Stittsville Moms make the paper

Stittsville Facebook group brings moms together

Posted Nov 13, 2009 By Sarah Kelford

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Sarah Kelford, Stittsville

Richmond EMC

EMC News - When Kelly C moved to Stittsville she didn't know anyone. She made a group on the social networking website Facebook to connect with other moms in the community.

There were seven members initially and by the end of the year, that number was up to 100. Now, even though C has moved away from Stittsville, the group "Stittsville Moms" tops 300 members strong.

"Kelly originally started the group because her husband is in the military and they transfer a lot," explained current administrator Christine Kulla, who along with Jennifer Riches Bergsma took over the group after C's family was posted to Winnipeg. "A lot of connections are made in this group."

Riches Bergsma, a stay-at-home mom of two, noted that she didn't know C before finding the group on Facebook.

"I was on Facebook and started networking and tried to make connections. Kelly welcomed me into the group and invited me to a play group and we became great friends," said Riches Bergsma. "We all have common goals - to connect with moms out there. It makes for stay-at-home moms to not feel lonely."

Kulla, a working mom of three boys, noted that it also helps her stay connected with the moms at home since going back to work.

Members of the group set up weekly playdates, support each other's homebased businesses, offer advice and support one another. Kulla and Riches Bergsma noted that whether moms are new to the community or already live here Stittsville Moms is a way to connect.

"We want to support moms," said Kulla. "It makes you feel more secure because it's local moms. Hitting over 300 is great because we're such a small community. We're proud of it."

Kulla has recently started sending out monthly newsletters to inform group members of group events, local businesses and community happenings.

"There's an honest attempt to help people out," said Kulla. "The group is a safe place for people to go to ask about kids, about services - it's a starting point for people."

Kulla noted that since Stittsville is a growing community, a number of moms join before moving to the community.

"It connects moms," said Riches Bergsma, noting there are a few dads in the group as well.

Kulla and Riches Bergsma are planning to host a pot luck in the new year to celebrate the group and have a chance for members to get together and meet one another.

"All members are invited to come out to events," said Riches Bergsma, noting that it's always nice to meet new moms. "The group is a fun and safe way to connect."

All parents in Stittsville are welcome to join the Facebook group to connect with parents in the community. Visit www.facebook.com and search "Stittsville Moms."

Winnipeg House

Our new house in Lindenwoods. I think we'll be very happy here. We can make any house our home, such is the life of a military family. I am not sure exactly what, if anything we will do to it, thankfully there isn't any work that "needs" to be done. I wouldn't have chosen black countertops for my kitchen, and Patrick doesn't like the paint colors, but really, we will live with it for awhile and see what happens.

Our Ottawa house

We are getting closer to our moving date, and it makes me sad to think about leaving our house here in Ottawa. There are so many things that we love about it. Here are some pictures that were taken by a professional to put on our sale listing.

Happy Earth Day

Here is a quick list of what I'm doing for Earth Day (and everyday, for that matter).

- Cloth diapering. I still use disposable when we go out, but at home, cloth all the way, we're even using cloth wipes.
- Travel mugs for coffee. Unless I forget to bring it, which has been happening a lot lately with baby brain and all.
- Earth friendly household products. I love Melaleuca.
- Cloth Hankies instead of disposable tissues. We have both accessible, but reach for the cloth ones more often than not.
- We installed a Low-Flush Toilet in our most used bathroom.
- I wash most clothes in cold water, and in our next home am going to get a clothesline for drying.
- Whenever possible and/or affordable, I buy local and organic food.
- I buy most things for the kids at consignment stores.
- We always recycle what we can with the blue and black box pickup.
- I am getting better at turning off lights when they are not needed.
- Teaching the kids good habits like not taking FOREVER to wash their hands under the tap, and planting things with them so they can see how they grow.
- We use compact Fluorescent bulbs whenever possible.

There are probably more, but Simon is starting to fuss, so I must go see to him!

My little Man

Simon is growing so fast! On April 15 he weighed in at 11lbs 11oz, 60cm in length. Our midwife Kristen said she thinks he is the longest baby she's ever measured! He is holding up his head really well, as you can see in the photo. He totally skipped the fragile baby, all curled up in the fetal position stage, and pretty much looks like a 4month old :(
He gave Patrick the first "real" smiles on March 27th, and started cooing and gurgling at us the week of April 12th.
I just love him so much..........he is such a sweetie!

More of the Best Workout of your Life

BABY SNATCHES

Take any toddler to the store (preferably one with a glassware section). While you try to browse, release the child. Let the workout begin: Count the snatch-and-lifts you do while the little one careens from one side of the isle to the other. Snatch and lift, snatch and lift. After 30 minutes, look in the mirror. Be proud of the sweat pouring off your red face!

SNOW FALLS

Snow on the ground is no reason to abandon your workout. Try the "triple sow-cow" slip on the patch of sidewalk your significant other had promised to shovel. Use every muscle in your body as you twist and spiral to avoid falling into an embarrassing heap. Oh look: the Russian judge gave you a 4.2. Fabulous! Take a bow and wave to the neighbours you just know are watching.

MEMORY LAPS

There is physical value in forgetfulness. Use a pedometer when looking for lost objects. Take a deep breath, then exhale, saying, "Now where the hell did I leave my keys?" To increase the calorie burn, make sure you already have your child in the car seat waiting for you. As you run upstairs and down, retracing your steps from laundry room to attic, think of the inches you're burning off. Up and down, up and down. Finally, you remember: You left the keys with your wallet. Take a deep breath, then exhale, saying, "Now where the hell did I leave my wallet?" Repeat.

The Best Workout of Your Life

I almost peed my postpartum pants when I read this article from Today's Parent Magazine written by Annie Game. I will post in parts, since having even 1 minute to myself is a miracle in this mad house!

The other day someone asked me if I exercise regularly. I may not belong to a gym but, like most parents, my life is filled with opportunities to strengthen, stretch and tone. How many of these moves are part of your daily workout?

PANT PULLS
You may call it depressing - I call it exercise. The benefits of devoting four minutes of panting and heaving to get into a pair of pants that used to fit are legion. Note, though, that this activity may require a spotter in case you get stuck or need help to stand erect. But once you are up and moving, you'll reap the rewards of using all your core muscles to keep your stomach in check. Remember to breathe shallowly so your button doesn't fly off and blind somebody. Doesn't it feel fantastic?

New Arrival

I can't believe it has taken me a month to get on here and show off our newest cutie pie! Let's just pretend that it is Feb 28th, and I am home 4hrs after giving birth, yessir it really happened, and am putting up the first pictures of Simon minutes after birth........

EWG’s Healthy Home Tips for Parents

I love this simple to read and understand list. Sometimes the amount of info out there is overwhelming and I need to refer to something like this, which makes it seem more manageable to create a healthy environment for my family.

1 - Choose better body care products. Just because a label says “gentle” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s kidsafe. Look up your products on CosmeticsDatabase.com. Read the ingredients and avoid triclosan, BHA, fragrance, and oxybenzone.
2 - Go organic & eat fresh foods. Opt for organic fruits and veggies, find conventionally grown produce with the least pesticides. Choose milk and meat without added growth hormones. Limit canned food and infant formula, as can linings contain bisphenol A (BPA).
3 - Avoid fire retardants. Choose snug-fitting cotton pajamas for kids, and repair or replace worn out foam items.
4 - Pick plastics carefully. Some plastics contain BPA, which is linked to cancer. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles marked with a “7” or “PC” and choose baby bottles made from glass or BPA-free plastic. Don’t microwave plastic containers. Stay away from toys marked with a “3” or “PVC.” Give your baby a frozen washcloth instead of vinyl teethers.
5 - Filter your tap water. Use a reverse osmosis system or carbon filter pitcher to reduce your family’s exposure to impurities in water, like chlorine and lead. Don’t drink bottled water, which isn’t necessarily better.
6 - Wash those hands. In addition to reducing illness, frequent hand washing will reduce kids’ exposure to chemicals. Skip anti-bacterial soaps, since they can be bad for the environment, aren’t any better than soap and water, and can contain pesticides that are absorbed through the skin.
7 - Skip non-stick. When overheated non-stick cookware can emit toxic fumes. Cook with cast iron or stainless steel instead.
8 - Use a HEPA-filter vacuum. Kids spend lots of time on the floor, and household dust can contain contaminants like lead and fire retardants. HEPA-filter vacuums capture the widest range of particles and get rid of allergens. Leave your shoes at the door so you don’t bring more pollutants inside.
9 - Get your iodine. Use iodized salt, especially while pregnant and nursing, and take iodine-containing prenatal vitamins. Iodine buffers against chemicals like perchlorate, which can disrupt your thyroid system and affect brain development during pregnancy and infancy.
10 - Use greener cleaners & avoid pesticides. Household cleaners, bug killers, pet treatments,
and air fresheners can irritate kids’ lungs, especially if your kids have asthma. Investigate
less toxic alternatives.
11 - Eat good fats. Omega-3 fatty acids can offset toxic effects of lead and mercury. They’re in fish, eggs, nuts, oils, and produce. Choose low-mercury fish like salmon, tilapia and pollock, rather than high-mercury tuna and swordfish, especially if you’re pregnant. Breast milk is the best source of good fats (and other benefits) for babies, and protects them from toxic
chemicals.

Some Random Things About Me

I saw this list over at Laurel's Place .
I thought it looked like fun, so I'll give it a whirl. At the moment, everyone on facebook is doing the list of 25 random things, but I like this better because I can't come up with interesting random facts about myself. I need structure! (oh wait, does that count as a random fact?)

The colored items, I've accomplished.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied?

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox twice
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Wow.....I think I needed that. It makes me feel like I can scoff in the face of those who think that anyone who chooses to stay at home with the kids instead of leading the "exciting life" in the "real" world is boring and old fashioned. I would trade every single one of the above experiences (except maybe the kissing in the rain) for the special moments I spend everyday with my children.

Awesome February CTMH Stamp Promotions

To kick off our 25th anniversary as a leader and innovator in the stamping business, Close To My Heart is giving all of our stamp purchasers a fabulous gift! When you spend $31.25 CAN in stamps (Customized Name and Stamp of the Month excluded), you’ll receive a custom-designed B-size My Acrylix® Good Times stamp set (retail value $13.95 US / $17.50 CAN), packed with fun and versatile party-inspired images, for FREE!* This beautifully crafted set will be a perfect addition to your stamp collection.

Combine the above special with the February Stamp of the Month special and you could possible get both of these great stamp sets for free!!

February: Easter Eggs - (Set of 20) $28.50 CDN

An amazing collection of designer eggs, complete with an adorable Easter verse. Eggsactly what you need for a happy holiday! Available February 1–28, 2009 only.

With a minimum qualifying purchase, get your Stamp of the Month at a great discount or FREE!

Click on the artwork photo to view stamp set and additional artwork using the February Stamp of the Month.

Have a great day and make it from your heart!

Simple Mom Giveaway

I have been coveting this organizational tool for about 6months now. It sells at Costco for over $200, so it is a "someday" purchase. Today at one of the blogs I follow http://simplemom.net/neat-receipts/, they are doing a giveaway for one!! All I have to do is link to the blog (which I just learned how to do) and I get an entry into the draw. Hopefully I'll win, I am in dire need of some good luck at the moment. This end of pregnancy, waiting for the big moment is dragging me down. Wish me luck.....with the draw......and that the baby will come soon!!!

My Studio Tour Part 1

I started taking photos of my studio and got as far as one shelving unit when the little munchkins started getting into everything and I had to stop and put the gate back up. So here is a peek at one wall of my creative space, AKA the "formal living room" of our home.


Unless otherwise noted, everything is a Close to My Heart product. These are most of my stamp pads, I have some other ones packed away in a traveling case. I only have about half of the 60 colors. On the middle shelf are some of my Acrylic Blocks, a 6x6 accordian album and a ribbon rounds tube.


A little peek inside the Accordian album of Alia's first Christmas.




Close-up of a card I made recently. I love this stamp set with the clock.


Another card that I love and keep on display.

Pictures of the Kids

I've been telling people that I've returned to blogging, so I guess I should put up some recent photos of the family. I am looking like a beached whale, all pregnant and swollen, so for now it'll just be pictures of the kids. We had some belly shots done the other day, and once they are developed, I'll post them regardless of how I look (the water retention is unbelievable!!!)