LakeNormanMommies

Wordless Wednesday

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

Photo submitted by MommaMegan

Boys Will Be Boys

2012-05-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

I wish I had my wits about me enough this morning to take a picture of what I came down stairs to find waiting for me.

Little Man has definitely embraced the Terrible Twos. In a bad, bad way. The temper tantrums are bad enough, but the deviance...the deviance is well beyond anything we ever dealt with during The Girl's progress through the 2s, 3s, and 4s. You literally can not turn your back on him. This makes showering especially interesting. I'm basically a captive for 10 minutes. What can Little Man accomplish in 10 minutes you ask?

5 packages of Post-It Flags - distributed over random surfaces
2 Pads of Post-It Notes - same fate as the flags
Approximately 200 business cards - scattered across my desk and through the family room
At least a half dozen new short-cuts on my desktop
1 mostly full bottle of hand soap - distributed between the kitchen window, sink and counter top
The dogs' water bowl - emptied into the powder room floor
The dogs' food bowl - refilled with food (Really?! You took a break to feed the dogs?)
The dogs' food - Not only did he refill their bowl, but he also put a few cups into the powder room sink

Seriously, I kid you not. All in 10 minutes. And very, very quietly.

When I came downstairs and found him, he looked right at me - before I even got the first word out of my mouth - and said 'sorry mommy' and sat in the middle of the family room floor, effectively putting himself in time-out.

On the upside, the kitchen sink, kitchen counter top, powder room sink and powder room floor have all been thoroughly cleaned this morning.

What trouble have your little ones caused when left to their own devices? Tell me that I'm not alone...

--Written by Jamie (jamierippy). Originally posted on her blog, MamaMommyMom, on March 23, 2012.

For Our Heroes

2012-05-28T09:30:00.000-04:00

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."

~Joseph Campbell

Today we honor the brave men and women who have fallen in defense of this nation.

Let us also take a moment to appreciate those who still stand and serve.

Our hearts are with you and your families.

We thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Time is running out!

2012-05-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

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!

This Week with the Mommies

2012-05-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

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

Monday, May 28
Walk in the Park - Join the K-16ers at the park. The little ones can play while the mommies get a little exercise.

Tuesday, May 29
Play Date and Cupcakes - Join the K-17ers for some coffee and cupcakes (or scones or another breakfast pastry) and a little conversation.
Business Card Swap - Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to meet and network with fellow mompreneurs!

Wednesday, May 30
Park Play Date - Let's meet at the park for some fun in the sun.
Mom's Night Out - Join us for an MNO at one of our favorite Southern Iredell establishments.

Thursday, May 31

Park Date - Join us at the park and let the kids run off some energy.

Friday, June 1

Play Date - Let's grab a coffee and meet at the play place at the mall.
Park Date - The K-14ers are meeting at the park for some fun in the sun.

Join Our Team!

2012-05-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give." ~Winston Churchill

LakeNormanMommies relies entirely on volunteers from our chapter membership to help our community grow and thrive as a fantastic support resource for the moms in our area. We are currently searching for a qualified candidate to fill the role of Finance Manager. Part of The Mommies Network philosophy states, “No one should have to pay a fee to make a friend.” The Finance Manager is a crucial part of making that possible and making it available for mothers to find support in a safe, secure, and free place.

The Finance Manager works to oversee the general financial position of the site and give guidance to the management team. She will submit site deposits and check requests and maintain the site budget.

The Finance Manager is a part of the Community Management Team and is also expected to participate in management discussions as needed. She must be able to work with many different types of people and be open-minded and non-discriminatory. She must maintain confidentiality and act impartially. This is a great position for a mom who is looking to add to her resume. If you are interested in this position or would like more information, please contact The_Admin_Team.

Want to learn more about other volunteer opportunities on LakeNormanMommies? Be sure to check the Help Wanted forum to stay up-to-date on ways you can give back to your fellow mommies and support our mission: to provide a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, parents, and community leaders.

We're on our way!

2012-05-25T16:20:00.001-04:00

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

Mom of the Week - weekendwidow

2012-05-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to our LakeNormanMommies Mom of the Week, weekendwidow!

1. What's your name?
Dana

2. How did you come up with your username?
My hubby works for an NHRA Dragracing team and is never home. So I thought it would be perfect.

3. Where are you from originally?
Mooresville all my life.

4. Are you better in person or online, socially?
In person, I have a sense of humor that I can't relay on the computer.

5. We know being a Mommy is a full-time job, do you also do something outside of the home? (work, school, volunteer, etc)
I volunteer as a GAL for Iredell County and at the Christian Mission food pantry

6. Tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 3 wonderful kids and 1 grandson who will be 4 in August, I am married to Sonny who is the love of my life, he's gone a lot, maybe this helps our love.

7. How did you find LKNM?
I did a search of mom support groups and voila, here we are.

8. What is your favorite forum and why?
I love Day Trips, because I love to travel. Even if I don't leave the county I live in, I like to see new stuff.

9. Are you (or have you ever been) a part of a committee or leadership on LKNM?
Last year I became part of the event committee, I love LKNM and leadership would not be out of the question. I just like to see creative crafty powerful women together and that makes me smile.

10. If you could share one random thing about you what would it be?
I love classic country music, I know every word of all those oldies. I was raised on this music and it just stuck.

11. What would your dream *Mommy Ride* be?
1972 Chevy Station Wagon, oh to go back in time and see my momma driving one of these around hauling us kids here and there.

12. What’s your favorite coffee drink?
Coffee with cream & sugar.

Sleep Tight, Don't Let The Fruity Doughnuts Bite!

2012-05-24T07:45:00.000-04:00

As a general rule, I am not a picky sleeper.

I can pretty much sleep anywhere, anytime, in any condition. I'm the girl that can curl up in an un-reclined la-z-boy without so much as a throw pillow and wake up feeling totally refreshed after a pretzel-y 8 hours. When I'm pregnant, however - this isn't the case. The anywhere-anytime part still holds true for the most part - but I need a very specific arrangement of pillows (and many of them) to get myself comfortable. With babies as big as I make, I'm sure this is no surprise.

Once I'm snoozing though, the dreaming is....ridiculous. And this is true, pregnancy or not! I have one of those relentless, vivid imaginations - and that's true even if I'm not conscious. Ask any number of my friends about the ridiculous dream recaps I've filled them in on! I remember emotions and pictures and colors and smells - clear as day.

Being that I'm 4 weeks away from lactating and never sleeping, I don't think it's a shocker to tell you that I'm dreaming about birth, hospital stays, recovery, and the baby himself - in vivid detail. I've seen his face multiple times - sometimes up close, sometimes I'm looking at pictures of him or I'm watching myself send around texts announcing his arrival. I even had one dream where I watched a nurse measure him and with wide eyes announce that he was a whopping 10lbs 15oz (which is obviously my mind's great exaggeration of what he feels like).

Last night, though - I started dreaming in CRAVINGS!

I've had this insatiable hunger for all things fatty, sugary, and terrible for you. Cake, cookies, ice cream, brownies, muffins - you name it, I would love to devour more than my fair share (and my husband's, and my son's, and yours). Yesterday, while flipping through the newest edition of Living, I literally started to DROOL and immediately ran to the pantry to stuff my face with Voortman's Tea Rings. I'm not even going to tell you how many I ate, especially since I just provided you with the nutritional facts. Yes, every craving indulgence comes with a side of shame.

(BTW, I'm attributing these cravings to the fact that a fetus' main objective in the final weeks of pregnancy is to pack on fat so it's all baby's fault! This stuff better be collecting in squishy chubby rolls on HIS body and not mine!)

In last night's dream world, I was attending Bingo with my mom and sister. We arrived extremely early to a hall I've never seen before (and I've been around the Bingo circuit!). Since we had SO much spare time (seriously, we were there like an hour early to "get good seats" - who, under the age of 90, does that?!), my mom decided that she wanted to run out for some doughnuts. This is actually a pretty realistic scenario. My mom's impulsion to indulge in a craving is probably comparable to the one I harbor while pregnant. She and my sister set out to Dunkin' Donuts, and returned with a box of doughnuts large enough to feed a police squad. After resisting for a short time (and seriously sweating about it), I decided to mosey on over to the box and find a doughnut.

Disaster.

There I stood, in my salivating, impulsive glory, staring down at dozens of jelly and fruit-filled doughnuts. Strawberry, cherry, blueberry, apple - all running rampant through the sugar-sprinkled confections. I frantically tossed pastries aside, searching for ONE bavarian cream, chocolate glazed, or even PLAIN (for goodness sake)! Flip after flip I found sugary, fruity disappointments. Steaming, I marched off to my mom and sister (who were standing in the snack bar line to buy coffee) and DEMANDED to know where all of the GOOD doughnuts were. They pointed towards the box, which is when I exploded in a fury - loudly (embarrassingly) declaring "fruity doughnuts are disgusting, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" I was met with a feeble, "well that's the kind we like!" - and just like that, the scene shifted.

Suddenly we were no longer at bingo. It was like their declaration of love for fruity doughnuts set me so far over the edge, I spontaneously transported to another time and place.

My mom was with me, and we were vising a preschool classroom. I was a college student again, and I'm not entirely sure why my mom was with me - but she came along to observe their method of doing things. I know that at least this part of the dream was due to the book I was reading just before bed, but apparently a piece from my bingo nightmare carried over. And I suppose it was so traumatic, that I brought more than my doughnut anger - I brought the source of the frustration with me, too - my mom.

So there we were, sitting at a small table at the back of the classroom, directly in front of a white board. I somehow received a message from a manager at The Mommies Network about writing an article on doughnuts. In an instant, I was flowing with energy - desperate to respond to her about letting ME write the article since I'd just had the PERFECT situation to draw experience from. Apparently, the white board could transmit messages to the forum (yeah, I don't know...), so I stood up and started writing. I can still picture it.

"O.M.G. Let me take this one! I just had the most frustrating doughnut experience - my mom bought all of the disgusting ones...."

And before I could finish, my husband was there with his hand on my arm. I turned to him, and with a look of utter disappointment that read "don't embarrass yourself in front of the professionals in this classroom" he shook his head and said, "Babe, no."

And it was at this moment that I woke up, frozen in the exact same position that I fell asleep in (I told you, I sleep HARD) - with my husbands hand actually on my arm, trying to tell me that our son was awake.

I groggily filled hubs in on the ridiculous details, and he laughed (as expected), teasing me with an exaggerated "Let the doughnuts go! It's not worth it!!!".

Excuse me.

Cravings are no laughing matter! Not to a nearly-nine-months-pregnant woman. Fulfilling them ranks up there with completing the nursery and installing a car seat. He should know that by now!

I suppose this ended up being a dream come true, considering I'm here - writing this for you. I actually did get to fulfill one craving - I'm filling wonderful women of The Mommies Network in on the horrible disappointment of fruit-filled doughnuts, and expressing the importance of the ones containing some form of chocolate. What would you do without me? You can now have pleasant, pregnant, yummy doughnut dreams.

You're welcome.

--Jenn, member of The Mommies Network's Content Team.
Originally published on The Mommies Network blog on June 30, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

2012-05-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Photo submitted by Newmommie

We're on our way!

2012-05-23T07:11:00.000-04:00

Spotlight on Support: Post Partum Depression

2012-05-22T07:40:00.000-04:00

As part of The Mommies Network, LakeNormanMommies is a free community for moms in the Lake Norman Area, North Carolina. We realize that all moms need local support -- and who can't use another friend? LakeNormanMommies offers a simple way to connect with local moms for friendship, support and fun. In addition to general discussion forums, LakeNormanMommies offers a variety of specialized support forums for moms to discuss challenges and celebrate successes with other moms in similar situations. One such source of support is the Post Partum Depression (PPD) forum.

PPD Support is a private (hidden) forum open to members who are currently experiencing PPD, think they may be experiencing PPD, or members who have experienced PPD in the past and want to support other moms currently dealing with this issue. If you fit the criteria for membership, email ppdmod@lakenormanmommies.com to request access to this private group. The forum is moderated by a member of The Leadership Team.

The Mommies Network needs your help!

2012-05-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

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.

On Grief and Parenting

2012-05-20T21:03:00.000-04:00

The following article appeared originally on The Mommies Network Blog, May 3, 2011.

I had a plan to write my first article for The Mommies Network about parenting while living with grief. I tend to ruminate on things for days before sitting down to begin the process of writing which, since I became a first time parent, has meant that much of my writing has dropped off dramatically – sometimes I find it so difficult to think of what to write on the grocery list, I can't imagine writing anything coherent from the muddle of thoughts in my head!

This though – this is important. It's about how we embrace life after we have experienced great loss. It's about how we live our authentic selves while shielding the people we love, particularly our children, from the chasm we sometimes fall into. It's about finding our way back to joy everyday.

You finally fall asleep.

Out of pure exhaustion, more than anything, you sleep for a few hours. When you awake, there's a split second where everything is ok, before your brain has quite realized that it's opened your eyes and you are about to begin thinking about what exciting things the day offers.

Then you remember and it feels like your ribcage caved in. You pull the blankets over your head and contract, silently screaming, trying to do it where no one else will see, just as you'll do throughout the day. And you wonder why you should get up. Maybe, if you just close your eyes and sleep some more, when you open them again none of this will be true.

But it is and there's nothing to do, so you get up and go through the motions, knowing that if you keep yourself productive, eventually you will be able to get through a day without those silent screams, even if your heart feels like it's got a great big gash in it.

This is the human condition. What I'm feeling is no more unique that what any one person feels when they lose a loved one.

I wrote the above piece 4 years, 10 months, and 8 days ago - 2 days after my younger brother, Ian, died on a summer night in Alaska, 215 miles from where my sister and I had fallen asleep in our home after our Solstice bonfire had been rained out.

I live in numbers now – 7 days until the day he would have turned 30. 1 month, 19 days until the 5th anniversary of his death. My son has been on the planet for 6 months and 6 days without knowing his uncle.

A week ago, Easter Sunday, I was getting ready to bring my son, S, to the church where my partner, a divinity school student, is the membership coordinator. The morning had been easy and I was feeling silly, so when my sister wished us a "Happy Zombie Jesus Day," I pulled a face and goofed with S, talking in a death metal voice about all the fun things we would do at church that day. I stood up, caught my breath, and immediately broke down. See, Ian loved music and, while in college, he dj'd a weekly metal music show. In those 5 minutes of play, it felt like he was there with me, making S laugh while head banging away.

The rest of the day I was in a funk, which is pretty much the absolute worst way for a future minister's wife to behave on Easter. I have carefully crafted a veneer over the years since Ian died, a solid grin that can usually mask even the deepest fissures in my heart for the moments I need to be present and joyful even when I feel hollow inside. There is something about parenting, though, that is peeling away that veneer, leaving me raw again.

I think it's partly a matter of grieving once again, this time on behalf of my parents, now knowing the connection that one can have with a child. I'm also, obviously, grieving for all of the things S won't experience with my brother, the things that Ian could have taught him that my partner and I will never be able to.

With that renewal of grief comes, first, the internal narrative saying, "Oh EFF this! Haven't I already done this every day for almost 5 years? I just started being able to get through a day without zoning out in abject sorrow and now I'm back to breaking down in a puddle of tears again????" And then, fear follows.

Fear that I will once again be encompassed by that loss, that I will struggle to function at even the most basic level. I have a family to nurture now – I have no time for grief! On top of that, I want to protect my boy from the empty spot in my life, the ache that had doused the spark in my eyes until he came along.

The reality is that living with grief is part of being my whole self, though. I have been irrevocably changed by the experience of losing Ian and, while it's important that I remain in a space where I can care give and also participate in good self care, part of being in that place is allow myself moments to let grief through the door, to give it it's own special place of value in my house.

During these next 7 weeks, the hardest time of the year for processing through my memories, I am going to adventure intentionally with my son. Once a week, from today until June 21st, I am going to choose an activity that my brother would have loved to do and I'm going to experience it with S.

I wonder if this is how we find ways of moving through the dark moments: shielding the new slivers of light we help to create in the world while slowly building up that flame of joy so that the shadows stay in the corners where we can visit them when we need to, but are not overwhelmed by their presence.

~ Julia Terry, member of The Mommies Network Content Team

A Moment of Silence

2012-05-20T15:24:00.000-04:00

LakeNormanMommies is observing a moment of silence today, May 20, 2012, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in honor of Lara Baum. Lara, one of our beloved members, passed away unexpectedly this month. Out of respect for Lara's family, our chapter forums will be locked during today's memorial service. We thank you for your understanding and for joining us in this gesture of support for Lara's family and friends.

This Week with the Mommies

2012-05-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

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

Monday, May 21
Meet & Greet - Join us for bagels, coffee, and conversation.

Tuesday, May 22
Play Date - The K17ers are getting together for a play date. Siblings are welcome!
Park Date - Let's hit the playground and wear out the kids in time for naps.

Wednesday, May 23
Play Date - Help on of our K16ers break in their new sandbox. All ages are welcome!
Park Date - Join us at the park for some fun in the sun.
PPD Play Date - A special meet up for members of our private PPD Support Group.

Thursday, May 24
Story Time - Parents/caregivers of children ages 0-23 months are invited to join us at the library for Baby & Me Story Time.
Game Night - Come on out for Game Night! This is one of our most popular Mom's Night Out events.

Friday, May 25
Pottery Painting - Let's get a head start on a Father's Day gift.
Muppet Mayhem - Come watch a performance, play with puppets, and make your own special puppet to take home.

Saturday, May 26
Play Date - Let's meet up at the Farmer's Market for some shopping and play time.

We Need You

2012-05-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” -Aesop

LakeNormanMommies relies entirely on volunteers from our chapter membership to help our community grow and thrive as a fantastic support resource for the moms in our area. We are currently searching for a qualified candidate to fill the role of Events Manager. Having local events to attend encourages moms to enjoy life, interact with others (we all know how important ‘adult’ time is!) and make connections within their community. The Events Manager facilitates this.

The Events Manager will work closely with the Community Outreach Manager and the Sponsorship Manager in planning our large sitewide events, such as the chapter birthday party, Trunk-or-Treat, and the summer picnic. She is also responsible for recruiting and supporting coordinators for select initiatives, such as K-Groups and Book Club, and will work with the Area Group Moderators and the User Group Manager to coordinate efforts. As part of the Community Management Team, the Events Manager is also expected to participate in management discussions as needed. She must be able to work with many different types of people, be open-minded and non-discriminatory. She must maintain confidentiality and act impartially.

The Events Manager should have a passion for LakeNormanMommies and for planning fantastic sitewide events for our member to enjoy, as well as assisting and coaching others in doing the same. No Event Planning experience is necessary although preference will be given to those individuals with a history in Event/Party Planning. This is a great position for a mom who is looking to add to her resume. If you are interested in this position or would like more information, please contact The_Admin_Team.

Want to learn more about other volunteer opportunities on LakeNormanMommies? Be sure to check the Help Wanted forum to stay up-to-date on ways you can give back to your fellow mommies and support our mission: to provide a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, parents, and community leaders.

Mom of the Week - mamabear11

2012-05-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to our LakeNormanMommies Mom of the Week, mamabear11!

1. What's your name?
Shauna

2. How did you come up with your username?
My husband and I have called each other "Mama" and "Papa" for years (because of our animals) and now that we have a baby, it just fits. The 11 is for the year my son was born.

3. Where are you from originally?
Southern California

4. Are you better in person or online, socially?
In person (once I know someone). I'm a little shy when I first meet people.

5. We know being a Mommy is a full-time job, do you also do something outside of the home? (work, school, volunteer, etc)
Yes, I work full time as a Department Manager for Wells Fargo Insurance. I am also taking online college courses in order to finish up my Bachelors degree. As for volunteering, I try to sign up for events through my work when time allows, but I'm not avidly involved in any one particular thing.

6. Tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage this Saturday and 14 years together. We have a 9 month old son together and I also have a 16 year old stepson who lives in Ohio but visits during the summer and for spring break. My Mom and Stepfather live in Stanley which is what brought us over to the Charlotte area.

7. How did you find LKNM?
I googled to see if there was a "Mommy connection" in this area since I knew of the TriangleMommies in Raleigh.

8. What is your favorite forum and why?
I really like the General Forum since there are a ton of Q& A's that pertain to me. I also like the Relocation forum which has helped me get to know things about this area and I like MOTC since I'm a working Mom it's nice to hear how other Mom's handle working and Mommyhood.

9. Are you (or have you ever been) a part of a committee or leadership on LKNM?
No I haven't. I really haven't ever considered it because I'm new to the network and I also have no idea what's involved!

10. If you could share one random thing about you what would it be?
I secretly love the Twilight movies (Team Edward!)

11. What would your dream *Mommy Ride* be?
It would be a white Volvo SUV (not sure of the name), or a black Range Rover.

12. What’s your favorite coffee drink?
Mmmm...I love all things Starbucks! Right now, my favorite is Toffee Mocha lattes.

The Gift of Sourdough

2012-05-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

Image from zebbakes.com

I'm on my second adventure with a wonderful little thing called sourdough starter. There are grand intentions when you begin this journey. Such as, I'll be making bread for my family! We'll be connecting to the past and saving the money that we use for bread each week. I'll learn to be a baker!

This feeling of euphoria lasts until about the third week for me. I've diligently made bread a grand total of four times and then I begin to loathe the task. Excuses come up for why I can't make the bread. I don't want to dirty the kitchen. We don't need that much bread anyway. I don't have time to make it tonight. I'm too sleepy. And then the guilt of killing the starter or just dumping the whole jar out sets in.

Wasn't I supposed to be enjoying this? Didn't I take this on so I could grow?

Over the past few weeks, I've started to see this little journey differently. Yes, it's nice to make bread and be accomplished. But what can I do with this little gift? It started by just running a warm loaf over to the neighbors across the street. Then a neighbor had surgery and luckily I had a loaf of bread to take her. Then a friend had a baby and I didn't even have to make bread. I took her muffins made from the starter. Yesterday, I carried around blueberry muffins knowing they had a purpose, but not quite sure what to do. Then I saw a sweet lady in her yard whose husband is very sick. I had a reason to stop, I needed to give her these muffins!

See there are lots of opportunities every day to stop and talk with someone or go out of your way to ask about someone in need. The thought that holds me back is, but I don't have anything to give. A quick word and smile just don't seem like enough. But a smile with a batch of muffins, now that's a reason to go, a reason to stop, a reason to speak.

This little burden of making has turned into an opportunity for giving. Thank you Leslie for giving me the starter and thank you Jesus for a chance to reach out. Muffins or a loaf of bread will not change someone's circumstances, but they have changed my attitude.

Question for you:
What do you have in your life that feels like a burden but can be used as a blessing for others?
Think about it and share what you learn. I'd love to hear from you.

--Wendy (wmcswain)
Originally published May 1, 2012 on the blog mcswaindesign.

Don't let this be goodbye!

2012-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

In order to protect the privacy of our members and provide an accurate membership count for our non-profit organization, LakeNormanMommies periodically prunes (deletes) inactive accounts. If you have not logged in and posted recently, your account may be in danger of being pruned.

We don't want to lose you!

To prevent your account from being deleted, simply log on and post one time before Saturday, May 19. One post in any forum, any topic is enough to reactivate your account. If you have forgotten your log in information, just send an email to admin@lakenormanmommies.com and we will retrieve it for you. If, by chance, your account is deleted, you are always welcome to re-register at www.lakenormanmommies.com.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-05-16T07:28:00.000-04:00

Photo submitted by CarrieM

Adventures in Pregnant "Racing"

2012-05-15T07:34:00.000-04:00

For the first time in my life, I started a race in the back of a pack — a pack of 1,400-plus runners. I'd like to thank pregnancy for this enlightening experience. To be honest, I didn't have much of a choice, I was delighted to be back on the race scene and soaking up the energy of all the other happy runners and supporters. It was Thanksgiving morning, and I was getting to run with my husband. Untainted joy coursed through my veins!

Life delivered some ups and downs in 2011. One of those downs was not getting to race — no road races and no triathlons. One of the ups is that I am pregnant. So, to be back in my element, I literally felt as if someone slipped LSD into my water bottle — not that I know what it's like to trip on LSD, seriously. I was running on all-natural euphoria! Training and racing are what I do and what brings me closest to my Creator. It is my passion, my relaxation, my meditation, and my freedom. It's not how I define myself, but more simply it is what I was born to do and what I thoroughly enjoy.

Wait, where was I? I digress. Back to Thanksgiving Day, hubby (Jeff), and Gallop & Gorge 8K in Carrboro, N.C. The gun goes off, and so do I, leaving my husband in the dust. Upon realizing we were pregnant, we made a pact: We would do as many road races together as we could, which meant starting and finishing together. How cool! Our own little Adventure Series! Piece of cake for a pregnant lady, but not cool when I am fit and fast and not pregnant, and refuse to be held back by anyone. On any given race day, I become Pavlov's dog, only the bell is replaced with a starting gun, and the food is replaced by the vision of a finish line. What remains the same is the drooling and the complete focus on getting what we want. And not even pregnancy thwarted this all too natural response of mine.

So, in my glazed-over state observed merely by my unbreaking stride and joyful grin, I take off, weaving my way through people I think are so wonderfully fantastic, but at the same time, just too slow for me to stay behind. Within the first few minutes, I realize Jeff is not beside me. I quickly turn around, remembering I am pregnant and hoping I don't get trampled on by other runners, or trip and fall over my Size 11 feet, I find him jumping trash cans and darting through people's yards to catch up to me. Oops. His comment: “What are you trying to do, beat all the other 1,000 pregnant women out here?” Clearly, he was irritated since I seemed to be the only pregnant woman out of 1,400 runners. Oops, again. But I felt great! Not even out of breath! I told him to stay by my side, and I'd get us to a clearing so we could settle into a stride. I was left with a stare, a very serious stare that stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 225 pounds. I released the accelerator, we laughed, and we trotted on to a strong yet relaxed 8:36/min pace and crossed the finish line together, holding hands.

Moving on to Dec. 3, 2011, and the Mistletoe Half Marathon, a historically epic race known for its postrace buffet, runners dressed in their best Santa Claus and elf attire, a hilly but beautiful course, and reuniting with old and new friends. For many, it is the last race of the season. I have done it every year since 2006 except for last year, when I traded my running shoes for margaritas and Bloody Marys on a Belize beach at 9 a.m. (honeymoon!). Not wanting to miss another Mistletoe and excited about crossing another finish line with Jeff, we signed up and began our preparations.

Twenty-six weeks pregnant and sporting a round belly, I toed the line and finished in 2 hours and 3 minutes (36 minutes slower than my previous race — see, I am taking things more conservatively!). The starting line was glorious! Cold but sunny and insulated by Jeff to my left and my two best gal pals to my right and 2,000 other runners infiltrating Sunset Avenue in Winston-Salem, N.C.'s West End. And this time, I received the starting gun with more awareness and took my time weaving through the start crowd.

Ahhh, but that didn’t last very long. It happened again: I got glazed over and entered the sixth dimension, Ma-la-la-Land, and I took off. But this time, Jeff didn’t catch me until mile marker 2.5. Feeling slightly guilty but secretly annoyed that he fell off the pace so soon, I glanced over and saw a large man dripping with sweat — gloves and hat already peeled off and dangling from his shorts. He gave me the nod that he was OK, so off we went, cruising along at about a 9:00 minute/mile pace.

How lucky was I? Really? Healthy, active, pregnant, and doing what I love with the man that I love — life is good (I know, pretty cliche of me). I suppose life was good until my bladder spoke up and just couldn't take it anymore at Mile 3. The one and only mobile toilet on the course was at Mile 6. I was in big trouble. The course was way too suburban for me to urinate on the curb, plus with all the cops directing the runners on the course, I was bound to be arrested for indecent exposure. My bladder held on, and I greeted that big green stinky toilet with excitement, but I was third in line. What?! This is going to kill our pace! Sweet, sweet Jeff waited for me and after three long minutes, and we were back on the course, running where, darn it, I took off again. I just felt so good. About 1 mile later at the apex of a hill, that tall stare peered down on me again, and a talk-to-the-hand gesture instantly flashed with his words reaching me loud and clear: “If you keep this up, you’ll be finishing alone.” I didn’t finish alone, and neither did he. We crossed again holding hands, shared a smile and wink, then headed straight for the food and water.

People have told me that having a child would change me, and subsequently, all that racing and career stuff will wane in importance. Yes, becoming a mother is an enormous game changer and a quite welcomed one. But wow, how intrusive for someone to assume or make a statement that I would change my outlook on the other loves of my life. Yes, they do take a back seat, but they are still a priority. By the way, I wonder if someone would ever say that to a man? I digress again. My son has given me the gift of patience, and he has given me a reason to want to work harder and strive for greatness. He has made me realize what is truly important in life, and in particular, in my life and my family's life.

Racing pregnant has been a blast! I have been somewhat forced to stop and smell the roses or perhaps, the aroma of sweaty runners, and notice a few things. Oftentimes, athletes forget all too quickly what a race can give back to us: fellowship, sharing of achievements, and the reminder that we are all in this world together trying to be better people. As a coach and fellow athlete, I continue to witness everyone's observable capabilities, as well as those that lie hidden deep within all of us. Whether you enter a race to win, to conquer a goal, or to share an experience, you will find that every challenge asks us to step outside our comfort zone. For me, slowing down has been an enormous step outside my nice and cozy comfort zone. But by welcoming discomfort, we discover those hidden talents, strengths, and gifts that lie unnoticed within us and awaken to recognize those roses we forgot to stop and smell. Everyday, step outside YOUR comfort zone, and unleash your potential!

--Marisa, member of The Mommiest Network's Content Team
Originally published on The Mommies Network blog January 9, 2012

Memorial for Lara

2012-05-14T07:31:00.000-04:00

"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, 

May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." 

~Author Unknown

We lost a dear friend and much loved member of LakeNormanMommies last weekend. In honor of Lara, our chapter will be taken off-line for an hour Sunday, May 20th at 6pm while Lara's friends and family join together to celebrate her life and mourn her passing. This family gathering (children are welcome to attend) will take place at Jetton Park and is open to everyone who would like to join Lara's friends and family to say goodbye to this extraordinary woman.

For more information about how to support Lara's family through this time, please see the following links...

Remembering Lara - information about supporting Lara's family in bringing her ashes home and creating a fund for her children, organized by jamierippy and mommy2mckenna

Meal Train for JoAnn - a meal train for Lara's mother, organized by sonamae80

Meal Train for Lisa - a meal train for Lara's sister's family, organized by mommy2mckenna

Happy Mother's Day!

2012-05-13T07:30:00.000-04:00

As I reflect on the hardest three years of my 44 years on this planet. I feel a connection to all the mothers of every faith, race, education level, and method of parenting. We are all in the sorority of motherhood. You already passed the initiation. Let the lifetime of lessons ensue.

Happy Mother’s Day to:

~ All the moms mothering alone, and to those managing children with a life partner.

~ All the moms who mother one, two, or three little souls; hats off to those who guide a baseball team.

~ All Moms who work outside the home, and those who stay at home. Each has their own rewards and trials.

~ All the moms who use “double coupon day” to stock up on diapers, wipes, lotion, kid safe shampoo, and organic food items instead of “youth serum”, diet magic pills or hair dye.

~ All the moms who use the afternoons to taxi children to karate, boy/girl scouts, dancing, soccer, baseball or dance instead of your own yoga/ Pilates, Weight Watchers, or other sessions (not that these things aren’t important for self care….but there are only so many hours in the day). Hats off to those who leave a paid job first and then do all these things.

~ All the moms who parent children with special needs/physical or emotional challenges, and to all the moms who support/help and provide friendship to these causes and these moms.

~ All the moms who gave up wonderful careers to be home with small children. Hats off to those who have managed to kick butt at work and at home.

~ All the moms who have become mothers naturally, easily, and without effort; hats off to those who ventured into assisted reproduction or adoption paths…for these were not without tremendous pain or sacrifice.

~ All the moms who wonder if what they do matters, and to all the mothers who reassure them it does.

~ All the moms who ready their children for the day with clean clothes, clean hair and teeth, signed homework, and homemade lunches but whose own hair could use a wash, a cut or a color not to mention a shirt for the morning without hummus, snot or other stainable substance on it.

~ All the mothers who gave up pursued dreams, in order to manifest what their hearts longed for, and to those still wondering.

~ Those who realize that a parenting book is a guide not a fortune teller.

~ Those who question the diagnoses of their offspring and find their own ways to “heal” their children. And to those who do what needs to be done to make sure their children are healthy.

~ Those who have parented multiples… the love and the sacrifice is multiplied. The appreciation and understanding of what it takes to handle two(or more) nursing infants, two teething babies, two throwing up toddlers, and two little egos trying to assert independence….only God can truly know all you have done, consider yourself gifted and wonderful.

~ All the mothers everywhere whose hearts have grown and changed from the instant they adopted, inherited or gave birth…. The magic is yours. May you never doubt the decisions you make, may you know you act in love in all you do. May you forgive yourself for perceived mistakes, and rejoice in each and every good day (or hour). May you find the peace of mothering in hugs and in kind gestures from your children and find growth in each challenge and hardship. May you refrain from blaming yourselves when things still don’t go as planned.

The universe blessed us to be caretakers of these little precious spirits, and holds us only to the premise to do our best. Perfection is not required, or expected. A loving heart, an open mind, and a forgiving spirit is all that matters. Happy Mother’s Day to you all!

Special blessing to those women who have continued their “mothering love” by being loving and giving; grandparents, aunts, best friends and co-workers.

Peace, love, and a blessed Mother’s Day to you all!

--Meredith (merekolk)

This Week with the Mommies

2012-05-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

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

Monday, May 14
Club 35 Dinner - Let's get together for dinner at Brixx.
Mom's Night Out - Join us for fondue at the Melting Pot.

Tuesday, May 15
Park Play Date - The K16ers are meeting at the park.
Coffee Talk - The K17ers are meeting for coffee and a chat.

Wednesday, May 16
Park Date - May 16th is "Love a Tree Day." Let's celebrate with a trip to one of our favorite shady spots.

Thursday, May 17
Music Time - We're meeting at the Library for some music time with the kids.
Splash Pad Play Date - The K15ers are meeting at the fountains for some fun in the sun.

Friday, May 18
Meet & Greet - Whether you are an old member or a new member, come join us for a play date at the park. Catch up with some old friends and meet some new ones while the kids play.
Murder Mystery Dinner - Join us for a three course dinner and solve a mystery.
Mom's Night Out - Join us for an evening of laughs and painting pottery.

Saturday, May 19
Zumba In the Streets - Come shake your groove thing at this free outdoor Zumba class.

Sunday, May 20
Family Lunch - Join us for a family get together at Firehouse Subs.