October Sewing Group - Halloween Treat Bags

Hello Mommies!

This month the Sewing Group will be making these adorable Halloween Treat Bags. Anna Theurer has send the message with the step-by-step directions and everything that you need for the project. The Sewing Group will be meeting at PSCC on October 18th, at 7pm. So come on over, even if you don't have a sewing machine (you can borrow someone else's), bring your supplies and spend a fun evening with your friends.  Below is the note from Anna:

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween!  Did I mention that I love Halloween?  The costumes, the candy, the black cats like my Tama Boo, pumpkin spice coffee, the smell of Autumn. . . sigh. Anyway, this post is about making trick-or-treat bags in less than 1 hour.  It is easy peasy and it does not require a lot of sewing skill.  Trust me on this.  I am not a great seamstress and I still was able to make a little trick-or-treat bag.  I learn best by pictures and so bare with me as I post every single step.

Materials: Sewing machine Thread Scissors Iron + Ironing Board Contrasting pieces of fabric:

• Two squares of the main fabric measuring 20 inches by 20 inches
• 2 handle pieces from the main fabric measuring 12 inches by 6 inches
• Two squares of contrasting/lining fabric measuring 20 inches by 20 inches

4 squares measuring 20 x 20.  Two from main fabric and two from contrasting fabric. Handles not shown.

You are more than welcome to change the dimensions of the bag.  Just be sure that the large pieces of fabric are all the same size because you are making the main bag and a lining.  You can also make the handles longer if you like.

At the bottom of each large square, use your scissors to remove 2x2 squares from each side like so:

2 x 2 square removed on each bottom side of the fabric.

Do this to all four large pieces of fabric. Take two matching bag pieces. Place them RIGHT sides together.  You are going to sew the two sides and the very bottom together.  Leave the little squares on the bottom unsewn!  By doing this, you should have to holes on each bottom corner.  Repeat with other two matching pieces of fabric.

Sew the sides and bottom together.

For the bottom of the tote: Open up the holes at the very bottom of the bag so that the end of the side seam meets perpendicularly to the bottom seam.

End of the side seam meets end of the bottom seam.

Sew the corners together like so.

Sewing corners together.

Your bag should now have a flat bottom. Turn the lining bag inside out so that WRONG sides are touching.

For the handles: Fold each 12 x 6 piece in half length-wise.  Iron. Open each piece and press both sides for of the fabric in towards the center crease.

Press each side towards the center crease.

Press the center crease on each piece closed again.

Press the center crease closed on each handle

Stitch length-wise down the center of each handle and ~1/4"-1/8" on each side of the handle to make it sturdy.

Stitch down the center of the handle.  

Stitch on each side of the handle length-wise.

This is what the completed handles should look like:

Okay, so this looks pretty sloppy, but notice that there are 3 vertical stitches on each handle--one in the center and one on each side.

Now you are going to pin the handles onto RIGHT side of the lining.  Make sure the handles are not twisted.  I pinned the needles ~2 inches in on each end of the fabric.

Pin the handles onto the RIGHT side of the fabric

Baste the handles into place. Place the lining of the bag into the other bag so that RIGHT sides are together.  Make sure the handles match up and are inside as well.

Place the lining into the main bag with RIGHT sides facing. Keep the handles between the two bags.

Pin around the tops of the bags and stitch together.  Leave about 4 inches unsewn.  Remember to stitch only 2 layers together otherwise you will be sewing your bag shut.

Pin along the top.  Sew two layers together.  Leave a 4" gap for turning.

Now, to bring the right sides to the outside by pulling the bags through the 4" hole.

Fancy, huh?  See the little unsewn portion of the bag?--that is where I pulled the right sides through.

Top stitch the 4-inch gap closed. Shove the lining into the fabric so that you have:

A completed, reversible Trick-or-Treat Halloween bag!

Letter from the President...

Happy New (Club) Year!!

Well, the new (club) year is here!!! Can you believe it?! I can NOT…but, the slight drop in temperature has helped me to face the fact that summer is gone and it's time to get going with NAMC!!! 

Along with the "cooler" weather has also come very dry conditions and as we all know some extreme fires. I hope that everyone is safe and sound, and that all love ones and friends are as well. For the month of September, we will be accepting donations from our members of water, non-perishable food, clothing, gift cards, monetary donations, etc. Please visit this link http://www.kvue.com/news/Austin-area-wildfire-donations-129263013.html to see what types of items are needed. These will be distributed through several channels in the community to help the victims of these tragic fires. We will be collecting items at the meeting on Thursday, Sept 8th, and at each playgroup this week. Please give what you can! 

We have a lot of great things planned for the month. Each one of our Special Interest Group (SIG) leaders have planned some fun events for Mom and kids! Please check our Facebook page, Events tab, for all the details. 

We will be hosting Game Night at the church after the Monthly Meeting on Thursday so plan to hang out a little while and play some games. I think we'll be playing Apples to Apples this week. That being said, we still need someone who can coordinate the Game Nights for the rest of the club year. This is not a huge job, mainly choosing dates for the event each month, selecting a location (has been at someone's house, at the church, or at a restaurant/coffee shop in the past), and choosing a fun game for the evening. This is a fun monthly event and we hope to keep it going for the year! So please let me know if you are interested in heading up this SIG. This automatically makes you a leader of the NAMC Board as well. 

We'll be discussing the "new plan" for meeting planning on Thursday, Sept 8th. But, for those of you who can't make it, here's a refresher. We will be dividing up the Membership list and dividing into groups to organize meetings.  The first meeting will be done by the Board, as well as the Last meeting and possibly the Holiday Celebration.  That leaves October, November, January, March and April.  These meetings will have a Committee or around 10 people for each one and will handle organizing food, drinks, set up, clean up, speakers, games and community outreach.  You don't have to attend this one meeting but you then need to volunteer for a piece of the meeting that can be done from home (for example, calling to set up a Speaker or dropping off something for the meeting).  Our thoughts are doing this will allow you the opportunity to meet some people who aren't in your playgroup.  It will also take the burden and responsibility off of one or a few volunteers.  Everyone will get a chance to participate and take ownership over some aspect of the club.  The Boards hope is that this will unify the club and make it even more fun for everyone! I'll be sending out the "Monthly Teams" as well as creating Google Groups for inter-group communication, and sending them out shortly. We appreciate your participation, it can ONLY make the club better!!! 

I think that is it!! Ha! I didn't even know ho much I had to say..I guess that goes to show you how excited about the new year I am!! I am looking forward to being the club president this year. I know it's lots of work, but I also feel great about all the wonderful women who will be helping lead this club as Special Interest Group Leaders and Board Members. And of course…all the wonderful women that we get to hang out with at all our events!! 

See you soon! 

Missy

Letter from the President: May 2011

Hi Ladies,

This is my last time to address you via blog as President of NAMC.  Tomorrow night is the official "hand off" and announcement of our incoming President and Board.  The Board official transfers in August but many people start handing off positions at our End of the Year Mommy Meeting tomorrow night.  The Presidency transfers officially at this meeting.  So, with that being said, I have really enjoyed being President for the past year and a half.  We have made many exciting changes and have had a fun filled year plus.

At our last Board Meeting we voted in another "big" change.  This next year, the club will require 2 hours of mandatory service on the honor system.  This could include things like, making and taking a meal to a Care Calendar mom; setting up a movie night with your playgroup moms, helping set up or clean up a meeting, and much much more.

We will not require a limit of years to this service and we will not require meeting attendance.  We will be dividing up the Membership list and dividing into groups to organize meetings.  The first meeting will be done by the Board, as well as the Last meeting and possibly the Holiday Celebration.  That leaves October, November, January, March and April.  These meetings will have a Committee or around 10 people for each one and will handle organizing food, drinks, set up, clean up, speakers, games and community outreach.  You don't have to attend this one meeting but you then need to volunteer for a piece of the meeting that can be done from home (for example, calling to set up a Speaker or dropping off something for the meeting).  Our thoughts are doing this will allow you the opportunity to meet some people who aren't in your playgroup.  It will also take the burden and responsibility off of one or a few volunteers.  Everyone will get a chance to participate and take ownership over some aspect of the club.  The Boards hope is that this will unify the club and make it even more fun for everyone!

For the month of May we have several events.  The first upcoming event is our End of the Year Mommy Meeting tomorrow night at 7:30 at Iguana Grill.  We will be celebrating the outgoing Board Members for their help and contributions and announce our incoming Board and President. We will also complete our Raffle Basket Fundraiser. There are three great baskets left so bring your dollars and get ready to fill out your tickets!  In addition, this month contains our End of the Year Family Fun event on May 27th at 5:30pm at Brushy Creek Sprinkler Park in Cedar Park.  Watch your email for details to come.

Please come check our Face Book Group Page for all of the other upcoming Events in May.  Our Special Interest Groups have lots of great activities planned!

Thanks again for allowing me the opportunity to serve as President.  I trully appreciate it and look forward to the year to come!

Love and Light,
Danor Padden
NAMC President Jan 2010-May 2011

Letter from the President: April 2011

Hello Ladies,

Spring has sprung and our Spring Fundraiser has too!  Please make sure to come try your luck and win some fabulous gift baskets at our upcoming meeting, Thursday, April 7th at 7:00pm.  The drawing will be at 8:00ish for those that can't come right at 7:00.  Amanda T. will be speaking around 7:30 at our meeting as well.  She will teach us some exercises we can do at home so dress comfortably!

This month we will also have many fun filled events like our retreat to Hyatt Lost Pines this Friday and Saturday. We still have 3 spaces left for Saturday night so jump on the inner tube train and come float the lazy river with us!  Let us know by Wed if you can make it and we will hold a spot for you.

We are also going to have another Family Meetup on April 15th.  This time we will be take a picnic to a local park (tbd) so start planning for some fun in the sun.

Please check our Facebook Events for other fun and excitement this month.  We will have lots to choose from as well as our Board Meeting at the end of April which anyone can attend.

We still need people to volunteer for Board Positions.  It takes lots of folks to put together all the fun so please take a look at what is available and sign up to help out.

Nicole sent out a survey regarding setting up a Babysitting Co-op for next year.  Please check your email and make sure to let her know if you are interested.  Also, our own Wysteria has had a very difficult year.  Kate has kindly set up a Care Calendar for her so please make sure to sign up and bring her a meal.  She isn't veggie only but she does enjoy them so please keep that in mind when selecting a meal.  Also, it is VERY important not to bring any germs her way.  Today I ordered her a Pizza just to be safe since I seem to have some allergies.  Please make sure to only drop off meals and not to stay unless requested.  Thanks for being understanding regarding this matter.

I hope to see everyone on Thursday night or this weekend on the retreat!

Happy Spring!
Danor Padden
NAMC President 2010-2011

Who I Was Before...

By, Carrie Chavis www.whoiwasbefore.com


At this moment, I am at a coffee shop…by myself…with no kids…for the first time in six years. It’s bizarre. I keep listening for one of my boys to call my name. I feel like I need to go pick someone up from the various carpool maze which I feel could be made into some complex flow chart. I have this horrible, nagging feeling that I have left my three year-old in the car even though he’s in preschool for five hours. Being a mom has become so ingrained into who I am that I’m having a hard time adjusting to this new situation.

If you ask any of my friends or family, they will tell you that I have waited for these moments of freedom with baited breath. I could not wait to have silence, get things done and try to start thinking of getting back into the work force. I thought I would feel giddy, productive and sort of like my “old self”.

But I don’t feel any of these things. In fact, I feel kind of lost...and dare I say it, even lonely without my boys. When my oldest son started Kindergarten at the age of six (he missed the cut-off by one day, and it felt like an eternity until he started school), I really MISSED him during the day.

I felt sort of disappointed in myself. I was turning all soft and mushy. Even though I am a stay-at-home Mom, I seem to downplay that role to people because it doesn’t seem like a real job (even though we all know it is the REALEST of jobs). But there must be some reason I have chosen to stay home this long. I could’ve easily gotten another job. I didn't want to leave my babies (and could afford to stay home), and that was my personal choice.

Years ago, I swore I would never live in the suburbs, be a housewife, drive a minivan, lose my identity or live a cookie-cutter life with cookie-cutter ideals. Sometimes I feel like I'm a liberal, city-dwelling working mom stuck in a kept woman's body. But I need to get over all this...

Here is the cold, hard truth. I AM a stay-at-home Mom, and I liked doing it, and I still like doing it, and I miss my boys. Maybe I will go back to work soon, maybe I won’t. But as hard as I try to distance myself from my role, it is mine, and I have done a damn good job. We have had many challenges (health, behavior and otherwise) along this child rearing journey, and I have managed to get two kids in school with my sanity in tact.
As I watched my oldest son walk into Kindergarten, and his whole life flashed before my eyes - the joys, the struggles - I could hardly breathe. I felt like part of me was being left in that big, grown-up building. And I realized this is where his journey begins on his own. Where I start to give him wings and start to find my old roots. I can nurture both my boys' growth while nurturing my own dreams along the way. We will all grow together in this "Modern Family". But, I'm not joining the PTA,...and you can't make me.

March's Letter from the President

Spring is upon us and we are a month away from our Spring Retreat!  We will be heading to the Hyatt Bastrop http://www.lostpines.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp for some much needed mommy rest and relaxation. If you are looking for me that weekend you will find me in floating on the lazy river, margarita in hand.  So...have those garage sales ladies and raise some funds to join us for the weekend.  Where there is a will there is a way!  The cost is $90 per night with 4 people to a room.  It is worth every penny, I promise! 

This is also the month we start planning for the next year.  Please send in your survey (sent to you via the club email list) to let the Board know how we can make this club wonderful for you.  It is also time to make a commitment to help out for the next year.  We ask that everyone contribute some time and energy to the club.  This is your chance to pick how you will spend that time and a great way to get in the mix and get to know others.  I will have the job descriptions and sign up sheets at our meeting on Thursday night.

At the meeting this Thursday evening, we will have Shannon Spear come to speak to us.  She is a professional Stylist and will be discussing current trends and giving us style tips.  We will then head out for Mom's Night Out to make some pottery and drink some wine at Marmalade Skies.  Please remember to bring Tapas to share or a non-alcoholic beverage while we are at the church.  Also, remember to bring your canned goods for Austin Children's Shelter.  

This month holds many fun Special Interest Groups so make sure to sign up on the Events section on our FB Group and participate.  The club happens when you get involved! 

I hope to see you Thursday night! 

Danor Padden

President NAMC 2010-2011

February's Letter from the President

Hi Ladies,

We have made it through the holiday season and are now looking to the Spring. Unfortunately, we will get a cold snap in tomorrow so don't put away those winter close just yet. Make sure to button up for Thursday nights meeting too. It should be chilly. We will serve some yummy hot chocolate to take off the chill.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner so this monthly meeting will be dedicated to LOVE. My favorite subject! :) We are going to discuss the 5 Love Languages after a brief business meeting. We will also work on making hand-crafted Valentines. Please bring a yummy Valentine desert to share with the crowd. Sewing group and Scrapbooking will meet after the meeting. This is a great opportunity to try out one of our most popular special interest groups and visit with friends.

This month we will also be taking a Field Trip to Kiddie Acres. This is a great field trip with lots of good picture opportunities, so fire up those cameras and sign up. Later in the month Jessica N. and Anna T. will be hosting Game Night (Thanks for taking over girls!) We will have a wine tasting Mom's Night Out and on Valentine's Day, Arts and Crafts for the kids. Towards the end of February, we will have a Family Meetup so we can get those hubby's out and making friends too. Make sure to check out the listing of Events on our Facebook Page where you will also find the Book Club's next book and meeting date.

This time of year is also when we start looking forward to the next year of Mom's Club. This is your club, you create it. I invite you to consider what position you would be interested in filling next year. We ask that everyone in the club take on something during the year. It can be as big as the Presidency or as small as working on a Committee for a party or fundraiser. This next year will be filled with opportunities to participate so join in the fun and show up for yourself and the group. Oprah hosted a show on creating Happiness last week, and in the show, they said if a woman attends one women's group or club meeting a month her happiness level increases dramatically. So, it isn't only good for you it is good for everyone. The survey for next year's opportunities will go out soon.

Happy February!

Danor Padden

President NAMC

January Newsletter

Hello NAMC Mommies,

I hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family and a Happy New Year! This month NAMC is getting off to a slow and easy start with Chillaxin in January as the theme of our meeting. We are going to visit and catch up after the holidays and have some fun with playing Apples to Apples. Come join the fun and sign up to bring a snack to share or just come as you are. We may also run over to the Mexican Restaurant near by to do some more Chillaxin after the meeting, time permitting.

Please check in on our FB Group to see any upcoming events and sign up to have some fun.

Happy New Year!

Danor Padden

Women and Exercise

Women are more physically inactive than men. More than 60% of women in the United States don't get the recommended amount of weekly physical activity, and the majority of these women are mothers. Moms are constantly busy taking care of their family and most mothers report that they just don’t have the time to exercise. Just like most things in life, if you want something to get done, you have to plan it into your schedule.

Most of my clients I had when working at the gym purchased training sessions in order to “buy accountability.” If they didn’t have a workout with me on the calendar, the likelihood of them making it to the gym decreased dramatically. This can be said for most people. I always told clients that the hardest thing about working out is getting dressed and getting to the gym. Keeping oneself motivated and interested in exercise is also difficult. Not only do you have to continually motivate yourself to workout, but you also need some sort of plan once you start your run, walk or gym workout. Many gym goers show up to the gym and just do something with little thought as to what they should be doing.

Women report that they are more successful with regular physical activity when they have the social support of family or friends. ATX Stroller Mamas is designed to provide this type of support so that women can stay physically active and live a more healthy life. Women who regularly participate in physical activity routines see positive results in their mental, sexual and physical well-being. In addition, exercise helps with weight control, builds metabolically active lean muscle, and reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes. So, as we approach another New Year, ladies, I challenge you to make this year the year you get physical and start a new commitment to exercise.
ATX Stroller Mamas: Motherhood. Fitness. Accountability. Results.

Based on the facts provided by the CDC.

December Letter from the President

Howdy Mamas,

I hope everyone had a wonderful and filling Thanksgiving! I had two dinners and now I am stuffed like a turkey! I also did tons of shopping and now I am ready to wrap it all up.

This week at our monthly meeting on Thursday night, we will do just that...bring your gift wrap and toys and wrap up your kiddos treats. We are also having a gag-gift White Elephant Exchange so bring a gift wrapped silly present to give away...anything laying around the house will do. This is our Mommy Holiday Party so come and enjoy the fun with your friends and take some time to yourself! The club is providing pizza but we can use some snacks to share so look for the hospitality sign up sheet and help out if you haven't already this year. There will also be a cookie exchange so bring 3 dozen cookies if you want to participate. The idea is for you to go home with 3 dozen different cookies to give as gifts or take to parties for the holiday season. In other words, we are going to have some fun and get things done that will make our holiday season less stressful and more fun!

Speaking of getting things done, we will also be working on the Kid's Garage Sale and Holiday Bazaar after the meeting. We will make signs and hand out stickers for you to mark your donated items. I will have the van to transport some donated items if you want to bring them to the meeting and mark them there. I would prefer any items for donation be dropped off between 7 and 9 on Friday night or on Saturday morning between 9 and 10 at Westover Club. This way things don't have to be transported two or three times.

Please dig down deep in the kiddos toy boxes and find the things that can go. This is a great opportunity for the club to make money and for you to clear out some space for the new items soon to come your way. We are looking for anything that has to do with baby, kiddo or mama. Things like name books, clothes, toys, maternity items and more. If you have a big ticket item like the bassinet I am going to sell, you can mark it with a hot pink sticker and let us know that you would like to split the profit with the club. You can also choose to mark the item with a green sticker and let us know that you would like to do a 75%-25% split with the club as well. All children's clothing, books and such will have a standard price of $1 unless otherwise marked by you. The toys and games or any other item should be marked with a white dot and the price of your choosing to be donated to the club. For example, a puzzle may be marked $1 or a train set $10. What ever you feel is reasonable or that you would ask at a garage sale yourself. After 7 on Friday at Westover, there will be designated areas for each item type and we ask that you bring your item in then (if possible), mark it and place it in the area.

The Bazaar and Garage Sale itself is going to be tons of fun! We have many crafty mamas who are bringing great and unique gift items to sell. There will be a bake sale, bouncy house, petting zoo, tennis demo, karate demo and much more. The club has a nice playground for the kiddos too so come have some fun and bring your family and friends.

Please invite your friends and family to the Bazaar as well. We have tons of advertising going out but we can use all the help we can get. This is our one big fundraiser so donated items and people are a must to make money. Send out a note on your FB page or just send an email to any friends with small kiddos. They can donate items as well. Every thing helps!

There are lots of other fun events this December as well. Please make sure to take a look at the FB page and all the events! We are having a Breakfast with Santa again so dress in PJ's and bring a wrapped gift to sneak into Santa's bag with your kiddos name on it. Santa will make an appearance, take pics and pass out gifts to all the children whose mommies bring one for him to give. We had tons of fun last year and I am sure this year will be great too!

Happy Holiday's Everyone~

Danor Padden

President NAMC

Pinecone Turkeys from Arts and Crafts Day

Materials:

Self hardening clay: (see link)

http://www.kidsrcrafty.com/self-hardening_clay.htm

Pinecones ( I found a bag at Michaels for $2.50)
Acorns, or any other nut with "hats". I gathered a bunch but had to glue the hats on.
Googly eyes
Orange felt or paper or clay (the turkey's waddle)
Feathers, leaves, colorful paper for the tail feathers, cut into strips

Stick the pinecone onto a lump of clay, the front end tilted slightly lower than the back.
Glue the acorn onto the front of the pinecone. You may need to break away a point or two to get it positioned securely.
Stick on googly eyes right below the "hat".
Glue the orange fabric (the waddle)so its draping over the tip of the acorn (the turkey's beak).
Glue tail feathers around the back.
When the clay dries, the kids can paint it and the paint will also act as a sealant to protect it from crumbling.

http://www.enchantedlearningcom/crafts/thanksgiving/pineconeturkey/

My Second Pregnancy: Would I have another Preemie?

By Alison
full article published at EmpowHER, July 15 2010: http://bit.ly/cO5767

Today, November 17th, is Preemie Awareness Day (through the March of Dimes), and I wanted to say how thankful I am of the traveling nurses we met in the NICU over the 2 weeks for taking such great care of Austin. I still hold them very close in my heart, as they cuddled and cared for all the babies. Since I already had one preemie, and found out I am pregnant again....what were my chances of having a full-term baby?

Having a first pregnancy end in preterm labor was terrifying, and now being pregnant again is anxiety-producing. Our preemie-son, now three years old, is healthy and doing great, but what is in store for this second pregnancy? We wanted another child, and tried for well-over six months, but now I feel this impending doom about my undeniable future labor and delivery.

Can I handle another premature labor? Can I handle another preemie baby?

The reason for my preterm labor is unknown, as the cause was indeterminable. How can I prevent something if I don't even know what I am trying to prevent or guard against?!.

I began searching for information on how to prevent recurring preterm labor, and spoke with my OB/GYN. Fortunately, there is a preventative measure that is relatively inexpensive and manageable, called 17P injections (17 Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate). I continue my story describing this treatment, the medical literature...and if it the weekly injections worked: http://bit.ly/cO5767

"Encouraging Autonomy" Put to Use

By Becky

I recently had an opportunity to put the skills from How to Talk So Kids will Listen book (but like, when is there NOT an opportunity??)

One thing my daughter and I struggle with is autonomy. Her tendency to be timid and uncomfortable with trying new things, and my tendency to be a "helicopter mom" is a perfect storm. She does fairly well following directions and asking permission, but struggles in self-direction and independence. Partly driven by a desire to get things done and the deception that I am "helping" her learn (by doing things for her, ), I have often stepped in the way of her gaining independence at this crucial age of development.

In How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids will Talk, chapter 4 (titled "Encouraging Autonomy") challenges us to gain the skills that teach our children to learn autonomy. The basic rules are:

1. Let children make choices

2.Show respect for a child's struggle

3.Don't ask too many questions.

4.Don't rush to answer questions.

5.Encourage them to use sources outside the home.

6.Don't take away hope.

Okay, so while camping last weekend, we were lying in the tent at bedtime, Sonrisa on her air mattress, I nursing Tristan on mine. All is dark, quiet, and very cold outside of the sleeping bags. Out of her corner of the tent I hear, "Mommy?"

"Yes?"

"I have a boogie."

Silence.

Normally I would say: "Get a tissue" or "Go throw it away." But at this moment I have no idea where a tissue is, nor do I want to get up and go looking for one. If I get up, my nearly sleeping baby will wake up and most likely roll off the air mattress. There is of course no trash can in the tent. I am tempted to tell her to flick it into a corner, but then I think, yuck. I am at a loss.

So I just say "What are you going to do with it?"

"I don't know."

Normally I might say "Well, I'm not going to get rid of it for you! There are some things you just have to do for yourself."

Then she would most likely feel hurt and resentful and begin whining and pleading just because she has realized the fight is on.

And she has to hold her side, right?

And then I would give in because I just want to stop the fight, but would be disgusted and my daughter would probably not feel that great even though she got her way.

So I say something silly instead, because I REALLY do not want Tristan to wake and I REALLY do not want anything to do with her booger.

"Well, I guess you're going to have to stick it behind your ear."

"Ewww! No, I need to put it somewhere away from my skin."

"oh...How will you do that?"

"By throwing it out of the tent?" I am still waiting for her to ask ME to throw it out of the tent, but I say,

"That sounds good." And lo and behold, she gets up and does it! No whining, begging me to do it, nothing!! It amazed me.

It was her own idea, and she solved her own problem, so she had no problem doing it on her own.

And I didn't have to get out of my sleeping bag which was a very good thing.

Spiced Pumpkin Bars –Makes 24 bars

A yummy recipe shared by Anna

2 Cups Flour

2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Baking Soda

2 tsp Cinnamon

¼ tsp Salt

Eggs

1 Can Pumpkin (15 oz)

1 2/3 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Cooking oil (ie veg)

¾ Cup Pecans, chopped (optional)

1 pkg / 11 oz Cream Cheese, softened

¼ Cup Butter, softened (1 stick)

1 tsp Vanilla

2 Cups Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bars:

In a medium bowl: stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl: beat eggs and add pumpkin, sugar, and oil. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Add in half of the flour mixture and stir. Add in the rest of the flour mixture and stir until well combined.

Add in Pecans (optional)

Spread batter into a 9 x 13 ungreased baking disch.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow to cool completely.

Icing:

In a medium bowl beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.

Gradually add in the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.

Frost the pumpkin bars.

May top with pecans if desired.

Preemies, Prevention and Progesterone (17P): The Story Begins with My First Preemie

My son's first weeks of life were not what we expected: wires, feeding tubes, sensors, incubators, medication, IV needles, bright lights, alarming buzzes and beeps, medical tests and dozens of doctors and nurses around the clock. My son was born prematurely at 33 weeks gestation, and spent his first weeks of life in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).

What the childbirth classes do not prepare women or families for is any deviation from the “typical” 20-plus hours of labor and not having a choice between a drugged or drug-free labor. (I was planning for the “drugged” option, honestly!).

My experience was quite different...and I would love for you to read the remainder of my story, published at:http://bit.ly/cIDZzB. The NAMC Blog site is a great place for other mom's to comment and share their birth story, as everyone one of us has a unique experience to share, even though we've all "been there"!

Alison Beaver

Unplanned C-Section

by Catherine

When I was pregnant with James in 2008, I had prepared for a natural labor, but had an unplanned c-section after a marathon labor of 46 hours, two of which I pushed with no descent. I was really devastated and took a long time to get over the loss of my birth, even though I was in love with my son.

What really helped me, aside from finding NAMC when James was 4 months old, was the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). Their website, forums, and seminars gave me a safe place to go where other women understood my grief, and I learned so much more about birth and motherhood there. When I got pregnant again, I knew I wanted a VBAC, and I educated myself with their information so I could have the best birth for my baby.

When Rhys was born in July, it was via another unplanned c-section, but this time, things were on my terms. I had a completely natural labor and all of my wishes were honored, and when he also didn't descend while pushing (most likely due to my scleroderma), my doctor and support team were incredible. Rhys' birth was totally different than James', and I feel completely healed from the sadness I experienced the first time.

ICAN is a great tool for anyone seeking information about cesareans, VBACs, and natural birth. Their website is ican-online.org.

I also have to add that, with my second pregnancy, I switched to OB-GYN North, the practice that uses midwives in the hospital, and that also made a huge difference.

Is Marriage Bad for Your Sex Life?

Written by Alison Beaver, Published June 29, 2010 at EmpowHER.com. Access at: http://bit.ly/cvxrga

Do a quick search on EmpowHER [a woman's health website that Alison helps moderate], and you will find hundreds of women wanting to know why their sex life has decreased. These women are deeply concerned that their partner has lost interest in them sexually, and are worried about their future relationship and sex life.

As a society, we are bombarded with images of (heterosexual) sex; it is always happy, fulfilling, orgasmic, frequent, passionate and relationship-enhancing. It occurs within the perfect setting, among beautiful people. We rarely see a movie or show that depicts the real-life scenarios of sex, where the couple is usually tired, stressed, hair askew and fumbling with birth control. It makes sense that so many of us question--even in the healthiest of relationships-- what is it about us, our relationship, that prohibits a fulfilling sexual relationship. Has our partner lost interest? Is he deficient in someway? Does he not find me attractive or desirable? Is he cheating?

Are other people having more sex than we are?

Based on several sexual health, sexual attitude and sexual behavior studies conducted nationwide, Americans have sex about 59 times a year. That is about once per week.

Surprised?

There is, of course, an age breakdown (as well as other factors, including health status, marital status, partner availability, etc). Those individuals in the 18-29 age category average about 84-112 times per year, 30-39 year olds about 86 times per year, and 40-49 year olds about 69 times per year. Adults over 70 years of age average 10 times per year (likely due to health and widowers have lowest sexual frequency of all categories).

What about marital status? Is there any truth to the old joke, “marriage is bad for your sex life!”?

According to the sex research, adults who have the most frequent sex are...married! Most likely, the reason has to do with partner availability. Frequency of sex does decline as overall reported marital satisfaction declines.

In fact, “Thirteen percent of married couples reported having sex a few times per year, 45 percent reported a few times per month, 34 percent reported two to three times per week, and seven percent reported four or more times per week."

I found this interesting, as many woman have been extremely worried about their relationship and that they are “only” having sex once, maybe twice, per week. There are 45 percent of women who have sex a few times per month, and this can be perfectly healthy and create a happy and intimate marriage (or, long-term relationship)!

I did want to mention sexual inactivity, as a few women have expressed concerns that their partner has refused to have sex. In the Journal of Sex Research, it was found that, “among the currently married, only one to two percent of those aged 18-49 are sexually inactive, and the reasons include either poor health or a marriage (or, relationship) rating of ‘unhappy’."

What does all of this mean to you?

Sex frequency in relationships is dependent on numerous factors. As with any behavior, the quantity “ebbs and flows”, as we are reacting and interacting with our environments, our partners and the world around us. Merely focusing on frequency is not as useful as looking at the overall relationship. Sex research data provides a basic guideline, but please know, these are averages over the course of a year. It changes from month-to-month, year-to-year, minute-to-minute. In other words, some couples have sex like crazed rabbits; for most of us, it is a little less.

Realistically, you may notice what is referred to as the “honeymoon effect”--after the first year of a long-term relationship, sex frequency declines. Please know that this can be a very good sign, as individuals in the relationship are no longer afraid to lose the person if they are not spending every moment with them, engaging in sex. Perhaps less frequency can even equate to increased quality, as there is more time to communicate! Creating lasting memories “outside of the bedroom” is truly invaluable in a long-term relationship.

What do you and your partner do to create intimacy “outside the bedroom”?

Hormones and Motherhood

Today I was thinking about all of the hormonal changes my body has been through since I started down the pregnancy path. Melissa B. Light of Light Family Acupuncture and our featured speaker on Thursday night, recently expressed to me that I needed to be kind to myself after the hard work my body had done, not only after the birth of my last child, but before. The fact is that I was pregnant or nursing for almost 9 years off and on including miscarriages. I hadn't ever thought of it in those terms but when she said the number of years, I realized that it was normal to have so many ups and downs and I needed to take care of my body. The same body that has carried me through this life and through the journey of creation. Melissa was a huge help and prescribed me Chinese herbs that really made a difference for me. The change in my moods and demeanor is remarkable. I realize this may not work for everyone but it was very helpful to me.

Another person who has helped me through the journey is Michelle Brown. She is a Mayan Message Therapist here in Austin. I had gone to see her when I found out that Noble was breech. Unfortunately, I was too late to get Noble moved successfully. I went to see her three months after my c-section for a tune up. Her abdominal message made a huge difference for me. Before the message, I wanted to pull the covers over my head and disappear for about a month. I was truly struggling with my moods and depression. During the message I felt a release that is difficult to describe. I felt like it was all the pent up energy that didn't get to be let out when I had a c-section rather than a natural child birth. My family saw an immediate difference in me. It was wonderful.

"Women's Moods" a book by Sichel and Driscoll, was also a huge help. It is a must have and was lent to me by another mom in our group. It is wonderful and full of useful information. The book details symptoms to help you navigate through hormonal and chemical changes in your body so you can help your doctors determine what may be happening. It would be a wonderful world if doctors had all the answers but as the doctors who wrote the book point out, Women's medicine is lacking. Unfortunately, the modern medical movement is just now catching up on Women's brains and hormones and how they work. The old models of treatment are really geared towards men. Taking your mental, emotional and physical health and well being on for the sake of ourselves and our families is so important. Having information to take to the doctor to discuss the possible issues, only helps them to take care of you in an effective and efficient way.

I had planned to use the log in the back of the book and I planned to share it with my doctor but I was able to get things settled before that occurred. In the future, when I run into possible hormonal issues, I will absolutely use the chart and take it in to my doctor for further discussion.

Ultimately, for me it was Chinese medicine and working with a Transformational Life Coach (more on that later) that made the difference for me. Whatever you try, don't give up and know that you are not alone. Motherhood is a huge change for a women and there is really no way to prepare for the changes that it brings to your life or your body. Finding someone to talk to and finding support through this club or through other avenues is vital. If you are experiencing stress or difficulties with motherhood, reach out and be honest. Find ways and make time to take care of yourself.

November Letter from the President

Howdy Mama's,

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Halloween last night. The Halloween Carnival was a big success. We had tons of fun and tons of help putting it together. Thanks to everyone who helped out!

This month, our meeting is this Thursday night at 7:00. We will have Melissa B. Light of Light Family Acupuncture speaking to us about ways moms can relax. We will also be making Stockings after the meeting so check the FB Group to find the list of supplies you will need. Also, don't forget to sign up to bring a dish to share. The club asks that everyone bring a dish at least once and help clean up or set up once as well. Look for the Potluck sign up later today and don't forget to share your fabulous recipes on the FB Page under the Discussion Tab marked Recipes.

On November 6th we are having our Fall Retreat. We are heading to New Braunfels to Wurstfest ( http://www.wurstfest.com/ ) for some good food and shopping fun. We will meet at the church at 10am and carpool from there. Check out the Event on FB and sign up for the fun.

On Thursday, November 11th we will have our Fall Board Meeting. Anyone may attend, not just Board Members. Please come participate and give your feedback. At the meeting we will be organizing our upcoming Holiday Bazaar and Children's Garage Sale Fundraiser. We have secured a location and advertising already for the morning of December 4th. If you are interested in selling your wares or crafts at the event please let me know asap. We will be offering booths for $20 each. This is a great way to make some extra cash for the Holiday Season. If your not crafty, there is still tons to do. Mark your calendars and get ready for some fun and money making.

The Special Interest Group Leaders have tons of fun planned for this month so make sure to check the FB Events tab and join us!

Finally, on this season of Thanks Giving, I want to say how Thankful I am for all of my North Austin Mother's Club friends. You are so special to me and have provided me tons of support, laughter and fun! Thanks to all of you for making the club so special.

Love and Light,

Danor Padden

President North Austin Mother's Club 2010-2011

PS. If you happened upon this blog and want more info about our group, please see our website at www.northaustinmothersclub.org

North Austin Mother's Club

Hi Ladies,

This is our new blog site. We can post articles here about mother hood and post our President Letter's. I hope everyone enjoys the site and finds it helpful!

Thanks,

Danor Padden

President North Austin Mother's Club 2010-2011