LakeNormanMommies

February is Cultural Awareness Month!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:31:00 +0000

February is Cultural Awareness Month at The Mommies Network, and we're thinking globally! Share a love for foreign language and different cultures with your child in our Multicultural Mommies forum on our National Chapter. Each week, we'll feature several languages and cultural tidbits. You may also participate and strengthen your language lingo in a special webinar. Additionally, our sponsor will provide information on how you can continue your language-learning experience after the month is over.

According to Associated Content, brain research shows that children are at an optimal age for language learning. Although language study is effective at any age, some studies suggest that the human brain is more open to learning a foreign language from birth to preadolescence. Fortunately, researchers have not found an age in which the language window closes completely, especially in the areas of grammar and vocabulary.

Take advantage of this opportunity to think globally, and join us as we learn about foreign languages and different ways of life during Cultural Awareness Month at TMN!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Submitted by: Smelly7378

Hurry, Mommy Match-up Ends Soon!!

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:23:00 +0000

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (Penguins Happen) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:14:00 +0000

The LakeNormanMommies calendar is packed with all sorts of events to keep you and your little one(s) busy this week! Please click on an event below for more information or to RSVP.

Monday, January 30

K17/Preggo Meetup - Cupcakes, coffee, and conversation for new mothers and mothers to be
Book Club - Join us for a discussion of Sarah Gruen's Water for Elephants

Tuesday, January 31

Story Time - Stories, music, crafts, and a secret club dress code
Park Date - It's supposed to be 60 degrees and sunny. Let's get out and play!

Wednesday, February 1

Meet and Greet - a little bagel, a little coffee, and a lot of chatting
Lunch with the Kids - Soup and Salad and lots of fun

Thursday, February 2

There are no official LakeNormanMommies events scheduled for today. Check our Events and Happenings forum for other events in our area today!

Friday, February 3

K16 Lunch Date - Slow down, catch up, and grab a bite to eat

Saturday, February 4

MOTC Movie Night - A special mom's night in for members of the Mom's on the Clock support group

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000

Submitted by: Ladybug

Inexpensive Ways to Get New Reads

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

1. Join Your Local Library

It does not get any better than free. Take yourself down to your local library with a driver's license or a recent bill and sign up for a library card. As long as you return your books on time and in reasonable condition, checking out books from the local library costs nothing. Most libraries allow patrons to check out an unlimited number of books and let you keep them for two to three weeks (except for brand new titles, which most places let you keep for one week). If your library does not carry the title you want, you can often request that your library borrow it from a neighboring library, also free of charge. Also, did you know that many libraries offer e-books? You can download titles directly to your smartphone, computer or electronic reader.

2. Trade Your Titles
Swap sites like PaperbackSwap.com, TitleTrader.com and Bookins.com currently offer over five million books free of charge. These sites let readers trade in titles on their bookshelves for others they would like to read. After listing a few titles, users will get credit for each one sent to another member. Credits can be redeemed for other books on the site. Depending on the site, users will pay shipping to send or receive a book, but not both. These sites have no fees and no hidden charges. Hardbacks, audio books and textbooks are also available.

3. Request Advance Reads Copies
As a marketing tool, many publishers offer advanced copies to readers free of charge. An advanced copy, also known as a readers edition, is a copy of a book before it is released for mass distribution. The readers edition usually lacks a dust jacket, formatting and binding. While it is true that some of these books go to book reviewers and celebrities in hopes of getting free publicity, many publishing houses also offer them to the general public. You can become an early reviewer by joining LibraryThing (http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index. ... _Reviewers), by contacting the author or publisher of favorite titles, or by befriending a local bookstore owner.

4. Host Your Own Local Book Swap
Gather a list of local friends and family and send out invitations. An evite is fine and its free. Include a short description of your book swap, including types of books to swap, the number of books to bring, time and location. Be sure to mention whether you will include refreshments or if you expect participants to bring something to share. Decide ahead of time if the books are being swapped permanently or if they will simply be on loan. If the books will be on loan, include in your invitation how the owners should be designated inside each book - telephone number, email address, or first name are common suggestions.

5. Buy used
You can save a bundle by purchasing used books in good condition. Many towns have stores dedicated to selling used books. Readers can also find used books at Goodwill stores, consignment shops, yard sales and thrift stores. Many local libraries offer annual used book sales as well. Check with your local librarian for dates and details. While they charge a bit more, web sites like amazon.com and half.com also offer deeply discounted used books for the public.

Submitted by: Melissa from TriangleMommies.com
The Mommies Network National Blog on June 3, 2011

Do You Have Flower Power?

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Are you looking for some curb appeal? Do you need to beautify your backyard? Spring planting season may be a few months away, but there's no better time than now to grow with LakeNormanMommies! We've partnered with Flower Power to bring you a fabulous fundraiser to help you plan the garden of your dreams.

Flower Power sells quality flower bulbs with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Gorgeous geraniums, tantalizing tiger lilies, and beautiful begonias are just a few of the many bulbs available and ready to be shipped to your door. This fundraiser runs Jan. 22–March 20, 2012, and your bulbs will arrive in April and May, just in time for beautiful summer blooms.

So save some gas and the trip to your local nursery or big-box store, and plan your perfect garden from the comfort of your computer. Visit http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/t/240213/46brA7g9aoF2 to view the enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and LakeNormanMommies' fabulous fundraiser!

Special bonus: Spend $40 or more to receive a free bag of 10 Twilight gladiolus, a $10 value.

Grow with us!

Profits made through our fundraising link go toward our chapter's operating expenses.

Reminder: Ring in the New Year With TMN!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The New Year's parties may have ended, but our sponsorship promotion hasn't! We're still ringing in the New Year at The Mommies Network with an incredible deal that will have you reaching for your noisemakers.

Moms may have the greatest buying power, sharing business experiences and trends with one another. And since women make more than 80 percent of all purchasing decisions and control two thirds of the nation’s disposable income, targeting this group benefits your company. Resolve to reach this influenial portion of the population by taking advantage of this limited-time promotion.

With all new/renewed sponsorship agreements, your business will receive a complimentary blog feature (advertorial to include logo/product image and 500 words). Prepaid agreements receive a 5 percent discount and a complimentary two months on one sponsorship listing. Sponsors also receive 20 percent off event sponsorships. Offer expires Jan. 31, 2012.

The end of the month is just around the corner, so what are you waiting for? Celebrate with TMN by taking advantage of this amazing deal.

For more details on how your business can ring in the New Year with moms across the nation, please contact Jessica Van Dyke at Jessica.VanDyke@TheMommiesNetwork.org.

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The LakeNormanMommies calendar is packed with all sorts of events to keep you and your little one(s) busy this week! Please click on an event below for more information or to RSVP.

Saturday, January 21

K15 Drop In Art Class - Join us for some fun
Movie Night - Mom's Night In screening of The Help

Sunday, January 22

Single Mommies Meetup - Please see your private forum for details
Family Chili Night - An early evening of food and fun for the entire family

Monday, January 23

Meet and Greet - Coffee and chit chat
PPD Play Date - Showers, brushed teeth, and best behavior NOT required
K13 Story Time - Trains, books, and conversation will be on hand

Tuesday, January 24

K16 Play Date - Trains, books, and conversation will be on hand
Meet and Greet - Lunch with the kids

Thursday, January 26

Park Date - Let's hope for warm North Carolina weather and meet at the park
Chili Potluck Dinner - Mom's Night In with chili and conversation

Friday, January 27
K13 Drop In Art Class - Let's get creative
Movie Play Date - Kids will watch Rio while the moms chat

Mommy Match-up 2012

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

TMN Weigh-In Challenge News

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hello, and Happy New Year to everyone!

My name is Karen Skidmore, and I am the owner of Completely Fit, a personal training and fitness company located in Mount Airy, Md. I am a team leader for one of the groups in The Mommies Network Weigh-In Challenge.

All my team members have started off strong and are working very hard to accomplish their goals. They were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their current nutritional and fitness habits, and answer questions about what changes they wanted to create. Based on that information, I have helped each person come up with a detailed action plan that will not only help to accomplish her goals, but more importantly, help to improve her lifestyle.

If you are looking to make a change in your life but are not a part of the Weigh-In Challenge, you too can do it with just a few small changes at a time.

If your nutrition is off track, start by taking away one unhealthy food once a week and replacing it with a healthy food.

If your exercise routine is off track, start by finding something you really enjoy doing — walking, biking, or swimming — and adding 10 minutes of that exercise to your day. Before you know it, exercise will have become a daily routine.

Be sure to track your results, as we do much better when we can see our progress.

I am very excited to be a part of this group and team, and I look forward to reporting our successes back to you each month. — Karen Skidmore, Completely Fit

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Submitted by:klfisher

Site Wide Meet and Greet

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:28:00 +0000

Are you a new member to LKNM? Have you been a member for a while? Start off the New Year by attending the January Site Wide Meet & Greet!

Let's meet up at McDonalds off of exit 25 in Huntersville!! Come on out for some great conversation, have some breakfast or just let the little ones burn off that energy inside the play area!

Don’t let the post holiday blues get you down, there are over 1300 Lakenormanmommies, come make a new friend.

It is the first site wide Meet and Greet of the New Year and we are hoping for great attendance. If you are interested in stepping into a huge community of mommies who are all about supporting and nurturing each other, we would love to meet you! This link to the calendar will take you directly to RSVP, if you’re already a member. If you are interested in joining this FREE community of mommies, just click that same link and you will be directed to the sign up page, we do believe in security so it takes a day or two to be approved, so don’t delay. You have no idea what you can gain, I know I didn’t.

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:47:00 +0000

The LakeNormanMommies calendar is packed with all sorts of events to keep you and your little one(s) busy this week! Please click on an event below for more information or to RSVP.

Monday, January 9
Coffee Meet & Greet - Meet with new and old friends at Starbucks. There's coffee and lots of room to spread out.

Wednesday, January 11
Site Wide Meet & Greet - Start off the new year with new (and old) friends. Come out for some great conversation, coffee, breakfast, or just to let the little ones burn off all that energy inside the play area!

K15 Story Time - Join us at the library for story time. Please note that registration is required.

PPD Playdate - As always, come as you are. Things like showers, "real clothes," teeth brushed, etc. are completely optional. Laughter and tears are both equally welcome.

Mom's Night Out - Sushi night! The food is delicious and the company is even better.

Friday, January 13

All Ages Playgroup - New friends, old friends, movers, non movers, and shakers are all welcome!
Preschool Story Time - Join us at the library for a chance to engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills.

Saturday, January 14

Club 35 Meet Up - Let's get together in the play area at the mall. Let the little (and bigger) ones romp around while we chat.

Don't Let This Be Goodbye!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:02:00 +0000

In order to protect the privacy of our members and provide an accurate membership count for our non-profit organization, The Mommies Network periodically prunes (deletes) inactive accounts. Please click here to see if you (or someone you know) is on the list. To prevent your account from being deleted, simply log on and post one time! If your account is deleted, all you have to do is re-register. If you have forgotten your log in information, please send an email to admin@lakenormanmommies.com and our Chapter Managers will help you.

We'd love for you to join in our conversations and attend our fun events. Mommy time awaits!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Submitted by: Bibby

Go Beyond the Forums!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Want to help us help other mommies find support? Are you thinking about getting more involved in your community. Volunteer with us, there is a large group of women who help our site operate, and we'd love for you to join the team. If you can't commit to the leadership team you can still contribute by helping us keep our public information current and engaging by submitting photos, crafts, recipes, and other articles for publication on our blog. Simply email blogs@lakenormanmommies.com for more information about how to see your ideas on the front page of LakeNormanMommies!

Are you active in social media? Do you want to help LakeNormanMommies become more active as well? Consider joining our team as one of our new social media divas. We are looking to add a Twitter Keeper and a Facebook Pixie to our Promotions and Recruiting team. PM alexiss207 for more information about these positions.

LakeNormanMommies Year in Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

2011 has been an amazing year for LakeNormanMommies! Our vibrant community covers all of Lake Norman, from Huntersville to Statesville and Denver to Davidson, and is over 1,500 members strong. We came together this year to support one another online as well as in person. Our calendar was buzzing with events this year and our forums were busier than ever.

Our philosophy is that no one should have to pay a fee to make a friend, so we offer free membership to any mother within the community who wishes to join. Members gain camaraderie and support through an online forum that is available 24 hours a day and events around the area where mothers can meet face-to-face and develop real friendships that can last a lifetime. In 2011, we celebrated our fifth birthday and hosted the best Trunk or Treat event in our history. The LakeNormanMommies leadership team organized more than 300 events for our members' children and families, approximately 100 mommies-only events, and close to 80 special events for members of our private support groups.

We believe that, working together, mothers can change the world - one family, one neighborhood, one community at a time. LakeNormanMommies is a connecting force, helping us each to make a difference in our own lives, in our families and in the places we call home. Our forums currently host over 6,000 active topics ranging from generalized support and discussion about household and parenting matters to specialized support for single moms, adoption, children with special needs, club 35 mommies, grief support, PPD support, moms on the clock, and more. Together, we laughed, cried, and celebrated all the ups and downs that motherhood has to offer. We supported each other and we reached out into the community to give support to the members of the greater Lake Norman area.

We would like to thank all of our members, volunteers, partners, and sponsors for helping us grow this valuable community. Because of your unwavering support, we are able to plan bigger and better events and programs for the coming year. To learn more about how you can become more involved with our community, please check out our website at www.lakenormanmommies.com or email admin@lakenormanmommies.com.

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:49:00 +0000

The LakeNormanMommies calendar is packed with all sorts of events to keep you and your little one(s) busy this week! Please click on an event below for more information or to RSVP.

Tuesday, January 3
Play Date & Brunch - Join the Young Mommies for a play date and brunch at Chick-Fil-A

Wednesday, January 4
Meet & Greet - Come for coffee and a bagel and some good morning chat.
K16 Play Date - After all the holiday hustle and bustle, let's catch up and let the kiddies play around the train table.

Thursday, January 5

Meet & Greet - A little coffee, a little bagel, and a lot of chatting!

Kids Boogie - Sing and bounce to music using instruments, props, and developmentally appropriate movement. Ages 2-5.

Friday, January 6

All Ages Play Date - Time to chat and play. All ages are welcome!
Toddlers Explore - Come explore some fun-filled activities that will stimulate your toddler's senses. Ages 2-3.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (alexiss207) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Submitted by: Jks

Holiday Crafting - Kwanzaa Candles

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Looking for a simple holiday craft this season? Try these Kwanzaa candles!

Supplies: 7 empty toilet paper rolls, 3 pieces construction paper (1 green, 1 red, and 1 black), tape, red and yellow tissue paper

Cut construction paper into quarters. Tape one end of one quartered piece to a toilet paper roll

Wrap the construction paper around the toilet paper roll and secure with tape.

Repeat until you have 3 red, 3 green, and 1 black "candles."

Place your red and yellow tissue paper on top of each other and cut into squares.

Crumple red and yellow tissue paper squares and place them in the "candles" to create a flame.

Repeat for each of your seven candles.

Line them all up and...Ta-Da! Candles for Kwanzaa!

Joyous Kwanzaa!

Do you have a favorite holiday craft? Share it in our Green Thumbs and Glue Guns forum!

'Twas the Book Before Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

We read together every night, but Christmas Eve is always special. Most nights, we try to limit our reading to one or two books because...well...the kid needs to sleep! However, Christmas Eve is special. There are simply too many great selections. Here is our family's reading list for this evening.

Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve

by Jan Brett

published by G. P. Putnam Sons

Every year, trolls knock down Kyri's door and gobble up her Christmas feast. But this year, the trolls are in for a surprise: a boy and his pet ice bear on their way to Oslo have come in from the cold. And once the ice bear is finished with the trolls, you can bet they won't come knocking next Christmas Eve!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

by Dr. Seuss

published by Random House

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday.

Snowmen at Christmas

by Caralyn Buehner

illustrated by Mark Buehner

published by Dial Books

It's Christmas Eve and people are snug in their beds, but something is stirring outside. The snowmen are preparing to celebrate! Under the glow of moonlight, all the snow families are slipping away to gather in the town square for a night of caroling, dancing, and an exciting visit from the snowman Santa Claus.

Richard Scarry's Best Christmas Book Ever!

by Richard Scarry

published by Sterling

Christmas is coming-and where better to celebrate than in Busytown? Firefighters are stringing lights, stores are crowded, and everyone is in a merry mood. Richard Scarry captures holiday cheer in a series of delightful and brightly illustrated stories featuring his most popular characters, including Huckle Cat and lovable Lowly Worm.
Each small tale sparkles with joy and kindness-and there are also songs, games, a list of Christmas words, and instructions for making a great gift for Grandma!

The Clown of God

by Tomie dePaola

published by Harcourt

In this retelling of the old French legend, a juggler offers to the Christ Child the only Christmas gift he has.

The Polar Express

by Chris Van Allsburg

published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa.

*Note: This is our family's favorite story of all time. We always watch the movie earlier in the day and make sure that this is our last book of the evening. When we are done reading, our little guy hangs his blue robe on the end of his bed so it will be ready when he hears the train chug up outside his window. Pure magic!

Visit our Books, Movies & Other Entertainment forum to tell us what you are reading tonight!

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The LakeNormanMommies calendar is packed with all sorts of events to keep you and your little one(s) busy this week! Please click on an event below for more information or to RSVP.

Tuesday, December 27
Conversation and Coffee - Join the Young Mommies for coffee, conversation, story time, and play.

Thursday, December 29
Collective Pasta - It's time for another Mom's Night In featuring Collective Pasta making! Everyone brings some ingredients and we cook and eat together. This month is Penne a la Vodka. PM jas to be added to the ingredients sign-up list.

Friday, December 30

End of Year Play Date - Let's send 2011 out with one last playdate! Light snacks, juice, and coffee will be provided.

Looking for other ways to keep busy this week? Check out the Events and Happenings forum for information about events in the community!

Ready, Set, Read!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:11:00 +0000

Whether you are curled up by the fire with cookies and cocoa or trying to tune out on a long plane ride on your way home for the holidays, there is nothing better than a good book to help you relax! The LakeNormanMommies Book Club is the perfect excuse to slow down and take some time for yourself while still tickling your brain cells this holiday season. Here are our upcoming titles so you can get a jump on your reading list for 2012!

Water for Elephants: A Novel

by Sara Gruen
As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.
-- Publisher's description

The LakeNormanMommies Book Club will meet January 26 to discuss this selection. Click here for more details and to RSVP.

Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before -- and survival.
-- Publisher's description

The LakeNormanMommies Book Club will meet February 29 to discuss this selection. Click here for more details and to RSVP.

We are looking for ideas for future Book Club dates for the spring! What book would you nominate for Book Club and why? Tell us about your top titles as well as your thoughts on hosting a Book Club event in our Books, Movies & Other Entertainment forum on LakeNormanMommies.

Happy reading, Mommies!

Holiday Crafting - Handprint Menorah

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Looking for a simple craft this season? Try this menorah made from handprints!

Supplies: white paper, blue fingerpaint, yellow fingerpaint, and plastic plate

Start with clean hands.

Squeeze blue paint onto plastic plate.

Make one hand messy.

Make a handprint on the paper.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Be sure to overlap your thumbs so that you have 9 candles and not 10.

Clean the plate and squeeze a dab of yellow paint onto it.

Put some paint on your thumb.

Make "flames" with a yellow thumbprint just above your "candle" handprints.

Ta-Da! You have a handprint menorah to help you celebrate the season!

Happy Hanukkah!
Do you have a favorite holiday craft? Share it in our Green Thumbs and Glue Guns forum!