HOME GROWN Parenting in the North
Interview with
Yoga Instructor, Teacher, Mama
March 2012 2012 -- Issue Issue #8 #8 Volume Volume 22 March
Natasha Lessard
HG
705.264.0232 136 Claimpost Trail Schumacher Timmins On 2 www.sweetface.ca
Dry mornings are happy mornings. Wake up happy with Barnyard Bummz available at Sweet Face
Inside: ZEN ZONE
Pg 11
Energy/ Emotional Balance
Lady of the House
Pg 14-16
How to Cut a Pineapple & Pineapple Cider
Attached Mama
Pg 18-20
Potty Training While Staying Attached
Top Ten
Pg 22-23
Forgotten Spring Cleaning Spots
Bellies&Babies
Pg 25-27
What position is your baby in?, And why does it matter?
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Interview With
Natasha Lessard Double Check !
Pg 29-33
Pg 36-37
Earth Day Saving Activities
Living Green:
Pg 38-40
Natural Spring Cleaning
KIDZ KORNER
Pg 41-43
EASTER EGG HUNT
Easter Recipe
Pg 46
N atures Recipes
Pg 47
p
Make your own Play Dough
Colour Me See Page 52
Announcement Wall
Pg 48
LITTLE LAMB IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE ITS NEWEST ARRIVAL!!
Little Lamb is proud to announce the arrival of our new on-line store, born March 1, 2012! Now order all of your favourite baby products and have them delivered right to your door!
Visitors are welcome to visit the new arrival at www.littlelamb.ca Mention this ad and receive 10% off all purchases for the month of March!
264 Third Avenue Timmins, ON P4N 6P3
705-264-2225
www.littlelamb.ca
Editors Notes Easter/ Earth Day
This month we will celebrate Easter and Earth Day. Easter has always been my favorite of all holidays, probably because I am a chocoholic, but the other reason would be that there is little amount of stress to easter, unlike Christmas. Easter is so much fun for the whole family. Earth Day will also be celebrated this month, April 22nd, How can you celebrate, check out the Double Check for this month. p.s. please feel free to e-mail us photos or stories for us to publish.
Kayleigh May, As a Photographer, Mother, Wife, and the Editor of Homegrown- Parenting in the North. Kayleigh has many hobbies that include sewing, writing, photography and running after her two young boys.
Editor in Chief : Kayleigh May De Cecco Editor: Chantal Warren
Writers Top Ten - Christine South Christine.homegrown@gmail.com Lady of the House - Julie-Anne Mauno Julieanne.homegrown@gmail.com Living Green - Chantal Warren Chantal.homegrown@gmail.com Attached Mama - Sarah Blackwell sblackwell@cogeco.ca
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Love And Learning - Tessa Morrissette Tessa.homegrown@gmail.com Sew Simply -Pamela Pilon pamelapilon.homegrown@gmail.com Bellies and Babies - Kayleigh May De Cecco Kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com
Interested in writing? Here at Home Grown we are always looking for Writers. If you have an interesting topic that you think would benefit the magazine please e-mail either Kayleigh May or Chantal and we will be happy to review your idea.
Meet This Months Writers Chantal is an eco-conscious entrepreneur who splits her time between being a mom
to two and operating a natural baby boutique in the City of Timmins. Her desires to live a more natural life have provided her the knowledge, experience and contacts to
reduce her family’s carbon footprint on the planet.
Chantal Warren Editor
Julie-Anne is a stay-at-home mom to six beautiful children in rural Northern Ontario. Her adventures include large family mothering, homeschooling, and rural living. As an experienced childbirth educator and doula, she desires to encourage other mothers, especially through the childbearing years. She also writes at www.fruitfulvines.blogspot.com.
Julie-Anne Mauno
Christine South is a married mother of four beautiful children, She is a qualified teacher and works occasionally with the NCDSB in Timmins. She spends most of her time with he family enjoying the roller coaster ride of being a mother. Her husband works out of town as a mechanic 4
Christine South
weeks at a time so she holds down the fort at home, juggling a 9 year old, a 5 year old a 2 year old, as well as a newborn. If there is one thing this lady is good at, it is multi-tasking
Sarah Blackwell, M.H.S., B.A. (CYC) is a Parenting Consultant who lives in North Bay with her partner and 3 children. Sarah is a trained facilitator of the Make the Connection parenting class series and offers parenting classes, support circles, and individual parent coaching based on an approach to parenting that empowers both children and parents. Sarah is an activist, child advocate, homeschooling mother, breastfeeding advocate, knitter and yogi.
Sarah Blackwell
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Should have used a bib.
Available online and at Sweet Face
10
www.bibmababy.com use code
HOMEGROWN
for 10% off
ď ˇZEN
ZONEď ”
Meditations by: Natalie Rocheleau
Energy/ Emotional Balance In need of a quick Energy/Emotional balance? Try This! Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Benefits: Calming effect of the nervous system, balances energy/emotional levels, soothes anxiety and stress, balances the right and left brain hemisphere and promotes clear thinking; better focus. Level: All levels, beginner to intermediate practice only for about 5 rounds and as you practice regularly you can work up to 10 rounds. -bring your right hand infront of your face, curl our index and middle finger toward your palm, place your thumb next to your right nostril and your ring and/or your pinky finger next to your left nostril. -take a few deep breaths through both nostrils -close your right nostril with your thumb -Inhale through your left nostril -Exhale through your left nostril -close your left nostril with your ring and/or pinky finger -Inhale through your right nostril -Exhale through your right nostril -close your right nostril with your ring and/or pinky finger and now continue alternating for 5 rounds.
(705)531-YOGA (705)465- 5432
Class Schedule Beginners Classes - Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays Parent & Baby Yoga Classes - Mondays and Thursdays at 10am Prenatal Yoga - Thursdays at 6pm and Sundays at 7pm Vinyasa/Flow - Wednesdays at 5:30 Kids Yoga (7-11) - April 13-May 25 $80 for 8 weeks
46 Pine Street S. Suite 3 Timmins, ON. P4N 2J8 northern_lotus@yahoo.ca www.northernlotusyoga.ca
Lady of the House How To Cut A Pineapple
By Julie-Anne Mauno
How to cut a pineapple...it’s easy!
You will need:
High in vitamin C, pineapples are available year-round at most grocery stores and often go on sale. This tropical fruit is also considered a “low pesticide” food as most of the pesticides get trapped in the pineapple’s thick skin. When ripe, they are super juicy and tasty! But, many people overlook them because they haven’t figured out an easy way to cut and serve them. So, I thought I would share my method of cutting and serving pineapples here!
-a ripe pineapple -a large cutting board -a large knife (sharpened) -a serving tray or large plate -toothpicks (Note: you can tell your pineapple is ripe when it’s orange in colour and the leaves are turning brown.)
Step 1: wash your pineapple thoroughly. This removes pesticides so they don’t transfer from your knife to the fleshy part of your pineapple. And, I’ve included a great recipe you can try with your leftover pineapple bits (but, no leaves, please!). Step 2: trim off the top leaves and the bottom of the pineapple. (You can save the top part to decorate your tray if you wish). Step 3: cut the pineapple in two halves, from top to bottom. Once you’ve done this, cut each half into two as well. Step 4: now you can trim off the core. Step 5: take each quarter and cut into the pineapple as close to the skin as possible (so that the whole quarter is still intact, separated from the skin, sitting on top.) Step 6: you can now cut slices into each quarter. You can even make the pieces smaller. Step 7: make sure to leave the quarters sitting “on top” of their skin and transfer them to your tray or plate. You can arrange them with other fruit too. Place toothpicks into the sectioned quarters so that it’s easy for people to grab the pineapple pieces!
Lady of the House Pineapple Cider
By Julie-Anne Mauno
Once the pineapple is all gone, you can save the skin pieces and any other pieces you trimmed off (except the leaves) and follow the recipe below for Pineapple Cider (a recipe my friend – who grew up in Guatemala – shared with me)! PINEAPPLE CIDER: Place washed leftover skin and core pieces into a pot with water. (Do not include the leaves). Add spices such as cardamom pods, whole allspice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and whatever spices you typically enjoy in cider. Simmer together for about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot or cold. Delicious! (Note: if you don’t want to include the skin for this, you can always save some pineapple pieces and use those instead.)
TUPPERWARE Green Shopping Set (above photo)
Includes Small Fridgesmart to keep fruits and veggies fresh longer, Fridge Stackables for deli meats and cheeses & extra large re-usable grocery bag.
Get ready for weddings, birthdays, and Mother’s Day!
Save 40% Sale price $28.50 All Crystal Wave Microwave Reheatable Containers on sale too! Check out the latest in Tupperware at the Home Business Expo in Kirkland Lake Saturday, April 28th from 10AM-3PM Free admission
Dora Lunch Set 30% off at $15.50
Flat Out 2 Pc. Set 30% off at $15.75 Sandwich Keeper 2 Pc. Set 25% off at $13.25
Lifetime Warranty - BPA Free - Dishwasher & Microwave Safe - Shipping for only $3.95 across Canada - Order Anytime Contact Jenita Naylor, Tupperware Consultant 705-642-3205 www.my.tupperware.ca/jenita jenita@my.tupperware.ca Facebook - Near North Tupperware (in-stock and sales items)
Attached Mama
Staying Connected with your Child while Potty Training By Sarah A. Blackwell, M.H.S., B.A. (CYC) Are your Children Good? Potty training is not an easy milestone for everyone involved. The parents may be stressed because the child does not want to use the potty, or the child is stressed, afraid, confused or even shy to use the potty. So how can a parent stay connected to their child through this time in their life? The potty learning phase is like many other phases your child will go through as they get older. They will face challenges in their life, where they will need the gentle support and guidance of their parents. I like to think of potty learning as the same as learning to drive. For example, when your child is learning to drive, will you encourage and support them to build confidence, or will you bribe them with rewards? Will you reward them every time they come home without any speeding tickets, by jumping up and down doing a “happy car” dance? My thoughts are probably not. Instead, parents can encourage their children to learn the rules of the road safely, take them out driving a few times a week and may even quiz them to prepare them for the written test. You may even decide to communicate with them your own fears about them growing up, or maybe even share a story of when you were learning to drive. It is a time to connect with your children on a different level, and to celebrate their maturity and responsibility. Potty learning is a similar milestone. It is a time to connect with your child, and communicate in a way to understand how to fulfill their need of elimination. Elimination Communication, (also referred to as EC’ing) is an approach to potty learning that is grounded in the belief that children are born knowing the sensation of going to the
bathroom (Gross-Loh, 2007), meaning they are not naturally going to prefer using a diaper. Like all mammals, an infant does not prefer to soil where they sit, play or eat. However, industrialization and the introduction of diapers, and making parenthood ‘easier’ has meant that we leave our children in diapers until they are 3 or 4 years old (and sometimes longer). Therefore, instead of waiting for a specific age to start potty ‘training’, parents who practice EC’ing will begin when they feel it fits with their family. This may mean at birth, 6 months, 1 year or even 2 years old. A parent can practice this approach to potty learning at any stage or age of a child, implementing the philosophy that parents can gently guide their children in a noncoercive manner to use the potty. This of course, is more difficult with a toddler whom is finding their autonomy, however staying connected and following the philosophy of EC’ing will help to maintain a positive experience for both the parent and the child. How Do I stay connected with my child during potty learning? Every parent wants what is best for their child, and we all do our best with the information we have at that moment in time. I have compiled this list of ideas for you to consider when potty learning with your child, regardless of their age. 1. Be patient with your child. The longer your child has been in diapers it will be harder for them to regain their inborn sense to listen to their body and acknowledge the sensation of when they need to go;
Attached Mama 7. Accept where they are at in their learning. Just like learning to drive, or any other new skill, it will take time, at their pace. If they are not ‘performing’ to your liking, re-examine your perception and understand this is their skill and their body; 8. Laugh together and have fun! Bring games to the potty and sit with them. Play music or do other things your child enjoys. Do this every time they have a potty time, whether they void on it or not. Give lots of hugs and cuddles every time. How to practice Elimination Communication 2. Offer diaper free time. This can be for a child of any age. Be prepared to clean up a mess if your child ‘misses’ and does not make it to the potty. If you do not have a space to offer diaper free time, go outdoors! Children will look down when they pee and see what they are doing, and you can affirm by saying “you are peeing!”, which helps bring awareness of what is happening; 3. Integrate it into your life. Potty learning is just something that can be added into your regular routine. Select potty times according to when your older child will be more willing to go on the potty; 4. Remain open to learning with your child. No matter the age of your child, remain open to discuss what is happening, whether they are 1 month or 3 years old; 5. Allow time to learn. Anything your child learns will take time. Try not to introduce pottying on a “schedule’ or because daycare or school is starting; 6. Start now. The earlier the start the easier it will be, on both of you. As children get older they get accustomed to using their diapers and they also reach a stage of development where they want to explore and become independent; potty learning is the last thing on their mind;
There is no wrong way or perfect way to practice it. However, finding out as much about it as you can, will help you feel prepared and supported. Finding a supportive person or partner will make the journey even more enjoyable. Some people decide to go for diaper free times, and some do not. You can practice it whenever and wherever, depending on the age of your child/infant. No matter the age of your child, you need to become aware of his/her patterns when using the bathroom. This means you need to make observations. This is much easier if you allow a diaper free time for your child/infant (even in mobile babies). It does not have to be all day! A few minutes to half an hour or longer. Whatever you need to start make observations about your child, is a good place to start. Next, you may want to start offering potty times at specific moments in the day: upon waking from bed or nap, before nap or other transition times, before bedtime/nap time. Follow your child’s lead and their own comfort level while pottying them. Practice. Keep up a rhythm with your child. If you forget one day…don’t sweat it or stress out over it! Just keep going with your routine and communication with each other.
Attached Mama
Benefits to practicing Elimination Communication vs. Conventional “training” The Diaper Free Baby website (www.diaperfreebaby.org) lists 75 benefits to practicing EC’ing with your child. Here are just a few of my favourites: • • •
•
• • • •
• • • • • • •
reduces the risks of constipation and urinary tract infections; reduces bed wetting problems in an older child; provides a positive security (and stronger assurance) in the baby for they know that mommy/daddy will respond to their needs to eliminate; encourages a continued trusting relationship through communication about a basic human need; it is good for the environment – eliminating the use of diapers for an extended period of time; teaches children healthy rhythms; is consistent with attachment parenting philosophies; supports the child with increased self-confidence and eliminates or reduces ‘accidents’ as a toddler/preschooler; reduces or eliminates common struggles faced with potty training older children; gives your child a sense that you respect their needs from an early age; gives parents another way to get to know their child and what they need; enhances the relationship between mom and baby; can be a bonding time with siblings and other family members; EC’ing respects children; can be practiced anywhere!
If you would still like more information check out these books: Gross-Loh, Christine. (2007). The Diaper Free Baby: The Natural Toilet Training Alternative. Harper Collins Publishers. New York: New York, USA. Boucke, Laurie. (2002). Infant Potty Training, 2nd Edition. White Boucke Publishing. Colorado: USA.
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TOP TEN
By Christine South
Unique Spring Cleaning Spots 10. Storage container Match-Up – Time to take a deep breath and tackle that mound of storage containers we all love to hate. It’s time to toss out the ones that are stained and others that have no matching lids. An organized storage area makes life a little easier on everyone. 9. Ceiling Fans – Yes, even if you never turn your fans off, they still need to be cleaned! I’m amazed every time I turn my fans off how much dust can accumulate while the blades are spinning. A few wet paper towels and they are good to go! 8. Under the Beds – AKA: Where the dust bunnies dwell. Some people use this area as storage, and this is a great time to pull everything out and reorganize, sweep out all the dust bunnies or vacuum them up and put them out of their misery. 7. Water coolers – We all love a nice tall glass of cold water, and for many of us that water comes from a water cooler. It’s time to take it apart, clean the pieces and reassemble it. Change your filter and make sure that nice tall glass of water is at its best!
6. Secret Snack Food Stash – Chips, chocolate, candy, crackers, licorice, popcorn, nacho chips: we all have our vices. It’s time to put them in check. Toss out any old, stale or nearly empty bags or containers. Remind yourself that moderation is the key and make sure you are stocked with healthy snacks as well. 5. Medicine Cabinet – It’s amazing what can collect in there over the long winter months! It’s time to dig everything out, check the expiration dates and get rid of meds that are no longer good. Make sure all meds are sealed securely and out of reach of any little fingers. 4. Deep Under the Kitchen Sink – This is usually the place where many things come and hide; including dish soap, disinfecting wipes, air fresheners, bleach, garbage bags, light bulbs, plant food and more. If you have little ones, a child safety lock is a must on this door. Take everything out, wipe down the containers and the inside of the cabinet and place things back in an orderly fashion. There, all better!
3. The Dreaded Underwear Drawer – Sometimes it’s not pretty, but it’s a must. We have to get in there and do this every once in a while, so why not add it to your spring cleaning list? We all have that dreaded “last pair” of underwear that we hate, but wear anyway because it’s “laundry day”. Go find those underwear and CHUCK THEM!! Next in line are all panties that are: stretched, holey, stained, old, or just plain ugly. Next time you are at the store, buy yourself some new ones, you deserve it! 2. Make-up stockpile – You know that blush you’ve had since high school? Time to say good bye. Some of us would never get caught dead going out without make-up, and others, not so much. But, whatever your relationship is with make-up, the truth is we all feel a little better about ourselves when we take the time to look pretty. Whether it’s just a quick layer of facial moisturiser and some blush or putting on the works, we all need a little “me” time. So, get rid of all that old make-up and replace it with your new necessities, whatever those might be. 1. The “Junk” drawer – Oh the dreaded junk drawer, we all have one. And every time we clean it out, we swear that it will never look that way again. Wrong. It’s a huge collection of mismatched items, so keep the garbage can close when tackling this project. When you are all done give yourself a pat on the back and re-schedule a date with it again in 6 months because, no doubt, it will need it again.
ur o t r s! o e p s p s Su sine u b l loca
Second Bi-Ann ual Home Bas ed Business Exp o& Mom-2-Mom Sale (used kids item
Admission is F RE E
s)
We will be co llecting mone y for two loca that provide l charities food for kids in our commu nity!
Saturday, April 28th 10AM-3PM Hockey Heritage North in Kirkland Lake (Government Road/Hwy 66) Check out Usborne Books, Tupperware, Epicure, Partylite, Photohouse by Penny, Passion Creations Homemade Jewelry, Twisted & Bent, This and That, Country Quilts & Fabric, Watkins, Gerber Meats, Jockey Clothing, Nikki’s Fashion Palace, Crooked Creak Soaps, Juicy Candles, Stella & Dot, Bee’s Bombs, Silpada, White Water Music Studio, Everyday Style, Arbonne, Little Lovies, Avon, Carra’s Creative Cakes, Bugaboo Baby & You, Stutzman’s Wood Works, Jubilee Book & Bible Store, Body By Vi, Main St. Bed & Breakfast, Signing Time, Birth Services, Little Sprouts, It Works! Global, Creative Memories, many Community Non-Profit groups, AND SO MUCH MORE! The Ontario Early Years Centre will be there with activities for the kids! Contact Jamie (642-3453) cowie.jamie@hotmail.com or Jenita (642-3205) jenita@my.tupperware.ca for more details!
Bellies & Babies What Position is Your Baby In? (Why it matters for birth!) There is so much to say on the issue of baby's position and how it plays a crucial role in your birth experience and outcome. Most moms and health professionals are satisfied once they have established that baby is head down. But, truthfully, that is only one small part of the big picture. While most babies will lie head down, their position can vary. Here are the most common positions for a "head down" presentation:
This angle follows the line of least resistance". Anterior babies usually prefer lying to the left of your pelvis, although they can also lie to the right.
Posterior: baby's back is facing towards your back. Pauline tells us "In this position, your baby may meet with some resistance because of the angle he has begun in. His journey through your pelvis may be slower than the "anterior" baby. This is because he has to turn his head 180 degrees to find the Anterior: baby's back is same angle that the anterior facing out towards your belly. baby has taken (the "anterior" This position is called Optimal baby only has to rotate 90 Fetal Positioning as it is, in degrees or less)." I would add Author of “Sit Up and Take that this position can slow Notice: Positioning Yourself down labour, increase your for a Better Birth” Pauline sensation of pain, and add an Scott's words "the most unwanted obstacle when common position and the trying to achieving a VBAC. It most effective one for his is not an impossible position journey through your pelvis. to birth a baby in, however, it
by: Julie-Anne Mauno, Doula and Childbirth Educator
is a more challenging one. Posterior babies usually lie towards the right. Lateral: baby's back is facing your side. This position can easily turn into an anterior position, the most optimal position for birth, especially when he is facing your left side. Perhaps you are thinking "Huh?". If you can find a doll or stuffed animal, try this: Place the doll with its head down and back against you, slightly turned to the right. That's a typical posterior position. Now, turn the doll around with its back facing away from you, slightly turned to the left. That's a typical anterior (optimal) position. Now, turn the doll's back to face out towards your side and you're looking at a lateral position.
http://childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10174 The Doula Advantage - Rachel Gurevich Home Grown - Parenting in the North
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Bellies&Babies How can you tell if your baby is posterior or not? Well, there are some clues that moms can have. An anterior baby has its back out towards your belly. So, more than likely you will feel "rolling" sensations when baby moves. Also, if you lie down and use your palms and fingers to palpate or feel around, you will feel a big mass which would be your baby's back. An anterior baby's heartbeat is easy to find.
Rolling sensations and kicking near the ribs (anterior) or pokes and kicks towards your middle front (posterior)?
If your baby is posterior, you will feel a lot of little pokes and kicks towards your front and you might have more of an ache in your lower back as you head into your last weeks of pregnancy. When you lie down to feel for baby, there will be a lot of empty spaces and you might even feel small knobby protrusions (knees, hands, feet). A posterior baby's heartbeat is harder to find, not because it is weaker in any way, but because the back is not as close to the front of mom's belly.
Belly button sticking out (anterior) or belly button sunk in or saucer shaped (posterior)?
Now, when do you start thinking more about your baby's position? Usually in the last 8 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to find out your baby's position. Surprisingly, not all health care professionals know how to palpate for baby's position. In this case, try seeing for yourself what position you feel baby in based on these clues:
Hard solid mass when you feel around (anterior) or small knobby protrustions and empty spaces (posterior)? (Be sure to be lying on your back and feel mostly with your palms, skin on skin, applying gentle pressure).
Heartbeat easy to find (anterior) or difficult to find (posterior)? There is something you can do in the last weeks of pregnancy to ENCOURAGE your baby to assume an optimal (anterior) position. It has to do with body mechanics and pelvis mechanics. We live in a sedentary society and far too many pregnant women spend their last weeks of pregnancy with legs up and pelvis rocked back (knees up higher than your pelvis). This lifestyle seems to encourage baby to settle into a posterior position. The key is to try and adopt positions in your everyday life that tilt your pelvis towards the front, with your knees always lower than your pelvis.
For more information about Doulas be sure to check out the free screening of the movie DOULA!
Find Northern Doulas on Facebook
FACEBOOK Home Grown - Parenting in the North
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Bellies&Babies If you're thinking "Huh?" again, do not worry. Birth language can be a difficult language to navigate. Let's try looking at it this way. Sitting: Avoid recliners and cars with bucket seats. Now, this doesn't mean you have to get a different car, it just means that you want to make sure you are always sitting up straight. For example, when riding in a car, you can bring a pillow or towel to tuck under your bottom so that you are sitting up straight. This is true of all sitting you do, make sure you are sitting up straight and that your knees are LOWER than your hips. At home: Think, leaning forward. Try reading or watching T.V. on your knees (perhaps kneeling on a pillow) and leaning over a bean bag, cushions or an exercise ball. Lying down: Think leaning forward again. Lie on your left side, with your right leg leaning forwards over your left leg so your tummy is touching the mattress. Stay active! Staying active ensures that your pelvis is mobile and allows your baby more wiggle room to find that optimal position! For more great info and resources on optimal fetal positioning, go to www.spinningbabies.com where Gail Tully has greatly expanded upon Pauline Scott’s original work on optimal fetal positioning. Sources: 1.
“Sit Up and Take Notice: Positioning Yourself for a Better Birth” by Pauline Scott
2.
“The Belly Mapping Workbook” by Gail Tully ( www.spinningbabies.com )
Visit the website for more information or to buy the belly mapping workbook.
Childbirth Resources S
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Q
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C
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B
Other
Movies The Business of Being Born Gentle Birth Choices Websites Books
Husband-Coached Childbirth - Robert A. Bradley, MD Natural Childbirth the Bradley® Way Susan McCutcheon Active Birth The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally - Janet Balaskas Your Best Birth- Rikki Lake and Abby Epstein Gentle Birth Choices - Barbara Harper R.N. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin Silent Knife - Nancy Wainer Cohen
www.inamay.com http://www.mybestbirth.com http://spinningbabies.com/ http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/ http://www.choicesinchildbirth.org/ choices/birth/labor www.powertopush.ca Local Doulas
Kayleigh De Ceccodececco.km@gmail.com Julie-Anne Mauno ramoredoula@yahoo.ca Karine Hayes doula.info@miracleinserenity.com
Bailey Kasner kasner.bailey@yahoo.com Sherri-Pearce Matthewsbirthservices@gmail.com
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•
ICAN
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The Unnecesarean
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I had a VBAC in Canada
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Your Birth Coach Dr. Nancy Birth Source Inc.
Interview With:
Natasha Lessard
Name: Natasha Lessard Home Town: Timmins What is your favourite thing about living in the North? Getting to spend a lot of quality time with family.
Natasha Lessard Work: What is your day job? High school teacher. What led you to pursue a career in teaching? When I was 17, I participated in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Ontario Ranger summer camp program. I went on to become a sub-supervisor, and spent a total of 8 summers with them. I was inspired; when I came to a certain crossroads in my life, I chose to work with teenagers. In a society where bullying is such a prevalent issue, do you have any advice for parents to help their kids deal with bullies? It’s important for kids to seek help as soon as the bullying starts. If the kids are too shy to do it, the parents must step in by calling the school principal to report the incident(s). Most schools and school boards have a zero-tolerance policy. If you think your child is bullying others, talk to him/her about it. Often children use bullying as the quickest means possible to feel better about themselves, without considering the gravity of potential consequences. At an older age, and what I see much more of, is many kids dealing with mental health disorders. These health problems are more and more common, ranging from Bipolar disorder, to eating disorders, to addiction disorders, and society still has a hard time accepting them for what they are: health problems. There is still a lot of work to be done. The earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment, which in turn lessens the chances of adversely affecting the child’s academic standing. Once again, it’s important for the kids and the parents to seek help, either with the guidance counselor, the special education teacher, a trusted teacher, or the school social worker, if you’re lucky enough to have one.
Why high school as opposed to younger students? I love being able to contribute to such a great stage of life... a lot of important decisionmaking happens in the teen years, and I strive to be a positive influence and role model, as a teacher, as a citizen, as a woman, as a francophone... These are mini-adults trying to navigate their way through a pretty scary world. I can only hope that they become caring, informed, involved adults, that they reach for the stars while staying true to themselves. Plus a lot of them stay in touch after they’ve left high school, and I love hearing from them! You are also a yoga instructor, when and why did you start teaching others? After I moved up North from the GTA, I had a hard time finding a yoga class (not the case anymore!). I felt the need not only for a certain type of class, but for the camaraderie that develops among participants. I certified soon after, and began spreading the yoga love! The state of mind achieved at the end of a yoga class is priceless. What benefits do your students benefit from after doing yoga? Sleep! Lol ! As well as improved flexibility, pulmonary capacity and strength, yoga also trains the mind, through meditation, to stay focused. Through breathing exercises, deliberate consciousness is greatly improved, and as I always say in class, the better we control our thoughts, the better we control our reactions; the better we control our reactions, the better we contribute to the atmosphere around us. Where and when do you teach? I teach en francais at LaRonde Monday nights at 7 pm, and I teach an active lifestyle class (i.e. yoga for athletes) Wednesday nights at 7:30pm at Timmins Chiropractic Clinic. How do you balance a busy work life and family life? Oh balance! Balance is achieved through impeccable communication! My husband and I both have careers that demand extra hours in the evenings or on weekends, and we do juggle the schedule a lot! Thankfully, our son’s grandparents on both sides are usually ready and willing to have him over when we need time! It’s important to take time for yourself, as well, not just at work, but for re-connecting with friends, or doing what it is that makes you, you!
Natasha Lessard Family: What is the makeup of your family? My husband and I and our 21-month-old son. Any more children in your future? Yes. Two of my greatest gifts from life are my siblings. You and your husband are both from the North, what are your reasons for staying and raising your family here? When we met it was by far the most sensible decision. Both our families live in the Timmins area, and back then, teaching jobs in the North were readily available. I must admit, though, I miss the city, and we take a lot of weekend road-trips! Being bilingual is a common trait for Northerners, what are your reasons for ensuring your children speak French? My children will speak French because we are Francophones. It’s so much more than a language, it’s our culture. It’s not just words, it’s expression. Franco-ontarians are of a different breed: we love Canada, we love Ontario, we love being bilingual... But we are still, first and foremost, Francophone. We have had to fight for that right throughout the decades, and still fight for it on a daily basis. It doesn’t mean we have anything against the English language, it means we choose to live in French, which is our given right as a Canadian.
Natasha Lessard
Do you have any tips for parents who are looking to live a more natural lifestyle with their children? In a nutshell: research-based information. So much information is out there, it’s important to filter through it with a critical eye. Make sure what you read is based on in-depth research, and not just old wives’ tales. But keep reading! The key to eliminating childhood disease, and raising confident, respectful children is in staying informed, being careful as to parenting style, nutrition, household chemicals, from pregnancy, to toddlerhood, right through to adolescence. So much of what we do, eat, and breathe in affects how we perform in everyday life, and more importantly how long we live! And, of course, breastfeed, breastfeed, breastfeed. Other: Who inspires you? Why? Ina May Gaskin, for all of her hard work and advocacy in making childbirth normal again.
All Things That Grow% Photography( By Kayleigh May
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E-Mail: dececco.km@gmail.com
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Watch Baby Grow Plan
$200.00
Includes: 4 one hour photo sessions with one 8x10 print from each session, and an 8x8 storyboard print.. Session 1 - three months old Session 2 - six months old Session 3 - nine months old Session 4 - one year old.
All additional prints sold separately Offer does not include newborn sessions. Limited time offer. Payment must be made in full.
All Things That Grow% Photography( By Kayleigh May
EARTH DAY April 22 2012
This, and other prints available for sale at: www.allthingsthatgrow.smugmug.com
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Double Check !
By: Chantal Warren
April 22, 2012 is a day that many may not realize is ‘special’. It is Earth Day! Help celebrate Mother Nature by doing one, or all, of these resource-saving activities. Save water. No matter how little or how much, every drop saved makes a difference in the conservation of this natural resource. Contrary to popular belief, water is not an unlimited supply. Only about 1% of the water on earth is actually useable, so let’s do what we can to conserve it. Recycle. This may be an obvious one, but if you are not doing it yet, start. If you have been recycling religiously for years now, see if you can take it up a notch. Are there small things that you have been throwing out that can be recycled? Check out your community’s recycling program to see where you can increase your efforts. Save your power. Turn it off; everything, the lights, the tv, the computer. Turn out all the power for the day and watch the money savings add up while you reduce your carbon footprint. Walk somewhere. Hang up the car keys and put those new runners to use. You will benefit in more ways than you realize. Not only are you saving the planet by driving less, but you are saving money on fuel, gaining health benefits from the exercise and boosting your spirits by enjoying the fresh outdoor air. Donate. Donating items to community organizations or second hand stores gives a second life to items not being used by your family. It reduces the amount of natural resources used to make new items to replace the ones that end up in the landfills.
Eat something organically produced. Eating organically grown food is better for both your health as well as the planet’s. You will be ingesting fewer to no chemicals by eating organically. Consider the packaging. Before purchasing anything, consider the packaging that the item comes in. Is the box filled with foam, plastic, cardboard? Is there an alternative that uses less packaging? Your strongest voice to retailers is your spending dollar. Every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for what you support. Support companies that use fewer natural resources to package their goods. Trade in your cleaner. Trade in just 1 chemical-laden home cleaner for a natural or green alternative. Check out this month’s Green Spring Cleaning article for natural recipes to try. Reuse. Find a new use for things that you would ordinarily throw out. Try using a cardboard box to store Christmas decorations instead or tossing it only to go out and purchase a plastic one from a big box store. Share your knowledge. Help someone initiate a new green habit. Teach someone, anyone, about the benefits of living a greener life. Be it your kids, friends, coworkers. Some people don’t realize how easy it really is to recycle instead of throwing away those tin cans or plastic bottles.
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Living Green: Green Spring Cleaning Christina Demers Home Grown would like to introduce to you one of its newest writers, Christina Demers. Christina is passionate about healthy, green living and runs a completely chemical free home. She will be contributing to the Green Living column on a regular basis, so please join me in welcoming her and enjoy her first submission.
Well, it's that time of the year again! Now that it's officially spring, many of you are probably getting your Spring Cleaning underway. Before you do, I'd like to take a minute to teach you about the many benefits to green cleaning. I'm sure you've heard of “green cleaning� before, and if not, there's no time like the present to learn about it. What is it, you ask? Green cleaning is the use of natural products in lieu of harsh chemical preparations, to both clean and disinfect without harming the environment. Not only is it eco-friendly, it can also be quite beneficial for our health... particularly in homes where children, pets, and those with asthma or other health concerns reside.
Why should you do it? Have you ever looked at the label on a commercially prepared cleanser? Do you know what half of the ingredients are? Do you know their potential effects on your body and the world around you? I've always been of the opinion that if you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't be using it. Green cleaning is healthier, safer for the environment, and gentler on the pocketbook. It's very easy to make the switch, and once you do, I'm sure you'll never want to go back to caustic, abrasive chemicals again.
Living Green
TOP 3 MYTHS ABOUT GREEN CLEANING Over the years, I've heard many myths and misconceptions about the concept. I'm here to debunk them and set you on a path to safer, more economical and environmentally sound household cleaning. MYTH: Green cleaning won't do as good of a job cleaning as commercially prepared chemical cleaners. The ingredients aren't as strong as the bleach or ammonia based products available in the cleaning aisle. I'll have to clean twice as much or twice as often to get things properly sanitized. FACT: This is probably the most wide-spread falsehood about eco-conscious cleaning. Green cleaning is just as effective as your current brand name cleaners and, with the right techniques, takes less effort to achieve the same clean sparkle you aim for! MYTH: It's complicated to switch to green cleaning, and will cost me a fortune. A lot of the ingredients will be hard to find, or I'll have to shop at overpriced “hippie stores”. FACT: It's not complicated at all, requires very few ingredients and is much cheaper than buying dozens of various commercially prepared solutions. Because many of the ingredients are food safe, they can be found in your local grocery store without too much trouble. When you calculate what you spend on chemical cleaners in the average month, you'll find this is really a money SAVER. MYTH: A lot of the recipes use vinegar. I don't like the smell of vinegar and don't want it to linger in my home. FACT: Yes, vinegar is used in many homemade
cleansers, and while it may have a pungent aroma initially, when it dries the smell completely evaporates. Unlike popular pine cleaners and the like, the scent does NOT linger and you will NOT be able to smell it afterwards. Additionally you may add essential oils to many of the mixtures, which will give your home a pleasant, lasting aroma. HOW DO I GET STARTED? In addition to your standard cleaning tools that you already own such as a mop, bucket, gloves, scrubbies (or preferably washable microfiber cloths/rags) and the like, the following are the basic ingredients you'll need, and their approximate costs: •Vinegar (standard
food safe vinegar will work, but many grocery stores now sell a double strength cleaning variety) and both types are usually available for about $2 per 4L jug •Baking soda, which costs less than a dollar. •Liquid castile soap, available at many health food stores or online at various suppliers. Castile soap can cost about $10 per litre (even cheaper in bulk) but don't worry, a little bit goes a long way. •Essential oils are optional but can add fragrance as well as antibacterial properties. Cost varies. •Lemon juice, which is under $2 So there you have it! Enough ingredients to clean your entire house and then some, with a total cost of under $20! Now think to yourself how much you spend on all purpose cleaner, floor cleaner, laundry soap, fabric softener, stain remover, dish soap, glass cleaner, air freshener, fabric refresher, disinfectant wipes and such. The savings is immediately apparent.
Living Green
BASIC CLEANING RECIPES The following recipes are just an introduction to the many fabulous things you can do with green cleaning ingredients. As you become more comfortable with this practice, you may want to experiment or “tweak� your recipe to suit your personal preferences. Below are the recipes that I have been using in my own home for years, and I think they form a good foundation for any green cleaning approach. All recipes can be pre-mixed and stored indefinitely in a tightly capped jug/spray bottle for future use.
natural or commercial, to test on fabric in an inconspicuous place before using.
ALL PURPOSE SURFACE/FLOOR CLEANER: Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1/2 cup baking soda, into 2 litres of water. Clean as you normally would and finish with a quick rinse of hot water.
DISH SOAP: Mix 2 cups of liquid castile soap with 1/2 cup of water. If desired, essential oils may be added for fragrance. Alternatively, you could use Dr. Bronners castile soap, which is pre-infused with essential oils for your convenience. To use, add 3 teaspoons into hot running water. For extra greasy dishes, 1/4 cup of vinegar may be added to the dishwater. LAUNDRY SOAP: Add 1 cup of baking soda, 1/3 cup salt and 2 cups water to a large pot. Warm over medium heat until mostly dissolved, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, pour into one gallon container, add 1 cup of castile soap and stir. Use 1/2 cup per load.
GLASS CLEANER: Mix 3 cups of vinegar with 1 cup of water. Shake well before using, spray onto window or mirror and wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
FABRIC SOFTENER: Blend 2 cups of baking soda, 2 cups of vinegar, and 4 cups of water. Use 1/4 cup per load in the final rinse.
AIR FRESHENER: Just like in the fridge, a small container of baking soda left open in a room will absorb unpleasant odors. For a room spray, dissolve 1/2 a cup of baking soda into 2 cups of very hot water. Once the baking soda is thoroughly dissolved, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and transfer to a spray bottle. (Another recipe I use a lot of in the winter months, when a warm scent is reminiscent of holiday baking, is to place a cup of water, a cup of white vinegar, some whole cloves, a cinnamon stick and one tbsp of vanilla extract into a small pot. Bring it to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Allow the liquid to cool before straining out the cloves and pouring into a spray bottle) Take caution when spraying ANY air freshener, natural or commercial, directly onto fabrics.
SURFACE DISINFECTANT: Mix 2 cups of water with 1/4 cup of vinegar. If you want, you can add 1/2 tsp of essential oil for fragrance and added antibacterial properties (tea tree oil is excellent for this)
FABRIC REFRESHER:Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with approximately 20 drops of the essential oil of your choosing. Some scents are stronger than others, so adjust the amount accordingly. Shake well and let sit for a day or two. Top up with 2.5 cups of water and voila! Please remember, as with any fabric refresher,
TOILET BOWL CLEANER: Pour one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl with a handful of baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes, swish with toilet brush and flush. THAT'S IT! You now know all the tools, tips and tricks that you need to make a basic switch to green cleaning. As time goes on, with a little research, you can find many more recipes and applications for these basic ingredients, as well as a few more advanced ones. Happy cleaning!
KIDZ KORNER Easter Hun t
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Plan a fun Easter egg hunt for the little ones this holiday. All the work is done for you! Just print and cut out the footprints and hid them in the following places: 1. Give this one to the kids when they wake up. 2. Should go at the table or the place where they eat breakfast. 3. Should go in the spot where they like to play. 4. Should go around the TV. 5. Should go in the kitchen somewhere. 6. Should go in the bathroom. The gift or basket should go in their bedroom or on their bed. Happy hunting!!
Good morning little bunny; How did you sleep? You’ll find your first treat At the place where you eat. 1.
v Way to go, you found me; How clever you must be. Your next prize for today, Can be found where you play. 2.
Wow, you’re quick as a bunny, And just as silly and funny. Hop away now to see, What is hiding by the TV. 3.
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Things are getting hot, When we’re working in this spot. Dash off now and look, Where people like to cook. 4.
Now we’re almost there. Where could this next place be? You’re sitting, but not on a chair; This place is where we pee! 5.
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Where now on the final clue. Here’s what you have to do: Tip toe, quiet on your feet, To the place where you count Sheep. 6.
BE PART OF A WORLD RECORD
Little Lamb and Sweet Face to Co-Host the Timmins Site for the Second Annual World-Record Setting “Great Cloth Diaper Change” Little Lamb and Sweet Face are committed to the environment, so being part of the Great Cloth Diaper Change is a natural way for us to show we care and to get others involved in our mission too. This is a great opportunity for all moms, dads and parents-to-be to learn more about modern cloth diapering. **
More details can be found on the event page on Facebook. Pre-registration forms are available at www.swetface.ca or Little Lamb. Event: Saturday, April 21st at 12:00pm @ Little Lamb, 264 Third Avenue, Timmins Join us with your little one. One small change can make a huge difference!
136 Claimpost Trail, Schumacher (705) 264-0232 www.sweetface.ca
264 Third Ave, Timmins (705) 268-2225 www.littlelamb.ca
** ‘loaner’ cloth diapers will be available for those who wish to participate but do not have their own diaper.
Join us with your little one. One small change can make a huge difference! Saturday, April 21st at 12:00pm @ Little Lamb 264 Third Avenue, Timmins
REGISTRATION FORM (Print and bring this form to Little Lamb the day of the event. event.) Participant Name: Child’s height:
Child’s Name: Diaper being used:
I am 18 years or older. I have read and agree to abide by the Requirements for P Participation. Signature:
Date:
REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION: Participants must be 18 years or older. Each ach participant must be paired with only one child. To qualify, the child hild must be 39 inches or shorter. Each child must be changed into a cloth, reusable diaper that can be purchased online, at a brick & mortar store, or is offered through th a diaper service. ‘Loaner’ diapers will be available for those who wish to participate and do not have qualifying qual cloth diapers. Only participants and the child being changed can enter the ‘Official Official Changing Station’. S Friends, family and children not being changed by a participant cannot enter this area. Allll participants must sign a liability waiver and photo release. HOW IT WORKS: At the sound of a loud start signal, all participants must remove their child’s child existing diaper and properly put on a 100% reusable cloth diaper. At the signal to start: Each participant will hold the clean diaper they will change the baby into high in the air, a photographer will take “before”” shots. Each participant will change their child’s diaper. No o photographs or video will be taken during this time.. When the diaper change is complete, each participant will hold their freshly changed child in the air. The he photographer will take “after” shots. Any participant who does not completely or properly complete the task will be deducted from the total count submitted. GUINNESS CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION: After a successful record attempt, all participants can order their own personalized Participation Certificates from Guinness World Records (TM). This link will work only after the record has been ratified and is included in the Guinness database. Visit: www.guinnessworldrecords.com/member/orderparticipationcertif www.guinnessworldrecords.com/member/orderparticipationcertificates.aspx Enter: Claim ID 372250 and the participation code: jvzb4394JV.
This is your entry ticket that will be counted and submitted to Guinness World Records (TM). You will hand it in upon entering the ‘Official Changing Station’ at the event.
p Easter Recipe Easter
Looking for a healthier option than the chocolate Easter bunny, meet the Easter Nest: Ingredients • 1 normal-size box of Shredded Wheat (16 large biscuits or 500g bitesize biscuits) • 400g milk chocolate • 2 100g bags of Mini Eggs • muffin paper cups Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6.
Crush the Shredded Wheat biscuits into a bowl using your hands or a food mixer Break the chocolate into pieces and melt in a microwave on a low heat, stirring every 30 seconds Pour the melted chocolate into the bowl and mix with the crushed Shredded Wheat When mixed and all the Shredded Wheat is covered with chocolate, spoon the mixture into bun cases and press down in the middle of each to create a place for the eggs Press two or three Mini Eggs into each nest Leave to set for at least 2 hours (or less if refrigerated)
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http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/10484/easter-nests
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atures Recipes Berry Playdough
Ingredients: •
Bag of desired berries
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1 cup of salt
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2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
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2 cups of flour
Directions: •
Boil the berries in 3-4 cups of water until they open up and color the water.
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Pour two cups of the water through a strainer to remove any berries.
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Allow the water to cool a bit.
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Combine the dry ingredients in a non-stick pan.
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Then add the water and oil.
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Stir well until smooth.
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While still stirring, cook the mixture on medium heat until a ball forms.
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It should take approximately 4 minutes.
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Place the dough on a lightly floured board and let it cool some more.
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Then kneed until smooth.
Recipe courtesy of www.playdoughrecipe.com
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Announcement Wall Cam Swartz is One, He celebrated his birthday on March 30, 2012
Sara Swartz is 5, She celebrated her birthday on March 13, 2012
Hayden De Cecco is Three He celebrated his birthday on March 2, 2012
Our Treasure Box Of Links www.inamay.com http://www.mybestbirth.com http://spinningbabies.com/ http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/ http://www.choicesinchildbirth.org/
http://www.preschoollearningonline.com/preschoolkidsongs.html
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/easy-stuffing/detail.aspx
http://www.dinnertool.com/article?id=654 http://southernfood.about.com/od/sweetpotatodess/r/bl1109d.htm www.divinedinnerparty.com http://www.marthastewart.com www.familyfun.go.com
http://www.nheri.org/Latest/Homeschooling-Across-America-Academic-Achievement-and-Demographic-characteristics.html
All Things That Grow% Photography( By Kayleigh May
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