Photo Contest

Sleeping Baby Contest!!!


http://babble.ning.com/group/photocontestsleepingbaby

Question of the week!

What are your thoughts on co-sleeping with your children? What are the benefits? What is the downfall? Are there certain situations that make co-sleeping ok...sick kids, nightmares, etc.??

This is a controversial subject so please be respectful of all members opinions. :)

More Gardening Information

A great reason to start a vegetable garden.

This spring, consider growing a vegetable garden. Did you know that just $50 in seeds and fertilizer can produce (are you sitting down?) $1,250 worth of groceries! So whether you want to waste less, reduce your carbon footprint – or simply put more money away for a rainy day – consider that garden... click on the link above to continue reading :)

Start to think about your seeds!!

From one of our favorite blogs!!!

Read about this great idea regarding gardening. Educational and fun for the kids!

http://sewcando.blogspot.com/2009/03/starting-springtime-seeds.html

The Power of Positive Thinking!

(submitted by Sue, NMF grandma :))

Positive beginning

Would you spend your hard-earned money buying things you didn't want or need? Of course not.

So why would you spend any of your precious and powerful thoughts on things you don't want? It makes much more sense to focus your thoughts on the positive, desirable things you would like to create and expand upon.

The thoughts with which you choose to fill your mind have a direct influence on the people, things, and events that surround your life. Every moment, with each thought, you have the opportunity to point your life in a specific direction.

The way you think about life plays a major role in the way your life unfolds. Again and again, choose those thoughts that resonate with a life that's rich, joyous and fulfilled.
You think thousands of thoughts each day. Use the opportunity of each thought to push you toward the precise life you wish to create for yourself.

Everything in your world begins with a thought. So use your thoughts to give everything a powerful, positive beginning.

-- Ralph Marston

Go Green!

(submitted by Jodi)

www.shehasit.com

Proud moment for NMF mama and great idea!

From Crystal:

"I read in a magazine somewhere that this mom would count all of the money in her children’s piggy bank each year. Then she would divide it up and put 1/3 into their savings account, 1/3 they could spend however they wanted and 1/3 they would donate to charity. I thought that was such an awesome idea! So we counted out Ian’s money and he has $20 to donate. He chose “a hospital where they make children better.” I was very impressed because I was listing off several different things, like animals, donating books, etc. So it’s going to Mott’s for our charity walk."

Crystal, Way to go!!! Thanks so much for sharing your great idea! :)

Question of the week!

Do you get sick when your child is sick?

Please post some tips on staying healthy while caring for sick babies.

Organic Clothing at Target

From current issue of Body & Soul:

"Attn (Eco) Bargain Shoppers - Known for introducing a rotating cast of exclusive designers to the frugal-minded masses, Target now aims to please its increasingly eco-conscious customers, too. Partnering with designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn, the mega-retailer will offer Loomstate for Target, a sustainable fashion line for men and women, on April 19. The collection features relaxed, nature-inspired T-shirts, dresses, bikinis, shorts, skirts and jackets, using 100% certified organic cotton. Unlike the pieces from Loomstate's standard collection (some priced at more than $200), all Loomstate for Target items range from $14.99 to $44.99."

Act fast: Target and target.com carry the goods only through May 16."

NMF Book Club

At this month's meeting we discussed topics

presented in the book Skinny Bitch.  We sampled dairy free ice cream and

pudding and ate vegetarian sushi.  After viewing clips from an Oprah episode about

animal cruelty and the sanitation of dairy and meat farms, we discussed our personal views and the choices we make for ourselves and our families when it comes to farm fed and

 cage free products.

Need a good laugh?

Jimmy & Octo Mom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxtgLzi-aK0

An Inspiring family!

http://365daysoftwins.blogspot.com/

Mom 2 Mom Sale in Plymouth this weekend!

SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2009
8:30 - 12 PM
WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL IN PLYMOUTH
44401 ANN ARBOR TRAIL at SHELDON ROAD
$1 ADMISSION CASH ONLY

STROLLERS AFTER 10
PLEASEALL SALES FINAL

You can expect to find: strollers, baby equipment, clothes (up to size 8+), maternity clothes, shoes, sets for twins and triplets! With much much more at our spring/summer based sale.

Check This Out!

My Friend Meg's old boss owns a farm not too far from here and is offering the following....click on the flier to enlarge it. How fun would it be to take the kids on a visit to the farm where your fruits and veggies are being grown?  :) Maria

Free Movies

(submitted by Jodi)

Free weekend matinees are back in Canton.

http://www.gqti.com/freematinee.aspx

Lunch Boxes

Check out these Economical/Green/Fun lunch boxes for kids! :)

http://www.nourishyourkids.com/shop/laptop.html

50 Moms We Love To Hate!

http://www.babble.com/50-Moms-We-Love-to-Hate-Octomom-Sarah-Palin-Michelle-Duggar-and-47-more/

Who is your LEAST favorite mom from this group of women?

Salma Hayek nurses a starving baby!

Newsweek is scoring celebrities on a dignity index, 1-100. One being the lowest. Read their opinion of Salma Hayek after she nursed an African baby in public. Also click on the link below to see how readers responded to this quote.

Do you agree with Newsweek or the readers???

From Newsweek:

"Bring on the letters about the beauty of motherhood: we still think Salma Hayek breastfeeding a hungry African baby—on camera—during a relief tour is just, well, weird. Score: 7"


http://www.newsweek.com/id/184804

Pesticides in Fruits and Veggies

http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php

The Worst Celebirty Baby Names

1. Tu Morrow (Rob Morrow)
You just know that this name came up during a drunken pre-conception conversation. The tragedy is, they never thought of a better one. We just hope the kid likes that song from Annie, because people will be serenading her with it forever.

2. Zuma Nesta Rock (Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale)
Sure, "Zuma" is the name of a beach in a Malibu. That's lovely. But it's also a computer game. And the diminutive form of a term for a bad gastrointestinal condition. And, for anyone who remembers the '90s, a much-mocked malt beverage. No, wait: that was Zima.

3. Moxie CrimeFighter (Penn Jillette)
Job descriptions just don't work as proper names. And what are odds that she'll actually grow up to be a crimefighter? Slim.

4. Pilot Inspektor (Jason Lee)
Speaking of job descriptions — Pilot Inspektor isn't even a real job. Neither is Pilot Inspector, for that matter. Plane Inspector is a real job, but that's like two steps above DMV worker in the glamour department.

5. Kal-El (Nicolas Cage)
Do celebrities actually think their children have superpowers? Sometimes we wonder.

6. Bogart Che Peyote (Reality star David "Puck" Rainey)
Using the names of revolutionaries and drugs in your kid's name is one thing. Using the common term for slobbering all over that joint you won't share is quite another.

7-9. Fifi Trixibell, Peaches and Pixie (Bob Geldof and Paula Yates)
Didn't Paris Hilton use these names for her little dogs?

10. Audio Science (Shannyn Sossamon)
Sounds like it would have been a really cool class to take in college. As a name, though . . .

11. Princess Tiaamii (Katie "Jordan" Price)
Someday this little girl will realize she is not in fact a princess, and all the extra vowels in the world won't be able to cushion the blow.

12. Prince Michael II / "Blanket" (Michael Jackson)
Luckily, MJ atoned for his choice of moniker by nicknaming the kid "Blanket," a name no one could ever possibly find fault with.

To see more, click on this link:


http://www.babble.com/33-Worst-Celebrity-Baby-Names-Cautionary-tales-from-Audio-Science-to-Zuma-Nesta-Rock/

Question of the Week

What are some easy and practical ways to save money?

Kids & T.V.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/03/babies.watch.TV/index.html

(submitted by Kim)

Fun Website!

www.babble.com--- good articles and a really fun baby naming wizard.

(Submitted by Holly)

Biting!

OUCH! One mother wrote us about how her two-year-old had mastered the sneak attack. Just when all seemed well, he'd chomp down on the nearest piece of flesh and bear down like a bulldog. Her initial response could not be categorized as "Love and Logic," particularly when it was her own skin he was munching. His eyes lit up like Christmas morning every time she screamed, "Stop it! Cut it out! Don't bite!"

After studying our Early Childhood Package she and her husband decided to run an experiment: Every time he bit them, they'd do their best to calmly sing, "Uh oh" and gently buckle him into his high chair or stroller.In the process of planning their little experiment, they decided to make sure that…He would be completely safeThey would do their best to be empathetic instead of angryThey didn't reinforce the behavior by trying to talk to him while he was incarceratedThey didn't let him out before he was calmOf course, he wasn't impressed with this approach. He cried, screamed, begged and even tried to bite them from a distance. As soon as he calmed down, they'd give him a kiss on the cheek and let him out.Mom was proud to report that the little guy was starting to curb his cannibalistic cravings. Staying calm and providing a meaningful consequence really seemed to be the key!

Thanks for reading!
Dr. Charles Fay

Day Light Saving Quesiton

Any good tips on dealing with day light savings and the kid's schedules?

Question of the week!

Where do you grocery shop? Do you plan your meals before your grocery shop? What is your strategy?

New Addition!

Jodi and Dave welcomed

Lauren Elizabeth

on February 24, 2009

6lbs 13oz 19"

Quote from new mama: "Lauren is a super sweet baby, so far she just sleeps and eats. I should really cherish this time because I know it won't last that long! She has the softest hair I have ever felt and we love to give her kisses. Her big sister Kara has really tried to help and has the sweetest of intentions... just a bit too aggressive at times! We are ready to get life back to normal now that our family is complete. I love having my two little girls! They are sweet as can be."

MMR INFO.

(Submitted by Christina)

www.http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/

Cute and Helpful Bracelet for Nursing Moms

Check out these adorable bracelets for nursing moms:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=290275187930

Do you know of anything clever like this that you would like to share with everyone? If so, let us know!

Fun, Easy Recipe

Flower Eggs

Flower eggs are a tradition at our house because they are so quick and easy for breakfast before school. Easy to pop in the oven for breakfast, they can even be eaten on the run.

Ingredients:
Eggs
Whole Wheat Bread
Butter
Cheese if desired

Preparation: Preheat oven to 350. Coat a muffin tin with buttery spread. Use as many 'holes' as you need. Push a piece of bread down into the muffin tin so that the corners stick up from the hole and it forms a cup to hold the egg. Crack an egg into each bread flower. Bake for 12-15 minutes. These may be topped with shredded cheese. Also, bits of ham or green pepper can also be added. Be creative :)

Fun Family Activity Coming Up!

Friday, March 13, 6:00-9:30 pm @ Oak Pointe Church in Novi

Buckle up for an out-of-this-world adventure! Experience the thrill of climbing "Space Mountain!" Have a blast with moonwalks, laser tag, sonic slides, galactic games, cosmic crafts, and more. Then shuttle in for Disney's just-launched "Space Buddies" or "3-2-1 Penguins Blast Into Space!" Pack your blankets and pillows and bring a family or two. Movie, popcorn, and activities are all FREE! Pizza, pop, and ice cream will be available for a small fee.

Activities & Food: 6:00-9:30 pm

Movie Times: 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30

www.oakpointe.org