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Following Our Children’s Passions

10.29.14 BLOG graphic 2

When I gave birth to our first son, I was so excited – a BOY! (we opted for the surprise at birth route).  With the addition of our second son, our family is complete.  They are of an age where we can really start to chase their passions and expose them to more things.  The age where no diaper bag is needed, no racing the clock to protect nap time and bedtime can be a little more lax, it’s a fun age!  Mornings are greeted with a ready – set – go approach and that we do!

My sons love dirt.  They love things that move.  Things that grow.  Things that require an adventure.  We drive everywhere, like, across the country everywhere. We limit screen time dramatically to encourage physical exploration, but on road trips, that changes a little.  After all, Nebraska is a LONG boring state.  On one of our many trips west, we borrowed from the library a John Deere DVD and learned more than you could ever imagine about these iconic tractors and farm tools.  Did you know there is a theme song too?  As we traveled the high planes of our country, we could see many of the farm tools in the field we passed.

Toward the end of one of the disks (yes, there are many disks in the series…) a certain type of tractor was introduced as well as a farmer who own one of the 100 ever made.  A John Deere 8020 Diesel.  It is enormous.  Well, it turns out that this tractor and his farmer live in Michigan; and through the power of the internet and a private Facebook tractor group, I tracked him down and he welcomed us to his farm.  There are some amazing people in the world; my boys were so enamored with this experience.

We left a day early, and camped nearby to enjoy the cool fall weather and start to strengthen their camping skills.  We also went to explore the sand dunes on Lake Michigan.

These are the photos that tell our story.  The sun was bright.  The air was Michigan fall crisp.  There were cows mooing in the background and my boys asking a true farmer about how things work.  The smiles on both generations were amazing.

 

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Bottom line – chase your child’s passions.  It will become your passion to find ways to celebrate their loves and interests.  Maybe your own interests will blend too – my photography helps to tell our story and capture these moments.  Our love for the outdoors naturally happens while we explore.  Maybe yours is scrapbooking – creating something special from your own adventures.  Maybe yours is cooking – creating a meal that celebrates the interests and time of the child.  Anything is possible.

Go ahead, chase that tractor – you will learn more than you could ever imagine.

Fall Family Fun :: Local Cider Mill Reviews

Fall Fun 2014

I hope you had an enjoyable Monday, it was a PERFECT fall day for most of us in Metro-Detroit.  The kids and I spent the afternoon romping around in the leaves.  I grabbed the camera and captured some fun memories of the kids exploring this beautiful season in our Michigan backyard!

It was the FIRST time this season I snapped some photos of the fall colors.  Where does time go?!

Days like these are rare.  I had to take advantage of this warm day in Michigan.  I found that actually taking the afternoon and letting go of all the things I needed to do today was well worth the fun we had together.  The sun shined, we watched the leaves float down from the sky, and the temp was warm enough for flip-flops!

I started thinking today of all the things we hadn’t done yet this fall and I started to panic over this a little…  With two growing children I have to remind myself –we can’t do it all–!  Life is busy, life is full.  The focus should be on creating memories and enjoying time as a family.   Not how many items can we check off the bucket list.

 

I hope you too are finding those little opportunities to stop and spend time together as a family creating memories.

 

What there is to love about the fall :: cider + donuts, pumpkins, scarecrows, autumn, fall, fun, caramel apples, hot soup, sweaters, boots, scarves, hot apple cider, football, tail gait, crunchy leaves, red, yellow, orange, brown, purple, hay rides, halloween, candy corn, pumpkin spice, chili, gloves, crisp air, tractors, cider mills, apple picking, corn…

 

 Our DMB Contributors have shared some insight on some of Metro-Detroit’s finest local cider mills!  They have included some details to help you find the perfect cider mill for you and your family to enjoy.

 

Local Cider Mill Reviews by DMB Contributors

 

9.24.14 apple picking (6 of 8)

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9.24.14 apple picking (2 of 8)

 

 

West View Orchards

65075 Van Dyke, Washington, MI 48095

(586) 752-3123

Kate Bell Bio Page

Review by Kate ::

I’m really starting to enjoy this Orchard! Pick your own!

Apple picking complete with a tractor ride to the orchard. Lots of activities for kiddos to do.

Hay bale climbing, petting farm, giant tractor tires to climb on, farm market (amazing honey), play area, cider, donuts, farm produce, and a whole host of seasonal activities.

So many things to see and do, be sure to visit the website before making the trip to a 200 year old Michigan farm:

This mom gives West View Orchards two thumbs up! Weekends naturally are packed, week days are wonderful if you can make that happen.

#detroitmomsblog #cidermill #puremichigan #pickyourown #westvieworchards

 

*

 

 

Parmenter’s

714 Baseline Rd, Northville, MI 48167

10-8pm daily in October

Erin Bio Pic

Review by Erin ::

What makes Parmenter’s unique?
Parmenters, the oldest continuously operating business in Northville, and offers delicious cider, donuts, and even wine. Their winery is on the same grounds as the main barn, and hosts events and bands throughout the year. Though Parmenter’s is smaller than most cider mills, and may not keep kids busy quite as long as those with more bells and whistles, I don’t think the cider can be beat. In fact, it has ruined almost all cider for me, and we make the trek there several times a season because I have yet to find a tastier cider!

Any U-Pick Items? No

 

Hayrides/Cornmazes/Extra Activities? Nothing major. There are some cute wooden trains and buildings for kids to play in, and a photo cut out, but it’s not too elaborate. The cider is the real star here!

 

Signature Item/Must Do Experience: The mill is situated on a river, and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your cider and fresh donuts, while watching (or feeding!) the ducks that waddle up and down the stream.

 

*

oliver on tractor

 Plymouth Orchard

10685 Warren Rd, Plymouth Township, MI 48170

9-7pm daily in October
Erin Bio Pic

Review by Erin ::

What makes Plymouth Orchard unique? Voted Best Cider in Michigan twice in the last four years, Plymouth Orchard is a great balance of awesome cider and family fun. Kids will appreciate the animal farm, tractors, and fun photo cut outs, and adults and kids both will love the hayrides and delicious items available in the shop.

 

Any U-Pick items?  Pumpkins

 

Hayrides/Cornmazes/Extras Activities?  The orchard offers wagon rides and the chance to see many different farm animals.

 

Signature Item/Must Do Experience: Bring your camera!  The Orchard is really cute, and has plenty of funny face photo sets, and of course you’ll want to capture the more spontaneous moments of fun you’re bound to have with the animals or on a wagon ride.

 

*

 

3 Cedars Farm

7897 Six Mile Rd, Northville Charter Township, MI 48168
10-8 Sunday-Thursday
10-10 Friday and Saturday
Erin Bio Pic

Review by Erin ::

What makes 3 Cedars Farm unique? 3 Cedars is situated on a huge area of land for hours of family fun. There’s something for just about everyone here. Toddlers through school age kids could spend the whole day in the Barn Yard Play Land which includes several different farm animals, a wooden train area, corn box (yes, it’s a thing!), and more. Everyone enjoys a good hayride out to the pumpkin patch, where you can pick your own pumpkins or get lost in the corn maze. You can even stay late and rent a bonfire for large groups who just can’t bear to leave!

 

Any U-Pick Items? Pumpkins

Hayrides/Cornmazes/Extra Activities: Hayrides, 7 acre corn maze, Bonfire reservations available, Barn Yard Play Land

Signature Items/Must Do Experience: The bonfire is a really cool option for larger groups (must pay for at least 30 people). $8.00 per person includes a hayride, a trip through the cornmaze and one bonfire site.

*

 

Longs Family Orchard

long family

1540 East Commerce Road, Commerce, MI  48382

Cider mill open daily from 9 am to 6 pm until Thanksgiving Eve

Patty Bio Pic

Review by Patty ::

Farm & Cider Mill is as beautiful as it is family friendly! Located in Commerce Township, the Cider Mill offers a variety of activities during the Fall including: Pick Your Own Apples, Hay Rides, Donut Kitchen, Night Time Corn Maze, Goat Farm, Giant Jumping Pumpkin Bounce, Corn Bounce, Photo Opportunities and more! Daily Admission to The Play Area and Corn Maze, open weekends until Halloween, is $8.00 and free for children under 30 inches! There are loads of pumpkins in front of the barn and inside the mill you can enjoy fresh donuts and cider. The donuts at Longs are, by far, the best Cider Mill Donuts in all of Oakland County!  Kids can actually watch as the donuts are being rolled in cinnamon sugar! YUMMMM!

Longs Family Orchard, Farm & Cider Mill has a beautiful and spacious picnic area, ideal for birthday parties and family-get-togethers! For those of you who have children with fall birthdays, it is perfect for children to play, pick a pumpkin to paint and enjoy their birthday cake! …Talk about easy clean up! The giant rocking chair is the ultimate backdrop for photos of the birthday boy/girl with their buddies!

I strongly recommend making a trip to Longs Family Orchard a Fall Family Tradition!

corn maze

Long Family Orchard Corn Maze

 *

Zehnder’s Splash Village: Surviving a Waterpark with a Toddler

Earlier this month my husband, son, and I packed up and took a quick trip north to Frankenmuth to stay at Zehnder’s Splash Village hotel and water park. We’d been to other water park hotels, but it was fun to see what Oliver liked now that he was a bit older than he was on past trips.

 

Erin Frankenmuth son

Oliver taking a quick snack break from the pool

 

An important note before we get too far: Zehnder’s is currently VERY near the end of a major renovation that has not affected the existing pools at all. The area they have right now is mostly geared toward younger kids, though it does have two large water slides (that Nick described as “a little bit scary,” hah!). Within the month, they will be opening an entirely new area that is aimed at older kids and adults, and looks awesome! So keep in mind that there will be even more options down the road.

 

{Hotel}

The Zehnder’s hotel (separate, short ride down the street from the restaurant) itself was quite nice. We initially planned on the “Dragonfly” (the, ahem, CHEAP) room, but Nick was sold on an upgrade for a significantly larger room with a living area for $25 extra upon arrival. Our thought was that we could hang out in the living area without keeping Oliver up once he went to bed. Of course, the joke was on us – he took a million years to fall asleep and we konked out about 15 minutes later, but it was still nice to have a little extra room. We left paying just over $200, which included dinner at Zehnder’s restaurant, and breakfast in the hotel at the Elf Hollow Cafe, but rates seem to vary drastically dependent on season/day of week.

 

erin frankenmuth room

Sleeping area, with living room area on other side of wall

 

{Food}

This is the third water park hotel we’ve been to with Oliver (Splash Universe in Dundee, and Maui Sands in Sandusky were the others), and the food is definitely something that sets Zehnder’s apart. I might be the only one in the world who isn’t a huge fan of the chicken itself, but our meals came with about a dozen other sides ranging from squash to cranberry relish to a tasty stuffing, so there was plenty for everyone, and I’d have to imagine that even a picky eater would find something they’d like.

I was expecting a standard continental style setup for the breakfast included in our stay. We were pleasantly surprised that the Elf Hollow (in hotel) breakfast buffet was a lot more elaborate than I imagined – fresh squeezed orange juice, plenty of fruit, sausage and bacon, waffles, breads, and more.

The restaurant has a window out to the pool where you can order things like hot dogs, pizza, fries, etc – basically what you’d expect from a snack bar. They also have some drink options (this pregnant lady was dreaming about a nice cold beer). We tried to pack some healthy snacks and eat before we went down to swim, but I can’t resist the occasional onion ring so we managed to sneak out with only paying for one snack!

 

{Water Park}

I saved this section for last so you’ll know I’m not super whiny (well, not all the time), because even though I loved the water park overall, it was the only place where I really had any gripes. As I mentioned, the facility itself was really nice. It was very clean, and the staff was really attentive. The pools and hotel lobby both have a cute, woodland theme with huge flowers, mushrooms, and dragonflies. It definitely appeals to the “toddler sensibilities” without being too obnoxious, and Oliver was excited to be there the second we walked in the door.

I’ll get my two complaints out of the way, then move on to the nicer stuff. My first beef – the water was pretty chilly. YES, I KNOW, I should expect water to be cold…or should I (picture my head cocked to the side, with raised eyebrows)? With all of the awesome features and money on upgrades, heating the pool a bit more would go a long way in making this wimp happy. This is one area where the two other hotel waterparks (Maui Sands and Splash Universe) we’ve been to have Zehnder’s beat. FULL DISCLAIMER: A girlriend visited two weeks after me and said she didn’t notice the water being too bad. This either A) Confirms I’m a wimp or B) Confirms Zehnder’s adjusted the temperature. Option A is probably more likely.

My other complaint is also a wimpy one, but after talking to other moms, I know I’m not alone here. I hate those blasted “dumping buckets” that gush water all over the spray scape. Call me a party pooper, but I just don’t get the appeal for kids OR adults, and I think it makes a lot of the spray scape structure less accessible for toddlers (maybe that’s intentional?). This feature is a staple of all water parks now, so they’re not going anywhere, and I think most kids like this, but I hated that the bucket at Splash Village also gushed some water into part of the toddler area.

Naturally, I assumed Oliver would be drawn to the toddler pool, but I was totally wrong. I think this is largely because on each side of the pool he was trying to avoid getting blasted with either some small buckets of water that dumped over one side of the pool, or the huge gush of water that came from )what I called) the Bucket of Doom, that sprayed over the other side of the toddler pool.

 

erin frankenmuth splash

The Sprayscape with the Bucket of Doom

 

Instead, he really loved the basketball area, which was a total surprise to me! He had a blast throwing the ball, or just watching mom and dad try to make a shot. I think he would’ve spent the entire time there if we didn’t encourage him to try anything else. It took some convincing to get him over there, but he also really liked the sprayscape area once we figured out a “Safe Zone” that didn’t get soaked when the bucket dumped. He loved controlling the squirting features and even joined his dad down a nice sized slide once toward the very end of our visit. Previously, he’d really liked other lazy rivers (as do I – I like anything that encourages laziness!), but much to my dismay he wasn’t feeling it this time. I think there were just more fun options for him to explore than chilling in a tube.

 

erin frankenmuth lazy river

Lazy River

 

I’m not sure how long this will last, but the water park was also almost totally dead. There was one hour where we had the entire pool to ourselves. I have to imagine this is a mix of going on a Wednesday in October, and many people holding out until the remodeling is done, but it was really nice!

I definitely think that, chilly gushing water bucket aside, this was the most “toddler friendly” water park hotel we’ve been to, but it will continue to appeal to kids as they get older. Kids up to about 10 years old will like the pool as it currently exists, and within the month, they’ll have many more options at Zehnder’s for older kids.

 

{Will We Be Back?}

I’m sure we will be back again down the road. If the water were just a bit warmer, it would be enough for me to say that we wouldn’t plan on going anywhere else, at least for a while. But, we’ll probably continue to explore a few other options like Great Wolf and Kalahari (especially in later years) that are also within driving distance to see what works best for us overall.

If you’re a bit less wimpy on the water temperature, you’ll really like Zehnder’s for younger kids, and soon be able to take advantage of all the new features if you have preteens or teens. I highly recommend the “Eat and Sleep” packages, for both the value and quality of food. I’ll be interested to hear if anyone else has thoughts on favorite places to stay and swim with their kiddos in the comments!

 

erin frankenmuth kids area

Cute Toddler Area

Weekend Happenings :: In + Around Metro-Detroit October 24th-26th

WHOctober24-26

There is some serious fun going on around town!  I know my kids love dressing up and running around in the crisp fall air!  We hope you have a spooky pre-Halloween weekend!!!  Enjoy!

Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village

Enjoy their historically themed Hallowe’en event.  Follow a mile-long curving path illuminated by the flickering light of hand carved jack-o’-lanterns and meet classic costumed characters along the way.

{Date}
October 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26, 2014

{Time}
6:30-9 pm Fridays + Saturdays
6:30-8 pm Sundays

{Cost}
Purchase Tickets Online {download coupon for $2 off}

{Location}
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn

*

Halloween Fun in Downtown Farmington

This event is a great time for the kids!  Dress up in costume and head Downtown for a fun afternoon!  Face painting and Pumpkin Decorating at the Farmers Market, Scary Story Time at the Farmington Public Library, Movie at the Civic Theater and Trick-or-Treating at local businesses, all FREE!

{Date}
October 25th, 2014

{Time}
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Check the schedule for more details on times + locations!

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Farmington

*

Pumpkin Fest Haunted Barn Stroll

This haunted stroll is perfect for the kid who loves only a little scare!

{Date}
October 10-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2014

{Time}
noon – 7:30 pm

{Cost}
$1

{Location}
Wilson Barn
Livonia

*

Fabulous Fall Fest! {Howell Opera House}

The 3rd annual fundraiser with The Great Foodini Renee Chodkowski.  Hosted by the American Business Women’s Association {ABWA} Event features many of fall’s favorite foods plus a collection of cooking tips, tricks and delicious recipes!

{Date}
October 23, 2014

{Times}
5:30 – 8:00  p.m.

{Cost}
$25 Tickets in advance
810-227-7828 or 517-546-5458

{Location}
Howell Opera House
Howell

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Halloween Psychic Fair {Howell Opera House}

Featuring 10 amazing psychic readers, many merchant booths to shop, healers, chair massage, and much more!  Door prizes and hourly raffle giveaways!

{Date}
October 26, 2014

{Times}
4:00 – 9:00  p.m.

{Cost}
$5

{Location}
Howell Opera House
Howell

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Rocky Horror Picture Show! {Howell Opera House}

Once again, the 70s cult film returns to the Howell Opera House with flair! Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for cash bar and socializing.  Admission for the 8:00 show is $20 per person that includes 1 drink ticket and a participation bag. The admission at 11:30 is $12 for the movie only.

The 1975 musical comedy horror film based on the 1973 musical stage production is a humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1930s through early 1970s. It stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.

{Date}
October 24, 2014

{Times}
8:00 – 11:30 p.m.

{Cost}
$20

{Location}
Howell Opera House
Howell

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Pumpkin Fest at Wilson Barn

Pony Rides
Pumpkins
Cider + Donuts
Hayrides

{Date}
September 27 – October 30, 2014

{Time}
Weekdays – 10-7:30 pm
Weekends – 11-7 pm

{Cost}
Fees for some activities

{Location}
Wilson Barn
Livonia

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Pumpkin Fest Haunted Barn Stroll

This haunted stroll is perfect for the kid who loves only a little scare!

{Date}
October 10-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2014

{Time}
noon – 7:30 pm

{Cost}
$1

{Location}
Wilson Barn
Livonia

*

Milford’s Boo Bash

This annual event is full of fun for the kids, wear your costume and trick-or treat through town!

{Date}
October 25th

{Time}
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Milford

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Farmer Charley’s Kackleberry Farm

Come visit this old-fashioned fall family entertainment venue with events and attractions for the whole family from 2 to 92!

Farm Animals
Corn Mazes
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Bakery :: Cider + Donuts
Hayrides
and much, much more!!!

{Date}
September 12 – November 2, 2014

{Time}
Thursday – 5-10 pm
Friday – 5-11 pm
Saturday – noon-11 pm
Sunday – noon-10 pm

{Cost}
Farm Pass $11
Under 3 FREE

{Location}
6421 North Stoney Creek Rd.
Monroe

*

Skeletons Are Alive In Northville

Hundreds of Skeleton’s have taken over Downtown Northville, check out their walking map so you can catch them all here!

{Date}
October

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Northville

*

Fall Harvest Festival

Come visit this old-fashioned fall family entertainment venue with events and attractions for all ages!

Farm Animals
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Bakery :: Cider + Donuts
Hayrides
and much, much more!!!

{Date}
Every Saturday + Sunday in October

{Time}
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

{Cost}
Per person – $9
Under 2 FREE

{Location}
481 Lake George Road
Oxford

*

SHOCK-tober Series at Penn Theatre

Are you looking for a haunted delight at a theater?!   Penn Theratre is showing some classic Halloween movies throughout October!

{Date}
Young Frankenstein {1974}

October 23 @7:00 pm

Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man {1951}
October 30 @7:00 pm

{Cost}
$3

{Location}
760 Penniman Avenue
Plymouth

*

Trick or Treat at the Market

Dress the kids up and head to Downtown Rochester for a fun Trick – or – Treat at the Farmers’ Market.  Be sure to check out all of the scarecrows throughout the city!

{Date}
October 25th

{Time}
10:00 am – 12:00 p.m.

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
E. Third + Water
Downtown Rochester

*

Scare Away Hunger 5K Run/Walk + Autumn Family Fun Event

Early registration ends on the 23th register online here.  Be sure to check out all of the scarecrows throughout the city while attending the Autumn Family Fun event in Downtown Rochester.  Performances, face painting, kids crafts and scavenger hunt and more!  Come help put a stop to hunger!

{Date}
October 26th

{Time}
1:30 pm – 4:00 p.m.

{Cost}
There is a fee for the 5K
Event is FREE

{Location}
E. Third + Water
Downtown Rochester

*

Zoo Boo {Detroit Zoo}

“The Detroit Zoo’s annual “merry-not-scary” Zoo Boo celebration features a festively decorated half-mile trick-or-treat trail through the front of the park. Live, friendly entertainment awaits your costume-clad little ones in the Zoo Boo Revue tent, and they will be delighted to try their luck at the Ghouly Games Tent. Be sure to stop by the Haunted Reptile House and visit the ghosts and goblins that have made the Holden Reptile Conservation Center their home for the holiday season. And don’t miss the Zombie Zone featuring ghostly games and spooky activities sure to send a chill up your spine.”

{Date}
October 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, 2014

{Time}
Friday 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday 5:00 pm– 8:00 p.m.

{Cost}
$8 per person 2 and up
$6 Parking
{Purchase tickets in advance online}

{Location}
The Detroit Zoo
Royal Oak

*

Spooktacular

Downtown Royal Oak presents a family fun Halloween event, bring the kids or family dressed up to enjoy in the festivities!  Local businesses are passing out candy and some great deals!

{Date}
October 26th, 2014

{Time}
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Royal Oak

*

Franklin Athletic Club Halloween Extravaganza

I love their  creative list of fun activities; Marvin the Magnificent Magician, Trick-or-Treating, Bizarre Face Painting, Kooky Karaoke, Mysterious Fortune Teller and much more!  Sounds like a fun community event, and its free!

{Date}
October 26, 2014

{Time}
12:30-3:30 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Franklin Club
Southfield

*

Created for More than Diaper Duty

Ever change a diaper and silently wonder, “Is this all my life is about now?”  It is okay; you are not alone.  We move from diaper change, someone is hungry {again}, to laundry, to cleaning something, and repeat again within 15 minutes.  Being a mom is HARD.  Whether you are at home, work out of the home, or work from home.  It’s hard.

I want to encourage you.  You aren’t alone if you are longing for more to life than the “Mommy Cycle.”  So what can you do to break out and feel fulfilled?

1.  Get OUT of the House Immediately.

What I have found in my own life and in other moms is the “stuck in house” problem, especially for stay-at-home and work-at-home moms. It’s like we become prisoners of our own homes.  The kids get restless, you get restless and before too long everyone is going crazy.  It’s still nice outside {yes, winter is coming!}, so GO outside.  Plan fun activities.  Take note of DMB events.  Just step outside and take a deep breathe.  It will change your mood.  And when winter comes, do the same thing, 5 minutes of outside breathing even if you are freezing, it’s worth it.

2.  Find YOUR Passions.

Remember life before kids? Okay if you can’t, maybe take a quick nap or grab a cup of coffee — okay now?  Remember who you were before you had kids?  Maybe you enjoyed painting, working, exercising, crafting, building, whatever!  However you answered that question, that’s what you need to be doing.  And I don’t want to hear “I don’t have time” because it’s the biggest lie you believe.  Life isn’t about time, it’s about priorities.  You can make the choice to make something a priority or not.  You enjoy crafting, well set up the craft table at the end of the day, let the dishes go ONE night and craft your little heart out while watching Sadie rock it on Dancing with the Stars.  Find your passions and make them a priority.

 3.  Get Involved.

The best way to overcome the wondering of “Is there more to life?” is to get involved in something local. Again, go with your passions and find places to serve others.  We were actually created to serve one another and be in community with others, so go do it!  Plug into your local church, local nonprofit organizations, moms groups, etc.  Find something where you feel you belong and plug in wholeheartedly; meaning show up when you say you are going to even if you don’t feel like it!!

4.  Find JOY at Home.

The greatest advice is to be content in your season as well.  I know, I hear you – “Lauren that is completely opposite of everything you have said thus far!”  But hear me out, you can’t be away from the home, outside, and during your passion 24/7.  Those stinky bottoms need to be wiped y’all!  I encourage you to find joy in those moments, for their stinky feet that you wash now will only get more stinky and bigger, so savor them now!

lauren h created for daiper duty

One final suggestion – I highly recommend The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson to helping finding more meaning in being a mom!

Why Every Good Mother Needs A Support Network

mary support system

You may have those moments where you feel like “I’ve got this!” You feel like the world’s best mom and you are managing everything in your family with ease. Then there are the times where you feel like you’re pulling your hair out! Like everything you do is wrong, you have no clue what you’re doing, and you are certain that you are going to send your kids into therapy instantly. For those moments which are more often than you care to admit, this is when mama needs a support network!

Yes we’ve all been there in that moment where we feel as if we don’t know what we’re doing. It may be doubting yourself on the way you handled a tantrum, or even wondering if a certain behavior from your little one is normal. We all go through those doubtful moments or the times when we swear that we are not the mom that we thought we’d be. These are just a few of the reasons why as a mother you need friends and family who love and support you.

This support network that you build around yourself is not just to tell you that you’re right all the time—as a matter of fact just the contrary may be true! They are supportive but honest and they will tell you when you’ve had a temporary lapse of sanity. You need these women to help you to push through the challenges and assure you that this is normal. You need these women to help you understand that you are a good mom, or at least help to give you some tips to feel like one again.

This Network of Women Can Be Your Lifeline

You also need this support network to help remind you that you are an individual. They can be a great source of laughter and help you to remember what it feels like to be yourself again. You are a mom first, but these women help you to remember that you are also a person too. They come in all different phases of your life and offer so many different purposes, but the women who make up your support network will be invaluable to you as you make it through motherhood.

Every mom needs to be supported and picked up when they are down. Every mom needs a sense check on the bad days and a sounding board to ask what’s normal and what their kids are all about. This support network will build and grow over time and you will come to depend on them. Some may be near and some may be far, but they are all women that you can relate to. You may handle things differently, but you can turn to them no matter what the issue.

Motherhood is an exhilarating, joyful, and often stressful time. To make it far more joyful than stressful, be sure that you surround yourself with the right people. Your mommy support network is going to be your lifeline, and so if you want to enjoy this role and be your best you will lean on them when you feel down and out—these women will truly help to make you a better mom and a happier person in general!

 

DIY {BOY} Nursery: A Modern Golf Room

Lauren M Nursery Title

When I found out I having a {BOY} during my second (& last!) pregnancy, I couldn’t wait to start working on the nursery. We had just bought a new house just over a year earlier, and for months I was dreaming of baby nursery ideas. With my daughter, we were renting a townhouse, so there was very little that I could actually “do” to the room besides furniture & accessories. And being that I am an Architect and love Design – I couldn’t wait to start the transformation.

Of course like most young families, we were on a budget. We had already planned on installing new carpet in both kids’ rooms which took up a big chunk of money on its own. I didn’t give myself a budget but I knew that I didn’t want to spend a lot.

My husband is a golf fanatic. We knew right away that we wanted to incorporate golf into the room. Poor guy better grow up liking golf or we are in big trouble! I also fell in love with a set of navy & linen chevron curtains (plus I had free shipping) from West Elm which became my inspiration for the “Preppy Golf Room”.

I couldn’t wait to empty the room out and start painting. It was currently being used as storage. Once it was finally bare walls, I went to Sherwin Williams and picked out the paint. The top is “Repose Gray SW7015, which we had left over from another room. The bottom half of the wall is from the Pottery Barn Collection at Sherwin Williams “Naval 6244” and I had a 40% off coupon.  We used the same white paint for the trim & ceiling that we already had in the house.

Lauren M Nursery 1    Lauren M Nursery 2

My mother owns a furniture showroom in Florida and had planned on ordering a new dresser to match the crib. The manufacturer ended up discontinuing that line of furniture so I had to look elsewhere. Luckily – we had a dresser in our guest room that was a hand me down and it looked great in his room.

Looking for accessories was the fun part. A mini golf ball basket, GOLF signage, golf ball closet door knobs, and a lamp (that we filled with multi-colored golf ball pins) with chevron shade tied the whole room together.

My favorite piece is his Name Art that we placed over the dresser. We used wooden panel pieces that were once walls in our basement, some leftover green paint (Sherwin Williams Parakeet SW6711), old golf clubs and new name letters from Hobby Lobby and (thanks to Pinterest), his name is hung beautifully in the room!

Lauren M Nursery Material

Lauren M Nursery 3 Lauren M Nursery 4 Lauren M Nursery 5

A few other small additions (new light fixture $50, new vent $12, new closet doors $110, new blinds $24) to make the room feel fresh and the room is complete.

Lauren M Nursery 6

Materials and cost {budget}

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray 7015         $0

Sherwin Williams Blue SW6244        $2

West Elm Cotton Canvas Zigzag Curtain – Blue Lagoon         $59

Gently used white cradle (not pictured)          $100

BB Basics waterproof cradle mattress pad          $9

BB Basics cradle sheet         $7

BB Basics sheet Saver          $9

Gently used white changing table        $30

Stanley Young America Crib         $0

Circo chevron fitted crib sheet          $10

Circo crib mobile          $25

“Hand me down” Dresser          $0

Glider          $0

Home Depot cushions for glider        $59

Hobby Lobby golf art          $10

Homegoods golf ball basket         $12

Golf balls         $0

Little bear golf figurines (were Daddy’s as a kid)         $0

Garden Ridge lamp & shade        $20

Target golf tees         $10

(online) Golf ball closet door knobs        $10

Home Depot light, vent, closet doors, blinds         $196

Hobby Lobby name letters          $15

The whole room (minus the carpet, crib & glider) cost:        $575

*

The room looks great and is now our favorite place in the house! Oh – and GO GREEN!

Lauren M Nursery 7

Mom2Mom Sales for October 18th, 2014

Mom2Mom (2)

Auburn Hills Christian School

Strollers Allowed
5 Tables

NO Early Bird!!!

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Cost}
General – $1

 {Location}
3655 N Squirrel
At Walton & Silverbell

Auburn Hills

 *

Grace Apostolic Church

Strollers Allowed
75 Tables

{Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird}
8 a.m.

 {Cost}
EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}
700 E Elmwood
S of 15 Mile/W of Rochester

Clawson

*

St. John Lutheran School

Strollers Allowed
90 tables

NO Early Bird!!!

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Cost}
General – $1

 {Location}
16339 14 Mile Rd
W of Utica Rd

Fraser

 *

St. Thomas the Apostle at {St. Raphael}

Strollers Allowed
40 tables

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

 {Cost}
EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}
31530 Beechwood
W of Merriman/N of Ford

Garden City

 *

Kennedy Elementary School

Strollers Allowed
70 Tables

No Early Bird!!!

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Cost}
General – $1

 {Location}
14201 Hubbard
N of I-96/ E of Farmington/ N of Schoolcraft

Livonia

 *

Prince of Glory Lutheran Church

Strollers After 11
40+ Tables

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

 {Cost}
EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}
1357 W 14 Mile
W of  Stephenson

Madison Heights

 *

Livingston Christian Schools

Strollers Allowed
20 Tables

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

 {Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

 {Location}
550 E. Hamburg
N of M36

Pinckney

 *

Women’s Life Club 702

Strollers Allowed
26 Tables

No Early Bird!!!

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Cost}
General – $1

 {Location}
4580 North Rd
North Street at Keewahdin Rd

Port Huron

 *

Gearing Elementary

Strollers Allowed
35+ tables

NO Early Bird!!!

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Cost}
General – $1

 {Location}
200 N Carney
At Clinton

St. Clair

 *

 Christ the King Lutheran Church

Strollers Allowed
120 Tables
Sold Out!!!

No Early Bird!!!

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Cost}
General – $1

 {Location}
15600 Trenton
W of  Telegraph

Southgate

 *

Rockpointe Community Church

Strollers Allowed
100 tables
SOLD OUT!!!

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Cost}
EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}
38100 Utica
E of Schoenherr

Sterling Heights

 *

October 19th

Taylor Moose #887

Strollers Allowed
50 tables

{Time}
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

{Early Bird}
9:00 a.m.

{Cost}
EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}
9981 S Telegraph

Taylor

Weekend Happenings :: In + Around Detroit {October 17-19}

Weekend Happenings october 17 18 19

Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village

Enjoy their historically themed Hallowe’en event.  Follow a mile-long curving path illuminated by the flickering light of hand carved jack-o’-lanterns and meet classic costumed characters along the way.

{Date}
October 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26, 2014

{Time}
6:30-9 pm Fridays + Saturdays
6:30-8 pm Sundays

{Cost}
Purchase Tickets Online {download coupon for $2 off}

{Location}
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn

*

Hayride Central at Heritage Park

Are you seeking a little adventure?!  Heritage park is hosting an autumn hayride through their sloped trails.  The steep hill gets me every time!  If you have enjoyed this adventure you probably know exactly what I am talking about…!  The air is crisp and the fall colors are just beautiful right now!

{Date}
October 17, 2014

{Time}
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

{Cost}
$5

{Register in advance here, seats are limited}
{Rides begin every half hour}

{Location}
Nature Center at Heritage Park
Farmington Hills

*

Pumpkin Fest Haunted Barn Stroll

This haunted stroll is perfect for the kid who loves only a little scare!

{Date}
October 10-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2014

{Time}
noon – 7:30 pm

{Cost}
$1

{Location}
Wilson Barn
Livonia

*

Pumpkin Fest at Wilson Barn

Pony Rides
Pumpkins
Cider + Donuts
Hayrides

{Date}
September 27 – October 30, 2014

{Time}
Weekdays – 10-7:30 pm
Weekends – 11-7 pm

{Cost}
Fees for some activities

{Location}
Wilson Barn
Livonia

*

Pumpkin Fest Haunted Barn Stroll

This haunted stroll is perfect for the kid who loves only a little scare!

{Date}
October 10-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2014

{Time}
noon – 7:30 pm

{Cost}
$1

{Location}
Wilson Barn
Livonia

*

Farmer Charley’s Kackleberry Farm

Come visit this old-fashioned fall family entertainment venue with events and attractions for the whole family from 2 to 92!

Farm Animals
Corn Mazes
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Bakery :: Cider + Donuts
Hayrides
and much, much more!!!

{Date}
September 12 – November 2, 2014

{Time}
Thursday – 5-10 pm
Friday – 5-11 pm
Saturday – noon-11 pm
Sunday – noon-10 pm

{Cost}
Farm Pass $11
Under 3 FREE

{Location}
6421 North Stoney Creek Rd.
Monroe

*

Trick-or-Treat Trail

Bring the kiddies in their costumes and take them through the historic Mill Race Village.  Due to the nature of this event you will want to register by Friday the 17th before 4:30.  {ages preschool-3rd grade}

{Date}
October 19, 2014

{Time}
4:40 – 6:40

{Cost}
$8
Parents are FREE

{Location}
Mill Race Village
Northville

*

Fall Harvest Festival

Come visit this old-fashioned fall family entertainment venue with events and attractions for all ages!

Farm Animals
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Bakery :: Cider + Donuts
Hayrides
and much, much more!!!

{Date}
Every Saturday + Sunday in October

{Time}
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

{Cost}
Per person – $9
Under 2 FREE

{Location}
481 Lake George Road
Oxford

*

Pumpkin Palooza Downtown Plymouth

A family fun affair in Downtown Plymouth come dressed-up and ready for fun!  Costume contests, including a contest for your pet, fun games, prizes and lots more to enjoy.

{Date}
October 18, 2014

{Time}
noon – 3:00 p.m.

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Plymouth

*

SHOCK-tober Series at Penn Theatre

Are you looking for a haunted delight at a theater?!   Penn Theratre is showing some classic Halloween movies throughout October!

{Date}
Ghostbusters {1984}
October 16 @7:00 pm

Young Frankenstein {1974}
October 23 @7:00 pm

Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man {1951}
October 30 @7:00 pm

{Cost}
$3

{Location}
760 Penniman Avenue
Plymouth

*

Trick-or-Treat Downtown Rochester

Do your kids love dressing up for Halloween?!  Kids and costumes, they just love them.  Downtown Rochester is hosting a Trick-or-Treat around town.  Bring the kids dressed and ready to trick-or-treat with local businesses. After they fill their goodie bags they can march in a costume parade with a local fire truck and police car.  The fire department is even hosting a spaghetti dinner for a small fee!  

{Date}
October 18th

{Time}
4:00 pm – 5:30 p.m.

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Rochester

*

The Rochester Area Jaycees Annual
Tunnel of Terror

Prepare to experience a voyage of fright and terror at the annual Haunted Tunnel of Terror! 

{Date}
Every Saturday + Sunday in October
{Special Event :: Friendly Monster, October 18th, 4pm-6pm}

{Time}
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

{Cost}
$15
{Special Event :: Friendly Monster, October 18th, $2 or 2 NP food items per child, parents FREE}

{Location}
Rochester Municipal Park
Rochester

*

Zoo Boo {Detroit Zoo}

“The Detroit Zoo’s annual “merry-not-scary” Zoo Boo celebration features a festively decorated half-mile trick-or-treat trail through the front of the park. Live, friendly entertainment awaits your costume-clad little ones in the Zoo Boo Revue tent, and they will be delighted to try their luck at the Ghouly Games Tent. Be sure to stop by the Haunted Reptile House and visit the ghosts and goblins that have made the Holden Reptile Conservation Center their home for the holiday season. And don’t miss the Zombie Zone featuring ghostly games and spooky activities sure to send a chill up your spine.”

{Date}
October 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, 2014

{Time}
Friday 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday 5:00 pm– 8:00 p.m.

{Cost}
$8 per person 2 and up
$6 Parking
{Purchase tickets in advance online}

{Location}
The Detroit Zoo
Royal Oak

*

Confessions of a Single, Work-at-Home Mom

Lauren H super mom 3

 

For real!  I’m Super Mom!  I tackle loads of laundry, wash the dishes, fix boo-boos, shuttle my preschooler to school, potty-train my 2-year-old, make my bed most days, feed us, work, and even once and awhile I take a breath….

Please tell me you didn’t start saying, “Wow, she is amazing.”  You didn’t see the whole picture.  I don’t sleep enough, my kids watch shows more than I care to admit, and dinners sometimes are just eggs.  No mom is super mom on her own.

Just like you, I struggle.  I wonder if I’m doing enough as a mom, am I working my business enough to see the growth I’d like, is my house clean?  It’s a lot on a girl’s plate, but I know one thing.

I serve a SUPER God.

He is my rock, my everything, and HE holds me all together.  Without my faith, I couldn’t be Super Mom.

So how can you be a Super Mom?  Whatever your home situation looks like, we all need grace and we all need help.  Motherhood isn’t for the weak.

1.

Read the Bible. Everyday. Even if it’s just a verse! The Word of God is life-giving and therefore you read a little bit of it, it will change your life.  And this includes when you read something and feel like you have no idea what it says!  Faith is so important to being a Super Mom.  Without… well you are just Mom.

2.

Ask for Forgiveness. We mess up! It’s okay, we all do it, we are human.  What we do when we mess up makes us Super Mom’s relying on a Super God.  If you are married and you let the ball drop on something with your spouse, then ask for forgiveness.  If you holler at your children and you know it wasn’t appropriate because you were angry and overreacted, then ask for forgiveness.  **Bonus – it’s a great teaching lesson that mommy isn’t always right, makes mistakes, and this is how we deal with mistakes!  If you have had a shortcoming with a friend, ask for forgiveness.  It will free up your heart from bitterness and make it a LOT easier to rock being a Super Mom!

 

 

Lauren H super mom 4

 

3.

Stop being so Serious. Like if you do this or that you will mess your children up for the rest of their lives. Come on.  That isn’t even real.  Chill out because Super Moms cannot be acting all cray cray like that!  You are doing a great job, just relax and enjoy life!

4.

Do NOT do Mothering Alone. Remember I am a single mom, meaning I’m doing this ALONE. So I have the option to do it alone, but I don’t.  I have friends I talk to on a regular basis and ask for mom advice, I have prayer partners, neighbors that will watch my kids, and the sweetest thing called Grandparents {aka my mom and dad} who help me a ton!  My dad is even my lawn-guy, so I can be Super Mom!

*

Remember, being a Super Mom doesn’t mean you are perfect.  It means seeing your shortcomings, leaning on God, and asking for help!  Be blessed – YOU are a SUPER MOM!

 

 

 

 

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