Family Events - April Calendar

By Katie M

You've asked. We listened. And now we're delivering a full month of family events in the Triad! This has been made possible thanks in large part with our partnership with Prudential Carolinas Realty. This event list will always be accessible through our Family Events button on the right side of our web site, and it will change out the first of each month. And as always, this list is a work-in-progress and is built on submissions from our readers. We will continue to add the events you send us and we can do so at any time.

Enjoy a month full of family events, smarties! And please email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com with any events we forgot to include!

Thursday, April 1
Spring Day Camp
Thursday, April 1, 2010, 7:30am – 6pm
Bur-Mil Park, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd. Greensboro, NC 27410
March 29 -April 2, Bur-Mil Park is offering a week-long Spring Day Camp for children in Kindergarten through the 5th grade. Children will enjoy a week of wildlife & environmental education, arts & crafts, games and more! $110 for the week.

Day Out With Thomas Tickets On Sale Now!
Nc Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salsibury Ave., Spencer, NC, 28159
Day Out With Thomas (TM) at the N.C. Transportation Museum happens Sept. 24-26 and Oct. 1-3. Make sure you aren't left out of the fun! Tickets go on sale April 1st for this fun family favorite. Buy online or at the N.C. Transportation Museum.

Simply Story Time
Thursday, April 1, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Join us for story time in the theater. Free with admission/membership.

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, April 1, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! 336-703-2920

Friday, April 2
Spring Day Camp
Friday, April 2, 2010, 7:30am – 6pm
Bur-Mil Park, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd. Greensboro, NC 27410
From March 29 -April 2, Bur-Mil Park is offering a week-long Spring Day Camp for children in Kindergarten through the 5th grade. Children will enjoy a week of wildlife & environmental education, arts & crafts, games and more! $110 for the week

First Friday in Downtown Greensboro
Friday, April 2, 2010, 6 – 9pm
Downtown Greensboro, Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27401
First Friday is a free, self-guided tour of Downtown Greensboro’s shops, galleries and alternative arts venues that participate with specially programmed events and extended hours (until 9pm) on the first Friday of every month. The event is an opportunity to explore the center city’s local artistic community and encourages commerce and support of locally-owned, independent businesses located in Downtown. First Friday is promoted through a partnership between Downtown Greensboro Inc. and the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. Check for future updates and a downloadable map/guide at the First Friday Web site, www.downtownfridays.com.

YMCA Easter Egg Hunt
Friday, April 2nd
William G. White YMCA, 775 West End Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
FREE for Community! Join us for our Annual YMCA Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 2nd at the Wm. G. White, Jr. Family YMCA. (Easter Egg Hunt will take place at Hanes Park which is across the street from our YMCA.)Little Kids (0-3 years) 10:00-10:30 AM; Big Kids (3+ years) 10:30-11:00 AM.

Saturday, April 3
Hot Wheels Collectors Club
Saturday, April 3, 2010, 9am – 4pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
The Hot Wheels Collectors Club is coming to the Museum.

WKZL Easter Egg Festival
Saturday, April 3 from 10 am to 1 pm
Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
Join the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and 107.5 KZL for a fun filled day of activities for children ages two to nine. Lots of games and prizes. Bring your egg baskets and come for the Egg Hunts. For more information call 105.7 KZL at (336)274-8042.

Glow-In-The-Dark Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 3 at 6 pm
Fairchild Community Center, 827 Graham Hopedale Road, Burlington
Ages 6- 8 hunt for eggs that glow in the dark. Free.

Easter at Old Salem
Saturday, April 3 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Old Salem, 900 Old Salem Road, W-S
Celebrate Easter at Old Salem with an egg hunt, treats and activities. Adults $21; Ages 6-16 $10.

Kite Day
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Historic Bethabara Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Join us for a fun afternoon in the park!
Kites will rule the skies from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Bring your own kite - a limited number of kites will be available. Free admission!

PrintPool Party & Cookout
Saturday, April 3, 2010, 10am – 1:30pm
Davie Family YMCA, 215 Cemetery Street, Mocksville, NC 27028

Easter Egg Scramble
Saturday, April 3, 2010, 10 – 11:30am
Civitan Park, Kernersville, NC
Come to Civitan Park and scramble for goodie-filled eggs & prizes. Don't miss this topsy-turvy fun. You might even see the Easter Bunny. It's Fast & Free so don't be late! Times staggered by age as follows:
Ages 3 and under at 10:00 a.m.
Ages 4-7 at 10:45 a.m.
Ages 8-12 at 11:30 a.m.

Easter Egg Hunt
Gate City Lanes, 5502 Hornaday Road, Greensboro, NC 27409
2 pm
For kids aged 12 and under
336-292-5100

Lillie’s Friends – Family Festival, Egg Hunt and 5k Run
Tanglewood Park, Clemmons
10 am – 2 pm (5k Run/Walk starts at 9 am. To register, go to www.lilliesfriends.org.)
The Lillie' Friend's "Got Friends?" 5k Run/Walk will be held at the scenic Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC. Starting and finishing at the Tanglewood Steeplechase Field, the course will wind through the beautiful tree-lined canopy of Tanglewood Park. In the spirit of Easter, you will come to a point along the course where you will be given a surprise that you will need to carry to the finish line. Fun and unique entertainment along the way makes your run fun and different than any other race. The family festival is FREE and open to the public. Fun activities include a Kids "Chase the Hare" Fun Run (from 15 yards to 200 yards) which is designed for children from six months old to 9 years of age. Other activities include crafts, games, face painting, inflatables, balloon magician, live entertainment including Big Bang Boom Kids Band and a HUGE egg hunt with over 5000 eggs!!

Burlington City Park Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 3 at 10 a.m.
Burlington City Park, 1333 Overbrook Road, Burlington
Children divided into age groups for egg hunt. A visit from the Easter Bunny too. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 3 at 1 pm
Union Cross Baptist Church, Kernersville

Sunday, April 4
Family First Southern Sculpture Workshop
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
2 to 4 p.m.
Discover the southern buildings photographed by William Christenberry and make your own three-dimensional building out of found materials. We will photograph your sculpture, too! Family First Workshops are for elementary school-aged children and up, accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided. Please call 336.758.5599 for required reservations. Admission is $7 per person attending the workshop.

Monday, April 5
Busy Bees
Monday, April 5, 2010, 9am – 12pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
GCM's educational play program offers lots of fun things parents can do together with their children including music and movement, sensory story time, and awesome arts. Offered on Mondays from 9am-12pm for Members only and includes different themes for each week. Best suited for pre-school aged children (ages 1-5) and their caregivers. Call Gabrielle at 574-2898x311 for details.

Hive Time
Monday, April 5, 2010, 10:30 – 11am
Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 North Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Introducing Busy Bees Hive Time - 10:30am Mondays, stories, songs and activities with Ms. Gabrielle and Ms. Mary Margaret

PrintMocksville Cruise In
Monday, April 5, 2010, 5:30 – 9pm
Downtown Mocksville, On the Square, Mocksville, NC 27028
Show is held on the first and third Monday of each month through October 5th. Show begins at 5:30 PM and runs until dark. Music is by D.J. Barry Rentz and a 50/50 raffle is held each show. Piedmont C.A.R.S. at 751.3770

Tuesday, April 6
Portraits, Inc Special Preview Event
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

Wednesday, April 7
Wee Little Kids on the Ball Program
Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 N. Church St. Greensboro, NC
Wee Little Kids on the Ball (ages 3-5 yrs)This program gets your kids moving in a fun way using kid-sized exercise balls! Our activities and games focus on a variety of fitness disciplines including balance, coordination, strength, cardio, and flexibility. We will be on top of, around, to the side of, and even hopping on balls! No pre-registration necessary.

Portraits, Inc Special Preview Party
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

Thursday, April 8
Simply Story Time
Thursday, April 8, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Join us for story time in the theater.Free with admission/membership.

Home & Closet Consignment Sale Registration Deadline
Register by APRIL 8 to consign or volunteer.
300 West Friendly Avenue, Fellowship Hall
West Market Street United Methodist Church
It's time again for the Home & Closet Consignment Sale! Featuring Ladies & Children's Spring/Summer Clothing,Shoes & Accessories; Home Decor, Kitchen Goods,
Furniture, Books, DVDs, Toys, Electronics and more. The PREVIEW SALE is Thursday evening, April 15; public sale April 16 & 17. Only volunteers and consignors may attend the Preview Sale. Volunteers must work one 3-hour shift. Childcare available upon request at most shifts. To register, email homeandcloset@gmail.com or call Leslie at 856-1063.

Portraits, Inc Special Preview Event
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, April 8, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! 336-703-2920

Friday, April 9
Craftsmen's Spring Classic Arts & Crafts Festival
Friday, April 9, 2010, 10am – 8pm
Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, 1921 W. Lee St. Greensboro, NC 27403
Features original designs and work from more than 275 talented artists and craftsmen from across the Nation. Visit with the artists/craftsmen as you discover what goes into the making of these one-of-a-kind treasures. Something for every style, taste and budget - traditional, contemporary, functional, whimsical, decorative.

Portraits, Inc Special Preview Event
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

Upscale Resale is coming to Greensboro!
Public Sale is Friday, April 9th from 9am-5pm
The Village at North Elm (in the old Rolly's building), 303H Pisgah Church Rd, Greensboro NC
You are invited to a unique consignment experience in Greensboro! We offer
upscale, finer children's clothing, shoes & accessories in excellent
condition from boutiques & trunk shows and your favorite European brands like
Mini Boden! Infants to size 10 and Introducing NEW 'Tween to Teen! Sizes 12 and UP!
All your favorite brands... Seven, Aeropostale, 77Kids,
Abercrombie, Rainbow, Reef, Roxy, the North Face & more! To shop, sell, volunteer or promote your business, contact us at www.UpscaleResale4kids.com.

Season's Change Event
April 9th and 10th
Splurge's Boutique
Two Locations: 2207 Fleming Rd., GSO AND 210 N. Main St. #130 in Kernersville
Featuring art by Bill Coyne, Liquid Time & CO. Jewelry, Gift w/Purchase & Live Music on Friday, and Saturday in the Kernersville Shop from Noon until 4 pm featuring Lauren Light. 20% off one item everyday at Splurges!

Ladies Only Facebook Bootcamp
April 9 from 10:30 - 1:30 pm
New Town Bistro, Jonestown Rd, W-S
Great for mompreneurs! $35 which includes lunch at New Town Bistro.

Saturday, April 10
Saturday Enrichment Workshop
Saturday, April 10, 2010, 10am – 1pm
African American Atelier, 200 N Davie St # 14 Greensboro Cultural Center Greensboro, NC 27401
Saturday Enrichment Workshops are FREE art classes offered to students ages 6-14. Workshops focus on specific art techniques including: basic drawing, printmaking, jewelry making, sculpture, and other selected arts & crafts. Workshops are from 10:00am until 1:00pm in the Atelier classroom, room #329, in the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center.

Season's Change Event
April 9th and 10th
Splurge's Boutique
Two Locations: 2207 Fleming Rd., GSO AND 210 N. Main St. #130 in Kernersville
Featuring art by Bill Coyne, Liquid Time & CO. Jewelry, Gift w/Purchase & Live Music on Friday, and Saturday in the Kernersville Shop from Noon until 4 pm featuring Lauren Light. 20% off one item everyday at Splurges!

Portraits, Inc Special Preview Event
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

Upscale Resale is coming to Greensboro!
Public Sale is Saturday, April 10th from 9am-1pm.(select items are reduced 50% off on Sat)
The Village at North Elm (in the old Rolly's building), 303H Pisgah Church Rd, Greensboro NC
You are invited to a unique consignment experience in Greensboro! We offer
upscale, finer children's clothing, shoes & accessories in excellent
condition from boutiques & trunk shows and your favorite European brands like
Mini Boden! Infants to size 10 and Introducing NEW 'Tween to Teen! Sizes 12 and UP!
All your favorite brands... Seven, Aeropostale, 77Kids,
Abercrombie, Rainbow, Reef, Roxy, the North Face & more! To shop, sell, volunteer or promote your business, contact us at www.UpscaleResale4kids.com.

Hot Wheels Collectors Club
Saturday, April 10, 2010, 9am – 4pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
The Hot Wheels Collectors Club is coming to the Museum

Motor Mania
Saturday, April 10 from Noon to 4 pm
Truliant parking lot (near Hanes Mall), 3200 Truliant Way, W-S.
Sponsored by TriadMommies.com and Truliant Federal Credit Union. Admission is $5 per family, and all proceeds benefit TriadMommies.com and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Winston-Salem. Vehicles on display include construction trucks and equipment, rescue vehicles, race cars, motorcycles and much more. Children of all ages can explore trucks of all sizes while learning how they work and serve our community. There also will be snacks, face painting, and inflatable bounce fun.

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave. between College and McGuinn Drives, HP
10 to 4 pm
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Sunday, April 11
Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave. between College and McGuinn Drives, HP
1 to 4 pm
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Portraits, Inc Special Preview Event
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

Monday, April 12
Busy Bees
Monday, April 12, 2010, 9am – 12pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
GCM's educational play program offers lots of fun things parents can do together with their children including music and movement, sensory story time, and awesome arts. Offered on Mondays from 9am-12pm for Members only and includes different themes for each week. Best suited for pre-school aged children (ages 1-5) and their caregivers. Call Gabrielle at 574-2898x311 for details.

Portraits, Inc Special Preview Event
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

Hive Time
Monday, April 12, 2010, 10:30 – 11am
Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 North Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Introducing Busy Bees Hive Time - 10:30am Mondays, stories, songs and activities with Ms. Gabrielle and Ms. Mary Margaret

Tuesday, April 13
WS Dash Home Game Opener at BB&T Ballpark
7 pm

Portraits, Inc Special Preview Event
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

Wednesday, April 14
Wee Little Kids on the Ball Program
Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 N. Church St. Greensboro, NC
Wee Little Kids on the Ball (ages 3-5 yrs)This program gets your kids moving in a fun way using kid-sized exercise balls! Our activities and games focus on a variety of fitness disciplines including balance, coordination, strength, cardio, and flexibility. We will be on top of, around, to the side of, and even hopping on balls! No pre-registration necessary.

Portraits, Inc Special Preview Event
Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Beautiful portrait samples from Portraits, Inc. will be on display Tuesday April 6 through Wednesday April 14 at the Etcetra clothing show at the Busy B's shop at 1604 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro.

FIT Nutrition: Toddlers and Picky Eaters
April 14 and 28 from 6 to 7:30 pm
Gateway YWCA, 1300 South Main St, W-S
A Brenner Children's Hospital event. This two-class series addresses the challenges of feeding toddlers and is led by Brenner FIT team members, including a registered dietician. The program is based on Ellyn Satter's Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense. It is free and open to the public.

Thursday, April 15
Simply Story Time
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Join us for story time in the theater. Free with admission/membership.

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! 336-703-2920

The Art of Decorating Workshop Series
Meg Brown Home Furnishings, 5491 US Hwy 158, Advance, NC 27006
6:30pm - 8:00 pm
The Decorating Gals Secrets Revealed. Our favorite decorating tips and tricks. Fee is $35.00 per class. Space is limited. To register go to link above.

Friday, April 16
Dinosaurs!
Friday, April 16, 2010, 10am
Children's Theatre of Winston-Salem, 610 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem
Get ready to hang out with Stegosaurus and hobnob with T-Rex – because Jim West brings the age of the dinosaurs to life! Enjoy prehistory as he mixes storytelling with the latest dinosaur discoveries and a rich musical score of Mozart, Beethoven, Mahler, Stravinski and Prokofiev.-Pre-K- 3rd Grade-. General Admission- $8 Premium Ticket- $12. Additional Performance Noon

Home & Closet Consignment Sale
Friday, April 16 - 9:30am-6:00pm
Saturday, April 17 - 7:30am-12:00noon (with most items discounted)
300 West Friendly Avenue, Fellowship Hall
West Market Street United Methodist Church
It's time again for the Home & Closet Consignment Sale! Featuring Ladies & Children's Spring/Summer Clothing,Shoes & Accessories; Home Decor, Kitchen Goods,
Furniture, Books, DVDs, Toys, Electronics and more. The PREVIEW SALE is Thursday evening, April 15. Only volunteers and consignors may attend the Preview Sale. Volunteers must work one 3-hour shift. Childcare available upon request at most shifts. Register by APRIL 8 to consign or volunteer. To register, email homeandcloset@gmail.com or call Leslie at 856-1063.

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 16 9am-6pm

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
Friday, April 16, 2010, 6 – 7:30pm
Davie Family YMCA, 215 Cemetery Street, Mocksville, NC 27028
Call the YMCA for times and activities: 751-9622

Saturday, April 17
Dinosaurs!
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 11am
Children's Theatre of Winston-Salem, 610 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem
Get ready to hang out with Stegosaurus and hobnob with T-Rex – because Jim West brings the age of the dinosaurs to life! Enjoy prehistory as he mixes storytelling with the latest dinosaur discoveries and a rich musical score of Mozart, Beethoven, Mahler, Stravinski and Prokofiev. General Admission- $8 Premium Ticket- $12. -Pre-K- 3rd Grade.

Home & Closet Consignment Sale
Friday, April 16 - 9:30am-6:00pm
Saturday, April 17 - 7:30am-12:00noon (with most items discounted)
300 West Friendly Avenue, Fellowship Hall
West Market Street United Methodist Church
It's time again for the Home & Closet Consignment Sale! Featuring Ladies & Children's Spring/Summer Clothing,Shoes & Accessories; Home Decor, Kitchen Goods,
Furniture, Books, DVDs, Toys, Electronics and more. The PREVIEW SALE is Thursday evening, April 15. Only volunteers and consignors may attend the Preview Sale. Volunteers must work one 3-hour shift. Childcare available upon request at most shifts. Register by APRIL 8 to consign or volunteer. To register, email homeandcloset@gmail.com or call Leslie at 856-1063.

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 17th 9am-6pm

Brunch with Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz!
Saturday, April 17th, 2010 10am-12pm
Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, Kernerville, NC
Tickets $15 (includes the brunch plus a ticket to see "Wizard of Oz" at Glenn High School on April 22nd, 23rd, 24th, OR 25th – your choice). Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion, and Glenda will interact with you as you enjoy the delicious "Oz cooked" meal!!! Also Available for $5: professional photo of you and the Oz characters

4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Motorcycle Run
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 9am – 1pm
Davie Family YMCA, 123 South Main Street, 3rd Floor, Mocksville, NC 27028
Join us for the 4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Motorcycle Run! We will have activities, music, fun, food, and games! Registration fee for walkers is $20 and includes a t-shirt while supplies last. Registration fee for riders is $20 for single and $30 for double and includes a t-shirt while supplies last. Call DDVS/RCC at 336-751-3450 for more information.

HUGE YARD SALE
Saturday, April 17, beginning at 7:30 AM
Front Street UMC, Corner of Front, Fisher and Webb (GSO)
Lots and lots of good quality items, including furniture, a piano, an organ, sports equipment, decorating items, baby equipment, dishes, televisions, toys, games, books and children and adult clothing. Sponsored by the Front Street Child Care Programs
Proceeds benefit those programs.

Piedmont Earth Day
10 am to 5 pm on the campus of Wake Forest University
Enjoy this zero waste challenge event with children's activities, entertainment, an all-natural food court and more than 100 exhibits. Please bring your re-usable watter bottle and remember to carpool. Free admission. Rain or shine.

Sunday, April 18
Up Up and Away
Sunday, April 18, 2010, 11am – 2pm
Civitan Park, Kernersville, NC
Pack a lunch, bring a kite to Civitan Park, and spend the morning catching a breeze. Register by April 16th to make Spin Art Frisbees for $4 each. Call 996-3062 to find out more.

Come Take A Peek
Sunday, April 18 at 2 pm
Summit School, Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem
If your child is a rising Junior Kindergartner or a rising Kindergartner, please join us for our “Come Take A Peek” experience. Children will have the opportunity to experience a condensed version of a typical day, including classroom activities, music, P.E., and storytelling time in the library. As a parent, you will have a chance to observe your child participating in the magic of Summit School! (Contact kmemory@summitmail.org to register for Come Take A Peek.)

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 18th 1-5pm

Monday, April 19
Busy Bees
Monday, April 19, 2010, 9am – 12pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
GCM's educational play program offers lots of fun things parents can do together with their children including music and movement, sensory story time, and awesome arts. Offered on Mondays from 9am-12pm for Members only and includes different themes for each week. Best suited for pre-school aged children (ages 1-5) and their caregivers. Call Gabrielle at 574-2898x311 for details.

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 19 9am-6pm

PrintMocksville Cruise In
Monday, April 19, 2010, 5:30 – 9pm
Downtown Mocksville, On the Square, Mocksville, NC 27028
Show is held on the first and third Monday of each month through October 5th. Show begins at 5:30 PM and runs until dark. Music is by D.J. Barry Rentz and a 50/50 raffle is held each show. Piedmont C.A.R.S. at 751.3770

Tuesday, April 20
Spring Show COCKTAIL PREVIEW at The Trunk Show at 5:30 pm
The Trunk Room, Stratford Road (the old Celtic Cafe, next to Space Savers)
Featuring artwork by many of our artists including David Nance, Hilda Spain-Owen, Kristin Gibson, Libby Smart, Margaret Salisbury, Anne Neilson, and several others. We will also have a truck load of antiques - not to miss! This has been a hit from past shows, it is always exciting to see what arrives!

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 20 9am-6pm

Wednesday, April 21
Wee Little Kids on the Ball Program
Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 N. Church St. Greensboro, NC
Wee Little Kids on the Ball (ages 3-5 yrs)This program gets your kids moving in a fun way using kid-sized exercise balls! Our activities and games focus on a variety of fitness disciplines including balance, coordination, strength, cardio, and flexibility. We will be on top of, around, to the side of, and even hopping on balls! No pre-registration necessary.

Open House at St. Francis Day School, GSO
Wednesday, April 21 from 9:30 - 11:30 am
St. Francis Day School, 3506 Lawndale Drive, GSO
Tour the classrooms, meet the teachers and talk with current parents. We have been serving greater Greensboro's children for over 40 years. For more information or to schedule another tour contact us at dayschool@stfrancisgreensboro.org.

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 21 9am-6pm

Spring Show at The Trunk Show
Wednesday April 21 from 9: 30 am to 5:30 pm
The Trunk Room, Stratford Road (the old Celtic Cafe, next to Space Savers)
Featuring artwork by many of our artists including David Nance, Hilda Spain-Owen, Kristin Gibson, Libby Smart, Margaret Salisbury, Anne Neilson, and several others. We will also have a truck load of antiques - not to miss! This has been a hit from past shows, it is always exciting to see what arrives!

Thursday, April 22
Simply Story Time
Thursday, April 22, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Join us for story time in the theater.Free with admission/membership.

Annual Earth Day ay Center City Park
Greensboro Center City Park
Thursday, April 22 4:30-7:30pm
Enjoy music, art, kids' activities, local food, drinks and crafts. Bring the family and enjoy the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day as we celebrate in Downtown Greensboro.

Town of Kernersville Earth Day Celebration
Thursday, April 22 9:30am-4pm
Kernersville Town Hall Square
134 East Mountain Street Kernersville, NC 27284
Come be a part of the Town of Kernersville’s second annual Earth Day Celebration! This is a free event for families and will include the Art for Earth Contest.
This event will be held rain or shine!

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 22 9am-6pm

Spring Show at The Trunk Show
Thursday, April 22 from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
The Trunk Room, Stratford Road (the old Celtic Cafe, next to Space Savers)
Featuring artwork by many of our artists including David Nance, Hilda Spain-Owen, Kristin Gibson, Libby Smart, Margaret Salisbury, Anne Neilson, and several others. We will also have a truck load of antiques - not to miss! This has been a hit from past shows, it is always exciting to see what arrives!

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, April 22, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! 336-703-2920

Earth Day
Children's Museum of Winston-Salem
Come learn about our environment and discover all of the many things you can do to help keep it beautiful. Free with paid admission or Museum membership.

Friday, April 23
Discount Friday Nights
Friday, April 23, 2010, 4 – 8pm
Children's Museum of W/S, 390 S. Liberty St., Winston-Salem, NC
The Children's Museum will be open the following Friday nights from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. for $3.00 admission for you and your family.

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 23rd 9am-6pm

W-S Junior League Annual Rummage Sale
Friday: April 23 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Lawrence Joel Coliseum Annex and Education Building
Admission price:
Friday: $5 for adults; children under age 12 are admitted free
As Winston-Salem’s largest “flea market”, this sale provides quality goods at affordable prices to over 5,000 attendees. Approximately 62,000 square feet of space houses more than twenty departments of clothing, shoes, books, housewares, furniture, appliances, antiques, new items, and much more. This is truly a community event.

Saturday, April 24
Books Alive Lazy Day Charades
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30am
Lewisville Library Auditorium, 6490 Shallowford Rd., Lewisville, NC 27023
Books come alive at the Lewisville Library the last Saturday of every month. Every session starts at 10:30 a.m. with a two minute “actor's warm-up”, followed by reading the selected book of the month, and then kids get on their feet and learn by doing. K - 3rd graders will enjoy this interactive program.

Buckhead Betties Creative Container Sale
300 NC Highway 68. (Same location as the fall sale.)
April 24th 9am-4pm

W-S Junior League Annual Rummage Sale
Saturday am: April 24 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the half price sale
Saturday pm: April 24 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. for the famous “big bag sale”
Lawrence Joel Coliseum Annex and Education Building
Admission price:
Saturday am: $3 Half price sale
Saturday pm: $1 Admission and $5 per bag, bags provided
As Winston-Salem’s largest “flea market”, this sale provides quality goods at affordable prices to over 5,000 attendees. Approximately 62,000 square feet of space houses more than twenty departments of clothing, shoes, books, housewares, furniture, appliances, antiques, new items, and much more. This is truly a community event.

Saturday Enrichment Workshop
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10am – 1pm
African American Atelier, 200 N Davie St # 14 Greensboro Cultural Center Greensboro, NC 27401
Saturday Enrichment Workshops are FREE art classes offered to students ages 6-14. Workshops focus on specific art techniques including: basic drawing, printmaking, jewelry making, sculpture, and other selected arts & crafts. Workshops are from 10:00am until 1:00pm in the Atelier classroom, room #329, in the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center.

Earth Day Celebration & 5K/10K runs
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
Celebrate Earth Day at the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning area. Participants will enjoy bison tours, guided hikes, children's activities, and tours of the Minor-Porter Log House throughout the day. Other programs and activities include a 5K and 10K runs, a demonstration of Live Birds of Prey, live music by Erica Wheeler, and opportunities to learn to kayak. Admission and parking is free. Shuttles will transport guests from the Lewisville City Hall to the event site. For more information or to register for the 5K or 10K please call 972.219.3560.

RayLen's Spring Fling
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 1 – 5pm
RayLen Vineyards & Winery, 3577 US Hwy 158, Mocksville, NC 27028
Bring your picnic baskets, lawn chairs, and your friends and dance the afternoon away. Try some new wine or savor some favorites! Single bottle purchases available for picnics. Includes admission, a glass of wine, souvenir wine glass and parking.

West End Shops by the Park Block Party
Saturday, April 24th from 11am-6pm
In the historic West End of Winston-Salem
There will be live music including DJ Nick Peluso, performances by the Theatre Alliance, several good food options, kids' activities, neighborhood artists on display and sidewalk sales by local vendors.

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave. between College and McGuinn Drives, HP
10 am to 4 pm
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Sunday, April 25
Sundays in the Park
Sunday, April 25, 2010, 2 – 5pm
Center City Park, Elm Street and Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401
Sundays in the Park are held from 2 -5pm on the last Sunday of each month from May through October. In addition to bands, crafts, and children's activities, the 2009 Sundays in the Park at Center City Park will spotlight selected community resources -bringing a new dimension to the family-friendly events. Visit our website for more information!

Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park
High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave. between College and McGuinn Drives, HP
1 pm to 4 pm
Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

Monday, April 26
Busy Bees
Monday, April 26, 2010, 9am – 12pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
GCM's educational play program offers lots of fun things parents can do together with their children including music and movement, sensory story time, and awesome arts. Offered on Mondays from 9am-12pm for Members only and includes different themes for each week. Best suited for pre-school aged children (ages 1-5) and their caregivers. Call Gabrielle at 574-2898x311 for details.

Hive Time
Monday, April 26, 2010, 10:30 – 11am
Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 North Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Introducing Busy Bees Hive Time - 10:30am Mondays, stories, songs and activities with Ms. Gabrielle and Ms. Mary Margaret

Tuesday, April 27

Wednesday, April 28
Wee Little Kids on the Ball Program
Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 N. Church St. Greensboro, NC
Wee Little Kids on the Ball (ages 3-5 yrs)This program gets your kids moving in a fun way using kid-sized exercise balls! Our activities and games focus on a variety of fitness disciplines including balance, coordination, strength, cardio, and flexibility. We will be on top of, around, to the side of, and even hopping on balls! No pre-registration necessary.

31 Cent Scoop Night
Wed, April 28 from 5 - 10 pm
Baskin Robbins locations
Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins® and help us honor America's firefighters. The Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation is donating $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation™. Participating stores will reduce prices of ice cream scoops to 31 cents*. At some locations, you may also have an opportunity to make a donation to your local fire charities. *2.5 oz scoops are 31 cents plus tax where applicable. Limit 3 scoops per person.

Thursday, April 29
Simply Story Time
Thursday, April 29, 2010, 3:30pm
Greensboro Childrens Museum, 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Join us for story time in the theater. Free with admission/membership.

Jewelry XOX Launch Party
Thursday, April 29 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Arbor Run Clubhouse at 255 Fairhaven Road in Lewisville.
Food, drinks, giveaways, Mother’s Day special and lots of fun!

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, April 29, 2010, 10:30 – 11:15am
Clemmons Branch Library, 3554 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers come join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! 336-703-2920

Friday, April 30
The Secret of Kells
Friday, April 30 through Thursday, May 6, 2010
a/perture cinema, 311 West Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Come see the 2010 Oscar nominated animated feature film. The story of the boy behind the famed Irish Book of Kells

Jewelry XOX Launch Party
Friday, April 30 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Arbor Run Clubhouse at 255 Fairhaven Road in Lewisville. Food, drinks, giveaways, Mother’s Day special and lots of fun!

Jefferson Elementary School Carnival
Friday, April 30th, 5p.m. – 8p.m.
4000 Jefferson School Lane, Winston-Salem
Come join us for the annual Jefferson Elementary School Carnival. There will be pizza, fun games and prizes, a haunted classroom, a silent auction and much, much more! Come by and check it out. All proceeds benefit Jefferson Elementary School PTA.

What did we forget? Either email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com, or leave it in the comment section below.

Read more...

Deadline extended for contest!

By Rachel H

Many readers sent us emails asking for an extension on the "Give An Hour" contest. We thought since it is now Spring Break for some of our children, many moms will have more time to actually give this hour over the next week or so. We have decided to extend the deadline for this contest until April 15th. If you have already entered, we thank you! We have saved all of your emails and have already gotten some fantastic ideas from you! For those of you who missed the blog about the contest, here you go ...


You ladies are gonna love this contest! Give us an hour of your time and we’ll give you a chance to win an hour worth of pampering! We will have two winners! One will win a massage from Heather Kiser and haircut from Heather Foster atThe Salons at Cicero in historical West End, Winston-Salem. The other will win a choice of a hour massage or luxurious facial from Chevalrie Salon and Spa, located on North Main Streetin High Point.

Last week we received this email:

Dear Katie and Rachel,
I officially wanted Triad Smarty Pants to know that I became completely sucked in for my entire lunch hour going through blogs on your site - new ones, old ones, REALLY old ones - and could have continued for quite some time. While I have always known y'all were great - I have to admit that once I get home from work, take care of the little ones (they are called "dependents" for a reason), and wrangle them into bed, I usually don't get on the computer. I'm constantly behind on Facebook and home email (452 messages are in the inbox) and have only visited the site periodically and through updates on Facebook.

That said - the site is WONDERFUL and such a fabulous resource. I told some friends of mine last week to check out the summer camp list and I have put the First Family workshop for this Sunday on my to-do list because we have wanted to go to the Reynolda House for quite some time.
Thanks so much for all you do on TSP!
Janet


Needless to say, we were so excited by this email! Our team is always looking for feedback so we can learn what our readers like, don’t like, or what they want to see more of! But we were most impressed by the fact that our reader, Janet, took the time to scroll through old posts and find some useful information. This gave us the idea for our “Give An Hour, Get An Hour” contest.

So here is the challenge: Give us one hour on our website. (Yes, we know some of you have logged on every morning for the past year and can quote every blog, but you can still do this!) Give us one hour – your lunch break, kids’ nap time, morning coffee quiet time, midnight … whatever floats your boat. Spend one hour on our site by clicking through our directories, scrolling through blogs, visiting our sponsors, and most importantly, visiting our categories listed down the left-hand side of our page. We have a category for almost any topic you need, but we know there are more ideas that you have!

After you give us an hour, send an email to triadsmartypants@gmail.com. Tell us about your hour – what you found, what you liked, what you learned, what was helpful. Then also tell us what you would like to see more of, what you would like to see less of, and even if you have a blog topic in mind or know someone who may want to guest blog for us. Maybe you know a Smarty Mom or Dad you would like to see featured, or a local shop you would like to see highlighted on our site.

After you give us an hour, we are going to pick two lucky winners to get that hour back in the form of a pampering session from one of our fabulous, reader-recommended salons! For the first time ever, these winners will not be random. Katie and I are going to read all of your entries and choose the ones we like best and found to be the most helpful to our website.

So have at it, ladies – give us your hour sometime between now and March 31st! Send your entry to triadsmartypants@gmail.com and be sure to include the Triad city in which you live so we can match you up with the closest salon. We hope that the useful info you find on our website and the hour pampering session you may possibly earn in return will be well worth it!

Thanks again to our local salons for their donations. Be sure to stop by and check them out! They were both referred to us by our loyal readers.
The Salons at Cicero
952 West 4th Street, Suite 101
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Call Heather Kiser at 407-3683

Chevalrie Salon and Spa
3710 North Main Street
High Point, NC 27265-1892
889-3759

Read more...

Work + Pregnancy = Job Security?

By Tracy S, Charlotte Smarty Pants

Almost one year ago I wrote about when do you tell work you're pregnant and it sparked some interesting side conversations that I thought I would write about this time.

So ... if you recall, I mentioned a friend of mine was worried about telling her employer she was pregnant. Aside from the points mentioned in my previous post, she feels she has a whole other element to worry about. She is concerned with her job stability in this tough economic environment. She works for a company that is potentially looking to make wide sweeping cuts and is worried about becoming a target. We discussed this for a while and concluded that her paranoid hormones were partially to blame. We both know that technically you can't get laid off just because you are pregnant, and she has a proven track record of success so in theory, she should not have anything to worry about.

On the flip side, I had a situation when I was recently getting ready to go out on maternity leave. There was a job opening within my department, that given normal circumstances (i.e. if I wasn't 9 months pregnant and getting ready to take 4 months off) would have been my ideal job. I discussed this with my boss and asked if there was any way they would still consider me for the position. Again, I could barely belly up to the table we were discussing this at because I was so hugely pregnant. So while I knew they couldn't technically factor that into the interview process, I could not ignore the fact that I was asking for something that I could not commit to for another 4 months or so. My boss was overly careful not to even mention my pregnancy in any of those discussions and encouraged me to apply for the job. Ironically labor contractions started at the exact time of my first interview! To me that felt like a sign that the timing just wasn't right personally and I pulled out of the running.

So, while I work for a very large company that is extremely sensitive to lawsuits, some may even say you actually gain job security when you are pregnant. However, I have heard of some instances where women ARE impacted at work the minute they announce they are pregnant - whether directly or indirectly or maybe even unintentional, it does happen.

So I thought I would do a little digging into what the laws are. Before I go any further, I just want to say - I am by no means an expert on any of this!! I know the laws vary based on employer as well as your individual status within a company (i.e. how many hours you work/how long you've been there). I strongly suggest you check with your HR department if you have any questions specific to your own situation or check out the links provided below.

You've probably heard of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), but if you're like me, you may not know exactly what it means or what you are entitled to. In a nutshell, FMLA provides eligible employees with up to 12 work weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year. Many employees also provide your normal pay for a portion of this time or you may be eligible for short term disability pay. FMLA also requires group health benefits to be maintained during the leave as if employees continued to work instead of taking leave (you do have to continue to pay your portion during the leave).

FMLA applies to your company if there are over 50 employees within 75 miles of the worksite, and at least 50 of your employees work 20 or more work-weeks in the current or preceding calendar year. If your company is a public agency, you are subject to provide FMLA regardless of the number of employees employed. All schools, private or public, are considered public agencies.

To be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must work for a covered employer, have worked for that employer for at least 12 months; and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of the FMLA leave.

For more detailed information, check out this site: http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla

Hopefully this is helpful information if you are in a situation where you are pregnant and concerned with your status at work. If anyone has any additional information that would be beneficial, please share!

Read more...

What’s Next After Your Child’s Graduation?

By Guest Blogger Donna Fiori

When I was first approached about writing a blog for moms of seniors in high school, I first thought of writing about the whole process of helping your student decide the best direction for them and all that is involved. After much thought, I decided to take a different approach and talk to you about what happens to us, the moms, when our children decide to leave the nest and move on to their next stage in life.

There are numerous resources available to the parents of high school seniors that will enable them to get on the right track for the proceeding years. However, one thing they don’t prepare us for is the day our children actually leave home. We all get that large lump in our throats just thinking about it, watching them walk across the stage on graduation day and then all the preparation for the move day in August.

I recall the commercial of the mom, dad, and son on the day the son left for college. The dad was at the car saying his goodbye and when the son asked where his mom was, the dad told him she was just too upset to come outside, when in reality, she was in the boy’s room measuring for her new hot tub. I truly thought my reaction to my children leaving would be a little similar - and boy was I wrong.

When we moved my son to college, my mother had to literally drag me out of his dorm room to get me out of there. I truly struggled with him not being around the house and not knowing his everyday life as I did when he was home. However, I still had one child five years younger that needed my attention and this helped keep me preoccupied.

Now, with the last one leaving, it was very different. The whole senior year and following summer is so full of events, shopping, to-do lists, etc., that the day truly does creep up on you. Before you know it, there you are standing in the dorm room again, trying to muster up the courage to say good-bye without the river of tears flowing! Be strong, as the ol’ saying goes! Then you get home - no car in the driveway. Their room - very neat, tidy and empty of their “stuff.” The house is so quiet you can even hear it squeak! Thankfully, with technology like webcams, texting and email, we can stay in touch with our children much better than the days of having one telephone for each floor of the dorm. Goodness that dates me!!

This brings us to the true question: Now what? For the past 20 plus years I have been mom first, no matter if I was working outside the home or not. That has truly been my daily life and I always made sure my family’s needs were met first. The idea of thinking about my needs and doing something for me seemed so foreign. I am not saying I never had the opportunity or take advantage of any outside activities other than my family but they were limited. I would rather choose to have dinner with my family on those few nights a week than do something for myself. The thought of all these new options just made me stop in my tracks and gave me the realization that “Yes, it IS time to think about me.” Actually, it’s way past that time. Although, who are we kidding? We never do this until now and even then, many of us still don’t!

I know that my job as mom is nowhere near complete. I still have lots of work to do for many years, yet I now have the opportunity to add something new to my life. What in the world could that possibly be? Many of the hobbies I had years ago were dropped due to the lack of time. Now, with less laundry, fewer games and events to attend, and only cooking for two, I think I can do this ... but what? To my surprise, having the whole buffet to choose from actually made it difficult to decide what I really wanted to do. For those of you that saw the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes,” I had moments of power and found myself almost shouting "TA-WANDA”!

It has been a few months now and I am still searching. I am trying out new things, new groups, and so far I am enjoying them. I now have more time to volunteer for new organizations, and different exercise classes, just to name a few. The list is still growing with other things to try and it is a work in progress. My suggestion to you moms of seniors: Don’t let this catch you off guard as it did me. It is never too early to start your search for that special interest that could be out there waiting for you to discover. Have fun in your adventure for those new hobbies and new friends. Best wishes and “TA-WANDA” to you all!!

Are you getting ready to send a child to college this coming fall? Or are you getting ready to be an empty-nester? Chime in and tell us how you are working through this big change in your life!

If you are unsure how to leave a comment below, click here to find out the simple steps!

Read more...

Congrats to our Winners!

By Rachel H

We had a fun contest that ran in our newsletter for the last two weeks. The TSP e-newsletter is sent to all subscribers once a week and often includes specials and contests available only to our subscribers. We had many readers register for this contest, and five winners were chosen at random. These lucky moms won four tickets to "Disney Live! Mickey's Rockin Road Show!" ...

Maggie Craven
Michelle Walsh
Genesa Trogdon
Rachel Brandin
Darla Sprague

We hope you ladies and your families enjoy the show! For the rest of you, keep checking your weekly newsletters and logging on to TSP daily to watch for more contests and giveaways. This week will be especially exciting because our April Giveaway starts on Thursday!

Read more...

Preparing Your Child For Surgery

By Guest Blogger Dr. John Petty, Pediatric Surgeon Brenner Children’s Hospital

Surgery! Parents react to the news that their child will need an operation with a wide range of emotions, but let's face it, no one is happy to hear the "S" word when it comes to their child. Moms and dads would have an operation a thousand times over if it could spare their child from needing an operation at all. Being prepared can help manage the stress of an inherently stressful time. How can you get ready if your child needs an operation?

Not everything that needs an operation is scheduled in advance. That "GI bug" turns out to be appendicitis. The "sprained elbow" after falling off the monkey bars is actually a broken arm. No one ever scheduled appendicitis or injury. If your child has an urgent surgical condition, it is OK that you are running on adrenaline. Every parent does. Take a deep breath. Call friends and family who care about you and your child-- they can help with the details. When illness and injury interrupt, talk to the people caring for your child, and above all, talk to your child.

If your child is at a hospital that only takes care of children, this can relieve you of the stress of wondering, "Have they seen this before? Do they have the right people and equipment? Is the operating room ready for a child like mine? Can I trust these doctors and nurses to care for my child?" Think about where your child will be treated in an accident or emergency, now – before it happens.

Not every operation is unexpected. Some operations can be put on the calendar, so you have some time to get yourself and your child ready. The most important thing you can do to prepare for surgery is to develop trust. Trust between a parent and surgeon. Trust between a child and surgeon. Trust between a parent and child. Trust that surgery is the right thing to do. Trust that even though it is a little scary, surgery is a good thing because it will take care of your child's problem.

How do you build this trust? Everyone is different. You know yourself and your child better than anyone, and you know what it will take to trust that you are ready for surgery. Talk to your child's surgeon during the clinic appointment. If you have a long list of questions, ask them all-- twice if you need to. Some children have questions that they want to ask, and some children are shy around doctors. Everyone should feel free to enter the conversation. Your surgeon should explain the operation in terms that you and your child can understand. Your surgeon should discuss risks, benefits, and recovery as well as invite your questions. Write things down.

After the appointment, take some time with your child to talk things over. Reassure your child that it is normal to be a little frightened, but things will be OK. Sometimes it builds trust to see the surgery area, check out the waiting room, or meet some of the surgical nurses. Find out about pediatric anesthesia, pediatric nursing, and the range of pediatric subspecialists available at the hospital. At Brenner Children’s Hospital, we have all pediatric-trained staff to help your family during surgery.

Sometimes it builds trust to talk to other families who have a child who has already been down this road. Sometimes it builds trust to discuss things with your pediatrician. Sometimes you think of questions you forgot to ask, and you need to talk to your surgeon again. Sometimes it builds trust just to have some time with your family. You'll know what you and your child need to be prepared for surgery.

The day of operation is a mix of anticipation, excitement, nerves, and nausea. Your day may start quite early. Your child will be hungry, needing to keep an empty stomach for anesthesia. Parent and child alike are not at their best. Think about your child's operation like other big events in your life-- music performances, job interviews, weddings, childbirth. Trust that it will go well. While your child is in the operating room, you will be in the waiting room, where time takes a different pace. All estimates of surgical times are approximations. Just because things may be taking longer, doesn't mean that they are going poorly. At Brenner Children’s Hospital, you will receive updates in the waiting room while your child is in surgery. Your surgeon will give you a more detailed review once your child's operation is over.

Relief is seeing your child waking up safely in the recovery room. The recovery room nurses will help your child make the transition from the operating room to home. They can answer your questions about post-operative care, and they will give you written instructions and a follow-up appointment.

If you want to find out more about how to prepare for your child's operation, take a look at the document "Getting your child ready for surgery." To view the document, click here.

For more information about pediatric surgery or Dr. Petty, visit brennerchildrens.org.

Read more...

Smarty Alert: Baby Sling Recalls

By Krista W, Charlotte Smarty Pants

Over one million Infantino “SlingRider” and "Wendy Bellissimo" slings have been recalled due to a risk of infant suffocation. Sadly, these slings have been associated with three infant deaths. Last month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning on infant slings causing Infantino to reevaluate their products prompting the company to recall their slings. Premie babies and infants under four months of age are at a higher risk due to their smaller sizes as well as babies suffering from heart conditions and respiratory illness.

These particular slings create a “c shape” infant body positioning. Such positioning can cause blockage of the nostrils and airways causing severe breathing trauma with potentially fatal results within minutes.

The recalled slings were sold from 2003 through 2010 at (but not limited to) Target, Babies R Us and Burlington Coat Factory.

Customers who are using these products are advised to stop immediately. Users can contact Infantino at 866-860-1361 to request a free replacement sling or to find more information on the recalled products.

A statement from Infantino can be read at their website www.infantino.com.

To view the Consumer Product Safety Commission report on Infant Slings visit www.cpsc.gov.

Read more...

Smarty Mom: Christina Mohorn

By Katie M

Today’s Smarty Mom, Christina Mohorn, comes highly recommended by one of our own TSP team members, Susan Davis. Susan, who lives in Burlington, suggested we profile Christina saying she not only lives “smarty” but she’s also working hard, in a special way, to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). After learning about Christina and her inspiring story, we agreed she is someone other Triad moms would want to know!

Christina and her husband, Jason, live in Greensboro and have three boys: Kieran (5 ½), Davis (4) and Liam (6 months). After her children came along, Christina decided to step down from her career as an Intensive Care Unit nurse to stay at home. But when she’s not with her family, Christina stays busy with her Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF) - a women’s’ day group in Greensboro that meets every Thursday from Sept to May, as well as with her love for running (you’ll learn more about this below), and spending time with her girlfriends.

So let’s get to know Christina!

We hear you are in training for a big race and are raising a lot of money for a great cause. Tell us about that.
I recently joined Team in Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). I have signed up to run the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon on June 6, 2010 and to raise at least $3000 for the LLS. Up until about 3 years ago, the furthest I ever run was about 5miles.

Two years ago, I joined Team in Training for the Country Music ½ marathon in Nashville, TN. The fundraising goal for that event was $3000 and I ended up raising over $6,000! All I did was send out about 120 personal letters to family, friends and acquaintances. It is amazing! All I had to do was tell people what I was going to do and ask them to support me. The response was overwhelming.

Why did you choose to support LLS?
My sister died in 1986 from Leukemia at the age of 10. I was 11 at the time. Leukemia is a more common childhood cancer and the prognosis now is much better than it was when she was diagnosed in 1982. Team in Training has been around for 21 years and was started by a parent who lost his child to Leukemia. It started out as a small group of runners raising money while running the NYC Marathon. Now there are chapters in almost every state raising money!

So I decided that in order to ask all the same people to support me again, two years later, I needed to have a bigger goal. I have always thought that people who run full marathons must be insane. There must be a little “crazy” in all of us I suppose. But in my mind, I think I can run 26.2 miles and that says a lot. Now that I have told so many people and accepted donations, I have no choice!!! It has only made me more determined. I always go through periods of doubt, which my marathon coaches are already aware of – I told them that I need a lot of confidence boosting along the way. If Oprah can do it…

What can we do to support you in this cause?
I may need more help mentally than physically. Isn’t it like that with most goals we create for ourselves? Visit my website for progress or to donate:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/nc/rnr10/cmohorn.

How do you find the time to get in your long runs as a mom?
The long runs are on Saturday mornings so usually my husband is available to help out. Otherwise, I hire a babysitter to help. I run 2-3 more times per week and have a great mother in law who loves to help. I schedule the other runs when the boys are in preschool. I have also used the babysitting service Preferred Childcare and I love the sitters we have had. We now have some regulars which is nice! But I have to say that I have fallen behind in the cooking and cleaning department.

What is your biggest motivation for your runs?
Right now, I look at it as a job. This is my end of the bargain basically. I signed on to help raise money to beat leukemia and lymphoma AND to run a marathon. The commitment has been made and I take it seriously. There is no other option!

Now, getting me through the long runs, I think of the people who I am doing it for. I think about the pediatric clinic and hospital floor where my sister used to go. And I use those people as inspiration to help me to keep on putting one foot in front of the other.

What’s been your greatest challenge thus far, and what’s been your greatest reward?
Greatest challenge SO FAR….just getting it all done with the baby in the picture and then feeling like I am devoting enough of my whole self to all three boys. Making sure I get quality time in with all of them. Greatest reward would have to be the outpouring of support from so many people. I can’t believe they think I can run a marathon! And they put money on it!

Do you plan to run more marathons after this?
I will let you know June 7th and then will let you know again maybe in July.
I have always wanted to run NYC Marathon since I grew up on Long Island.

That is so inspiring, Christina, and we’ll be rooting for you!

On a separate note, we hear you just got back from Disney World. We are always looking for fun Disney tips to share with other moms, and have blogged about it several times. What are some tips you can share with us?
I love Disney World! We took the boys last year when they were 3 and 4 and I cannot
wait to go back. Here’s my two-cents:
• Definitely bring your stroller (even if it is a double jogger) – it costs a lot per day to rent one. It is nice to have if you want to zip through the park and your little ones need a break while eating ice cream. Plus, we have one son who tends to lag behind.
• I would try to bring my own food into the park if that is allowed….and spend my money on special treats and candy!
• My kids did NOT enjoy 3D shows such as Mickey’s Philharmagic. I loved it. We almost had to walk out since they were crying. However, the roller coaster rides were a hit, the faster and steeper the better. Figure out and use the Fast Pass system – especially for the two very popular Epcot rides – Soarin and Test Track (big big hits with the boys AND us).
• I would also limit the character meals. I think once is enough, maybe twice per trip.
• Children’s favorite….everything in Magic Kingdom especially Peter Pan’s Flight, Buzz Lightyear ride, Pirates of the Caribbean. We will avoid Snow White next time due to the very scary witch that pops out!
• My favorite thing: Magic Kingdom, it never gets old to me. I also loved staying at the Polynesian which is right on the monorail system.

Ok, and now on to some of our lighter questions…

Favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
I almost never buy anything full price for the boys. I like the Gap for basics. Recently found great deals at the Hartstrings outlet for the baby!!! Went a little overboard.

Favorite place to splurge on kids clothes?
Mini Boden.

What is your favorite family activity?
Just everyone being together enjoying each other….especially in the spring time. We like to hike on the trails at Bur Mil Park/Owl’s Roost.

Favorite “mommy-time” activity?
Wednesday night dinner with the girl friends and getting a pedicure.

Best place to eat lunch and/or dinner with the kids?
Bravo – we love it and the kids LOVE to go by themselves to make their own pizza!

Favorite date place?
Bistro Sofia

Favorite park in the Triad?
Love the one at Lake Daniel and love Johnson Park. I also love to take them to the trails at Bur Mil for a good hike!

Mini-van or SUV?
Mini Van

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
So many resources for children and so many people in the same boat as me!

Best kept secret in the Triad?
Burlington City Park. We go there a lot in the spring and summer. Davis had his third birthday party there!!! The rides are so much fun for them and it is so sweet to see them having such a great time for such a little price!!!

Best mom secret YOUR mom has shared with you?
Peanut butter gets the gum out of your hair.

What’s your smartiest secret for staying organized?
I use a weekly schedule where I can see the entire week and I have everything written on there. On the back I write notes or grocery lists. I love to cross things off lists. I carry this with me where ever I go.

Best birthday party you have attended?
Bur Mil Park – great guided hikes or fishing parties followed by petting the animals at the WIldlife Center. Kieran had his 5th birthday there.

Best book you’ve ever read?
Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay and Charles Fay. Excellent parenting advice! And The Bible of course, still reading it.

What is your favorite blog on Triad Smarty Pants?
I like the events every Wednesday.

I could not live without my... Garmin Forerunner GPS watch!

I wish someone had told me sooner about…the uterine cramps you get after delivery of your second and third child.

Thanks for all your smarty answers, Christina, and keep us posted on your marathon and fund raising goals! We wish you the best of luck! You are a true inspiration for us moms who are always trying to “up” our exercise routines!

Do you have a Smarty Mom or Dad in mind? If so, let us know! Email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com. We love to receive “mominations”!

Read more...

Easter & Spring Crafts for Lil' Smarties

By Rachel H

The TSP Team had a great time demonstrating the following crafts on Fox 8 Morning News yesterday. A big thank you to Fox 8 for giving us the opportunity and to Judith Long, Marybeth Barrett, and Joy Blaser for their adorable crafts! For those of you who missed us, or for those of you who would like more details on the crafts ... read below! We hope you can enjoy these simple and unique crafts with your children over Spring Break!


Paper Lanterns - by Joy Blaser

Supplies:
Watercolor paper
Watercolor paints
Vegetable Oil
Glue
Mason jar (or empty pasta jar)
Tealight Candle

Paint the paper however you like with watercolor paints, covering as much of the paper as possible. After the paint dries, brush the entire paper lightly with vegetable oil and allow to dry for a few hours. Glue in a circle (this takes a while as well), then cut 2 inch slits in the bottom of the circle and fold in and glue so that the lantern has a bottom. Place a mason jar inside the lantern and place a tealight candle in the glass jar.

Check out more crafts from Joy on her blog www.anartfamily.com.




Easter Egg Soap
- by Judith Long
Supplies:
Wilton Silicone molds (Wal-Mart)
Microwavable Measuring Cup
Dinner knife
Melt & Pour (Glycerin) Soap (A. C. Moore)
Food Coloring
Fragrance Oils (A. C. Moore)

Wilton Silicone mold, Melt & Pour soap, and fragrance oils can all be purchased online at Wholesale Supplies Plus (www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com).

Take 1 – 2 ounces of melt and pour soap and cut into small pieces and place in measuring cup. Having the soap pieces uniform helps, but it is not mandatory.
Please measuring cup in microwave for about 1 minute or until soap melts.
Add a drop or two of food coloring.
Add a ½ teaspoon of fragrance oil.
Stir and pour into silicone mold.
Let mold sit until soap solidifies.
Pop soap out of mold and package.

See soaps and other products made by Judith's family at www.longfamilyfarmsoaps.com!


Decoupage Switch Plate Covers - By Marybeth Barrett

Let’s take your boring, plain old switch plate covers from Blah to Ta Dah! Add a little color and instant art to your room with this simple decoupage project.
Supplies:
Decoupage glue – I use Mod Podge
Foam brushes
Craft knife
Screwdriver
Decorative Paper: Scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, color copies, magazines, fabric, etc.
Scissors
Electrical tape (optional)
Wax Paper
Thin paint brush or pencil
Sponge, soap and water

Preparing the Switch Plate
Buy new switch plate covers at your local Home Improvement Store. Or, reuse what you have by removing the old switch plate from the wall and set the screws aside. (SAFETY FIRST: Parents will have to help with this first step) For plastic switch plates, clean the plate with soap and water or household cleaner. If the plate is wooden, wipe clean with a damp cloth and allow it to dry.

Decoupage the Switch Plate
Once you have decided how to decorate your switch plate, trace the switch plate cover onto your decorative paper of choice and add an extra ¼” or more. Cut out the design(s) from your wrapping paper, fabric or photos.

Protect your work area with wax paper. Place your decorative paper face down on wax paper. Glue the back of the paper and then paste the design onto the center of the switch plate, covering the light making sure you are centered on the switch hole. Fold around it the edges over the back of the plate and glue them down as if you are wrapping a present, folding the corners in on an angle to keep them sharp and tidy. Glue the edges down to the back of the plate.

Once the design is in place, use the craft knife to cut open the design through the light switch hole. Cut diagonally from corner to corner in the shape of an “X” through the center of the hole. You should now have 4 triangle flaps inside the hole. Fold each flap to the back of the switch plate and secure. You have two options: 1. Use a very small piece of electrical tape. 2. You can try gluing the flaps to the back, but with such a small piece of paper or fabric to work with, it may not hold properly; tape is easier.

Next, poke small holes through the paper where the screws go using the end of a thin paint brush or a pencil.

Now that the design is secured onto the plate, cover the entire design and the back edges with a layer of decoupage glue using the foam brush. Allow this to dry and then add another layer of glue to seal the design. You can add one more layer for good measure…this makes it user friendly and you are able to wipe of dirty little fingerprints down the road.

Let dry completely before putting your switch plate back on the wall.
Clean your brushes using soap and water.
Voila, your switch plate covers went from BLAH to TA DAH!
Plastic switch plates are very inexpensive so you can change them out with the season!

More Advanced Options & Ideas:
If you really want to get creative, you can personalize them with your name. Simply use ink and rubber stamps or stickers before you seal the paper with the first coat of ModPodge.
Use your own personal photos. Either print photos on a laser printer or copier to prevent the ink from smudging. Use color or black and white. You can even add your name or great quotes to the image before printing. Follow the same steps listed above.

For more DIY projects by Marybeth, please visit http://www.addressingspaces.com/.




Yarn Sheep - by Joy Blaser

Supplies:
Cardboard
Clothespins
Paint
Fuzzy Yarn

Cut out an oval shape from a cardboard box. Paint one end of the oval brown or black (or pink, as my daughter did) for the face. Paint two clothespins to match the color of your sheep. Attach these as the feet. Wrap fluffy yarn around many times until he looks sheep-like.




Decoupage Easter Eggs - By Marybeth Barrett

Embellish your Easter Eggs with some festive and seasonal images. For more dimension…go 3-D!

Supplies:
Decoupage glue – I use Mod Podge
Easter Eggs (I used the ornament kind found at Home Goods, Timex, Joann’s, etc. because they were pre-painted. But, if you are feeling adventurous, you can get plain ones to paint yourself)
Foam brushes
Small scissors
Decorative Paper: Scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, color copies, magazines, fabric etc. (I used butterflies found on the internet and printed them on a color laser)
Wax Paper
Sponge, soap and water
Glitter and Q-Tip (Optional)

Step 1
Protect your work surface with wax paper. Use the small scissors to cut out your image. Do not leave any border, cut along the outline of your image.

Step 2
To attach a flat butterfly: Once cut, lay your image face down on the wax paper. Coat the back of your image with decoupage using a foam brush. Place the image on your Easter egg face up. Smooth out any air bubbles. Protect with a couple of coats of Mod Podge, allowing it to dry in between coats.
Step 3

Attach a 3-D butterfly: Once cut, Fold the cutout along midline. I usually make two folds leaving about 1/8” in the center so there is more flat surface to glue. Apply glue to the flat, folded surface and adhere it to the egg. If you want to make it double sided, just glue two butterfly images back to back. Let dry.

For a little more bling, add some glitter before you adhere the image to the egg. Coat the edges of your image with Mod Podge using a Q-Tip for more precision. Sprinkle with glitter and shake off the excess.
Let dry.
Hang your eggs or display them in baskets to enjoy.

Have a comment or question, but not sure how to post one? Click here to find out how!

Read more...