How many dinners do you make?

Our grocery bill conversation has led me to realize that we often make more than one dinner every night: something the girls like and something the adults like.  Just last night, inspired to cook up something fresh and new and only use the bits and pieces in the pantry or fridge, I made a big pot of soup.  We set the table and sat down to eat.  My oldest child doth protested: "I want Chinese Chicken!" referring to the three packages of the stuff that we bought from Trader Joe's the day before.  Deflated, I made some.  But, she ate some of my homemade lentil potato soup also.  I think she could sense my deflation.

I am so glad I'm the only one who makes different dinners for the different palates around the table.  Shannon shared:

I totally get what you're saying.  I'm so sick of being a short order cook that by the time I've made the boys what they'll eat, I just don't cook and tell the man, who busts his arse everyday, to suck it. No, not really...but close.  I'm this close to doing the "this is what's for dinner, eat it or not" but, one kid is vegetarian, kind of, and one likes bland, the other spicy,etc...it's so overwhelming.

Then, says Leah:

I think the "short order cook" issue is a big one for a lot of families...how do you tackle that? One thing my mom did when we were kids (there were 5 of us, and she never made a special meal for anyone--we ate what we were served, period) was she would ask us what we wanted for dinner that week and she cooked accordingly. Maybe getting your kids on board with the menu for the week would help?

How many dinners do you make to meet the needs and preferences of all the family members?  Do you just make one big meal?  What if some don't eat or "don't like" it?  How do we make it easier on ourselves so as not to make dining a completely a la carte experience?

Stimulate this! Great ideas for using your economic stimulus package

As soon as I heard about Bush's Economic Stimulus plan, I started in with the subversion. I'd use my stimulus check to buy things, but entirely not the things Bush and big retail corporations wanted me to. My debit card wouldn't be swiped at Target or Sears or Olive Garden; with the whopping $2,100 my family will get (we have three children) I wouldn't buy a single gallon of premium unleaded gas, nor sink a nickel into video poker machines (I'm scandalized and saddened that's where Oregon's kicker went). No. I'd buy things that would work gently against big government and big big oil.

I made a promise to myself that I would spend my economic stimulus money on things that would save me from spending future fossil fuels, future money and future greenhouse gases. I decided I would invest my stimulus package into my little urban homestead's soil, air, and food stores. I'd get off the grid, just a bit, I'd use it to live lighter. I made a list of ideas and (helped by a substantial tax rebate) I've already started in on it. Do you have any ideas to add to the list? Where will your stimulus package go?

• A family bike. I bought this Electra Townie + Xtracycle + Bobike seat from Clever Cycles for about $1500; you could do it a lot cheaper ($450-$600) if you had a base bike to use (you could even use an old Schwinn). I'm waiting for another Bobike seat for Truman. I can transport all three boys on it! There are lots more thoughts about family biking here.
• A couple of garden boxes, fertilizer, compost, seeds and starts. It seems as if I'm not the only one thinking about this! Lots of your great vegetable gardening advice here.

Tales from the Potty: A 1.5 year old boy wants to go

It's been a long time since we've had some good potty talk around here!  Lend an ear and your advice to Stef:

I have a 1.5 year old boy that I think has been giving me verbal cues he might be ready to start potty training.  Things such as... "poopy mommy" and yet, there is no poop!  Is this a sign he recognizes he needs to go?  If so, what success have other mom's gotten from videos, books, or ebooks (the infamous 3 day method)?  Which ones worked, are any better for boys?  I purchased a potty, he sits on it randomly, no production yet.  Are stools better for boys?  Is it ok to teach them to pee sitting first?  I've heard mixed reviews, and my husband doesn't want him peeing sitting down, but understands his lack of balance may render him there initially.  I have no day-care crunch timeline, so I'm not very proactive but would hope he's getting there before he's 2 just in case we need to utilize day care.  He does watch my husband often, knows that pee comes from his penis, etc. etc.  I'm ready for anything, he's been such a breeze so far, and I have great patience and will be consistent with whatever.  I've also heard that boys may take longer... Thanks!

Transition: From Two naps to One

While children will often give us lots of cues and clues on when they are ready to transition into a new schedule, it sure does help us mamas to get perspective from the experiences of mamas who have "been there, done that".  Can you share your thoughts with Sharon?

I would love to get feedback from other moms about the 2-to-1 nap transition.  My son just turned 1 year.  He has taken a morning nap and afternoon nap consistently since birth.  I read in all the books that about 12 -18 months, kids usually give up the morning nap and go to one longer nap, usually after lunchtime.  My questions:  What did this look like for your kid?  Did you let your little one find this new nap pattern himself, or did you initiate it?  If so, how? 

Kids and the world, can't we all just get along?

For some reason I've been reading a lot of people's opinions lately about when, and where, it's "appropriate" to take your children; and how many people, even parents themselves, often wish children weren't around. Earlier this week at a knitting event, Larissa had a particularly ugly run-in with a woman who evidently was in the "children should be neither seen nor heard" camp, and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (who was speaking during the whole brouhaha) weighed in on her blog.

While it was long and, in the Yarn Harlot's particular style, a bit self-effacing and entirely funny, it was also just about the most honest and lovely and graceful statement about how adults and children should interact in public (no matter where or when they are) that I've read in some time. It made me feel a little bit better about the other night, when my two older boys, a little wired from being tired and hungry, crawled back and forth under our table at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant (La Bamba on Powell, where the servers are always lovely and indulgent). They disrupted no one but me and the older couple sitting next to us couldn't have been more generous about it. "We had young children once!" they said gaily.

How does your garden grow?

I have two thumbs but neither are green.  My husband has a green thumb.  For the first couple of years here in Portland, I was pretty green with envy at folks talking about their berry bushes and spinach crop.  They told me of their children frolicking in their yard, plucking from their veggie beds whenever they needed snacks.  I thought: "Wow."

Last year, after lots and lots of reading and consulting others, my husband built two vegetable beds and we planted our own veggies for the first time.  One week last summer, I was eating radishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Another week, I was eating romaine lettuce day in and out.  "Regularity" was not an issue for me.

This year, we are working more closely together to decide what items we love to eat and want to plant.  We have also dug out another two big areas to grow more and are plotting / phasing our growing so we have some diversity in what we harvest at any given time.  I still feel so overwhelmed, though.  I am just glad that my husband has taken the lead on this project.

I've talked with other mamas that are just as daunted by this whole gardening thing.  So, if you don't mind, could you please share your bestest tips?  Do we start from seed?  Indoors?  Buy starts?  Aren't they expensive?  What part of the yard should we plant in?  What are your favorite vegetables to plant?  Favorite fruits?   How about a book where we can learn all the ins and outs of growing our own?

This conversation is inspired by a recent thread on one of my mama yahoo groups: shout out to the mamanandas!

Mother's Day 2008

Among us are mamas who are celebrating their first mother's day as a mama this year.  Among us are also mamas who are celebrating their umpteenth mother's day as a mama this year.  I get a bit wistful re-reading about our Mother's Day thoughts and celebrations from yesteryear, from Mother's Day 2007 to the uber urbanMamas Day in 2006.  Year after year, there are plenty of great mama's day thoughts to go around.

As Mother's Day approaches this year (Sunday, May 11th, for those of us who aren't counting...), is there something special that you are determined to do for your day?  Have you planned out activities for yourself or have you left all the planning to someone else?  Are there traditions that are emerging, something you and your family may do each year?  Will this be your first Mother's Day as a mama?  What about your own mama or mama-figures?  How are you celebrating her?

How much is your weekly grocery bill?

Last week, the Oregonian's FOODday featured four families that put their family food budgets on a diet, ranging from $100 to $300 a week.

Why are we paying so much more at the store? Blame rising energy costs that make it more expensive to transport food and run a farm; spiking corn prices that inflate the cost of feeding animals we use for meat, eggs and dairy; and a run-up in what food manufacturers pay for wheat, soy and corn sweeteners, the main ingredients in bread, cereals and most processed foods on your grocers' shelves.

One family slashed their eating-out budget and planned their darndest to keep within their budget and scheduled meals.  Another family stopped frequenting all their favorite speciality food shops, opting - instead - to one-stop shop, saving on time and gas and impulse purchases.  The third family, raising two teenage sons, became masters at finding steals and deals, scoring enough milk for the boys' gallon-a-day needs and cheese or fruit for their constant appetite.  And the last family tightened their belts even tighter and focused on from-scratch cooking.

These days, we're talking about tightening belts, but we're also talking about lower-sugar, less processed cereal, peanut butter, and bread.  How do we balance the food budget with all these factors in play?  What is your family's weekly food budget?  What are tips and tricks to keep you within budget?

Mad, Depressed or Both? That, Mamas, is the Question

I grew up on the east coast but married a gentle man and now live in the friendliest city ever.  So while I can thank the bus driver as well as the next person and hold the elevator door open for people miles away, I still have the potential to get REALLY ANGRY.  Ever since I opened the O on Saturday and saw the short article (in the Living section, already!) on Bisphenol A and  - in a mini rage - tossed every Nalgene bottle I could find, I've been pissed.  Why?  I'll tell you all about it - and then some - on Activistas.  Are you pissed, too?

Sir Mix-A-Lot

Out of nowhere, my 5-YO son became the mad mixer.  He has. to. mix. every waking moment.  Goop, glop, slop, you name it.  And it's the process that matters, of course, not the end result.  He's over the finished product as fast as you can hit the internet for the next recipe.  This is a desperate call for goop recipes.  Tonight we made flubber, our greatest success yet: interesting process, great colors, no mess.  We also made no-cook play-dough and tomorrow my husband is on deck for gunk, a 1:1 corn starch and water mixture.  Oh, and food dye.  Don't forget the ($4/box!) food dye. 

Don't get me wrong, I think it's all pretty cool and science experimenty.  But.  I can't keep up, and the flour and water was a d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r.   What's with the sudden, intense mixing obsession?  Got any recipes I should try??  Cause I'm gonna run out any day now.

WEEKEND WARRIORS: April 25-27

Friday

Ladybug Walk: FREE this week to celebrate TV Turnoff Week. A guided 60 minute walk around Hoyt Arboretum for preschoolers, no registration necessary, 10:00-11:30 am. 

Mocha Moms: This weekly support group meeting (aka chat and plays) allows moms to discuss important parenting (and personal) issues while the children play. Mocha Moms is a support group for mothers of color. Anyone who supports the mission of Mocha Moms is welcome. Milagros, 11:00 am-1:00 pm.

Saturday

Just Between Friends Sale: Love a great sale? Just Between Friends is hosting their semi-annual children and maternity consignment sale this weekend. Gently used maternity and kids clothes, toys, gear, and more. Oaks Park, Saturday, 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Sunday (many items half price), 8:00 am-3:00 pm.

Milagros Crafty Mamas Bazaar: Local crafty mamas selling locally made, high-quality crafted items. Milagros, 11:00 am-3:00 pm.

Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year's Every Family Reads book, "Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!" by Pat Mora. Then, create a mouthwatering masterpiece of your own by frosting and garnishing your own cupcake! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Free, Hollywood Library, 11:00-noon.

Join Activistas to distribute breastfeeding friendly stickers to stores and restaurants along SE Hawthorne.  Meet us @ 9:30 AM for coffee at Common Grounds, then hit the pavement at 10.  See you there!

Sunday

Family Game Day: Join other families for an afternoon of Chutes & Ladders, Battleship, Twister, and drinks and snacks.  Free, Hollywood Library, 1:00-4:00 pm.

Portland Children's Museum: Free admission to celebrate Day of the Young Child. Special entertainment and activities. 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

Family Discovery Sunday: Free family art making at the Museum of Contemporary Craft with a focus on projects using feathers and everyday objects. 1:00-4:00 pm.

Celebrate the Earth: Bring the whole family to learn about skunks through arts and crafts, games, stories and more. Come dressed as your favorite animal and make a musical instrument for an afternoon parade. Hear the winners of the Tall Tale Contest tell their stories about “Why Lamprey Has So Many Teeth?” Refreshments served. Tryon Creek State Park 2:00-4:00 pm.

Taking the Battle out of Teeth Brushing

My two little girls toggle between being extremely independent  and wanting to be babied.  This is especially the case during teeth brushing time. Most days they  "must" do it themselves usually by sucking off the toothpaste (we use Tom's of Maine, for this reason) and chewing on the brush a bit.  Brushing is especially difficult for my 2 1/2 year old who truly believes that she does a fine job with her 5 quick strokes. We have talked about tooth bugs. We have talked about the practicality of taking care of our teeth. Sometimes this works but usually we let it go or they have some change of heart. I don't believe in coercing them into doing anything so creative ideas are always welcome for those few "must do" activities.

A mama writes:

How do you get your very young ones to brush their teeth? How old was your child when s/he starting brushing?

My 17 month old pinches her little lips closed at the mere suggestion. She seems interested when I brush my teeth, but will not even try to brush her own. I’ve tried every trick I can think of to make it fun, and even feigned disinterest (perhaps too late). Can you help? Does she need to be brushing now?

I have heard that when the first tooth pokes out, you can start some form of "brushing."  We regularly began once the girls ate foods. As far as "advice" for getting the deed done, I have heard that the taste of toothpaste can be extremely difficult for small ones. Perhaps a mild all natural brand like (Weleda or Tom's) or no toothpaste. I do feel making it a part of the daily routine is important even if they don't brush every time.  What has worked in your home?

Parenting DVD Recommendations

I've had 2 great parenting books on my nightstand for over 4 months. It's very embarrassing  really.  I started both and enjoy both, but it seems there is always something else to read -newspaper, books for my book club, emails and blogs. I try to relay the information I gather during my short reading sessions to my partner because I know he isn't going to read the whole book. Sometimes I just can't relay the information as well as the author. 

A fellow urbanmama has a similar situation. She writes:

Can tell me your favorite parenting DVD and why? I am reading a ton of parenting books and am just trying to find something that my husband and I could watch together, rather than me reading a book and trying to "summarize it" for him!  We can't afford to go to a classes right now (both time and money reasons), so I would like to at least do this much to make life a little more harmonious with our 4 year old!

My recommendation Alfie Kohn's Unconditional Parenting  (which also happens to be one of the books on my nightstand).  My partner and I saw Mr. Kohn speak last time he was in town.  Luckily, it was really affordable and my partner could come. I would highly recommend the book, DVD or seminar.  I wasn't necessarily "wowed" by his concepts, they were more like a light bulb going off. "Of course! Why haven't we been doing this all along?"  Do you have a favorite parenting DVD?

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

Today's the day when we can take our kids to work.  Now that our kids are a bit older, we're interested in hearing and comparing notes to last year's efforts.  A number of mamas worked with their HR department to organize a toddler infant hour.  And the year before?  The buzz was about the minimum age to participate.  Have we come far from previous years?  Is it any easier now?  Does your workplace have some planned activities? Any activities of your own? Please do share!

For what age is Treasure Island?

The urbanMamas community is always such a wealth of support and perspective.  Shari emails:

I'm thinking about taking some or all of my kids to the Oregon Children's Theater/Captain Bogg & Salty showing of Treasure Island. But it has been so long since I read the book, I can't remember for what ages it would be appropriate. Is anyone familiar enough with the book or the show to make a recommendation? My children are ages 5 and 5 (boys) and 8 (girl).

Recycling for a Cause

Earth day had me thinking a lot about the waste generated/collected in our small house.  Then I started obsessing over spring cleaning.  Now I have notes scattered throughout the house about the Plastic Roundups, the Neighborhood Hazardous Waste Roundup, and various other close to home dumping events. But wouldn't it be nice if it was all taken care of for us? A mama wonders:

I like helping people.  I hate waste.  I hate feeding bottles into a machine.  I like tax deductions.  These things seem like they all naturally add up to charitable donations of recyclable bottles and cans.  This has been harder to find than I expected.  Does anyone know of a school, scout troop, homeless shelter, who will come to my house, take my recyclables, and give me a receipt?  Bonus points for a group that does it on a regular basis (i.e. they call me every month or two and say "it's time...").

Does having one save our planet?

Today's Oregonian featured "Enivornmental Moms Stop at One Child", highlighting the decision of a family to have one child as an environmental decision.  For sure we all have made our own decisions for our families.  We've talked about thoughts on number two and even more specific thoughts on number three.  Did the environmental impact of another child come into play in your decision in having one, two, three or more children?

April 29 = Last Day to Register to Vote

Andrea has the May election on her mind (hard not to with all those yard signs popping up around town).  She wrote in to remind everyone that April 29th is the very last day you can register to vote 'round here.  She writes:

I am more excited to vote this year than I have been in a long time. Probably since I cast my first ballot.  The last 8 years have been long, so it's thrilling to think about what's possible with new leadership.  But there's another reason to be excited.  Even though the battle over the Democratic nomination is getting tiresome , it means that the votes of Oregonians will really matter this year.  Unlike primaries in other years, where the presidential candidate was decided long before May 20th, this year Oregonians will have their say.  Only one problem...you have to be registered as a Democrat to choose between these two candidates.  Hear more from Andrea and find all the right voter registration links over on Activitsas.  The clock is ticking, mamas, so hurry!

Eco-Party: Some Change Will Do You Good

It's Earth Month, and like any good Portlander I'm doing my share to learn and try to put into practice the earth-friendly mantra of reducing, reusing and recycling.  I got an Energy Trust home review and attended an Eco-Party in an effort to become more environmentally aware.  I patted myself on the back smugly and thought, what a good steward of the earth I am.  And then I got the Home Eco-Party Checklist with about 50 questions covering habits ranging from waste reduction and recycling, toxics reduction, and energy/water conservation.  As I filled out the checklist that smugness that I felt earlier lifted quickly and I wondered if I would leave the party forced with wearing a scarlet letter.  That letter would be a reminder that every time I used a disposable diaper I was knowingly destroying the earth with every stinky diaper I tossed in the trash; and that everyone would know that my family doesn't buy all organic produce.  Who knew that those individual little boxes of raisins that my littlest one (see picture) loves so much would be now a guilt-inducing purchase?  The story continues over at Activistas.

Earth Day: How are you celebrating?

April 22nd is Earth Day.  Governor Kulongoski is apparently honoring the day by leaving the car at home.  He's encouraging all Oregonians to change something in their daily routine to be just a tad bit more Earth-friendly.  If you were to pick one little thing to try out to make Earth a happier place for us, what would it be?  Have a no-waste day once a week/month?  Maybe a commitment to just take one resuseable bag to the supermarket each time?  Or, how about buying one item in bulk to reduce on packaging that ends up the landfill?  Maybe having a no-car day once a week/month?  Every family is different!  How are you celebrating Earth Day?

It's Not Too Late to Tip-Toe...

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival has been extended to Sunday, April 27th!

We spent a few hours there yesterday tip toeing through the tulips and marveling at the flowers AND mixed-up weather - it's sunny! dude, I'm freezing!...Ahhh, it's sunny again! wait, is that snow?...

Still, the field  was absolutely beautiful and the kids enjoyed the slides, horse swings, rubber duck races, and more.

The Wooden Shoe Farm is about a 45 minute drive from Portland. Directions may be found on the Tulip Festival Website. Tulip festival admission is $5 per car. Pack a lunch, bring a few bucks for the various diversions and treats, and enjoy!

Take the Walk + Bike Challenge to Your School!

We know that all of the talks of bike and the Portland bike culture can be a bit alienating for some, but here's an opportunity to take the baby steps needed to bike and walk.  Need a little inspiration?  Sponsored by the BTA:

Oregon Walk + Bike to School has an exciting event happening in May. For the first time ever, we are extending the spirit of Walk + Bike Day into an entire month! In the style of the BTA's successful Bike Commute Challenge, all over the Portland area elementary students will be challenged to walk or bike to school as much as they can over the month of May. Once a week, a school champion will gather student scorecards and find out who's walking and biking! 

This event can be as robust or as simple as suits your school. Oregon Walk + Bike provides: posters, small incentive items, student scorecards, and tips on making your event successful.  Every student that walks or bikes at each registered school is eligible for raffle prizes. The winning school will receive a free class of the BTA's Award-Winning Bicycle Safety Education curriculum in the fall of 2008 (up to 32 students).

TV Turnoff Week Starts Today: Got Plans?

Wow, that snuck up on me.  Today is Day 1 of what could be a l-o-n-g week for kids and families alike.  This year, TV turnoff week runs from April 21st through the 27th, Sunday to Sunday.  We've discussed the TV or no TV issue before, but this is just a week, so (thankfully) doesn't require so much philosophizing! 

Do you plan to turn off your TV this week?  Gonna be hard?  Or are you looking forward to it as a chance to get outside more in the balmy (?!) Spring weather?   Have you warned the kids,  planned fabulously captivating replacement activities, or are you just gonna wing it?  We're a video family, and since the DVD player broke a few weeks back, we've got no choice!  If you need back-up support, there are a bazillion places to turn.  To name a few: the Center for Screentime Awareness (they cooked this 'holiday' up - so love 'em or hate 'em), LimiTV, and, for the hardcore, AdBusters.  And there's always the uM calendar, packed with exciting things to do in Pdx.

This one doesn't happen to be a hard one for our family, but what really worries me is when somebody asks me to avoid the computer at home for a week.  I know my kids would sign our family right up.  We're plugged in but they're not?  Oh, mama, how unfair.

Working Mamas Lunch May 22

Working mamas, let's get together for lunch.  How about Thursday, May 22; 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at Red Star Tavern, 503 SW Alder? We hear they could use a boost due to light rail construction, plus they take reservations and have good vegetarian and non vegetarian food (not sure vegan options). Please RSVP in the comments by Tuesday May 20. We will use that to make reservations.  We had nearly twenty meet last time, so what a great way to connect and meet other working mamas.

A Beach Getaway

Spring break is behind us and it's time to start planning our summer get aways. The Oregon coast is a relatively short drive and perfect getaway for families or with friends. In the past, our family has shared a yurt or camp site with other families, even a beach house in the cooler weather. I love the idea of a big group renting a house together  and sharing some time relaxing while the children play in the sea breeze.

Kristen writes:

I am trying to plan a small family reunion at the coast for July 14-16 (Sunday through Tuesday).  We need to rent house within short walking distance of a beach fairly close to Portland metro with 4 or 5 bedrooms.  I know I'm a little late in the game for reserving a house, but thought I'd ask this wonderful community if you have any recommendations for something that would meet our needs, and might be available for those weekdays.  Since we are splitting the cost between families, cost isn't too much of a problem.

How does your family spend their nights on the coast?

Equal Pay Day is today! Quick, Do Something!

Catch this, mamas: Equal Pay Day is the point in 2008 when the average woman's wages finally catch up with what the average man earned in 2007.  And guess what?  It's today!  Yup, Friday, April 18.  And all across the land bloggers like us are writing about it.  Power to the blog.  It's high time we tell Congress (again!?) that it’s time to address the reality of discrimination.  Read more about it and sign the Fair Pay Campaign Pledge, among other things, over on Activistas.

WEEKEND WARRIORS: April 18-20

Earth Day is this weekend Mamas and there is no shortage of events celebrating our beautiful planet.  For many more activities to keep you busy this weekend (both indoor and out), check out the uM calendar, which has got an activity for just about anyone.

Friday

King Corn: This documentary that follows an acre of corn in rural Iowa on its path from farm to consumption is not to be missed.  OPB-DT [Digital], 8:00 am.

Story & a Stroll:Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about ants. Targets kids 3-6, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00-2:00 pm.

Saturday

City Repair Earthday Celebration: Dance of the Dinosaur!: Tons of musical entertainment, a kids parade, craft, and more. Overlook Park (3704 N Interstate), 10:00 am-10:00 pm.

Naked Baby Party: Celebrate Earth Day by recycling your baby’s wardrobe!  Bring gently-used items with no stains, rips or tears, missing buttons or broken zippers in sizes newborn up to 5T. Please no toys, books or games — just items to wear.  Milagros, 11:00 am.

Bonneville Locks Earth Day Celebration: Story times, kids activities, and a talk on safe hiking. 10:30 am-3:30 pm.

UrbanMamas Mayoral Forum: Focus on Family: Join UrbanMamas, Activistas, and Central Portland Families as we talk to Mayoral candidates Sam Adams and Sho Dozono about their vision of how the City can support families. Mississippi Studios (3939 N Mississippi), 1:00-2:00 pm.

Songkran Celebration: This celebration of Thai New Year will include a performance by the Thai Association of Oregon Dancers and a family water blessing. Free,The Monkey & The Rat (131 NW Second Ave), 1:00-4:00 pm.

Oregon Garden: If you're up for a drive to Silverton,  the garden is free for Earth Day from 10:00 am-4:00 pm.  Lots of kids crafts and activities, music, and green gardening demonstrations.

Button Bracelets: Who knew buttons came in so many colors? Masses of them strung together make for fun (and cheap!) springtime jewelry. Albina Library, 2:00-4:00 pm.

Sunday

Maternity and Baby Clothes Exchange: Need something to wear that last trimester or for your new baby? Bring your maternity and baby clothes (under age 2) to a swap of gently used items.  Prananda Yoga Studio (1920 N Kilpatrick Ave), 2:00 pm.

The Funny Little Woman: Join the folks from Play after Play for this tale from Japan.  Afterwards children are invited to interact with the performers.  Most suitable for children ages 2-9. $6/ticket, reservations strongly suggested. 2:00 pm.

What's in a Name?

Seven and a half years ago when I got married I didn't think twice about my impending name change. It seemed that is just what happens when a gal gets hitched. Of course it is not uncommon for a wife to keep her maiden name, but the more wives I met the more variations and combinations of names I heard including a man taking his wife's surname. Now add an offspring and the possibilities multiply. Suzanne is in one such conundrum:

My spouse and I have different last names. Child #1, who happens to be a boy, got a first name, my last name as his middle name, and dad's last name as his surname.

Now child # 2 is on the way (girl), and I'm thinking that I'd like her name situation to be first name, then dad's last name as her middle, and my last name as surname.

I don't think anyone would care one way or another except us and of course, dealing with flack from grandparents. however, I was curious as to other people's experiences with alternating last names of the kids.

A New Kind of Tub Toy

Seems like everyone is talking about ridding their lives of plastics, or at least not adding more.  But what about bath toys?  My girls have brought in enamel ware that created an awful rusty mess. Glass-not an option. Wood-also not great. So what next?

Sara writes:

I'm trying to limit the amount of plastic that comes into our house, though I seem to fail regularly in my attempts, especially when it comes to toys!  We would like to buy some new tub toys for my son's 3rd birthday, specifically boats.  Does anyone know of durable, non-plastic tub toys?  Do such things even exist, since they need to be waterproof?

What's it like: NW Portland near Chapman?

Oh, the search for the right neighborhood can be exciting but tough!  An urbanMama emails:

We've recently moved to Portland and we've been in the midst of house hunting. We had our hearts set on the Sellwood/Westmoreland/Eastmoreland area, based on the things we'd heard from other parents about the area and our own impressions of the place. But we just found a wonderful house in the NW right near Chapman school off of 23rd that is perfect for us. Though it's obviously pretty darn different than Sellwood, we do like the amazing offerings all within walking distance or easy streetcar access in that area, and we've heard good things about that school cluster. But I'm a little concerned that we'll be the very rare family with small kids in that neighborhood.  Does anyone else live around there or have thoughts about moving there as a growing family?

Pregnant Defense Minister in Spain: Right On

My, my.  This is too good to be true!  A 7-months pregnant defense minister?  A national Cabinet with more women than men?  In one of the more macho counties on the planet?  Ooh-la-la.  And we thought a woman Presidential candidate was the feminist accomplishment of our lifetimes!  If you didn't hear the short piece on NPR's Morning Edition today, check it out.  There are some terrific quotes, like the one from a Spanish man asking the interviewer how he'd feel if a "pregnant chick who doesn't know anything became Minister of Defense in the U.S."?  Like wow.  And I was complaining about The O's 'gush' comment!  Read more and opine on this "situation" over on Activistas.  We are aflutter.

This Mama loves JIF

In light of all our sharing about favorite bread, O's, and about our ziploc-reuse habits, I thought I'd share with you my peanut butter problem: This mama loves JIF.  That's right.  I love that sinfully homogenous thick stuff, made of "roasted peanuts, sugar, molasses, fully hydrogenated vegetable oils, and salt."

I ought to know more about this stuff that I'm putting into my body daily by the spoonful, but I haven't done the research or given it much thought.  Do you stock nut butter in the house?  What kind?  What factors into your choice of nut butters?

Happy Tax Day!

The day is almost over!  Have you sent in your taxes?  Did you do it weeks and weeks ago and already spend your refund?  Are you deferring and extending the pain until August because you owe the government money (YIKES!)?  Did you file electronically?  Or, will you be joining me at the main post office at 11:59pm tonight?  They're postmarking until midnight just for the occassion!

On In-Laws: How do you fare?

In general, I think we have it very good.  My family and my husband's family have vacationed together.  More than once.  And, we'll do it again in December.

Still, his family has a different groove from my nuclear family, and my family has a different groove from his.  Sometimes I'm stuck feeling like my in-laws are so different from me; I occassionally fear that they judge me negatively for parenting the way that I do.  With my own parents, I know they respect and support me and my child-rearing decisions.  Most recently, we have tried to be more explicit about expectations when it comes to our parents' involvement, trying to be clear about who is visiting when, when we go to NY or SF, being fair about trying to split the time so no one's family has the shorter end of the stick.  But, these things are hard!

If you're partnered, how do you fare with dealing with your in-laws?  How does your partner fare with dealing with his/her in-laws (i.e., your family)?  Are there things about your in-laws that drive you mad?  Are there things about your family that drives your partner mad?  Are you able to discuss these feelings?  Have any tricks to share on how to approach the topic?

Watch & Discuss: King Corn

Growing up in the Midwest, I have very fond memories of corn.  Sweet corn was something I looked forward to every year in late summer.  I do still love corn even though nowadays, it seems that corn is getting a fairly bad rap. OPB will be airing King Corn on Tuesday, April 15 at 10 pm.  Here's the overview:

"Almost everything Americans eat contains corn - high-fructose corn  syrup, corn-fed meat and corn-based processed foods are staples of the fast-food nation. Record harvests of corn are supported by a government subsidy program that promotes production well beyond market demand.

Filmmakers Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis decided to grow an acre of corn in rural Iowa and then document its path from farm to consumption. In America's industrial kitchens, they confront the realities of corn's uses: sweetening the sodas of a diabetes-plagued neighborhood in Brooklyn, fattening cattle in Colorado, making fast food cheap and consumers unhealthy, and driving animals into confinement and farmers off the land. Check OPB Independent Lens for additional scheduling."

Have you seen it?  What do you think? Are you a compulsive label reader and generally steer clear of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)?

Laptop Lunchbox: Have You Tried It?

A while back, I happened upon the Laptop Lunch Box concept, and was so excited to find out that it's carried locally at Mirador.  However, as I spent 15 minutes agonizing over the cost, the tightwad in me won over and I decided not to throw down $30 for a lunch container when my cupboards were overflowing with plastic containers.  Still though, I find myself googling bento sites and ogling the flickr pool for laptop lunches for eye candy (sad, huh?). Have you tried the laptop lunch box?  Is it worth the cost? I do worry that the contents will shuffle in transit and end up a big mess by the time I get to the office.  Any ideas for easy inspirational lunches besides leftovers and sandwiches?

Reduce: Do you wash out your ziplocs?

Ziploc-type baggies are perfect for many things - grabbing and going with a bunch of O's, storing leftovers, packing other snacks, and - of course - for toting around your dangerous liquids and gels onto the airplane.  I have seen it done before at another home, but I was wondering - does any one else wash out ziploc baggies and leave them upturned on chopsticks to dry for another use?

Activistas Home EcoParty chez Erin on 4.20.08

If you're thinking this sounds like some sort of groovy tupperware party, mamas, think again.  Ecoparty host Erin assures us that this is anything but.  As she herself said: This is So Not Your Mama's Tupperware Party.  Now that we've got that cleared up, read on and sign up over on Activistas.  It'll be fun.  Plus, Erin's house is an eco media darling.  This way, you can see for your self!  A former Northwest Earth Insitute staffer herself, she writes:

There's certainly no shortage of environmental issues to worry about - climate change, clean (and free) water, alternative energy, dwindling forests, pollution, the list goes on. It can make a mama feel a bit helpless.

One good remedy?  Start in your own home. Take a look around and see what you can do everyday - be it bringing a cloth bag to the grocery store, composting apple peels, or getting rid of those toxic cleaning supplies. Then make some changes.

Finding the Perfect Fit for the Slim Middle-Schooler

Remember all that talk about finding pants for slim tots? What about for the slim middle-schooler?  Sheryl writes:

I know this question has been asked in some form in the past, but it primarily related to younger kids. 

 

I have a very lean and tall almost middle-schooler (barely little kids size 6 through the hips and waist, and approaching a size 12 inseam).  I am having an awful time buying long pants for her.  Size 10 slims have a lot of extra bulk and fabric in the rear end (although adjustable waist pants save the day through the waist), but are reaching the point of being way too short--thank goodness capri weather is coming soon!

 

However, I know the poor kid is going to want to wear long pants come next fall/winter.  Has anyone had any luck with a particular brand or store that really cuts their pants narrow through the hips/waist; have adjustable waists; and come in slim sizes?

 

I've had the best luck with Osh Kosh size 12Slim, but those are still not great.

 

We've got no luck any longer with Old Navy, Gap, Children's Place or Levi's jeans/pants.  The house brands are Target are no good either. Thumbs down to LimitedToo.  Tried the Juniors stuff at Aeropostale, American Eagle, Abercrombie, Hollister--even the Aeropostale sweats in XXS with a drawstring were HUGE on her. Gap petites are still too big.   I'm at a loss!

Are you tightening your belts?

I haven't seen it yet, but apparently Portland Monthly's cover story is all about Portland real estate and why Portland is still America’s hottest hometown.  We're not going to try to discuss the reality of the Portland economy here, but we've heard several families recently talking about changes in family finances to perpare for joblessness and other losses.  With this economy doing something funny, are you tightening your family money belts even more, saving more for those rainy days?  What are included in part of your essential monthly expenses and what are more discretionary (and, therefore, disposable)?  Do you feel secure here in Portland, a bit insulated from the housing crisis that hit hard in parts of California and Florida?  Or, have you noticed the chill, in one way or another?

Your thoughts: Great Wolf Lodge, WA?

Ahhh, getaways are so fun to plan!  Lucky Heather is considering a trip:

I always get great input from urbanMamas.com…I am hoping if anyone has made a trip up to the new Great Wolf Lodge in Washington?  Apparently it is a kids type resort with a 60,000 square foot indoor water park, etc.  Most of the reviews I have read on tripadvisor.com, etc. are TERRIBLE!  Just wondering is anyone has their two cents to share about it.  Because I sure don’t want to make the trip up there plus the expense just to be totally disappointed….or to disappoint our 4 year old! 

Activistas Turns 1: Help us decide what's next

It's true.   urbanMamas birthed Activistas on 4.28.07 with a post on the annual SOLV clean-up. A 1st birthday is a good excuse to get together and drink some Stumptown coffee if you ask me.  Plus, lately we've been kicking it up a notch with local campaigns, direct action, and some decent publicity for our cause.  The mamagenda is alive and well, and if we keep this thing moving, we might just cross some things off our (very long) list.  So let's put our heads together, mamas, and do a little planning.  Details on Activistas.

News to us: Measles in Portland

"Multnomah County Health department investiages measles case":

From Public Affairs and Human Services:
Measles has been confirmed in a traveler who flew from Amsterdam to Seattle to Portland on March 26, and then back to Amsterdam from Portland on March 29. State and local public health officials are investigating the activities of this traveler, and identifying people who might be at risk of becoming ill.

Apparently, Governor Kulongoski is among those exposed to measles on a Horizon flight.  For more information, see the DHS page on measles.

Sunday Parkways: Ciclovia Portland-Style

The city of Bogota ciclovia is inspiring. Every Sunday over 70 miles of city streets are opened up to promote and encourage biking, walking, skating and physical activity.  On June 22, 2008, Portland is hosting on it's own mini-ciclovia with 6 mile circuit in North Portland closed to traffic.  We'd love to try to organize some type of urbanMamas event in conjunction with Sunday Parkways.  Should it be a urbanFamily ride and parade?  Should we help to organize a demonstration of family-bike set ups?  What should we do?  What would help you to ride more as a family? We'd love to hear your ideas. And if you want to help us coordinate, that would be lovely as well!

[Photo Jonathan Maus, published under Creative Commons license]

WEEKENED WARRIORS: April 11-13

Have you seen the forecast for Saturday?  I'm so giddy I can hardly stand it.  The thought of warmth, sun, the playground without rain boots!  Here's to finding a little sunshine in your weekend mamas! 

Friday

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about rain. Targets kids 3-6, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00-2:00 pm.

Ladybug Walk: A guided 60 minute walk around Powell Butte for preschoolers, no registration necessary, $2 per child. 10:00-11:30 am

WEE-Post at the Waypost: Join other kiddos for a reading of selected books and a related craft. 3210 N. Williams, 11:00 am.

Buckman Art Show & Sell: This benefit for the arts programs at Portland's Buckman Arts Focus Elementary School will showcase more than 100 Pacific Northwest artists (everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics, jewelry, fashions, photography and toys). A student art gallery showcases the talents of Buckman's young artists, and hands-on kids' art activities keep the little ones busy while their parents shop!  Friday, 5 to 9 pm, 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

Saturday

African Marimba Concert: Music from Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa played by 75 students of MyLinda King. Donations will support a new marimba program at Buckman Elementary School. Evangel Baptist Church (2830 NE Flanders), music from 12:00-4:00 pm. (p.s. Mamas, I've heard these kiddos play and it is such amazing music!)

Columbia Children's Arboretum Event: New bridges over restored waterways and 1,780 new trees have transformed the NE Portland natural area and neighborhood park.  Gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by tours, give-aways and fun for kids and families. 10:00 am.

Ladybug Walks: Head on up to the World Forestry Center for hourly Ladybug Walks (see Friday), scheduled as part of Arbor Week. 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

Healthy Kids Day: All YMCA health and wellness centers are open to the public today. Activities include sports and games in the gymnasium, a kids gyms room with a rope swing and tumbling mats, a physical fitness scavenger hunt, and face painting. There will also be presentations on wellness and childhood obesity for the parents to attend as well as resources for healthy activities and ideas for parents to implement in their home. T-shirts, healthy snacks and other prizes will be available for each participant. 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros: Meet Pat Mora, featured author of the 2008 Every Family Reads program. Listen to live music, make unique crafts, sample yummy foods and much more! Midland Library, 1:00-5:00 pm.

Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year's Every Family Reads book, "Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!" by Pat Mora. Then, create a mouthwatering masterpiece of your own by frosting and garnishing your own cupcake! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Central Library, 2:00-3:00 pm.

Sunday

Pinata Workshop: Craft your own papier mâché piñata from newspaper and recycled materials and explore the cultural meaning of the piñata. Gregory Heights Library, 2:00-4:00 pm.

National Library Week Scavenger Hunt: Okay, not exactly an event, but sounds kind of fun nonetheless: Celebrate National Library Week by embarking on an on-line scavenger hunt using the Multnomah County Library website.  Check out the link, the clues will be posted at 9:00 am.

Speakin' Beacon Puppet Show: Mudeye Puppet Company and Penny’s Puppet Productions have joined forces to create an all ages puppet show featuring the clueless alien Quarg and the street wise rodent Ralph on an adventure to Mount Snowball. Get a closer look at the puppets, made entirely from reused materials, after each show! Holgate Library, 3:00-3:45 pm.

Have You Had Your Home Energy Review?

Beyond the compact fluorescent light bulbs, I am certain there are other changes we can make to conserve energy and to save money around the house.  The other evening the topic turned to comparing notes on thermostat settings and gas/electric bills with some friends.  I realized one of the things on my long "to do" list is to contact Energy Trust for a free home energy review.  Today, I went on line, filled out the form, and next thing I knew, I made an appointment for an Energy Advisor to come give energy-money-saving tips.  Just in time for Earth Day. Have you had a review?  Any tips that helped to make some noticeable differences in your energy bills?  Also, what is the best thermostat setting when the family's away for the day?

Daddy's in the ICU

Communicating delicate topics to our kids is something that can be difficult.  Melissa's husband was recently in an accident, and she needs your help in explaining the situation to her son and prepare him for visiting his daddy in the ICU.  She emails:

I need some help....my husband is in the ICU and has been there for about a week in a half.  I need some book recommendations to help my 2 year old son.  His dad WILL live but he had a serious head injury.  His dad is not himself & looks different.  I need to eventually bring him to the hospital but I don't want to scare him. I tried to draw a picture of what daddy looks like, but when I do that he looks like a monster.  Trying to show a picture of a daddy with a neck brace on, one eye swollen and shut, and a scar that is like a rainbow over his head from ear to ear with staples in it that DOES NOT look like a monster is very difficult to do.  I am planning to try to draw it on a doll or a stuffed animal to take away the scare factor.  I am planning on buying a doctors kit.  It is hard to find the time to do all of this while my husband is in the ICU & hurting & not himself.  I am pulling it together for my family.  I just need some more ideas so that it is not that hard to FIND the tools I need.  Where do I get this stuff?  What do I get?

News to us: State increased childcare subsidy

Apparently, few of us had no idea.  The Oregonian reports that it's a "little known fact: money for day care":

That made a huge difference for Lisa Fackler, a 29-year-old mother of two. With the increased state subsidy, her out-of-pocket cost for day care for 10-year-old Risha and 3-year-old Aaron at the YMCA dropped from $392 in September to $25 the next month.
.....
About 9,900 families are currently enrolled in the state's Employment Related Day Care program. More than 500 new families signed up in February -- but that's still short of the 3,000 families the Department of Human Services predicted would be added to the program by July 1, 2009.

Are you a family who needs childcare assistance and think you may qualify?  Know another family who should know?  Check out the DHS website on Qualifying for Childcare Assistance or the Child Care Resource and Referral Directory or call 1-800-342-6712.

Lottery Winnings?

A little birdie told me that 'tis the season to be hearing back from school lotteries, for those families who are opting to exercise the PPS school choice.  Did you participate in the lottery?  Have you heard back yet?  What did the lottery have in store for your child(ren)?  Happy with results or resigning to your spot on the waitlist?

Lottery or not, now's a chance to connect with other families at your schools.  Use the urbanMamas School Connection forum to do so!

Pining over someplace else

We all know that Portland's da bomb.  We wouldn't be here if it weren't.  There are lots of us who have shared that we come from many different places.  Recently, though, I've been thinking.... 

We were away for spring break to explore all that is Von Trapp (some of you know that I have two little girls obsessed with the Sound of Music).  During our time away from the States, we started to wonder: "Could we be better suited in a place outside the US?"  I found myself wanting to live in a place where farmer's markets were commonplace and the way-of-doing-business, not where farmer's markets needed subsidizing, organizing, planning, or all the rest.  I found myself wanting to live in a place where walking or cycling were the primary modes of transportation, not where cars were the dominant vehicle.  I found myself wanting to live in a place where space was efficient, not where space was just another thing to fill with all our goods.

Don't get me wrong.  We love Portland.  But, we just got this feeling that we just can't seem to shake.

Do you ever have this feeling?  The feeling of wanting to live somewhere other than Portland, OR?  The feeling of pining over someplace else?  Perhaps places outside of America?  Perhaps where you have lived before?  Perhaps to be closer to family?  Have you lived "abroad"? 

Or, do you know for certain that Portland is the place for you and your family?