She is a proud mother of two, Alex, 20 years old, and Rebecca, 19 years old. She is also an obstetrician, where she spends her workdays delivering babies, and is also the founder of Global Samaritans, an orphanage and hospital in Zambia.

“I am a professional multi-tasker,” she says. “I literally thrive to see how many things I can do at one time! As a physician—and mom—I am an expert triage person. I evaluate what needs to be done the most and put 100% of my effort to the task.”

Just like all families, Ruby and her family have a very busy life, but she always makes it a priority to have quality family time. “All working mothers worry that they are not spending enough time at home. I have always tried to arrange my schedule to be home when the children are or for their special events.”

One thing that the family enjoys doing together is dedicating their time to the people of Zambia.

Ruby, and her husband Bo, who is a surgeon, felt God’s calling to go to Zambia to work as missionary doctors in 1997. They spent two years in a hospital with one hundred beds as the only doctors. They saw first hand the devastating effects that HIV was having on the people of Zambia. In Zambia, 1 in every 7 adults is living with HIV, and the average life span is only 39 years old. “One day I was talking to an older lady explaining that her daughter was dying of HIV. We could not help her. She responded to me that she understood--it was her 6th child to die of this and now she had 26 grandchildren to care for. That was humbling and a call to action.”

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The American Mother Magazine

Member Profile |

Dr. Ruby Cheves

By Salle Mickey

After that moment Ruby and her husband Bo decided they needed to do something. They founded Global Samaritans, a non-denominational, nonprofit organization where they provide Biblical teaching and preaching, medical care, medical supplies, and food relief to the people of Zambia.

“We began accepting children in 2002 and are continuously adding children as our facilities expand.” They now house up to sixty children at a time.

The orphanage is not your typical orphanage. “We didn’t want to do an institution with big halls and lots of children. We have duplexes that hold eight children and two ‘parents’. They call them their aunts and uncles. They are their role models and mentors.” The orphanage has computer labs and after school programs. The children tend to score very high on entrance exams compared to other children in the country. “We are creating the future leaders of Zambia,” says Ruby.

youth group, and kept nursery.” However, finding that family time can be harder and harder to have, as both of her children are growing up. Alex is studying writing and advertising in school, while Rebecca is studying to become a doctor. “It is rewarding to see them grow, mature and become independent. Instead of being the enforcer, I now am becoming best friends with them. It is so much fun. We enjoy each other’s company and have many similar interests. We love to travel together. Through the years of raising children, I tried my best and gave God the rest. It is nice to see the rewards of that!”

Ruby has been able to share this experience with her two children. They typically go once a year with her to Zambia to help out around the orphanage. “It has been wonderful to have shared this journey with my children. What a journey and blessing it has been.”

As you can see Ruby is a busy mother, just like the rest of us. “The hardest part of balancing family and other responsibilities is finding enough hours in the day! As an obstetrician, I work crazy hours and often lack sleep,” she says. “Precious down time or personal time is a rare thing!”

Despite her busy lifestyle, she is sure to always make time for good old quality family time. “We are very simple family kind of people. We don’t do big elaborate things. We enjoy being together.

We are Baptists. I’ve taught Sunday school, led

“...Through the years of raising children, I tried my best and gave God the rest. It is nice to see the rewards of that!”

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| Member Profile

Carrie Leonard Caring, giving, and compassionate are a few words that describe Young Mother of the Year, Carrie Leonard. She has spent much of her life giving to others through volunteering. As a mother, her main focus is caring for her four young children, while trying to instill in them the importance of giving to others.

Carrie, a native of Oklahoma, was named American Mothers 2012 Young Mother of the Year and recently attended the 2012 American Mothers National Convention. “It has been the most humbling experience. I met so many amazing mothers in Washington DC. All the mothers were remarkable. Some had eight kids and some had two. Some stay at home and some go to work. It was amazing to see all the different types of mothers in one place. There is a very special bond between mothers, because we are all trying to do our best.”

Carrie lives with her husband Ryan and their children, Catie, 9 years old, Will, 8 years old, Matthew, 3 years old and Mary Frances, 1 year old.

She makes it a priority to enjoy time with her children, as she knows how precious life is. “I wake up every morning truly appreciating the simple pleasure that four children call me mommy. As a young child, I was told I would never be.” Born with congenital heart disease, doctors knew little about her condition. “Everyday, I beat the odds and not only am I in good health, I have become a mother four times! Becoming a mother was a true dream and thus my approach to parenting is love, love, love.”

Carrie has spent much of life giving back to others. From a young age her mother strived to teach her the value of volunteering. “Ever since I was younger, my mother always tried to instill the importance of volunteerism in me. I remember her volunteering and telling me how important it is.”

Carrie has volunteered at places such as Christ the King School, the Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences, Lyric Theatre, Friends of the Mansion, the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Girl Scouts, the Annie Oakley Society, and the American Heart Association.

“Volunteering has been ingrained in me from watching my mother,” says Carrie. It has now been passed on for three generations, from Carrie’s mother to her own children, “We donate clothes to infant crisis center so that they know that there is a purpose behind my giving. I want my kids to give. I think it is important that we all contribute to our communities whether it is time or monetarily,” says Carrie.

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The American Mother Magazine

‘12

Member Profile |

National Young Mother of the Year

By Salle Mickey

Carrie’s giving nature has also shown through in her career. In the past she has worked as the director of development for White Fields, a home for neglected and abused boys.

When asked how she balances everything she says, “I really do not balance everything perfectly, quite honestly, although I give it my best effort!

I most recently resigned from my job to focus on my family. So, I am the perfect example of someone who couldn’t do it all! I do believe that whether you are a career mother, a volunteer in the community mother and/or a stay at home mother, it is important to have a support team.”

Carrie says staying at home with her children is full of adventures. “One of the best parts of motherhood for me is seeing life through the eyes of a child. There is nothing better than that! It’s those moments where your child first learns to tie his shoe, or proudly puts his shoes on the wrong feet. It is when he finds a worm in the dirt or a bird’s nest in a tree. It’s the sound of laughter and simply hearing the words I love you, mommy. Those small moments add up to happy childhood and a grateful motherhood.”

Carrie also volunteers at her children’s schools and is a brownie leader. Despite the busy schedule of the Leonard household, they always manage to have dinner together every night. “The dinner hour is the most important time for my family. We gather around the table nightly to share the ups and downs of the day.

We communicate with one another. There are no televisions. There are no phones. Our dinner hour may be “sandwiched” between dance and basketball but we make the effort to spend that quality time together as a family” says Carrie.

“Too often, I believe families miss the opportunity

to spend quality time together. My husband and I make it a priority and hope our relationships with the children will be stronger as a result.”

While dinnertime is the most important element that keeps the family connected, she says, Saturday night is the family’s time to wind down and have some fun. They often have the neighbors over and grill. “Saturday night in the backyard is our favorite activity! If you were driving past our house on a weekend night, you would hear the sound of children running, a great game of basketball, swinging and endless laughter.”

Carrie makes it a priority to really enjoy the time she has with her children. Her son Matthew, who is now three years old, was born with the same congenital heart defect and was given three months to live. “I cherish all experiences, big and small. Life is good. And, as my husband Ryan says almost every night, we are truly blessed.”

As for advice for other mothers, Carrie says, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Appreciate and savor the small moments. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, count your blessings as you are truly blessed.”

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

“...Our dinner hour may be “sandwiched” between dance and basketball but we make the effort to spend that quality time together as a family”

15

| Relationships

“Villages” Help Elders

to Age in Place

By Salle Mickey

If you imagine rocking chairs, nursing homes and Jell-O when the words retirement and aging are mentioned, think again. Baby boomers are changing the definition of aging. Baby boomers, or those born in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s after WWII, are used to doing things differently. They grew up during the sixties, where they witnessed the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War and fought for equal rights during the Civil Rights Movement. They grew up redefining American life, going against many traditional values, and now they are aging in the same way.

AARP estimates that last year baby boomers started turning 65 at a rate of 8,000 people a day, and that baby boomers, unlike their parents, are working longer and retiring later.

“Seniors want to be in control of their

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lives. They don’t want their kids to tell them what to do. They want to be independent, and they don’t want to be sent to nursing homes or assisted living homes” says Judith Moore, of SAIL, or Shepherdstown Area Independent Living. “We are really different from our parents generation,” she explains. “We are living longer and healthier lives. We are more active. We have computers, cell phones, and I pads. We communicate mainly through email.”

Moore explains that “70 is the new 50” and she happens to be a perfect example. Moore, who is in her 70’s, still lives a very active lifestyle. She has worked as a teacher and a real estate agent in the past, is still working hard every day. She is a member of the Board of Directors and serves as the Marketing and Public Relations Committee Chair for SAIL, where she volunteers 20 hours a week.

The American Mother Magazine

She was the first woman to join the local Rotary Club and enjoys working in her garden.

Moore was excited when a few years ago when one of her friends asked her to go to a meeting for SAIL, or Shepherdstown Area Independent Living. SAIL is just one of dozens of ‘aging in place’ non-profit organizations that has recently become popular in the country. ‘Aging in Place’ refers to a new trend among older Americans, in which they prefer to age in the comfort of their own home.

Elders can join ‘villages’, which offer them services and connects them with

other elder neighbors, enabling them to enjoy their retirement years at home.

Moore says that the mission of SAIL is to help members be independent, in control, connected, and productive. So far there are 56 ‘villages’ in the country, with approximately 120 in development.

The way it works is that elders typically pay an annual membership fee and in return the organization connects them with volunteers who offer services that they may need. Many times the volunteers are able-bodied elder members themselves. Villages also pull from other community resources that can provide them with additional volunteers. “We can’t depend on our government to take care of us, we can’t always depend on our children. People’s money is drying up. It just makes sense to stay at home,” says Moore. The village’s volunteers offer help with tasks such as yard work, changing light bulbs, cleaning, or just checking in on them. Most people prefer to retire at home, where they feel comfortable, than to go to a nursing or assisted living home Moore says “people don’t want to leave their home, or leave their community that they have lived in for years.” Moore herself has seen it happen with many of her own friends, who have had to move to neighboring cities to live in nursing homes. ‘Aging in place’ is a great option for elders who want to continue to live a quality life at home, but who need just a little help around the house.

The ‘aging in place’ model took root in Boston in 2003 when Beacon Hill Village first organized. The founders recognized that many seniors preferred to remain in their homes rather than moving to commercially developed retirement or assisted living homes.

Beacon Hill became the model for similar efforts across the United States, including SAIL. The model continues to influence other ‘villages’ thanks to the support of groups like AARP and the MetLife Foundation.

The interesting thing about the village model is that it doesn’t just offer services around the house, but services to help get elders out of their house. SAIL also offers educational and social opportunities as well. They offer day trips to Washington D.C., a short drive from Shepherdstown, the small West Virginia town where SAIL is located, where they can visit the theatre or museums. They have socials and dinner parties, play board games, travel, and garden. They have also teamed up with the local college, Shepherd University, to offer a program called “Lifelong Learning” where retirees can take one-hour classes once a week for eight weeks. Moore says, “it’s important to keep our minds stimulated and to get out of the house, otherwise you get into a rut.” Elders have the opportunity to take classes such as Fruit of the Vine: Wine in the Making, which explores the history of wine making, or Food for Life, a class about cancer preventing nutrition. They also offer a digital photography and theatre class.

“As we age, we become more vulnerable—whether it is accidents or con artists. We can become more isolated because we can’t drive at night, or we become scared to drive into the city.

We get frustrated because we can’t do the things we used to do,” says Moore.

Villages are a great idea because some elders are able to live safely on their own, but just need a strong network around them to give them a sense of security and a reason to stay motivated.

Just the way baby boomers changed the way we thought about war, politics, style and music, they are completely changing the way we think about retirement and aging.

The Very First Mother of the Year Lucy Keen Johnson from Georgia was billed as ‘the typical mother of 1935’ when she was recognized as the first Mother of the Year ® by the American Mothers Committee. The celebration was simple but celebrity-studded.

There was a small luncheon and program over at CBS, followed by an informal reception before the evening NBC broadcast. Sarah Delano Roosevelt, the president’s mother, presented Lucy with the Motherhood Medal.

Lucy Keen attended Wesleyan Conservatory, the world’s oldest college for women. Soon after graduation, she married Fletcher M. Johnson, a young lawyer with five children. In 1914, at age 38, Lucy was left a widow with her five stepchildren as well as a daughter of her own.

Lucy soon became the Dean of Women at Wesleyan College, her alma mater, while raising her children and “mothering” a sizable college community. Along with her career and family, Lucy always found time for the concerns of others. A loyal Methodist, she served in various capacities within her church and found time for community projects.

Sweet and grandmotherly, this women of refinement had successfully met the problems of raising a family alone and accepted for all mothers the plaudits of her country as the very first American Mother of the Year ®.

Do you know an inspirational mother? If so, nominate her for one of our awards online!

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

17

| Perspective

Lessons Learned

Mom from

By Philip Adams

When I look back on my short 28 years, lots of experiences flow through my mind: places I’ve been, people I’ve met, and experiences I’ve had. All these things fit together like a puzzle to create the worldview that I have and the way I progress towards my future. Just like a puzzle, some of these pieces are small, some large, and some are the foundation for the entire puzzle. My mother has been one such puzzle piece in my life.

My mother embodies classic elegance, grace, and love like no other person I have encountered. Always giving first and taking way later, she has taught me how to wake up each day and live it to the fullest. From an early age, I was taught to put God first in all I do. My mother also taught me to accept life as it is instead of what I desperately wish

American Mothers Inc® works hard to bring different voices and opinions to our organization. Philip Adams found American Mothers® online while looking for a way to honor his mother. He reached out and asked if he could share this story about his mother.

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it to be, to see people for who they are, and to love with a giving heart. She taught me that my relationship with Jesus is the one constant thing I can count on in life.

My mother has instilled the value of talking to God daily, and that a relationship with Christ is the first step in understanding who I am as a man. I learned from her example that reading the bible daily provides stability and peace in the midst of a hectic world. She taught me that He is always present, through the storms of life and through the triumphs. I owe my salvation to Jesus, but I owe my mom for raising me in a way that I did not have to go through much turmoil to realize that Jesus is the answer. I never realized how the values she instilled would shape me into the man I am proud to be today. We have had our fights, but she has always loved me and been patient enough with me to let me make my own mistakes. I see now how important the right mix of guidance and space allowed me to develop and created a strong bond between us. She truly is the best friend I have always had.

for four years. I am the vice president of sales of a superb medical device company, and live within ten minutes of the beach in a beautiful home. I am very blessed, but the one blessing I cannot be thankful enough for is my mother. I am thankful that God put me in her care, and thankful that she is the first and most important woman in my life. She has taught me that dedication to a cause is vital; honesty is the most important attribute one can have in personal and professional relationships, and that my character as a man is something I always need to keep in check. She has told me, money will come, money will go, but the people that we touch are where our true wealth is derived.

I am so thankful for her wisdom, her devotion to me and my father, and for her unyielding faith. Because of my mother, I know where my true strength lies, in Jesus. I know that I can do anything because when I fail my mom will be right there to pick me up and encourage me. She always says she is my biggest fan, and truth be told, I am her biggest fan. Just the other day we were talking and she told me “Phil, this is such a short life we live, try to smile, As I sit here and write this, I am temptstrive to forgive, and always, always be ed to become complacent and prideful thankful for what God has given you.” of the things I have accomplished. I God has given me so much, including a have two undergraduate degrees, an mother that I can look up to and strive MBA and I played college baseball to be more like.

The American Mother Magazine

Feature |

Interview

with

Ree Drummond

Pioneer

Woman

After a long day of working, driving the kids to soccer practice, volunteering, and social events, sometimes cooking is the hardest thing to do at the end of a long day. AMI spoke to Ree Drummond, host of The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network Channel, about how she not only cooks a good meal every night, but manages to photograph, write and blog about it as well.

Q: You seem to be really busy balancing your blog, The Pioneer Woman, your show on Food Network Channel, and writing cookbooks. How do you get it all done?

A: I definitely don’t get it all done!

My life was busy anyway—I have four children, I home school them, my husband runs our ranch, I cook for my family. When we film, imagine that same scenario, but with fourteen fewer hours in every day. It’s totally hectic and crazy...but we never film more than 2 1/2-3 weeks at a time, so it’s always a temporary chaos.

But in terms of balancing everything, it’s a constant juggle. The good thing is that I truly enjoy blogging, writing cookbooks, and cooking---so even when I’m so busy I can’t see straight, at least I’m doing things I enjoy!

Q: You call yourself “an accidental country girl”. Do you ever get out there and work in the field with the boys?

A: I will work in the field with the boys when they are shorthanded and my work will actually be of help! Otherwise, I’m much more useful off a horse.

Q: You have made yourself a success from working at home. Do you have advice for women who would like to do the same?

A: It’s hard for me to give advice about how to start, because my business began in such an accidental way. I simply started a small, personal blog and began to write. I had no inkling that it would continue longer than a month, or that it would grow into something bigger. But one piece of advice I will give is that you have to be absolutely passionate about what you do. I loved blogging from the beginning, because I found that I loved writing, photography, and sharing my experiences in quirky ways. I still love it today. If I didn’t, it would be tough.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the ranch?

A: Stay home for weeks on end and never get in my car. I’m most content when I’m on the ranch.

Q: Did you ever imagine you would leave the city for the country?

A: Never. When you’re young, you imagine all sorts of different scenarios for your future. Living on a cattle ranch in the country just wasn’t one of them.

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

Q: Once I made meatloaf and not even my dog ate it. Have you ever had that happen?

A: Ha. Of course! I’ve been cooking for my family for sixteen years, and there have been many failed experiments along the way. One of them in particular involved adding corn to mashed potatoes. Not a good idea.

Q: Even though you have a successful cooking show on Food Network Channel, does your mother ever criticize your cooking?

A: No–but she’s my mom. She would say my cooking was yummy even if it wasn’t.

Q: Are your kids picky eaters?

A: My youngest is very picky. All he wants to eat are Oreos!

Q: Do you have advice for parents with picky eaters on their hands?

A: What works for me is that I tell the kids that this is not a diner, and I’m not a short order cook! Over time, they do learn that if they’re hungry for dinner, they’d better eat! That said, I definitely tailor my meals to what I think everyone will like. There’s not a lot of wasabi going through my kitchen on a daily basis. continued on page 27

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| Literacy

Raising

Polyglot

By Salle Mickey

Sources:

Learning a Second Language is Good Childhood Mind Medicine

By Susan Lang Cornell University Raising Bilingual Children: Common Parental Concerns and Current Research

By Kendall King & Lyn Fogle Georgetown University

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The knowledge of language is one of the most powerful tools one can possess. It allows us to express needs, wants, and emotions. It allows us to create meaningful relationships and understand the world around us. Most of us were required to learn a second language in school, where we may have daydreamed of becoming fluent. Being bilingual may conjure images of traveling through Europe or South America, conversing with the locals in their native tongue, while the other tourists look on with envy, wishing they could communicate so smoothly in a second a language.

tot

ing skills. Children who know a second language consistently earn higher scores on standardized tests and often have longer attention spans.

Acquiring a second language allows a child to learn about other cultures, giving them a more global view of the world, something that is becoming increasingly important in the 21st century, not to mention the fact that a bilingual child will have a one-up on others when seeking a job.

Years ago it was thought that raising a bilingual child was not only difficult, but also detrimental For many of us, reality set in, and we did not to a child’s language skills. There are still many become fluent in a second language. Our dreams myths about raising a bilingual child. Here are of globetrotting may have come to a halt when some of them: work, kids, and the reality of everyday life set in. But many of us may still have hopes that our Myth 1: If my child learns two languages, his speech will be delayed children will become bilingual. The benefits of bilingualism in children are numerous. Learning Linguists have found that a child who is exposed to two languages reaches all of the same a second language has been shown to increase milestones of language acquisition as children cognitive ability and creativity in children. who were only exposed to one. Not only do they Scientists have found that adults who speak reach the same milestones, but they reach them at least two languages have denser grey area (brain tissue that houses information processing at the same time! The only difference? The child exposed to two languages comes out ahead with cells) than those who only speak one language.

Bilingualism has been shown to improve overall the advantage of being bilingual. school performance and superior problem solvThe American Mother Magazine

Literacy |

Tips for Learning a Second Language

Myth 2: My child will confuse the two languages Some parents may mistake switching between two languages as confusion, when it is actually a good sign when a child switches back and forth. This is known as “code switching”, and is evidence that the child is picking up both languages.

Myth 3: If we start lessons now, and have to stop later, he will forget everything Language acquisition has been compared to riding a bicycle: Even if you stop for a few months or even years, once you start again, it will come back. Forgetting words and grammar structure is known as the “use it or lose it” myth, and it is just that, a myth!

Myth 4: My child is ten years old, so it is too late to teach him a new language While it is true that the younger a child is exposed to a second language, the faster and easier he may be able to pick it up, it does not mean that there is no hope for an older child, especially with formal classes or lessons.

Children’s brains are still growing and acquiring language skills even at age ten, so it is still a good time to introduce a second language.

1. Start Early It is never too early (or too late, for that matter) to expose your child to a second language. Months before a child mutters his first word, the wheels were already spinning in their head, absorbing the languages words and grammatical structure.

2. Expose Children to Multilingual Situations If you have friends and family members who speak the desired second language, be sure that the child spends plenty of time in that environment. Simply watching DVD’s and television in the second language is not enough. A child needs to hear and interact in the language to absorb and become fluent in the language.

3. Read!

We all know the importance of reading. Purchase books in the language you want your child to learn and begin reading to him or her daily. Not only is it important to hear the language, it is also important to see the words and sentence structure.

4. Make Flash Cards and Sticky Notes If you child is taking lessons or learning a second language in school, make accompanying flash cards and quiz him or her at home. You can also place sticky notes on items around your house with the accompanying words. The kitchen is a great place to start. Think of putting a sticky note on items such as the refrigerator, cabinet, doors and windows. After seeing the vocabulary words daily, it will begin to stick in their head.

5. Plan Play Dates Children learn very quickly from one another. If you have a friend who has a child who speaks the language, get your kid over there!

Kids love to teach each other. Your child will begin picking up words very quickly.

Don’t forget to have fun! Learning can be challenging and frustrating at times, but ultimately the process should be fun and enjoyable for both sides of the party.

The fruits of your labor will have you and your child full of pride for what you both have accomplished.

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

21

| Parenting

Not Your

Grandma couponing any more $

By Salle Mickey

How “Extreme Couponing” Is Changing the Game

Did you know?

• 88.2 million consumers used online coupons in 2011 • Every hour spent couponing in 2011 was worth an estimated $100 • The average savings per coupon used was $1.44 in 2010 • $485 billion worth of coupons were distributed in 2010 • 332 billion coupons were distributed in 2010, the most ever recorded in the U.S. • Consumers saved $3.7 billion using coupons in 2010 • Consumer coupon use in 2010 added up to $3.7 billion in savings, an increase of $200 million over 2009

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Looking for the best bargains and deals has become a way of life for many mothers. One way women that are saving money has taken the country by storm, all thanks to a popular television show. Extreme couponing has become one of the hottest new hobbies of working moms and stay at home moms alike, and with good reason.

In 2010 coupons saved Americans an astounding 3.7 billion dollars. Many mothers feel like clipping coupons is too time consuming, and often not worth the effort, but the truth is with a few simple tricks and insider secrets, you can cut your grocery expenses almost in half.

One of the easiest things shoppers can do is to take advantage of stores who allow customers to do a ‘price match’. You know the routine. You drive from store to store, hitting up the best sales at each store. We’ve all been there, driving to

store one because diapers are on sale, then across town to another store where the shampoo is on sale, and finally ending the trip at a third store to finish up the rest of the shopping. Are the savings really worth driving around town all day?

By taking advantage of stores ‘price matching’ policy, you can save both time and money without even using coupons. This is how it works: Many stores will give you a product at the same price that a competitor has in their ad. In most instances, the product must be the same brand, quantity, and on sale that current week. You can usually even price match produce! Before you go to the store, be sure to scan the ads and circle the products you’d like to ‘match’. This way you can get all the sale prices at one store. No more dragging the kids around to ten different stores to take advantage of sales.

The American Mother Magazine

Parenting | Coupons aren’t just in newspapers anymore.

Nowadays, coupons are everywhere you turn around! In the past, the only source for coupons seemed to be the Sunday newspaper, however, technology has changed the game. The coupons you find in the Sunday inserts can also be found online, and most national retailers offer their own coupons on their websites. Mobile phone coupons have become a new phenomenon. Tons of national stores offer text message coupons that can be viewed on your phone and scanned by the cashier. Still not enough to curb your coupon craving? Read on.

lars, you then receive ten ‘dollars’ back. That ten dollars can be used on your next purchase, which means you could buy another pack of diapers and get them for free! If diapers were something you need, why not buy them at a store where you get an added bonus?

Be sure to check the unit price. When looking at a price of an item you will notice the actual price, usually printed in a larger and more prominent font, and a price per unit price. The price per unit is how much you will pay per unit (ounces, pounds, etc.). Most people think when they buy in bulk they are actually saving money, Find free or discounted newspapers. The larg- but this is not true in many instances. Be sure to est source for coupons is from newspaper coupon check the unit price to make sure you are getting inserts. However, if you’d like multiple copies of the best deal. This goes for canned goods, frozen the coupons, it can get expensive to buy multiple goods, produce, meat, beverages, and toiletries. copies of the paper.

Shop where you can double coupons. Some • To curb the cost of newspapers, look for deals stores double the coupon for twice the amount it for newspaper subscriptions on sites like Grou- is worth. That means if you have a fifty-cent off pon and Living Social in your city. coupon, you will actually save a dollar, or if you have a 75-cent coupon, you could save up to a • Another place to look is local discount stores, $1.50. Those kinds of savings can quickly add up! which often carry the Sunday edition of newspapers for a dollar instead of the normal Coupons aren’t just for grocery stores. There Sunday edition price. are coupons for everything now, including car maintenance (oil change, car washes, etc.), retail • A more extreme way to find free coupons is to stores, carpet cleaning, restaurants, pet supply check local recycling bins. Many people simply stores, you name it! Keep your eyes peeled. Savthrow coupons out in the recycling bins to be ings are everywhere! picked up. You can also call your local newspapers and ask if you can have any extra coupon Check your stores coupon policy. Every store inserts, or ask to look in their recycling bins. has a different policy. Some stores allow you Often times they won’t mind. to use an unlimited number of coupons, while others may limit you to four of the same coupon.

• Be sure to ask family and friends for their Some stores may double any coupon value, Sunday coupon inserts if they are not going to others only up to 99 cents. Be sure to check use them before you shop so you don’t encounter any Match your coupons with sales and clearance surprises when checking out. deals. The best way to get more bang for your buck is to save a great coupon and match it with a sale or clearance deal. It is even possible to get items for free when you wait for the right sale.

• http://www.fortune3.com/blog/2011/06/88That is right, free! For example, many toiletries 2-million-us-adults-redeem-online-cousuch as razors and toothpaste go on sale for a pons-2011/ dollar. If you save a one-dollar off coupon for the • http://www.inmar.com/Pages/InmarDocument/ sale, you will be able to score Consumer-Use-of-Coupons-Holds-Steadythe item for free! in-2010.aspx

Sources:

Don’t forget about the drug stores. Many national drug store chains offer deals for card holders where you receive ‘dollars’ back for certain purchases. Many deals are even advertised as free after the ‘dollars’ you receive back. For example, if you buy a pack of diapers for ten dol-

Quick Couponing Tips 1. Make sure have a customer loyalty card.

Many stores prices are higher for customers who don’t have a loyalty card, so it makes sense to just go ahead and sign up for one!

2. Get Organized.

One key to coupon success is staying organized. Organize your coupons according to category to be sure you know where each coupon is.

3. Get the kids involved! Allow your children to assist you in clipping and organizing coupons.

They can also help you to compare ads and find items for ‘price matching’. You can even set up a chart to allow the kids to track how much money they are helping the family to save.

4. Host a coupon swap! Do you have a ton of diaper coupons, but no babies in diapers? Host a coupon swap with your friends where you can trade coupons with each other. It is a great way to share savings with your friends.

• http://www.internetretailer.com/2011/04/19/ consumers-search-high-and-low-online-coupons • https://www.nchmarketing.com/ResourceCenter/ • http://www.couponinfonow.com/coupons/ • http://www.ilovecouponmonth.com/statistics/

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

23

| AMI Convention “Those who attended had such a good time. Friendliness and joy abounded!”

“This conference was a wonderful experience and I am enjoying all of my new contacts!”

“Thank you for all of your hard work, leadership and dedication which lead us to experience a life-changing convention.”

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The American Mother Magazine

AMIsection Convention head | “Thank you for your service and incredible compassion for women!”

2013 American Mothers

National Convention

Join us for the 2013 American Mothers National Convention in New York City April 25-27 • Listen to nationally known speakers on women’s issues • Congratulate American Mother’s state honorees • Celebrate the 2013 Mother of the Year, Young Mother of the Year, and Mothers of Achievement • Re-dedication of the American Mother’s plaque at the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

• Optional visits scheduled for attendees to the United Nations Headquarters

“I have heard such great things

about this convention! Can’t wait to attend next year in New York!”

Register Soon for Early Bird Discounts!

Register by December 1st: $395 Register by March 1st: $450 After March 1st: $495

Register online at www.AmericanMothers.org.

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

25

| Essay

Mother Means toMe

What My

By Madeline Charles, Utah

*Winner of the 5th Grade Essay Contest

How much do you admire your dear mother? Would you do anything for her? In this essay, I will exemplify to you three words that flawlessly describe her, and experiences that define how she uses them.

Gifted. My mother is skilled with a dazzling voice that echo’s with radiant beauty wherever she sings. Her elegant songs sound finer than any singer I have ever heard.

Shocking. Mumzy is forever giving me meaningful surprises, such as a note underneath my pillow saying “I love you” or other little things that assure me that she loves me, and I eternally love her.

Confident. Mama is always steadfast in what she is doing.

And never backs down. By doing this she inspired me to dream, hope, wish, and believe to someday be like her.

So you can see, my mother is, (as I described her) gifted, shocking, and confident!

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About American Mothers Inc.® |

Motherhood in the

21 Century st

What does “motherhood” mean in the 21st Century? This conference will address the growing and changing role of motherhood and will offer expert testimony about the many issues facing mothers in the 21st century. Speakers and events will include: Motherhood Studies with speaker Linda M. Perkins, Ph.D., Associate Professor of the Claremont Graduate University. She will discuss how the role of mother has and continues to change while exploring single parenting and modern families while asking, “What is motherhood in the 21st century?”

The Balancing Act of Motherhood: The 2012 Young Mother of the Year, Carrie Leonard, will discuss how mothers today are juggling family and career while making a difference in the world.

Motherhood and Depression: Monica A. Coleman, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Constructive Theology and African American Religions and Co-Director for Process Studies at Claremont School of Theology. Rev. Dr. Coleman will speak from personal experience and discuss this struggle that many mothers are facing across the U.S. She has authored multiple books on the topic.

Introducing the Women’s Council at CGU recognizes the continued existence of gender inequalities, The Women’s

Council formed with the purpose of implementing and supporting programs that recognize the full humanity of women and effect global change.

The Motherhood Project seeks to expand on information gathered within the European Union by surveying mothers within the Americas with the purpose of presenting findings to the United Nations and impacting policies worldwide related to mothers and children whose lives are in a state of stress as a result of various social factors.

Violence Against Mothers and the UN will feature Dianne Callister, 2010 American Mother of the Year and UN Representative for American Mothers, along with Gina MessinaDysert, Director of the Women’s Studies in Religion Oral History Program at Claremont Graduate University who will team up to share their collaborative work to end violence against mothers.

Writing Our Histories Workshop will feature Gina Messina-Dysert, Ph.D., and director of the Women’s Living History Program at Claremont Graduate University, and specializes in preserving women’s stories and highlighting their impact on society. Dr. Messina-Dysert will lead a workshop guiding participants in documenting their own stories.

Saturday, October 13 9 am - 4pm Claremont Graduate University, Albrecht Auditorium 10th and Dartmouth, Claremont, CA 91711 sponsored by The California State Association

Published by American Mothers, Inc.®

Interview with Ree Drummond

Pioneer

Woman continued from page 19

Q: I see you cook a lot with butter on your show, and you have even blogged about your love of butter. Have you ever tried deep fried butter?

A: I’ve heard of it, but have actually never tried it! I think I’m afraid of how much I’ll like it.

Q: What cooks have inspired you in your life?

A: My mother has been my number one inspiration in the kitchen, followed by my mother-in-law. I also have always loved Martha Stewart and Ina Garten. And always will.

Q: Do you watch The Pioneer Woman when it airs?

A: Most of the time, the kids have soccer games on Saturday morning so I’m not able to watch it then. We do DVR the episodes, so we always find a time to watch it together.

Q: What is on your bucket list?

A: To have rock-hard abs!

Other than that, there’s nothing I feel like I have to do. I love my life at home with my kids and my husband.

My bucket list is to just keep doing what I’m doing!

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Start Spreading the News!

2013 American Mothers National Convention

April 25-27, 2013 The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel New York, NY

Visit www.americanmothers.org for event details!