Gotta get rid of kids' stuff? need some stuff?

The Clothesline
Children’s Consignment
Holiday Sale

Friday and Saturday November 21-22, 2008

Woodmont Recreation Center
2334 Traymore Road
Richmond 23235

For the Holiday Sale we will accept gently used toys, games, books, videos/DVDs, ride-on toys, outdoor toys (sandboxes, slides, etc.), furniture, large equipment (strollers, backpacks, etc.) holiday wear (any brand), and boutique fall/winter clothing (please see list of accepted brands).

More info? http://www.theclothesline.biz/

Are you a desperate mom! You could be on TV!

Hannah Keeley's new PBS show was just picked up to go national in the spring!

Check out her casting call for desperate moms THIS week!!!!!!!!! You could work with Hannah who is right here in Richmond! Hannah's a really fun and amazing mom we've featured on Richmondmom.com in the past--check her out!

Here's the link:
http://www.hannahkeeley.com/

Madagascar 2 live at the Science Museum Imax, 11/7!

EXPERIENCE THE GREATEST ESCAPE IN IMAX!

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: The IMAX Experience to open on Friday, Nov. 7,
at the Science Museum of Virginia’s Ethyl IMAX®DOME

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa opens at the Science Museum of Virginia’s Ethyl IMAX®DOME on November 7th.

For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 804-864-1400 or 800-659-1727 or visit the website at http://www.smv.org/. Tickets to see Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: The IMAX Experience are $10. Advance tickets are available at the guest services desk, by calling 804-864-1400 or 800-659-1727 or online at http://www.smv.org/. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.

Thisbe's Promise: A Book to honor memory of two children

Laurian Scott, sister-in-law of Richmond mom Lacey Sinnot, will be in town Wednesday, November 5th and Thursday, November 6th signing her children's picture book, Thisbe's Promise.

If you haven't heard about it, and would like to come, you can read all about the book at http://www.etspublishing.com/. A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to aid the mission of The Olive Branch Fund: A Thisbe and Noah Scott Legacy .

To learn more about this fund and their fight to find a cure for motor neuron diseases, check out http://www.theolivebranchfund.org/.

The book is a beautiful tribute to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child and will be a great interactive read with your children. It would also make a great gift. The following are the address and times for the signings:

The Sinnott’s
6406 Roselawn Rd - 23226
(804) 288-2218
Wed, November 5th: 5:00-7:00 p.m., wine and cheese – no children please
Thurs, November 6th: 9:30-11:30 a.m. – no children please

Should you not be able to drop by at one of these times, please let Lacey Sinnot know in advance by calling the number above, and she will be happy to set aside one of these special books for you. The books are $17.00 each.

Sales Associate / Customer Service
Massage Envy – Short Pump

Duties include:

• Providing excellent service to members/guests by answering phone calls, setting appointments, greeting members/ guests upon arrival

• Offering and Selling memberships for our great massage Wellness Program
  • Assists in maintaining professional front desk and reception area.

• Assists in administrative tasks including filing, member folder maintenance, and data entry of client records and surveys.
• Assists in maintaining cleanliness of therapy rooms, common areas and store room, & various duties as assigned by Clinic Management.

Experience:

• Customer service and sales experience preferred.

• Ability to effectively communicate with members/ guests on membership benefits, and clinic policies and procedures.

• Ability to work cohesively with others in a fun and fast paced environment. • Must be customer service oriented and able to communicate effectively with clients, clinic management and sales staff.

• Able to work flexible days and hours

Benefits:

• Hourly wage plus commission and bonuses.

• Employee massages at reduced cost.

• Employment growth opportunities.

For additional information email resume or questions to Chris Hughes at chughes@massageenvy.com

Your votes are rollin in. . . it's neck and neck on 10/24/08

Obama is in the lead with 52%, McCain close behind at 48%:

"If something happened to McCain or Obama would you want Palin as President or Biden?"

"I cannot imagine what it would be like if something were to happen to McCain, and being run by Sarah Palin. This isn't the PTA."

"McCain doesn't impress me as being a great leader. And I wonder if "Joe Six-Pack/Hockey Mom" Palin slipped into Saks during her visit here {in Richmond}?"

"The next president may replace 2 Supreme Court justices. I'm a proponent of choice and civil rights - would hate to see an ultraconservative court."

send us YOUR comments: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2dlx1tufm3h5lnv/start

Cool moms making big bucks with web businesses

A blogger, a dressmaker, and more. . .cool ladies earn livings online http://lohud.com/article/20081020/LIFESTYLE01/810200314/-1/SPORTS

Flight Night-Aviation Museum-Halloween Night!

*Take a hayride pulled by a vehicle designed to tow planes.

*Climb into a yellow Piper Cub and take the controls for a pretend flight.

*Make and fly a paper bat. Create your own UFO. Go on a scavenger hunt.

*Come in costume and get your picture taken in front of a Vietnam-era A-4 Skyhawk light attack bomber.

*Decorate a candy bag to take home all your treats.

It’s all at Flight Night at the Virginia Aviation Museum on Friday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

“If you’re looking for a safe, family friendly event, have we got a party for you,” says Virginia Aviation Museum Director Mike Boehme. “Our Flight Night is filled with fun things aimed at the kids. We have a few scary activities, but you’ll notice our name is Flight Night, not Fright Night. A good time will be had by all.”

Visit the Kids Ready Room and ride the pedal planes. Get fake tattoos. Make a scary necklace. Were those brains you just felt? Nope, it was just squishy spaghetti in a seasonal game. If you think you have what it takes to be a pilot, test your skills at one of the flight simulators.

Flight Night is $6 per person. For museum information call (804) 236-3622 or visit http://www.vam.smv.org/. The Virginia Aviation Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. The Virginia Aviation Museum is at 5701 Huntsman Road, Richmond International Airport.

More comments from Richmond moms on the election!

"Although I believe each has their faults, I have to vote my conscience. McCain shares my same moral beliefs."

"I am voting for Obama because I feel like his platforms as they relates to education,war,and the national debt. He is able to UNITE the USA."

"I would never vote for a socialist. or for anyone lacking enough experience to be pres."

"I loath most Republican ways. I don't see McCain giving the USA the guidance we need. Obama/Biden are the most reasonable choice to me. OBAMA-BIDEN 08'"

"We will be voting for the Obama/Biden ticket, I cannot imagine what a gallon of gas or milk would cost in the next 4yrs if McCain/Palin succeed!"

"McCain has more experience. I have a son In the Navy and hate to think what would happen if Obama was to be elected.

"I feel like I am a John McCcain girl in a Barack Obama world!"

"Always been a Democrat and Obama supporter, but now I am floored by the way that McCain and Palin are running their campaign. Disgusting!"

VOTE NOW & GET A CHANCE TO WIN A $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM OUR PARTNERS!
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2dlx1tufm3h5lnv/start

Richmond moms are voting. . .

OK ladies--the votes are rolling in.& we're nothin' like the national polls . .as of today our stats are:

McCain-62%

Obama-38%

here's what you're sayin':

• 
  Obama is the only candidate focusing on ISSUES, not personality assaults-McCain distracts everyone with character attacks,&not answering questions!
  Anonymous


• McCain has the experience, I'm alittle surprised at his Vice President choice, however I think she adds alot to his campaign


• If anyone can convince me that a vote for Obama doesn't represent a vote for dismantling our free-market system, convince me that his shady "friends"


• Obama seems to be ready to handle issues with finesse not force


• I don't think Obama has any experience for this job & I feel he is more a pop star that a political candidate. And, I love McCain's running mate Palin


• Although I believe each has their faults, I have to vote my conscience. McCain shares my same moral beliefs.


• I am voting for Obama because I feel like his platforms as they relates to education,war,and the national debt. He is able to UNITE the USA.


• I would never vote for a socialist. or for anyone lacking enough experience to be pres.


• I'll vote for McCain even though I am not impressed with Sara Palin. He is the safer of the two choices.

Keep voting and get a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from one of our partners! http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2dlx1tufm3h5lnv/start

Carseat Safety

Poor safety ratings for 13 booster seatsReview finds several products that don't position kids to fit their seat belts

The Associated Pressupdated 9:01 a.m. ET, Wed., Oct. 1, 2008WASHINGTON - Several car booster seats do a poor job of positioning children to fit in their seat belts, according to a review by the insurance industry and researchers.

-The Virginia-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found Wednesday that 13 booster seats don't put children in the best position to be protected in a crash.

-The Institute, which conducts crash tests of new vehicles, did not recommend: Compass B505, Compass B510, Cosco/Dorel Traveler, Evenflo Big Kid Confidence, Safety Angel Ride Ryte, Cosco/Dorel Alpha Omega, Cosco/Dorel (Eddie Bauer) Summit, Cosco Highback Booster, Dorel/Safety 1st (Eddie Bauer) Prospect, Evenflo Chase Comfort Touch, Evenflo Generations, Graco CarGo Zephyr, and Safety 1st/Dorel Intera.IIHS President Adrian Lund said the 13 boosters "may increase restraint use by making children more comfortable, but they don't position belts for optimal protection."Child seat manufacturers said their products meet and exceed federal regulations. Dorel Juvenile Group said it "welcomes the opportunity to review the evaluation conducted by the IIHS."Graco Children's Products said in a statement that "safety is always a top priority and nothing is more important than the well-being of the children who use our products."

It was the first time the Institute issued evaluations for booster seats. Lund said they chose not to review crash protection because the seats simply elevate children so lap and shoulder belts are well-positioned to restrain them.Booster seats are typically used by children between the ages of 4 and 8. The seat belt is meant to be routed across a child's lower hips and mid-shoulders instead of the abdomen because the liver and spleen are more vulnerable to injuries.Russ Rader, an IIHS spokesman, said two of the seats not recommended by the Institute, the Costco Highback Booster and the Safety 1st/Dorel Intera, had been discontinued. The IIHS evaluated 41 seats that represented a majority of the market when the evaluations were conducted in the summer of 2007. Evaluations for all the seats are available on their Web site.

Institute also names 'best bets'
-The IIHS called 10 seats "best bets," meaning they were most likely to correctly position seat belts. They include: Combi Kobuk, Fisher-Price Safe Voyage (with plastic clip), Graco TurboBooster, Britax Monarch, Britax Parkway, Fisher-Price Safe Voyage (highback), LaRoche Bros. Teddy Bear, Recaro Young Style, Volvo booster cushion and Safeguard Go when it's used as a backless booster.

-Five seats were named "good bets" to provide acceptable belt fit. They include: highbacks Combi Kobuk, Graco TurboBooster and Safety Angel Ride Ryte, and combinations Recaro Young Sport and Safety 1st/Dorel Apex 65, when used as highbacks.Dr. Kristy Arbogast, who researches child passenger safety issues at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said parents should not interpret the evaluations to mean that poorly rated seats are not effective."The biggest disservice this would do is to encourage people to move out of booster seats because we know they're an effective restraint, we know they reduce the risk of injury and the risk of fatality," Arbogast said.

-Arbogast suggested that parents buying a new booster seat should try it out in their car and see how the seat belt fits on their child.
-The government recommends car seats for children up to 40 pounds and booster seats for children over 40 pounds until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. All children should ride in the back seat until age 13.

New Feature: RichmondMom.com Rockstars

Soon we'll be featuring women who are truly "rock stars" in the Richmond community. Do you know someone who:

*Is active in the Richmond community?

*Is an advocate for special needs or underprivileged children?

*Is an all-around multi-tasking mama who helps share a rare, free moment on others?

*Is just plain awesome that we need to know about?

Don't keep her to yourself! Tell us about her: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2doi5d4fm98juyi/start

Real Richmond Mom Funny of the Day

Fun mom Melissa Zacharias of Glen Allen VA sent us this one: I am a mother of 4 girls, ages 10, 8, 5, and 2.

The 5 year old came running in a few months ago (still 4 at this point), saying, "Mom, Mom!!! A HUUUGE dog just pooped in our playroom!".

We don't have a dog.

She then proceeds to hand over the said poop. And runs off again as if there's nothing strange at all about the fact that she just found poop in the playroom.
Before you go and start thinking that I have the most unsanitary home in these United States, I should include the information that we had been potty training our 2 year old during this time. We were using the 'ole "tried and true" method of leaving her underwear off with the hopes that she would use the potty sitting in the middle of the room. I assume she "got away" for a bit.

Have a fun story like this one to share? Don't have to use your name if you don't want to own it! Email: kate@richmondmom.com

Pumpkin Palooza

Pumpkin Palooza will be held at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Friday, October 17 – Carving and Preview Party, 6-9 pm – festivities include:
Viewing the carving teams in ACTION
Entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine are included
Musical Entertainment — Honkey Tonk Experience — honkeytonkexperience.com.
Advance tickets are required for the preview party, $50 per person
Some sponsorships include reception tickets.

Saturday, October 18 – Family Festival, 11am- 8pm – festivities include:
St. Catherine’s Lower School Chorus — 11:00 AM
Freeman Highschool Cheerleaders — 11:00 AM
St. Christopher’s Lower School Chorus — 11:30 AM
THE SWINGERS — 12:00 PM
St. Andrews Legion Pipes and Drums — 12:30 PM
St. Gertrude High School Ensemble — 1:00 PM
The Florettes — 1:30 PM
Richmond’s International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 180 — 2:00 PM
Ezibu Muntu Dancers — 2:30 PM
Spidey the University of Richmond Spider — 2:30-4:00 PM
Bonnie the Bunny — 2:30-4:00 PM
Costume Contests — 3:00 PM
Betsy Q — 4:00 PM
Shield Tae Kwon Do — 5:30 PM
Maggie Walker Jazz Ensemble for the Lighting of the Pumpkins — 6:30 PM

http://www.thefaisonschool.org/Pumpkinpalooza.html

Creepy Hollow Hayride: Fun for Bigger Kids

BOO!

The Creepy Hollow Hayride is a unique experience in the dark woods designed to entertain you at every turn. The high quality of the Creepy Hollow Hayride sets it apart from any other event. Filled with spooky scenery, amazing illusions, and scary surprises, the Creepy Hollow Hayride is the finest haunted attraction in Virginia!

Select nights in October. We Sell Tickets from 7pm- 10pm Sunday - Thursday, and from 7pm - Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Please see our Schedule page!

We are located just off Staples Mill Road, 6 miles west of I-295. You'll see the signs on Staples Mill. Please click on directions above for more detailed directions and a map.

http://www.creepyhollowhayride.com/

Folk Festival this weekend!

http://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/

November is Adoption Month!

Want to support a great Adoption Organization in Richmond?

Our 6th Annual
"Kids Walk for Kids"

All Proceeds Help Support the Services of Coordinators2inc,
Especially Our Services to Children Waiting in Foster Care for a Forever Family
COME WALK WITH US!

Adults and kids of all ages can make a difference in someone else's life. Did you know?…there are over 1700 children in Virginia who are waiting for a forever family. You can help these children by just taking a walk with us.
Who:
We need you and your friends to do the walking; get friends, relatives, neighbors and teachers to sponsor you
When:
November 1, 2008 from 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
How far:
2 miles
Where:
University of Richmond, Robins Center
***INDOORS***
28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173
What to do:
Contact Monica Mack at Coordinators2inc (354-1881), a licensed child placing agency, and ask for a Volunteer form. You can also e-mail us at info@c2adopt.org to obtain registration information for the walk. You can either serve as a Team Captain and recruit your friends and family to walk with you as a Team or you can walk as an individual. Then all you do is ask people you know to sponsor you to Walk for a Child Who Waits.
As Team Captain, each team member collects from their own sponsors and turns their money into you and you turn in all the money collected from your whole team by October 27th.
As an individual walker, you collect from your sponsors and turn in your money by October 27th.
-Please be sure that all your sponsors information is on the Registration/Donor form when you collect the money. Sponsors can write a check to Coordinators2inc and for any donation over $25.00, a tax dedcutible letter will be sent after the event.
-All donations from sponsors should be turned in to the office of Coordinators2inc no later than October 27th! Our office is located at: 1617 Monument Avenue, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23220.
-Then get out your walking shoes and join us on November 1st at the University of Richmond, Robins Center. Walkers should register by 8:45 a.m. It is indoors so weather will not be a factor. There will be prizes awarded and everyone is eligible for gifts.
-DOWNLOAD FORM*
Kids Walk Flyer Signup 2008

*These pages are in Portable Document Format (.pdf) and are viewed/printed with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader plug-in.

Check out: http://www.c2adopt.org/Kids_Walk.htm

Tell us who you're voting for and WIN!

Who are you voting for, and why?

Tell us on our survey by clicking on this link: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2dlx1tufm3h5lnv/start

One lucky duck will be chosen at random to win a $25 Gift Certificate to the Richmondmom.com retailer of your choice!

When a parent dies. . .

My 6 and 1/2 year old's classmate recently--and suddenly---lost his father. We were immediately notified by the Echo Lake Elementary school's principal and alerted that the school counselor would be talking with the children, and asked to speak with our child as well.

How exactly does one explain death to a first grader? How do we get over that shock ourselves, when any parent--especially the parent of such a little one--occurs?

As we were outside just having gotten him from the bus stop, I crouched down and looked into Bryce's eyes and explained this terribly sad situation. He said "Okay, mama" and hopped on his scooter. Well, that didn't go as I had planned.

Any advice on how this has been effective for others?

Detours and Onramps: Women & Work in Richmond

October 28th-Detours and Onramps is coming to Richmond! U of R, 8:30-3pm.

Detours & OnRamps, a forum supporting women on their quest for work-life balance, is coming to Richmond, sponsored by Momentum Resources. Register by 10/10 and receive $25 off the registration fee: https://secure.hostmonster.com/~mccartan/onrampsforum/Registration_richmond.html

This is for women who:

--Have held professional jobs in a variety of industries including financial services, publishing, accounting, legal and and interested in returning to the same field with a family-friendly schedule.
--Are looking for career options other than those professions/careers for which they were trained or in which they advanced prior to motherhood.
--Are seeking flexibility for job sharing, flex time, or alternative career paths.
--Are well-educated and professionally trained; many with advanced degrees.
--Are interested in investing in their career and their future - not looking for a part-time job while at home for several months.

Phenomenal networking opportunities exist. Join us!

Ashland Berry farm: Halloween Fun Starting 10/3/08!

At night in October, Ashland Berry farm is transformed into 3 horrors beyond ones imagination. Beginning Friday October 3rd three different scares Boogar Woods, Dr. Boz’s Labyrinth and Hailey’s Mortuary of Madness. Hayrides to the woods begin at 7pm. Ticket sales for all events start at 6:30.Tickets must be purchased in person.NO ADVANCED SALES. We stop selling tickets at 10PM. (On some evenings tickets sales may be cut off earlier because we have reached maximum occupancy. Get your tickets early)

http://www.ashlandberryfarm.com/HauntedEvenings.html

Fun for Families: Touch a Truck. 10/11, 10am-2pm

THIS WEEKEND!

Touch A Truck

EXPLORE up to 30 different kinds of trucks. PLAY in the newToddler Zone (0-3) or Kids' Corner (4-8+) where you will find crafts, games with prizes, toy truck play areas, free balloons and separate moonbounces.

• EAT lunch with us or grab a snack.


• COLLECT stickers, stamps and driver signatures in the Touch A Truck Keepsake Journal.


• SHOP and get ahead of the holiday rush by visiting Artists' Alley and other vendors.


• Most of all, ENJOY a great day with family and friends!!
  


• Date: Saturday, October 11, 2008 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Short Pump Middle School 4701 Pouncey Tract Road Glen Allen, VA 23059
  Click here to purchase your tickets!