Confession: I’m a Proud Pinterest Mom

By

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June 30, 2016

I’ve been called a Pinterest Mom for years. It used to really bug me mostly because the connotation was negative, as though I was trying to one-up the other moms or show off in some way. There have been plenty of times I felt I needed to defend myself from the scrutiny of others who either didn’t have the time to be crafty, or perhaps felt overwhelmed and “not at all creative”, even some who simply didn’t want to.

Whatever the reason, don’t rain on my party, I LOVE Pinterest, and I don’t care who knows about it!

I love cutting, gluing, folding paper, making invitations, printing out my own family Christmas photo cards, hosting cookie exchange parties, helping my kid with homemade Valentines, DIY home projects… ALL OF IT!!! I find it therapeutic. Sure, I work from home so my schedule may be more flexible than those who have outside jobs, it probably also helps that I make birthday cakes & cookies, and participate in party planning as my main source of income. I believe if you love doing something and can make money doing it there’s nothing better.

Hey, I’m not here to make anyone feel badly for purchasing ready-made cards or sending in store-bought birthday treats, or for not baking your own cakes. Heck, if everyone made their own cakes I’d be out of work. I’m just saying there’s room for everyone. We all do what we do and that’s all cool in my school. As long as you’re enjoying life and the kids are happy, we’re good!

Before Pinterest I was the “crafty mom”, or the “creative lady”. Ya see, I grew up with a Mom who sewed, baked, and crafted. She made clothes for me and my 4 brothers. I vaguely recall an Easter Sunday with 5 children in matching outfits, the boys shirts matched my dress. Every Halloween my mother made us the best costumes! Birthdays were furnished with homemade cakes, hand made decorations, and family created party games. When I was old enough I helped. My mother taught me to sew, she taught me to bake and craft. I figured that’s how it was in every home. Eventually I found out that wasn’t the case, but since that’s how I grew up I just naturally continued in a lot of ways. I mean, I’m not making my kids clothes, but I have made my share of costumes 🙂 I was also a preschool teacher, so I had loads of opportunities to be creative.

What I love most is planning fun-filled birthday parties for my kid! He chooses the theme and together we come up with a guest list, activities, cake designs, and party foods that carry the theme. I also love hosting his parties at our house, that way I can set up 3 to 4 activity stations. Because without some sort of plan we have chaos. Short. Loud. Chaos. Activity stations keep the kids moving along in smaller, more manageable groups. This is not for everyone. I totally get that. I know I have some mom friends reading this right now who are counting out how many glasses of wine they’d need in order to get through a kids party at home. I love you guys!

Holidays are always over the top at our house. From decorating to celebrating. Not because I have some deep desire to outdo the neighbors but because I do what I love to do. And I plan to keep doing it as long as it gives me joy. Oh, and yeah we’re elf people, too.

So have fun! That’s what it’s all about after all. Be creative in your own way. I mean, why just make a cheese and fruit tray when you can make a cheese and fruit flag. And it doesn’t take much more to jazz up those chocolate dipped strawberries, simply use white chocolate and blue sugar. Go on! ENJOY!!!

Non-Firework Fourth of July Festivities

By

Amy W.

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June 29, 2016

Here’s a handy guide of non-firework festivities for this holiday weekend to tire out your sweet toddler with the hopes they’ll sleep right through the fireworks.

Fourth of July + Night = Fireworks.

Fireworks + Sleeping Toddler = Nightmare

Salute to America at Greenfield Village – Dearborn

June 30-July 3

6:00-10:00 p.m.

Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn

Picnic games, activities for the kiddies, and of course, Detroit Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with authentic cannon fire and fireworks.

Free with Village admission: $26.00 (ages 13 and up), $19.50 (ages5-12), free for four and under, $6.00 parking

Stars and Stripes Festival – Sterling Heights

June 30-July 1 at the Freedom Hill Ampitheater

Petting zoo, arts and crafts, BMX stunt show and carnival

Free admission, some events cost extra

Independence Day Celebration at the Troy Aquatic Center – Troy

July 2

11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

3425 Civic Center Drive, Troy, MI

$10.00 for a day pass, $5.00 after five – military, police or fire are free!

Ann Arbor Summer Festival – Downtown Ann Arbor

This three week long celebration wraps up July 1-3 and offers concerts, movies, a kidzone and all sorts of other activities.

Some events are free and some cost money, see the website for more details.

Free First Friday at Cranbrook Institute of Science – Bloomfield Hills

July 1, 2016

5:00 p.m. – 10:00

Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills

After 5:00 p.m., families can explore the cafe, conservatory, bat or planetarium show

Free

Michigan Rib Fest – Pontiac

July 1-4 at the M-1 Concourse

Live bands, pig races, monster truck rides. bounce houses, kid zone, face painting and more

$3.00 before 3pm
$5.00 after 3pm

Gibraltar July Fourth Festival and Fireworks – Gibraltar

July 3- July 4 Noon – 10:00 p.m.

Gibraltar Community Center Field area, 29340 S. Gibraltar Road

This two day event includes a petting zoo and carnival

Free Admission, parking is $3.00 and rides cost more

2016 Independence Day Parade – Clarkston

July 4 at 10:00 a.m.

Downtown Clarkston – Starts at St. Daniel Church and ends at the Clarkston United Methodist

ChurchTheme for 2016 is: “Land of the FREE, because of the BRAVE.”

Free

Fourth of July Festival – Clawson

July 3- July 4 at 10:00 a.m.

Downtown Clawson

Arts and crafts fair, bands, Midway games and rides both days. On the Fourth, there’s a pancake breakfast, mile run and a parade.

$2.00 entry fee

Northville Fourth of July Parade – Northville

July 4 at 10:00 a.m.

Downtown Northville.

This year’s theme is “Cheers for Team USA.” Also includes vintage cars, bike parade, pet parade and more!

Free

Wyandotte Independence Day Parade – Wyandotte

July 4 at 10:00 a.m.

Runs along Biddle Avenue from Ford Avenue (Northline) to Eureka

Free

Ford Free FunDay at the Michigan Science Center – Detroit

July 4

10:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to explore the science center with the family!

Free general admission

If we missed a non-firework event let us know! We love hearing from YOU!

An Ode To Hospital Parents

By

Jamie Freeman

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June 28, 2016

Recently Benny’s extra chromosome won us an all expenses paid seven-night stay at the beautiful Children’s Hospital of Michigan located in Downtown Detroit. He had to have his tonsils and adenoids removed, as well as tubes put in his ears. While this is normally an outpatient procedure for most kiddos, babies like Benny who have Down syndrome have higher risks and a greater incidence for complications with surgery. My sweet boy was in a great deal of pain, and wouldn’t drink or eat, so we couldn’t go home until he did. This resulted in a heart wrenching seven days of force-feeding him medicine, IV pokes, and constant vital checks. Needless to say, this Mama didn’t get much sleep.

Whenever Benny slept, I couldn’t sleep. When you can’t sleep, you start to observe things.

The mother next to us, on our first two nights there, was with her three month old who had undergone his first of many, many surgeries to repair a cleft palate. I watched her look at him, and I saw her cry. She told me it was a heartbreaking feeling because she no longer recognized him, and she hated it. He cried and cried in pain, and she was struggling with the guilt only a mother can know of whether or not she made the right decision. After all, she thought he was perfect exactly the way he was…and she meant it.

I watched as every night we were there, right around bedtime at 9pm, the Daddy of the little girl across the hall from us came out into the hallway to walk. He would walk up and down that hallway for hours every single night holding his four year old princess. He pushed her IV cart, and he held her little body close to him, and walked and walked and walked … because that is the only way his sweet girl would sleep.

I watched all the parents during the day, smiling and laughing with their kids in the playrooms and in their beds. I listened to them sing, and read, and laugh… and then I would see them in the bathrooms and cafeteria in tears. I would watch as they walked away from their babies to have their meltdowns on their own. I watched them cry, and pray, and curse, and then I would watch them pull it back together and put on their strong loving faces to help comfort their babies the best they could.

I watched these parents until my boy would wake, screaming in pain, and I would jump into action. I would use every trick up my sleeve to get him to swallow his medicine. I would smile, and laugh, and sing, and clap. I would play Taylor Swift videos and have 3am dance parties just to make him crack a smile. Then, as I would finally get him to drift off again, I would have my moments. I would shed my tears.

Now that we are home, and Benny is better, I often think about the parents I watched at the hospital. You, my friends, are my heroes. You are strong, and fierce, and a force to be reckoned with. Your love is unyielding and the things you do to keep your babies happy are never ending. I want you all to know that I see you, I respect you, I honor you, and that you are doing an amazing job.

I would tell you that your babies are lucky to have you, but I know well enough you’d just reply and tell me that you are lucky to have them.

The Favorite Child: Enough’s Enough

By

Detroit Mom

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June 27, 2016

There’s nothing more infuriating as a mother than to watch other moms treat their children differently. Sure you may have different relationships with each child, for example, you would probably say that I am “closer” to my mom than my brother is. Maybe one child is more “needy,” while the other is independent; But at no point in life should one child be treated better than another or shown more love. All kids are created equal.

It wasn’t until I got married that I noticed a difference in the way my mother-in-law treated my husband vs. the way she treats her other children. My husband, an independent extrovert, was always expected to do well in school, pay for his expenses (outside of living in college), and hold a job that would help boost his resume. His siblings, on the other hand; Not so much. The parents paid for school, living and “miscellaneous” expenses for the others, while they skated from job to job. To this day, his parents still pay for credit cards and their car payments {mind you the siblings are well into their thirties}. Regardless of age, all kids are created equal.

Financial support is just the beginning. When one sibling doesn’t like what the other says, whether it’s my husband or another, they run to the parents to tattle. It’s gotten to the point where we feel as though we’re constantly walking on eggshells around them not knowing how someone will take a comment or a joke. What happened to letting siblings settle their differences between themselves? And when did parents decide to take sides? The parents need to be parents here and tell the {grown} children to stop putting them in the middle and start handling things/differences like adults. Anyway, aren’t parents supposed to be Switzerland when it comes to sibling differences?

The one that takes the cake though, is the label of “the favorite child.” It’s easy: if you have one boy and one girl, the boy is your favorite son and the girl is your favorite daughter. Outside of that, you shouldn’t have a favorite… or at least you shouldn’t vocalize it. The parents need to stop smiling when “the chosen one” asks, “who’s your favorite kid?” and the attention-seeking “favorite” needs to stop asking altogether. For once, you all need to put other people’s feelings to the forefront and remember you’re a family.

My husband’s probably reading this right now thinking, “Did my wife write this?” but enough is enough. There’s no room in a family for petty drama that shouldn’t exist in the first place. All kids should be created equal.

As I muster up the courage to share my thoughts with my in laws, I know we can’t be the only family that is experiencing this.

What are your suggestions for taking this problem head on?

Mom to Mom Swap Addiction

By

jessicasafadi

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June 27, 2016

Hello, my name is Jessie and I am a new mom. I have an addiction. My addiction is to Mom to Mom swap! For those that haven’t heard of this Facebook craze yet, let me enlighten you. Mom to mom swap is a place where local moms can buy and sell items ranging from Louis Vuitton baby bags to household items, high chairs and much much more all at a fraction of the price. It is also a community of support for mothers who are seeking advice, discuss happenings in the neighborhood and wish to arrange playground dates. It serves as a community of support that does not pass judgement.

Mom to mom swap sites are comparable to a secret society. These groups have grown extremely popular that any and all new members can gain access by invite only via an existing member. Some of the swaps are not even visible in a Facebook search making this a secret society of shopping fun that is effective and efficient.

When I first started on the Mom to Mom swaps I was intimidated, overwhelmed by the unknown and the confusing undisclosed language. This site has its own rules and etiquette that I have been accustomed to through trial and error.

Some postings may include phrases like POOS or EUC. POOS stands for “posted on other sites”, which is a warning to people that the item is going to go quickly so you better snatch the item up as soon as possible.
I recently posted an Easter bunny costume stating EUC, this means that the item was in “excellent used condition” because the item was used once for Easter pictures and was never used again after that. I listed this item for $18 but originally paid $40. It was snagged up in minutes.

Here are some other common phrases:

GUC Good Used Condition
NWT New With Tags
NWOT New With Out Tags
ISO In Search Of
PPU Porch Pick Up
PUO Pick Up Only
FCFS First Come First Serve

I will admit that I am on three different swap pages. Two are close to my house, and another that is strictly for girls only making it easier to seek out items that I am in need of as my daughter grows over time. Who doesn’t like a good deal? Where else can you get fifteen items of girls clothes ranging from shirts, pants, and shoes all for $10 while the clothes still have the original tags on them.

But be aware ladies, it is dangerous to have a glass of wine or two while swapping. Because come morning when you check your messenger inbox and realize that you had purchased a stroller that originally costs $1,000 for $500 because it was a really good deal at the same time already have two. Oops!

Guide to Vacation Bible School In + Around Detroit

By

Courtney

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June 26, 2016

Are you looking for a fun & inexpensive camp for your little ones this summer? Vacation Bible School is a great option! Each summer, churches all around Metro-Detroit offer VBS programs through their children’s ministries.

Not a church-goer? Not a problem. VBS programs are open to the public, regardless of religious denomination.
If you do happen to be a church-goer or member at a location where VBS is being offered, volunteering for the week is a great way to connect with others in your community!

Either way, your kiddos will have a blast dancing, singing, crafting and meeting new friends in a safe, caring and educational environment. Schools generally accept preschoolers – sixth graders, but please check out each program’s specific information below. VBS is typically free or of nominal cost, but donations are always appreciated!

June 27 – July 1, 2016

First Baptist Church of Wixom

Monday – Saturday, 9 am -12 pm
620 North Wixom Road, Wixom, Michigan 48393
Cost | Please contact [email protected] for more information

First Baptist Church of Holly

Monday – Friday, 8:45 am -12 pm
15030 N. Holly Rd. Holly, MI 48442
Ages | 4 yr. olds – 6th graders
Cost | Free
Important information | This year’s theme is Deep Sea Discovery: God is With me Wherever I Go. Free t-shirt for first 100 kids registered. Kick-off event Sunday, 6/26 at 6 pm with hot dogs, popcorn, chips, beverages, a bounce house, games, and other activities.

CrossPoint Church

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm
44000 North Ave., Clinton Twp, MI 48036
Ages | K (completed) – 6th grade
Cost | $12 per child
Important information | CAVE QUEST will be packed with incredible Bible-learning experiences for kids to see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-fun gizmos, projects, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith shine into real life

Lakeside Assembly of God

Monday – Thursday, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
46155 Schoenherr Road Shelby Township, MI 48315
Ages | Cost | Important information | please contact 586/726-1120 or [email protected] for more information

St. Augustine Lutheran Church

Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
5475 Livernois, Troy, MI 48098
Ages | 3 – 5th grade
Cost | $20 per child, discounts for siblings offered. Cost includes crafts, snacks & supplies for the entire week.
Important information | This year’s theme is Cave Quest: Following Jesus the Light of the World. Family night, Thursday 6/30, 6:30 – 8 pm. Younger children must be potty trained.

Our Shepherd Birmingham

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm
2225 E 14 Mile Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009
Ages | 3 – 6th grade
Cost | $10 per child
Important information | This year’s theme is Barnyard Roundup: Jesus Gather’s Us Together. Have S’MORE fun and discover how Jesus is at work through us! Join us for VBS and bring your friends.

St. Ireneaus Catholic Church

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm
2137 Belle Vernon Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Ages | Please contact Laura Davis at 248/434-7065 or Ellen Stuart at 248/375-5641, with any questions.
Cost | $40 per child, discounts offered for multiple registrations
Important information | This year’s theme is Cave Quest: Following Jesus the Light of the World.

June 28 + Tuesdays throughout July

Grosse Pointe Memorial Church

Tuesday Evenings, 6 – 8 pm
16 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
Ages | no infants or toddlers, childcare may be available upon request
Cost | $5 per person, $20 max per family
Important information | Join GPMC members and friends- of all ages- for a Harry Potter-themed Vacation Bible School. It includes dinner and devotionals. No wizarding experience required!

July 10 – 14, 2016

First Presbyterian Church

Sunday, 4 – 6pm; Monday – Thursday, 9am – 12 pm with closing program at 7 pm
168 Cass Avenue, Mount Clemens
Ages | Please call 586/465-0461 for age information
Cost | $10 per child
Important information | Monday is BLUE Day-wear something Blue!

July 11-15, 2016

Bethesda Church

Monday – Friday, please call 734/483-7279 for times
1800 S. Huron, Ypsilanti MI 48197
Ages | 1st – 6th grade
Cost | Free
Important information | This year’s theme is Ocean Commotion: Diving Into Noah’s Flood.

Crossroads Community Baptist Church

Monday – Friday, please call 734/971-0773 for times
2580 Packard Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Ages | Age 4 – 6th grade
Cost | Free
Important information | Prepare for a boatload of excitement with Ocean Commotion VBS 2016 ! We will dive into Noah’s account of the flood to learn how he was able to Stand for God, Obey God, Trust God, Thank God, and Fear God. Just like Noah, our kids will find grace to stand against cultural tides.

Bloomfield Hills Baptist Church

Monday – Friday, 5:45 – 8:30pm
3600 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills
Ages | All ages, through 12
Cost | Free
Important information | Students older than 12 are welcome as volunteers.

Faith Lutheran Church, Troy

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm or 9 am – 3pm
37635 Dequindre Road, Troy, 48083
Ages | ages 3 – K (morning), Grades 1 – 5 (all day)
Cost | $10 (3-K), $90 (Grades 1 – 5)
Important information | Grades 1- 5 can enjoy an afternoon of water games, inflatables, sports + more; please pack a non-peanut lunch.*Registration closes July 3rd, space is limited!

Friendship Church Canton

Monday – Thursday, 6 – 8pm or 6 – 9pm
1240 N. Beck Rd. Canton, Michigan 48187
Ages | ages 4 – K (6-8pm), Grades 1 – 5 (6 – 9pm)
Cost | Free
Important information | Cave Quest promises to be an over-the-top, underground adventure! Plus, kids walk away understanding what it means to follow Jesus and shine his light. Join our team―register to be a part of Cave Quest Kidz Adventure Kamp! *Registration closes 7/10*

July 18 – July 23, 2016

Calvary Bible Church

Monday – Friday, 6 – 8pm
8318 Carpenter Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ages | ages 4 – 6 & kids who have completed Grades 1-5
Cost | Free
Important information | Dive into God’s Word with Ocean Commotion! Get ready for a 2016 Vacation Bible School that will teach kids to trust, obey, and stand for God with lessons from the life of Noah and the Flood.

First Baptist Church of Farmington

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12pm
33400 Shiawassee Street
Ages | Cost | Important information | This year’s theme is Ocean Commotion: Diving Into Noah’s Flood. Please contact the church office at 248/474-0350 for more information.

Greenfield Presbyterian Church

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12pm
2312 Greenfield Rd., Berkley, MI 48072
Ages | Age 3 – Grade 5
Cost | Free {suggested $20 donation}
Important information | This year’s theme is Surf Shack: Catching the Wave of God’s Amazing Love. Silly songs, goofy games, bold Bible stories, surf shack snacks, and cool crafts!

Apostolic Church of Christ

Monday – Saturday
3655 North Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills
Ages | Please call 248/373-3399 for age information
Cost | $30 per child, which includes a t-shirt, snacks and lots of other great things to take home.
Important information | This VBS promises to be an over-the-top, underground adventure! Plus, kids walk away understanding what it means to follow Jesus and shine his light. Join our team―register to be a part of Cave Quest VBS!

St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church & School

Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm
17810 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48152
Ages | Age 3 (potty trained) – Grade 4
Cost | $15 per child
Important information | The theme for this year is Barnyard Roundup. Children will explore Bible stories to discover that Jesus, their Savior, knows them by name, rounds them up, and brings them home.

Faith Lutheran Church, Troy

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm or 9 am – 3pm
37635 Dequindre Road, Troy, 48083
Ages | ages 3 – Grade 5 (morning), Grades 3 – 5 (all day)
Cost | $10 (age 3 – K), $90 (Grades 3 – 5)
Important information | Grades 3- 5 can enjoy an afternoon of Sports Camp; please pack a non-peanut lunch.*Registration closes July 10th, space is limited!

July 25 – 29, 2016

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm
620 Romeo Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307
Ages | ages 4 – Grade 5
Cost | $20, includes CD (1/family), t-shirt, daily snack & pizza party
Important information | Vacation Bible School is an amazing week for our entire church family. During this week of summer fun we will learn about Following Jesus the Light of the World.

St. John’s Episcopol Church

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm
26998 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Ages | ages 4 +
Cost | $15 per child to cover the costs of materials and snacks
Important information | Each summer an energetic group of volunteers turn the church grounds into a wonderful adventure for children to explore and enjoy God’s love. Vacation Bible School is a week of songs, crafts, bible stories and fun! The theme is Camp Discovery: Jesus at Work Through Us. Kids will have fun being kids as they explore the Bible, make new friends, sing songs around the campfire, and learn how Jesus works through them in their everyday lives.

Faith Lutheran Church

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm
12534 Holly Road, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Ages | ages 3 – Grade 5
Cost | Free
Important information | This year’s theme is Cave Quest: Following Jesus the Light of the World.

Good Shepherd Lutheran

Monday – Thursday, 9 – 11:30 am
950 S Baldwin Rd, Lake Orion, MI
Ages | ages 3 – Grade 5
Cost | $5 per child, $10 per family
Important information | This years’ theme is Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace. Family Ice Cream Social, Wednesday from 6 – 7:30 pm

Walled Lake Church of Christ

Monday – Friday
1403 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, MI 48390
Ages | Cost | Please contact [email protected] or 248/624-4600 for more information
Important information | This VBS promises to be an over-the-top, underground adventure! Plus, kids walk away understanding what it means to follow Jesus and shine his light.

Covenant Baptist Church

Monday – Friday
11455 Canal Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Ages | Cost | Important information | Please contact [email protected] or 586/731-3311 for more information

July 31 – August 5, 2016

King of Kings Lutheran

Sunday – Thursday, 6 – 8:30 pm
47500 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, Michigan 48315
Ages | Not specified
Cost | Free
Important information | This evening VBS promises to be an over-the-top, underground adventure! Kids walk away understanding what it means to follow Jesus and shine his light. The week will end Thursday with a cook-out for everyone involved, and their families! *Registration ends 7/31

August 1 – 5, 2016

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Monday – Friday, Preschool: 9 am – 12 pm, K-6th: 9 am – 3 pm.
375 Lothrop Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
Ages | 3-10
Cost | $30 per child
Important information | A week-long, faith-filled camp with games, nature, snacks, crafts, and about a hundred new friends! Come for the fun, stay for the Fearless Faith! Daily themes: Trust, forgiveness, justice, change and connection.

Mt. Morris Community Church

Monday – Friday, 6 – 7:30 pm.
7245 N Center Rd, Mt Morris, MI 48458
Ages | K – Grade 6
Cost | Free
Important information | This year’s theme is Ocean Commotion. Contact [email protected] for registration information.

St. Stephen Waterford

Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm
3795 Sashabaw Road Waterford, MI 48329
Ages | Cost | Important information | Details are available from the church office at 248/673-6621.

St. Luke Lutheran Church & School

Monday – Thursday 9 – 11:30 am
21400 S. Nunneley Clinton Township, MI 48035
Ages | Cost | Important information |Please call 586/791-1150 for more information.

First United Methodist Church of Troy

Monday – Friday 9 am – 12 pm
6363 Livernois, Troy, Michigan 48098
Ages | Age 3 – Grade 6
Cost | $25 per child, $50 family rate for 3 + children
Important information | This year’s theme is Cave Quest. Please register by July 20th. Please contact Nancy Dolehanty, VBS Director, for questions: [email protected] or 248/709-6260

August 7 – 12, 2016

Memorial Baptist Church

Sunday – Friday, 5 – 8:30 pm
12651 Clinton River Road, Sterling Heights, MI, 48313
Ages | All ages, including adults
Cost | Free
Important information | Preschool class is available for infants – 3 yrs with parent on site at all times; Adult class also provided. Dinner served every evening from 5:00 – 5:45 pm, Family Recreation 5-6 pm. Program includes Worship Rally, Bible Study, Crafts, Missions and Music. Family fun night – Friday, 5- 8:30 pm: dinner served at 5pm, Bounce House, Popcorn, Snow Cones & a presentation by the children.

August 8 – 12, 2016

Kirk in the Hills

Monday – Friday
1340 W Long Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Ages | ages 4 – Grade 6
Cost | $35 per child
Important information | This year’s theme is Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace.

Meadowbrook Christian Church

Sunday – Thursday, 6 – 8:30 pm
2741 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills, 48309
Ages | Age 3 – Grade 5
Cost | Free
Important information | Please call 248-659-8481 for more information. Register online through the above link.

Please let us know if we’ve missed a 2016 Metro-Detroit VBS program, and we’ll add it to our list!

It Does Take A Village: Letting Others Love My Kid

By

Heather Todero

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June 24, 2016

It was a typical Friday afternoon daycare pickup. I walked in and picked up Atlas’ bag as I talked to our wonderful home-based daycare provider. Atlas continued playing with the other kids, smiling at the baby, playing blocks with another toddler, and then he walked to the high chair where a slightly older boy was coloring and reached up and touched his paper. The boy, thinking he was going to lose his prized drawing, reacted by hitting Atlas with his crayon. It wasn’t a hard hit but of course it made him cry.

He ran straight to Ms. G for comfort.

The internal struggle with “mom guilt” was instant. He sought out another person’s comfort right in front of me and this had never happened before. Even at home when my husband is there he usually wants his mama. But here in this place that he spends 30-40 hours of his week, he knew that she was there to fix the boo-boo. Wonderful, right? Yes of course it is. It is exactly what I hoped he would have in a daycare experience. Ms. G truly loves my boy and for that I am so grateful. So why was my first reaction to be mortified that he chose her on just this one occasion?

I rarely feel the “mom guilt” when I do daycare drop off because I love going to work and feeling accomplished in contributing to the family in multiple ways. Additionally, I know my child is very social and thrives on interaction with others. As I reflected on my internal dilemma on the drive home, I realized there was much more to it that this one instance.

I thought back to when Atlas was just so tiny and I was a hormonal postpartum mess pretending to have it all together. I remembered how offended I felt when other people –grandmas, aunts, etc.– would call him “their baby” and how I bristled at so many things that seem so minuscule now. In my mind I was establishing boundaries –some of which I still think were important– others not so much. My mother-in-law probably got the worst of me during that time, but no matter what I did or said she never stopped loving Atlas. And she never stopped loving me.

I realize now that My mother-in-law’s love of my boy, our boy, only expands his understanding of love. And that’s what is great about Ms. G’s love, too. It is his villagers coming out and clapping for him, wildly and loudly, when he reaches the little milestones of these first years and beyond. And if I want to work and be away for chunks of time every week, then I want him to know that he has people who love him to pieces and who he can look to for support and guidance at every boo-boo and every first step. That’s why I picked his daycare. And that’s why I have to remember to let go of the reigns and let others love my son.

Their love for him and his for them does not diminish the love between us. He is and always will be my boy. And this mama is grateful more each day that I get to help him build a village. One day he will start to pick his own village, so for now I need to show him how to look for the best ones. And his village is already very large, it includes parents, grandparents, Ms. G, handfuls of aunts and uncles, and great aunts and uncles. I’m inviting in librarians, swim instructors, YMCA staff members, neighbors and friends.

As I stretch his village, my village also grows. And when I see these people love on Atlas, I know it is a reflection of their love for me. We all can use more love and positivity in our lives, we just have to reach out our arms and invite it in.

Are you intentionally growing and fostering your kids’ villages? Tell me who else I should include in ours!

Playing Outside Alone: What Age is OK?

By

Detroit Mom

-

June 23, 2016

It crept up on me last summer. My neighbor’s grandson was visiting for the season. He happened to be of a similar preschool age as my children. “Wonderful!” was my first reaction. “A new friend for the summer!” I told my kids. They spent their first play-date laughing, running around the yard and enjoying our new swing-set. I stayed outside with my kids, per usual. My neighbor sat on her deck watching, but mostly drank her coffee, read the newspaper and chatted on her phone.

At first, I didn’t think much about it. I was busy watching all the kids, plus I was thrilled that my kiddos were having a great time. However, after a few days of play, I started to get annoyed. The inevitable kid squabbles had begun…..you know, the typical little people ones over toys and taking turns, or pitched fits because “he got the blue shovel and I got the red one”. And a little rivalry had begun to ensue between my youngest and our new friend: basically, our new buddy didn’t like to share. I get it – sharing is hard for preschoolers. But I’m not overly fond of disciplining or instructing other peoples’ children. Plus I was playing the role of consummate referee – a role that I don’t relish, even when the argument is solely between my own kids. I was starting to feel like a babysitter. An unpaid one. Moreover I was baffled: why wasn’t this kid being supervised?

My neighbor is a very nice lady, so I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. She certainly had the physical capability of keeping up with her little guy, but maybe something else was going on:

Maybe Grandma wasn’t yet acclimated to the craziness of parenting preschool-aged kids, especially outside. ‘She’ll get with the program’, I told myself.
There’s no way she’d expect me to assume the daily responsibility of watching her grandchild, right?
Wait…..was I being a Helicopter Mom?! Maybe her grandson was old enough to play outside without her supervision.

The summer continued in the same vein. Except it got worse. Instead of watching from her deck, Grandma sent her grandson over to our house to play while she stayed inside. She openly told me that she had “stuff to do” and had sent her little guy to “go outside and play with the neighbors”. She occasionally waved from a window, or checked in to see how things were going (and by ‘check-in’, I mean every hour or so). But overall, there was barely any supervision, parenting, grand-parenting, or adulting of any kind. I was the only adult outside watching her grandchild.

This begs the question: At what age do you let your children play outside alone?

Had my neighbor asked for my help, I would likely have given it. Yes, I probably would have worked out some sort of payment in kind – either monetary or perhaps asking her to watch my kids for a few hours. But she never broached the subject. Instead, I’m assuming she considered her grandson to be safe because I was there. In doing so, she made the silent assumption that I would play the role of babysitter because I was already outside, and presumably available. I had no idea what to do!

Of course, every child is different. Maybe some children are totally capable of playing outside at age 4 without a parent. For me, that’s not an option. I joke with my husband that our kids would be in the next county if I didn’t keep a watchful eye on them while outside! I try not to hover, and to give them the freedom to explore their environment, but I know my kids: they are simply not yet ready to be outside without adult supervision. Moreover, I would never expect another adult or caregiver to assume that role. It it my responsibility, and my responsibility alone, unless I have arranged otherwise.

With summer just beginning, I’m not quite sure how I’ll handle the situation with my neighbor should it happen again. The issue is bound to pop up at some point, when her grandson inevitably comes for a visit.

How would YOU handle a situation like mine?

Free Family Concerts In + Around Detroit

By

Jessica Maurer

-

June 23, 2016

There are tons of local metro Detroit communities that offer free family concert series in the summer. These concerts are great family events that make a way to really enjoy our beautiful summer weather while maybe even meeting a new neighbor or running into an old friend! The following concert series take place in local parks so you can bring your own snacks and drinks and all are FREE of charge! So grab a blanket or lawn chairs, pack a picnic, some sunscreen and get out there Detroit Moms!

Oakland County

Auburn Hills

Free Summer Concert Series

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, June 5 – August 21

{Times}
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

{Location}
Riverside Park

*

Birmingham

In the Park Concert Series

{Dates}
Wednesday Evenings, June 17 – August 12

{Times}
Starting at 7:00 pm

{Location}
Shain Park

*

Clarkston

Concerts in the Park

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, June 12 – July 24

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Depot Park

*

Commerce

Concerts in the Park

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, June 19, July 10 & July 24

{Times}
Starting at 6:00 pm

{Location}
Dodge Park V

*

Farmington

Stars in the Park Concert Series

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, June 12 – August 28

{Times}
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

{Location}
Riley Park

+

Rhythmz in Riley Park

{Dates}
Wednesday Evenings, June 17, July 8 & 28, August 5 & 19

{Times}
Starting at 7:00 pm

{Location}
Riley Park

*

Farmington Hills

Stars in the Park Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 18 – August 27 (no concert 7/2 or 7/16)

{Times}
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

{Location}
Heritage Park

*

Lake Orion

Free Summer Concerts

{Dates}
Wednesday Evenings, July 8 – August 26

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Children’s Park

*

Milford

Free Summer Concerts at Central Park

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 9 – August 4

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Central Park

Novi

Wonderful Wednesdays Kids Concert Series

{Dates}
Wednesday Mornings, June 22 – August 17

{Times}
Starting at 10:30 am

{Location}
Fuerst Park

+

Family Fun Fridays

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, June 24, July 15 & August 19

{Times}
Starting at 8:00 pm

{Location}
Fuerst Park

*

Oakland Township

Music in the Meadows Concert Series

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, June 17, July 22 & August 19

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Cranberry Lake Farm (June) or Bear Creek Nature Park (July & August)

*

Orion Township

Concerts in the Park at Wildwood

{Dates}
Tuesday Evenings, June 28 – August 2

{Times}
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

{Location}
Wildwood Ampitheater

*

Oxford

Concerts in the Park

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 16 – August 25

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Oxford Open Air Market

*

Rochester

Music in the Park Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 16 – July 28

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Municipal Park

*

Royal Oak

Summer Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, July 14 – August 25

{Times}
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Center Street Pop-Up Park

*

Southfield

Eat to the Beat

{Dates}
Thursday Afternoons, June 9, July 14, August 11 & September 8

{Times}
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

{Location}
City Center Plaza

+

Gazebo Summer Concert Series

{Dates}
Tuesday Evenings, July 5 – August 16

{Times}
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

{Location}
Burgh Historical Park

*

South Lyon

Concerts in the Park

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, June 10 – August 5

{Times}
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

{Location}
McHattie Park

*

Waterford

Concerts in the Park

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings in June

{Times}
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Hess-Hathaway Park

*

West Bloomfield

Kids Komotion Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursdays, June 23, July 21 & August 18

{Times}
7:00 pm (June & August), 11:00 am (July)

{Location}
Marshbank Park

+

Marshbank Music Series

{Dates}
Wednesday Evenings, July 13 – August 10

{Times}
7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

{Location}
Marshbank Park

Wayne County

Belleville

Music Lakeside Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 23 – August 25

{Times}
Starting at 7:00 pm

{Location}
Horizon Park

*

Brownstown Township

Free Concert in the Park Series

{Dates}
Tuesday Evenings, June 14, July 12 & August 16

{Times}
Starting at 7:00 pm

{Location}
Event Lawn adjacent to the new Event Center

*

*Canton***

School House Rocks Concert Series

{Dates}
Wednesday Evenings, June 29, July 13, July 27 & August 10

{Times}
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

{Location}
Various local schools, check website

+

Thursday Night Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 30 – August 11

{Times}
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Heritage Park Ampitheater

+

Canton Color Tour Jazz Concert Series

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, July 8 – August 12

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Various Shopping Centers, see shopcanton.org

*

Dearborn

Jazz on the Ave Concert Series

{Dates}
Wednesday Evenings, July 13 – August 17

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
City Hall Park

+

Friday Nites in the Park Concert Series

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, June 10 & 24, July 8 & 22, August 12 & 26

{Times}
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Bryant Library’s Muirhead Plaza

*

Detroit

Rockin on the Riverfront Concert Series

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, July 8 – August 12

{Times}
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

{Location}
GM Riverfront Plaza (outside the RenCen)

+

Summer in the Parks Series

Multiple concert series across multiple parks in the city including: Kidz Show

{Dates}
Saturday Afternoons, June 25, July 23 & August 27

{Times}
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

{Location}
Campus Martius Park

*

Grosse Ile

Concert on the Commons

{Dates}
Sunday Evenings, June 26 – August 28

{Times}
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

{Location}
Gazebo on Macomb & Meridian

+

Riverfront Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 23 – July 28

{Times}
Starting at 7:00 pm

{Location}
Waters Edge Recreation Complex

*

Grosse Pointe

Music on the Plaza

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 16 – August 4

{Times}
Starting at 7:00 pm

{Location}
The Village Festival Plaza

*

Grosse Pointe Farms

Summer Concerts

{Dates}
Saturdays, July 2 & July 16

{Times}
7:00 pm (July 2), 4:00 pm (July 16)

{Location}
Pier Park

*

Livonia

Music From the Heart Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, July 7 – September 1

{Times}
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Livonia Civic Center Grounds

+

Summer Kid Concerts

{Dates}

Wednesdays, June 29, July 20 & August 17

{Times}

11:00 am (June & August), 6:30 pm (July)

{Location}

Rotary Park

*

Northville

Tunes on Tuesday

{Dates}

Tuesday Mornings, June 21 – August 30

{Times}

10:30am – 11:30 am

{Location}

Northville Town Square

+

Summer Friday Night Concert Series

{Dates}

June 3 – August 26

{Times}

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}

Northville Town Square

*

Plymouth

Music in the Park – Kids Concert Series

{Dates}
Wednesday Afternoons, June 22 – August 24

{Times}
Starting at 12:00 noon

{Location}
Kellogg Park

+

Music in the Air Concert Series

{Dates}
Friday Evenings, May 27 – September 2

{Times}
Starting at 7:00 pm

{Location}
Kellogg Park

Macomb County

Eastpointe

Music in the Plaza Concert Series

{Dates}
Wednesday Evenings, May 25, June 8 & 22, July 6 & 20 & August 3

{Times}
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

{Location}
Plaza behind City Hall

*

St. Clair Shores

Music on the Lake Concerts

{Dates}
Wednesday Evenings, June 8 – August 10

{Times}
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

{Location}
Veterans Memorial Park

*

Sterling Heights

Music in the Park Concert Series

{Dates}
Thursday Evenings, June 2 – August 25

{Times}
Starting at 7:00 pm

{Location}
Dodge Park Ampitheater

*

***Please note that days and hours of events are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Always check the location’s website before heading out.***

Do you know of a local free concert series not listed? Let us know in the comments we would love to hear from you!

This Is My Story: A VBAC, Home-Birth

By

Erica B

-

June 21, 2016

I’d always planned for natural, unmedicated birth, even before I was pregnant. I’m not sure why, but it just seemed like the way it was supposed to be for me.

So when I ended up with an unplanned Cesarean section, that was ultimately unnecessary, and which left me with long term nerve damage, it was pretty devastating. The second time around, I was wiser and determined that unless there was a medical necessity, this birth would be happening vaginally.

My husband and I decided that so long as my pregnancy was healthy, that I would attempt my VBAC at home, with a midwife. Though there were some bumps along the way, and our unborn son made me wait an extra couple of weeks, he was born at home.

This is our birth story!

On a Tuesday evening in March of 2013, at close to 42 weeks, my Mother’s intuition told me that go time was close. My husband and I sent our daughter to stay with my mom that night, just in case, and sure enough sometime around 2 AM I woke with contractions. I dozed on and off for a couple of hours and we called our midwife around 6:30 in the morning. The contractions were regular and getting longer, so she told us that the tub could be filled and that she would soon be on her way.

I was trying to assess my own mood. I was excited to meet my son, and also anxious because I didn’t know anything about labor! Despite being a second time mom, I had never felt a single contraction with my daughter’s pregnancy, despite a week long attempt at induction. So that unknown made me nervous.

Once the tub was filled, I climbed right in as the intensity of the sensations was growing. The warm water definitely took the edge off. I remember that there was some creepy bug show playing on the TV, and that we would watch both Ghostbusters movies during the labor.

Around 9AM, the house got a little more full! Both midwives and the photographer that we had booked to capture the birth arrived. They all set up their respective camps and we chatted on and off. As noon neared, my contractions tapered off, so my midwife asked me to get out of the tub to walk around, have a snack, and maybe take a nap. After all this, we were at a standstill and one of the midwives suggested checking me to see what was going on. It was a good thing, because although my water had broken, a portion of the membranes were covering my cervix. There was a bulging “mini sac” that was preventing my son’s head from applying pressure to my cervix, which had caused the labor to stall. Using an amnio hook, the midwife moved the membranes out of the way, and it was game on almost instantly.

I stood up after the process and pretty much instantaneously went into transition. I made my way back to the tub and tried to mentally prepare for the next parts of the birthing process. I knew that my son was going to be a larger baby, and I had practiced the Hypnobirthing method with my husband. This birthing method calls for listening to your body and your instincts, and to allow the muscular contractions of the uterus to help move your baby down and out of your body versus the “hold your breath and bear down” strategy. I was planning to go slow and not bear down unless my instinct called for it, to let my tissue slowly stretch to accommodate my son and to try and prevent any major tearing.

Sometime during this stage I remember screaming and cursing at my husband, telling him that this was all his fault! The midwives scrambled into action, knowing that it meant delivery was getting close. I also recall the feeling of my son moving through my pelvis, and the sensation took my breath away. I felt like my hips were being pried apart internally, and that sensation was incredibly intense for me. Eventually, I felt my sons head as he crowned. I though this meant the marathon was almost over, but because I was determined not to force him into the world and injure myself, I held back.

Time was beyond me now, but he stayed at the crowning position for roughly 2 hours. The midwives were monitoring his heart rate every few contractions and noted that he was starting to have decelerations. My primary midwife looked me in the eye and told me to stand and push my son out, NOW. I stood, but felt unable to comply. The second midwife checked my son again and assisted him out into the world at around 6:45 PM, roughly 12 hours after active labor had begun. He needed suction and oxygen initially, but my beautiful boy and I had done it, together! Born at 41 weeks + 6 days, on the first day of Spring, JP was 10lbs, 2.2oz and 23.5 inches long.

After the placenta was birthed and we had recovered a bit, we moved into the spare bedroom that my husband had had prepared for the first few nights, because it was on the main floor of the house. The birth team loved on us, and our photographer caught some of the precious first moments we had with our son. I’m forever grateful for those images because the first few hours were a total blur. After making sure we were clean, fed, and comfortable, the midwives departed around midnight.

Our daughter came home to meet her brother the next evening, and it was love at first sight! Our family felt complete, and has ever since.

Pictures courtesy of Jo Price Photography