ChiTown Mamas!

Free Pets

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:38:42 GMT

My husband and I have had to make an extremely difficult decision to give our 2 guniea pigs to a new home. Now we just need to find that home : )

I have 2 male guinea pigs, father and son actually. Snickers is black and tan and 3 years old. Butterfinger is tan and white and 1 year old. Neither have ever had any health issues. They are full of personality and love people and attention. They have been with my kids since my youngest was 2. When they go the cage goes with them and also their bedding food etc. I prefer they go together because piggies do need friends and form bonds with each other.

this may be x-posted to other chitown communities

FUN! March IN the pride parade with us - June 29th noon-3pm

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:51:16 GMT

My wife and I are sponsoring an entry in the Chicago Pride Parade. We'll be toting signs and handing out literature about both Infant Genital Integrity and Equal Marriage rights.

Genital integrity is about the basic human right of all infants (girls, boys, and the intersexed) to be protected from cosmetic genital surgery and remain intact until they can weigh in with their own preferences.

Some of the women who will be marching with us asked me to try and scare up some more straight single men. Come on! Human rights activism is sexy, but this is also a family-positive event.

Take the el to Belmont (1 stop south of Wrigley Field) before noon. I won't know our precise line-up address until 1 week prior, so keep our business cell number with you in case you can't find us: 847 414-1692.

I can set you up with an intactivist or equality T-Shirt if you don't have one. See some of my designs if you want to buy your own: http://TLCTugger.com/prodINTACTIVISM.htm (I donate my share to NoCirc.org).

You know it's fun to watch, being in the parade is a HOOT! Contact me ASAP so I can plan shirts, signs, and literature amounts, and notify you where to find us.

Cheers,
-Ron

IQ testing?

Wed, 28 May 2008 19:26:12 GMT

Where does one get their child's IQ tested in this city? I am starting to look at schools and thought finding out how smart she is would be a good start and possibly a good asset.

usborne books at home party

Mon, 12 May 2008 22:48:19 GMT

ok, I know I said I was having this a month ago, but no one was available that day so I changed it...now it's going to be THIS SUNDAY.

PS - the demonstrator is a home-schooler and has generously agreed to chat with the homeschooling-curious amongst us about her experiences. So if this interests you at all, consider that a bonus and come to my house!
I will make sure there is wine (ain't nothing better than Sunday afternoon wine!) and food too, of course.

PPS - this is not limited to girls, or adults. Bring the whole family!

Host: Kristi Dorson
Location: Dorson Residence, Lansing IL
When: Sunday, May 18, 2:00PM

I recently discovered Usborne Books At Home through Cyndi, whose friend Suton recently became a demonstrator. They're wonderful books for children of all ages (babies to teens); there are even quite a few that I'd like to add to my personal collection!

If you've got children, grandchildren, nieces / nephews, cousins, friends with children, or any other ties to children...this is a great party to attend. Books make the perfect gift for any occasion.

*Due to multiple conflicts on the original date, I've moved the party to a Sunday afternoon in May! Please take a look at your calendars and change your response if you're able to join us. It would be lovely to see everone!*

Join us in supporting some random acts of literacy! Spread the word!

Hope to see you there!

a sense of community

Sat, 03 May 2008 02:40:36 GMT

Dooce's post today is a great read. OK, Dooce's posts are a great read just about every day, but this one made me smile, brought tears to my eyes (those sappy mom genes again!), and made me proud. Proud of her for what she does. Proud of all of us for sharing the things we do. Proud to be part of this wonderful internet mom community.

If you don't know who Dooce is, well, you should so be reading her. I was introduced to her site fairly recently, and I've been working my way through her archives in my 'free time'. She's a witty, irreverent recovering Mormon raising her family in Salt Lake City. She's a great writer and she and her husband take wonderful photographs. And I have to stop reading her site at work because she makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis, and I can't really explain that to my co-workers without admitting that I'm not actually WORKING.

Today's post, one of her monthly letters to her daughter, Leta (now fifty-one months old), addresses the criticism she sometimes receives for airing her child's life on the internet. And I think she's spot-on with everything she has to say about it.

"Leta, some people will one day try to convince you that what I've done here is some sort of sickening betrayal of your childhood, and what those people fail to recognize is that I am doing the exact opposite. This is the glorification of your childhood, and even more than that this is a community of women coming together to make each other feel less alone. You are a part of this movement, you and all of the other kids whose mothers are sitting at home right now writing tirelessly about their experiences as mothers, the love and frustration and madness of it all. And I think one day you will look at all of this and pump your fist in the air."

Promised pics of Mohawk

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:08:47 GMT

My 5 yr old. He has pre-K career day, and he is a rockstar. We had so many ideas but didn't want to go over board. So ripped off the sleeves and coller on some old jammas, and made a couple holes and drew allover his pants.Add chains from some old punk clothes and his AWESOME dragon belt. The guitar and mohawk, complete the look.

We considered temp tats for a full sleeve and spraying the hair a different COOL color. But it is christian pre-k, and I want him to look acceptable.

Shout out to TEH MOMMIEZ (and daddies too!)

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:18 GMT

Hey, moms/dads. I have a friend who is pregnant, and seeks your goodwill.

She's starting out life as a mom being single, unfortunately, and has little chance of goodwill from the baby's father, who already has other children. In the past, she was unable to become pregnant, and is overjoyed at the opportunity given to her. She's very excited to be a mom, and works as a daycare teacher. She's more fun with my kid than *I* am, and I know that she's going to do great.

If you have any types of baby clothes/toys/blankets/gear that you are willing to part with, her little one will very much appreciate it.

I will be glad to pay for shipping, of course.

I want to make this a Mother's Day present, or shower gift to her, to let her know that mommy/daddy friends can network from around the globe, because we know what it's like to scrimp on money, not love.

Thank you guys, so much. :)

Mohawk

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:01:30 GMT

So my 5 yr old son has wanted a mohawk his whole life... he calls it the LINE hair :) He has a What I want to be when I grow up day at school. They actually handed out a letter saying dress them up. Spend a few bucks and make them look good. Because this day is going to have pics taken and used for a graduation project. He wants to be a rock star! We have been playing lots of rock band and American Idol Karaoke lol This was the inspiration of considering the Mohawk. Plus he has been asking for almost 3 years and he's only 5.

My mother is keeping the kids May 3-5. She was upset I am thinking about this and said if we do it wait til their weekend is over because its embarrassing.

I can't decide, what do you think?

the great outdoors

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:02:18 GMT

Oh ho, the weather is getting nicer...you all know what that puts me in the mood for!

Yup...CAMPING!

I'd really like to go to Turkey Run this year. Turkey Run is in west-central Indiana, so it's a few hours away. http://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/

Now, two years ago I planned a trip in Wisconsin, which was also a few hours away. I KNOW there are campgrounds in Illinois, and since we're an Illinois group we should probably look at some of them. I've just never actually camped in my home state, so I am not familiar with any of them, and tend to try to relive moments of my childhood instead :P
However, if any of YOU know of closer campgrounds that you'd like to revisit, I'm open to the possibilities, so let's start talking!

Another possibility, not in Illinois but still a bit closer, is Indiana Beach. http://www.indianabeach.com/ 110 miles south of Chicago. Camping AND an amusement park? I'm sold ;). I haven't been since I was a teenager though, so I don't know what shape it's in.

I'm not making a poll just yet because I want to get some general discussion going. Here are some questions to consider / answer:

1) Are you interested in camping at all?
2) Are you interested in either of the Indiana locations I mentioned?
3) Would you rather stay closer to home?
4) Do you know of any campgrounds closer to home that you'd recommend?
5) What months are you interested in camping?
6) Do you have specific weekends that are good for planning a camping trip?
7) Do you have specific weekends that are bad for planning a camping trip?

Anything else you can think of is open for discussion too, of course!

hello

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:19:28 GMT

Hello! My name is Erika, and Im 8 months and.. well.. like a week pregnant at this point. I figured I would join this community to see if I could find other like minded parents near me. I live in Logan Square, and Im not your normal mommy. I have tattoos and peircings, and plan on homeschooling, longterm breastfeeding, and all kinds of other "abnormal" parenting things. I like bikes, dumpster diving, thriftstore shopping, being crafty with my bad self, and all kinds of fun stuff. Please let me know if there are others, because I have to say that Its beginning to feel a bit lonely in this bog ole city. My non parent punkhippypotheadradical friends have started ditching me at a rate of speed only known to jet pilots.

Taddy

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:39:02 GMT

Looking for some fun new tunes for your kids?

"Taddy" is a song by The Jimmies; this is their newest music video.

The Jimmies are an up-and-coming band with a lot of great children's tunes. As a parent, I really appreciate the variety of music; the songs are fun and catchy, and they include a lot of different musical genres. The whole family will enjoy it!

Ashley of The Jimmies also happens to be my father-in-law's neighbor's daughter; I haven't met her, but it was through my FIL that we were exposed to the band. Unlike a lot of those 'friend of a friend of a family member of a friend' introductions, this is one that I actually recommend! ;)

You can check out their website (and get a sampling of their other songs, as each page plays a different one) here: http://www.gimmejimmies.com/
Be sure to check out the 'Funny Faces' section; my son Drake is in there, as well as my nephew Zachary and, of course, Granddude! (That's my FIL.)

Hey Mom Bloggers!

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:54:42 GMT

Hi Mom Bloggers, I am helping Alexis Martin Neely launch her new book, "Wear Clean Underwear: A Fast, Fun, Friendly - and Essential - Guide to Legal Planning for Busy Parents. With her savvy book Wear Clean Underwear, Alexis helps parents understand how important – and easy – legal planning is for parents. You can find out more info on the book at www.wearcleanunderwearbook.com.

So why am I writing you?

For each mom blogger who reviews the book on or before May 7, we will offer a comprehensive Kids Protection Plan counseled and prepared by a celebrity lawyer, Alexis Martin Neely. This is a great value, as an attorney prepared Kids Protection Plan is normally $1,000. And, because Alexis Martin Neely is no longer seeing new clients, this offer is truly priceless.

Let me know if you can review the book by May 7th. We would love your participation. Please contact me at alicia@wealthygirlsummit.com if you are interested.

Long Grove Festing!

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:54:48 GMT

It's my favourite time of the year! Let the festival season BEGIN!

I am intending to visit both the famed Chocolate Fest and Strawberry Fest, but have never made it to any of the other festivals on the calendar here:

http://www.longgroveonline.com/calendar.html

Granted, it's a while away, but I never have as much fun by myself!

For those of you who don't want to clickie, here are the dates of the bestest festests. Wow. I'm lame. But excited!

9th Annual Chocolate Festival
May 2-3-4, 2008
This festival celebrates the beginning of the outdoor special events season in Long Grove. The business district, home to 80 shops and restaurants, including the well-known Long Grove Confectionery, becomes a chocolate lover's paradise. Hours are Friday–Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.

26th Annual Strawberry Fest
June 20-21-22, 2008
This is the granddaddy of Long Grove's signature festivals, drawing close to 50,000 visitors to the historic business district for the 3-day event. It is considered one of the premier outdoor festivals in the Chicagoland area. The pleasures of summer are celebrated with "berry wonderful" strawberry filled and inspired treats. Hours are Friday–Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM.

Irish Days
August 30, 31 and September 1, 2008

Neighborhood Question

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:25:54 GMT

Quick question -- a bit vague, but I hope you'll feel free to answer with as much or as little detail as you like.

What neighborhood do you live in, and what are its main strengths and weaknesses, in terms of child-raising?

Also, which other Chicago neighborhoods have you (or your friends) experienced, and how do they stack up?

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:33:13 GMT

Does anyone know of a good photographer with reasonable prices in the city?
I'm trying to get a portrait done of my seven month old daughter. I'm not looking for Sears prices, but I'm hearing quotes of $300 sitting fees and $200 for one unframed 8x10 portrait. Frankly, that's nuts. I'm not spending more for a Christmas portrait than I did on the down payment for my car.
Any ideas? We're on the north side of Chicago, but we can travel.

Toy Fair

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:51:37 GMT

The Chicago Toy and Game Fair is next weekend, Nov. 17th & 18th, at the Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center from 10am-6pm. It's $9 at the door. I'm gonna try to go! I will have Devin (my daughter, 5 weeks yesterday), but not Dave. Anyone interested??

Naturally Healthy Children's Expo

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 01:47:22 GMT

A friend of mine sent this link, and I thought I'd share:

http://www.naturallyhealthychildren.com/chicago/index.html

It's Oct. 6 & 7, and my due date is Oct 9th, so I don't know that I'll be ABLE to go, but I figured this might interest some of you. :D

question...

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:59:52 GMT

When should concepts like "no" and "hurt" start to be taught? My little one has started grabbing at things and one of the things she grabs at is my face. It would not be so bad but it feels like she is trying to rake her nails down my face and it is starting to hurt a lot.

Brief Intro

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:15:01 GMT

There is not much to say about myself. I am 33 and live in the Western Burbs of Chicago. I work second shift while my girlfriend works first shift hours. It is the most affordable option for us with the little one. Enjoy everything about being a papa. It is kind of like being a child again and experiencing all the discoveries of life all over again. And this time I will get to remember it.
The little one is now 6 months old. She is a bundle of joy. Going through some rough teething right now unfortunately. She is amazingly mild mannered though. I have never encountered such a sweet child before. The bio-Dad is involved still but I think I am the one that is filling the daddy shoes for the most part.
Where I am at? Well, right now I am in my dinning room.

Apple Holler

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:49:05 GMT

Edited To Add: The date is set for Sunday, September 23rd. :)

Yay, Apples!

Following on the heels of Miss ilwitchgrrl's Fall Festivities post, I bring you The Official Apple Picking Trip and Information Gathering and Discussion Post 2007™!

This community hasn't been up there since 2004, but it was a great time. The food was so fantastic at the buffet that I've been craving it since! It was also the place my favourite photo ever of my son and I was taken. He was so fascinated by the whole apple picking idea, it's good to know where food comes from! The "baby pumpkins" were also a hit, since it was early in the season some were still flowers (that's what he's holding in the photo), and -of course- you just can't beat a pony ride ;)

So, here's the info mellydramatic sent me about this year's Fall Festival:

Apple Pickin' Family Festival
Everyday in September.
Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

This is what we are all about at Apple Holler. Fresh ripe apples, crisp fall air, families playing together in the wonderful outdoors and enjoying family activities and great country cooking. We celebrate the height of apple picking season with this festival everyday in September from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. So come on out and pick some apples (check out all the great varieties) have some fun and enjoy our country cookout.

This festival features:

· Wagon Rides Through The Orchard

· Pony Rides

· Pedal Cart Rides

· Teddy Bear Moonwalk Bounce

· Kids Korral Play Area

· Crazy Corn Maze

· Farm Animals To Visit

· Amish Built Wooden Train

· Apple Cider Shakes, Malts, Sundaes, And Smoothies

· Apple Cider Doughnuts, Fresh Baked Apple Pie And Apple Turnovers

· Apple Wine Tasting & Apple Butter Tasting Apple

· Wood Grilled Hot Dogs, Hamburgers And Brats Hot Off The Grill

This festival is sure to be fun for all! There is no general admission charge. Charges for some activities. Activities and outdoor food items can be purchased with tickets. Tickets are $1.00 per ticket or 12 tickets for $10.00

The possible dates have been pretty narrowed down already, we've got these two. -crossing my fingers that my poll works!

View Poll: Apple Holler Date

website:
APPLE HOLLER
5006 S. Sylvania Ave. • Sturtevant, WI 53177
(not very far over the border, and right off 94)

A quick hello

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:52:51 GMT

Hi all. I've been lurking for a bit, but that's because right now I'm a mommy-to-be. My name is Melinda, and I currently live in Schaumburg. My first little one is due Oct 9th. I look forward to meeting you and going on outtings.

I'm a bit of a geek, into comics and role-playing games and science. I love to go for walks and explore the city and museums and even Woodfield Mall. I love winter. I like crafty things too. You can read more about me over in my LJ. :D

Nurse in--Wheaton, Il

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:51:27 GMT

This is for the breastfeeding mommas in the group :D I just received this in my email! hope to see you there!

Hi there! Just wanted to lyk that there is a nurse-in at the Wheaton Rice Pool for this Friday at 2PM! Here is the information posted by a friend who lives there:

"Last week, an BFing mama was at the Wheaton Rice Pool and was chastised twice times for nursing her 17 month old son. She was eventually told that she had to 'cover up or leave.' This was done by management, and everyone who approached her was using the same wording, making it seem that perhaps it was their policy. She was told it was a 'family establishment." Of course this is in direct contradiction to Illinois law which says that even if a nipple or breast is showing the woman still has the right to be nursing in public. Here is the link to the pool information: http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/p...s/aquatics/ric...

So the troops have rallied and there is a Nurse-In re-scheduled for Friday, the 17th of Aug at 2pm, at the Wheaton Rice Pool and Water Park at 1777 S. Blanchard Rd. in Wheaton, IL.

There will quite a few moms and there will be a LOTS OF BFing.....tandem nursers, pregnant women nursing, moms nursing infants, moms nursing toddlers. So it should be quite a show!

If you'd like to join us, please bring some copies of the Illinois Breastfeeding Law."

My family needs to find a church...

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:57:29 GMT

After much debate, I've decided to baptize my son because of what it means to my husband's side of the family. However, I'm very tentative in doing so. My husband and I do not have a church, and while he considers himself a Christian-- I am not.
I do not want to go through his side of the family's church. At my nephew's baptism, the pastor essentially condemned me to hell and told me that God didn't love me for not being baptized myself. Needless to say he made me very uncomfortable to ever return.
If I'm going to go through with this, I would like to find one that's a lot more progressive, that is open to more than one interpretation of the bible and that doesn't cast judgment on others for their own beliefs or sexuality.
Do such churches exist? And if so, does anyone know where I could find one in the Chicago area?

Parenting Education Group at GSU - Please Join!!

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:51:53 GMT

Hi! I'm finishing one of my last practicums for my counseling program at GSU. I need moms of children 6 and under to attend on Thursdays from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM. If you're in the area, it will be fun, we'll feed you well, and we could really use the attendees. There should also be childcare available. Please email me at angellam@aol.com if you can make it or know someone who can.

Thanks!!

Leslie

WIC Community

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:51:40 GMT

I am very sorry if this promo is not allowed. I attempted to email the moderator first.

</b></a>wicparents is a new community specifically for posting about WIC (Woman, Infants, & Children nutritional program with higher salaries allowances than food stamps). We welcome anyone who has ever used WIC, may be interested in applying for WIC, and WIC employees. This is a place to talk about WIC experiences both positive and negative, exchange useful information with other WIC members, recipe ideas that call for two gallons of milk, a pound of cheese, two dozen eggs, and two 46 oz cans of juice, and more. We understand that WIC is very state specific and will try to tag entries appropriately. So come join </a></b></a>wicparents!