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Welcome to LakeNormanMommies!
As part of The Mommies Network, LakeNormanMommies.com is a free community for moms in Lake Norman Area, North Carolina. We realize that all moms need local support -- and who can't use another friend? LakeNormanMommies.com offers a simple way to connect with local moms for friendship, support and fun. Members meet on our private discussion forums to share information on everything from where to get the best haircut to tips on transitioning to a "big kid" bed. Each month, we also offer many face-to-face events for our members, their children and their families. Register today to access our discussion forums, events calendar and more! It's free and we'll keep your info secure and private.

LakeNormanMommies Blog

Wordless Wednesday Part II


Wordless Wednesday Part I


Carnival Kudos!
On Saturday, May 18, 2013, LakeNormanMommies presented its biggest event ever! We would like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of our community partners, performers, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who helped to make the 2013 Family Carnival such a success!

 

This Event Was Made Possible Thanks To...

Our Presenting Partner!

The EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station

The EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station offers a self-directed learning environment for adults and children of all ages. The education center offers informative, interactive exhibits on electricity, nuclear safety, how a nuclear plant works and more. Visitors can also explore the mile-long nature trail along the shores of Lake Norman or enjoy the beautiful picnic shelter next to the butterfly garden. The center hosts educational programs and community events throughout the year. The EnergyExplorium is open to the public year-round, and there is no cost for admission. For more information, or to view the calendar of events and educational resources for teachers and students, visit www.duke-energy.com/energyexplorium or call (980) 875-5600.

 

 

With Additional Support From

Little Dreamer Productions

Little Dreamer Productions specializes in executing events for a wide variety of customers including: restaurants/bars/clubs, apartment communities, neighborhoods, corporations, schools, churches, and many other businesses. With over 20 years in the entertainment and sales building industry, we have the knowledge and experience to execute your event in a professional manner.

Cooke Rentals

With our extensive event rental inventories, Cooke Rentals also specializes in party & event rentals to meet every need and budget. From our elegant tents to fine china, from tables & chairs to our wedding items, our fully trained staff is here to help you make your special event truly unforgettable!

Sweet Dreams Mattress & Furniture

Sweet Dreams Mattress & Furniture is celebrating 10 years in business and recently opened their 4th Lake Norman location in Cornelius. Visit Sweet Dreams in Mooresville, Denver, or Cornelius for the best deals for the entire family on mattresses and furniture, with a 5 star customer service reputation!

Burn Boot Camp

Burn Boot Camp is Charlotte Fit Community of Moms. We have 4 locations in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area.

 

 

Special Thanks To Our Community Partners

Ballas Chiropractic

We are proud to be in the business of improving lives in the Lake Norman area including Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Mooresville and North Charlotte since 2003. Our passion is to educate the community on the importance of taking care of the body, in particular, the spine, which houses the central nervous system, affecting all other functions within the body.

Earth Fare

Earth Fare's vision is to be the most trusted organic and natural food market in the country - a place where healthy decisions are easy, people have confidence in the food they buy and everyone feels welcome.

Habitat For Humanity

Our Towns Habitat was founded in 1988 and is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an ecumenical Christian ministry. We are one of over 1625 affiliates in the U.S., and we serve families in the towns of Mooresville, Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville, NC. We were chosen Affiliate of the Year in 2008 by Habitat for Humanity International! Our Towns Habitat partners with hard working families in need of decent, affordable housing, and with local churches, businesses, service groups and individuals.

Huntersville Police Department

The Huntersville Police Department shoulder patch is proudly worn daily by the dedicated officers of the Huntersville Police Department. Our core values of Honor, Professionalism, and Dedication are key elements of our patch and are symbolically "worn on our sleeves".

Huntersville Fire Department

It is the mission of Huntersville Fire Department to protect lives and property through a comprehensive program of fire suppression, fire prevention; public education; rescue; extrication and EMS first responder services to the community. The Department is committed to providing the highest level of service and professionalism to the residents and visitors of Huntersville and the surrounding communities by ensuring all members and employees receive the highest level of training and continuing education.

North Mecklenburg Volunteer Rescue Squad

North Mecklenburg Volunteer Rescue Squad was formed in 1959 and is the only Rescue Squad still functioning in Mecklenburg County, NC. We run over 2,000 calls a year for service, providing first responder and Rescue services to those in need.

Novant Health

Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center is proud to serve the Huntersville, University and Lake Norman communities with a wide range of health services including maternity, surgery, cardiovascular and cancer care. Our expert medical team delivers the care you need, close to home. We ensure that you receive personalized attention and a remarkable experience at our hospital.

A Safe Child

A Safe Child has grown from a love of children and desire to protect them from harm. We have been trained as professional childproofers and are members of the International Association for Child Safety.

 

 

Additional Attractions, Demonstrations, and Performances By

Carolina Renaissance Festival

The Renaissance Festival is a 16th century European style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty, and much much more. The 20th annual season opens this fall Saturdays and Sundays, from October 5th to November 24th, 2013.

Children's Party Plus

Children's Party Plus is Charlotte's premier kids event design and entertainment company. Specializing in celebrating life's greatest moments from 1st birthdays, Sweet Sixteens and everything in between. We make planning an party simple, fun and unique. We offer creative themed parties incomparable to the typical birthday party. Our parties allow time to enjoy the big day with no stress. Planning your child's next party should not be stressful, let us make planning your party a PIECE OF CAKE!

Cold Blooded Encounters

Hey Kids and Parents! Want to make your party a little wild? We are here to help! We do exciting shows with live reptiles. Hold a snake, feed a turtle, see some interesting bugs! Your guests will never forget this wild adventure! Great for birthdays, libraries, daycares, scouting groups, and more!

DancinKids

DancinKids is a place that welcomes all levels of dancers. We offer recreational classes in a fun, relaxed environment while teaching the fundamentals of dance. We have also started a pre-competition program for the more serious dancer. We hope to have you join our dance family!

Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts

GCAPA is a New York themed Dance Studio located in Jetton Village. Studio Director, Wendi Bergstrom's incomparable repertoire has guided students through to Alvin Ailey, Columbia, Point Park, Penn State, Northwestern and many other advanced educational facilities. Her students have participated in Fox's "SYTYCD?" Seasons 1, 7 and 8. GCAPA boasts a DAD-APPROVED format for costumes, music and choreography (never a bare tummy) and is considered a technique-based school of Dance and Musical Theatre. Experienced faculty teach only in their specialties. All students 2.5 + may participate in an annual recital. Dance Team also available.

Kinchen Martial Arts

A Progressive Martial Arts School specializing in TaeKwonDo, Kickboxing, and Self Defense. The emphasis of our martial arts school or dojo, is on building physical fitness, developing character, and self-defense. We strive to increase each student?s self worth. At Kinchen Martial Arts, training in martial arts is more than a physical activity, it?s a way of life. You join a group with a rare kinship, that?s focused on improving physical fitness, coordination, discipline, self-defense skills, and self-confidence.

Mel's Mini Whinnies

We offer a variety of services that can be chosen. From horse back riding lessons to birthday parties, trail rides, special events, fund raisers, and community parties. Let us make your child's birthday party or special event a memorable one with special appearances of any of our custom decorated ponies/horses for your special occasion.

Pre K Birthdays

Pre K Birthdays is the party expert for children ages 2 to 7! Our parties are stress free for the parents and fun for the kids! We host exceptional themed parties with character visits, crafts, games, music, entertainment and decor. Choose a standard theme (Princess, Super Heroes and more) or a custom party. Host at your party location or at our party site! Pre K Birthdays goes above and beyond because every child is precious and because birthdays are special occasions?

Rock University

We are a music school, independently owned and operated. Rock U specializes in teaching and motivating musicians of all ages through affordable music programs. Our main focus is on Performance Band which is the unique teaching method that is a fun way to learn, develop team skills and show off what you have learned in public. Our students work their way from our lessons to the Performance Band into our elite Roadshow group which is hired to perform all over town to hundreds of fans.

"Rocket Ryan"

High Touch High Tech has been providing FUN, interactive, hands-on science and nature experiences for children since 1994. Through discovery style learning and inquiry based dialogue, children are engaged in exciting programs that encourage them to explore the many wonders of science.Our exciting and caring scientists deliver programs designed to stimulate young minds, activate new curiosity, and nurture budding imaginations.

Twist the Balloon Man

Eye-Popping Balloon Twisting, Mind-Boggling Magic, Jaw Dropping Juggling and Skyscraping Stilt Walking. I spend most of my time Entertaining In Western North Carolina , But I do travel to other States and Countries. Call : 828-460-8474


Special Thanks to Ted the Storyteller, Chris Hughes Candy Art, and the Coca-Cola Discovery Vehicle!

 

 

Additional Activities and Games Provided By Our Vendors

Bird Nest Boutique

Bird Nest Boutique is a NEW gallery and retail boutique gift shop containing local hand crafted items and fine art. The main area is on the second floor of a renovated home in the lovely historic town of Cornelius, NC. The artists also share the downstairs space with Just Baked Cupcake and Coffee House - be sure to try a coffee and baked good when you come to visit! Bird Nest Boutique has a contemporary rustic feel with the elements of small, town charm. We are a cooperative of 6 artists. Please visit our Artist page to learn more about us. We also feature many other local artists on consignment. Bird Nest offers a variety of unique and affordable workshops!!

Bruster's

Happy Spring!
Sunshine is back and so are Strawberry Shortcakes! Stop in and enjoy the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries, shortcake and ice cream. May brings lots of reasons to celebrate-Mother's Day, graduations, Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day. Let us help make all your celebrations memorable events. A special Mother's Day cake for Mom and gift cards for your new graduates! Nothing kicks off the start of the summer season better than a few half gallons of your favorite ice cream! Stop in and see what new flavors we've created to help you celebrate good times.

Innovative Speed Shop

Lake Normans Premier Detail Shop! Premium Car Care Cleaning products! Hot Rod Inspired Clothing line! You get your oil changed regularly. You rotate your tires and service your transmission on a regular basis. But did you know that your vehicle requires regular service to its paint, trim, rubber, leather and other surfaces as well? An ?express? car wash every now and then isn?t nearly sufficient to maintain your vehicle in top condition. Harsh elements are attacking and deteriorating your vehicles appearance thus robbing value from your vehicle. It is essential that your vehicle be routinely serviced by a professional detailer.

Jamberry Nails

Jamberry is a no polish beauty trend. With over 200 designs you can have beautiful nails without the hassle of polish, harsh smells, and dry time. Nail wraps last 2 weeks on hands and 4-6 weeks on toes.

Lakeside Dental

Our dental practice is located in Cornelius, NC and we are proud to offer high quality dentistry with a personal touch to the Lake Norman area. Our patients' comfort is our highest priority and we work to ensure that every patient has a pleasant experience. We use state-of-the-art dental equipment and technology to provide patients with the dental care they want and need. We also offer several financing options to make your dental care affordable.

Le Joli Papillon

Le Joli Papillon was created when four shopaholic moms saw a need for a children's consignment store filled with quality clothing. Not wanting to overpay, as well as looking for a venue to sell their children's beautiful clothing, the moms were underwhelmed with most of the average, lackluster consignment stores they visited. They came together and decided to build a store filled with quality clothing at consignment prices. The moms at Le Joli Papillon wanted to create an exception to the consignment shopping experience and provide other moms with a phenomenal alternative when shopping for their pretty butterfly.

Mary Kay

I offer personalized service that fits you. Try before you buy with one-on-one consultation, or party with friends! Enjoy makeup tips, skin care advice or free samples. If you prefer to shop online or order by e-mail or phone, the choice is yours. My policy is to have products delivered locally in person within 48 hours. My expertise is age fighting skin care, color techniques and I also do free special occasion & bridal consultations!

Omega Learning Center of Lake Norman

Skill gaps often go undetected until grades fall. Proactive parents can help their child succeed through challenging school years with Omega's nationally recognized skills assessment and comprehensive program (Remediation, Homework Help, Test Prep, Study Skills). Omega understands you have a choice when choosing a tutoring center. Experience the "Omega Difference."

Origami Owl

Every Locket tells a story, what's yours? Book a Jewelry Bar, become an Independent Designer or simply make a purchase! Let me know how I can help you!

Pampered Chef

The Pampered Chef®, founded in 1980 by Doris Christopher and part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of businesses, is the premier direct seller of high-quality kitchen tools. The Pampered Chef's sales force of Independent Pampered Chef® Consultants offer multipurpose kitchen tools, demonstrate easy food preparation techniques and share recipes that can help you entertain with style and ease - transforming the simple to the spectacular.

Pink Zebra

Pink Zebra is a home fragrance company offering soft soy scented wax sprinkles. You can melt them in a warmer or make your own candle. You may also mix scents to create your own recipe.

Scentsy

Scentsy began with a simple idea ? a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles ? and quickly grew into one of the most successful direct selling companies in the world. This wickless concept is simply decorative ceramic warmers designed to melt scented wax with the heat of a light bulb instead of a traditional wick and flame.

SnookySmiles Photography

SnookySmiles Photography offers Birth, Newborn, Child, and Family Portraits in the Charlotte and Lake Norman Area. My primary goal is to capture your family's true personality and the amazing connections that you share with one another in a relaxed, fun, stress-free environment.

Tupperstars

Your Tupperware Expert!

WildTree

Wildtree offers the highest quality herbs, spices and culinary blends that are free of preservatives, additives, fillers and promote a healthier lifestyle. We believe in the value of making cooking a quicker, easier, more healthful project for those who are short on time. Wildtree also offers a fun adventure for those who wish to be more creative in the kitchen.

 

 

Thank You to Our Partners, Performers, and Vendors Who Donated Prizes!

Ballas Chiropractic, Bird Nest Boutique, Burn Boot Camp, Earth Fare, Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts, Innovative Speed Shop, Jamberry Nails, Kinchen Martial Arts, Omega Learning Center of Lake Norman, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Pink Zebra, Sweet Dreams Mattress & Furniture, Tupperstars, WildTree

 

Additional Prizes Donated By

Carolina Women's Defense

Our goal is to offer a warm and open environment to women so that they may feel comfortable and confident with their objective of personal safety-awareness or firearm safety. We offer classes such Refuse To Be A Victim®, Home Firearm Safety, Pistol Orientation, and Conceal Carry Permitting. But we haven't forgotten about our Carolina Kids! We also offer children's programs such as Eddie Eagle Gun Safe® and radKIDS®. Please visit our website and sign up for a class today!

Carowinds

The Thrill Capital of the Southeast

Insley Photography

lnsley Photography specializes in Fine Art Newborn and Maternity portraiture. We offer custom portrait sessions to give you exactly what you want from your portrait experience. Let us capture your most precious Miracles today.

Jockey Person to Person

Jockey Person to Person offers smart casual fashions designed for women who want stylish clothes with the comfort that the Jockey brand is famous for. We have everything you need - casual, career, and athletic wear. Give yourself the gift of comfort with Jockey Person to Person!

MM House Cleaning

I have been cleaning homes for awhile now and have multiple references. Before cleaning homes I was a full time stay at home mom to my two beautiful girls so I know how crazy it can be keeping a home clean and want to help you!

Perfect Fit Personal Training

Perfect Fit specializes in individual and group fitness programs. Owner and Certified Personal Trainer, Cindy Holleman, helps youth and adults achieve their goals; including weight loss, toning, muscle definition, and improvements in posture, balance, and movement. Fun and challenging workouts utilize: heavy rope, kettle bells, suspension trainers, medicine balls, and punching bags. Perfect Fit's private studio is the perfect alternative to training in a crowded gym. Perfect Fit offers training by appointment without long-term contracts and has discounted rates for LakeNormanMommies.

 

 

A Massive Thank You To All Our Hard Working Volunteers! 

As usual, we are missing about half our crew. Thank you to ALL of our volunteers!

 

 

Last but not least...THANK YOU!

Thank you to the community. Thank you for braving the wind and rain and coming out to enjoy the event. Your continued support means more than we can say!

 --LakeNormanMommies  


LakeNormanMommies is a local chapter of The Mommies Network, a 501(c)(3) organization. The Mommies Network mission is to provide a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, parents, and community leaders. The Mommies Network philosophy is that no one should have to pay a fee to make a friend, so it offers free membership to any mother within the community who wishes to join. The more than 1,700 members of the LakeNormanMommies gain camaraderie and support through an online forum that is available 24 hours a day and events around the area where mothers can meet face-to-face and develop real friendships that can last a lifetime. LakeNormanMommies believes that, working together, mothers can change the world - one family, one neighborhood, one community at a time.


What Does The Mommies Network Mean To You?
Every morning, I do the same thing. I get my cup of coffee while I make breakfast for the kid. I gather the clothes together, making a small pile on the sofa next to me- awaiting the completion of whatever cereal or breakfast bar is being consumed by the little one in the kitchen. I sip my coffee and grab my phone, and I log into my chapter of The Mommies Network. I click "View Your Posts" to see if there have been any responses to my latest musings. Then, I go onto The Mommy Forum, then Relationships, usually heading to the conversations that have the most appeal...the ones with the most posts! Maybe take a timeout to get the kid dressed. Then onto my area group, then my support groups. Then I swing over to my Facebook, then my Twitter, then back to my chapter of The Mommies Network to see the newest posts. I do this about 20 or 30 times a day...rinse and repeat.

Occasionally, I will get particularly attached to a post...be it my own or someone else's. Then, I might check in 40 or 50 times a day ( thank God for smart phones!). Every now and then I'll be a part of a conversation that is gaining traction...bunches of posts, and my heart is lifted with each page of conversation that is added...one page...two pages...five pages! It's like Christmas morning every time I open a page....a slight joy to see what has been added.

Sometimes, it's fluff...a coupon I found or looking for new homeowners insurance. Sometimes it's personal...an issue with my Mother-in-Law or a behavioral issue with my little one. Sometimes it's topical...a news piece or an article I found. But each time, it is the same feeling. I am a part of something- a community that shares something special and something unique.

How many times have you done this?

Now, I need to think about what that MEANS to me. I knew early on that it meant a great deal to me; it meant that I was a part of a network of women who took on their identity as a Mommy, and took it to another level. I knew that becoming a mother forced me to re-identify who I was as a person, because I was forever changed by the little wonder that appeared in my life. But being a part of The Mommies Network took it to a new level. It allowed me to take the new me.- the mother me- and USE it. By using it, I became a Mommy. I used all of those tools that came with motherhood and I applied them. My words became softer, my ideas became firmer, and my passions shifted from what was good for me to what was good for the world I was creating for my child.

Along the way, I have met mothers who are very different than me. I have encountered people that I would have never counted as my friends in my life before motherhood. However, I can now see them for what they are ... exactly like me. Their ideas might be different, and their style may be different, but their reasons and their execution is cornered in exactly the same place as mine. Everything they do is the result of their love for their children. They, too, have been forever changed by becoming a mother, and they are on the same journey as me, figuring out how to apply this unique relationship to how they relate to the world.

So, when I think about The Mommies Network, I need to think about what it is to me, and the solution becomes so simple. The Mommies Network gave me to the place to FIND all of these things. It was the platform, the medium, the safe space where I was able to make the most of the new me. The value in that is not simple to measure, but it is clear to me that I have to find a way to measure it, and give back in turn.

There are so many ways to give back, and if you are like me, you want to give back to someone else what you have received. This network does not exist on it's own. It takes time and energy and money and resources. There are opportunities to give back at every turn. You can donate time, you can donate resources, you can sponsor, you can donate money, you can be a part of the events, or you can just show up to witness the efforts of others who have given back. All of these things expand the network. They make it available to more and more women who are just like you. As we work together, we make the number of mothers in our network larger and larger, and we are able to do more and more to make the world a better place for our children.


I encourage everyone to look at themselves as a Mommy, and think about what it means to you. Right now, The Mommies Network is holding their annual May is for Mother's campaign to help meet the monetary demands of running the network. If being a Mommy has value to you, match it with a donation. However, there are other ways you can contribute. There are volunteer positions available both at The Mommies Network and at the Chapter level. Consider donating your time to this worthy cause. If you are a business owner, consider sponsorship with The Mommies Network as a way to give back to these communities and engage with the membership.

But, most of all, see your identity as a Mommy as something that makes you a part of something special, and embrace what that means to you! Because there are a million ways to mother ... and one network for us all.



Thank you for supporting The Mommies Network!



This Week with the Mommies

The LakeNormanMommies calendar is packed with all sorts of events to keep our members and their little one(s) busy this week! Please click a date below for more information or to RSVP on the chapter calendar.

Monday, May 20

Play Date - K18ers AND older kiddos are welcome at this play date for everyone.

Mom's Night In - Need some mom time? Us too.

Tuesday, May 21

Lunch Date - Let's have lunch with the kids!

Wednesday, May 22

Park Date - Let's play at Holbrook Park.

Thursday, May 23

Bunco - Are you ready for a Bunco Pajama party? Throw on your jammies and get ready for a fun time with new friends.

Friday, May 24

Meet and Greet - The Club 35ers are heading to North Meck to get to know their new mods and new members!

Saturday, May 25

There are no official LakeNormanMommies events scheduled for today. Please check the Events & Happenings forum to share information about other offerings in our community.

Sunday, May 26

Picnic at the Park - Grab a blanket, some snacks, and your kids and join us at the park for a picnic in the sunshine.


Plan Ahead...


May 28
Book Club - The Night Circus

June 13
Game Night 

June 25
Book Club - The Book Thief


LakeNormanMommies provides a safe, secure, free place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, parents, and community leaders. If you like what we do--24/7 online support, play dates, mom's nights out, the development of real and lasting friendships--please consider supporting us as we have supported you. Please help us continue to provide a community moms in our area by making a donation to The Mommies Network May Is For Mothers campaign.


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