TriadMommies.com

2012-05-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Time is running out to vote for your favorite non-profit, The Mommies Network, in Eleventy Marketing Group's Eleventy Group's 4Good contest The winner will receive a free ONCORE marketing package to maximize fundraising- freeing up our volunteers to focus on our mission of providing a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empowering them to be better women, parents and community leaders. Fundraising not only provides technology upgrades to our expanding network, but it also goes to support all our Chapters and the "moms on the ground."

So join our facebook event to vote and share. Get those votes in by 11:59 p.m. EST and help us spread our wings!

2012-05-27T10:07:00.000-04:00

5/28 Mocha Monday
5/30 Park Playdate
5/31 High Point Mommies Night Out

June Jamboree is coming!

2012-05-23T19:31:00.000-04:00

We're jumping into summer with a June Jamboree!

Our Community Outreach, Events, and Fundraising Committees have been working hard to bring you June Jamboree! Sunday, June 10 at City Lake Park we'll have a potluck, raffle, and lots of fun. Bring your non-perishable food items to help stock local food bank shelves and a covered dish to share. Earn extra entries in the raffle with more donations.

City Lake Park features two playgrounds, carousel, mini-golf and train rides. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $5 at the concessions window. You can even get a group discount on wristbands when you buy them with your TM friends!

Check the TM calendar for all the details! Hope to see you there!

This Week with the Mommies

2012-05-19T20:55:00.000-04:00

Come join us at an event this week! Get all the details on these great events on the TriadMommies calendar.

Sunday 5/20:

Frozen yogurt in Kernersville

Monday 5/21:

Mocha Monday coffee meetup in Greensboro

Tuesday 5/22:

Kernersville Meet and Greet at the park

Mom's Night Out in Oak Ridge

Thursday 5/24:

Park playdate in High Point

Saturday 5/26:

Backyard cookout in Greensboro

Teens Smoking Pot

2012-05-17T16:20:00.000-04:00

Recent reports from the partnership at Drugfree.org show that pot smoking among teens has risen dramatically over the past few years, with 1 in 10 teens reporting they smoke pot at least 20 times a month.

Image courtesy FreeDigitalPhotos.net

At first, I was absolutely shocked. That number seemed so high, and as a parent of a teenager, I like living in a pretty naive world. But maybe I shouldn't be so naive. I might like to think my stepson and his friends aren't smoking pot, but do I really know? I think it's interesting that pot smoking is on the rise, while the number of kids smoking cigarettes dropped 45 percent from 1997 to 2007.

What does this say about our efforts at curbing drug use? In my very unscientific perspective, I would say that all of the marketing and education that's been going on talking about the effects of cigarette smoking are working. Kids today know that cigarettes are addictive and can kill you. But there are plenty of myths still circulating about pot, including the one that says it's not addictive. Don't kid yourself, it is. And there are detrimental effects to smoking pot just like there are to smoking cigarettes. The smoke can hurt your lungs; the potency has increased dramatically over the past 20 years, which means kids are at a higher risk of suffering psychotic side effects, and smoking pot can cause negative effects on attention, memory and learning.

Whether you feel like it or not, your kids listen to what you have to say. It's time for us to get educated ourselves about the effects of marijuana, and communicate with your kids. For some great tips on how to talk with your kids, check out TheAntiDrug.com.

Guest blog by Karen Alley, Web Editor, PiedmontParent.com

Happy Mother's Day!

2012-05-13T07:54:00.001-04:00

TriadMommies wishes all of our member mommies the best Mother's Day ever. Whether it is your first Mother's Day or your children are grown, we hope it is special. Being a mom is the most important job we will do in this life, and it is the one thing that binds us all together. Happy Mother's Day to all!

This Week with the Mommies

2012-05-12T11:49:00.000-04:00

There are some great opportunities to come out to an event this week. There are daytime and evening events, events for families or moms only. Check out the calendar for all the details, and we hope to see you at an event soon!

Monday 5/14:

Mocha Monday coffee meetup in Greensboro

Tuesday 5/15:

Park playdate in Greensboro with the Breastfeeding group

Wednesday 5/16:

Evening family picnic in Summerfield

Thursday 5/17:

Morning coffee meetup in Greensboro

Mom's Night Out in Kernersville

Oh poop!

2012-05-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy BR_Taylor / Photobucket.com

Oh Poop!

There is a deep, dark (and sometimes very smelly) secret of child rearing. The moment our baby is born, we are transported into a world of bowel movement awareness. From their first cute little tar poop, we are overjoyed and thrilled that all body functions are a “go”. Adding to this focus, doctors have new Mom’s make lists of new baby’s defecation habits, and so it begins…our poop obsession.

I never in my life would have thought this much time; effort and interest would be devoted to my child’s poop. The first innocuous breast milk diapers, the ones where people gather around and swear it’s the cutest thing ever. Then on to the not so pleasant surprise when they start eating baby food (who knew poop could be orange?). To the real room clearing poops where everyone runs for the outside gagging, leaving Mom to do the dirty work. Oh joy. Moms start swapping diaper blow-out horror stories over mid-morning coffee, laughing hysterically at how bad it can really get.

I used to call it “going boom-boom”. I thought that was a more palatable way of stating it. However, when DS came up to me one day in the dark hallway and said he had “A boo-boo on his finger”, and I kissed it…only to realize my sleep befuddled brain mistook the term boom-boom for boo-boo. About a hundred gargles rinses of Listerine later we decided to just call it poop.

The size, texture…the fact that some stuff just doesn’t break down in the body. All fascinating to a Mom (of your child ONLY…I could care less about anyone else’s pooping habits!). When your child went, how much, was it enough, going before you leave on a trip or take a nap or go to Church. Suddenly everything revolves around your child’s bathroom habits. Dealing with constipation, accidents and praying you have a change of clothes…all standard in a Mom’s week. Of course there are the poop charts, potty parties, potty training DVD’s, treats, stickers and any type of bribes in your child’s currency.

I’m assuming this obsession with poop will all stop one day, perhaps when DS has mastered it on his own. But until then, I’m still on the poop watch. Lucky me.

-Guest blog by Katherine Hill-Oppel (ratio2468)

Vote today!

2012-05-08T07:50:00.004-04:00

Photo courtesy Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Here at TriadMommies, our members cover all points of the political spectrum, which is part of what makes TM so great! But whatever your political leaning, the important thing is to make sure your voice gets heard. So make sure to get out and vote in the NC primary election today!

This Week with the Mommies

2012-05-05T17:28:00.000-04:00

Come out to an event this week! Look at all these great things going on. Check the calendar for all the details.

Monday 5/7:

Mocha Monday coffee meetup at its new location Beans Boro

Tuesday 5/8:

High Point Meet & Greet breakfast

Picnic playdate in Greensboro

Park playdate in Winston-Salem

Wednesday 5/9:

Park playdate in Kernersville

Thursday 5/10:

McDonald's playdate in Kernersville

Saturday 5/12:

Mother's Day breakfast in Greensboro

Visit to the Lazy 5 ranch

Our Member Relations committee needs you!

2012-05-04T10:56:00.000-04:00

Our hospitality committee has a new name: Member Relations!

The Members Relations Committee is there primarily to make new members feel welcome. We have monthly volunteer jobs to help with this goal: questions of the day, posting a weekly welcome to new members, sending a private message to new members, posting "happy birthday" to members, and overseeing a "Starting Out" forum where new members can ask questions. The other job of the Members Relations Committee is to look for needs in our community. We do this through our Secret Fairy and Storking new moms programs.

We are always looking for new members who would like to welcome and help members so please consider joining the Member Relations Committee. PM our Member Relations manager, mom2threekristy, if you have questions or would like to join.

Ease up on yourself!

2012-04-30T08:01:00.001-04:00

Image courtesy David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ease Up on Yourself

I waited 40 years to have a child. It wasn’t planned that way, but I made a series of choices that led to that situation. I have no regrets on that score, but I do have some from once I entered Mommy-hood. I had spent the better part of 20 years watching my friends and acquaintances have children, and noted their particular rearing techniques. I made many “note to self” lists. Note to self : do not leave giant economy size tub of Vaseline near a 2 year old. Note to self : give your child loving touch every day. I watched the progress of these children (and their parents). I figured, by the time I have a child, I may have a leg up on parenting. At age 40 I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy. The only leg up I had was that fact that I didn’t fret over whether I was going to be back in a bikini in this lifetime (thank you Momma belly).

I was lost. All of the planning, book reading, years of observing, parenting classes….nothing prepared me for the joy and heartache of being a first time Mom. Note to self – do not freak out when you accidentally nip your child’s finger while trimming nails. Note to self – an 8 month old is capable to rolling off a bed while you hold his ankle while trying to change a diaper. Pass the Bonehead Mommy Award to me; I definitely earned it a couple of times! I learned quickly that knowing Poison Control’s phone number was very important (it wasn’t just hype!). By the way, the fluorescent goop in glow sticks is non-toxic. I lived large every day my son would smile at me, and died a bit when I’d screw up and do something wrong. Being a Mommy was so much harder than I ever thought. Privately, I asked forgiveness from everyone I rolled my eyes at whose child had a hissy fit in the grocery store. I was wearing those Mommy pants now, cheerio stuck to my hair and a wet, chew spot on my shirt.

It really wasn’t until my son was about two years old that I really started to ease up a bit (on myself). I looked back on those first 2 years of his precious life and realized that much of what I worried about was inconsequential. Why in the world did I think showing my one year old flash cards was going to do anything? I put pressure on myself to do everything “right”, and all I did was make myself stressed out. I wish I would have just taken more time to enjoy his babyhood, and not over think our daily routine. The good news is, while I may be a slow learner, I have grown so much in the ways of parenting. Sure, I still make mistakes but I try to take my own advice and make them learning experiences. Ease up is my only advice to new Moms (and older Moms for that matter). But definitely store that economy sized Vaseline up high, way up high.

Guest blog by Katherine Hill-Oppel (ratio2468)

This Week with the Mommies

2012-04-28T21:23:00.003-04:00

Check out what's going on at TM this week. All the details for these events are on the calendar. It looks to be a slow week for events- if you're looking for something more, check for last-minute get-togethers in the Events and Happenings forum, or maybe host your own Member-Organized Event.

Monday, April 30:

Mocha Monday coffee meetup in Greensboro. This will be the last Mocha Monday at EarthFare, look for a new location next week!

Wednesday May 2:

Homeschool group library field trip

Thursday May 3:

Greensboro Meet and Greet at Krispy Kreme

Wordless Wednesday: Chalk Fun

2012-04-25T20:37:00.001-04:00

Photo courtesy of Debbie (DebbieJo)

Get Involved with TM event!

2012-04-23T07:23:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered how TriadMommies works? Wondered how you can get involved?
Come out tonight and get all your questions answered!
Join us for an evening out. We will have yummy appetizers and a surprise raffle.

Get on the info on the calendar listing here.

Hope to see you there!

This Week with the Mommies

2012-04-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

Come out and join TM at an event this week!
Check the calendar for all the details.

Monday 4/23:

Mocha Monday coffee meetup in Greensboro

Park playdate with the Winston-Salem and Club 35 groups

"Get Involved with TM" open house in Kernersville

Tuesday 4/24:

Park playdate in Kernersville

Meetup at the Winston-Salem Children's Museum

Member-organized playdate

Celebrate Earth Day this weekend!

2012-04-21T07:41:00.000-04:00

Image courtesy of Marsha (bbmaverick77)

Tomorrow, April 22nd, is Earth Day. How will you be celebrating with your kids?

Here are some suggestions from our members of things to do on Earth Day or any day to teach their children about the earth and the importance of protecting it.

-Read books about the earth, recycling, and conservation.

-Practice recycling.

-Find things that can be repurposed.

-Make bird feeders.

-Collect or order some worms and start a compost.

-Dig in your yard for worms. Search for work burrows. Learn about worms and how they make dirt.

-Visit a nature museum.

-Visit a national park or forest where the kids can learn about nature and even become a junior ranger.

-Go for a walk and pick up trash and recyclables to bring home and dispose of properly.

-Walk to the store, the park, or dinner, instead of driving a car.

-Talk about things to do year round to help keep our earth clean: using cloth napkins and towels, using reusable containers in lunchboxes instead of plastic bags, and reusing or recycling things instead of throwing them away.

-Go to a local Earth Day celebration.

-Plant a garden and/or trees.

-Go to a farm and pick strawberries.

-Learn about conserving energy and water.

-Learn fun ways to reuse things that would normally be thrown out, like toilet paper tubes for crafts and used paper as wrapping paper.

-Those who use cloth diapers can participate in the Great Cloth Diaper Change.

"Starting Out" forum posting contest

2012-04-17T20:11:00.000-04:00

Calling all our new and less-active mommies! If you have access to the "Starting Out" forum on TriadMommies, meaning you currently have less than 100 posts, then we have got a contest just for you! Just increase your TriadMommies post count by at least 25 by 7am on April 30th, and you can win tickets to the Magic Wings Festival at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham on May 5th. Check out all the contest details in the Starting Out forum here and all the details about the Magic Wings Festival here. Look for more exciting giveaways coming soon!

This Week with the Mommies

2012-04-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Check out these great events coming up this week! Come join us at an event, we'd love to see you! Check the calendar for details on any of these events.

Monday 4/16:

Mocha Monday coffee meetup in Greensboro

Tuesday 4/17:
Coffee meetup in Greensboro
Movie night in High Point
Bounce house member-organized event in Greensboro

Thursday 4/19:
Park playdate in High Point
Mom's Night Out in Greensboro with the Greensboro and Kernersville groups

Saturday 4/21:
Park playdate in Summerfield with the Greensboro group

Candy Overload!

2012-04-11T10:54:00.001-04:00

Do you feel like you've got candy coming out of your ears? I definitely do! I'm feeling the candy overload, and I'm not looking forward to saying no a million times when the kids ask for candy every 10 minutes this week! Sure, we indulged a little on Easter Sunday, and we'll still be eating some candy every day for the next few days, but I do try to be good about not going overboard. Maybe that's why we still have candy leftover from Valentine's Day, and even a couple of candy canes full of M&Ms in the pantry.

It seems like a funny coincidence that on the holiday where kids get baskets full of chocolate and candy, news came out that scientists have pinpointed genes that predispose kids for childhood obesity. It makes a lot of sense in some ways. Whether it's good metabolism or good genes, some people just seem to be able to eat whatever they want and always stay trim, while others can constantly watch their diet and still gain weight. But blaming it on genetics can't be an excuse to fall into obesity. Maybe it's just one more reason for parents to be diligent about teaching kids good habits for good nutrition and exercise that will stay with them all through their lives.

Some parents might opt for a sugar-free Easter, which is a very noble idea. I know I can't avoid the candy, so we give in a little, but try to keep it in moderation. Which leads to a pantry full of Christmas, Valentine's and Easter candy come June. If you're looking for some tips on what to do with all that candy, check out one of Piedmont Parent's articles from Halloween, "The Lowdown on Halloween Candy." It's got some good ideas for what to do with leftover candy, as well as a list of how long certain candies will last. (So if you do still have Halloween candy in your pantry, it might be time to throw it out!)

-- Guest blog by Karen Alley, Web Editor, Piedmont Parent Magazine.

Menu Monday: Gumbo Z'herbes

2012-04-09T11:16:00.000-04:00

A delicious vegan dish, traditionally served on Good Friday, but it's so delicious you'll want to have it all year!

Gumbo Z'herbes

Greens:
5 bunches (approx 3 lbs) assorted greens (collard, beet, turnip, mustard, dandelion, spinach, kale, etc)
3 c. water

Gumbo base:
2/3 c oil
2/3 c flour
1 medium onion, diced
1 bunch scallions, sliced thinly
1 green pepper, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
1 clove garlic, minced (approx 2 tsp)
2 c water or vegetable broth
2 t salt
2 t cajun seasoning
2 whole cloves
3 whole allspice
green tabasco

Rinse and trim greens, removing ribs from collards if used. Submerge in cold water for 5 minutes. Strain. Chop or tear greens and place in large pan with tight lid. Add water and season with salt. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering. Tightly cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, turning occasionally, until very soft, about 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and reserve liquid. Cool slightly, then chop greens into 1/2 inch pieces. Puree half the greens. Set aside.

In dutch oven or heave pan, heat oil until hot. Sprinkle in the flour, stir constantly with whisk. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir constantly for approx 10-15 minutes, until mixture has a nutty color and tasted aroma. Stir in onion, scallions, pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the reserves liquid and water or broth; stir well. Stir in seasonings. Simmer, stirring often, until soupy and thick, approx 15 minutes. Stir in chopped and pureed greens. Cover pot and simmer for 10 minutes. Add tabasco to taste.

Serve over white rice. Garnish with scallion tops.

Recipe courtesy of hollysmom's mom. :)

This Week with the Mommies

2012-04-07T21:36:00.000-04:00

This week many schools are on spring break. Why not bring the kids out to a TM event? We have so many great events this week! Check the calendar for all the details.

Monday 4/9:

Mocha Monday coffee meetup in Greensboro

Tuesday 4/10:

High Point Meet and Greet

Picnic playdate in Greensboro

Playdate in Kernersville with the Adoption and Grief support groups
Member-organized baby/toddler playdate

Wednesday 4/11:
Park playdate in Winston-Salem

Thursday 4/12:
Kernersville Meet and Greet
Bounce house playdate in Greensboro
Member-organized baby/toddler playdate

Friday 4/13:
Playdate in Kernersville with the Blended Families and Children with Special Needs support groups

Saturday 4/14:
"Thrifty" egg hunt in High Point
Mom's night out in Kernersville

Thank you!!

2012-04-05T13:41:00.001-04:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's online auction, it was a huge success!When all the money is in, this auction will have raised over $2,000.00 for TriadMommies programs and events this year!

And of course we want to offer a huge thanks to all these auction donors! Please support these local businesses:

1618 Seafood Grille and Wine Lounge- www.1618winelounge.com www.1618seafoodgrille.com
Adam Berry Photography- www.facebook.com/adamberryphotography
All About Baby Boutique- www.allaboutbabyboutique.com
Arigato Japanese Steak and Seafood House- www.arigatos.net
ArtQuest- http://www.greenhillcenter.org/
Barn Dinner Theatre- www.barndinner.com
Beans Boro- www.beansboro.com
Big Bang Boom- http://www.chuckfolds.com/bigbangboom.html
Bounce Sesame- www.bouncesesame.com
Burlington Academy of Dance & Arts- http://www.badadance.com/
Cake J'adore- http://www.cakejadore.com/
Cake by Jessica- TM member jrimmerCakes by Kim- www.cakesbykimnc.com
Cash Lovell Stables & Riding Academy- www.cashlovellstables.com
Center for Visual Artists- http://www.greensboroart.org/
Childcare by Cathleen- TM member easunshineChildren's Museum of Winston Salem- www.childrensmuseumofws.org
Cookie Lee Jewelry with Shelby- TM member bdbubblesCore Karate Systems- www.corekaratesystems.com
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store- www.crackerbarrel.com
Craftastic Creations by Cyndi- www.facebook.com/treasuredforever.photography1
Dependable Heating and Air Conditioning- http://www.dependableairsystems.com/
Dunlap Love- http://www.etsy.com/shop/DunlapLove?ref=seller_info
Eastern Music Festival- www.easternmusicfestival.org
First in Flight Entertainment- www.FirstInFlightEntertainment.com
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar- www.flemingssteakhouse.com
Forget Me Not Boutique- www.facebook.com/forgetmenotphoto
Forget Me Not Photography- www.aforgetmenotmoment.com
Gate City Billiards Club- www.gatecitybilliards.com
Greensboro Ballet- www.greensboroballet.com
Greensboro Children's Museum- www.gcmuseum.com
High Point YWCA- http://www.ywcahp.com/
Imprints for Families- www.imprintsforfamilies.org
KannePhoto- www.kannephoto.com
Katie Smith Photography- www.katiesmithphotography.com
Kearnes Kreations- www.kearneskreations.com
Kersey Valley Maize Adventure- http://maizeadventure.com/
Little Vito's Pizza- 428-C North Main St, KernersvilleLove Lee Photography- www.loveleephotography.net
M.Gioeli Photography- www.mgioeliphotography.com
Megan Summers Photography- www.megansummersphotography.com
Mister Mike the Balloonatic Juggler- www.balloonaticjuggler.com
Native Spirit Healing Touch Massage
NC Shakespeare Festival- www.ncshakes.org www.festivalstage.org
North Carolina Zoo- www.nczoo.org
Old Salem Museum & Gardens- www.oldsalem.org
Papa John's- http://www.papajohns.com

Piedmont Sounds- http://piedmontsounds.weebly.com
Precision Golf School and Tennis Academy- www.precisioninstruction.com
Premier Designs Jewelry with Kristen Brown- www.facebook.com/jewelry.lady.kristen
Premier Designs Jewelry with Vada- TM member vbostian

Quaintance Weaver Restaurants and Hotels- http://www.greenvalleygrill.com/ http://www.lucky32.com/ http://www.printworksbistro.com/
Rainbow Wings Consulting- http://rainbow-wings.webs.com/

Royal Expressions School of Dance- www.royalexpressions.org
Safari Nation- www.thesafarination.com
Sara's Shop- www.facebook.com/saras.shop.boutique
Scentsy with Jamie- https://jamie80.scentsy.us/Home
SciWorks- www.sciworks.org
Scrapbook Traditions- www.scrapbooktraditions.com
Sharon Maness Dancenter (Just Dance Studio)- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-Dance-Studio#!/pages/Just-Dance-Studio/300718176640189
Stock the Freezer by Cathleen- TM member easunshineSuperior Snapshots- www.superiorsnapshots.com
Temptations Parties by Betsi- www.temptationsparties.com/6306

The Produce Box- www.theproducebox.com
TJ's Internet Cafe
Triad Mosquito Control- www.triadmosquitocontrol.com
Twisted Dance Studio- www.twisteddance.com
Vada Dicey Photography- www.vadadicey.com
Visalus Body by Vi- http://losingthisweight.bodybyvi.com
Wine and Design- http://www.paintpartiesstudios.com/jamestown/

Online Auction ends tonight!!

2012-04-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

TriadMommies' 2012 Online Auction ends tonight at 10pm ET. There are still many items available below retail value, so log in, get your bids in, get some great deals, and help out your favorite mommies group (TriadMommies of course!) at the same time. Best of luck, hope you win what you really want, and thank you so much for your support!

This Week with the Mommies

2012-03-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Come out to one of these great events this week! These are open to all TriadMommies, check the calendar for details, if you see it on the calendar you can attend! We'd love to meet you!

Sunday 4/1:

TM's Online Auction ends at 10pm

Monday 4/2:

Mocha Monday coffee meetup in Greensboro

Wednesday 4/4:

Picnic lunch in Kernersville

Thursday 4/5:

Greensboro Meet and Greet at Krispy Kreme

Friday 4/6:

Coffee meetup in Kernersville

Saturday 4/7:

Greensboro group's annual Easter Egg Hunt