Popsicles in the Park

What: Popsicles in the Park

When: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 6:00 PM

Where: 
McCoy Park
800 N Bess Truman Pkwy
Independence, MO 

Grab some chairs/blankets and Bring the entire family out for an evening of family fun!
*Live music with Dino O'Dell
*Puppet show by Picadilly Productions
*Art stations by Odd Ball Kids
*Prizes raffled away
*Free popsicles provided by Blue Bell!!!

Cost: Free
Event is from 6:30-8 pm. 

It's Practically Here!!!

This Friday is my last day at my full time job!! I will begin a part time position in a field that I LOVE and will be able to do some work from home. I am not sure how to feel about my new transition. While it is something I have wanted since I had my first child, I am still nervous about making such a huge change. I have come across some different things these past couple of weeks that I would like to share with other mommies whether you are SAHM or working:

I recently found out about local mommy groups in the area from another mother. I couldn't remember what she called her group so I just googled "Mommy and Me Kansas City" and was eventually brought to www.meetup.com . This is an EXCELLENT resource for anyone seeking a social network of like minded people or folks that have similar interests. I joined 3 different "Mommy" groups that are located in Liberty and have been receiving regular emails with info on gatherings that these groups are having. This isn't even something JUST for mommies, I also signed up for a local photography group and they have group photo walks and outings. What a great way to network and if you have a hobby this is a great way to meet others in the area that you can get advice or ideas from. I am pretty thrilled so far to have discovered this website and hopeful that at least one of these groups will be a great way for my kiddos and I to get out and about and socialize.

I was also given a tip from my mother in law about local discounts offered through Target. I am so suprised that I have never heard of this before but if you go to http://www.target.com/ and scroll down to "Company Info" and click on "Community". They have an "Arts and Culture" program that has great deals and discounts on local family friendly events! Pretty exciting! I love looking for new local things to try out with my family and I believe they were offering 2 for 1 to the Coterie Theatre on Saturdays. This is a childrens theatre that I have been dying to check out but I will probably have to wait until my kids arew a little older.

K & G Interiors: A Hip Tween Room

This Gal does some IMPRESSIVE work! LOVE IT!

K & G Interiors: A Hip Tween Room: "Client Wish List: * Black, White, and Her Favorite Blue. * Lots of Spaces to Display Photos. * A Desk Area Upon entering the room..."

WOW!

I began this blog on May 22nd and I already have had 350 page views! Holy WOW! That my friends, is pretty impressive... I would only say 150 were mine ;)


You like me, you reeeeeeeeally like me!

Kansas City Zoo Trip

The weather cooperated this weekend and we decided to go ahead with our plans to take the kids to the Kansas City Zoo. It was a pretty uneventful day, but the weather was AMAZING and the kids didn't fuss once! My 2y/o daughter really enjoyed checking out all of the familiar animals. She talked non-stop about giraffes, zebras, lions, el-fants, kangaroos, and all of the other animals. She even tweeted at the birds :) The parking lot was crazy so I thought for sure that it was going to be a miserably packed trip to the zoo but I was pleasantly suprised at how well we got around. I also didn't realize you could take coolers in until I saw about 10 people with coolers, so heads up for next time, we are taking coolers (2.50 for bottled water, sheesh!)

Here are some pics I snapped while we were there:

We really liked the exhibits where you can walk around with the animals, it really gives you that "up close and personal" feel that I think children especially really enjoy.

This lion was giving us the crazy eye!

I love how they have the walkway next to where the Giraffes are, if you are there at the right time you can get super close to these guys! Also, the African Sky Safari will be going right over that area when it opens. I personally think it will be awesome but Hubbs had anxiety at even the thought of taking the kids that high up. We will see if I get to take the kiddos on it this year.

Now, the elephants were the BEST part of the whole day! They had an employee in with them and he was handing them paintbrushes and letting them paint. My 2y/o LOVED that. Finger paints are a HUGE hit with her and to see that her friends, the el-fants love to paint too was thrilling to her. She talked about elfants paintin' all day yesterday.

My favorite shot of the day

Elfants getting rewarded for their mad painting skills. They better give them treats, they were selling the elephant paintings for TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS! Yeah, no thanks.

I did finally get to a point where I am able to stay home with my kids more. I am quitting my full-time job and staying home with my kids while taking on some part-time work with a local photographer. I couldn't be any more excited! Finally pursuing a dream and getting more time with my rug-rats :) I am looking into becoming a FOTZ (Friend of the Zoo) Member and taking the kids out for the Toddling Troops at 9am on Thursdays but I just don't know if I can get myself out of bed and wrangle the kids up to leave the house in time to get there by 9! We shall see! Have any of you other moms participated in special zoo events? How did they go for you? Let me know, I'd love to hear :)

April

The Zoo it is!

Amazing weather calls for outdoor activities for sure! Hitting up the
Zoo with Hubbs and the kiddos. No place I'd rather be! How is your
family spending the day??

April

Trying to Plan My Weekend With the Fam

As a full-time working mother, weekends are BIG for me. This is two straight days that are MINE, I get to spend the time with my kids however I choose. It's almost overwhelming for me on the eve of a weekend since there are so many great things to do locally. I search the web, and check the weather and try to find the perfect way to spend my allotted time away from work. My husband has been involved with tractor pulling his whole life (what is tractor pulling, you ask? Yeah, google it. I didn't know either until I met him). This is a hobby that pretty much consumes E V E R Y Saturday of the summer and some Fridays. While I admire his devotion to his hobby, it can be a thorn in my side. (sorry, honey, it's OK, I knew what I was getting into when I married you) This weekend, however, the tractor will be out of commission pending repair. This means that I get to have my husband this weekend so the pressure is on to find something even more awesome to do this weekend.

Upon notice of said breakdown I immediately wanted to go to the Zoo. My 2y/o is very good at identifying all of the different animals and I think she would really get a kick out of seeing them in person. I would hate for Hubbs to miss out on the first time she was at the zoo and old enough to talk about what she is seeing. I checked the website and was even more delighted to see that there was an event this weekend! They are having their Second Saturday Kid's Fest this weekend, featuring Astronomy Day Second Saturdays Kid Fest Event Page

My next step at this point is to check the weather...

Yeah, if you live in Missouri or Kansas you won't be surprised. It is calling for Thunderstorms Saturday. So, I guess there goes that idea. Now, I am on to finding an indoor family activity or else my husband is going to have us putting up shelves and organizing the garage. So, you see how serious this situation is! The only indoor place we have taken our oldest (who is 2) to is to Fun Run in Liberty. She LOVED it and had a blast but I am really hoping for something different. I definitely plan on hitting up the Rainforest Adventure in Crown Center before it leaves town Crown Center Rainforest Adventure Link but I think that is more of a play date thing. I am stumped. Guess this "Mom About Town" doesn't know as much about this town as she should ;)

I need suggestions! You all don't want me organizing garage junk this weekend do you?? Well, I hope not.

Series: Help Kids in Kansas City in June

Event:

"Flying High with RBI at the 2011 Base Ball"

Organization:

RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner City)

When:

June 11th 2011, 7:30pm

Where:

Signature Flight Hangar at the Downtown Airport

Cost:

$150.00


Enjoy upscale ballpark food, free-flowing libations, an all-star line-up of great music, interactive games, batting/pitching cages, auction, and more! Gear up in your favorite casual baseball style!
Signature Flight Hangar at the Downtown Airport.

Base Ball 2011 Event Page



RBI & Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City Facts and Information:

 As a charitable partner of Major League Baseball and in conjunction with RBI National, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has expanded or established baseball and fast-pitch softball programs in more than 150 communities nationwide. All BGCA RBI leagues incorporate Quick SMART!, a condensed version of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's SMART Moves prevention/education program designed to teach players to avoid alcohol and other drug use and premature sexual involvement. In its 2008 "Philanthropy 400" report, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked BGCA as No. 15 among all non-profit organizations, while placing BGCA in the No. 1 position among youth organizations for the 15th consecutive year. http://www.bgca.org/

For more information on how you can get involved and volunteer with The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, Click Here

A Toddler's Attention Span in it's Finest Form :)

yfrog Video : http://yfrog.com/neymmz - Uploaded by amomabouttownkc

MAMA BELLIES REJOICE!!

So last night I was shopping at Target and decided to face the inevitable bathing suit trying on embarrassment of 2011. I found a cute Merona one-piece bathing suit but wasn't completely sold on spending $35 on it since my basket was already filling up fast. I decided I should wait and keep looking. Well, I log on to today's Daily Deal's at Target.com and low and behold guess which bathing suit is on sale for $10 off??? UH YEAH, the Merona Bandeau Shirred One-Piece that I tried on! I can only perceive that as a sign from above that I was meant to purchase said suit PRONTO!

I loved this suit because while I am not too concerned with the arms and legs showing (pretty unavoidable in ANY bathing suit) my saggy tummy is not a feature I would like show cased in a bathing suit. This suit is super forgiving and I am actually pretty stoked about the polka dots since all they had at my Target was black and burgundy. So, I am buying two... I can't decide on the color... and I am passing along this wonderful news! Also, check out the other Daily Deals today, many super cute things! I am seriously considering the toddler girl's cowboy boots for my 2y/o... :)

Series: Help Kansas City Children in June

What: Trent Green Golf Classic

Organization: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City

When: Monday, June 6th 2011

At: Shoal Creek Golf Course

Why Support The Ronald McDonald House Charities?

Ronald McDonald House Charities gives sick children what they need most — their families. For 30 years, our Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Room have provided a "home away from home" and allowed families to remain together while their sick child receives medical treatment.

Event Details:

Join us for a fun day on the golf course … all for a great cause! Help us celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. The RMHC Trent Green Golf Classic is more than just a day on the golf course – it’s a way to reduce the burden of childhood illness on children and families. As a participant, you will have a chance to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City provide a home away from home for sick children and their families.

AM Best Net Shotgun
Golfer Registration & Breakfast • 7:00-7:45am
Tee-Off • 8:00am
Awards & Lunch Presentation following


PM Scramble Shotgun
Golfer Registration & Lunch • 12:00-1:15pm
Tee-Off • 1:30pm
Awards Presentation & Happy Hour following


Other Details:
Food and beverages provided
Hole in One Prizes
Prizes for Winning Teams
Awards Celebration

Hotel Accommodations are available at the Fairfield Inn KC/Liberty
801 N. Church Road • Kansas City, MO 64158 • (816) 792-4000

The Ronald McDonald House Charities Trent Green Golf Classic Event Page

Series: Help Kansas City Children in June Part I

Saturday, June 4th, 2011

The Family Conservancy is pairing up with Radio Disney to promote a day of quality family play time at Paradise Park

From 9:30am - 10:00pm enjoy Paradise Park with HALF OFF all indoor/outdoor attractions. Radio Disney will have music, DJs, dancers and singers from 2-4. While you are there sign up to win a family 4-pass to Schlitterbahn Waterparks. For more event info or for event sponsorship opportunities contact 913.742.4181

A little info on The Family Conservancy:

The Family Conservancy Website

Vision
Bright futures for families and children.

Mission
Championing the healthy development of children by supporting parents and families and promoting quality early education

Core Values
We commit to these values in our work and relationships:

*Accountability
*Continuous quality improvement
*Customer focus
*Honesty and integrity
*Inclusiveness and diversity
*Making a difference
*Respect


Volunteer Opportunities

Print Those Memorial Day Pics!

Don't let those precious images sit in your computer! Take advantage of deals like this when they come along! After all, Grandma and Great Aunt Lola can't lug around your hard drive. Give the gift of treasured photos so that people other than you can brag about your child's stunning good looks :)

Head on over to snapfish.com now through June 6th and don't forget to use code MEM100PICS at checkout!
Snapfish

Kids Eat Free @ Chili's Tonight Only!

If you are taking your favorite tiny human out on a dinner date tonight, why not head over to Chili's where you can feed them for FREE?! This offer is for tonight only and you must have the coupon.

Click here for your Chili's coupon!

8 Fun Things I Want to do This Summer

OK, so I like to think I am the kind of person who sets these wonderful goals for myself and strives to achieve them with great consistency. Who I am trying to kid though? I set goals all the time and the next day, life happens and they fizzle out about as quickly as they start. Hmmm.. maybe like starting a blog hoping to connect local moms and share kid-friendly events?? No, this one is going to stick :) My goal that I am setting now is to make a list of things I want to do this summer with my kids and to do every single one of them! Sounds simple enough, right. Let's see here, I figure I will say that "Summer" is June-September and that I can probably realistically manage two things a month. So that means I will make a list of 8 things that I will ABSOLUTELY do this summer (you like that math? I grad-gee-ated HS)

Here are my EIGHT THINGS I WANT TO DO THIS SUMMER!! (drum roll, please)

-Visit Powell Gardens Jurassic Exhibit

-Go to Schlitterbahn (I have never been!)

-Visit Crown Center's Rainforest Adventure

-Visit Kaleidescope

-Check out the Johnson County Museum Kidscape Exhibit

-Louisburg Cider Mill

-Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun (Yeah, been there, done that, but to me it never gets old)

-Visit Paradise Park in Lee's Summit

See, that wasn't so bad was it? It actually doesn't seem like very much, but if I am being realistic then I must limit myself. I am pretty excited about my list and you can be sure that I will share my experiences with you. I challenge you to make a list. Even if you choose only a couple things to do, I want to know what is on all the other mom's "Must Do List". Leave a comment and let me know :) Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Neighborhood Sale - Lakewood

If you have never experienced the neighborhood garage sale to end all
neighborhood garage sales, you better mark your calendars! The
Lakewood Garage Sale is next weekend and drive your larger vehicle. I
brought home some nice deals from this sale last year.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/gms/2406820721.html

WOF/OOF Girl Scout Campout Weekend June 4th-5th

Girl Scouts are invited to challenge thrill rides and camp overnight at the park. All Girl Scout attendees receive a discounted ticket and complimentary 2011 Worlds of Fun Scout Weekend patch! Worlds of Fun Girl Scout Weekend tickets are available to Girl Scout troops, group leaders and parents.

Youth Events Group Sales Admission - Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun

FREE SHIPPING CODE @ The Disney Store!

The Disney Store is having Memorial Day free shipping promotional code now through 5/28/11. Use coupon code MEMDAY at checkout to get your goodies shipped to you on the FREE!

The Disney Store

Mid-Continent Public Library Story-Time for Babies and Toddlers

Storytimes at Mid-Continent Libraries offer a variety of book related experiences for young children. They strive to be developmentally appropriate and can include picture book reading, storytelling, music, flannel board presentations, fingerplays, short videos and/or simple crafts. Use the information listed below to select the programs right for your children:

• Baby Storytime (9-18 months) -- registration required and limited
• Toddler Storytime (18-36 months) -- may require parental participation and registration
• Preschool Storytime (3-5 years)
• Family Storytime (all ages)
• Discovery Club (7-12 years) -- newsletter

Please call ahead if you are planning to bring a group. Many branches offer special group programs.

To see a list of events by location go to:

http://www.mymcpl.org/kids/storytimes-and-childrens-activities

I took my children one day that I had off from work to the Toddler Storytime and my oldest (18mo at the time) had a BLAST! She wasn't quite following along like the other kids but she was taking it all in! It's also a great way to network and meet other moms that have children your own age. Not to mention that this is a FREE activity! What better way to introduce your child to the wonderful world of literature and spark their imagination.

Powell Gardens : Road Trip For Your Soul

Powell Gardens : Road Trip For Your Soul

Powell Gardens is always an excellent choice for a fun family day out. This place holds a special place in my heart because that is where my husband proposed!! :) I love to go there on a sunny day and stroll around taking pictures of all the beautiful things. If your kiddos are into dinosaurs this is an especially great time to make a trip down to Powell Gardens! Even if you don't make it part of your Memorial Day plans, you will not miss out. These dino's will be available for your veiwing pleasure until August 14th. I myself will be taking my kiddos down so stay tuned for some pics and my thoughts on the exhibit.

Product Recall - Cribs

Dream On Me, Inc. Full-size and Portable drop side cribs are being recalled.

http://www.toysrusinc.com/safety/recalls/full-size-and-portable-drop-side-cribs/?csm=204494082&csc=1384898&csa=204497544&csu=1384982

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5K in Shawnee Mission for Avery Christiansen

One day while browsing through local photographer's blogs, I came across photos of the cutest little girl and her parents. I read a little about her story and followed the provided link to her parent's blog.

http://averyannechristiansen.blogspot.com/

If you have half a heart at all, it will be impossible to read through the blog without tearing up if not flat out crying your eyes out. She sounds like a real trooper and I guess having a daughter that is super close in age to her hit me hard. I am a little late on getting this info out there but if you don't have any plans on the 4th of June, there will be a 5K in Shawnee Mission to help the family of Avery and also celebrate her triumphs! Here is the link to the 5K's site:

http://www.walkforavery.com/

Even if you do not have the day available for the event, there are still ways to help this family. On the main blog's page there is a link to donate or purchase merchandise that helps to raise funds for all of the expenses this family has endured. It is a sad thing in this country that the cost of LIVING (and by living I mean being healthy and well) is outrageously expensive. People's lives and health is dictated by cost of health care. I will not get going on a health care rant because there is little to nothing I can do about it. As for this family though, we all can pull together and try to help. The best blessing you can receive sometimes is the opportunity to bless someone else.

Have I Mentioned That I Love Amazon?

My intentions for the blog are to mostly keep my entries about all things local and all things KC. However, this is just one of those things that I have to share. I tell pretty much every other mother that I encounter about my love for Amazon and not JUST Amazon but the Subscribe & Save program. If you children in diapers and you have not at least comparison shopped this deal, you are missing out!

Why I love Subscribe & Save (from here on referred to as "S&S"):

www.amazon.com/mom

• If you take the time and compare the prices on a few of the S&S items against what you pay at either WM or Target, I swear you will see that there is a savings

• If it is even just a few cents, look at it like this, you save the trip to the store to pick up that "one thing you need at WM" not to mention saving money on the 10 other things you leave with that you realized you needed as you pass them by on the way to check out!

• You get FREE TWO DAY SHIPPING on all of your S&S orders. Not to mention 3 months of free two day shipping on all Prime Eligible purchases. Let me tell you, THIS IS AWESOME! I buy TONS of stuff on Amazon. I buy toys for most of the birthday parties that we get invited to and you have a unique gift. There is a bigger selection on Amazon and it is likely that all of the other guests hit up the toy isles of Target and WM at the last minute and there are usually duplicate gifts. So, not only do I likely have a unique gift but I didn't have to make a last minute trip to the store nor did I have to pay to have it shipped. I also use that feature to send birthday gifts to friends. We are all busy now that we are grown-ups and we can't always get together to wish a happy birthday, but we can find something on Amazon, have it shipped directly to the recipient, and come off looking like the most AWESOME friend EVER! :)

• Signing up for AMAZON MOM is FREE

• Even if you set up a subscription to a product, you can cancel anytime. You DO NOT have to have a reoccurring debit come out of your account. Sometimes I just cancel the subscription as soon as I get my product. No big deal, no fee.

I really could go on and on about how much I love it but I strongly urge that you check it out for yourself. I am lazy and don't like getting out to the store and I am a huge fan of having what I need sent directly to me in a mere two days for free.

I also discovered another perk today. I was shopping on Wet Seal's website and when it was time to check out I had the option of checking out through my Amazon account as opposed to entering in my info on Wet Seal's site. So, since I get free shipping through Amazon Prime, the $5 shipping cost was taken off of my total! I was pretty excited about that! I also googled "Wet Seal Coupon Codes" and found one (OUTFIT0409) and it took $20 off my order! If you are not in the habit of searching for coupon codes when shopping online, you better get in the habit! Sometimes you find nothing but today I found $20! WINNING!

Today Only Redbox Code!

Snuggle up with your loved ones and catch a flick!

REDBOX: Start summer w/ a deal! Take $0.50 off any 1st nite rental
w/promo code MAY26. 1 use only. Expires 5/26/11 @ 11:59PM CDT.

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