KnoxvilleMommies

Time is running out!!!

2012-05-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

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!

Happy Memorial Day!

2012-05-28T06:30:00.000-04:00

Enjoy this beautiful poem for Memorial Day!

Freedom Is Not Free
- Kelly Strong

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,

and then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud,

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of TAPS one night,

When everything was still

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That TAPS had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, freedom isn't free.

KnoxvilleMommies Everything Sale!

2012-05-26T08:43:00.000-04:00

KnoxvilleMommies Everything Sale, Book Drive, and Vendor Bazaar
June 23, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church
7225 Old Clinton Pike
Knoxville, TN 37921

To sell: Grab your 10x10 booth before time runs out. Open to the public, KM members get a special discount on booth space. Chairs will be provided, bring your own table. Space is limited, so email krista.scott@knoxvillemommies.com to reserve yours now!

To shop: Join us at on Saturday to shop crafts, direct sales, yard sale items and more. Shop local and save!

We're on our way!!!

2012-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

We're soaring high with your help!

The Mommies Network is in the running for a fundraising marketing package that will increase our development efforts. A free ONCORE package from Eleventy Group's 4Good contest will benefit all our members by raising funds with less effort. More money means a better network for mommies across the nation.

Join our facebook event to vote and share. A minute of your time is all it takes.

With gratitude,
The Mommies Network

The Mommies Network Needs Your Help!!!

2012-05-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

The Mommies Network is a finalist non-profit in Eleventy Group's 4Good contest With a simple click to vote and another to share, you can help boost TMN's fundraising power. Better fundraising means technology upgrades, an expanding network, and more time for our volunteers to focus on what they do best: make mom-to-mom connections everyday.

Join our facebook event to spread the word that will help us spread our wings. Voting costs nothing but a minute of your time.

From everyone at The Mommies Network, thanks for your support.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

2012-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

A delicious family favorite!

LEMON POPPY SEED CAKE

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup poppy seeds
1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup margarine, melted
2 large egg whites
1/2 cup skim milk
3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*. Prepare a 9-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Add margarine, egg whites, milk, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back when the center is lightly pressed. Cool on a wire rack. Sift powdered sugar over the cake. Cut into 3-inch squares to serve.

May M.O.M./Get to Know the KM Staff!

2012-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Get to know our new Community Outreach Manager...

Sarah!!!

What's your name? Sarah Reed

How did you come up with your username: (volsmommy3) I am a huge UT fan and I have 3 kids.

Can you describe yourself personality wise? Outgoing, silly, ridiculously organized and the cheapest person you will ever meet!

Where are you from? Knoxville

Tell us a little bit about your family: Dave and I have been married for 5 years (been together 8...my whole adult life lol). We have 3 beautiful "miracle" babies, we were not supposed to be able to have kids, Kaden 3, Eythan 15 months and Carson 1 month. I also have a dog, cat and a horse.

How did you find KM? Google

What is your favorite forum in KM and why? Mommy Forum, because it is a variety of topics and, of course, KM has Heart because it gives tons of opportunity to help someone in need.

What do you like best about KM? The saying "It takes a village" is so true. KM offers so much support and I really love that!

Can you share your favorite memory of your child(ren)? There are so many but I'll share a funny one on Kaden. Last summer, we had taken him out on the boat and he was working on potty training. He said he need to go, so he peed off the side of the boat. Then he gets this very serious/ concerned look and says " Papawl, how do I flush the lake?" LOL he is a silly boy!

Are you a part of a committee or leadership on KM and if yes, what do you like about it? Yes, I am the Community Outreach Manager. I really like knowing that I am not wasting my time, my responsibility is to create projects to help the community and I love that!

If you could tell everyone on KM one random thing about you what would it be? I am just learning to cook. When Dave and I got married 5 years ago, I had to google how to boil eggs. LOL I am getting good at it now... well at least its edible.

May Birthdays

2012-05-06T19:14:00.000-04:00

KnoxvilleMommies would like to wish all of our members celebrating birthdays in May a great big Happy Birthday!!!

elliotsmommy - May 03

tamaralee - May 05

lucymae78 - May 06

Whitneys56 - May 06

Shanalu - May 07

bbmmouse - May 07

babypixx - May 08

Brysonsmom5811 - May 11

autumnearth - May 13

GracynsMamma - May 13

mbi2008 - May 14

SarahCampbell - May 15

mommyj - May 15

nikkihickman - May 16

EvelynRose - May 17

Beth_2278 - May 20

Allisonpro - May 21

Tiffany - May 23

CheacheAnn - May 23

twinmommy - May 24

LittleRedHen - May 24

frog5 - May 26

rmshafer - May 27

mommyofmany - May 27

RoseMom10 - May 28

fourlegs - May 28

CAvery - May 28

jodanna - May 29

10 Ways to Help Relieve Allergy Symptoms

2012-04-11T07:00:00.001-04:00

It's that dreaded time of year again: Allergy Season!!! The worst time of year for those of us who suffer from itchy, watery eyes and clogged sinuses. I have major issues with allergies, having to deal with them by taking allergy shots and several prescription medicines just to keep them under control, and I still suffer from symptoms from time to time. For those of you like me, I've found some natural ways to help relieve some of the allergy symptoms and get some relief!

1. Drink more water - drinking water keeps you hydrated, and also helps to thin mucus fluids throughout your body.

2. Invest in an air purifier - preferably one that is HEPA, to help clear allergens from the air.

3. Change clothes - as soon as you come in from outside to remove pollen. Pollen easily sticks to both hair and fabric, so washing both more often may help during peak allergen times. Also consider switching to natural fabrics which attract less pollen.

4. Irrigate your nose - consider using a neti-pot to keep your nasal passages moist, as well as wash out any allergens that may be hanging around. You can also dab a very small bit of non-petroleum jelly just inside your nostrils to help catch and keep allergens out.

5. Wash bedding - once a week in hot water, and consider covering your mattress and using allergy-proof pillow casings.

6. Dust regularly - Make sure to dust your house weekly during peak allergy season from your ceiling fans down to under the furniture.

7. Avoid certain foods - minimize eating foods that cause extra mucus to form, such as red meat, dairy, wheat, eggs, and fried and processed foods. They promote inflammation which can affect your nasal passages.

8. Eat anti-inflammatory - Enjoy foods that are natural anti-inflammatory relief, such as walnuts and flax seeds, along with fish oil supplements to help reduce swelling in your nasal passages.

9. Keep windows shut - Consider running the air conditioning in the house, and make sure to use the recirculating setting on your car air conditioner, to help keep allergens out. Open windows and a breeze may feel great after the long winter, but it isn't great for your allergies!

10. Homeopathic Remedies - explore the variety of homeopathic materials available to help relieve allergies, but do your research first!

Uses for Leftover Hard-boiled Eggs

2012-04-09T09:03:00.004-04:00

Here are some ideas for using up those leftover hard-boiled eggs from your Easter festivities this weekend! Enjoy!

Egg Salad

6 hard-boiled eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 stalk celery, chopped fine
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper

Peel and dice eggs into medium-size pieces. Mix all ingredients together in medium bowl, including pepper to taste. Serve on your favorite bread as a sandwich. Can be covered and refrigerated overnight.

Deviled Eggs

We made these yesterday and they were good!

12 hard boiled eggs
4 TB mayo
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
ground black pepper (to taste)
1 tsp very finely diced onion (we omitted this)

Peel eggs, then slice lenghtwise. Remove cooked yolks to bowl, placing empty shells to the side for now, then mash with a fork. Stir in mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, and onion, until well blended. Put mix into a pastry filling bag or use a regular baggie with the corner snipped off, and pipe filling into empty egg shells (we just used a spoon to fill ours!). Serve.

Bonus Ideas

Peel and dice boiled eggs, then add to your favorite salad (Cobb is a favorite with boiled eggs included).

Dice and toss into potato salad.

Enjoy as is with a little salt and pepper, well peeled of course, for a yummy breakfast!

Homemade Easter Egg Dyes

2012-04-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

In most stores these days, finding a kit to dye your Easter eggs is easy and usually quite affordable, but why not try experimenting with making your own egg dyes this year from things you may already have in your kitchen! It may be a little more messy or take a bit more time, but imagine the fun your kids will have seeing everyday items being used as dye. Here are some suggested things to use, but feel free to experiment to see what other things you can find to use.

You can boil your eggs in a pot of water with 2TB vinegar and the the papery outer skin of a dozen or so red onions to make red, or try soaking your eggs in pomegranate juice.

For orange, try boiling with 2TB vinegar and yellow onion skins.

There are lots of things to use to get a yellow hue in all different shades. Try boiling with 2TB vinegar with either lemon or orange peels, carrot tops, celery seed, ground cumin, or ground turmeric, or even mix a couple of them up, and see what you come up with.

If your kids would enjoy hunting brown eggs, soak eggs in strong black coffee or tea, adding 2TB vinegar to help color "stick".

Boil eggs with 2TB vinegar and spinach leaves for green.

Try boiling eggs with vinegar and red cabbage leaves for blue, or soak in purple grape juice with vinegar added.

Use diluted purple grape juice with added vinegar to soak eggs in for lavender.

Turn your eggs pink by soaking in beet, cranberry, or red grape juice with 2TB added vinegar.

You can also use any of the colors of unsweetened kool-aid mix as a base to dye your eggs. I'm sure many of us have at some point had "kool-aid" fingers while making a batch for the kids! Or use regular food coloring and follow the directions printed on the box.

Have fun coloring those eggs!!! And if you come up with any other great combinations or ideas of homemade dyes, be sure to share!

Adult Literacy: How to Help When You Don't Have Time

2012-04-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

"I'd love to teach an adult to read, but I just don't have time." We've all been there- when the list of want-to's is longer than the day. You can still make a difference in your community and promote adult literacy without dedicating a lot of time. Here's how:

- Donate used books. When you finish a novel or your little one outgrows a story, pass it on to a local organization that offers reading classes and tutors. Homeless shelters, prisons, and job skills training groups can also use your gently-loved books.

- Talk about it. Let friends and family know that adult illiteracy is a real problem. Share the statistics (1 in 7 American adults cannot read) via social media and face-to-face conversation. Ask them how they can help.

- Inspire teens. Most schools now require volunteer hours for high school graduation. Encourage the young adults in your life to tutor someone struggling with reading.

- Lend financial support. Organize, participate in, or purchase from a bake sale or other fundraiser for literacy programs in your area. Cut out one cup of coffee a week and donate it.

It doesn't take a lot of time or money to improve adult literacy, but small gestures can make a huge impact on lives in your community.

Easter Trifle

2012-04-03T07:00:00.001-04:00

We made this dessert for a party, and it's so yummy! It's a cross between a strawberry shortcake and a cheesecake type dessert. So good!!!

Easter Trifle

Ingredients:

2 16oz containers fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
16 oz. cream cheese, softened at room temp
2 cups confectioner's sugar
8 oz. sour cream
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
8 oz. whipped topping, thawed
1 prepared angel food cake, torn or cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Wash strawberries, removing stems, then slice and toss them with the granulated sugar. Set aside.

2. To prepare the filling, combine the cream cheese and confectioner's sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in sour cream and vanilla.

3. Fold the Cool Whip into the cheese mixture. Gently fold in chopped angel food cake.

4. Starting with the cream/cake mixture, layer 1/3 of your cake, followed by 1/3 of your strawberries. Repeat twice more, ending by topping the trifle with the last of the strawberries.

5. Cover and refrigerate at least three hours before serving. Enjoy!

April M.O.M./Getting to Knox the KM Staff!

2012-04-02T07:00:00.002-04:00

Get to know our Grief and PPD Support Group Moderator...

Kimberly!!!

What's your name? Kimberly Sebeck

How did you come up with your username: I live in Knoxville and I'm a doula.

Can you describe yourself personality wise? I am very compassionate and caring, but I really love to have fun and laugh, too.

Where are you from? I am originally from the Daytona Beach, FL, area.

Tell us a little bit about your family: My husband is 8 yrs younger than me, we have been together for almost 5 years now and I couldn't be happier. My daughter will be turning 15 in May. We have furry family members, too, including four dogs, 2 cats, and a guinea pig.

How did you find KM? The original founder and I were friends on MySpace (remember that?!) and she invited me to join. I'm so glad I did.

What is your favorite forum in KM and why? The TTC and Pregnancy forum -- I just love all things concerning pregnancy and babies.

What do you like best about KM? I like that it is a safe place for me to share my feelings and make good friends.

Can you share your favorite memory of your child(ren)? It's hard to pick a favorite, but there was one night my daughter and I were laying in her bed and we got to giggling really hard and snapping silly photos.

Are you a part of a committee or leadership on KM and if yes, what do you like about it? I moderate the PPD forum and the Grief forum.. while both are not what anyone could call enjoyable, I like the fact that the forums exist to vent or ask questions and feel supported.

If you could tell everyone on KM one random thing about you what would it be? I didn't see the movie E.T. until I was 30 years old.

April Birthdays!

2012-04-02T07:00:00.001-04:00

KnoxvilleMommies would like to wish all of our members celebrating birthdays in March a great big Happy Birthday!!!

Sara - April 01
paulnjulie - April 01
AbigailsMom - April 05
hnbales - April 08
giraffe4all - April 08
WalkingbyFaith - April 09
crzmomo3 - April 11
missymoo413 - April 13
Kaceyharris3111 - April 13
lemonyemilyo - April 14
laurens - April 20
DIYMommy - April 22
arbrown123 - April 22
casden - April 24
BGarmon10 - April 24
Gagesmommy42811 - April 25
sbbeatnik - April 25
KymberlyMcD - April 26
jeschaefer - April 26
swirtz1010 - April 28
jcox429 - April 29
landynsmommy1027 - April 29
CartersMomny - April 29
jadcock - April 30

Area Easter Events

2012-03-30T08:14:00.003-04:00

Spring is in full swing, and Easter is next week, which means there are tons of fun things to do with the family around the area both this weekend and next. Be sure to take advantage of some of these great events.

This Weekend:

Fountain City Egg Hunt - Fountain City Park, Saturday, March 31st from 9am to 12pm. The Annual Fountain City Easter Egg Hunt is a yearly tradition bringing together kids of all ages and their parents to enjoy a fun day of food, vendors, games and, of course, Easter egg hunting! The event is free and open to the public, so we hope you’ll join us. There will also be a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Hunts:

Ages 4-7 – Starts at 9:30 am
Ages 1-3 – Starts at 10:15 am
Ages 8-12 - Starts at 11:00 am

*Notes: No parents will be allowed in egg hunt area. Small kids must be walking on their own! Please bring your own Easter basket.

Some of the prizes will included stuffed animals, games, Easter baskets, toys, and bikes.

Smart Toys and Books O'Hare Port:March 31 – April 7 – Live Bunnies Arrive at O’Hare Port – Visit with live bunnies all week during regular store hours. Bring cameras to take pictures. All ages. No charge.

Easter Photos with 4-H Animals at Mayo Garden Center- Saturday, March 31st at the Emory Rd location from 1pm – 4pm.

Bring your children & cameras to take photos of your kids with live 4-H rabbits, chickens, & lambs. 4-H youth will help handle the animals & answer questions about their livestock project. An adult volunteer will be taking photos as well. Recommended $5 donation. Benefits Knox Co. 4-H livestock project.

Egg Hunt and Celebration @ Wallace Memorial Baptist Church - Saturday, March 31st from 10 - 12 @ Wallace Memorial on Merchants Dr. Food, crafts, music, inflatables, and an egg hunt with over 4000 eggs!!! For ages birth through 5th grade, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own basket!

Egg Hunt @ Middlebrook Pike UMC - Easter event @ Middlebrook Pike UMC located at 7234 Middlebrook Pike. Saturday, March 31st from 11-1pm. Games, inflatables, lunch, prizes, and an egg hunt. Free. For children up through 5th grade.

Coming Next Week:

Smart Toys and Books O'Hare Port:March 31 – April 7 – Live Bunnies Arrive at O’Hare Port – Visit with live bunnies all week during regular store hours. Bring cameras to take pictures. All ages. No charge.

Easter Egg Hunt @ Big Ridge State Park - Saturday April 7th

Join us for our 14th Annual Easter Egg Hunt featuring 12,000 eggs, each with a prize or candy. Egg hunts will be divided up into four separate age groups! Some eggs will have extra prizes, with a grand prize in each group. Different groups run at different times, so be sure to call ahead for your age groups. Win bicycle, tricycles, wagons, and toys! Bring the whole family and spend the day at the park! Contact the park office at 865-992-5523.

Easter Storytime @ Barnes and Noble - Hoppy Easter! Storytime
We will be reading a selection of spring and Easter themed stories.

Saturday April 07, 2012 11:00 AM
Suburban Plaza, 8029 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, 865-670-0773

Star 102.1 FM and Zuma Fun Center's 17th Annual Easter Bunny Trail - Saturday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to Noon @ Zuma Fun Center, 400 N. Peters Road in Knoxville

Star 102.1 invites you and your family to our 17th Annual Easter Bunny Trail, presented by the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril!

Bring the kids for this free event, and make your way through the miniature golf course to collect eggs, prizes, treats, and more! Remember to bring the kids' Easter baskets!

Celebrate Easter with Star 102.1 and our best friends! See you there!

A special thanks to the Bearden High School Key Club for their volunteer work with this event every year.

Washington Pike United Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 7, from 10-12 @ 2241 Washington Pike. Free. Open to children up through 5th grade.

New Market Volunteer Fire Department Easter Parade and Egg Hunt -

The New Market Volunteer Fire Department will be sponsoring their first annual Easter parade and egg hunt. The Easter Eggstravaganza will take place on Saturday, April 7. The parade will begin lining up at 11 a.m. along Old Andrew Johnson Highway. The parade will start at 11:30 a.m. en route to the New Market Fire Department. Everyone is invited to participate in the parade with Easter floats, antique vehicles, horses, ATVs, marching bands, etc. After the parade, an egg hunt for all ages is planned at the New Market Fire Department. There will be different age groups and a prize egg for each group. The Easter bunny will be available for photos with your camera. There will also be a puppet show and refreshments available for sale, as well as live music. Please contact Sammy Solomon at the New Market Fire Department at (865) 475-4064 or Shannon Cunningham at (865) 621-4244 for more information.

Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast with the Easter Bunny -

“Here comes Peter Cottontail, Hopping down the Bunny Trail…” And that bunny trail leads to the Pigeon Forge Community Center. On Saturday, April 7 your kids can have brunch with the Easter Bunny and then take part in an Easter egg hunt. What better way is there to kick off your Easter festivities. The brunch will take place at Old Mill Square at 8am with the Easter egg hunt following at 10am.

Start the Saturday before Easter off with a good wholesome breakfast hosted by the Easter Bunny himself. After breakfast there will drawings for door prizes and games for all the kids to enjoy. Breakfast is catered in and there is a charge for the breakfast so get your tickets before they run out. This is one of the few events that have a cost involved. There is a limited amount of space so if you are planning to attend make sure to make your reservations quickly.

Following breakfast with the Easter Bunny there will be an Easter Egg Hunt. This Easter Egg Hunt is held every year, the Saturday before Easter at the Pigeon Forge City Park. There are 4 age groups to make sure that all the children get to participate and the start times for the different age groups are staggered so that parents with kids in different age groups won’t miss a thing. The age groups are: 3 and under, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. This is a free event, open to everyone. Celebrate Easter with a great family event! Whether you are a local or a tourist bring your kids to the Pigeon Forge Community Center and have a Happy Easter.

Purchase your ticket at the Community Center Front Desk or by calling 865-429-7373.

West End Center Merchants' Association, Farragut, TN: Easter Festival - Saturday, April 7th, from 11 to 2 p.m. @ 151 West End Ave, in the West End Shopping Center.

This FREE family-oriented event is open to the public. With the benefit of sponsorships from the merchants of the West End Center, the event will feature a number of children's activities, including a large bounce house, trackless train, egg hunts, face painting (provided by KnoxvilleMommies), live music, a 911 simulator, bomb squad robot, fire truck, ambulance, and a visit from the Easter Bunny!!!

Easter Egg Suncatchers

2012-03-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

Try this cute craft idea that is not only perfect for Easter (or any other holiday depending on the colors and shapes you use), but also helps recycle those old crayon bits and stubs you have around the house!

Easter Egg Suncatchers

You will need:

2 sheets (or more) of wax paper
Crayon shavings in Easter colors (use a pencil sharpener and old broken crayons)
Sheet of blank paper or small towel
Iron
String for hanging

Lay a piece of wax paper on a surface safe for ironing. Sprinkle crayon shavings sparingly (they spread quite a bit) over the wax paper. Top with the second sheet of wax paper, then cover with the blank sheet of paper. Using your iron, on medium heat, press down and make a few swipes over the paper to melt the crayons. It should only take a few seconds. Remove the top paper (or towel) and let the wax paper with the melted crayons cool. Trace and cut into cute Easter shapes, using the string to hang in a window. Looks really pretty when the sun hits them!

You can also use to make hearts, flowers, etc, and use for any other holiday or season!

Brandy's Deviled Eggs

2012-03-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

Here's a recipe just in time for your Easter dinner menus! Enjoy.

Brandy's Deviled Eggs
Submitted by Brandy Bowen

Every time I make these, they are gone within minutes. Hope you enjoy

12 hard boiled eggs
4 tbsp mayo
4 tbsp miracle whip
1 tsp regular mustard (I use French's)
1/2 tsp spicy brown mustard (I use Gulden's)
1/2 tsp hot & Spicy mustard (I use Woeber's)
Pepper - optional
Paprika - optional

In medium bowl, mix mayo, miracle whip, and mustard's.
Cut eggs lengthwise and remove yolk and place into small bowl.
With all yolks in small bowl, take fork and smash till it almost makes a paste.
Take yolks and mix into mayo mix.
Place mix into Ziploc bag, cut the corner off and pipe into eggs. Easy and cuts down on mess.

You can add pepper and paprika if you want, but I don't use them.

St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Cupcakes!

2012-03-14T07:55:00.003-04:00

My girls and I have been making this yummy treat for St. Patrick's Day for the last few years. We've taken them to church and parties, and they are always a big hit with the kids and adults alike. They take a bit more time than a normal cake, but it's so worth the smiles you get. Enjoy!

Rainbow Cupcakes

Ingredients:

One box of your favorite brand white cake mix
Food coloring (red, blue, green, and yellow)
Baking cups
1 tub of cool whip

Instructions:

Prepare your cake mix as directed, then divide the batter evenly among six small bowls. Use the food coloring, and the list below, to dye each bowl of batter a different rainbow color.

Purple - 9 red and 6 blue drops
Blue - 12 drops
Green - 12 drops
Yellow - 12 drops
Orange - 12 yellow and 4 red drops
Red - 18 drops

Line 16 muffin pan wells with baking cups. Evenly distribute the purple batter among the cups, then the blue, and so on, following the order shown in the list. As you go, gently spread each layer of batter with the back of a spoon to cover the color underneath.

Bake the cupcakes according to your recipe directions. Before serving remove the paper wrapping top each cupcake with a whipped-cream cloud.

An Ounce of Prevention: Literacy

2012-03-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

One of the easiest ways to raise adult literacy rates is to ensure that children learn to read. Instill a love of reading at an early age by trying some of these simple things:

Be a good example- become a regular at your local library. Read for pleasure and for knowledge.

Establish family story night- turn off the tv for a night and discuss what you are reading with your family. Play storytelling games. Retell the family history or keep a family journal of interesting daily events.

Volunteer- donate an hour a week at a local school, library, or church. Start your own storytime circle or tutor a struggling student.

Read to and with your children- make reading part of your family's routine, as a group and individually. Include storytime during sleepovers or longer playdates. Re-live your childhood adventures by reading classic chapter books together.

Make reading fun- Bring the stories to life with silly voices and encourage the children to act out their favorite scenes. Read the book before seeing the movie.

Throughout March The Mommies Network and its local chapters are lovingly recognizing Adult Literacy Month. We encourage you to find ways to increase adult literacy in your community.

March is Adult Literacy Month

2012-03-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

One in seven American adults cannot read this blog according to the U.S. Department of Education's National Assessment of Adult Literacy. The Mommies Network is teaming up with local organizations across the country this month to promote adult literacy. As leaders in our communities, we are dedicated to improving the world around us, one mom at a time.

Reading impacts our daily lives in ways many take for granted: From understanding a utility bill to helping a child with homework, literacy is an essential skill. Without reading, adults have difficulty finding a job or getting promoted, participating in their child's schooling, and keeping up with important local and world issues. Even grocery shopping can be a daunting task.

Imagine your day without the benefit of reading. Find ways you can volunteer your time, your talent, or your resources by visiting Volunteer Guide and join The Mommies Network in promoting adult literacy.

March M.O.M./Getting to Know the KM Staff!

2012-03-01T21:34:00.005-05:00

Get to know our Fundraising Manager...

Beverley!!!

What's your name? Beverley Shepherd

How did you come up with your username: It's my and my son's names.

Can you describe yourself personality wise? I can be very outgoing, but I have a very shy insecure side.

Where are you from? I am from Denver, CO, but have lived in Palmdale, CA, Atchison, KS, and Clearwater, FL.

Tell us a little bit about your family: I have a hubby that I love and adore, who puts up with me to a degree that many wouldn't. I have an 11 year old son that surprises me every day on his accomplishments and abilities I didn't know he had, a 12 year old step-daughter that lives in Indiana, and a 4 year old niece named Cloey that has taught me that I know absolutely nothing about being a parent.

How did you find KM? It was so long ago, but I believe google.

What is your favorite forum in KM and why? I really like the Domestic Goddesses forum. I have gotten some wonderful recipes and great craft ideas from there.

What do you like best about KM? Being able to talk online with other moms. Sometimes it's nice to be able to see how to deal with an issue or be able to tell another mom from an experience I have had.

Can you share your favorite memory of your child(ren)? When Paul and I got married, we were in Denver driving home, and Aleah was so excited to have a little brother that she told everyone from Denver to Indiana that Sage was her little brother. Sage was mad that someone called him little, he was proud of being a big boy, so he told everyone that he wasn't her little brother and not to listen to her. We left a wake of confused store, restaurant, and gas station attendants behind us.

Are you a part of a committee or leadership on KM and if yes, what do you like about it? I am the Fundraising Manager and part of the Events Committee. I like being able to find neat and fun ways to bring money into the group.

If you could tell everyone on KM one random thing about you what would it be? I have never had a license to drive, and am actually happy like that.

March Birthdays!

2012-03-01T21:18:00.010-05:00

KnoxvilleMommies would like to wish all of our members celebrating birthdays in March a great big Happy Birthday!!!

DixieFriday - March 01

MamaBird - March 04

MsLindsey - March 05

angelmom7511 - March 06

MRHcop123 - March 08

candaceyw - March 09

MommyOf4 - March 11

jbet2011 - March 12

jenn0919 - March 13

ddeoliver - March 14

LeslieL0314 - March 14

ahenson07 - March 15

darktreefairy - March 16

Lakermom - March 17

MommaMitchell - March 20

lovin-every-minute - March 26

Ryleighsmommy - March 28

jbirdie78 - March 29

Free Premium Membership Access for a Limited Time

2012-02-28T17:00:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder what's so special about Premium Access to the National Forum? For a limited time The Mommies Network is offering FREE access to premium content like Debate This and Buy/Sell/Swap to all members.
See what you've been missing by logging on to http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/index.php and get started today.

Free Premium Access is available to all current and new members of The Mommies Network National Forum. It is available NOW through April 30th.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cake

2012-02-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

This cake is so delicious, but very rich! It's a favorite of my family, and is one of my most requested pot-luck contributions.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cake

Cake:
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 1/2 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
12 ounces shredded coconut
1 cup finely chopped pecans

For cake: Pour water over the oats in a bowl, and set aside to stand while mixing cake. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla. Add in the flour mixture, and mix well. Stir in oats. Pour into a greased and floured 13x9 inch pan. Bake 30-40 minutes at 350*.

While cake bakes, make topping: Mix brown sugar and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Add butter. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Add vanilla, coconut, and pecans and stir. Spread onto hot cake when cake comes out of oven, and stick under the broiler for just a few seconds until the topping bubbles. Cool slightly and serve.