A local chapter of Mothers & More has recently formed in Northwest Arkansas. Mothers & More is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of moms through support and friendship. NWA Mothers & More offers moms the chance to connect with other women through fun mom-only meetings and events, children and family planned activities, local and national newsletters and communications on what’s going on in the area.

NWA Mothers & More is a support, social networking group for all Moms (working part and full-time, stay-at-home, students, etc.). The chapter is a great resource for moms new to the area, those too busy working to plan fun for their family and moms in need of support and friendship.

With more than 170 chapters and 7500 members nationally and over 40 members in NWA, Mothers & More hopes to connect more moms and provide the support helpful to raising children.

For more information on NWA Mothers & More, please visit www.mothersandmore.org or www.nwamomsandmore.com or email bentonvillemoms@yahoo.com.

The chapter’s next meeting is Thursday, 11/19, please email for location and event details. Visitors are welcome and are under no obligation to join.

It is already time to look ahead to the spring soccer season! Registration for the City of Fayetteville 2010 Spring Soccer will run from November 9, 2009 – January 8, 2010.

Registration forms will be available at the Parks and Recreation office or on the Parks and Recreation page of the city website.

Online registration is also available at www.onlinesignup.org/fayetteville. Players returning from the Fall 2009 season will be placed on the same team. New players will be placed randomly onto teams based on age.

The Spring Season will kick off in the end of February and run through the middle of April.

The 17th Annual Lights of the Ozarks lighting ceremony and parade will take place Saturday, November 21, 2009 on the Fayetteville Square at 6:15 pm.   The parade will start at the Fayetteville Public Library and proceed to and around the square.  This year’s parade marshal is Fayetteville Mayor, Lioneld Jordan.

This year the light display will be composed primarily of LED lights to reduce electrical usage and promote sustainability.

This year’s event includes photo opportunities with Santa by Bedford’s Camera and Video, carriage rides by Ozark Mountain Carriage Company, and pony rides by Partytime Ponies.  Partytime ponies will be on the square throughout the holiday season offering pony rides.  The camel will also be on location to provide rides.

For more information, go to www.accessfayetteville.org.

The award-winning theatre company Childsplay of Tempe, Arizona will be bringing Peter and the Wolf  to Walton Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3pm. Tickets range from $10.50-$16.50 and can be purchased by contacting the Walton Arts Center’s Box Office at 479.443.5600 or by visiting www.waltonartscenter.org. 

Peter and the Wolf  is a theatrical adaption of the 1936 children’s story by Sergei Prokofiev. Highlighted by song, both classic and contemporary, this well-known cautionary story tells of a curious boy and a hungry wolf. Together with his grandfather, a duck, a cat, a bird and a hunter, Peter learns life lessons about nature, friendship and courage. This performance is told with puppets and actors who portray the delightful and sly animals that appeal to families with children ages 5-9.
 
The world-renowned Childsplay has been awing young audiences with heartfelt and creative presentations of classic stories since 1977. Their reputation remains intact with this production of Peter and the Wolf.  Made up of clever compositions, colorful sets and innovative character-inspired costumes, Peter and the Wolf provides children a unique and charming introduction to the world of performing arts.
 
For more information about this event contact the Walton Arts Center Box Office by calling 479.443.5600 or by visiting www.waltonartscenter.org.

Did you see this post that includes great tips on implementing the Elf on a Shelf idea for the holidays?  No? Read it now.

Thanks again, Dee for the idea!

Hit the Target! Family Reading Club meets every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library The program encourages families to read together. Children in 5th grade or younger and their families can sign up for the reading program at the Children’s Desk and receive a reading log. The reading club will be promoted at weekly Family Storytime in the library’s Wal-Mart Storytime Room and will continue through April 2010.

After reading three hours together, families can turn the log book in to be eligible for a weekly prize. Grand prizes will be awarded in April for the family who spends the most time reading together, and one family will receive a prize in a drawing. The program is supported through a grant from Target.

For more information, call 856.7170. Click here for online registration.

I just received this from a newsletter I subscribe to. I verified it online:

Maclaren plans to recall 1 million strollers—all its production between 1999 and 2009—after receiving 12 reports of hinges on the stroller that amputated children’s fingertips. The company will send out a cover for the hinges to all owners.

The CPSC and Maclaren will issue a press release in the recall this Tuesday; Maclaren began notifying its dealers of the recall in the past couple of days.

Here is the take-home message until the recall is official:

• Stop using all Maclaren strollers right now—yes, every model made since 1999.

• When the recall goes public on Tuesday, order a hinge cover from Maclaren’s web site or phone line. (Note: the web site is not live yet as of this writing).

• Wait until you install the hinge cover before using the stroller again.

TODDLER TIME @ THE LIBRARY
Toddler Time for ages birth through age 3 will be held at the Springdale Public Library on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., September 16 through November 11.  These programs help caregivers introduce their babies and toddlers to language, literature, and the Library through a combination of stories, songs and rhymes.  The next Toddler Time will be on Wednesday, November 11, at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.   
 
PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME @ THE LIBRARY
Children, ages 3 to 5, can enjoy “Animal Antics @ the Springdale Public Library” during Pre-School Story Time on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., September 15 through November 11.
 
Pre-School Story Time gives children and their caregivers the opportunity to enjoy books, songs, puppets, fingerplays, and a simple craft project.
 
The next Pre-School Story Time will be held on Tuesday November 10, 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Wednesday, November 11, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.   This week children will learn about “Feathered Friends” with the story books Silly Tilly the Goose by Eileen Spinelli and Turk and Runt by Lisa Wheeler.  After singing the song “Baby Chickie” by Hap Palmer, children will create a turkey craft to take home.  
 
SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS @ THE LIBRARY
Children, ages 6 to 9, will “Name that Character @ the Springdale Public Library” during School Age Programs on Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. September 15 through November 10.  These fun-filled programs feature stories, songs, activities and crafts.  Children of all abilities are welcome!
 
The next School Age Program at the Springdale Public Library will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 4:00 p.m.  This week, children will celebrate “regular kids” as they learn how an ordinary kid becomes a hero with the book A Strange Day by Iris Van Der Heide.  After talking about famous “ordinary kid” stars like Ramona and Junie B. Jones, the group will play a Ramona the Pest party game and listen to the song “It’s a Kid’s World” from the Daddy A Go Go CD.   Children will then make their own photo frames to take home.
 
 
SPANISH STORY TIME FOR FAMILIES
Spanish Story Time for Families is presented primarily in Spanish, but does include bilingual materials as well.  It’s a great time for bilingual families to enjoy stories, songs, puppets and fingerplays.  A simple craft project follows each program. 
 
The next Spanish Story Time for Families – Fancy Tea Time / Tiempo de lujo del té  – will be held Thursday, November 12, at 4:00 p.m.  
 
The above programs are the final programs in the fall series.  Winter programming will be announced in the next several weeks.
 
 
INKLINGS TEEN WRITING GROUP MEETS
The Inklings Teen Writing group will meet on Tuesday, November 10, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Springdale Public Library.  If you have the yen to write, this group is for you! The group’s fall work will culminate in the third Inklings publication that is available for check out in the Library’s Young Adult area. 
 
This program is free and registration is not required.   
 
MONEY MATTERS SERIES – MASTER YOUR CREDIT
In these tough economic times, understanding and safeguarding your hard-earned credit is a must!  The Springdale Public Library will sponsor Credit Counseling of Arkansas for a credit information program on Thursday, November 12, 6:30 p.m.  The program is free and registration is not required.  
 
 
TEENS TO REVIEW FAVORITE BOOKS
Teens at the Springdale Public Library will review their favorite recent reads on Saturday, November 14, 2:00 p.m.  Door prizes will be awarded!  For more information, contact the Library’s Young Adult Coordinator at sharonchristian@springdalelibrary.org or call 479-750-8180.
 
 
ADVANCED ESL CLASS AT THE LIBRARY
The Northwest Technical Institute’s Adult Education Center sponsors an Advanced ESL class at the Springdale Public Library on Saturdays, 9:30 – 12:00 p.m. in the Shiloh Room.  For more information about this free class, contact the NTI Adult Education Center at 479-751-0181.

For more information on any of these programs go to www.springdalelibrary.org.

Throughout November and December, Life+Kids will be helping readers check off their holiday gift list.

If you see something you like, be sure to click through the link in this post to make your purchase, that way Life+Kids will receive a commission from the retailers listed for any purchases you make (even on products not highlighted in the Guide). It is an easy way to help support Life+Kids!

Do you need help with your holiday shopping? Email your list to terri@lifepluskids.com and I’ll be happy to get your online shopping started.

Life+Kids reader Jenny asks: I want a concrete/cement truck for my 3 year old.  The more realistic, the better!

This question made me think of a toy that never made it to our house, but I wish it did. Our friends have a sand digger similar to the one below in their sand box. Every time we visit, someone ends up in the sandbox working the digger.  It takes a few tries for kids to figure out how it works, but once they do — watch out. Kids have loads of fun, without even realizing they are improving their motor skills!!

Click here to purchase on Amazon. Or, click hereto see all of Amazon’s Sand Diggers.

As I was searching for construction related toys, I ran across this adorable mini sandbox full of construction equipment. Consider the age of the child before buying (because you would not want sand dumped all over the floor!). But, the reviews of this product are stellar and I think it would be a great gift.  It would also look perfect on dad’s desk to keep little hands busy while he finishes “one last email.”

Click here to buy now on Amazon. To see all the My Little Sandbox scenes (including princess, outer space, and dinosaurs), click here.

As to the toy cement mixer, I’m partial to the one below from Bruder Toys. It is very realistic. The truck has a hand wheel that turns the drum and actually moves the contents which empties through the chute.

Click here to purchase from Amazon or click here to see all of Amazon’s toy cement truck options.

Of course, for durability, you can’t go wrong with a Tonka Truck. This brand survived my 36 year old brother, and both my children. The Tonka cement mixer below has working lights, motorized rotating barrel, lowering stabilizing rear wheels, and the sand chute even extends down to pour!

Click here to purchase on Amazon or click here to see all Tonka Trucks.

I also really like the Kids Galaxy radio controlled cement truck below.  My boys have always loved radio controlled vehicles, and this one seems perfect for the youngest of construction loving kiddos!

Click here to buy now on Amazon. To see all of Amazon’s radio controlled toys for kids age 2-4, Click here.

If you would prefer a wooden set of construction vehicles, you should consider the ones below by Plan Toys (a brand I LOVE!).

To buy these on Amazon, click here. To see all the Plan Toys offerings, click here.

Finally, don’t forget the ever popular Legos. They have a construction site set, both in the Duplo series (for younger kids) and the regular series for older kids.
Click on the link to buy the DUPLO Construction Site set directly from Lego. Click on this link to buy the regular Construction Site set.

Readers, what are your kids favorite construction related toys?  Leave them in the comments or email your recommendations directly to terri@lifepluskids.com.

Got a question, or need help with your list? Email terri@lifepluskids.com so I can get your online shopping started.

Bring a friend for an evening of food, drinks, pampering, massages, holiday shopping and fun!

Trunk show merchandise includes locally designed and made jewelry, bags, handspun yarn, soaps, personal stationery, holiday items, gift wrap and more!

Local artists include: Ladybugs & Gentlemen, Lather Me Up, Night Sky Products, Punkinhead Designs, Idyll Hands, Charlotte Goodreau (Massage Therapist).

There will be a door prize drawing at 7:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios 505 W. Spring Street (corners of Spring Street & West Avenue opposite corner from Grubs)

First Friday
November 6th, 2009
Walmart Toyland 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
First Friday 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Walmart Toyland, Slaughter Pen Hollow Bike Rally Time Trials, loads of unique crafts from local artisans, live music, great food and tons of activities – this event is going to be a huge blowout to celebrate the end of the 2009 First Friday season.

You certainly do not want to miss Mayor McCaslin pardoning the First Friday Turkey at 6:00 pm on the Spark Main Stage! They’ll even be hosting a turkey gobbling contest in full pilgrim costume. You never know what you’ll see at a Downtown First Friday event.

Give a gift to yourself – enjoy a great evening on the Downtown Square!

For more information, go to www.downtownbentonville.org.

FREE Theatre at the Fayetteville Public Library Saturday @ 11:30. The show will last approximately 40 minutes.

ARTS LIVE THEATRE Broadway Conservatory classes present PROM:THE MUSICAL and PROJECT SHAKESPEARE, performed by Alt Live Theatre’s teen actors.

Thursday, November 5 10:30-11:30am at Trike Theatre in Bentonville

Join Marie Vukin for Partners-in-Play–a hand-on, minds-on class for children birth to five & their adult play partners.

Parents and kids will explore dramatic concepts and stories related to the Peter and the Wolf family performance at Walton Arts Center.

$5 per family

For more information go to www.triketheatre.org.

Saturday, October 31, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Halloween activities will include:

• Balloon Twisting
• Face Painting
• Magician
• Trick-or-Treat at Pinnacle Hills Promenade retailers

Borders will be hosting the following activities in their store:

Here’s the deal.  I spend a LOT of time on the internet. As a result, I am an excellent online shopper. 

Also, Life+Kids is apparently an “authority site” (whatever that means) on kids and families.  So, I have landed on the email list of a gazillion PR firms.  That means my inbox is full of info on cute products for kids and families.

So, readers, what items are you shopping for this holiday season? Email your list to terri@lifepluskids.com and I will incorporate my ideas to a weekly Life+Kids Holiday Gift Guide.

Don’t worry, I won’t use your name in the post just in case the receiver is a Life+Kids reader!

Let the emails begin!

Circle of Friends, the fundraising arm for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, is hosting a Fall Carnival next Thursday, October 29 from 5-8pm at the Pauline Whitaker Pavillion in Fayetteville.  100% of the proceeds raised with this event benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Wristbands are $20 and it is sure to be a fun filled event for the children of Northwest Arkansas with food, games, the Fayetteville Fire Department’s Firetruck, Central EMS’ ambulance and more!

The children are encouraged to wear their costumes so it should be a great time!

For more information, download the PDF Fall-Carnival-Flyer

The Fayetteville Visitors Bureau will host the 8th Annual Trick or Treat on the Square, Friday, October 30, 2009, from 3 pm to 5 pm on the downtown square. Businesses surrounding the square will be handing out candy to children along with carnival games and a pet costume contest.  

For more information, please contact Julie with the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau at 479-521-5776 or email jpennington@experiencefayetteville.com.

Spiders, snakes, and bats, oh my!

Many people are afraid of these beneficial creatures. Join Devil’s Den Park Interpreter Rebekah as she discusses some of the reasons to have “warm fuzzies” about these misunderstood animals!

• When: Friday, October 30, 2009 from 7-8pm
• Where: Devil’s Den State Park at the Amphitheater by Area A
• Admission: Free

For More Information Contact:
Devil’s Den State Park
Ph: (479) 761-3325
devilsden@arkansas.com

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 is this season’s final Little Sprouts Garden Time at the Botanical Gardens, and it will being going out with a bang!

The program will begin at 10:00 with friendly ghost stories and a costume parade.  All children and adults are invited to come dressed in costume.  After the parade through the garden, kids will love the children’s concert with Jules from Shakey Bugs! 

This program will run slightly longer than usual, at 45-60 minutes.

For more information, go to www.bgo.org.