Park Moms

Calling All Moms Fall Event - November 3rd

2011-10-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Park Moms!

In case you haven't heard we have an exciting Calling All Moms event on Thursday, November 3rd (7-9pm). The authors of "Putting God Back in the Holidays" will be speaking with us as we enjoy dinner and the company of other Park Moms (details and registration information below).

Hope to see you there!

JOIN US FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
DATE: November 3, 2011
TIME: 7-9pm
WHERE: Park Community Church, Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby
REGISTER: http://www.parkcommunitychurch.org/event/2011-11-03-calling-all-moms-fall-event/

Entrusted With A Childs Heart 2011-12

2011-10-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Entrusted with a Child's Heart (EWACH) is a life-changing study on biblical parenting for women of all stages, with kids of all ages!
Come join other moms as we begin this 22 week study on October 12^th. Childcare will be coordinated for an additional cost.

Wednesdays 6:30-8pm at Near North
Runs October 12 through mid-May (on AWANA nights)

More information and to sign up

Fall Calling All Moms Event

2011-09-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Join other Park mom's for dinner and a presentation by Bill and Penny Thrasher, the authors of
"Putting God Back in the Holidays: Celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving,
Easter, Birthdays, and 12 Other Special Occasions with Purpose".

Calling All Moms
November 3, 2011
7PM-9PM
Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby, Chicago

This event is free.

Additional information and registration online at www.parkcommunitychurch.org/events.

School Options Seminar and Other Upcoming Events

2011-09-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Some events at Park Community Church that you find interesting:

~ School Options Seminar | Sunday, October 02, 2011, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

~ Finding Balance with Food | Every Tuesday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

~ Women's Bible Study | Every Thursday, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

~ For One Chicago | Saturday, October 01, 2011, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For more info visit the Park Community Church Website at www.parkcommunitychurch.org/events

Welcome to Fall

2011-09-18T12:40:00.001-07:00

Hopefully everyone's fall is off to a great start. What is your favorite thing about fall? The weather, sending kids back to school, apple orchard and pumpkin patch trips? Is it the great programs that start up like Awana? Is it digging into a great book or Bible study with your moms group? Is it a pumpkin spice latte?

ParkMoms will be getting back into the swing of things with more blog posts, our fall Calling All Moms event and more, so stay tuned. Here's to fall!

ParkMoms Beach Day 2011

2011-07-15T13:17:00.001-07:00

Hope to see you on Tuesday July 19th at Foster Beach, Chicago. We'll gather around 10am to the left of the end of the ramp. See you there!

Helen Lee Video, Calling All Moms Spring 2011

2011-04-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to watch the video of Helen Lee speaking at the Calling All Moms event, spring 2011.

http://blip.tv/file/4946117

We also have a PowerPoint you can follow along with in the ParkMoms files section in My Park. If you are already a member of My Park login here: http://my.parkcommunitychurch.org/login. If you would like to join, send an email to info@parkmoms.com and let us know if you attend Park Community Church, are a member of a ParkMoms group or how you heard about us.

For more info about Helen Lee, visit her website:

Helen Lee

Author, The Missional Mom

themissionalmom.com

Favorites Day for your Moms Group

2011-03-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today our moms group had a Favorites Day. Here's how we do it:

Favorites Day
What to bring:
~ actual products to show us (not necessarily to share) just to hold up and say "this is my favorite sunscreen" or "this is my favorite muffin mix"
~ recipes printed out in copies to distribute
~ book and music show and tell of favorite kids books or cds or even adult books and cds too!
~ notes for yourself to share your favorite vacation destinations, restaurants, places or events for kids in the city, etc.
~ there are really no limits to what you could share

Here is our list from today.
Websites:
hautelook.com (some kids stuff but mostly women's. look for "blowout" sales to get really great deals)
zulily.com (up to 60% or more savings on kids clothing and products. lots of great baby and maternity too)
babycheapskate.com (you can also fan them in Facebook. daily news about who has great deals, ie on Amazon.com and other sites)
destinyinbloom.com (spiritual encouragement and excellent writing from women, some mom topics, fan them in Facebook)
totsy.com (kid stuff on sale)
Amazon.com has a wishlist button that you can save things to from any website so you always have a list of what you might want and what site it is on and the price

Great Chicagoland places for kids:
Brookfield Zoo, excellent option for winter play in the indoor Hamil family play house.
Morton Arboretum, great for pictures and the large kid area is excellent for ages 2 and up in the summer. they have a wading river for getting wet
Garfield Park Conservatory, great in the winter. ask a staff member for food to feed the fish in the ponds and for a backpack of activity items to use while you are there to enhance your visit. you can eat a sack lunch at indoor tables. they have a kid play area with a slide.
Places to hike: Moraine Hills, Graue Mill/Fullersburg Woods, Starved Rock
Peterson Park (Peterson and Pulaski) in addition to the excellent gymnastic building where many CPD classes are available, they have a nature center with short toddler and up friendly hiking trails including a hill to climb and a boardwalk through a marsh, deer are always walking around, there is a "hidden" waterfall with a nice rock bridge located behind a duck pond across the street from the retirement housing. Park in the nature center parking lot and hike east to the duck pond, then go down the path into the trees on either side of the duck pond.

Restaurants:
Uncommon Ground (Grace and Clark) live music and fireplace
Marie's Pizza + Liquors (best thin crust pizza) at Lawrence and the highway
Pollo Campero (Pulaski and Lawrence)
Sunda (sushi with bacon!)
Lafinka Mexican (outdoor patio)
Angle Food Bakery (kid friendly after church place)
Dib (on Lawrence in Uptown)
Italian Village (in the Loop) top restaurant has an outdoor patio with great atmosphere
Via Veneto (north on Lincoln near the Lincoln Town Center mall)
D'Agostino's Pizzaria (Wed special. Southport and Addison)
Geja's (in Old Town. great date restaurant - get a coupon)
Cafe Laguardia (Bucktown)
Red Rooster (Dickens and Halstead, behind Cafe Bernard...up some unassuming stairs) go online for a coupon: http://www.cafebernard.com/Redrooster/directions.html

Shopping:
TJ Maxx for handbags and premium denim (look in the clearance section where they often misplace the European sizing, ie a size 30 waist might be hung in the size 12 section)
Harvest Time (on Lawrence near Rockwell - produce is tops for the price and they carry other groceries)
Trader Joes sometimes has the best price on milk
Night and Day Vintage on Blemont
Very Best Vintage
Ravenswood Antiques on Damen just south of Lawrence (not stroller friendly)

Books / Music / Videos:
Linnea's Windowsill Garden: http://www.amazon.com/Linneas-Windowsill-Garden-Linnea-books/dp/9129590647/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299526299&sr=1-2
All books by Sandra Boynton
BBC Earth video series titled Life
Singer: Elizabeth Mitchell (several CDs, especially You Are My Little Bird)
Tiny Bears Bible
Jesus Storybook Bible
Singer: Sufan Stevens: The Age of AD2 and Come on Feel the Illinoise
Singer: Dan Zanes
Singer: Adele
Mike Lee - April 29th at the Cubby Bear, CD release party

Cooking:
America's Test Kitchen
Moist chicken = brine your chicken by soaking chicken covered in water that is heavily salted and lightly sugared before cooking as normal
Allergen Free Bakers Cookbook
A Passion for Baking

Products:
Nail Polish: Paint and Peel by Sula
Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant tinted moisterizer (at Target)
La Bella Donna makeup: http://www.labelladonna.com/shop/pages.php?pageid=10
Liz Mouse's sewing stores:
www.plumsparrow.etsy.com
www.mommysaidsew.etsy.com
And if you haven't ever been to Etsy before...
www.etsy.com for all beautiful things handmade - great place to find special gifts.

Spring Calling All Moms Event Info

2011-01-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Save the Date! Our next ParkMoms event will be Thursday, March 24th and will feature Helen Lee who just released the book "The Missional Mom". Helen will share with us how to live with purpose both as a mom at home and out in the world. Check out Helen's website at www.themissionalmom.com

Helen was featured today on Midday Connection. Here's the link where you can hear that segment by clicking here.

More Calling All Moms Event Info:
Date: Thursday, March 24th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Park Cafe at Park Community Church, 1001 N. Crosby, Chicago, IL

*This event is free. No childcare will be provided, but nursing infants are welcome.

Also, please note that we will not be having the Valentine's Brunch this year. We've had a couple people ask about this, so wanted to make sure you were all aware. There are a number of reasons this won't be happening this year, most related to getting space for and coordinating the child care. The exciting news is that there is a new parenting series in the works that will launch this May. These events will be directed towards both moms and dads in the church. Stay tuned for more details on that!

Museum Free Days

2010-12-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

Don't forget that many of Chicago's excellent museums have free days. For example, the Museum of Science and Industry is free much of January: 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31

Field Museum is free every Second Monday and these dates in January: 11th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th

Shedd Aquarium in January: 10, 11, 16-24, 25

Explore a nice warm museum in January!

Park G-Ma Needs Donations to Care For Her Grandson

2010-11-07T12:51:00.001-08:00

Hi ParkMoms,

A grandmother from Park just took custody of her grandson and has a great need for donated baby items and clothing so she can take care of him. She'll need immediate donations for baby Eric – Winter clothes for 9 – 18 months and Spring/Summer clothes for 18 – 24 months, diapers, wipes, soaps, lotions, diaper cream, blankets, bibs (we’ll find out what size diaper he’s in) and of course anyone willing to donate 9 + mo age appropriate toys, high chair, Pack N Play or crib etc. The grandmother's name is Diane and she lives in Lakeview.

Please see the comments section of this post for additional information about the specific items needed and who to contact to donate.

Thanks!

Chicago Park District Winter News

2010-11-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Winter Program Registration Begins Nov. 29
Registration for Chicago Park District winter programs begins online Monday, November 29 at 9 am. In-person registration at the parks begins Saturday, December 4. You can view program offerings and create a wishlist (to save you time when registering online) beginning Monday, November 15. Classes begin the week of January 3, and most last through late March. The new year is the perfect time to learn a new skill or hobby through one of the many winter programs offered in the parks.

Ice Rinks Open this Month
Get out the skates and get ready for winter fun at the Chicago Park District's nine outdoor ice rinks. Most rinks open for the season on Friday, November 26. The Rink at Wrigley opens December 1. Bring your own ice skates and skate for free at all rinks except for The Rink at Wrigley and the indoor rink at McFetridge Sports Center, where admission fees apply. Each site offers skate rentals for various fees and concessions are available at some rinks. Hours vary. Go here for more information including hours.

School Options in the City

2010-11-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

As a follow up to the panel discussion on School Options in the City that was held in September, Park Community Church is holding breakout sessions for more info in the specific areas. RSVP not required.

Each session will take place:
1001 N. Crosby, Chicago, IL
10:45AM - Noon
Childcare will be provided in The Loop

Nov 7 - Chicago Public Schools
Rooms 205 / 206

Nov 14 - Home Schooling
Room 201

Nov 21 - Private / Parochial
Room 201

Dec 5 - Christian Schooling
Room 201

More Events You Might Find Interesting

2010-11-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Nov 13
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Get to know the women in your neighborhood. Grace women’s ministry invites you to a morning of brunch and fellowship with other women who live near you. Saturday, November 13^th from 10am – Noon happening at a home near you.
Register at www.parkcommunitychurch.org

Nov 13
Thanksgiving Potluck
6:30PM in Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby, Chicago, IL
After the 5PM service, join others for a special Thanksgiving potluck with live music. Families welcome. Bring your favorite "Thanksgiving" dish which you can store in the kitchen during the service. RSVP not required.

Nov 16
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM at Park, 1001 N. Crosby, Chicago, IL
The Loop Children’s Ministry invites you to a morning of fellowship and relaxation. If you have had a baby in the last 12 months join us Tuesday, November 16^th from 9:30am – 11:00am for a light brunch and time of devotions with other new moms. Childcare will be provided.
Register at www.parkcommunitychurch.org

Nov 21
Fireside Chat on Perfectionism
3:00 - 5PM in Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby, Chicago, IL
The pressure to perform, please others and be "perfect" can be intense in today's society and here in Chicago and a burden that keeps us from being all God intended. Additional info at www.parkcommunitychurch.org

Events You Might Find Interesting

2010-10-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

In addition to the Calling All Moms Event on Oct 7th, there are some things on the schedule that might be of interest:

Breaking Free
Oct 7 from 11:30am - 1:00pm
Join with other women for an in-depth Bible study about finding true freedom in Christ. Email Michelle Warner at michelletoy16@yahoo.com for more info or to sign up.

Learn More About Caris
Oct 9 and 10 following all services
Caris provides hope ad support to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Find out how lives are being changed through the ministry of Caris and ways you can get involved by stopping by their table after the services at Park Community Church on the 9th or 10th.

Entrusted With A Child's Heart Study
Starts Oct 13 at 6:30pm
This class offers an insightful study of biblical parenting for women of all ages. Click here for more info.

Demystifying Motherhood
Oct 23 from 10am - noon
Have a friend who is pregnant for the first time or know a newly married who is considering what it's like to be a mom in the city? Send her to join other women and a few seasoned ParkMoms for a morning brunch and conversation about motherhood in the city. Visit www.parkcommunitychurch.org to learn more.

Child Dedication
Nov 13 and 14 at all services
visit www.parkcommunitychurch.org to learn more.

Entrusted With a Child's Heart Study

2010-09-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

ParkMoms and Park Community Church are offering an amazing study for moms this fall...

About:
Entrusted with a Child's Heart is a life-changing study on biblical parenting for women of all stages with kids of all ages! This study endeavors to walk a steady course with mothers as we discover together God's beautiful design for families. Entrusted with a Child's Heart is grounded in the Truth of God's Word and helps moms to grow up the next generation for Christ! Learn what the Bible says about raising kids and enjoy sweet small group fellowship together. It is our prayer that this study will grow your relationships, grow your faith, and grow your desire to claim your family for the glory of God!

Details:
Come join ParkMoms as we begin this 22 week study on October 13th, on Wednesday nights during AWANA from 6:30-8:10pm. Space is limited so commitment to attending a minimum of 18 of the sessions is required. Cost for class and materials is $50, please sign up on the Park website or email info@parkmoms.com if there are any questions. Childcare can be coordinated if required with additional costs.

Register:
Sign up through the Park Community Church website

To learn more about Entrusted Ministries visit their website: www.ewach.com

Chicago School Options Panel

2010-09-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Can my family REALLY do school in Chicago?

September 26 @10:45 AM-Noon
Park Community Church, 1001 N Crosby
Room 205/206

You Love the City. You Love Your Kids. You Have No Idea How to Make it Work Once School Becomes an Issue. Sound Familiar?

Although the school year has just begun, parents need to start thinking about next school year already. Figuring out what your choices are and how to navigate the options -- public, private, homeschool - can be overwhelming.

At Park, You're Not Alone. Come hear from Park parents who are educating their children in Chicago. Listen to their stories. Learn about the different schooling options in the city. Be encouraged: it can be done!

No RSVP necessary Child care provided at The Loop 11 am service

Schooling Options Panel will be a panel discussion format with limited time for Q&A. Additional opportunities for further discussion on each schooling option will be provided at near future dates.

Fall Calling All Moms Event Details

2010-09-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Join over 100 moms as we spend an evening together with Sandy Robertson.

Calling All Moms: Keeping the Romance Alive

* When:
Thursday, October 07, 2010 from 07:00 PM to 9:00 PM
* Where:
Park Community Church: Park Cafe 1001 N. Crosby Chicago, IL 60610

About Sandy:
Sandy is a wife and mom of grown children who currently spends her time counseling and teaching others to care for the community. Through the ups and downs of motherhood in all stages she will help you discover ways to keep the romance alive when the kids arrive!

More Info:
This event is free and all moms are welcome.

TO REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/FallCAM

Grab a girlfriend and come out for this evening of fun and fellowship. We look forward to spending the evening with you!

*Nursing moms and babies welcome!

Awana Starts in September

2010-08-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

Awana Details:

Dates: each Wednesday starting September 29
Time: begins at 6:30 PM and run until 8:15 PM. Dinner will be offered in Park Cafe from 5:30-6:15 PM
Where: Park Community Church, 1001 N. Crosby Chicago, IL 60610

What is Awana?

Awana is an international, Bible-centered children's ministry providing local churches with weekly clubs for children. The goal of every Awana club component (Bible-centered handbooks, Scripture memory, team-oriented games, and more) is to help children to know, love, and serve Christ. It's an exciting approach to teaching God's Word, combining learning with irresistible fun to produce lifelong results in children...and reaching their families, too! Beginning in 1950 as a youth program at the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago, today Awana can be found in more than 12,000 churches in all 50 states and can be found in 109 other countries on six continents!

What happens at an Awana club night?

Awana clubs are filled with energy, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

Game Time is comprised of exciting games exclusive to Awana, that are a popular draw for children of all ages stressing healthy competition and good sportsmanship.

Council Time is a large-group setting consisting of praise music, Bible teaching, testimonies, guest speakers, awards, and announcements.

Handbook Time provides small group fun, review and discussion of Scripture that kids learned during the week, friendship building, and opportunities for leaders to mentor children and help them understand how to apply the Bible verses they have memorized to their everyday lives.

What ages are the kids in Awana Clubs?

* Cubbies- must be 3 years old by September 1, 2009. Lots of fun and an introduction to God's word for preschoolers, Cubbies encourages these little ones to begin to make scripture a part of their lives through parent-child activities.

* Sparks- must be 5 years old by September 1, 2009. Friendship building and the gospel message for K-2nd graders, Sparks teaches children about Jesus through games and introduces small peer-group interaction.

* Truth & Training (T & T) - Evangelism and discipleship for 3rd-5th graders, T&T leads children into a deeper relationship with God and teaches them to reach out to others through mission projects.

*Infant and toddler babysitting will be provided on site for parents volunteering in Awana.

How Much Does Awana Cost?

$30 annual registration fee + materials

Scholarships joyfully provided by contacting Park's Children's Ministry children@parkcommunitychurch.org

Awana Medical Release Form:
Please print and bring completed form to the first night of Awana. Click here to download.

How do I learn more about Awana?
Contact Park's Awana Commander, Kelly Peterson at awana@parkcommunitychurch.org or 509.671.2030.

Ready to sign up?

Awana Sign Up - Click Here!

Happy Anniversary Family Grounds

2010-08-27T13:05:00.001-07:00

We love this place, your kids will too. Whether you are "always there" or "where is that?!" you should stop by on Saturday as Family Grounds celebrates their 1 year anniversary! www.familygroundscafe.com ...

Saturday, August 28th, come celebrate with Family Grounds Cafe. From 9am-2pm experience live music: Little Miss Ann, Laura Dorherty, Poochamungus, Emily Claire Palmer. Play on a REAL FIRETRUCK. No admission fee! Face painting too! Just come to the cafe and have FUN FUN FUN! Parking lot will be closed for the event.

Fall Calling All Moms Event - Save the Date

2010-08-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Save the date for our fall Calling All Moms event.

Thursday, October 7, 2010
7:00PM
at Park Community Church
1001 N. Crosby Chicago, IL

More info to follow, but get this night on your calendar now so you can fellowship with all the other moms in our ministry!

Park Community Church Summer Camp

2010-08-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Just want to send out a THANK YOU to the staff and volunteers who made this week of camp happen. My child has been thrilled with camp (she said that now she's ready to go to college next week - she's three). I guess she thinks college will just be a never-ending week of learning from enthusiastic teachers, making new friends and non-stop worship of our Lord and Savior... that actually sounds like the ideal college experience to me. But maybe they won't have a water day or a messy day at her college of choice, and maybe they won't get to paint with pudding. But I bet that some days she'll take a long nap after lunch...

But I digress. Anyway, THANK YOU again to all the saints right here in Chicago that made this week so wonderful for our kids.

Park Has a Blog...

2010-08-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Check out Park Community Church's blog: www.parkchurchblog.com

It's a "central spot to share all of the great stories, news, and information about Park in a simple way." And they are posting full videos of the sermons! You can send friends the URL to that post, they click play and there you go!

Check back often. There is sure to be plenty of great info pertaining to moms, families, The Loop and more!

Sunscreen and Bug Spray Tips

2010-07-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Don't get complacent as the summer days wind down. Remember some safety tips...

SUNSCREEN TIPS:

Babies under 6 months:

The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For All Other Children:

The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against UVB and UVA rays.
Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

WHAT BRAND IS BEST?!...
2010 Safer Baby Skin Care Cheat Sheet - click here! Thanks to SafeMama.com.

This list that ranks brands is amazing!...
EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide Thanks to Environmental Working Group (ewg.org)

BUG SPRAY TIPS:

To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently back it out by scraping it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
Use insect repellents containing DEET when need to prevent insect related diseases such as ticks which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
The current CDC and AAP recommendation for children over 2 months of age is to use 10- 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
The effectiveness is similar for 10-30% DEET but the duration of effect varies. Ten percent DEET provides protection for about 2 hours – 30% for about 5 hours – choose the lowest concentration that will provide required length of coverage.
The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase. Children should wash off repellents when back indoors.
As an alternative to DEET, Picaridin has become available in the U.S. in concentrations of 5-10%.

Moms Group Marriage Tips

2010-07-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

A ParkMoms group recently had a discussion where we all shared some of our best marriage tips. The following is a list of those tips. Feel free to leave a comment sharing your own tips for making your marriage a success!

Marriage Tips:

~ Communication is key! When talking about struggles in your relationship, try not to use phrasing that says "always" or "never" since those definitives will create a defensive response in your spouse. Do use "I feel" language. Better discussion will result if it's more about sharing how you feel and less about the other person's faults. For example: "I feel hurt when you tease me about my bad cooking." Better than: "You always complain about my cooking. Is it never going to be good enough for your ridiculous standards?!"

~ Be quick to admit wrong doing an then get over it.

~ Don't hold grudges.

~ Remember that your spouse will enjoy spending time with you if you create a happy environment and have a cheerful attitude.

~ For big life changes (new babies, new houses, new jobs) and for vacations it really helps to talk about expectations in advance (yours and your spouses). That way no one is surprised by how much someone has to work, or how often someone is asked to help, or how much someone just wants to sit on a beach chair and read.

~ Seek to understand before seeking to be understood. You will be amazed at how fruitful a discussion can be if you start by really listening to your spouse and asking probing (but gentle) questions to understand their perspective and feelings about an argument or situation.

~ Gift your spouse with a list (or set of lists) of your top 10 (or however many) things about them or you...some example: things you are good at, songs that mean something to us, places we have been together, best dates so far, etc. Get creative and don't just reserve words of affirmation for special occasions.

~ Make regular intimacy non-negotiable. Would you even dare to never say no!?

~ Don't sweat the small stuff (like whose fault it was that you ran out of ice cream).

~ Make time for time together aka date nights and time away together.

~ Pray for your spouse.

~ Talk without distractions every day, even if all you can manage is just 10 minutes.

~ Honor your spouse with positive words. Talk about your spouse positively with your children, friends, even your own mother (gasp!). Don't tease your spouse on Facebook...friend the pastor of your church and then remember that every time you go to update your status :)

~ Make it a goal to be a better listener, especially if you have a quiet spouse...they might need you to be quiet longer than you ever thought possible so they can get a word in.

~ Have a special way you welcome them home (no, not handing them the baby and then running tight circles in the yard like a crazed Labrador).

~ What's your best marriage fortifying tip? Please leave a comment!

Beach Day Reminder

2010-07-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

July 13th starting at 10:00AM we'll be at Foster Avenue beach. Head
under Lake Shore Drive toward the lake. There is a paid parking lot
near the beach, or free parking along the inner road. We'll be meeting
on the beach to the left of the bottom of the ramp, near the lifeguard
stand. We might plan to have lunch up in a grassy, shady spot around
11:30ish.

Hope to see you there!

Mmmmm Milk (and Cookies)

2010-07-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park has lots of spots for adults to indulge, but now there is a kid-friendly place called Cookie Bar. Warning - empty calories ahead!

If your kid is in need of a sweet treat head to 2475 N. Lincoln and check out the selection of more than 15 different cookies, baked fresh daily. The owners have tried to use high quality ingredients and stay away from additives. They also offer organic milk and free trade coffee (for mom and dad). Many of the cookies are gluten free and vegan friendly. Sounds like a good place to stop on the way home from the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Mmmm cookie!

Happy Birthday Wiggleworms

2010-06-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Old Town School of Folk Music's Wiggleworms program is turning 25 this year. If you don't know who the Wiggleworms are yet, you need to find out, and fast!

Wiggleworms
The Old Town School's unique Wiggleworms music program welcomes babies and toddlers to the world of music. In each Wiggleworms session, children sing, play finger games, do circle dances and play rhythm instruments especially designed for little hands. Each Wiggleworms instructor leads the class with traditional and original children's songs, while accompanying the class on acoustic guitar. Classes are designed for three different age groups and activities will vary as your child grows. All Wiggleworms classes are 45 minutes. Click here for more info on classes.

Millennium Park - Free Wiggleworms Concerts
Catch a Wiggleworms concert free during the summer at Millunium Park in downtown Chicago. Everyday through September 3, 2010. Event starts at 10am. Don't forget your swimsuit for a splash in nearby Crown Fountain on hot days. Click here for more info.

Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
- 4400 N. Lincoln Ave.
- July 10-11
- Kids events from Noon-6pm
- Admission:$10 suggesed donation, $5 kids
- Details: Main stage music acts, kids'tent with music, art and dance. Wiggleworms birthday party at Noon on Saturday. Family barn dance at 3:15pm on Sunday
www.chicagofolkandroots.org

The Cost of Kid Stuff

2010-06-27T01:31:00.000-07:00

Take your best guess:

1. How much, on average, does it cost to raise a child from birth to age 17?
a) $30-35K
b)$100-150K
c)$200-400K
d)$500+K

2. What percentage of annual child-related expenditures is spent on housing costs alone?
a)34%
b)42%
c)56%
d)61%

3. Annually, it costs more to raise a child age:
a)Less than 1 yr old
b)1-5 yrs old
c)5 - 10 yrs old
d)15+ yrs old

4. Compared with 2%in 1960, Americans are now spending 16% of child-related expenditures on what?
a)Health care
b)Education and child care
c)Transportation
d)Food

5. Hoe much does a public four-year university charge on average per year (tuition, room and board)?
a)$10-15K
b)$15-20K
c)$20-25K
d)$25-30K

6. How much does a private four-year university charge on average per year (tuition, room and board)?
a)$10-15K
b)$15-20K
c)$20-25K
d)$25-30K

7. It's most expensive to raise a child in which region of the United States?
a)West
b)Northeast
c)Midwest
d)South

8. What percentage of household income, on average, is spent providing for the children in a two-child family?
a)52%
b)49%
c)39%
d)27%

9. How much money is spent, on average, on clothes for a child from birth until age of 17?
a)$13K
b)$21K
c)$17K
d)$9K

Answers: 1.C 2.A 3.D 4.B 5.A 6.D 7.B 8.C 9.A

'Toy Story 3' Has Chicago Voices

2010-06-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

Have you taken your kids to Toy Story 3? My husband took our three year old to her first movie in a theater. She did great. My husband liked the movie too. It was win-win!

Did you recognize any voices? Joan Cusack reprses her role as Jessie the cowgirl. Bonnie Hunt is Dolly the doll and Chicago's Jeff Garlin is Buttercup the unicorn. Joan and Hunt even did all their voice recording in a studio on Erie Street in the Loop.

Tribune writer asked Joan if she thought the last half hour of the movie was too intense or scay scary for little kids. Her reply: "No! Look at "The Wizard of Oz." Tell me that's not a scary movie. Those flying monkeys...that wicked witch...that's some scary stuff. When I was a kid I was terrified of it but loved it. Scary is great. Kids love scary. The movie may be scary, but there's not a moment that's inappropriate. Inappropriate is what we should worry about."

Beach Day Info

2010-06-22T13:23:00.001-07:00

Date: July 13, 2010
Time: 10AM
Location: Foster Ave Beach; Chicago, IL

Click here for more info.

Heroic Health Foods

2010-06-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

Some benefits and suggestions for use of some super foods.

Food: Bell Pepers
Benefits: B1, B2, B6, folate, C, fiber
Using: Stuff fresh whole bell peppers with rice or meat and bake for a main-dish meal

Food: Berries (blue, black, raspberry)
Benefits: Manganese, potassium, folate, C, fiber
Using: Frozen berries are just as nutritious as fresh, so when you find a good deal on fresh, buy them and put the extras in your freezer

Food: Black Beans
Benefits: B1, protein, iron, folate, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
Using: Canned beans have the same amount of nutrients as dried but are higher in sodium. Look for canned beans with no salt added and drain and rinse the beans.

Food: Broccoli
Benefits: B, folate, C, fiber, E, K
Using: Florets cook faster than stalks when steamed so cut an X on the bottom of each stalk to equalize cooking times

Food: Kiwi
Benefits: C, E, fiber, magnesium, potassium
Using: Slice into a salad or use on cereal. You can even eat the skin...much like a peach.

Food: Oats
Benefits: Soluable fiber, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc
Using: Oatmeal for breakfast has been shown to lower cholesterol because its a good source of soluble fiber. Avoid sugar added packet varieties.

Food: Oranges
Benefits: A, B, C, folate, potassium, fiber
Using: The white layer of skin on a fresh orange curbs appetite for up to four hours. Or slice into a salad with romaine and red onion.

Food: Sweet Potatoes
Benefits: A, E, C, copper, fiber
Using: Cut raw sweet potato into slices or sticks. Dip in low-fat dressing and eat as a snack.

Food: Tomatoes
Benefits: A, C, E, potassium, fiber, lycopene (found in cooked tomato products has antioxidant power)
Using: Roma or plum tomatoes work well in sauces.

Summer Window Shopping

2010-06-18T01:31:00.000-07:00

Ready to do some window-shopping? Out with your little ones in a stroller or just enjoying a good walk? Here's a list of walk up windows in Chicago...

Joy Yee's Noodles
Must-order: Bubble tea ($3.25-$3.50). The oft-lauded sweet beverage at the Chinatown location of this local chain comes in pretty much any flavor you can think of.
Portability: Excellent. The hearty plastic cup has a spill-proof cover and a thick plastic straw that's perfect for tapioca-slurping.

Scooter's Frozen Custard
Must-order: Elvis concrete shake ($5.85 after tax, vanilla custard, Reese's peanut butter cup and bananas) or Boston shake ($6.51, a thick shake with your choice of frozen custard on top).
Portability: Commendable. A sturdy cup makes for little spillage, while the raised lid with a hole on top lets us make good use of the straw and spoon.

Miko's Italian Ice
Must order: Italian ice ($2-$5.50), of course. Co-owner Rick Roombos says the most popular flavor at both the Bucktown and Logan Square locations, neither of which has inside service, is lemon.
Portability: High. A cup of Italian ice doesn't drip and, Roombos emphasizes, is substantial enough to eat with a spoon.

State Street Pizza Company
Must-order: Breakfast slice ($4). A steamy slice of sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese and tomato beats cold morning-after pizza from the fridge any day.
Portability: Very good. A crisp whole-wheat crust makes this commuter-friendly a.m. snack easier to eat on the run than your typical floppy New York slice; plus, it comes in a slice-shaped box.

Big Star
Must-order: Taco de panza ($4). Crisp pork belly bites snuggled in a soft, warm tortilla, are the perfect five-bite snack.
Portability: Average. Errant bits of belly tend to tumble out of even the most tightly rolled tacos, but this is still your best bet, as tostadas spell disaster on the go and tacos de chivo and de borrego require messy broths for dipping.

Baladoche
Must order: Belgian zucker waffles ($4.59). These crispy, caramelized, hand-held beauties can be dressed up with Nutella, raspberry jam or a half-dozen other toppings ($1.84).
Portability: Decent, if you don't add toppings. Sloppy add-ons can make for a sticky/powdery/drippy mess.

Freddie's Pizza and Pasta Parlor
Must-order: House-made Italian ice ($2.21-$3.87, five flavors available) and Italian beef sandwiches ($6.69 regular/$8.78 large), a juicy Bridgeport classic that's topped with peppers.
Portability: Fair. Eat your ice quickly lest it melt all over, and while you wait in line (in summer, there's often a line), be sure to grab plenty of napkins for that Italian beef.

Jim's Original
Must-order: Polish sausage sandwich ($3.25), topped with loads of grilled onions, sport peppers and yellow mustard on a hot dog bun. Quintessentially Chicago.
Portability: Low. Depending on your love of onions, this is a messy sport, indeed.

Chicago Farmers Market Guide

2010-06-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a short list of some Chicago farmers markets. Let us know if your favorite market isn't on our list - leave a comment!

Green City Market (every Wednesday and Saturday)
Click here for their calendar of events and cooking demos by local chefs.

Tuesday:
Lincoln Square
Streeterville

Wednesday:
South Shore

Thursday:
Hyde Park
Uptown
Thursday Evening:
Lincoln Square

Saturday:
Bridgeport
Old Town
Lincoln Park
Northcenter
Printers Row
Southport

Sunday:
Wicker Park/Bucktown

There is a super great list on Metromix too:
Metromix Chicago Farmers Market Guide 2010

Calling All Campers

2010-06-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Calling all campers (experienced and inexperienced) - Park Community Church is having a family camping trip!

When: June 25-27
Where: Reynoldswood Christian Campground in Dixon, IL (on the way to Rockford).

It is a great time to connect with other families and let the kids run around free in the country air. The cost is $42 per family for the weekend. There are numerous activities including archery, geocaching, canoeing, pontoon boats, fishing, swimming pool, etc. We will share a meal together on Saturday night and have lots of fun by the campfire. If you'd like more information or you'd like to join us, please email deannalwilson [at] yahoo [dot] com. Hope to see you there! No camping experience required.

Park Community Church Summer Camp

2010-06-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

When: Daily, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, from 08/09/2010 to 08/13/2010
Where: Park Community Church; 1001 N. Crosby; Chicago, IL
Cost: $50 per child

Families with children 3yrs-5th grade are invited to join us for our annual Summer Camp, August 9-13 from 8:30AM - 12PM.

This year's circus themed week is packed full of engaging teaching, great games and fun activities! Your children will learn how God uses our greatest weaknesses as our greatest triumphs through redemption!

Want to volunteer for Summer Camp? Are you an actor or a juggler?

The event costs $50 per child. Scholarships and discounts may be available.
Contact Sheri Reeves at sreeves@parkcommunitychurch.org for details.

Register Today

Summer Storytime

2010-06-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

Summer Storytime at Park Community Church

Moms, bring your children (birth through age 5) to Summer Storytime, a fun and creative hour of stories and songs. Each week will have a biblical theme including love, creation and Christ. This is a great way to connect others in community and gain ideas ad resources to engage the gospel at home. The events are free. No rsvp required. Hope to see you there!

Dates: 6/15/10, 7/13/10 and 7/27/10
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Location: Room 207; 1001 N. Crosby; Chicago, IL

Contact rjudd@parkcommunitychurch.org for more information.

ParkMoms Beach Day

2010-06-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE - JULY 13

Mark your calendar for July 13th starting at 10:00AM to head to the beach with ParkMoms.

Grab your shovels, pails and kiddos and come spend a day at the beach with the other moms and kids from Park! Bring a picnic lunch and spend the morning playing, splashing and having fun!
This is a great opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor.

We'll be meeting at Foster Avenue Beach. For more info email info@parkmoms.com.

Chicago Beaches, Pools, Camps and Movies in the Park

2010-06-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

Beaches
Chicago's beaches are now open daily through Labor Day from 11 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Visitors can call 312-74-BEACH, check chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Pools
Chicago Park District's 51 outdoor pools open for the season on Friday, June 18.

Summer Day Camp Spots Still Available
Thousands of summer day camp spots are still available! Click here to select the Soldier Field/Museum Campus sports camp, Northerly Island adventure camp, Mozart Park summer day camp, and Meyering Park Happy Heart Camp. To register and confirm open slots, call the park's location. Don't delay, most camps begin Monday, June 28.

Catch Movies in the Parks
The Chicago Park District kicks off the 10th annual Movies in the Parks, presented by Parkways Foundation, with about 170 screenings of current and classic movies in more than 120 citywide parks from June 18 - Sept. 10. Free admission. All movies begin at dusk. Many screenings will feature closed captions. Click here for the Movies in the Parks 2010 schedule. For more more information call the movie hotline at 312-742-1134.

Chicago Summer Festivals

2010-06-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

This week is MayFest in Lincoln Square (Lincoln Ave and Leland).
The 11th annual German festival features live music and maypole dancing. Bring cash for heaping plates of German food and browse arts and crafts.

What is your favorite Chicago summer festival? Are you a fan of the Old Town Art Fair, the RibFest? Do you dare brave the crowds for the Taste of Chicago?

Let us know your favorite festival, tips for doing it with family, and any other comments!

-Or- send an email to info@parkmoms.com and we'll add it to this list.

Rainy Day Resources

2010-05-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Stuck at home? Whether it's a rainy day or a laundry day, you can try some new things to make a day indoors more interesting:

- Picnic inside. Put down a blanket in the playroom or living room and have a picnic style lunch.

- Build a fort. All you need are some couch cushions, chairs, blankets and maybe a flashlight or two.

- Art studio. Put down a drop cloth or plastic sheet and break out the paints and markers.

- Pool party. Put on your swimsuits, get the beach toys and head for the biggest bath tub in your house. Your kids will love it if you can squeeze in the tub too!

What is our favorite rainy day activity? Please leave a comment and share!

From D.P. via My Park discussion boards:
My SIL showed this to me, and if my little one were older, I'd totally do it! http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php

Book Reviews

2010-05-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Parenting Books
ParkMoms recommends these parenting books:

Do Your Kids A Favor, Love Your Spouse
By Kendra Smiley with John Smiley

Shepherding A Child's Heart
By Tedd Tripp

Moms Group Book Reviews
Recommended Books and/or Studies:

If Mama Ain’t Happy Ain’t Nobody Happy by Lindsay O'Connor
Comment: Good for finding joy in life while dealing with life situations
Comment: Good, easy read on making the choice to rejoice
Comment: This was an enjoyable book that emphasized having a joyful attitude, being a good example for your kids, and also helping to foster a loving/joyful environment in your home. The author had some fun stories about how God provided situations in her life that challenged her to have a joyful attitude in spite of the circumstance. A good take home point for all of us

The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
Comment: Liked it but geared towards older children

12 Extraordinary Women by John Macarthur
Comment: Enjoyed the beginning lost enthusiasm as it went on

Shepherding Your Childs Heart by Ted Tripp
Comment: This was a very thought provoking book about how to effectively and biblically train and teach your children. A lot of great discussion came from the content of this book. It provided a very helpful model regarding effective discipline/training. Where some of the ladies were challenged was on the idea of using “the rod” (spanking) as a training technique. Great discussion came from it though

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn
Comment: Very helpful to increase understanding of men and how they think
Comment: This was a helpful book for us to better understand our husbands and in turn helped us to better communicate and encourage them. It is based off of the findings of a survey developed by the author. Some of the findings were new and challenging to the women in our group. Great personal and growth in our marriage took place as a result of reading and discussing the concepts in this book

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
Comment: Excellent study on how to specifically pray for your children

Mothering Without Guilt
Comment: Average study. We had a difficult time getting everyone to participate

Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
Comment: Helpful for parents with older children (ages 5 and older). Cathey Basler has the DVD to go with it

The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Comment: This was a challenging book for many reasons. It was long (so by the end we were ready to be done). The author focused a lot on submission to your husband (which challenged our ideas/actions). She tied in Biblical references (which was helpful). Honestly, not everyone’s favorite book. Preview it before you choose it for your group

Experiencing Prayer with Jesus by Henry and Norman
Comment: This was a nice book that emphasized looking at Jesus as a model for how our prayer life. The reading was not too intense. You may want a different book if you are looking for an intensive study on prayer

Changing Hearts/Changing Lives Model
Comment: Sharon Todd helped to develop and assemble this amazing training tool. This tool provides a biblical model of change that shows the connection between our heart (root issues) and our actions (the fruit). I would recommend this for every group. It would be best if the person guiding the group had some training in using the model to help facilitate others to effectively use it to produce heart change. The materials can be emailed/forwarded to you. There are a lot of good resources that go with it

Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours

The Bathtub is OverFlowing but I feel Drained

A Women’s Secret to a Balanced Life

Captivating

Love & Respect

Don’t Make Me Count to Three! by Ginger Plowman

Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

A Mother’s Heart by Jean Fleming

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanne Weaver

A Love Affair With Christ

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

Bad Girls of the Bible

Hinds Feet in High Places

A Women’s High Calling by Elizabeth George

Creative Spark - Shop Local

2010-05-24T01:55:00.000-07:00

Have you been to Etsy.com lately? Overwhelmed by the sheer number of handmade goodies you can buy? Well, there is one way to narrow down your choices. You can shop local. Go to Etsy.com's shop local page and put in Chicago, IL and it will bring you a list of all the Etsy sellers that list themselves in Chicago. You could even contact them directly when you find something you want to buy and see if they will give you a shipping discount if you come pick up your purchase. Like Craigslist, but with new, handmade stuff! Kinda gets me all excited for the art fairs in Chicago this summer.

Go ahead, feel good about shopping...you're supporting local artists!

One to check out: Rebecca Plotnick Photography, she has a section of wonderful Chicago images.

Bibs pictured are from Whimsie Dots, a Christian mom located in a Chicago Suburb.

For Foodies - Chicken Florentine Soup

2010-05-21T01:14:00.000-07:00

Got extra spinach or extra chicken or even some heavy cream left over from another recipe? This warm and creamy soup will fit the bill. Makes a lovely presentation if you ever are hosting a luncheon at your house.

Chicken Florentine Soup

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic
1/3 cup flour
pinch of cayenne pepper
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
4 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
4 cups spinach, thinly sliced
3/4 cups heavy cream

In a heavy bottomed (recommended) 3-quart sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook until onions are tender (7-10 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Stir in flour, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk chicken stock into butter/flour mixture. Bring to a boil and cook several minutes until thickened. Add chicken. Remove from heat and stir in spinach and heavy cream. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Dead Sea Scrolls in Milwaukee

2010-05-18T01:21:00.000-07:00

Did you know they were there? I sure didn't. Not until I read a writeup in the Tribune last Sunday. Here's the short story...

Where: Milwaukee Public Museum
When: until June 6
What: "Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible: Ancient Artifacts, Timeless Treasures"
Prices and hours: click here, Tuesday and Wednesday are discount days

The exhibit includes about 200 objects and an Imax show, "Secrets of the Dead Sea." Some highlights: limestone ossuary belonging to Alexander, son of Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21) attributed as the one who carried the cross on the way to Jesus' crucifixion. Dead Sea Scrolls on parchment from the books of Deuteronomy and Daniel. Artifacts unearthed at Masada. Coins, oil lamps and historical Bibles of note.

For Foodies - Paella

2010-05-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

This recipe comes from the St Paul Cultural Center in Antalya, Turkey. This center provides outreach into the community and serves as a meeting place for the International Church of Antalya. This recipe is from a cookbook I picked up there. I also purchased my saffron while in Turkey, so this dish is a great reminder of a memorable trip.

Paella with Saffron

2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
1 sausage sliced (can be turkey sausage)
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 cup shrimp
1 grated tomato
1 teaspoon saffron
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
2 tablespoons parsley

Saute chicken, sausage, onion, olive oil and garlic together in a large pan.
Marinate shrimp in white wine (optional). Otherwise cook shrimp or thaw pre-cooked shrimp.
Add to the chicken pan: tomato, saffron, sugar, butter salt and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Add rice. Cover and cook on low for 20 minutes. Stir in shrimp add parsley. Turn off heat and let sit for 20 minutes. If too dry add more wine or chicken stock. Decorate with lemon wedges or parsley springs to serve.

Growing Grateful Kids - Susie Larson Event a Success

2010-05-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

ParkMoms held our 25th "Calling All Moms" event last night at Park Community Church's Near North campus in Chicago. Keynote speaker Susie Larson delivered an inspiring discussion on Growing Grateful Kids. If you missed the event, or if you didn't get a chance to pick up the book, you can find it here on Amazon.com.

Excerpt: You cannot impart what you do not possess. Our kids need to be grateful, but we cannot teach what we do not know. Therefore, we must become sincerely grateful people first...They'll learn compassion by watching us reach out to those in need...As parents, we need to hit the pause button once in a while and simply play with our children...send the world the message that it is God who carries the world on His shoulders, not us.

Thanks Susie! And thanks to everyone who came out to fellowship and learn with us.

What was your favorite take-away from the event?
Leave a comment and let us know!

Park Community Church Teacher Appreciation

2010-05-13T13:06:00.001-07:00

Teacher Appreciation Weekend
May 22-23, All campuses

It has been a wonderful year in The Loop and we have a fun day planned for kids to celebrate with their teachers!

Be sure to thank them with something special from your child and let them know how much they have meant to your family!

If you have any questions, email children@parkcommunitychurch.org

How To Get Your Kids to Eat

2010-05-10T02:17:00.000-07:00

We are in the throws of battle with our three year old. How on earth do we get her to eat enough healthy food at meal times so that she's not begging for snacks all day? She eats two bites of a sandwich and one bite of cheese and then 1 hour later she is "starving"...starving for something sugary or other suggestions of something frozen (a popsicle) or a "surprise snack" aka anything with a high sugar content. She's too young to understand that cake is only for birthdays, and sugary snacks are only for when Mom gets desperate on car rides or in the store, right? Her Dad thinks that the occasional dessert will teach her moderation. Can three year olds understand moderation?

So far she had been tricked into thinking that a frozen yogurt pop is a "treat" but these kind of tactics can only last so long. We can also get away with tricks of novelty and combos: I've made her a "super stacker plate" which was really just a homemade lunchable, and recently satisfied a snack craving with a "fruit combo bowl" when the offered suggestions of each fruit by itself were met with a "NO". But I still feel like each meal time is a real battle.

Help! Suggestions please.

Airplane Travel Tips for Baby

2010-05-08T02:48:00.000-07:00

Airplane with a baby?
Here's some tips...

STROLLER?
If you want to use it at your destination...take your stroller for sure. It's so much easier to go through the airport using your stroller as a diaper bag / kid hauler / kid wrangler. But I'd also take a Baby Bjorn / sling with you. Wear the sling with your baby in it to go through security...you can walk right through the metal detector wearing her. You can also wear her on to the plane after you've gate checked the stroller.

POP EARS: plan to nurse / give a bottle during the point in takeoff and landing when your eardrums pop to adjust for the air pressure. Babies need to suck to help their ears adjust.

NEW TOYS: the best one we've gotten and that we have seen work is to go to the dollar store and buy several cheap toys and pack them away until you are on the plane. The newness of the toys will be good entertainment. The cheapness of the toys will be good if you lose them while traveling or if you want to throw them away before your return trip and buy a whole new set of cheap new toys.

NOT TOYS: also, never underestimate the power of 1. a drinking straw with a knot tied in the middle, 2. a plastic cup from the stewardess, 3. the inflight magazine - who cares if they tear up the pages...it's your to keep!

BATHROOM: utilize the peace and quiet of the airplane bathroom...really...if your kid is losing it, just go in the bathroom, shut the door and either let them cry it out in a less publicly humiliating place or maybe they will be distracted by their reflection in the mirror, etc. Don't feel guilty for spending at least 10 or 15 minutes in there as long as there are 2 bathrooms on the plane...you paid for your ticket too!!

SIT OVER THE WINGS: the engines are under there and they make lots of noise to drown out your kid and the increased noise / vibration might be more soothing.

SNACKS: we are heavy users of baby's favorite snack. When we fly with ours later this month, she will get all the Gerber Puffs (aka baby crack) she wants to eat during the flight.

Travel tips...what are your best? Please leave a comment!

For Foodies - Organic Produce Delivered

2010-05-06T05:34:00.000-07:00

CSA - stands for community supported agriculture. Thousands of Chicagoans already enjoy weekly deliveries of boxes of produce from Midwest farms like Harvest Moon and Scotch Hill Farm.

Have you ever thought about signing up? Curious about how it would work for city folks?

How it works:
By participating in the CSA program you receive sustainably produced products that are considerably more healthy and delicious than conventional items...wholesome, quality foods without synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. When you purchase a CSA share you essentially buy a share in the farm. Your funds help family farmers find profit in stewardship and ecological practices and maintain high, ethical standards and business practices. All members are welcome to visit and join in the workings of the farm - how fun would that be for your kids!!

There are all kinds of neighborhood pickup options for the city of Chicago: Edgewater, Wicker Park, Wrigleyville, West Town, Logan Square and Ravenswood. There is even a bike delivery service who can bring it straight to your door!

You can even buy shares of grass-fed beef and free range chicken.

Anyone doing this already?
If so, let us know how your experience has been and what farm you use?

Moms Group Discussion Ideas

2010-05-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Wondering what your moms group should discuss next? Do you have a few weeks before you start a new study? Or are you just trying to keep it light over the summer? Here are some ideas for topics submitted by ParkMoms.

Moms Group Topic List
Suggested Topics for Moms Groups, both spiritual and practical:

Prep a meal together as a group
Recipe exchange
Nutrition resources and tips
Christ in Christmas / sharing Christ centered ideas for holidays / holiday traditions
Bringing God into your child’s everyday life
Organization ideas for life, the home, etc.
Fun kids activities/classes in the city
Observing a family Sabbath - discussion about what that could look like in your family
Service projects
Tell your life stories / personal testimonies
Tell your children's birth stories
Exchange or recommend favorite children’s books and music
MomSense articles – great topics to discuss from Christian perspective Christianity Today
Share your favorite things (practical..such as favorite snacks, websites, restaurants)
First Aid / CPR
Child discipline
Sleep issues

Calling All Moms this Thursday the 13th

2010-05-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Calling All Moms Event

Our speaker will be Susie Larson, and the topic is Growing Grateful Kids: Sewing Seeds of Faith & Humility
Join us for fellowship, food and discussion about how we can raise kids who are thankful despite strong currents of materialism and entitlement.

Date: May 13, 2010
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby, Chicago, IL

Creative Spark - The Bridesmaid Dress

2010-05-04T01:32:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw the movie, 27 Dresses, I've been wondering what to do about my own collection of bridesmaid dresses. I'm a creative person...and not the only one out there...so there has to be an elegant solution. There is the obvious: consign it or donate to a program that does prom dress sales to teens. But what about the not so obvious? I remember playing dress up in several formal dresses that my mom wore to dances when she was single. But my oldest daughter is only 3...and I don't see myself cutting down a prom dress and resewing it for toddler dress-up.

So what can an old bridesmaid dress do for an adult woman. Some other ideas I've had floated past me...throw pillows for a babies room (this from my friend who made me walk down the aisle 3 weeks postpartum in something pink). But babies don't really need that many throw pillows.

Here is my best idea and it requires minimal sewing skills...
Step 1: buy a plain t-shirt or tank top with a color that you think looks nice with the color of your dress.
Step 2: cut strips of the dress fabric out that are about 4 inches wide and how ever long you can get them (big long rectangles).
Step 3: fold each rectangle in half length wise with the nice part of the fabric inside. Sew across one end and all the way down one size to make a tube with one end open.
Step 4: turn tube inside out and flip the raw fabric of the open end to the inside and sew that end closed.
Step 5: Iron flat; you now have a rectangle of nice (maybe shiny or lacy fabric!) to decorate your t-shirt or tank top.
Step6: Sew the fabric onto your garment. I recommend starting at the shoulder seam of the garment and sewing the dress fabric along the contour of the neckline on one side. Bunch the fabric up as you go to create a loose ruffle effect.

Options: You can also sew the fabric down in overlapping circles to create "flowers" on your shirt front. Or in three or five vertical strips down the front starting from the neckline (looks great on a scooped neck tank). You can use the fabric to add trim to any existing garment...skirt hems, jacket cuffs. Go wild!

Some Other Ideas:

Take apart your dress and use the fabric by sewing the material into throw pillows, curtain trim, or a runner. Simple pillow patterns are available online.

Sell the dress at a consignment shop, online, or at a garage sale.
Donate your dress to a high school’s prom dress charity. Other charities and local thrift shops also accept special occasion dresses. Check online to find local dress donation drives.

Shorten it to a cocktail dress or alter it into a blouse or simple skirt. If these projects are beyond your skill, hire a seamstress to do the alterations.

Lend the dress to a younger sibling or relative for a school dance.

Wear an old bridesmaid dress as part of a Halloween costume. Be a proper Southern belle or rip the dress and go as a prom queen zombie.

Sunscreen!

2010-05-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

2010 Safer Baby Skin Care Cheat Sheet - click here! Thanks to SafeMama.com.

Moms Group Outing Ideas

2010-05-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Want to get out with your moms group? Here's some suggestions by ParkMoms.

Moms Group Outing List
Suggested Outings for Moms Groups:

Exploratorium - Skokie
Comment: Great and affordable

LP Zoo / Parking $$

Pumpkin Patch: Goebbert’s in South Barrington

Chicago Beaches: Foster Beach is recommended for kids

Apple Orchards: Apple Moeller Farm; County Line Orchard in NW Indiana (only 1 hr away from downtown); Royal Oaks (Christian)

Parks and pools:
Felger Park - Located on Damen/Belmont
Oz Park
Adams Water Park
Holstein Park Pool – Bucktown
Comment: pool open swim has limited hours but a great kiddie pool and playground next to it, as well.

Garfield Park Conservatory

Kohl’s Children’s Museum (Glenview)

Notebaert Nature Museum

Starbucks
Comment: Once a quarter or so, our group takes the kids to one of the leaders’ houses and leaves them with a sitter then we take off for the local Starbucks for a time to just chat and enjoy some coffee together

Family Grounds
Comment: coffee with your moms group while your kids play in their fabulous playroom. Just be sure to check their website first to make sure they are available for open play when you want to go. A reservation might be needed for a large group.

Fantasy Kingdom (for ages 6mo to 6yrs - located near Division and Damen)
Comment: This indoor play place is a good winter play outing for kids

Field Museum
Comment: Crown Family Play Lab (inclued with basic museum admission, but museum parking is $)

Millennium Park
Comment: Splashing fountain and kids activity tent (in summer, free Wiggleworms class each morning, story time, activity centers, arts & crafts, fun playing in the water)

Science & Industry Museum
Comment: The Idea Factory (included with basic museum admission, but museum parking is $)

Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Benedry Recalled

2010-05-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

Checked my cabinet and sure enough, we have a Children's Tylenol that has been recalled.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare, in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is voluntarily recalling all lots that have not yet expired of certain over-the-counter (OTC) Children’s and Infants’ liquid products manufactured in the United States.

Read the full announcement here.

LIST of RECALLED PRODUCTS.

Sibling Rilvalry

2010-05-02T05:52:00.000-07:00

I was greeted by two hopping-mad children, one of whom pointed a finger at the other and said, "Mom, he smiled at me. Make him stop, Mom. Make him stop."

We as parents can help ward off sibling conflict. Focusing on the positive in each of our kids, not comparing them, and helping them develop skills at which they can be "the best" are just three ways.

Remind them that: "We are family, and we will not say anything that doesn't build up one another. We will respect each other."

Some online articles:
Focus on the Family
Hearts at Home 1
Hearts at Home 2
kidshealth.org
Dr. Sears

What are your Sibling Rivalry success stories? Any tips or resources to share? Please leave a comment!

Morton Arboretum - Kids Activities All Weekend

2010-04-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Morton Arboretu m invites you to an entire weekend filled with great activities in celebration of Arbor Day.

ARBOR DAY PLANT SALE: This Friday through Sunday, enter the big white tent in our parking lot and you'll discover more than 400 varieties of plants.
Members Only: Friday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Saturday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Open to the Public: Saturday, May 1 from noon - 4 p.m. & Sunday, May 2 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

SILVER SEASONS TRUNK SHOW: Sunday, May 2 noon - 3 p.m. Meet Silver Seasons artist Michael Michaud (noon to 2 p.m.) and view his exquisite nature-inspired jewelry.

ASTRONAUT & TREE HERO: Discover why astronaut Mark Lee wants everyone to plant trees. Attend an engaging and inspiring presentation, Sunday May 2, 1 & 3 p.m.

JUST FOR KIDS: Include Arbor Day in your family traditions. Children will have tree-mendous fun all weekend long with special activities just for them.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS!

Creative Spark - Bow Holder

2010-04-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

How to Make a Hair Bow Holder

This hair bow or hair clip holder sits pretty on any little girls dresser. It's also cheap to make and can be injected with all your personality or hers.

Supplies:
picture frame
decorative paper
ribbon
strong tape

Note on supplies:
- You can find cheap frames at TJMaxx, Marshalls or Homegoods. Look in the clearance section or ask if they have any where the glass was broken out, since you don't need the glass anyway, maybe you can get one for almost nothing!
- Decorative paper does not need to be something you go out and buy. Consider using wrapping paper, or making a collage from magazines or craft paper you already have on hand.
- Ribbon can be found on the cheap at JoAnn or Michaels. You can use the same ribbon for the entire project or an assortment for some variety. Do you have any ribbon you saved from gifts? It's probably just the right length!

Steps for making your own hair bow holder:
Step 1:
Take the back and glass out of the picture frame. You will not be using the glass.

Step 2:
Cut your decorative paper to fit in the frame.

Step 3:
Cut your ribbon to a length that allows 4" to wrap over the top and bottom of the picture frame back (if you have an 8"x10" frame opening, you will cut three 14" lengths of ribbon. I use three ribbons for larger frames...if you are making a smaller project, you can use only 2 ribbons.

Step 4:
Seal the end of the ribbon. I use a match or lighter to melt the end. Hold the flame an inch or so away and use caution to to set the ribbon or yourself on fire! Craft stores also carry a product that stops ribbons from fraying without flame.

Step 5:
Position the ribbon over the front of the decorative paper and fold over to the back side and tape into place. I like two ribbon ends to be attached at the top and bottom and for one to hang free on the front with the free end stopping just at the bottom of the frame opening. This one is easier for attaching small or snap fastening hair clips. You can choose to leave all three ribbons hanging free.

Step 6:
Once your ribbons are secured to the back of the decorative paper, assemble your hair bow holder by putting the back on. You might want to tape or glue your decorative paper to the back to provide added strength and durability.

You're all done - add all those beautiful hair bows!

Variation:
A. You could select a picture frame with a wall hook or attach even more ribbon to the frame (probably need to use tiny nails or a staple gun) to wall mount your hair bow holder.
B. Use paint to add your child's name to the frame.

Thomas the Train in Chicago

2010-04-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Do you have a kid who is a Thomas fan? I sure do. Seems that Thomas is no longer gender specific either, my little girl loves Thomas and her train table.

We really like living in the city of Chicago. It's a train city! We live in Lincoln Square neighborhood and get to see the CTA brown line L train rumbling above on its track whenever we walk down Lincoln Avenue or through the surrounding neighborhood streets.

We REALLY love meeting Daddy when he gets home from work. He rides the Metra and if we time it right, we can sit near the Ravenswood station and see the outbound train from the loop arrive and depart and then watch as Daddy's train arrives inbound from Highland Park all in a 5 minute window. To add to the love of Thomas, the Metra engines are blue!

Not only does Daddy get to ride Thomas, sometimes he takes our 3 yr old daughter with him. Needless to say, she is thrilled! She gets to climb up to the train platform, see Thomas arrive, give the conductor her own ticket. Ride in her own seat either on the bottom level or in the top level of the train car. And the cost for a kid ticket is just a few bucks or less depending on your destination. That's a lot of joy for a little money! The only downside is that Mommy (and baby) have to get in the car are brave traffic to arrive in Highland Park to pick up our blissed out kid at the end of her train ride. Luckily, there is incentive for Mommy...Highland Park has a Walker Bros pancake house. A yummy reward for everyone before driving back to Chicago proper.

If you want to get your kid in on 'real' Thomas the Train action in the Chicagoland area check out the "Day Out With Thomas" at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL (60 miles NW from the center of Chicago). Here are the 2010 dates:

August 13, 14 & 15 - Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Day Out With Thomas™
August 21 & 22 - Saturday & Sunday - Day Out With Thomas™
The ever popular Thomas the Tank Engine returns. Electric and Diesel Trains operates as well.

Have you been to Day Out With Thomas at IRM? If so, leave a comment and let us know if you thought it was worth the drive and price of admission. What age group is this event best for?

For Foodies - Cool Kid Treats

2010-04-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself harboring anger against the fleet of ice cream carts that have come out in force now that the weather has gotten warmer? Just an aside, but does anyone know if there are ice cream cart selections that are 'healthier'? and won't send our kids toward a cranky sugar crash?

So back to the task at hand. What are your favorite treats for kids when the weather is warm? Here's some that I know of that are a hit with my 3 yr old:

Frozen Yogurt Pops
We keep most of the GoGurts in the freezer. To serve, run under warm water for several seconds to get the outer layer of the yogurt to looses up so it will slide. Snip the top off, wrap with a paper towel and your kid can slide to pop up to self serve.

Frozen Fruit
It's refreshing to suck or chew on a variety of favorite fruits in their frozen form. We like blueberries and strawberries. Just be careful of choking hazards and stains from thawing juice.

Strawberry Milkshake
Mix in a blender on high: 1 cup fat free milk, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon sugar OR 2 packets sugar substitute (or sweeten to taste), and ½ cup quartered frozen strawberries. [Wash, quarter, and freeze strawberries at the height of their season; they will keep for about six months.]

Banana Milkshake
Mix in a blender on high: 1 cup fat free milk, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon sugar OR 2 packets sugar substitute (or sweeten to taste), and 1 small sliced frozen banana. [Frozen sliced bananas will keep about two weeks.]

Orange Smoothie
Mix in a blender on high: 1 cup fat free milk, 1 small can frozen orange juice concentrate, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup sugar or equivalent sugar substitute (or sweeten to taste). Add ice cubes one at a time until desired consistency (about 12).

Cantaloupe Supreme
Top ½ cup of small cantaloupe chunks (or be fancy and use a melon ball maker) with a small scoop of low fat vanilla ice cream.

Your turn! Let us know in the comments what your kids love as a cool treat.

For Foodies - Herbs

2010-04-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

Herbs: "edible plants with training wheels." So says Rosalind Creasy, author of gardening and food books. "Training wheels" I have a toddler, I get that! And I don't have time for real gardening or cultivating or whatever is it that I feel like I should be doing with the several square feet of tillable ground that my urban yard has blessed me with. And fresh herbs from Jewel can be spendy! Of all the edible plants, herbs are the easiest to take care of.

Here's some tips for growing herbs in a window box or patio pot...

Tip 1: Plant herbs that need similar care in the same pot. Plants that tolerate drought: oregano, rosemary, thyme and marjoram. Plants that need more water: parsley, basil, cilantro and cervil.

Tip 2: Thing about height. basil can grow pretty tall, maybe you don't want to put that one in a window box.

Tip 3: Shop savvy. Don't buy a plant that's in a small pot and is leggy or has too much top. It probably means there is not much root and it won't survive a re-potting.

Tip 4: The right pot. Make sure you have drainage holes, but also layer soil with some stone or gravel to make sure your water doesn't just run right through. Also make sure your container doesn't drain right onto your window sill or wood deck and cause water damage.

Tip 5: Plant smart. Don't cram too many plants in one pot. Make sure they have room to grow (both the greens and the roots).

Tip 6: The right spot. Most herbs like full sun.

Tip 7: Use those herbs! The great thing about herbs is that they like to be used, so snip away! Herbs in pots benefit from constant harvesting.

Kids in the Square Event 4/24

2010-04-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

April 24

10:00Am - 4:00PM

Come out and enjoy spring in Lincoln Square. See friends and neighbors and remember why you love this neighborhood. Participating businesses will open their doors and host activities and treats for all the kids. Snuggle in to a teddy bear picnic at Timeless Toys or break out the Hawaiian shirt and join in the fun at the Book Cellar. Check the website belwo for the full schedule and all the fun details.

www.lincolnsquare.org

My Park - ParkMoms Online Community and Discussion Boards

2010-04-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Engage in discussion boards, ask mom questions, share encouragement and prayer requests as part of the Park Community Church online community for ParkMoms. This invitation only community is open to all ParkMoms. If you have a mom question or would like to join, you are very welcome. To receive your invitation to join, send an email to info@parkmoms.com with the word My Park in the title and we'll send you an invitation to get started.

Log-in to My Park

Creative Spark - Homemade Playdough

2010-04-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Homemade Salt Play Dough

This dough is non-toxic but there is enough salt in it to make a little person ill so don’t let them eat it (not that they really would, it tastes horrible!)

Here’s the recipe:

* 2 cups flour
* 1 cup table salt
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch and
* 1 1/2 cup water
* Food coloring

Mix salt, starch and most of the flour (keep out 1/4 cup or so) and add all the water. Knead it with your hands and gauge the texture of the dough. You want it dry enough that it doesn’t stick to your hands but wet enough so that you can roll it and mold it without it cracking. If your dough is too wet, add the remaining flour until it’s just right. Once you’re satisfied with the texture, add in some drops of food coloring and knead through.

The dough will stay good in your fridge for several weeks as long as it’s wrapped in plastic. You can also mold it and let it dry out on your counter (it takes a couple of weeks) if you’ve made something you want to keep long term.

Tools

Get creative! You can use a ring from a sippy cup, kid utensils, or a rolling pin for manipulating the dough. They will love printing circles into the surface and using the utensils to score it. Experiment with different objects in your house!

For Foodies - Avocado

2010-04-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

Avocado - Super Food!

Who doesn't love avocado (ok, my husband isn't a big fan, but I think he is in the minority)?! Sliced on a plate with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime juice, cubed into a salad or turned into guacamole - it's a super summery treat! But did you know that avocado is really healthy and is a great baby food? Avocado has no cholesterol, no sodium and it contains mono and polyunsaturated fat (heart healthy).

Ripe to Perfection
Pop avocados into a brown bag to ripen (takes 2-5 days). When ripe they yield to gentle pressure. If you are in a hurry to ripen them, add an apple or banana to the bag. Store ripe avocado in the fridge and remember to wash the skin before cutting.

Chunky Guacamole Recipe
Needs:
1 medium tomato, finely diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 small red onion, finely diced (about 3 tablespoons)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt
2 large avocados (about 1 pound total) cut into 1/2 inch dice

In a medium bowl toss the tomato with the onion, cilantro, lime juice, red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon salt and let sit for about 5 minutes.

Add the avocado and gently mash it into the tomato mixture with a fork. Serve immediately. Makes 2.5 cups.

(Image from LaaLoosh)

"Mom Time" is not selfish...

2010-04-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here's some great wisdom from a favorite mentor mom, Jill Savage.

Taking "Mom Time" is not selfish... it's a part of your job!

"I feel guilty when I blow it with my kids and I feel guilty when I take time for myself. I just can't win!" lamented my friend sitting across from me at a local coffee shop. It was a mommy meltdown at its very best.

I reassured her. I've been there. We've all been there. We know we need to take some time to refill our emotional tank, but we feel guilty doing so because it often means doing something away from the family. But then the guilt keeps us from taking care of ourselves and we end up with no reserves when we're disciplining our kids and we blow it. It's a common cycle that most moms experience.

I ran that cycle for years until one day it hit me: taking care of myself is part of my job description as a mom! It's my responsibility. Nobody is going to do it for me. I have to learn to do it myself. Before I'm on empty. Before I'm at the end of my rope. Proactively...not reactively.

With Mother's Day around the corner, I'd like to make a suggestion. Let's each give ourselves a Mother's Day gift. This would be a life-giving gift to us and to our family. Let's commit to putting something in our schedule that fills us up: exercise, scrapbooking, one night out a week with a girlfriend, an hour at the library, a walk, prayer, reading the Bible, sitting on the porch with a cup of tea...whatever activity would fill your emotional fuel tank!

Yes, it will take some effort. Sometimes it will even feel like a hassle. But it's worth it! And it is needed on a regular basis. You and I can't give to our families out of emptiness...we need to give to our families out of the overflow of our heart! The only way a heart can overflow is if it's filled to the brim.

Jesus pulled away from the crowds to refuel. We can follow His example and do the same.

Keeping hearts at home,
Jill Savage
www.hearts-at-home.org

She's also started a "Marriage Monday" discussion with her husband Mark on her blog.

Creative Spark - Needle Shop

2010-04-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

Where can you go to get more creative in Chicago? Do you know about The Needle Shop? They are a DIY Sewing School and Fabric Store located in beautiful Bucktown, Chicago at 2054 W Charleston.
They have classes for all skill levels. "Our classes focus on fashion and interior sewing, upholstery, hand embroidery and screen printing. Whether you're just starting or an old pro, you're sure to discover new ideas to take home and experiment with. It's all about creative expression and trusting your instincts at TNS; building on your own natural abilities and believing that if you can dream it, you can create it."

This might be an idea for an extra special moms group outing!

Read about their workshops here: Needle Shop classes.

They also have tons of beautiful fabric "the most unique designers not available in chain stores" that you can buy in their store, or online in their Etsy shop: www.theneedleshop.etsy.com.

The Needle Shop website.

Kindergarten Explained

2010-04-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Tami Doig, M.Ed., Concordia University professor and Daystar kindergarten teacher, will provide thought-provoking answers in a fun and educational Kindergarten Explained meeting on Sunday, April 25th, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Daystar School. Please see details in flier above.

Our PK - 8 Open House will be held the same day from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm and is a perfect opportunity to tour our spacious, modern facility and to meet our teachers in an informal setting.

Let us know you are coming! Please call the Daystar School office 312-791-0001 or e-mail events@daystarschool.org. Feel free to invite a friend.

Daystar School is located at 1550 S State St, Chicago. Free parking behind the building. Please enter on W 16th St.

Drop Everything and Read Day

2010-04-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

It's coming up... April 12, 2010. National Drop Everything and Read Day (DEAR) is sponsored by the National Education Association, the Parent Teacher Association and more and is designed to help parents and children celebrate a love of reading. It's also the 94th birthday of Beverly Cleary!

Quick, think of a Beverly Cleary title?

Was it Henry Huggins or Ramona the Pest or The Mouse and the Motorcycle or Dear Mr. Henshaw?

This summer, one of the most beloved Cleary characters, Ramona Quimby, will be hitting the big screen in a movie; Ramona and Beezus.

What books will you read on April 12?

For Foodies - Strata

2010-04-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

Sausage and Rosemary Strata

Ingredients:
Cooking Spray
1 pound breakfast sausage
8 large eggs
1 cup water
6 cups cubed roasted garlic bread
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:
Preheat oven to 350deg.F. Coat 8 individual ramekins or a baking dish with cooking spray.
Saute sausage over medium heat until cooked through, breaking into small pieces, set aside.
In a large bowl, combine eggs and water and whisk until well blended. Add bread cubes, cooked sausage, rosemary and shredded cheese and mix well. Let the mixture stand for 10 min.
Pour into the prepared dishes and set in the oven.
Bake individual ramekins for 25 minutes or the baking dish for 40 minutes or until the mixture is completely set and the internal temperature is 165deg.F. Let cool for 5 minutes and then serve warm (or once it comes out of the oven, pack it up into a travel container and take it straight to moms group!) Makes 8 servings.
Tips: top with chopped green onions to add more color. Sprinkle with more cheese after baking for a more indulgent option.

Creative Spark - Pillowcase Dress

2010-04-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Creative Spark. We used to post a crafty idea or topic or something of a homage to a creative related something or other every week and so now we're getting back to it. Every week we'll try to come up with something to teach, inspire your own creativity or merely entertain.

If you ever want to see all the Creative Tuesdays, just click the "Label: Creative Spark" at the end of a Creative Spark posting.

This week: Pillowcase Dress
Inspired by Roxy, who was inspired by a dress at a recent clothing swap.

The pillowcase dress (of which you can find over 6000 examples of on Etsy.com) is a cute, simple dress for little girls. It's something that an intermediate sewer can accomplish and it can be embellished to give it more personality if you like.

The name for this type of dress originated first from dresses actually made from vintage pillowcases. Folks would (and still do) pick up vintage pillowcases from estate sales, resale shops and flea markets and use them to make dresses. Some of the sweetest ones have lots of embroidery detail on the hem of the pillowcase which is then used as the bottom hem of the dress. The top of the pillow case is re-cut and sewn to make arm and neck openings for the dress.

There is a tutorial on YouTube if you like video instructions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtuGUB-jsH8

The dress pictured is for sale on Etsy from the Paisley Moon for $22.

For Foodies - Pork Tenderloin

2010-04-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

So there's probably a few of you readers out there who do some cooking from time to time...

How about we share some recipes or foodie related postings at ParkMoms? Yes? Okay! We'll call it For Foodies. If you ever want to see all the For Foodies postings, just click the "Label: For Foodies" at the bottom of the posting. Happy cooking!

Apple cornbread stuffed pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon!

This was delicious. The loin meat was very moist thanks to the stuffing and protective bacon blanket. I made two in one pan and had to cook the dish much longer than the recipe called for, but this was a dish being made for dear friends who recently welcomed their second daughter into the world. I also know they appreciate bacon too. Mmmmm. If you want a copy of the recipe...

Apple Cornbread Stuffed, Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

7 slices of bacon
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped red apple
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup cornbread mix
apple cider (about 1/3 cup)
1.5 - 2 pound pork tenderloin*
(*bigger tenderloins will need to cook longer and might require more cornbread mix and more bacon at least)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Cook 3 slices of bacon in large skillet according to package instructions, drain. Crumble.

Carefully pour all but 1 tablespoon bacon grease from the pan; add butter and melt. Add onion, apple, celery, garlic, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper; cook over medium heat until onions are tender. Stir in crumbled bacon and cornbread stuffing. Stir in enough cider to moisten the stuffing.

Place 4 remaining slices of bacon about 2 inches apart across the center of a 15x10 inch baking pan. Make a lengthwise cut down the center of the tenderloin but not all the way through. Lay flat on top of the bacon slices.

Spoon the stuffing over the tenderloin. Wrap the bacon slices around the tenderloin, overlapping on top, but leaving the tenderloin open.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the stuffing is 160 degrees. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 4 servings.

My Notes: I've made this dish on two occasions. Both times I made extra stuffing and did two tenderloins. The first times was with smaller tenderloins. But the second time was for a dinner party and I had huge tenderloins (the only ones at the market that were not pre-packaged with a marinade). I made quadruple the stuffing and instead of trying to stretch one bacon strip around the massive tenderloin, I overlapped two on the bottom of the pan and then closed them on top of the tenderloin by simply laying one end over the other end allowing the stuffing to cook up and expand. And I need to do this 6 times down the length of each tenderloin. Results: delicious!

If you're still reading, you must really like food (or just bacon for that matter) but anyway...go ahead and send any recipes you'd like to have published on ParkMoms to info@parkmoms.com. It would be super (but not required) for you to attach a photo of the finished product too!

Events - Past Event List

2010-04-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your interest in ParkMoms. For an idea about some of our events, you can read about our past events below...

Calling All Moms - Susie Larson

Speaker will be Susie Larson. Topic is “Growing Grateful Kids”.

Date: May 13, 2010
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby
Chicago, IL

Raising Truly Great Kids Conference

Raising Truly Great Kids will help you get a clear job description, practical tools, and an effective model to parent your kids the same way God parents His—with grace! Whether you are just getting started or you need a fresh start, the Raising Truly Great Kids event is for you!

This fun, fast-paced conference delves into:
* What it takes to raise kids in the midst of busy lives
* Practical ways to take the fear out and put the fun back into parenting
* Turning heartache to hope with your rebellious child
* How to bring out the best in your strong-willed child
* Preparing your child’s heart for God
* How to launch your child into a great future

Schedule
Fri, Jan 22, 6-9:30PM & Sat, Jan 23, 2010; 8 AM-12:30 PM

Read more online at www.raisingtrulygreatkids.com.
Valentines Brunch

Are you in a ParkMoms group? Yes? Great! Join us for a Valentines brunch and fellowship with all the other moms in our ministry.

Details:
Date: February 19, 2010
Time: 9:30 - 11:30am
Location: Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby Chicago, IL
Childcare provided. For more details contact your ParkMoms group leader.

Calling All Moms - Fall 2009

All moms get angry. So do children. Meet with other moms for a real, direct, in-depth look at anger in moms and children as Park's own Minday Meier explors one of the most taboo emotions for women. Mindy, a speaker, author, wife and mother has a remarkable ability to simplify common life experiences while challenging you to dig deeper and gain personal understanding and accountability.

When: Thurs, Oct 15, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Park Community Church, 1001 N. Crosby Chicago, IL

The Loop - God of Our City:

The Loop is Park Community Church's original week-long summer camp program for kids ages 3 through 5th grade. This year we're going to discover that God is our Friend, Protector, Helper, Provider and Savior as we loop through the city of Chicago and see God working and revealing Himself right here!

When: Mon-Fri, July 13-17, 2009; 8:30am - 12:00pm
Where: Park Community Church, 1001 N. Crosby Chicago, IL

Moms Group Beach Day:

Hey, moms! Bring the kids, your friends, and the fun for a Moms’ Group Beach Day! Meet us at 10 AM at the end of the sidewalk, in between the two lifeguard towers. Street parking is available but at a distance. There is a concession stand nearby for snacks. Bagged lunch is recommended. Raindate is July 28.

When: Tues, July 21, 2009; 10am - 12:30pm
Where: Foster Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL
Calling All Moms - Spring Event - Jill Savage

What does Jesus know about a peanut-butter-and-jelly life of a mom? Plenty! Jill Savage introduces the real Jesus to real moms. Jill brings lessons that examine key behaviors and decisions Jesus made during His life on earth. Jill will remind us that Jesus is not an unattainable deity but a Friend who understands.

Location: Park Community Church
1001 N. Crosby, Chicago, IL
Date and Time: April 2, 2009; 7:00 - 9:00pm

Valentines Brunch

Enjoy a delicious Potluck Brunch as all the Park Moms' groups gather together. Childcare is provided. Location: Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby, Chicago, IL
Date and Time: February 18, 2009; 9:30am

Help For Parents Seminar

Brought to you by Park's Family Pastor Location: Park Community Church - 1001 N. Crosby - Chicago, IL
Date and Time: November 23, 2008 10:45am-12:00pm

Family Pastor Bill Meier and his wife Mindy are offering a parenting seminar, "Keys to Effective Parenting." This is the first of several bi-monthly seminars that will be offered on various parenting topics. Check the calendar at www.parkcommunitychurch.com for future dates and topics.

grace... Demystifies Motherhood

Brought to you by Grace, Park's women's ministry. Location: 1001 N. Crosby - Chicago, IL
Date and Time: Saturday, Nov 1, 2008; 10 AM-12 PM
One of the most life-changing and daunting issues for married women is if and when to expand your family to include children. What does it look like to become a mom in the city? How does life change during pregnancy-and after kids? What resources are available to help you process this huge life decision? Join us as we "demystify motherhood" and discuss common questions married women face as they think about becoming a mom.

Calling All Moms

Join other moms for fellowship, food and to hear Katara McCarthy share her story about life change...
Location: Park Cafe - 1001 N. Crosby - Chicago, IL
Date and Time: November 6, 2008; 7:00pm

Please email info@parkmoms.com for more information and to RSVP.

Katara McCarty will be speaking to us about "life change." Join others as she starts a conversation that can change your life so greatly that it will cause transformation not only in you, but also in the community around you. Come and let your life change begin! Katara co-pastors a growing, multi-cultural church, God's House, that emphasizes grace for all. She also leads worship as well as speaks along side her husband Ryan of 11 years. She is a mother of 2 girls. Her life experience will move you as she will describe her life of brokenness and abuse. She has traveled through being adopted, not knowing her father and ultimately having the Lord's Love revealed to her. We pray you can make this "life changing" event. Parking is available in the garage or in the north parking lot. Child care will not be provided. Nursing infants welcome.

New Mothers Tea

Brought to you by Park's Journeyland Staff
Location: Park Cafe - 1001 N. Crosby - Chicago, IL
Date and Time: November 12, 2008; 9:30am

Please email info@parkmoms.com for more information and to RSVP.

All expectant and new mothers (those with a child under the age of 1) are invited to enjoy a relaxing morning together. We will pamper you with music, breakfast treats, gifts for each mother, and a time to hear words of wisdom from an experienced mother. Please feel welcome to invite friends who are also new mothers. Childcare is provided.

Park Community Church Easter Agenda

2010-04-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Holy Week! We are so excited about what will be going on in The Loop this week. We will be journeying through the entire Bible to see how Jesus' love for us was shown from the Beginning to the End. We invite you to join us as we see God's story presented through drama, activities and art this weekend. It will be a great opportunity to bring friends and family and share the gospel in a unique way!

The services this weekend are:

Good Friday 2 services - 6 pm all ages birth-5th grade; 7:30 pm - nursery ONLY.

Registration is required so please register in advance! Register HERE today!

Saturday Night 5 PM - Near North Easter Celebration

Sunday 9, 11 am - Near North Easter Celebration

Sunday 10 am - Lincoln Park Easter Celebration

We hope that you will join us both Good Friday and at one of our Easter Celebration services! The curriculum and activities will build on each other. Good Friday we will be following God's love throughout the Old and New testament up to the cross and at our Easter Celebration services we will continue the story with Jesus' resurrection and the rest of the New testament.

Some Easter Resources

2010-03-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

Accident Proof Your Egg Decorating

For kids, dunking plain white eggs into a bowl and watching them turn a different color is almost magical. Here are a few ideas to help minimize the mess this year...

1. Try stickers. If you are not attached to the traditional method of egg decorating, this is a way to minimize the muss and fuss during Easter. Stickers make easy decorations. They leave nothing to clean up afterwards. And, there’s nothing tricky about it. Just purchase ordinary Easter stickers and stick them onto the eggs. Presto!

2. Work on the kitchen floor. The lower you are to the ground, the shorter the distance a boiled egg has to fall. Spread an old vinyl tablecloth on the floor. Give each child an apron and a pair of exam gloves. The gloves can be purchased from any medical supply store. Gloves allow the children to dip the eggs with their hands instead of a spoon. When they have finished, have them take their gloves off and throw them away.

3. Purchase a ready to use Easter egg kit. PAAS® has been making egg decorating materials for years. Each year they seem to come up with something that will make the egg decorating process easier and faster. They feature egg wrapping kits which create virtually no mess at all. The pre-formed pattern is ready for the decorator to transfer to the dried eggs. They also offer egg cups with their own dipper so you don’t need spoons at all. You can purchase PAAS® products wherever decorating items are sold, including most grocery stores and craft stores.

Creating a Healthy Easter Basket

This year, buy healthy snacks instead of candy. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor, either. Low-calorie or low-fat doesn’t mean it has to taste bad.

This is one time that toys are okay. An Easter basket is about getting a special treat. No one said those treats had to be edible. Try discount or dollar stores for budget friendly options.

Jelly beans versus dried fruit. Jelly beans would be great if it wasn’t for all of the sugar. You can never eat just one or five for that matter. Dried fruit offers nutrition and taste in the same bite-sized portion as jelly beans. Ocean Spray® makes a snack called Craisins®. They are dried sweet cranberry snacks in different flavors. Also, Sun-Maid®, best known for their raisins, makes dried fruit treats including yogurt- and chocolate-covered raisins. Try chopped dates. Kids won’t believe they’re eating something that’s good for them.

Snack size versus regular size. If you add candy to your basket, smaller is better. Choose snack-sized morsels like Three Musketeers® or Peppermint Patties®. These candy treats are lower in calories than other choices. Just add three or four for a sweet treat instead of chocolate bunnies or cream eggs.

Store bought versus homemade treats. We all enjoy going to the store and getting bubble gum and cupcakes, but do you really know what’s in what you are eating? Most if not all marketable treats started in someone’s kitchen. That means they were homemade at one time. Let’s take Rice Krispy treats® for example. The recipe was on the cereal box before they became a pre-packaged item in the store. At home, low-fat ingredients can be substituted to create delicious treats for the Easter basket. When you know what’s inside your food, you feel better about serving it to your kids.

Three Fun Easter Crafts you can do with your Kids

Egg maracas

You will need:
Plastic eggs
Glue
Rice or dried beans
Enamel craft paint
Newspaper
Paint brushes
Bowls of water

Clear a space on the table and cover with newspaper. Each person should have their own bowl of water, a paint brush, and plastic eggs.

1. Choose a filling for the egg.

2. Once the filler has been added, dribble a thin line of glue around the egg opening. Snap the egg shut. Wipe off any excess glue.

3. After the glue dries, let the children choose a paint color to decorate their eggs.

4. Let the eggs dry on the newspaper.

Tissue paper Easter bouquets

You will need:
Tissue paper in assorted colors
Green pipe cleaners (eight per child)
Styrofoam blocks (optional)
Plastic or glass vases
Scissors
Ribbon in assorted colors

Clear a space on the kitchen table and give each child a vase, pipe cleaners, and a pair of scissors.

1. Pick the colors for the flowers from the tissue paper pile.

2. Have the children take several sheets of paper. Roll them up together. Wrap one end of a pipe cleaner around the center of the tissue paper and twist to secure it.

3. Separate each sheet of paper, creating folds. Pull the edges up so that they surround the end of the pipe cleaner. If the paper is too long, cut it down.

4. Continue making flowers until the bouquet is finished. Wrap a piece of ribbon around the flowers.

5. The flowers can now be placed in the vase. If you want to keep them from falling out of the vase, stick the free end of the pipe cleaner into a piece of Styrofoam. Cut the Styrofoam to fit the bottom of the vase.

Easter cards

You will need:
Card stock paper
Markers
Stickers (Easter themes)
Scissors
Glue
Construction paper

1. Cut the paper to the size wanted for the Easter cards. Fold the paper in half. The children can also cut the paper into shapes like eggs or bunny rabbits.

2. Decorate the outside of the card with pictures and/or stickers.

3. Using a marker, have the children write their own special greeting on the inside of the cards.

4. The children can hand deliver the Easter cards to their favorite people in the whole world.

Hearts at Home Resources

2010-03-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, I attended the Hearts at Home conference in Normal, IL. If you missed it, you have a chance to catch it again in November in Rochester, MN or you can order a Home Conference Packet. Maybe ParkMoms should order a Home Conference Packet for our resource library??

There were amazing speakers, entertainment and worship. Some takeaway websites that I wanted to share are listed below:

Hearts at Home founder and excellent author:
www.jillsavage.org

Amazing vocalist:
www.christynockels.com
(I love her contribution on the CD "Sing Over Me: Worship Songs and Lullabies")

Honest and realistic views on marriage and motherhood:
www.juliebarnhill.com

Our spring Calling All Moms event speaker:
www.susielarson.com

The Green Momma Project:
www.traceybianchi.com

grace Women's Conference

2010-03-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

What's your favorite kind of story? Romance? Comedy? Adventure? Stories can break our hearts, grip our hearts, and bring us endless joy and laughter. Women love to immerse themselves into a beautiful story. Playing house and dress-up matures into planning wedding days [and not just once engaged!] and watching Anne of Green Gables for the thousandth time. Full of creativity, our imaginations love to run wild. And yet our own stories haven't always matched up perfectly with our hopes and dreams.

What do you do when your reality falls short of your plan? Who's writing your story? What kind of story/legacy do you want to leave behind? What part can you play in God's story?

The grace Women's Conference is an opportunity to join other women in asking these questions and talking about story. Our story. God's story. We'll look at the brilliance of the Author of Life and His desire for us to be swept up by His story and for Him to be the main character in our stories.

Come join us as we engage in the story together!

Click here to register today!

A few more details:

Dates: April 30 - May 1

Speaker: Angel Richard, Synergy Women's Network

Location: Park Community Church, Near North Campus, 1001 N. Crosby Chicago, IL

Cost: $65 early registration (through April 5), $80 late registration

For Park Moms from Deanna...

2010-03-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

A lot of moms, especially in their early stages of motherhood, lose contact with the non-churched world. Please challenge the moms in your groups and take 5 minutes to brainstorm together this week of how they can identify 3 people for their circle of 3 if they do not have them identified yet. Brainstorming as a group may give them some new ideas and even working together to reach the 1% of moms/friends/people in our neighborhoods.

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”- 2 Peter 1:5-8

Sales and Free Stuff

2010-03-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love a great bargain or even better - something for FREE!!! There are a few sites that I like to visit to see where the sale is or what I could win in a giveaway. I'll share my favorite sites, and then you all can leave comments with your favorites...

A collection of great sales, specific to moms:
BabyCheapskate Blog

A collection of sites that are having giveaways:
Prizey.net

What are your favorite bargain sites?

Stain Fighting Tips

2010-03-08T15:18:00.001-08:00

Hey moms out there. I am going to admit that I am pretty lousy when it comes to stain fighting my kids clothes (and let's admit it, my husband and I have tossed a stained garment or two to the hamper over the years).

So I beseech you to please leave a comment about your favorite laundry stain fighting products, pre-treating tips and general tricks or magic recipes from your great grandmother. Especially helpful would be commentary on how to deal with getting all the nasty pureed babyfood stains off and what you do for the clothing that develops stains in secret when your toddlers and older kids find pens, dry erase markers, your precious cosmetics etc.

Do share - please leave a comment!

Update! Found this great website: University of Illinois Extension's Stain Solutions.

Chicago Park District - Easter Events

2010-03-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

Meet the big white Bunny and look for hidden eggs! In addition to egg hunts, most events will feature face painting, arts and crafts plus photo opportunities with the bunny (bring your camera). Some activities may require pre-registration due to limited space. Many programs are admission free or have nominal entrance fees. Participants should call the individual parks for additional information

Click here to go to a list of participating parks.

Quarterly Leadership Dinner - Please RSVP

2010-03-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

If you are a ParkMoms group leader or a member of the Leadership team, please respond to the Evite to RSVP.

For the first time since our growth we will be meeting at the Near North Campus in Room 205/206 just next to Park Cafe.

Join us for dinner, fellowship and a time to be lead. Please RSVP via the "Evite" link above so we can plan appropriately.

Thank you for serving as a leader for ParkMoms we look forward to seeing you there!

Chicago Park District - Spring Program Registration

2010-02-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

With spring just around the corner, it's time to register for spring programs. You can view them online starting February 8. Online registration begins Monday, Feb. 22 at 9 am, and in-person registration at most parks begins Saturday, Feb. 27. In addition to the commonly offered programs such as learn to swim classes, early childhood programs, ParkKids after school program and gymnastics, a new ballroom dance program will be offered.

Visit the Chicago Park District website - click here.

How to Walk to School

2010-01-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

"Faced with the totally insane public/private school gauntlet that frustrates parents across America, my girlfriend and I ventured inside Nettelhorst, our neighborhood’s underutilized and struggling public elementary school...If eight park moms could pull our little neighborhood school out of its twenty-five year nose-dive, surely other driven moms could do the same thing."

Click here to read the article.

by Jacqueline Edelberg of "How to Walk to School"

ParkMoms Valentines Brunch

2010-01-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

Are you in a moms group? Yes? Super!

You're invited to join all us other moms at Park Community Church for a Valentines Day brunch.

Date: February 19, 2010
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Location: Park Cafe, 1001 N. Crosby
Chicago, IL

See your mom's group leader for more info.

Love bunnies from Etsy.

Save the Date

2010-01-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Save the date for the next ParkMoms event.
Our speaker will be Susie Larson, and the topic is “Growing Grateful Kids”.

Date: May 13, 2010
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Park Cafe, 1001 N Crosby
Chicago, IL

Chicago Public School Community Meetings

2009-11-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

It's not too late!...

There are two community meetings left that you can attend to learn more about the new proposed policies that replace race-based admissions to selective enrollment and magnet schools.
Join district representatives from CPS to learn about the proposed socioeconomic guidelines that will be used. Community meetings allow for public participation. Call the phone number above for more info.

Keeping Christ in Christmas

2009-11-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Julia had a great idea at the the Leadership meeting tonight. She suggested that we all share ideas about a Christ centered Christmas with each other so that we are prepared to have a moms group time in the near future about this with our moms groups. So, I am just getting the ball rolling. Please comment to add your ideas, that way we all have a running list to go back to.

One thing we have done over the years that has been fun is starting the day after Thanksgiving, we create a Jesse Tree. Here is a link to one of the ones we've used successfully http://www.rca.org/Page.aspx?pid=1628 Basically, you are creating ornaments every day that traces the line of Christ from Adam and Eve to Christ's birth. You can be as simple as coloring the pictures they provide each day and reading the explanation and scriptures with them to elaborate as making handmade ornaments each day with felt or the other materials they suggest. It keeps us focussed daily until Christmas where we celebrate His birth.

I am very excited about something that we are doing this year also. As a result of the excellent "Raising Financially Healthy Kids" seminar recently at Park, we have decided to implement a $5 Christmas limit on all gifts this year. Our whole family has agreed - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmas, grandpas. We pray that this will help us to keep our focus on Christ and giving from the heart and not on shopping and participating in the over-commercialism of Christmas. The kids are all planning on making gifts and they are quite excited about it. We are planning on investing the money we saved in a Christian ministry that offers the gift of life through sharing the gospel.

So, let us know your ideas, what you've done successfully, what you are doing this year...

Return your Baby Einstein videos

2009-10-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

In an interesting and unusual publicity move, Disney is now offering refunds for those Baby Einstein videos- if you felt that the videos didn’t (ahem), turn your baby into a genius. As the New York Times points out, ” the unusual refunds appear to be a tacit admission that they did not increase infant intellect.”

You can find the whole offer here valid until March 10. It is actually pretty simple to fill out the form and you don’t need the original receipt (phew!) You may return 4 per household.

Freebie Friday - And The Winner Is...

2009-10-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Eyes! She wins the super mom gift set from Mommy Said Sew.

Thanks everyone for your feedback on the Park Moms Calling All Moms event.

Calling All Moms Audio

2009-10-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Did you miss our Fall 2009 Calling All Moms event Oct. 15th? We don't want you to miss out on the sage words of Mindy Meier taking an in-depth look at anger in moms and children.

Click here to download the audio file.

Freebie Friday - Giveaway

2009-10-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to ParkMoms.com blog. If we saw you last night at our Calling All Moms event - great! As promised here is our giveaway for some wonderful free stuff from Mommy Said Sew.

What you can win:
A Super Mom Gift Set which includes a nursing cover...

a pair of burp cloths...
and a lovey/face wipe backed with a tag for clipping on...
These giveaway items were donated by: Mommy Said Sew.

What to do to win:
Comment on this blog posting letting us know if you were at our event last night and what you thought. Please leave an email address so we can reach you if you are our winner.

Rules: Everyone is welcome to enter, even if you didn't attend our event. All entries must be received by midnight CST on Wed. Oct. 21, 2009. Winner will be selected at random. Only one entry per person please.

Fall Color Festival

2009-10-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Visit the Morton Arboretum for their Fall Color Festival. Through Nov 1.
See the bright red, orange, and yellow colors of trees and other plants from all over the world.

Some activities include:
Weekends in October
Pumpkin Play
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Children's Garden
Guess the weight of pumpkins and how many seeds each hold. Paint a pumpkin to take home. (Pumpkin painting is $3 per pumpkin)

Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October25
Trick or Trees
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Arbor Court & Children's Garden
Members and non-members are invited to attend a costume Halloween party, held in Arbor Court and the Children's Garden for the very first time. Play ghoulish games, paint pumpkins, explore the haunted Maze Garden, attend a live bat show, and trick-or-treat! Event is free. Some activities have small fee or advance registration.

Free Days this Month at the Museum of Science and Industry

2009-10-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

October is a great month for free museum days at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and the following days have free admission: October 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21 ,22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. They also have a new exhibit called You – the experience, which looks at the complexity of humanity, including their body, their choices, their personality, and their environment.

If you visit the new exhibit, come back here to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Does Your Child Play Make-Believe?

2009-08-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

This article on NPR's website expounds on why make-believe, or pretending is important for kids...

"...time spent playing make-believe actually helped children develop a critical cognitive skill called executive function. Executive function has a number of different elements, but a central one is the ability to self-regulate. Kids with good self-regulation are able to control their emotions and behavior, resist impulses, and exert self-control and discipline."

Read the whole thing here:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514&ps=rs

Thanks for the link Mollie.

Pesticides in Your Peaches

2009-08-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hypocrisy disclaimer ;)... before you read this, be aware that I (Liz) am a frequent eater at such healthy establishments as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts... so you can rest assured I'm not preaching at you about eating healthy or that it's something that will make or break your kids.

That said, Leslie sent around an interesting article from the Tribune about pesticides that I thought was worth sharing.

Click here to read the Chicago Tribune article about the "Dirty Dozen list -- 12 fruits and vegetables that retain the highest levels of pesticide residues"...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-0812-peaches-pesticides_mainaug12,0,2494206.story

and all this time I thought that peaches came from a can, and were put there by a man in a factory downtown...

Chicago Park District Fall Registration

2009-08-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Registration for Chicago Park District after-school programs and all other fall programs begins online on Monday, August 17 at 9 am. In-person registration at the parks begins on Saturday, August 22. Go here to view fall programs.

Baby Carrier Guide

2009-07-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

The website MomFinds.com recently published a short guide to some of the different type of baby slings, wraps and carriers. Click here for the guide. Some of the prices they give are for average retail, if you go to the sites they link to. I'd also suggest checking out the website Etsy.com if you are interested in a sling or wrap. Not only does Etsy have better prices and a wider selection, you would be buying from a handmade product...maybe even from another mom! Here's a link to recent search results for "baby sling" on Etsy.com. Happy shopping!

Pictured here is a linen and cotton sling from Etsy designer BronwenHandcrafted. It's a moby wrap or ring style sling. This one seems to be a great bargain at only $37. You can see all their slings and wraps in their store: www.etsy.bronwenhandcrafted.com.