Owner: Our Family Village URL:http://ourfamilyvillage.com Join Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:31:16 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: A group of mothers sharing their experiences form first pregnacny to first grandchild. Site statistics:Click here
No More Morning Sickness. 2007-09-28 07:00:14 Now that I’m getting closer to twelve weeks the morning sickness is subsiding. Well, sort of.. I still have a lot of aversions I would rather not have, but the phase where I had to sit absolutely still 24 hours a day and eat only complete junk is over. Whew.
Everyone has their little miracle-working pills and concoctions they have to pass on. I suppose it’s some sort of maternal duty, to barrage newly pregnant women with promises of instant cures and whatnot. I guess now I can share my secrets!
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Read more:Morning
, Sickness
Signing Time Video Sale! 2007-09-28 00:05:33 My oldest loves watching the Signing Time! videos. Which is great because I love him learning sign language. We started doing baby signs with him when he was a six months old and by nine months his vocabulary took off. Suddenly he was telling us if he wanted to eat, drink, throw the ball, smell a flower, and everything else. As he started talking the signs slipped away, but they helped build a foundation for him to be able to talk. In fact people were always commenting on how well he could speak and how large his vocabulary was for his age. Though my second has not seemed as interested in learning signs, what few he does crtainly help us to get through the day with out fits because he can tell me what he needs. It is such a huge relief!
So when I found out there was a one day only sale this Friday I had to share! Normally priced at $14.99 the Signing Time! Practice Time DVD Products on sale for $5. One Day only get the complimentary Practice Time DVD to help teach Signs to children. Th
Picky Eaters 2007-09-27 13:00:26 My son, M, is a picky eater. I feel irritated even saying it. Funny thing is, I used to brag about how great an eater he was when he was little. From the day we started bananas with him, M would greet food with relish. We worked through avocados and went on the Kale with him still going strong. Turnips, carrots, spinach…yummm! To the surprise of everyone who witnessed it, M would never turn down a vegetable.
So what happened to my previously voracious little boy? I haven’t a clue. (more…)
Think About It Thursday 2007-09-27 06:48:16 I found a small collection of interesting posts on the web this week that made me stop and think. My last thought was “Why not share them and see what others think?” And so here i am, starting a fun little weekly segment I’m calling Think About It Thursday
. Who knows, this might become something huge. Or it might just be a fun way to get some ideas out there every week and see whatother’s think. Either way I hope everyone will enjoy it.
Natural Moms Talk Radio has a podcast up interviewing Barbara Coppo. Her book, The Boy In the Window, deals with her son become severaly autistic at 19 months old from the D.P.T vaccine. You can listen to the podcast on the site or download the mp3 here. Unfortunately she’s not the only mother in the world to have to face a child that has been hurt by vaccines. Here is a similar story that breaks my heart to read. What are your thoughts on vaccines and the potential dangers?
Along a similar line is an interesting article
Knitting fog 2007-09-26 14:14:32 One of the reasons I am so in love with cloth diapers it the multitude of different styles and the ability for you to add your own touch. This past week I have been knitting up a storm. I am making wool diaper covers for my boys and it is turning out to be easier than I had anticipated.
I decided to take the plunge when Harry had a growth spurt and outgrew the one used wool cover that I had purchased and the one that my sister had made for him. Almost a year ago I had sent my sister (who was a much better knitter than me) a bunch of wool yarn so she could provide me with cheap covers. That plan resulted in a grand total of two covers one of which was now useless.
There are a variety of free patterns for covers online and after much deliberation I picked this one. It is knitted flat with is a plus. I am chicken to try knitting in the round at this point in time, I feel more comfortable with variations of square. This pattern is very quick and I can knit up a cover in a Read more:Knitting
He’s Prince Charming To My Sleeping Beauty 2007-09-26 07:09:31 We do the “family bed” thing, which means that my bed is over run each night with little ones. Though my oldest son has a bed of his own often nightmares, storms, or just restlessness will bring him into mine for at least part of the night. My youngest is still nursing often at night, so cosleeping makes the most sense for us right now.
We weren’t always sure of cosleeping. When my first born was still new cosleeping often meant just him and I. His father was sure that it would somehow ruin him to have him in our bed. When he began sleeping through the night at 4 months he went peacefully into his own bed and I enjoy mostly childfree nights. But my youngest is still a nursing fiend at night, and we’ve learned a lot more about safe cosleeping. So this time around he’s enjoying cuddling up at night in the family bed. (more…)
Read more:Prince
, Sleeping
, Beauty
, Sleeping Beauty
Blog Carnival Roundup 2007-09-25 13:11:40 I thought it would be great to post a list sharing of the best blog carnivals out there each week. Here are the ones I’m enjoying right now. If you know of a great one to add just let me know!
Carnival
of Family Life
Carnival of Natural Family Living
Carnival of Homeschooling
Carnival of Education
Make It From Scratch
Festival of Frugality
Work at home Moms and Dads Carnival
Learning in the Great Outdoors
And of course the Carnival of SAHMs
I hope you’ll go check out all these great carnivals and the blogs who shared posts in them. And don’t forget to elave comments, we all love comments.
Read more:Blog Carnival
Super Cool Free Adventures with Your Children 2007-09-24 20:36:44 Whether you are a home-schooling family or a SAHM of preschoolers, one of the best perks imo of being home is being able to take the kiddies on frequent adventures. But then of course, one of the downsides to being a 1-income family is not having the budget to support frequent adventures. Bit of a catch-22, but one you can get around with some creativity. Here are my favorite free or nearly free adventures, some ideas about how to get the most out of these ideas and some ideas for finding other free or inexpensive places to bring your little ones. (more…)
Read more:Super
, Adventures
, Children
Introducing Trish 2007-09-24 15:00:53 First, let me thank Summer for inviting me to join this amazing group of blogging mothers. I can’t wait to read everyone’s posts, and to contribute my own writing about family and parenting.
Second, I thought I’d tell you a little more about myself. I’m a stay-at-home-mother to my son M (almost 5 years old) and daughter J (2.5 years). I also have a husband named Arp. We have a pretty crazy life, one that seems like it is in transition. We realized we were going in the unschooling direction only in the last year or so, so we’re still learning more and more about what that means for us every day. That’s one change. Another is our move as a family toward being more self-sufficient and environmentally responsible. We’ve made a lot of changes in the last year to work towards that goal - making the decision to raise ducks for eggs, joining a CSA, and committing to eating foods that haven’t traveled more than 50 miles from our house (at Read more:Introducing
, Trish
More Than A Scar 2007-09-24 11:25:56 In June 2005 I had a cancer surgery that left me with a large U-shaped scar on my neck. Since then I have had the misfortune of being initiated into the world of rude staring. You see, people seem to think it’s OK to stare, avoid eye contact, and then dash away. It’s not really the staring that gets me but the refusal afterwards to look me in the eye. I know you were staring so why not look at me and acknowledge me too?
On behalf of all of us with scars, here are some tips the next time you’re tempted to stare at someone and then look away:
We know our scars are obvious. We realize that you’re going to see them and be a little shocked. We’re fine with that. Look us in the eye, smile, and acknowledge us.
Having these scars means that we’ve either been through something traumatic or had a surgery that saved our lives. We already feel self-conscious enough so please look at us and if you’d like to know why we have these scars just ask. Usu
Carnival of SAHMs 2007-09-24 06:21:41 Welcome to the ever exciting Carnival
of SAHMs. This is a great little carnival with tips, ideas, and of course sharing. Moms who stay home, or work from home, are in unique positions. It is always nice to be able to share our experiences with others.
Jenny presents Going back to school posted at the so called me.
Mommy Auctions presents Work or Home? posted at Mommy Auctions.
Annette Berlin presents Stocking Up posted at Frugal Journey, saying, “Our apartment is about the size of a bird cage, and yet we’re meticulous about stocking up on bargains. Why? Because running out and paying full price the minute you need something is a tremendous time and money waster.”
I’ve got a post on Homeschooling As A Class Issue posted at Mom Is Teaching.
:: Suzanne :: presents New to this Mommy-Gig posted at :: adventures in daily living ::.
Melanie presents Photography for the Soul posted at The MotherVerse Blog: mothering out loud.
pickel presents Win This…All Natural, A
Win a Brand New Chicco Stroller! 2007-09-23 16:59:21 Everyone is talking about Chicco Stroller
s giving away 30 strollers in 30 days all month long. It’s pretty exciting news to a lot of parents. Homemom3 is one of the uber-cool moms to be giving away one of these ultra swanky strollers. Just head over to her contest page and sign yourself up to win. You’ve got until Septembr 28th to enter. hurry and get your name it!
Read more:Brand
, Brand New
Throwing away the “Good Job” 2007-10-03 07:00:03 Way back when I was studying to be a teacher, I read a very illuminating book by Alfie Kohn called, “Punished By Rewards”. It presented a logical description of how using rewards in the classroom really hurt children, and crushed the possibility of children being intrinsically motivated to learn and succeed. But frankly, by the time I got to be a parent, I forgot all about the book, the author and the concept. I had already realized that teaching wasn’t for me long ago, so I never gave Kohn another thought. That is, until he came out with another book specifically aimed at parents - Unconditional Parenting. After reading this book, we took a step that surprises many parents I talk to: We abolished the words, “Good Job!” from our home and our life. (more…)
Need Relationship Advice? 2007-10-02 10:08:40 I’m doing a shout out to a pair of friends who have started a relationship blog. Ask Him / Ask Her They’re one of the few happily married couples I know, and a big part of that is because they’re so willing to talk and be open with each other. And it helps that they’re gushy in love.
If you want relationship advice from a guy’s point of view, or if guys want it from a woman’s point of view, ask them and you’ll get an answer. They’re not experts or therapists, just that happily married couple that you’re always wondering how they stay so in love all the time.
I mean, look at them. They’re practically glowing with love for each other.
Read more:Relationship
Sibling Rivalry 2007-10-01 13:15:56 Sibling rivalry is still a new concept to me. I mean, in essence I “get it”. Force a small group of kids to live together every day and watch as they attempt to do each other in every week/day/hour. The age old squabble over the family thrown. Even if 10 minutes later you’r whining about how the family thrown is old and ugly and embarrasses you when your friends come over. It’s the principle of the matter here.
But as an only child, make that an only child of an only child living in a rural town of 500 where 75% of the population is made of retiring farmers, well sibling rivalry just wasn’t something I’m exposed to. Outside of school most of us were too busy at home to see each other, so there was little squabbling to be seen. I guess that’s why it still shocks me every time the screams start coming from the bedroom/playroom. You know, every 10 minutes. (more…)
Read more:Sibling
, Rivalry
Road Trip 2007-10-01 10:03:22 Before kids it used to be so easy to throw a few things in a suitcase and head out on the road. After having kids going on a road trip is a whole other ball game. The sheer amount of things you need to pack can be staggering. If you forget something important like a favorite blanket or toy you are in big trouble.
After weeks of planning and days of procrastination we have the car loaded. We have packed toys, snacks, special drinks and the DVD player (to be brought out in cases of extreme emergency) for entertainment. I am hoping that I have packed enough of the right kinds of clothing so that the kids will be properly dresses and not too hot or too cold. I am praying that I did not forget anything that is not critical.
We are off for a few weeks at my parent’s house. My youngest sister is getting married, so there are going to be an assortment of odd relatives in town. I am hoping that I manage to keep my sanity intact. Wish me luck!
Read more:Road Trip
Stick That In Your Bottle and Drink It! 2007-09-29 05:57:38
I got the video from the Black Breastfeeding Blog, who has some gorgeous photos up of breasting in the 30s and 40s. She’s putting together a series on how at one time breastfeeding in public was no big deal. See it here, here, and here.
And a hat tip because I was directed to the blog after seeing the link for it in the comments of an article that Sara sent me. When Nursing in Public Was NormalIt’s almost hard to believe that there was once a time when this was considered perfectly normal.
*cross posted at Wired For Noise*
Read more:Stick
, Drink
Breastmilk Only Please 2007-09-28 15:05:17 What we thought was a new eating habit has ended in my 15 month old. For two weeks he was a nonstop eating machine, devouring seconds and thirds of everything we placed in front of him. But now he’s back to his one or two bites a day habit. And I’m back to worrying secretly that he’s eating enough.
When I tell people that he’s not a big eater they usually laugh. At only 15 months he’s only 2 lbs and 3 inches shorter than his older brother. He’s so big, in fact, that they often share the same clothing. Obviously a boy his size is getting enough to eat. I think. You see while he rarely eats any adult food he still nurses like a champ. Or more like a newborn. Actually he never stopped nursing like a newborn. (more…)
Read more:Please
To Peek Or Not To Peek: Gender Ultrasounds 2007-10-13 13:57:33 That is the question.
And oh, the variety of answers you will find! There is a barrage of information from both sides of the ultrasound debate. Basically, folks have been trying to prove ultrasounds to be safe - or unsafe - for years now, and nobody seems to really have a definitive answer.
We’re peeking. It’s no longer a question.
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Sticks 2007-10-12 16:42:17 When you are a toddler walking can be a whole lot of fun. You are closer to the ground so you notice lots of things that other taller people would not even stop to look at. While you are walking an important accessory is the stick. (more…)
More Adventure thoughts…. 2007-10-11 21:03:15 It’s been a minute, but I did say at the end of Super Cool Adventure
s that I would be back with more ideas & suggestions. I’m down to the last 2 (ish) weeks of my pregnancy and I just came back from a school workshop of my own, so I’ll ask for patience when I say “I’ll be right back”.
These are some suggestions to help make the most of your home schooling adventures. Some may seem a bit goofy, but I really find they help make the most of the day & keep the stress to a minimum.
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Read more:thoughts
Hurting Kids? Think About it Thursday. 2007-10-11 06:06:57 It’s time once more for another exciting installment of Think About It Thursday
(TAIT). OK, so maybe it’s only exciting to me. But I’m somebody, aren’t I? I’ve got an interesting collection again this week with lots to think about. I decided to do a theme this week to spice things up. As a mother hearing about children being hurt in any way just tears me up inside. It’s probably become my biggest trigger, one that I never expected before I had my sons. So I hope you enjoy this week’s round up. And don’t forget, if you have a post or know of a great one that deserves some deep thought add it to the Mr Linky at the bottom. Now on with the show:
Can using a stroller be harmful? Amy from Song Beneath the Song thinks so, and she shares her reasoning why. I’m sure it’s something not many parents think about. We’re a culture where the stroller is seen as a norm, something that every parent has and uses.
A mom strung out on coc
The best things about this age… 2007-10-10 22:32:12 I’m joining in the group writing project at Mama Blogga. The theme for October is “The best things
about this age”. I have to admit it’s been hard trying to decide which age to write about. There is my oldest, who is fully into his creative age. Or my youngest, still in the sweet and snuggly age.
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The Great Breast Fest Montage 2007-10-10 10:00:10 You may have noticed the Virtual Breast
Fest image over on the side. I would encourage everyone to visit the League of Maternal Justice and find out more.
Breastfeeding is not offensive, is not obscene, is not pornographic, and is not shameful.
Read more:Montage
, Great
Take A Note - Works For Me Wednesday 2007-10-09 23:29:13 I love reading the great tips every week that people share in Works
For Me Wednesday
. So I thought I should join in the fun and share some of my own.
My oldest is getting into the “gimmie gimmie” stage. Everything cool he sees he wants, right that second. It’s more than a bit annoying to explain 4000 times that we’re only at the store to buy eggs and bread and no we can’t get the stickers/book/markers/dinosaur and everything else the store positions right at eye level to kids.
I read in How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk one of the tricks a mom used was to make a note of what her so wanted and he stopped his tantrum. I didn’t really think it would work, it seemed a bit too easy. Then one day as my son started whining about some toy he saw and wanted without thinking I just said “I’ll put it on your Christmas list.” He actually stopped, eyes lit up, and asked “Really?” And he was instantly happy
Fun Halloween Printables 2007-10-08 06:30:29 I don’t know about anyone else’s kids, but my oldest loves activity sheets. He’s at the age where he wants to write but just can’t yet. So he begs, begs I tell you, for paper and pens that he can sit on the table and “write” with. On the table, because in a chair leaves him vulnerable to little brother attacks.
He has several activity books with genertic pages he can work on, but sometimes we like to get more seasonal. Like right now he’s in love with all things Halloween
. So any halloween pags I can find are gold around here.
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Everyone’s Having A Contest! 2007-10-07 18:16:39 It’s true! Or at least it seems that way. There are so many super cool contests going on right now, I don’t even know where to start with them all.
Skimbaco is giving away a $50 gift certificate to the cutest store ever, Madallie.
5 Minutes For Mom has the cutest Casio Pink EX-Z75 digital camera. You can enter to win it here.
Christine has a funky, retro napkin dispenser that you know you want to win.
The Crunchy Domestic Goddess is giving away a copy of Herb: The Vegetarian Dragon. It is such a cute book!
Scribbit has a set of 5 organizing bags that she’s giving away. There are so many times when these could come in handy.
Laura is giving away a 6 month subscription to Tess and Tabby for the next 8 weeks. A new winner each week!
And Home Mom is giving away the cutest DVD called Word World.
Whew! It’s like a fair going on, running from booth to booth trying to win all the prizes. Good luck to everyone!
Read more:Contest
, Having
Spam Me WAHMs! 2007-10-07 09:39:12 A lot of parents are vowing this year to have a China free Christmas. Unfortunately with 80% of the toys, electronics, and clothing made in China that’s hard to do. I was thinking, there has to be a ton of WAHMs making toys, clothes, jewelry, and more who are trying to earn money. So why not help everyone get together?
If you make soemthing yourself add your website to the Mr Linky below. And don’t forget to leave a comment letting us know what you make. Or if you know of a super awesome shop that you love to visit share it with us! No matter what it is I am sure there will be a parent out there looking for this exact thing. I’m positive that we could put together a great list for parents who want to keep their purchases in the US or Canada. So spam me please!
A Minute to Breathe! 2007-10-06 07:00:29 This week has been insane. It started with both of my cars being vandalized and many personal items being stolen. It heightened with forgetting my own mother’s birthday, a girlfriend having marriage problems, and an unexpected monetary burden. To cap everything off, my due date girlfriend is under stress thanks to the father of her baby completely falling apart, my car is still not out of the shop, and I’ve forgotten countless important dates and responsibilities. To say the least, it’s been a rough ride for me and those I hold dear.
Stress + pregnancy = bad. How do you put aside these worrisome things for the benefit of your fetus? It’s extremely hard. I’m the type of person who has to feel their feelings to move on, so numbing myself to them is impossible. I benefit greatly from meditation but I can’t be in that state of mind all day.
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Read more:Minute
Are You Cre8ing Buzz Yet? 2007-10-05 07:02:49 There has been a lot of news flying around the moms-o-sphere about the social networking giants, Myspace and Facebook, declaring breastfeeding as obscene. Moms everywhere have been up in arms over it, even crying out that members leave all together. But many people have chosen not to leave, concerned over how they’ll stay in touch with friends.
Well, that’s not a problem anymore!
According to Suburban Oblivion Cre8 Buzz has become the first social networking site to say bring on the boobs! Oh yeah, they’re the first ones to figure out that breastfeeding is normal and that some moms might actually be proud of it.
Our official position:
Cre8Buzz is the place where people can be seen, heard and found and interact with communities of like-minded folks. We believe that each community has its topics, issues and means of expression that are unique. Therefore, we at Cre8buzz accept all means of expression, including photos, as long as they meet reasonable standards of appropr
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