The True North Parenting Blog

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Take 5 minutes to help your community

This came across my desk this morning.  Please help The Family Resource Center as they work hard to support our parenting community!


Attn: Parents and Caregivers! We need your input before December 1st! Tell us what’s missing and what’s working in our communities in terms of parenting resources and information. Please take a few minutes to complete a brief survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/parentsurvey-frc


This survey is brought to you by Family Resource Center of Central Oregon in partnership with parenting & family advocacy organizations from throughout the region. For more information, contact Family Resource Center of Central Oregon at (541)389-5468 or visit frconline.org.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Words of Wisdom from Motherwise

Motherwise Birth Center recently sent out a letter to their subscribers answering the many questions they receive about how pregnant women should deal with the flu season. And while these words of wisdom are intended for expecting mothers, we believe that everyone can benefit from following this sage advice. The below is taken directly from their e-mail:


We are including the recommendations for the Flu Vaccine and Immune Supporters.

CDC Recommendation

" Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as vaccine is available this fall. While flu is unpredictable, it’s likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses and regular seasonal viruses will cause illness in the U.S. this flu season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season."



If you are choosing to have the flu vaccine we recommend that you see your primary family doctor to review your history. Pregnant women should not get the nose spray and if you are allergic to egg's, it is not advised to get the vaccine. If you have chosen to not have the flu vaccine and as an extra percussion for everyone, here are some actions you can take.

FIRST DEFENSE FOR COLDS AND FLU

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.


When washing hands with soap and water:

Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.

Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.

Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice through to a friend!

Rinse hands well under running water

Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet

Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands.

When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

Apply product to the palm of one hand

Rub hands together

Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

When should you wash your hands?

Before preparing or eating food

After going to the bathroom

After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom

Before and after tending to someone who is sick

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After handling an animal or animal waste

After handling garbage

Before and after treating a cut or wound

Holistic Immune Support

Vitamin D liquid drops – For further information, check out the Vitamin D Council’s website. RDA Vitamin D in pregnancy- 400 IU/day~ max 4000 IU/day

Vitamin A is also necessary for proper function of a wide variety of systems and anti-viral activity Zinc and selenium are specifically helpful. *RDA Vitamin A in pregnancy- 2700 IU/day~max 8000 IU/day.

Vitamin C is highly recommended. The best form is the packets of mineral ascorbates “Emergen-C”. An adult can take several per day. *If you are sick you can drink 3 Emergen-C packages /day.

Elderberry Zinc lozenges from NOW and Echinacea

Homeopathic, Oscillococcinum. It does sometimes work to minimize the severity of the flu. You can take a half-tube as a dose, and follow the directions regarding repetition.

Seek care form your MD or ND if you are experiencing flu like symptoms. You may be advised to increase your intake of Vitamins.

If a family member should come down with the flu the rest of the family could take it these as a preventive. And finally, if you think you might be coming down with the flu, it would be best to stay away from others to reduce the chance of exposure.

There are not always easy answers for many questions that come up in pregnancy and vaccines are one of them. We encourage all our families to seek out their own answers and to fully educate themselves. Here are some links you may enjoy reading.

http://www.cdc.gov/

http://www.drtenpenny.com/

http://www.who.int/

http://www.mindful-mama.com/blogs/thrive/archive/2009/10/01/doctor-s-orders-h1n1.aspx ( this is an article and on going conversation about flu vaccination)

http://www.mercola.com/
http://www.nvic.org/

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Join the Great Pumpkin Hunt for a Great Cause!

This press release came across my desk today and sounds like tons of fun for all and benefits a great cause.  Mark your calendars!

The Trust for Public Land Holds “Great Pumpkin Hunt” Fundraiser



Funds go toward purchase of Miller’s Landing to create new community park

The Trust for Public Land will hold “The Great Pumpkin Hunt” on Saturday, October 23 from 10am to noon at Miller’s Landing (across the river from McKay Park off Riverside Drive in Bend). A five dollar suggested donation will help to raise funds for the purchase of Miller’s Landing for the creation of a new community park.

The family event will include pumpkin hunting, pumpkin decorating, raffle prizes and, of course, hot apple cider. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the Miller’s Landing project, a 4.7 acre piece of riverfront property that the Land Trust is working to turn into a public park.

The planned project will provide public access to the river, preserve a piece of Bend's mill history and secure a critical link in the Deschutes River Trail system. The Trust for Public Land has until Dec 31 to raise the $1.8 million purchase price, and currently has a remaining balance of $400,000 to raise.

Sponsors for the October event include: Brooks Resources Corporation, the Old Mill District, REI and The Trust for Public Land.

About the Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national, nonprofit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. http://www.tpl.org/

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

CRAFTERS WANTED!!!

This just came across my desk this morning.  Thought some of you crafting mamas and papas might like to know.

CROOK COUNTY FAIR

AUGUST 4-7TH, 2010

The 2010 Crook County Fair is just around the corner! Scheduled for August 4th thru 7th, we are seeking crafters and artisans that make unique items to be sold to the general public. The fair is designed to represent the very best of Crook County and Central Oregon, so bring it on!

Limited space is available and $20.00 will get you a 10 x 10 booth for the entire length of the fair.  For an application, or more information, contact the Crook County Fairgrounds at 541-447-6575.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Send a child to school for free!

Time is running out! Only one week left to enter to win. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is need of preschool for their child.

The School of Enrichment is planning an expansion of programs and they believe that there is nothing more valuable than the gift of education for a child. That is why they are sponsoring an Educational Enrichment Giveaway. We are calling on True North readers and True North Facebook fans to help pick a family for the giveaway. The giveaway will include two days (4 hour days) per week for a nine month school year in their enrichment preschool program (a value of $2625). The winner of this giveaway must be between the ages of 2 ½ and 5 years old. Please write us a short essay nominating a family you think deserves to win (even if it is your own!). Tell us why you think their parenthood journey would be best chosen for this giveaway. There are no limits or financial requirements required.

Please send your nomination essay to info@truenorthparenting.com with "preschool scholorship" in the subject line.

We will take nominations through June 30th at 6pm.

Imagine Life Without Violence

This came across my desk this morning. In case you aren’t familiar with Saving Grace, they provide support and services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, date rape and stalking in our community. What they do for women and children in the most unimaginable situations is priceless. They need a little help with upgrading their shelter. Please consider donating if you have any of the items on their wish lists.


I will be touring the finished facility and can’t wait to see what our community puts together.


Sincerely,
Annette Benedetti
Editor in Chief
True North


Saving Grace, Free From Violence from Saving Grace on Vimeo.

One Week Design Challenge for the Saving Grace Shelter

Saving Grace is grateful to the High Desert Design Council for volunteering to help redesign the kitchen/great room space at Saving Grace, our local women's and children's shelter. The Council’s design challenge: Zero budget, One week time frame. The goal of the High Desert Design Council is to make this a happy, fun place for women and children. We are in need of help and donations in order to make this happen. Needed is help with painting, sewing, upholstery and cash donations. The design teams “wish list” includes a coffee table, side tables, floor and/or table lamps, area rug, paper lanterns, multi- cultural family artwork, a bulletin board and/or large frames. The all day work party is this coming Friday, June 25th starting at 9 am and if necessary will finish on Saturday. Please contact Janet Huerta, at janet@saving-grace.org or call (541) 382-9227 ext. 105 for more information.

Many thanks to the High Desert Design Council for this very generous gift.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Active Dads!

Celebrating Active Dads: A Father's Day Contest Reveals Local Heroes




This last April, we sent a call out to our Facebook and Twitter followers as well as our e-newsletter subscribers requesting nominations for our Active Dad contest. Central Oregon is renowned for its ease of access to a plethora of outdoor activities and healthy lifestyle opportunities, so in honor of Father's Day we decided to reward two dads for not only choosing an active healthy lifestyle but also for modeling this way of life for their children.


When we announced this contest we knew we would have a great response, and while it was hard to choose, two dads' stories stood out. Jim Domings won our first place package after his 13 year old son sent in a heartfelt and compelling e-mail about his father. His winnings included a private climbing lesson/session from First Ascent for him and his family along with a multitude of other goods including an Oakley Backpack from Skjersaa's; a bamboo shirt from Oregon Body and Bath; a 60 minute massage from Professional Massage Therapy; a brewing class from The Brew Shop; an evaluation and treatment from High Desert Chiropractic; a one-time rental from Mountain Valley Supply of Oregon; and gift certificates to Apsect, Jackson's Corner, Kebaba, Parrilla, Patagonia in Bend, and Fleet Feet Sports.

Erik Hammer, our second place winner, had three nominations from family and friends! His second place package included a Little Deschutes River float trip from Central Oregon River Adventures; an evaluation and treatment from High Desert Chiropractic; a 30 minute massage from Michelle Rear at Professional Massage Therapy; a Sector Hat from Aspect; Sanuk flip flops from Skjersaa's; and gift certificates from Jackson's Corner, Kebaba, Parrilla Grill, Patagonia in Bend, and Fleet Feet Sports.
These two dads are heroes to their family members as well as other children and parents alike. The following excerpts from their nomination letters explain why, and may even inspire some to become active parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents as well.

Meet the winners of the Active Dad Contest HERE.
 
And don't forget to give that special dad in your life extra love as we celebrate the  impact that father's have in all of our lives this month.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Where will you be?

Bazaar is tomorrow! Win BIG!


You don't want to miss your chance to win over $5500 worth of prizes. Tickets for the drawing go on sale at 11am sharp for $1 and $3. All proceeds go to Saving Grace's Mary's House and the Family Access Network. Some of the winning packages include (Please note, most of these packages have actually grown and changed to include more than mentioned below.  Come tomorrow and find out what they are worth now):

The Downtown Rendezvous: featuring local MoWo art, a night at the 4Diamond Award Winning Oxford Hotel, A nanny to watch the babes over night provided by Shannies Nannies, gift certificate for the 10 Below restaurant, lunch at New York City Sub Shop, earrings from Sweet Brooke Designs! - Valued OVER $700

Momma's Break: One paddleboard or kayak Lesson from Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe, Organic Skin Care Basket by Angelina's, gift cert to Great Clips, One WEEK of Drinks from BLENDERZ - Valued OVER $300

The Daddy Day Drawing: A Foursome of Golf at Tetherow, One WEEK of Drinks from Blenderz, Pilot Butte Drive-In gift certificate and Shirt Valued OVER $600
The Mid-Town Mayhem: One Family Sitting with Tambi Lane Photography; gift certificates to A Taste of Thailand, Blenderz, Rockin' Dave's Bagels and Papa John's Pizza; a Oregon T-shirt from White Bat, Gift Certificate to Autry's Four Season Florist - Valued OVER $200


The Summer Soiree: clothes from BayBeeGee, Summer Tutu by BooKus of Tutus, "Pride Earrings" by A.W.A.R.E, Reusable All-purpose Tote by UpCycled by SaraBella, Oregon onesie by White Bat, a Monster Family by Monster Love Valued OVER $200
And Much Much More!!!


You also won't want to miss The Dunk a Dad Dunk Tank! That's right! we have the dads lined up and ready to hit the water to support our nonprofits!

And don't forget, we have over 30 local vendors for you to enjoy parusing PLUS Food, smoothies, wine, and beer!


The Details!


DATE: June 12th, 2010
TIME: 11am-10pm
LOCATION: Nashelle Jewelry Showroom
61511 American Lane #5
Bend, Or.

FREE Music Line Up:
2:15PM-3:15PM: Jason Schweitzer
3:30PM-4:30PM: Tim Coffey
4:30-5PM: Gypsy Fire Belly Dancers
5PM-6:15PM The Sweet Harlots
6:45PM-8:45PM: Eric Tollefson & The World's Greatest Lovers

To find out more read this article!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

This Weekend's Must Dos!

True North Proudly Sponsors:


Northwest Community Balloons Over Bend 2010
 
Bringing together businesses, tourists and families in a community celebration that has something for every generation and demographic to enjoy.

 
The Northwest Community Balloons Over Bend is back and promises to be over-the-top fun for parents and kids alike. As if the magic of seeing a rainbow of balloons fill the sky wasn't enough, this year's event will include one of the largest kids' entertainment areas of any festival in Bend. Imagine an enormous spread of bouncy houses, Go Karts, face painting, balloon art, and more! All this combined with live music, a beer garden, and a vast array of foods being served ensures a weekend full of fun for everyone.

 
Balloons Over Bend runs from Friday, June 4th through Sunday the 6th. Some of the highlights include a 6:30am balloon launch all three mornings from Les Schwab Amphitheatre, a street painting festival, a music and entertainment lineup to please all, and the unforgettable night glow.

 
The Street Painting Festival is one of only two street painting events in Oregon. Local artists use black asphalt as a canvas to create fantastic, colorful masterpieces that will transfix and amaze both the young and the old. The festival is a fundraising event to benefit art education programs in our community such as VanGo, Artists in Schools, and the Art Station.

 
And finally, one of the most spectacular events of the weekend is the night glow! At dusk, a beautiful array of balloons will be laid out in Riverbend Park and inflated in front of the crowd. The balloons light up the night sky and give viewers the opportunity to get close to or even hands on with this breathtaking event. Donations are suggested and benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Deschutes County.

 
For detailed information on Balloons Over Bend, visit www.balloonsoverbend.com.

Friday, June 4

6:00am-7:30am: Balloon Launch & Breakfast in Riverbend Park

6:30am Balloon Launch

 

Saturday, June 5

6:00am-7:30am: Balloon Launch & Breakfast in Riverbend Park

6:30am Balloon Launch

10:00am-8:00pm: Festival Open on the Banks of the Deschutes River, Old Mill District

 

Sunday, June 6

6:00am-7:30am: Balloon Launch & Breakfast in Riverbend Park

6:30am Balloon Launch

10:00am-6:00pm: Festival Open on the Banks of the Deschutes River, Old Mill District

 

 
Food Fight
Revolution Never Tasted So Good!

 
Food Fight a fantastic documentary about our food culture and food policy.

 
Where: it will be shown at Summit High School in Bend

 
When: Saturday, June 5th at 2pm and again at 6pm

 
Chris Taylor, director and producer will also be in Bend for a Q & A after each show.

 
This film is a must see! http://www.foodfightthedoc.com/

 
Tickets are $5. Purchase them at:
  • Wild Birds Unlimited
  • Camalli Books
  • Artemisia Naturopath
  • Cowgirl Cash,
  • Snap Fitness (Brookswood & NWX)
  • Sage Cafe, NWX,
  • Whole Foods
  • CHOW

Food Fight is a fundraiser for both Harvest of Hope and Smart Food Initiative.
Harvest of Hope is a Non-Profit organic farm in Tumalo, OR that donates its produce to the homeless and abused and neglected children in C.O.
 
Smart Food Initiative of Central Oregon is a group of parents and community members who strive to serve children nourishing foods and to model food choices that support their growing minds and bodies.

 

For a chance to win free tickets visit the True North Facebook Page

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Go Bazaar


Imagine spending a sunny Saturday afternoon in late spring browsing through handmade goods and local wears from the likes of Maya Moon Designs, Monster Love, Takara, Perryfinalia, Stella & Dot, and Geek Chic Knits — while being entertained by stilt walkers, belly dancers, and local music. On June 12th, Bazaar will offer all of this and more.

Bazaar is a summer kickoff trunk show and benefit, presented by Nashelle Designs and True North Parenting, to be held at the Nashelle Boutique showrooms and parking lot. There will be over 40 booths and a copious amount of entertainment including four musical acts — Jason Schweitzer; Tim Coffey; Eric Tollefson and the World's Greatest Lovers; and the Sweet Harlots — plus the Gypsy Fire belly dancers and Spinzter stilt walkers to amaze both young and old. In addition, there will be food and drink vendors and activities for all ages including community art projects, a petting zoo, and henna tattoos. At the end of the day there will be a drawing for some amazing prizes including and overnight stay at The Oxford Hotel and a $50 certificate to 10 Below in Bend. Tickets for the drawing will be sold throughout the day and all proceeds from the sales will go to Saving Grace's Mary's Place and the Family Access Network (FAN).


Both Mary's Place and FAN offer services that support the most vulnerable members of our community, so take some time to visit their websites and find out more about the services they offer.

Mary's Place
http://www.saving-grace.org/

Mary's Place is a supervised visit and exchange center that opened its doors in 2006. It offers a safe visitation situation for women and children who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, dating violence, and stalking. Mary's Place takes the risk out of the process and allows the supervised parent and child to interact in a closely monitored and positive atmosphere with highly skilled, professional staff who are aware of the obvious and subtle ways that safety can be compromised. A facilitator, aided by state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, is assigned to the parent during each visit or exchange. Mary's Place has developed comprehensive security procedures with assistance from law enforcement, the court, parole and probation offices, and the district attorney's office.

Facts about Mary's Place

-To date, more than 4,000 supervised visits have taken place for over 180 families throughout Oregon and Washington.

-Mary's Place relies primarily on federal funds through the Office of Violence Against Women under the Safe Haven Program.

-Mary's Place is the ONLY safe haven program in Oregon.

The Family Access Network
http://www.familyaccessnetwork.org/

FAN is a network of community partners who collaborate to ensure that all children in Deschutes County have access to basic-need services and attend school ready to learn. They provide Family Advocates in all Deschutes County Public Schools who link children and families to critical social supports with the goal of keeping children in school. Working through one dedicated advocate, a student or parent is referred for essential services including job opportunities, clothing, rent assistance, childcare support, health insurance, and heating assistance. Central to this approach is empowering families to take action to help themselves.

Facts about FAN

-FAN Advocates serve over 7,800 children and family members in our community every year.

-FAN currently has 21 FAN Advocates in 42 public schools and 2 early childhood sites.

-In 2008-2009 FAN linked 7860 children and families to food, clothing, shelter, health services and insurance, school supplies, heating assistance, and jobs.

Bazaar Information

What: A Trunk Show and Benefit for Mary's Place and the Family Access Network

When: June 12th from 11am-10pm

Music: Music and entertainment from 1pm-9pm

Drawing: Tickets for prizes on sale for $1-$3 a ticket. Winners announced at 9pm and on the Bazaar and True North Facebook and Twitter pages.

For more information and to keep up to date with the event happenings, check out the Bazaar event page on Facebook HERE and RSVP to the event at the bottom of the page!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Do You Know Jane Elizabeth Meissner?

May is a month that gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives. The True North Team ran a Momma Makeover contest for the April/May issue. We received so many touching entries with such inspirational stories that it was almost painful to only pick two winners. While we weren’t able to provide all of these amazing moms with a makeover, we would like to celebrate them and those who nominated them by sharing their stories throughout this month. We hope they will touch you the way they touched us, or at least remind you to give that special mom in your life just a little extra love each day.
Jane Elizabeth Meissner


My Mom...Hmmm where to start? My Mom is Jane Elizabeth Meissner of the Central Oregon skiing Meissner's of course. If I were asked what is it that sticks out the most about my mom throughout my life it would be how kind and generous she has always been to everyone and how much she loves the outdoors. My Mom was born May 27th, 1951. She grew up spending the school year in Bend, Oregon and living and working the Summer's at Odell Lake. She was a downhill ski coach at Mount Bachelor during her teen years and was brought up to love and treasure the outdoors in every aspect of life. Once my Sister, Ariane and I were born, we were taught the same. From the time we were about 18 months old, she had us on cross country skis for the first time. It was always a joy for her to see us as kids enjoying the wonders of the Central Oregon outdoors as much as she has. When I was about seven, my Grandmother, Virginia Meissner died of Cancer. My Mom took over her classes at COCC as a skiing and hiking instructor and wilderness guide. She spent her days instructing others and sharing her love of the outdoors with everyone she came to cross paths with. Everyone that she taught always heard about what kind of flowers were along the trail during the hiking ventures, or what type of birds there were flying above on the snowy ski trails. If they walked away taking one new thing learned from the experience, she was happy. I remember going to the Swampy Lakes trail and mom pointing out the Junko's and saying "Hey girls look at this!" as she pulled out a piece of her peanut butter sandwich and held it out, the Junko would land on her finger and take the bread. She has always been so wonderful when it came to nature and kindness. She taught skiing and hiking in Central Oregon for over twenty years and always followed her passion no matter how little money it made.


No matter what my Mom has gone through, I can always remember her being strong. When her Mother died, when she and my Father were divorced and then again when her Father, Jack Meissner died she was strong and determined to make it through, a better, stronger person in the end. Not only has my Mom been strong during her own trials, but has been determined to be strong for us girls as well.

I have been in the Marine Corps for ten years now and cannot remember a single time when my Mom has not been there for me physically, emotionally, or otherwise. I've always had some digestive issues and every time I see her to this day she is bringing me digestive enzymes and gluten free food, things that will make me feel better and keep me healthy. There was never a time that I can remember that she has not tried to take care of me.

When the time came for me to have my own children, I birthed a son, Maddox on December 24th 2005. You'd better believe she was on the first plane out to take care of me and to see her new Grandson. And again when my Sister had her son, Dutch in March of 2009. She is a proud, caring, loving Grandmother to both boys and once again has them enjoying the outdoors and on skis already.

When it comes down to it she has always thought about everyone else but herself. She cares about everyone she comes across and wants to make sure that they enjoy everything that this earth has to provide. Once she retired from skiing and hiking, she started working cleaning jobs part time to make money and also so she could make her own schedule to still have time to go skiing and hiking at least once a week with her friends.

She spends most of her days wearing work clothes and cleaning gloves, not the most glamorous of jobs, but very deserving of respect.

I think my Mom, Jane Meissner deserves this makeover because she has always spent her hard earned money and precious time making sure that the people surrounding her were always having a good time, whether she was being paid for it, or not and no matter how old us girls get, she's still there for us, no matter what. I used to say to her, "Mom, your the best Mom in the world!" and with all that I've been through in my life and seen, she is still the kindest, most generous, loving Mom in the world!



Thank you,

Amber Viola Cross

Monday, May 17, 2010

Do you know Meghan Evans?


May is a month that gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives. The True North Team ran a Momma Makeover contest for the April/May issue. We received so many touching entries with such inspirational stories that it was almost painful to only pick two winners. While we weren’t able to provide all of these amazing moms with a makeover, we would like to celebrate them and those who nominated them by sharing their stories throughout this month. We hope they will touch you the way they touched us, or at least remind you to give that special mom in your life just a little extra love each day.

Loving our children, for all of us, is the easy part. Meghan, aka mama, does not get special points for loving this incredible chunky-monkey of beautiful baby that has blessed our lives. The joy of that love is the fuel for this journey of parenthood.


The marvel of mommy-hood often exists in the mundane. Meghan keeping the fridge full while feeding dada and searching for different foods for Hope to try approvingly and disapprovingly (sometimes daily), cleaning a toy scattered home, feeding the pets, running errands, making those endless call backs, handling this repair and that service, these take so much of a mommy’s time. I can hear Meghan saying “please nap just a little longer so I can…vacuum, wash, clean the bath, etc”.

Toss on top of those chores a woman running her own design business, somehow kept afloat in a terrible economy, with phone calls, emails, and appointments timed around naps and one daddy-daughter day a week. A woman who, while pregnant, began a charity to help feed horses of families hit by the economy. That charity has now fed over a hundred horses through last winter and so far this winter.

There is no day care, nor nanny, nor cleaning service in Meghan’s world. Wonderful necessities those are for many people. And a wonderful gift that we have been able to have Hope with us these first fifteen months of her life. Now Meghan is handling all these challenges while carrying baby two. Nausea and tiredness included free of charge.

As the “dada”, I am endlessly impressed by what my wife can handle. I respect and admire her more than she probably knows. And, quite simply, I could not handle my life without the support and patience Meghan freely gives daily. She certainly earns my respect and admiration a hundred times over.

However, the love I feel, the joy that sends me soaring, comes in the person I see Hope becoming. She is such a happy baby, full of smiles and laughs, daily learning new things taught to her in a loving fun way. I come home from work and mommy says, “Hope, what does a duck say?” and yes the little quacks are too cute for words. “Hope, show daddy your nose…and your ears...and your feet”. “Hope, where is your kitty in the puzzle, where’s the cow, and the sheep?” Hope helps dress herself, holds a spoon (successfully reaching her mouth with food now and again), she knows many signs, and many activities. These are not boasts about an exceptional baby; I know babies are learning these things all the time. However, these things have to be taught, they take time and patience. For Hope to learn these in a happy fun way from a mom that handles all those other stresses of life, that to me is remarkable. So many moms are remarkable, Hope and I just happen to believe ours is the best!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Meet Agatha

Check out Agatha!  She is a special edition True North Monster from Monster Love.  Find out who won this adorable monster by visiting the True North FB Page.  Check out Monster Love on Face Book and find out more about these cool little creatures. If you haven't become a fan, click the Like button and be automatically entered to win drawings taking place the rest of this week.

Celebrating 1000 + Fans. Win With TN!

Today True North is celebrating reaching over 1000 fans on Facebook! We will be sending out a big Thank You to all of our fans by giving away some cool TN Schwag (we love that word) over the next week by drawing names at random and announcing the winners on facebook and twitter.

Today’s giveaway will be the first ever True North Monster from Monster Love. These little creatures are super cute and everyone is talking about them. Find out more here.





Tomorrow’s giveaway is a chunky headband from White Bat. This is one of the True North’s Editor in Chief’s favorite items from White Bat. It will become one of yours too! Check out White Bat here.




Monday’s winner will get to order a basic boutique tutu up to 5 colors with no embellishments any size from newborn to 4T from BooKoos of TuTus. Check out Bookoos here.



There is still time to be entered to win. Just go to our facebook page and click the Like button. Suggest it to you friends so they have a chance to win too!

Thanks again everyone!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Do you know Bonnie Criswell?

May is a month that gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives. The True North Team ran a Momma Makeover contest for the April/May issue. We received so many touching entries with such inspirational stories that it was almost painful to only pick two winners. While we weren’t able to provide all of these amazing moms with a makeover, we would like to celebrate them and those who nominated them by sharing their stories throughout this month. We hope they will touch you the way they touched us, or at least remind you to give that special mom in your life just a little extra love each day.

My mom is the most amazing woman I know. Over the years her strength has been what has kept me going. She has had many many hardships throughout her life and has continued to overcome and be stronger in the end. She has truly shown me what it takes to be a woman, mother, wife, daughter and friend. Some of the hardships are: her first husband was killed by a drunk driver when she was 8 months pregnant with my sister (and had my brother 3 years old at home too), her mother passed away from breast cancer when I was little, her second husband made some horrible choices and left her with 4 kids, 2 of whom were teenagers and 2 who were very close and in October of 2007 we lost my sister to brain cancer, who was only 34. Watching her over the years and her being strong when the world was falling down around us has instilled something very deep inside me. I know that no matter what is thrown my way, I do have the power and the choice to go on and see what tomorrow brings. Now as she is still mom but also gets to be Nana to my kids it's so fun to watch and see even now how each day she becomes more and more beautiful. She deserves more than I'll ever be able to give her.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Do you know Rebecca Singer?

May is a month that gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives. The True North Team ran a Momma Makeover contest for the April/May issue. We received so many touching entries with such inspirational stories that it was almost painful to only pick two winners. While we weren’t able to provide all of these amazing moms with a makeover, we would like to celebrate them and those who nominated them by sharing their stories throughout this month. We hope they will touch you the way they touched us, or at least remind you to give that special mom in your life just a little extra love each day.

Rebecca Singer


My mom, Rebecca Singer, deserves to win the Momma Makeover contest because she is the ideal mother. Even as a teenager I still consider her my best friend, and I cant even begin to imagine life without her. She is the one I have always idolized and I aspire to be just like her when I grow up. She is caring, nice, funny, and an all over amazing person. She is a mother of 3 and with a 16, 14, and 5 year old on her hands she is ALWAYS on the go. She has gone through SOO much in the last year including Alopecia Universalis where she lost all her hair in one week, and skin cancer. I would never be able to stay as strong as she did through the whole process and couldn't imagine anyone handling it better.
 
I know that in any time of need she will always be there for me and my sisters, and supports us 100%. She can always make me feel better when I am down and does whatever it takes to make me laugh. I love everything about her and the way that even when a day is not so good, she looks at it on the positive side. My favorite thing to do with my mom is sit down after school and drink a cup of tea.
 
When I was little I used to beg her to come into school as my " show & tell" because she was my favorite thing, though of course I always had to end up bringing in a stuffed animal of some sort even though the two didn't even begin to compare. I have never been embarrassed to tell my mom anything because my sisters and I know that no matter what, she will not be the one to judge. Whenever I am sick, she stays by my side the whole time and does anything she can to make me better. I know that my mom is an amazing mom because not only is she loved by our family but also all of my friends. Infact sometimes I am not sure whether my friends come over to see me or my mom, and they quickly begin to call her there own mother!! I am proud to have the mother I do and wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. I would love my mom to win the Momma Makeover because I know it would make her happy and she deserves it entirely! :)
 
Nominated by Olivia Singer

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Do You Know Julie Yarbrough

May is a month that gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives. The True North Team ran a Momma Makeover contest for the April/May issue. We received so many touching entries with such inspirational stories that it was almost painful to only pick two winners. While we weren’t able to provide all of these amazing moms with a makeover, we would like to celebrate them and those who nominated them by sharing their stories throughout this month. We hope they will touch you the way they touched us, or at least remind you to give that special mom in your life just a little extra love each day.


Meet Julie Yarbrough
(submitted by Michael Yarbrough)

My wife Julie and I are parents of 4 year old triplets and I think she deserves your Mother's Day makeover. She was on bed rest her entire pregnancy. She was so sick the first five months that she could hardly get out of bed and then the next two months she remained on bed rest just to keep the babies from coming premature. She took 33 shots a week just to keep them alive. She went into the hospital at 27 weeks and then had the babies at 29 weeks and 2 days. Our babies were extremely ill. Two stayed in the hospital for two months and our other one stayed for three and one half months. She went to visit them every day. In that time she also had severe post-partum depression and also had a grand mal seizure. Her Mom died unexpectedly when the kids were 14 months old. She was so devastated but continued on because her kids needed her.

I myself have had chronic back problems and have had six back surgeries the latest just 10 days ago. I am not able to help her out a lot because of my chronic pain. She has faithfully taken care of me and the kids without complaining only saying that she is tired especially at the end of the day. She hardly does anything for herself but is always thinking and doing for others. Having triplets is extremely hard and exhausting everyday. It never gets easier it just presents new challenges on a daily basis. I think you should pick my wife as one of your Mother's Day makeover candidates. She deserves to be pampered, and she would be thrilled to receive such a wonderful gift. She truly deserves this. She never stops and always puts other people first especially Amanda, Brian and Lance the children she waited for for so long. Being a Mom had always been a dream of hers and now she enjoys it on a daily basis even when she wants to pull her hair out. Being called Mom puts a smile on her face and when the kids tell her they love her, it puts a smile in her heart. Her Mom would be so proud of her and so am I.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Do You Know Julie?

May is a month that gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives. The True North Team ran a Momma Makeover contest for the April/May issue. We received so many touching entries with such inspirational stories that it was almost painful to only pick two winners. While we weren’t able to provide all of these amazing moms with a makeover, we would like to celebrate them and those who nominated them by sharing their stories throughout this month. We hope they will touch you the way they touched us, or at least remind you to give that special mom in your life just a little extra love each day.

Julie

(Nominated by Krista Lauinger)

The mom I am writing about today, is not my mom, nor a relative of mine in any way, but she more than qualifies to win your mom makeover contest! I first met her and her family when they rented the vacation rental home behind us for 7 months. Why 7 months you ask? Because her husband was about to be deployed and they moved here temporarily to be close to his parents while he is away.
Julie is a mom of 4 young children, ages 10 – ½ yrs old. She moved to a new town she knew nothing about and then became a single mom of 4 while her husband is deployed to Qatar. Since they came in the middle of the school year and will only be here a short time, they decided to home school. So she home schools her kids while being mom and dad to them. She does an AMAZING job fulfilling all the many roles she is required to do right now. She never complains and always has a smiling face and kind heart when one of the kids is having their own hard time missing daddy! They talk to him often on the phone and on Skype, but obviously that doesn’t replace the physical presence and embracing arms of dad and husband. Julie is a saint for all she does and with such a great attitude she joyfully takes on what most of us would consider an unbearable uphill battle for 7 (not so short) months!
The events and special days during the year that we all take for granted might be a little different if we had to celebrate them minus our spouse and our kids dad! But Julie celebrates despite and has a formidable spirit that is an encouragement to all she meets. Anytime I feel like complaining about the little things in life, laundry, dishes, diapers, kids complaining or long nights, all I have to do is remember Julie and be grateful that she (and her husband) is sacrificing so we may all enjoy our freedom in the USA one more day! I appreciate her and her family’s sacrifice to our country, more than I know how to adequately express.

As Julie embraces each and every day with a vigor that is contagious, she doesn’t have the time or energy to worry about herself and the little things that make us all feel so good. Julie is a gorgeous woman now and the extra time and special attention that your contest would gift her with, would only enhance all of who she is as well as encourage her in mind, body and spirit! Please seriously consider Julie for your mom makeover contest!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Summer Camp Adventures


Summer break is on the horizon and while your kids are thrilled, you might find yourself breaking into a cold sweat. How are you going to keep them entertained week after week? How will you keep break time fun, active, and hopefully a bit educational? Not to worry – Central Oregon's summer camp offerings are abundant! Find out more below.




A Child's Garden

This camp will take your children "Around the World in 64 Days." The curriculum is designed for ages 1 - 6 and children can be enrolled 2-5 days per week, full or part time. Celebrate each country through music, games, art, crafts, and baking. Call 541.617.0434 or visit http://www.achildsgardenbend.com/.


Art Station

Children will explore their creative side and discover the artist within. Summer art camps are available for preschool, elementary school age children, and teens. Summer art camps for elementary school age children are held throughout the entire summer, both in the morning and afternoon, and are focused around a theme. Call 541.617.1317 or visit http://www.artscentraloregon.org/.

Bend Parks & Recreation

Overnight outdoor camps; adventure camps (with rafting, rock-climbing and more); sports camps; art, music, and science camps! Operation Recreation and Clubhouse offer working parents affordable care for the summer with daily field trips that are fun for kids. http://www.bendparksandrec.org/.


Camp Fire USA

June Day Camp for Pre-K-7th grade teaches kids survival skills and fills their days with adventure. July Outdoor Adventure Camp for ages 12 and up includes whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, camping and more! And from June to August, Summerkids Enrichment Program for grades K-5 offers a thematic approach to fun. Call 541-382-4682 or visit http://www.campfireusaco.org/.
Camp Sunrise

A free grief camp for children ages 7-14 who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. At Camp Sunrise, trained staff listen to the feelings of grief and can help the healing begin. June 19-21. Call 541-548-7483 or visit www.redmondhospice.org/camps.htm.
COCC Youth Camps

COCC's Community Learning is offering great new youth camps this summer! Give your kids an enriching, educational, and FUN opportunity to get creative, explore an interest, develop new skills, and gain confidence. Call 541.383.7270 or visit noncredit.cocc.edu.
Blossoms Preschool and COGA

Offering preschool and cheer camps! Your children will enjoy learning and playing in a newly upgraded facility! These camps exercise both the mental and physical muscles and help little learners build new friendships and develop social skills. Call 541.385.1163 or visit www.cogymnastics.com.


Developmusic

Kindermusik summer camps provide a stimulating, playful environment where children thrive developmentally, musically, and creatively. Camps are designed with a variety of themes and experiences for ages birth to six. Call 541.389.6690, e-mail amy@developmusic.com, or visit http://www.developmusic.com/.


First Ascent Climbing Services

Offering customized family rock climbing adventures since 1994. A one of a kind climbing immersion for kids and teens exploring all aspects of rock climbing. Accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association. Call 541.318.7170 or visit http://www.goclimbing.com/.

Kiddoz

Offering flexible and affordable enrollment, this Summer's BIG IDEA is "The Elements." Your child will learn, explore, and discover all about the earth, wind, and water! Every experience will be led by your child's ideas and curiosity. Call 541.322.4073 or visit http://www.kiddozplaycenter.com/.
High Desert Museum

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an artist, archaeologist, naturalist, or animal keeper? Children ages 5-9 can find out at the High Desert Museum! Campers can choose from weekly themes such as "Fun with Archaeology" where they will uncover cool artifact replicas from a frontier town at an outdoor simulated dig pit. Call 541.382.4754 or visit http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/.
Morning Star Christian School

Unlock your child's imagination! Watch them invent, express, and explore the world in Camps for Kids: June — Inventor's Workshop, July — Little Shop Keepers in Asia, August — Little Artists in Europe. Call 541.382.5091 or visit http://www.mscsbend.org/.
School of Enrichment

A vast array of theme-based camps designed for kids ages 2 1/2-10, including: Green Kids, Acting Camp, Culinary Kids Camp, Spanish Camp, and much more! Your children will enjoy playing and learning. Call 541.771.1257 or visit schoolofenrichment.com.

Shining Light Christian Preschool

Affordable summer camps for your 3-5 year olds! Enjoy twelve different camps to choose from including Princess and Dinosaur camps. Also, offering a Kindergarten Prep class. Call 541-306-9484 or visit http://www.shininglightchristianpreschool.us/.

Some Day Farm

Enjoy riding lessons, crafts, games, and horse care at Some Day Farm Pony Camp. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting June 22nd through August. Call 541-848-8519 or visit http://www.somedayfarmllc.com/.

Sunriver Owners Association

Come join the Adventure in Sunriver, for the week or the day, it's up to you! Camps include either swim lessons or tennis lessons. Schedule and registration will be available online May 3rd at http://www.sunriverowners.org/. 541-593-2442.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sassy Grassy!

Taking time to get crafty with your kids is important!  Here is a great project that will get your kids in the mood for outside gardening too!

Sassy grassy - Watch Sassy as her hair GROWS! Then give her a trim. Kids love to use scissors to give Sassy a haircut.
• Plastic pot
• Potting Soil
• Tissue Paper
• Decoupage Glaze & Foam Brush
• Tacky Glue
• Collage Materials

Craft Instructions:
1. Use the foam brush to apply a layer of decoupage glaze on to the outside of the plastic pot

2. While the glaze is still wet wrap the pot with the tissue paper. You can tear the tissue paper into small pieces and apply or wrap one large piece and trim off excess paper.

3. Apply another layer of glaze on top of the tissue paper to seal it onto the plastic pot. Let dry completely.

4. Decorate your pot with the collage materials. Make a face with the wiggly eyes and felt shapes. Add feathers, stickers, and pipe cleaners.

5. Fill the pot with the soil, and pour seed directly on top of the soil. Water, and set in a window. Allow 2 to 3 days before seed spouts. Don’t forget to keep the soil moist.

Educational Information:

There are more than 9,000 different plants in the grass family, and it is one of the largest plant groups on Earth. Grass is extremely important to most people's lives. For one thing, grass is a major food source all over the world. Rice, corn and oats come from grass plants, for example, and most livestock animals feed primarily on grasses. In some parts of the world, people use grass plants in construction (bamboo is a grass, for example), and wherever it grows, grass plays a vital role in curbing erosion. Grass is also used to make sugar, liquor, bread and plastics, among many other things.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Join the Run

This year True North is Sponsoring the 18th annual Solaire Salmon Run! This fantastic event, put on by The Environmental Center and partnering businesses, raises money for collaborating non-profit organizations and schools working on native fish habitat restoration or enhancement efforts. Event organizer Aimee Baillergon of Bend Event Co. explains, “The primary goal of this event, protecting and restoring local rivers and streams, remains the same, and we are counting on individuals and families to continue to raise awareness — and money — through the 1K, 5K, and 10K runs and walks. But we are also expanding our scope this year by inviting other organizations in our area which share and foster the same mission of supporting restoration projects to participate.”


This year the event is incorporating a kids 1k run and walk so the whole family can get involved. To register yourself or your child for this exciting event click here! If you can’t make the run then donate! Here is the link to the True North Team’s Pages: Bendetti/Garrett Family& Astacia. We will run for you!

For a great story on this year’s Solaire Salmon Run check out Beyond Plastic Bags and Light Bulbs: The 2010 SolAire Salmon Run by Aimee Baillargeon.



The quick and dirty details follow:

SolAire Salmon Run:

May 1, 2010
McKay Park, Bend
5K & 10K Run and Walk, 1K Kids Run and Walk
http://www.solairesalmonrun.com/
For More Information Contact:

Aimee Baillargeon
aimee@bendeventco.com
541/480-8555

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Cowboys 4 Kids

The following information is about an amazing event for an amazing set of non-profits.  If you don't have plans for tomorrow night, this is the place to go.  Affordable and benefitting the children in our community!

Cowboys 4 Kids Thursday, Tickets Available at the Door



Several local nonprofit organizations have come together to do what makes so much sense in this economy – collaborate! The John and Linda Shelk Foundation of Prineville initiated the collaboration to benefit Crook County children and the Crook County satellite programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, KIDS Center, Saving Grace and SMART (Start Making a Reader Today).

So, the first annual “Cowboys 4 Kids” was born! Presented by the John and Linda Shelk Foundation with Les Schwab Tires, Thursday, April 22, 2010 will be an evening of country and western entertainment, a great silent auction, a grand raffle drawing for tickets to the Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum concert at the Rose Garden … and chock full of local love!

All four organizations serve the children and families of Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties, and the group decided that it was very important to keep the event talent as local as possible. It doesn’t get any more local to Central Oregon than the main event, Shannon Bex.

“I feel very honored to be a part of such a wonderful event like Cowboys 4 Kids. Not only is this a great cause, but it’s benefiting the community I love, my home,” said Bex.

Other performers include 2008 AWA Cowboy Poet of the Year Jay Snider, members of the Bunkhouse Orchestra and a cowboy swing dance presentation by James and Paige Gustaveson.

In keeping with the theme of the locals in mind (and that includes their pocketbooks!), tickets to “Cowboys 4 Kids” are only $12 each and can be presented for 10 percent off a meal at either Dillon's or Club Pioneer in Prineville the day of the event. Raffle tickets for Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum (with a night's stay at The Mark Spencer Hotel!) are only $5 and can be purchased in advance or at the show. Doors open at 5:30 for the silent auction, and the entertainment will be from 6:30-8:30pm. "Cowboys 4 Kids will be held at the Crook County High School Southwell Auditorium.

Tickets are for sale now online at Cowboys4Kids.kintera.org/CrookCounty and will be available at the door.

"Cowboys 4 Kids" is sponsored in part by Commissioner Lynn Lundquist/Bar Lynn Ranch, Home Federal Bank, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, Harrigan Price Fronk & Co. LLP, Bryant Lovlien & Jarvis PC, and Nosler and has partnered with the media entities of Horizon Broadcasting Group/KRCO and Cascade Publications Inc.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Sakura Matsuri! Mark your calendars!

I recieved this in my mailbox today.  How wonderful that local students recieve this exchange opportunity.  And How wonderful that these schools and their students are offering the Central Oregon Community the chance to be introduced to the Japanese culture:


Japanese Festival/ Sakura Matsuri


Each year Mountain View and Summit High School students get together to fundraise for our annual Japanese Exchange Program. This program between MVHS, SHS and Kamogaoka Senior High School in Toyota City, Japan, has been sending and receiving students for over 35 years and began with Bend High School.

The cost for each student to go is around $2500 for 18 days in Toyota City and Tokyo. While there, students live with a Japanese family and attend school with their host students. This is quite a phenomenal experience for our students.We also receive students from Kamogaoka High School each March for about 2 weeks. They too live with host families, attend classes and venture around Bend and the surrounding area.

The Japanese festival started as a way to enhance Bend’s awareness of Japanese culture and customs. At the festival, students from MVHS and SHS work together to teach others about various traditional crafts, such as: Origami (paper folding), Ikebana (flower arranging), and Shodou (Calligraphy). The festival centers on a “Japanese Festival, or Matsuri” theme and we will have a wonderful Taiko (Drumming) performance by a group out of Portland called En Taiko. Students put on a Fashion show highlighting both traditional Japanese fashion as well as various “Tokyo Fashions”. Sakura Immersion Pre‐school students will be there to entertain as well. There is also an area for little ones that includes “gold fishing” in which you fish with origami cups and try to catch a goldfish. Face painting and a ramen‐eating
contest are other events not to miss.

During the event we will have a silent auction with goods from our friends at Wabi Sabi and other local vendors. Sumi’s Japanese Restaurant will be serving food too.

The Date of the event is Saturday, May 22 from 12 until 4 at Mountain View High School. Admission is $5 per person or $12 for the family. The price includes Taiko performance and access to all activities.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Embrace Life!

I was in a severe car accident when I was in high school. I wouldn't have gotten to grow up and have and hold my beautiful babies if I hadn't been wearing my seatbelt. Wear your seatbelt. Do it for your little angels.

Mini Me-Time

I was reading the April issue of Health magazine when I came across the article How I Steal “Me” Moments by Lynn Harris, and found myself inspired. Lynn explains how she has transformed long lines and tardy friends into opportunities for mini breaks in her hectic daily life. This article spoke to me on a personal level because as a mother of three and a business owner I constantly find myself feeling run down and like I desperately need a vacation; and as a mother of three and business owner, vacations are few and far between. After I read the article I started brainstorming ways to fit mini breaks into my daily life. After a lot of creative thinking, here is what I have started incorporating into my days:

 
  1. When I walk my daughter to school I leave my cell phone at home and bring my ipod filled with my favorite songs. Instead of making business calls on the way home, I enjoy a brisk walk and a mini music break.
  2. When I rock my 3 month old son to sleep at night, I keep a book and a lamp next to the rocking chair so once he is asleep I can enjoy some stress free cuddle time and work my way through that pile of books I have been dying to read since I had baby number one 8 years ago.
  3. When I go grocery shopping I pick the longest checkout line and use the extra time to peruse the magazine rack and thumb through some of my favorite trashy reads.
  4. If I have a choice on what chore to tackle, I choose laundry. Depending on how many loads I have to wash and fold, I have the perfect excuse to rent and watch a couple of movies while accomplishing something important.
  5. I take a bath instead of a shower. I always have a couple of candles and sea salts on hand. Even if I don’t have a lot of time, submerging myself in warm scented water sooths sore muscles and leaves me refreshed.
  6. I always keep a yoga mat two blankets and a block in my office. When I am waiting for a call, a client, or have a couple minutes between tasks I fit a couple quick yoga poses in. Downward dog and a head stand can clear my mind and calm my nerves so I can perform at the top of my game.
Can you think of some other good way to fit “Me Moments” into your day? Tips and tricks are always appreciated.

 

Monday, April 12, 2010

Earth Month

April is Earth Month and one of the first things that comes to most people’s mind when considering Earth Month or Earth Day is the emphasis of living green and how our daily choices are impacting the earth. This special month offers parents the perfect opportunity to discuss what being “Green” actually means with their kids, and this is no small task with all the hype and commercialism that surrounds the concept of living green these days. Going Green: Beyond the Hype and Back to Basics by Michelle Pate, is a great read for families who want to change their daily life and make it “greener” but feel overwhelmed and confused by all of the conflicting information in the media. Michelle gives her readers clear and simple directions for living green when she says, “The easiest way to truly live green without falling for all of the latest trends and hype is to go back to basics and follow the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — and in that order.”

Take time this month to discuss the 3 R’s with your kids. If you haven’t already, start incorporating the 3 R’s into your daily living routine. Some ideas for making your household a little greener are: get a recycling bin and teach your kids how to separate garbage from recyclables; take your kids to a local consignment store when you need to shop for clothing (they might be surprised at all of the cool stuff they find); start turning off the water while you brush your teeth; have the kids help turn off all electronics and lights at night; get reusable shopping bags; and finally, give your kids the opportunity to brainstorm unique ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

While incorporating the 3 R’s into your families daily life is a great way to celebrate Earth Month, there is truly no better way to instill the love for Mother Nature in your children than by getting them outside. Children need to connect to nature, and with spring here, now is the perfect time to go on nature walks and hikes and point out the beautiful sprouts pushing out of the ground, and the green buds forming on bushes. Once outside, you children will know exactly why preserving the earth by living green is such an important thing to do.