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]

Mayoral Candidate Forum: LOCATION UPDATE

Thanks to all who weighed in on the time and place for mayoral candidates (Sam 'n' Sho) to talk family.  Majority of responses suggested Close-in Eastside as the preferred geography for the event, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, at 1PM.

Now: we're scouring for ideas for an easily accessible close-in eastside location that can hold up to 100 of us mamas & papas & our kids of all ages.  Some suggestions have included Milagros, Kennedy School, Kaiser Town Hall, Multnomah Building.  We're looking for more suggestions.  Ideas, ideas?  Anyone, anyone?

urbanMamas Toy Swap and Lead Testing Event

I can't tell you how many times one of my son's friends has been over and started playing intently with something my son has ignored for the past year. And while the frequent use of my down coat reminds me that spring is certainly not around the corner, it's never too early to start some spring cleaning, right? So what better place to start than the toy box?  Yes, urban mamas, now you officially have an excuse to clear out all those toys and games gathering dust under couches and beds, all those puzzles that have been done a million times and join us for an urbanMamas toy swap.

Bring your gently used toys, games and puzzles and swap them for something "new." Nothing like a little infusion of new toys to bring peace and harmony to the household, my friends. And if you, like me, have a few toys that have been taken out of circulation pending that trip to the lead testing clinic that never happened, bring 'em along as our friends at the PDC will be on hand to test toys for lead paint. That said, please do peruse the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission web site to be sure you're not bringing anything that has already been recalled. All the leftover toys will be donated. We look forward to seeing you there! Please RSVP in the comments to let us know you will be coming!

urbanMamas Toy Swap and Lead Testing
Sunday, March 16
3 - 5 p.m.
Urban Grind
2214 NE Oregon St.

Book group update

As expected, we had a very (very) small get-together at our first book group meeting last Thursday. At our next two meetings, this Sunday, December 30, and Sunday, January 13, we'll continue to discuss Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Between conversation here on the blog and our meetings, we'll decide upon a book for the next month.

Meeting places and times:

• Dec. 30, 1 p.m., Pix Patisserie Division (3402 SE Division)
• Jan. 13, 1 p.m., Tea Chai Te NE (2223 NE Alberta)
• Jan. 17, 7 p.m., TBD

Support one, support all: Mama groups

I've written a lot on my personal blog about mamas' groups, and how much I love them. How they've been my lifeline many a time. It's hard, you know? Being a mama. It's simultaneously isolating and stifling; it brings all your hiddenmost issues to the surface, changing your skin from calloused to transparent in an instant.

Though I have all you, and we get together a lot, and I have my friends to hang out with on holidays and birthdays and knitting days, I don't really have a group right now. And I feel like I need one -- and I know lots of you need one too.

While you all might be organizing groups offline, it's  likely many of you haven't the time or energy to coordinate. And putting together a bunch of groups individually (while it's certainly a goal) seems daunting. So what about just setting a time and a place and having those who can come, come, and separate into little groups? As I see it we need:

• Book group (yay!)
• Single mamas support
• Careers for mamas returning to work
• Partners of alcoholics (etc.)
• New mamas
• Challenged mamas (whose children are difficult or developmentally delayed or diagnosed with SID ill or...)
• Lonely mamas (that probably defines most of us!)

Favorite Must-Do Holiday Event

If there is one "must see" or "must do" event this holiday season, what would it be?  What would you recommend?  Sara wants to know! She writes:

I'd like to take my 3-year-old to one splurge-y holiday-season event this year, like a dance, music, or theater performance. My budget is tight, so I'm hoping Urban Mamas will help me identify the single Very Best Event! She loves music and dancing and stories, and will sit through engaging performances for an hour or so, but obviously it can't be too long or too boring-for-kids.

Adopt-A-Family Holiday Party: Save the Date!

Activistas invites you to celebrate the season together by providing food and gifts for a local family through Salvation Army's Adopt-A-Family program.  We'll have more details in early December, but for now, we sure hope you'll save the afternoon of Sunday, 12.16.07 to come together for a little holiday fun with a purpose.  Kids, partners & friends welcome, of course!  'Til then, mamas.

Run MAMA Run - We're OFF!

We've been pounding the pavement hard for the past few months, and - in earnest - over the past few weeks.  We've written some of our training secrets, mama-style.  We've reminisced about how scary-but-fun it was last year.  With all that and a little bit of hype, we're off again!

Wish the Run Mama Run team lots of luck and fresh-feeling legs as they kiss their babes goodbye for over a day, as they run-mam-run the 197.2 miles from Timberline Lodge all the way down to the beach at Seaside.  We should be cruising through Portland around 10:30-11PM on Friday night, so if anyone is up past their bedtime, come cheer us on at the Hawthorne Bridge!

We'll try to check in with some pics mid-way....  in true urbanMama fashion, never far from a wifi connection!

Run Mama Run: Hood to Coast 2007

With just a week to go, 12 urbanMamas rest their legs and ready themselves for Hood-to-Coast.  Run Mama Run is our team, and it's not our first appearance in the largest relay in the U.S.  197 miles, 12 mamas, 20 kids (though they're not coming for the ride!), 2 vans, 30 or so hours.  Is it fun?  Heck, we've birthed kids, so what's 197 miles, just a few hours of sleep, and 30 hours of on and off running?  If you like momraderie, then - YES - it is most definitely fun.  Expect chatting, laughing, butterflies in stomachs.  Start on Mt. Hood and miraculously end at Seaside.  It's the moment we've all been training for.

This year, Run Mama Run is being supported by some great folks at OregonLive, so check us out over at RunOregon and read all about some of our mama running secrets.  Run Mama Run also send e-shout-outs to Lara for fueling us with Larabars and to Virginia for juicing us up with VitaminWater.

We aren't the only mamas running this thing.  Last year, we counted several other mama teams: "37 kids and still counting", "I want my mommy", "Moms on the Run", "Running from our kids", "Hoochie Mamas", "Dolly Mamas".  Anyone else running Hood to Coast this year??

Will you be pedaling across the bridges?

It's the family bike event of the year, the Bridge Pedal is here!  With three route options - the 10 bridge (36 miles), the 8 bridge (24 miles) and the 6 bridge (14 miles), organizers estimate 20,000 participants to register.  And don't forget the stride (5 mile walk that includes crossing the Broadway and Steel Bridges)!   Start times begin at 7am (for the 10- or 8- bridge rides) and run until 9:30am (for the 6-bridge rides).

In previous years, the thousands and thousands of riders of all ages and levels have resulted in bottlenecks, accidents, and complaints.  I know some families who are discouraged and even afraid to ride the event, opting to leave their bike riding to their daily commutes with or without kids.  I know families (like ourselves) who keep coming back for more, even if the ride can be wrought with difficulties and some frustrations.  The views and the thrills from up top of the Marquam and Fremont bridges just can't be beat!

Will you be riding?  What are tips and tricks for the rest of the family riders?

Mid-Summer Thoughts: Concerts in the Park

A few weeks of concerts are now behind us - be it concerts at the parks, Kruger's farm concerts, Zoo concerts.  In the past few weeks, we've seen triple digit temps and rain, which has definitely affected whether we pack the picnic or not.  Last week on a rainy Wednesday, we decided to brave the weather and hope for the best: we hit Peninsula Park for some 'hot 20s jazz'.  The rain decided to stay away, but the concert was cancelled for good measure anyway.  It was just as well: we caught up with old friends and spent the evening picnicking right on the stage.

In the past few weeks, we have picnicked at Sellwood Park, Fernhill Park, Peninsula Park.  We've had several evening jaunts at Jamison, too, of course!  We have found that we all enjoy it most when:  1) the play area is within line of sight from the grassy area so the kids can play while parents catch up on the picnic blanket, 2) we are able to position ourselves in the spot that is just-so -- not too close to the music so we can still catch up with friends, and 3) we have enough provisions for the hungry picnickers.  For these reasons, we have enjoyed our concerts at Fernhill - with the merry-go-round in plain sight from the parents' perch on the grass - even though Peninsula Park is more of our neighborhood park.

So, we ask: Which parks have been great for you and your picnicking family?  What's in your picnic basket?  (We typically have tofu slices, prosciutto, grapes, straweberries, baguette, cheese, water, wine)  How many concerts in the outdoors have you hit so far this season?  How early do you get to the park - a little early to score the perfect spot or after the first set has already begun?

Brace yourself: IKEA set to open July 25

It's the moment we've all been waiting for! Or not?  The IKEA Grand Opening is fast approaching.  To prepare, the Port of Portland has even issued a traffic advisory and has prepared an IKEA traffic flow plan.  IKEA has been billed as the big-box that even Portlanders love.  Today's Oregonian tells us to brace ourselves for the traffic nightmare that this grand opening will bring.

According to all accounts, the store format will be the same as all the other 30 IKEAs in the US.  Another fun thing to look forward to will be the big bright and primary playroom where the kids can play while the adults wander through the maze of staged room after staged room.  We'll all be hungry after all that bouncing and playing (the kids) or shopping and hauling DIY furniture (the mamas & the papas), that we'll soon end up in the IKEA cafeteria, where we'll have 50 cent Swedish meatballs and other Swedish delicacies in true IKEA frugal fashion.  Kids will have bright red tables and yellow chairs, they will love their kiddie food trays and utensils.  It will be fun, won't it?

So, are you making your list and checking it twice?  Will you be heading out there on July 25th or soon thereafter?

Opening July 25!  Please bring your family for a morning of fun and festivities July 25.  Entertainment begins at 6:00 am, doors will open at 9:00 am.  July 26-29 Store & Restaurant open at 10:00 am.

6:00 am?  Will that be you waiting at the door?  That's mighty, mighty early....  but in case you'd like an earlier start:

Air out your camping gear!  Customers can begin lining up at IKEA Portland at 9:00 AM on Monday morning, July 23, 2007 - in advance of our July 25 opening.  We are going to be doing something special for everyone on opening morning so you do not have to be the first, second, or third customer* in line to share the fun.

* There will be no specific prize given to just the first, second, or third customer in line.

Family Disco Party!

Need to shake your booty while Baby Loves Disco is on summer hiatus? Well mark you calendars and get ready to dance while supporting a wonderful organization. As a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, La Leche League of Portland is hosting a Family Dance Party:

Sunday August 5th from 2pm-5pm
at the North Star Ballroom
635 N. Killingsworth Ct, Portland, OR

The LLL Family Dance Party is a family event. Adults must be accompanied by a child!DJ’d dance music, bubbles floating over the the dance floor, face painting, and healthy snacks and drinks for kids and adults.

Advance tickets are only $7 each for dancers 12 and over (kids under 12 are FREE!). Purchase your tickets on-line here!

Celebrate the 4th - 2007

The Fourth of July is sneaking up behind us.  For us working folk, it's a nice respite in the middle of the week - a day off on a Wednesday!  What are you all doing?  Courtney emails:

We are looking for fun 4th of July activities to do during the day (especially in the morning). I saw a parade in Lake Oswego (http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/default.htm). Any other resources or ideas?

Concerts in the Park

The wonderful family-friendly and FREE Concerts in Portland Parks starts FRIDAY! Parks all over the city will be filled with music. There is something almost every night this summer and something for every taste. Click here for a printable flyer listing all of the summer concerts.

We help organize the concerts at Fernhill Park and are very excited about this year's line-up. All concerts at Fernhill Park begin at 6:30 pm but there will also be art activities for kids at every concert that begin at 6 pm:

• July 6 – The Ward Stroud Band will cover the blues from the early delta style to modern standards with a healthy dose of original tunes for good measure.
• July 13 – Dirty Martini is a blissful union of three of the Pacific Northwest’s finest singer songwriters Lara Michell, Stephanie Schneiderman, and McKinley.
• July 20 – Erin Rothrock and Aaron Cross present the phenomenal Northwest Community Gospel Choir. The choir is made of singers from churches throughout Portland and has performed with the Oregon Symphony and been featured on OPB.
• July 27 – Portland Security Traders Association present Intervision. Combining elements of soul, rock, jazz, and pop, Intervision will draw you in and get you dancing with their unique and infectious groove.
• August 7 - The Buckles serve up classic honky-tonk and hard-core twang right out of the playbooks of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

Unconditional Parenting Workshop

There have been a few discussions and requests on parenting classes as well as some discussion on "discipline" styles, choices, and other issues. Alfie Kohn, the author of eleven books on education, parenting, and human behavior, is having a workshop in Portland on July 24th on "Unconditional Parenting." Here is a description of the event as well as information on how to register:

UNCONDITIONAL PARENTING: Beyond Bribes and Threats

Tuesday, July 24th 6:30 - 8:30pm

Holiday Inn Portland, NE 2nd Ave. Portland, OR 97232

Advice for raising children typically comes in two flavors: threats (known euphemistically as “consequences”) and bribes (”positive reinforcement”).  Rewards and punishments are two sides of the same coin, and unfortunately, neither can buy anything more than temporary obedience.

This presentation, by the author of UNCONDITIONAL PARENTING, will show why carrots and sticks are not only ineffective but actually counterproductive over the long haul. To raise children who are good learners and good people requires us to abandon strategies that do things to kids, in favor of an approach in which we work with them. And underlying those “working with” strategies is the message that children do not have to earn our approval, that we love them not for what they do but just for who they are.

Cost is $5 per person. Space is limited, go to pdxparentingsupport.com for reservations.

Mother's Day 2007

The years are zipping by, just zippin', zippin', zippin'. This will be my sixth Mother's Day as a mother. I can't believe it. It really is going by so quickly. Our fantastic mama day celebration last year at urbanMamas Day 2006 feels just like yesterday...

The past few years, my Mother's Day has begun sweetly and sleepily. I awaken to the smell of bacon or fried eggs and - of course - fresh coffee. My husband and the girls bring a huge tray of goodies to me, along with a flower and a sweet card. They wake up at the crack of dawn to start my early morning treats, and I just love the love and thought they put into making me breakfast just the way I like.

We mamas sure do work hard, and I make a promise to myself to treat myself to a little break, each Mother's Day. I vow to let everyone else take care of thinking of what to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I make few decisions on behalf of the family. I refrain from doing chores. I allow myself to be pampered. I deserve it.

Do you celebrate Mother's Day? For yourself or for your own mother figures? Are there emerging trends or traditions in your family?

Crafty Mamas, Motherhood Manifesto Day Wants Y-O-U!

We are proud to be sponsors of a great event: Motherhood Manifesto Day!

This special event on Saturday, May 12 at the Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland) will feature a special screening of "Motherhood Manifesto" followed by a Q & A with the filmmakers, a FREE concert by Super XX Man, and a FREE Mother's Day Marketplace!

We have a few tables in the marketplace that are designated for crafty mamas. The table fee is $30 for a full 6 foot table, $15 to share a table. Tables and chairs are provided. If you would like to show your stuff at this great event, just send me us an email at milagros@milagrosboutique.com for more info. 

Local sponsors of Motherhood Manifesto Day include Milagros, Zoom Baby Gear, Purple Moon Child Development, Metro Parent Magazine, Lilaguide.com, Eclectikid, Blueprints for Footprints, Mother Tree Doula Services, Natural Light Photography, Gooseberry, Global Sistergoods, Baby Wit, Zenana Spa and Wellness Center,The Bra Lady, Sour Apple Productions, Film Action Oregon, and Mother Source.

All proceeds from this event will support Momsrising.org and the 2008 Portland Women's Film Festival (aka POW! Fest).

Anyone going to Baby Loves Disco on 4/21?

Emily is looking forward to meeting some of you at Saturday's Baby Loves Disco:

I am going to "Baby Loves Disco" this weekend. My amazing husband bought tickets way ahead of time knowing that I wanted to take my almost 2 year old daughter to shake her little booty. The only down side is that none of my other mama friends got their tickets in time. Now that the show is sold out I am wondering if any other urbanMamas are going? It would be fun to say hello while the kiddos dance.

More kid rock: The Sippy Cups

Portland's a hip-and-hoppin' place to hear kid's music! Another popular kiddie rock band is coming to town -- The Sippy Cups.

Calling kids of all ages… The Sippy Cups are coming - a high energy rock show for families whipping up imaginative original tunes and rock favorites into a whirlwind circus of humor, audience participation, and a magic party atmosphere!

Combining skilled musicianship, a love of classic rock and for children; this San Francisco group plays music under the motto “Milk, Music & Mischief.” Definitely not your average acoustic singer-songwriter type of kids music, great pains have been taken to make sure this music appeals to parents as much as their children. We’re pleased to present this magical blend of music & mirth making to Portland’s Aladdin Theater!

Showtime: Saturday, May 5, 1pm (doors open at noon)
Where: The Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Avenue
Tickets: $15 (all ages), available at Ticketmaster and the Aladdin Theater box office

Roots and Wings, Celebrating Family and Community, March 31st

This is a fun and FREE all-day event that has something for everyone. Arrive early as t-shirts and giveaways will be snapped up quickly.

Attend Roots and Wings this Saturday, March 31, 10am-4pm at Lloyd Center Mall. This free event is put on by Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families and Community and features more than 50 booths of resources, activities, arts and crafts projects for kids and lots of fun. There will be entertainment from 10-3 featuring story time in English and Spanish,  dance performances, singing, martial arts demonstrations, marimba music, a kids' parade and much.

This event is the kick-off to Child Abuse Prevention Month, April 2007. Come out and enjoy a day celebrating families and community.

urbanMamas Calendar

Got an event that you're dying to share with the urbanMamaville? Send us your event invite via Outlook, Google Calendar, or any compatible iCAL format and we will add it to our events calendar.  The more information you can provide, the better.  Also remember to provide your contact details and links to your Website.  Just navigate to our calendar page for updates of events and ideas for family friendly events!

March Crafty Mamas Bazaar

There are a lot of Crafty Mamas in PDX and we showcase a handful of them at Milagros on the fourth Saturday of every month. The next Bazaar is this Saturday, March 24, 11 am - 3 pm.

The artists featured on Saturday include:

• We have been proudly displaying Karina Potestio’s handicrafts at Milagros for a long time. She will be offering her full line of unique baby and mama clothing at the March Crafty Mamas Bazaar
• Louri DePalma of La Lu Baby will be displaying fun handmade clothing for your little miracle, including pants, tie-tops and wrap tops. We also carry Louri’s work at Milagros
• Michelle Gay of Eclectikid makes fun hand silkscreened shirts, baby blankets, tote bags, and greeting cards
• Barbara Gaines of Momentoes creates unique three-dimensional castings of babies’ hands and feet
• Rebecca Sander of Daisy Chains creates fun jewelry for children
• Jennifer Murphy of Punky Kidz will feature handmade bib’s, burpies, changing pads and baby carriers

All Bazaar sales go directly to the Crafty Mamas and we have complimentary coffee and tea service, so please come out and see what these local mamas have to offer.

If you would like to considered as a Crafty Mama Bazaar for a future event please email us at milagros@milagrosboutique.com for more info.

Milagros is located at 5433 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97211

Break!

Next week is Spring Break for Portland and Beaverton Public Schools. That's a change in the schedule for all of us. For some of us who may work fulltime, spring break means a hunt for day camps. For some of us, spring break means a search for new and fun activities for ourselves and our kids. There are things going on out there, like Free Swim Lessons at some pools and surely a whole host of other funness to be had. There are camps at the ol' standbys: the Zoo Camp or Children's Museum Camp. What else is there? Art camp at 100th Monkey Studio? Kung Fu Camp? Maybe leisurely mornings and long bike rides? Walks to our favorite parks to catch up with neighbors and friends?

What's Spring Break '07 like for our family? Monday through Wednesday, our girls will hang with one of their bestest gal pals (a sitter share!). We have family coming in late Wednesday, who'll spend some QT with the girls on Thursday. On Friday, we'll zip away for a long weekend getway at Sunriver, and that'll be that!

How 'bout you all? Care to share some plans for your upcoming week?

What's for Easter?

For those of us that celebrate Easter, do you go to church? Go to a egg hunt to find eggs filled with stickers or toys? Paint eggs? Jess asks:

I am wondering if any families know of sugar free Easter activities. Sugar just does not work for us. If there is not anything already going on perhaps interested families could make something happen.

Experienced Entrepreneurs Share Secrets to Success

I know there are a lot of mamas in PDX who have recently launched their own business or are thinking about it, so I thought I'd invite you all to the next Portland Mamas Inc. (PMI) meeting which would be a great one for those who haven't been to any PMI meetings yet:

March PMI Meeting: “Been There, Done That: Experienced Mamapreneurs Share Secrets to Success”
featuring:

• Kathi O’Neil, publisher of Portland Picks and founder of Westover Media
• Andrea Frost, owner of Baby Wit
• Heidi Sivers Boyce, owner of PB & Ellie’s Cafe and Chief Operations Officer of Oregon Athletic Clubs.

Wednesday, March 7
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
(6:30-6:50 registration; the meeting will start at 7pm sharp!)
The PLAY Boutique
332 First Street, Lake Oswego
503.962.0350
Mamas Only Meeting (nursing babies are welcome)
Admission: Free for current PMI members; $10 cash or check to PMI at the door for non-members.
Ever wondered what it takes to make it as a successful mamapreneur? How do you survive the first few years of a start up? What is involved when you buy an existing business? What are the challenges of running an online-only business? From start-up costs to hiring issues, from sustainability practices to marketing madness, from mistakes and stumbles to pleasant surprises and big triumphs, our panelists will share their experiences being women and mothers who own different kinds of businesses. Get the real dish here from three fabulous local mamas/business owners who have made it on their own terms. Please RSVP online at the PMI events page.

For more info about the Portland Mamas Inc. organization, please visit our website. If you are interested in becoming a PMI member, please note that we will not be taking any applications from March 9th through May 31st. I'm due soon with baby #2 and things are crazy right now :). You can apply for PMI membership online through March 9th or in person at the March 7th meeting. Hope to see some of you there! 

It's Seussical!

Everyone loves Dr. Susss. The first week of March will be celebrated by many as Dr. Susss Celebration week, part of the Seussentennial fun. Theodor Geisel's birthday is March 2. In his honor, the National Educational Association has instituted a day to Read Across America. Also to celebrate, our daughter's classroom will "read away the day", coming to school in jammies, bringing loads and loads of books, and read, read, read.

Multnomah County Library has a bunch of stuff planned to celebrate Dr. Seuss. The fun starts tomorrow at a library near you. See this flyer (*pdf) for all Seussical events.

Seuss Storytime: Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with stories!

For preschoolers:
Thursday, March 1, 10:15–11 a.m. @ Midland Library
Thursday, March 1, 11–11:30 a.m. @ Central Library
Tuesday, March 6, 10:15–10:45 a.m. @ Hillsdale Library

For toddlers:
Wednesday, March 7, 10:15–10:45 a.m. @ Hillsdale Library

It's a Seuss-a-thon!: In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, drop by the Belmont Library and be read to by volunteers from neighborhood schools and the community.
Friday, March 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. @ Belmont Library

Celebrate Seuss!: National award-winning storyteller Christopher Leebrick shares Dr. Seuss stories as well as delightful multicultural tales. Suitable for ages 5-105!
Friday, March 2, 3–3:45 p.m.@ Northwest Library
Saturday, March 10, 2–2:45 p.m. @Rockwood Library
Thursday, March 29, 2–2:45 p.m.@ Midland Library
Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.

Seussational! Crafts! Games! Seussical snacks! Become a Daisy-Head Maisy! Play with your Green Eggs and Ham! Create your own zoo animal!
Saturday, March 3, noon–3 p.m. @ Capitol Hill Library

Discover the Lorax: Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with a reading of The Lorax, and create your own three-dimensional Truffula tree with artist and storyteller Kathy Karbo.
Saturday, March 3, 1–3 p.m. @ Capitol Hill Library
Sunday, March 4, 2–4 p.m. @ Gregory Heights Library
Saturday, April 7, 1–3 p.m. @ St. Johns Library
Registration required; call 503.988.5397.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with stories, games and more!
Sunday, March 4, 2–4 p.m. @ Fairview-Columbia Library

Kid rock: The Grease Ball!

From Portland's own Belinda and Tova, hosts of Greasy Kid Stuff:

Greasy Kid Stuff, the hip, hit radio show for alternakids and their parents, presents the Grease Ball!

Captain Bogg & Salty, The Jellydots, A mini-squadron from The Sprockettes, DIY silkscreening from Orbitbug, designs by Jessica Wolk-Stanley. Make your own $2 Greasy Kid Stuff bandana! Plus flip books, thumatropes, and fun filmy stuff from Indiekid Films.

A $5 complete and yummy kid menu, and great food for adults too!

It's all happening Sunday, March 18, 2:30 p.m. at the Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St. in Portland. Doors open at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under (ages 2 and under free). Tickets are available in advance through Ticketmaster and may also be purchased (cash only) at the Wonder Ballroom box office (open Monday through Friday, noon–6 p.m.) and Café Wonder (Tuesday through Saturday plus show nights, 5 p.m.–close).

Ballgowns and tiaras optional!

Pass It On is Back!

PASS IT ON is a huge semi-annual children's consignment sale. There are tons of gently used items offered for sale at affordable prices. Its are tagged and displayed so weeding through is easier than at a garage sale or the goodwill bins. The earlier you get there, the better the opportunity to score some fabulous deals on clothes, toys, furniture and more.

Pass It On is March 22 - 24 at the National Guard Armory, 848 NE 28th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR. Shopping hours are 9 am - 7 pm Thursday and Friday, 10 am - 2 pm Saturday.

Ladybug Walks 2007

Just yesterday, the Ladybug Walks for 2007 began. You can expect guided nature walks every Friday, sponsored by Portland Parks & Recreation, held at various parks and gardens througout Portland. Walks begin on Fridays at 10AM and cost $2 per preschooler (and no fee for accompanying adults!). You can "touch slimy slugs, smell tree bark, look under rocks, feel crinkly and soft leaves, hear musical bird songs, and experience many changes of the seasons." Check out a Ladybug Walk at a neighborhood park near you!

Mom's Rising Mixer

Mom's Rising Mixer
Date: 3/2/07
Location: Zenana Spa and Wellness Center 2024 SE Clinton
Sponsors: Mother Tree Birth Services, Portland Mama's Inc., More Milk Anywhere, Zenana Spa and Wellness Center
RSVP: http://www.party2win.com/momsrising/parties?e=mothertree3

You've heard about Mom's Rising. You may have missed the last showing or wish to bring back a friend. Now's your chance to join us in learning the truth about the status of Mom's in America and how we can make things better right here at home. Sponsored by Mother Tree Birth, Mom's Milk Anywhere, Portland Mama's Inc. and the Zenana Spa and Wellness Center

I hope you can join us.  It's a fun way to get together, eat dessert, and watch a special screening of a terrific new documentary film, The Motherhood Manifesto--a film for (and about) mothers, and all who have mothers!And, the film is getting great early reviews. Ann Crittenden, author of the Price of Motherhood, raved, "The Motherhood Manifesto documentary is a funny, fascinating, informative and finally infuriating film about motherhood in America. At the end of this one, you'll want to jump out of your seat, rush out the door and, start demanding change immediately!

Note: Come about 15 minutes early -- neighborhood parking. Your kids and spouses are welcome!

*Not sure if you can come? Choose "maybe" on the RSVP page that you link to by clicking on the button above. That will help me plan the party. Thanks!

Questions? E-mail jesse@mothertreebirth.com

The Next Friday Knights

Back by popular demand, Friday Knights is scheduled for Friday, February 23rd.  We went last time, and our girls had a super-duper time.  They came home with fun stuff, like journals and pens, and they spent the evening making huge life-size drawings, playing card games, and playing the night away.  The best part was that we adults could steal away for a couple of hours of grown-up time and grown-up drinks.

Mark your calendars and RSVP now!  Sydney's is modifying it's format, pricing, and timing, so here are details:

Friday Knights at Sydney's
Friday, February 23, 2007
6:30 to 8:30 PM (feel free to drop off at 6:15 to help kids get situated)
Kids ages 5 and up (Kids as young as 3 are welcome when accompanied by an older sibling)
$15 per child, $10 for first sibling, and $5 for each sibling thereafter

Advance registration required: sydneyscommunity@gmail.com or 503 241 4313.

Friday Morning Puppet Shows in North Portland

 Nothing to do on Friday mornings?  How about a puppet show from the puppeteer who performed "puppet shoes" at the Children's Museum.  Thanks for the tip, Lori!

Where:  Historic Kenton Firehouse located in North Portland 8105 N. Brandon Ave.
When:   Feb 9: Shows at 10 and again at 11;  Super Donkey
             Feb 23: Shows at 10 and again at 11; Rainy Day Tea Party
             March 3: shows at 10 and again at 11: Turtle and Rabbit
             March 16: Shows at 10 and again at 11: How to catch a Leprechaun
Admission: $2.00 each (children under 1year free). There will be free coffee and tea for the adults and stickers for the little one.

 

Celebrate! Portland Public Schools

The season of school info, selection and such is in FULL swing. Most schools are having informational events as well as providing opportunities to tour classrooms. Check with individual schools to find out what on-campus events they may have planned - including what events may be REQUIRED if you are considering a charter school.

THE BIG EVENT where you can get an overview on the myriad of educational choices at every Portland Public School is this Saturday, February 3 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm at the Portland Expo Center: “Celebrate! Portland Public Schools.”

A lot of fun activities are planned for the day in addition to learning about individual schools and the mechanics of the enrollment process. You can find out more info by calling 503-916-3304 or checking the website.

Free kid dance party this Saturday at Powell's

Belinda and Hova, hosts of Portland's own "kid rock" radio show, Greasy Kid Stuff, are staging a dance party in the children's book area of Powell's (Burnside) this Saturday to coincide with Neal Pollack's Alternadad appearance. Sure to be a fun hour of booty-shaking with music both kids and parents will love! The dance party will run from 3-4pm, and Neal will be reading afterwards.

You can listen to Greasy Kid Stuff every Saturday morning at 8am on 94/7 Alternative Portland.

Crafty Mama Bazaar This Saturday!

There are a lot of Crafty Mamas in PDX and we will be showcasing a handful of them this Saturday, January 27, 11 am - 3 pm at Milagros. Featured artists include:

• Cynthia Thompson of Zoom Baby Gear
• Christina Bissell will feature a variety of handmade toys, bibs, burp rags, book bags and more
• Gretchen Gawlik makes fun, hip, re-designed shirts and onesies.
• Elizabeth Webber creates greeting cards, gift tags, stationery, bookmarkers, magnets, and other paper art using photographs and vintage images.
• Angela Flynn helps you make a special keepsake by creating personalized ceramic hand and footprints of your little miracle.

We will also have complimentary organic coffee and tea service for the event. All the sales go directly to the Crafty Mamas, so please come out to the Crafty Mamas Bazaar this Saturday and see what these local mamas have to offer.

So, did Baby Love Disco?

I didn't make it to Baby Loves Disco a couple weekends ago. Neither did several families I know, as the event sold out and they were turned away at the door. Did you go? How was your experience? Would you go again?

Baby Loves Disco repeat performances are coming up, February 18th and March 11th.

Connected Parenting Workshop

When: Sunday, February 25th 1PM-4PM.
Where: Zenana Spa * 2024 SE Clinton St. * Portland, OR 97202
Cost: $25 per person/$40 per couple

This workshop is focused on the primacy of connection in parenting children of all ages and on parenting without punishments or rewards. Look deeply past difficult behaviors to discover the underlying needs of our children (and ourselves), and begin to use concrete tools to respond effectively to parenting challenges. Incorporates concepts from the work of Alfie Kohn, Lawrence J. Cohen, Dr. Gordon Nuefeld, and Mary Sheedy Kurchinka as well as the professional and personal experience of Lyla and Emily.  Limited childcare available - $15 per child.  contact lyla@zenana-spa.com for more information.

Friday Knights is TONIGHT!

Join the Sydney's family for a night of games, pizza, music and art projects.  It's a perfect time for mamas and papas of older kids to steel away for a few moments, a bite to eat or a drink on the town.

Friday Knights
Friday, January 19, 2007
7 to 9 PM
Kids 6 and up, $15 per child
Sydney's Cafe
1800 NW 16th Avenue, at Thurman
sydneyscommunity@gmail.com
503 241 4313

Getting Ready for Auctions

Auction season is right around the corner, and many of us will be involved in organizing, procuring, and advertising. Auctions are employed by our schools small and large, private and public, preschool and elementary. Not only is it a great way to raise funds for a school, it's also usually a fun way to socialize with teachers, administrators, and parents of the school community. Shane is working on organizing classroom projects for auction at the event:

We are getting ready for our annual auction fundraiser at my daughter's school. Does anyone have any ideas for classroom projects that worked well?

UPDATED: For the boys

NOTE: I need to cancel the February 15 playdate.

My intent at some point is to start a blog that is for the men-folk but I know that I'm not the only Papa who checks out UrbanMamas for ideas/suggestions/info. So please allow me to provide a commercial advertisement targeting the boys on this forum for just a moment:

Upcoming UrbanPapas Playdates:
Thursday, January 18, 10 am - Noon
CANCELED: Thursday, February 15, 10 am - Noon

at Milagros, 5433 Ne 30th Avenue, Portland

Bring yourself and your kid - but kid is not required. If you want to bring a snack to share, go for it! - but not required. Remember to help clean-up before you leave!

UrbanPapas Forum - Family Adventuring: Travel, Outdoor Life, and More with Family and Kids

Wednesday, February 28
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
at Milagros, 5433 Ne 30th Avenue, Portland

Facilitator/featured speaker Tony Fuentes. Tony will provide suggestions and tips for successful family adventuring based on his experience as an outdoor guide for Outward Bound and as an adventuring parent. Bring your questions and your own experiences to share.

No kids this time. $3 per person suggested donation. This is our first time doing an evening kid-free meeting so please RSVP.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 2007

What are you all doing on Monday to celebrate Martin Luther King Day, asks Sharai:

Hi UrbanMamas, I'm wondering if other Portland moms know of things to do with kids in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Tram-O-rama

The phones go live today for reservations to ride the Aerial Tram on opening weekend, January 27 & 28. If you would like a free ride on the tram over that weekend, you need to call 503-418-TRAM (8726) to reserve a day and time. Rides will be given from 10 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. in 30-min. increments. There is a limit of 5 riders for each reservation and approximately 50 people will be riding in each "pod." The ride times are necessary to avoid huge lines at the opening. (OHSU is aiming for organized chaos!)

Up at the OHSU docking area, the hospital will offer punch and cookies and time for a quick look at the view before it's time to head back down. The docking area is above the Kohler Pavillion and it will be open and physicians will be seeing patients so OHSU would prefer to not have people wanding around the hospital grounds. Opening weekend includes food, information booths and music too. All activites take place in or near OHSU's Center for Health and Healing at the lower tram terminal.

Sounds like a fabulous outing for the whole family!

Babywearing Gathering

The Portland chapter of Nine In Nine Out will have it’s next babywearing gathering on Sunday, January 14th, 10 am - Noon in The Family Room at Milagros, 5429 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97211.

NINO meetings are a casual forum for getting your questions on babywearing answered by other mamas and/or to share your own babywearing stories.

Pregnant Mamas Gatherings

More pregnant mamas gatherings! All local pregnant mamas + kiddos are welcome to these events. Please rsvp online at the Events page of the Portland Mamas Inc. website
and please make sure you check that site for updates such as time/location changes, cancellations, etc. Events are posted a month out on the PMI site, but if you'd like the full calendar of meetings, send me an email and I will send you the 2007 PMI Events Calendar. We also have an active private forum where pregnant mamas have been connecting, sharing advice, concerns, venting, etc. so after you attend one of the gatherings let me know if you'd like to be added to the private forum as well. Hope to see you pregnant mamas at one or all of these get-togethers!

UPDATE: The Jan 16th gathering has been canceled due to the snow and ice. Looking forward to catching up on the 30th and/or the 13th gathering!
Tuesday, January 16
5:30 pm
Sip & Kranz, 910 NW 10th Avenue

Tuesday, January 30
10am
Urban Grind - NE
NE 22nd and Oregon Streets

Tuesday, February 13
5:30pm
Sip & Kranz, 910 NW 10th Avenue

Tuesday, February 27
10am
Milagros, 5433 NE 30th Avenue

Anusara Yoga workshop

Hey mamas & papas, I know a lot of you out there are yoga enthusiasts, so I thought I would let you know that one of the top Anusara yoga teachers is coming to SE Portland to do a special weekend workshop:

Desiree Rumbuagh's "Cycle of Life" yoga weekend
sponsored by Still Moving Yoga
January 19-21
Yoga Union
2043 SE 50th, PDX
Register at www.stillmovingyoga.com or call Jim Gillen at 503-977-0944.
Costs range from $25 for intro class to $100 for teacher training, plus there are weekend packages from $108 for three workshops on up.

I've been to the Still Moving Yoga studios, and the owners Jim and Lynea are just amazing people and have created this little idyllic retreat-like setting. Just wanted to pass this along - sounds like a great way to start off those New Year's resolutions this year!

Moms Rising Mixer

I bought the book The Motherhood Manifesto many months ago, upon the suggestion of a fellow mamapreneur and Portland Mamas Inc member. It is an excellent look at how issues such as family leave and moms re-entering the workforce after extended leaves are handled and perceived in the US.

If you are interested in issues such as better maternity leave options, flexible work hours and excellent childcare...if you find yourself struggling to balance your mothering role with your other life responsibilities, then we invite you to join Mother Tree Doulas, Zenana Spa, Portland Mamas Inc. and Mom's Milk Anywhere in an effort to improve all mothers' rights here at home. You are invited to a special Mom's Rising Mixer - a fun and FREE get-together featuring a special screening of a terrific new documentary film about mothers, "The Motherhood Manifesto."

Tues. Jan. 30th
6 to 8 pm 
Click here to RSVP for the Jan 30th event

Fri. Feb. 2
10am to Noon (limited childcare available)
Click here to RSVP for the Feb 2nd event

Location: Zenana Spa and Wellness Center, 2024 SE Clinton, Portland, OR