2018 MOM Foundation Calenders On Sale Now!

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

It's  that time of year where we hold our largest annual fundraiser for The MOM Foundation: the annual calendar filled with gorgeous photos of breastfeeding moms from the Tennessee Valley. I love this project because it allows local photographers to showcase their talent. This is the third year that we have done this project, and the photos coming in are absolutely magnificent.

The MOM Foundation

What is The MOM Foundation? It is the 501c3 non-profit organization that allows us to do many of the amazing things we do. The following programs are all sponsored by The MOM Foundation:

• The Bosom Buddy Project: This project allows low-income and teen moms to receive free gently used nursing bras. We measure each mother and help her find 2 bras that will fit her. The bras come from our generous Nurturing Moment family. When you bring in a bra to donate, you get a discount on your purchase that day, and we are always in need of all sizes of bras. If we don't have a single bra in our donation boxes that will fit a mother, then we provide her one bra from our ANM inventory. The MOM Foundation pays that cost.
• Sliding scale Lactation Consultations: We believe that every mother is entitled to the breastfeeding help she needs without worrying about finances. That's why The MOM Foundation allows us to provide our lactation services on a sliding fee scale. We tell every mother who comes in to pay whatever works in her budget.
  
• Half-price Breast Pump Rental: Mothers on the WIC program are entitled to half price breast pump rental. Instead of the normal $65 monthly rate, they pay only $32.50 a month for a Medela Symphony breast pump. This is a tremendous savings for those moms who desperately need a pump during the first month of baby's life before they are able to get one through WIC.
• The North Alabama Cloth Diaper Bank: Some mothers find themselves in a situation where they must choose between feeding their families and diapering their babies. So The North Alabama Cloth Diaper Bank provides free loans of cloth diapers to families in need. Instead of having to keep going back to get more disposable diapers, these mothers are able to receive a loan that provides enough diapers for their baby throughout infancy and toddlerhood.

Your Role

We couldn't do all of this without your support. As you look at your end of the year charitable giving please consider including The MOM Foundation in your plans. One way to support us is to make a donation to the MOM Foundation. Another way is to buy a calendar or two (or three...)! Important events like The Great Cloth Diaper Change, Mom Prom, The Big Latch On and Huntsville Mommy Milk Meet-up Meetings are listed on the calendar, so you never miss anything! These calendars make a great gift for your favorite doula, midwife, lactation consultant, WIC nutritionist, doctor or nurse. Why not get one for that special friend who is pregnant or breastfeeding!Think about who you want to bless this year with a calendar. And make sure to buy one for yourself, too! 

The Presale price this year is $20 for one calendar, or $15 each for 2 or more calendars. The presale begins today and will go through November 22. After that, the cost will be $25 for one calendar or $20 for 2 or more calendars. If you want your calendar mailed to you please add $5 for shipping for 1-2 calendars and $9 for shipping for 3 or more. It's easy to make your order, just click the donate button below, and in the note section be sure to leave your name and phone number. In early December, you will receive our calendars in plenty of time to give them as Christmas presents!

Breastfeeding Calendar Pre-Sale Ends Next Week

February is courtesy of Kat Parker Photography.

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC
Wouldn't you love to have a year's worth of beautiful breastfeeding images in your 2017 calendar? Noted area photogrpahers have come together to create a masterpiece that you will treasure. Featured photographers include Lighthouse Photography, Jennifer Myers, Jennifer Daniels Photography,  Heartstrings Photography, The Paper Jay, Count It Joy, Regina Kyle, Kat Parker Photography, Sylvester Photography, AP Photo Creations, Sarah Buchanan Photography, Krystal Ness and Kim Jones Photography.

Lighthouse Photography captures the magic of October cotton.

You have the opportunity to purchase a calendar now at the presale price of just $15. We have extended the deadline for presales through November 20 in order to allow as many of you as possible to get your preorder in. Your $15 is a tax-deductible donation to The MOM Foundation. Each year The MOM Foundation helps scores of local mothers in a variety of ways by providing free gently used nursing bras, cloth diapers, low cost breast pump rental and sliding fee lactation services. You can actually just click here to make that order.

Jennifer Daniels Photography brings us December.

So as you make out your Christmas shopping list think about which of your friends needs this gorgeous calendar. It would be the perfect Christmas present for your favorite doula, lactation consultant or midwife. Just think what a great pro-breastfeeding message it would send to have this calendar hanging in your pediatrician, Ob/gyn or family doctor's office. Go ahead and preorder now while you're thinking about it. Calendars will be available for pick-up at A Nurturing Moment by mid-December. Or you can request to have your calendar sent to you for just $5.

Aldersgate Offers Free Sack Lunches in South Huntsville

Emma McCauley is the youth
minister at Aldersgate UMC.

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

Emma McCauley just came in to tell me about a wonderful program that Aldersgate United Methodist Church is providing this summer: Free Sack Lunches at Ken Johnston Park. Every Monday - Friday from now until July 29, anyone can go to the park from 11:30-12:30 to receive a delicious sack lunch. They will be taking a break on July 4, however.

Meeting a Need

In her role as youth pastor at Aldersgate, Emma and her co-workers in the youth and children's programs were concerned about the kids in their ministries who normally receive a hot lunch at school, but would go without this summer. They did some research and discovered that over 2000 children in the South Huntsville area are dependent upon the hot lunch program in their schools. So she opened a dialogue with the Food Bank and Manna House where she learned about the government program Feed America. Although the grant application process was arduous, Emma and her coworker Lydia persevered and are now Feed America grant recipients, receiving meals for children every day from the Food Bank of North Alabama.

Right now they are providing daily lunches for about 30 children a day ranging in age from 2-17. The sack lunches for children consist of a meat, a fruit, milk, and a salad of some kind. However, Aldersgate is also providing meals for adults at no cost. The adult meals are either peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or a meat sandwich and granola bars with a dessert treat. Lowe's has donated a palate of water (1888 bottles), so everybody who comes gets a bottle of cold water.

Another fun feature that virtually eliminates any food waste is the share table where children can put anything they don't want from their meal. There is always somebody who would love an extra milk or potato salad.

Several times a week they have Sno-Cones or water balloons just to make things fun for everybody. Follow them on Facebook at Picnic in the Park to see what's happening next.

Special Moments

The other day a young mom was there with her 3 year old and her own father. While Granddad played with the little boy, the mother was actually able to enjoy a healthy meal. The Granddad lives out of town, but was in town visiting and was able to have fun with his grandson at the park and create some very special memories.

One young man who will begin high school in the fall comes each day on his bike and takes 7 meals home to his family. His mother is unable to bring all the children each day because one child is sick, so he is actually able to eat the Feed America meal (which must be eaten on site), but then he takes home a meal from Aldersgate for each family member.

Young people from the church as well as families with small children and even retirees have come together to serve meals to their neighbors. Emma says, "God has called us to serve our neighbors, and that's what we're doing. It can be as simple as a sandwich and a bottle of water. But it's something all ages can do together."

If you or someone you know needs a good meal for lunch head on over to Ken Johnson Park. They will be delighted to see you!

Childhood Cancer Can Devastate Families

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC and Reva Everetts

Thomas "Superman" Sullivan

When Reva first came to A Nurturing Moment last spring, she said that one of her passions was helping families who are dealing with Childhood Cancer. She makes special gifts for these children and sends them packaged with lots of love. She also makes special childhood cancer awareness items to sell and donates the proceeds to non-profits raising money for research like St. Baldrick's Foundation, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and Alex's Lemonade Stand (be sure to have a tissue if you click on that last link!)

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, so Reva created a very special window for A Nurturing Moment featuring the following little heroes.

Thomas Sullivan: June 22 2006 - May 28 2013. Lost battle right after 7th birthday.

Thomas Sullivan, also known as "Superman" went in for a routine eye exam on December 8, 2011. When the optimist dilated his eyes he found something behind the eye. Thomas was sent to the doctor, and after an abundance of tests, MRI scans and blood work, he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. On December 28th he had a port inserted for chemotherapy and other medicines to be administered. A spinal puncture revealed that Thomas had cancer cells in his spinal fluid, so he would have to receive the highest dose of radiation. On April 3, 2013, after losing most of his strength and ability/want to do anything, he muttered the words to his mother, "I want to go home." The next day they began at home hospice care.

Lexi Lee

Thomas had a HUGE support system throughout his journey. Forty-five thousand prayer warriors followed his story through social media. There was a prayer circle that surrounded him at his home after they started at home hospice care. After he lost his battle on May 28, 2013, the outpouring of people that came to show love, support, and share in the sadness at "Superman's" funeral was surreal.

Lexi Lee, Moulton, Al

Lexi was taken to a doctor after her mother had noticed that she had abnormal bruising. These were not your typical toddler burises; rather, they were bruises that just kept showing up for no apparent reason and not going away. From that day on, it was a whirlwind of events for Lexi and her family.

Penelope Davis

Lexi was officially diagnosed with leukemia in September of 2013. She still undergoes chemotherapy and vigorous blood work to check all of her levels. Lexi and her family have fought an amazing fight and are winning! She has been battling for about a year now, and while she has ups and downs, some moodiness, fatigue and nausea, she has managed through all of this to somehow keep a bright smile on her beautiful face. God has blessed Lexi thus far, but there is still a tremendous need for prayer, support and love for her, her mother Jenna, father Chase, and the rest of their family.

Penelope Davis

The day that changed the Davis' lives was January 18, 2014. Penelope's story is a very sad, short lived, but realistic take on how this awful disease can snatch these tiny humans, these precious souls, our babies away from us in an instant. Penelope had started running into things and acting a little different than her regular self so her parents decided to take her to the doctor. Three short days later, Penelope was diagnosed with stage IV (4) Neuroblastoma. After many scans, bloodwork, and checkups, it was discovered that sweet Penelope had tumors not only in her skull, but in her abdomen and spine, and the cancerous cells had also spread to her bone marrow. Unfortunately, Penelope didn't get to fight for long. She lost her battle just 4 short months later on May 26, 2014.

Sophia Flint

Sophia Flint

On January 8, 2013, Sophia's mother took her to the doctor; from that day on, their lives were forever changed. They were told that Sophia's liver is 3 times the size of a "normal" liver for her age. Furthermore, her blood cells were depleted to 1/6 of what they were supposed to be.

On January 10, a bone marrow test determined that Sophia had A.L.L. (acute lymphatic leukemia), and that it had spread to 70% of her little body. Sophia has fought a long fight and is now in remission! She was able to start school and begin to socialize with other children this year. Nevertheless, she is still undergoing chemotherapy; her last treatment is scheduled for January 2015.

If you drop by the store, you will see pictures of each one of these precious children in our window. We have a jar where Reva is collecting money for childhood cancer research. In addition, 10% of all sales made on Saturday, Sept. 27 will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand to further the research efforts.

Rally to Improve Birth Scheduled at ANM on Labor Day

By Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

I meet women every week who have been traumatized by birth, who have had their wishes blatantly ignored despite the fact that there were no imminent complications, who have been told they can't have a VBAC, who want the right to give birth THEIR way! In the vast majority of circumstances, pregnancy is a normal condition, not an illness, and childbirth, when allowed to progress normally does not need to be traumatic.

Improving Birth began with a local group of moms in San Diego, CA, but has grown into a worldwide movement of supporters who want to bring evidence-based care and humanity to childbirth. This Labor Day a group of Huntsville moms will gather in front of A Nurturing Moment as part of the international Rally to Improve Birth.What is this all about? According to their website,

This movement isn’t about natural birth vs. medicated birth. It’s not about hospital birth vs. homebirth or birth center birth.

It’s about women being capable of making safer, more informed decisions about their care and that of their babies, when they are given full and accurate information about their care options, including the potential harms, benefits, and alternatives.  It’s about respect for women and their decisions in childbirth, including how, where, and with whom they give birth; and the right to be treated with dignity and compassion.

We are so excited that our local event will be right here in front of A Nurturing Moment this coming Monday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. You can RSVP here to let the organizers know you are coming! There will be music, refreshments, information tables, and sidewalk chalk for the kids. Just bring your sign, a lawn chair, and your commitment to improve birth in Alabama! 

If you are wondering what to put on your sign, check out this terrific video for some ideas. Even if you had the birth you wanted, you can still advocate on behalf of mothers everywhere. Every mother should have the right to choose where and how she wants to give birth. Informed consent should be automatic, not something that women have to fight for, and every woman should be able to benefit from evidence-based best practices in maternity care.

ANM is Making it a VERY SPECIAL Day

In conjunction with the Rally to Improve Birth, ANM has two very special events going on!

1. Sidewalk Sale - we will have a sidewalk sale with rock-bottom prices on many clearance items as well as rock-bottom prices on in-stock Best Chairs, Britax car seats, Medela Breastpumps and other items. We will also offer on-the-spot financing for chairs, pending credit approval (up to 12 months same as cash).

2. Lemonade Stand - Sarah Bailey's son John has been wanting to have a lemonade stand here for quite a while, so we will have a lemonade stand on Monday! If your child would like a shift working, please email Sarah . The proceeds from the shift your child works will be donated to the charity of his choice!

Please  note that our store hours on Monday will be a little different from normal. We will be open from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm so our employees can spend Labor Day afternoon and evening with their families!

Share the Love

By Sarah Bailey

 Early in 2012, I responded to an email from Cotton Babies, a cloth diapering company in St. Louis.  Cotton Babies was seeking volunteers to start local cloth diaper banks.  A few months later, I became a Cotton Babies Share the Love Host for Huntsville, Alabama.  As a Share the Love host, I serve all areas within 40 miles of Huntsville.    

Share the Love is a sustainable, local cloth diaper bank.  Huntsville is fortunate to have supportive and giving residents.  Our bank has flourished as a result.  Community members recognized the success of this bank and started another bank.  Many banks struggle to get donations to meet the demand of applicants.   Huntsville Share the Love is seeking applicants, and has diapers ready to loan. 

As a host, I accept donations on behalf of the program and grant cloth diapers to qualifying families.   As a completely cashless diaper bank, local Share the Love host sites accept the following donations:

• New or gently used cloth diapers
• Cloth diapering supplies
• Cloth baby wipes
• Wet bags
• Cloth diaper detergent
• Cloth diaper repair supplies -  snaps, velcro, elastic
• 100% cotton t shirts (we sew these into diaper inserts)
• Flannel fabric or flannel blankets (to make cloth wipes)
• Empty conventional baby wipe boxes (cloth wipes are loaned out in a box) 

Donations can be dropped off at A Nurturing Moment, Posh Mommy and Baby Too, or at my home. I will also pick up any donations if you are not able to drop off donations at these convenient locations.  Please contact me to verify that this diaper bank can use your diapers prior to donating.  Most products and brands are accepted, but there are a few exceptions according to guidelines that are being continuously updated by Cotton Babies. 

Many of you may want to support this diaper bank but do not have gently used items to donate.  An easy way to donate new diapers or supplies on a national level or local level is by visiting and making a purchase from the Cotton Babies Share the Love Registry.  You will find a variety of cloth diapering items local banks can use.  You may specify which of the banks you would like your donation to benefit. 

Another way to donate to cloth diaper banks is to purchase diapers from local cloth diaper retailers.  Cloud 9 are cloth diaper retailers in our area that I am familiar with.  (Cloud 9 does not yet have a collection bin.)  In addition, every new Cotton Babies product purchase supports the efforts of Share the Love local cloth diaper banks. 

Simply place your donation in the bins located at the local cloth diaper stores.  A store associate will be happy to help you make a selection.  A Nurturing Moment, Posh Mommy and Baby Too, and Cloud 9 are cloth diaper retailers in our area that I am familiar with.  (Cloud 9 does not yet have a collection bin.)  In addition, every new Cotton Babies product purchase supports the efforts of Share the Love local cloth diaper banks. 

Help grow our bank by sewing or collecting supplies.  Volunteers are needed to cut and/or sew cloth wipes and t-shirt cloth diaper soakers.  Share the Love has provided a video with instructions for making t-shirt cloth diaper soakers.  Holding a drive to collect items such as flannel or t-shirts would make a great service project for scout troops.  Share the Love would be delighted to collaborate with local sewing groups from women in churches to crafting guilds. 

We need help advertising.  Share information about this program by posting on social media outlets or taking fliers to businesses or places families gather.  Other volunteer opportunities may be available.   For more information regarding volunteering, contact me via FB pm being sure to provide your email address.  I will follow-up with you via a official Share the Love email.

Suds Diaper Service and Soft Bottoms Diaper Service have both graciously offered to help launder, sanitize, and prep all donations.   Having the help of these professional diaper cleaners is truly wonderful and literally lightens my load.

Families qualify for a cloth diaper grant if they are receiving federal food and nutrition supplements via WIC. Huntsville has diapers ready to loan to families receiving WIC in all sizes.  Each family receives 15 diaper changes made up of a variety of cloth diaper brands and types depending upon current inventory.  Apply for a grant by clicking here.  In addition to issuing diapers, I help families throughout their cloth diapering journey, providing washing and care instructions.  When families are no longer using the diapers or children turn three years of age, the diapers are returned. Diapers are sanitized, refurbished if necessary, and issued to another family in need.   

The connections I've made with the community and the families I have met via my volunteering have been phenomenal.  Providing diapers in a time of need has tremendously helped families in more ways than I would have ever dreamed.  One family returned the diapers after just six months as the parents were able to buy their own cloth diapers every month with the money they saved from not purchasing disposables.  The diapers they returned are already on the bums of children in another family.  Most of the families have given back to the program in some way. 

Helping families would not be possible without our community working together.  Every donation and contribution helps Share the Love help families keep the bottoms of babies dry and clean while freeing up money to use for other necessities for the family.  Thank you so much for supporting Share the Love, providing our local area with resources to make things a little bit easier for struggling families. 

Facts and tidbits about Cotton Babies Share the Love

Across the US, Share the Love has

• Provided diapers to more than 100 families.
• Recruited volunteer hosts in more than 100 areas of the country 

 As of April 1, 2014, Share the Love Huntsville Host site has . . 

• Provided diapers for 9 children
• Accepted over 100 diapers as donations in the first quarter of 2014
• Shared information at over two dozen community events, including Green U, The Bake, Babypalooza, Holistic Wellness event, Rocket City Weather Fest, Rocket City Sling Swap Monthly Meetings and events (6), Cloth diaper swaps at A Nurturing Moment (4)
• Shared fliers and information in businesses including local pediatrician’s offices, WIC offices, preschools, Lowe Mill, Starbucks, Garden Cove, A Nurturing Moment, Posh Mommy and Baby Too.
• Been featured on AL.com. in the following three posts.

http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2014/03/local_moms_say_cost_savings_is.html
http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2014/03/huntsville_moms_help_families.html
http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2014/03/but_what_about_the_poop_huntsv.html

Awesome Jewelry and Used Diapers

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC
I thought that title would get your attention!!

Your gently used diapers will be a
blessing to a mom in need.

The MOM Foundation  was able to do some amazing things last year, like provide over $1700 in breastfeeding support to moms who wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise. We also provided 32 nursing bras to mothers in the WIC program. This year we are excited about expanding our support for North Alabama families.

Today I met with a steering committee that is creating a cloth diaper bank for North Alabama as a project of the MOM Foundation. We already have a very active Share the Love chapter here in Huntsville. Our goal is to work hand in hand with them and complement the incredible work that Share the Love is already doing. Because of some of the limitations on the national program, there are some diapers that Share the Love can't accept. But our local cloth diaper bank doesn't have those restrictions! If you have cloth diapers that you are no longer using, we have a donation bucket at A Nurturing Moment where we can receive those diapers. We also have an incredible team of moms who volunteer to sort them and repair elastic, aplix and snaps so that the moms receiving the donated diapers get the best diapers possible!

We Need a NAME!!

We just have one problem, we don't have a name for this project yet! That's where you come in! We want YOUR suggestions for a name. Here's how it works: Leave your suggestion for a name in the comments. Next Friday the steering committee will pick a name from your suggestions! The person who offers the winning name will receive a $25 gift certificate to A Nurturing Moment.

Submit the winning name and you will 

Win a $25 gift certificate to ANM!!

MOM Foundation Fund-Raiser

Jennifer Blanshan of Premier Designs Jewelry is doing a fundraiser for the MOM Foundation. You can be

involved in several ways.

1. Go to Jennifer's site online and use the access code BLING to view all the catalogs online. You can fill out an order form at A Nurturing Moment and leave your payment any time between now and the 18th.
2. Come into ANM and take a look at the catalog. We have several mini-catalogs you can even take with you!
3. Come to the party on Jan. 18th at noon. We will learn some really cool things to do with scarves and have a great time playing with cool jewelry!

Win Free Jewelry!!!! -  At the end of the party there will be a drawing, and the winner will receive 20% of the day's sales in FREE JEWELRY!! You can win tickets for the drawing for each pre-order you bring with you and each guest you bring. You also get tickets for attending and making a purchase. If you decide to book your OWN party, you get 5 tickets! If you do decide you want to host a show, 10% of your proceeds will go toward The MOM Foundation!

All the jewelry will be delivered to A Nurturing Moment 2-3 weeks after the show, and you can pick it up here!

The Mom Foundation Provided Over $1500 in Lactation Services in 2013

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

We've just finished tallying our figures from 2013, and this year The MOM Foundation provided $1781 in lactation consultation services to mothers who otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford to get breastfeeding help! An average of 1 out of every 4 consults this year has been reduced fee. We are so thankful that we have been able to help these moms!

We have also given out dozens of nursing bras this year. We have plenty of bras in 38, but are low on 32 and 34 band sizes as well as the larger sizes over 40. Remember that any time you bring in a bra for our Bosom Buddy program, we give you a discount on that day's purchases!

We have several projects in the works as we enter 2014. Of course we will continue to offer a sliding fee scale for our in-store consults. We are also focused on educating the demographic of moms who might not normally consider breastfeeding as an option. Our goal is to make sure that every mom in the Tennessee Valley knows the benefits of breastfeeding and can get the support she needs.

One of our newest initiatives at A Nurturing Moment is our Skype consults. If you can't make it to the store, we can actually do a consult via Skype. You will be in the privacy of your own home, and we will be able to evaluate your breastfeeding via webcam and make suggestions. The cost for a Skype consult is just $45. The best part is that a portion of every Skype consult fee goes toward helping a low-income or teen mom get breastfeeding support!

If you've been abundantly blessed this year and want to make an end-of-the year donation to an organization that is making a difference in the lives of local moms, please consider the MOM Foundation! If you have any questions, feel free to call Glenni at 256-658-8210.

Make Christmas Special for a Hospitalized Child

Brian Bellomy and his helpful State Farm staff!

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

We love our neighbors here at 7540 Memorial Parkway! They are all amazing businesses. But I am especially excited about what our new neighbor, the Brian Bellomy State Farm Agency, is doing. Cindy from their office dropped off the following flier the other day:

Please join in helping kids who will be hospitalized during the holidays. We will be taking donations of new unopened toys/games/arts and crafts until 12/13/13 to deliver to the pediatric patients at Huntsville Hospital. You can bring the donations by our office at 7540 Memorial Parkway SW Suite S in the Rosie's Cantina Shopping Center

Donated toys will be given to pediatric patients

As I've gotten to know Brian, I have seen that he approaches his business very professionally, but seeks to integrate his Christian faith into all he does. This project is just an outworking of that approach. We are thrilled to help support this donation drive. 

If you decide you'd like to buy a toy here for the drive, you will receive a 20% discount on it and a 10% discount on anything else you purchase during your visit. We want to do all we can to help make this drive a huge success!

21 Days of Thanksgiving

From West Seattle Montessori School

In November our thoughts often turn to thankfulness. At A Nurturing Moment we have much for which to give thanks. The outpouring of support and encouragement since I posted our long-term vision last month has been overwhelming!

Our Moms Say Thank You

Several moms who have benefited from the programs which The Mom Foundation supports have taken time to express their thankfulness for the program. In the interest of privacy, some names have been changed if a mother has communicated with us in a private manner.

Marla was referred to us by Motherhood Maternity. Because she was on the WIC program, she was able to take advantage of our Bosom Buddies program. She says, "I am sooo thankful for the bra program. If I hadn't heard of it (from an employee at Motherhood), I would be wearing the wrong size bra. I did that with my last baby. The two bras I received are the only nursing bras I have. I just can't afford $50 for a bra, so the program has been a lifesaver. Thank you so much!!!"

Samantha had this to say, "I'm thankful for Glenni always being there when I needed her no matter what!"  

Brittany added, "So thankful for Glenni and your sliding scale." 

Jennifer said, "I am VERY thankful for the sliding scale! I wouldn't have been able to come in otherwise! Thank you so much! God will bless you for all you're doing!"  

From Struggle to Victory.

We Say Thank You

God does bless us each day through so many of you. Just days after I posted our vision blog, one of our moms came in to talk to me about a foundation for which she is a board member. They have given us a $1000 grant to put toward our work. We are seeking to match that grant, and are already 1/3 of the way there! You can make a tax deducible donation to The Mom Foundation here, or via check made out to The Mom Foundation.

Each day for the rest of the month we will post something we're thankful for on our page. We invite you to participate with something you're thankful for each day, too. It's amazing how giving thanks in every circumstance really DOES change your attitude, make you happier, and contribute to increasingly more positive outcomes!

What are YOU thankful for today?

You Can Make a Difference for a Nicaraguan Child!

Guest Blog

By Cari Worshek       

   

We often look at mission trips as something that only certain people participate in.  They are for people who have a certain calling on their lives and/or have plenty of money and time off from work.  They are for people who want to travel overseas and help those in other parts of the world.  While some of those things are true, we have ALL been given a global mission to love God and to love our neighbors beginning in our homes and neighborhoods and extending to the ends of the earth. 

            Compass Life began with a calling to unite all in the same mission…the mission given by God to ALL people.  One of the ways we do this is though our annual 50X Campaign.  We are collecting new to nearly new summer clothes for adults and children, toys, hats and shoes for the people of Nicaragua.  The items will be shipped in November 2013 and in February, 2014, a team from Huntsville will travel over as part of a team sharing the love of Christ through word and deed to approximately 4000 people.  In addition to sharing about God’s love through His Word and ministering to spiritual needs, the team will minister to physical needs through medical, dental, and vision clinics as well as a gift store where families are given beans and rice, Bibles, and the items collected through the 50X campaign. 

            50X is a great way for even the youngest child to participate in “the Mission” by donating toys, clothes, etc.  When discussing this with your children, remind them that the children in Nicaragua don’t need toys just like they don’t need toys, but it is a way for them to share a smile with someone who lives in a different country.  It is a way to be part of the mission team! When packing away your summer clothes, cleaning out your garage, closet, etc. please pack up those nearly new items and drop them off at one of our locations.  If you don’t have to drop them off, we’ll be glad to arrange a time to come and get them. 

            After “going” on my first mission trip last September, I see even more how important the entire team is to “the Mission.”  The team, made up of those sending, praying and going, is integral in the mission.  With a goal of 50 boxes to be shipped last year as well, God’s people blew us away as the “team” gave more than 100 boxes worth of donations AND a group of dedicated people to pack those boxes in the blazing summer heat.  God led His people to generously give money in support of sending people who felt called to go. The prayers of so many were evident as we arrived in Tisma, Nicaragua with many softened hearts eager to hear of God’s love for them.  God even rallied a group of people to provide meals to the families who had a member away on the trip.  The blessings go on and on!  I know that Jesus said to “go and make disciples” but I wonder if the ones “going, praying and supporting” are receiving the discipleship, training and blessing as much or more than they are giving it?!?! 

            These are some questions I pondered after spending a week there last year…What is it about being

in Nicaragua that allows you to love so freely?  What is it that allows a team to bond so quickly?  What is it that makes you so sad to leave a group of people that you have only known for a few days?  What is it that would make our dentist choose not to wear a mask while performing dental work because "with the language barrier, I would have nothing without my smile?"  What is it that would let a group of women use less than desirable bathrooms, sleep on pads on a floor with the potential of critters, etc. without a second thought?  What is it that would sustain a group of people to get out of their comfort zones to serve wherever they were needed and to do it all with overflowing hearts?  What is it that would allow us to sweat 24/7 and not get grossed out by the smells...or even notice them?  What is it that would allow a preteen to get back in the truck and notice that his soft drink had been consumed and say "oh well, he needed it more than me?"  What is it that would stir people on our team to give away the clothes and shoes they were wearing?  What is it that makes me excited that our supplies were held up in customs?  What is it that kept my children from complaining or whining about going to bed, getting up, or ANYTHING?  What is it that allowed our children to play for hours with children who spoke a different language and laid their heads to sleep at night on plastic bottles?  What is it that made them leave hats and sunglasses for their new friends and want to move there?  What is it that makes a ten year old so excited about the number of children that accepted their Creator’s love and forgiveness for the first time?  What is it that allows you to be so exhausted yet so exhilarated that you don’t really want to sleep?  What is it that causes you to want to hug every person you see no matter how dirty they may be?  What is it that makes you so content with a cold shower by a garden hose inside a metal box under the stars?  What is it that allowed a team member to work out in the heat with very little shade working with dirty animals and coming back for a few minute nap on the hard dirty floor before going out again?  What is that allowed my husband to “give up” on sermon preparation and let God speak through Him to convey His love for the lost and not skip a beat even with a translator in the middle?  What is it that still makes me tear up at the sight of the pictures?

           I have to believe it is our AWESOME God’s plan. I have to believe that it is God’s grace.  I have to believe it is being centered on His path...and that it can be in my home, in my community, in Nicaragua or wherever He has me.  I have to believe that it is loving Him and our neighbors globally.   I have to believe it is living with open hands and clean hearts remembering that nothing is ours and everything we have comes from Him and is to be used for Him.  I have to believe it is complete surrender to His will and trusting that His will is best.  I have to believe it is reminding ourselves that this life is not about us at all, but about His glory and the redemption of precious souls to our Creator.  I have to believe it is because He did not save us to merely survive in our comfort zones, but to live ABUNDANTLY--not necessarily with an abundance of things--wherever that may be!  I have to believe it is depending FULLY on Him.  I have to believe it is throwing all of our expectations and demands aside.   I have to believe it is the prayers of His people.  I have to believe it is because I can't, but He can...that with Him all things are possible!  I have to believe that it is His Holy Spirit in and through us.  I have to believe that His Word IS TRUE and that centered on His path there is JOY!

Blessings,

Cari Worshek

cworshek@mac.com

256-426-7838

For more information on 50X, go here or email Frances Walker at franceswalker1107@gmail.com.
You can bring your donations to A Nurturing Moment. We are a drop off location!!

Get Terrific Avon Insect Products and Help out Low-Income Moms!

We are having an amazing fund-raiser for The Mom Foundation! From today through July 10, you can order 2 products from the Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard collection, and a whopping 40% of your sale will go directly to The Mom Foundation.  Their Bug Guard Plus has an SPF of 30 and offers disappearing color so that you will know for sure that sensitive areas are covered! The Expedition formula retails for $16.99 in the current Avon catalog, but you have the chance to get 2 of them for just $14.00!

If you'd rather get some shower gel or moisture therapy products, you can get a 3-pack for just $10.  Once again, 40% of the proceeds will go directly to help us support low-income and teen moms. May you need some Shampoo and Conditioner or special foot care products...they're included, too!  If you want something special and fun for your little ones, you can get the Natural Kids combo that includes Crazy Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner, Swirling Strawberry Body Wash & Bubble Bath, Amazing Apple Detangling Spray, and Outgoing Orange Bath Time Body Paint -- all for just $10!

So come on in and make your selections. Stock up now on your Skin-So-Soft bug repellent products because they will be gone in the fall!  This is a great way to get some teacher gifts or Dirty Santa presents (after all, Christmas is ONLY 6 months away!) Or just indulge yourself - you're a mom, and you deserve it.

A TRULY Happy Birthday!

I finally caught up with Herbie!

I'm 53 today! I don't feel 53, but the calendar says I am. And I guess calendars don't lie! I am so richly blessed, and I just wanted to take a moment to share with you all why I feel so blessed!

• I have an amazing Savior whose sacrifice has made it possible for me to know without a doubt where I will spend eternity.
• I have been married to a wonderful man for 28 1/2 years!
• My 4 children are all doing well and fill my heart with such joy!
• My mother is still in good health and lives less than a mile from me. It's great when your mom is one of your very best friends!!
• I have the most precious church family I could ever imagine. We have been privileged to be at our church for 8 years now and love our little congregation so much.
• Every day I get to come to the best job imaginable - working with moms and babies.

All I can say is "Thank you, Lord, for being so good to me!"

There are just three things I am wishing for this birthday. Maybe you can help or know someone who can.

Funding for Military Moms Project

We are trying to provide hospital grade breast pumps and free lactation consultation to all military moms. If their babies are in the NICU or there is a medical condition, Tricare will cover it, no questions asked. However, if they don't have that situation, we have to raise the money to cover it. 

• Do you have any connections with people or companies that might be willing to help with a grant?
• Would you like to make an end-of-the-year tax deductible donation to our non-profit, the MOM Foundation?
• Could you please vote for us to receive an Intuit grant and share with your network of contacts?

Gently Used Nursing Bras

It sounds silly to say I want used bras for my birthday, but I do! All sizes!!! We provide the bras to mothers in the WIC food program, and it breaks my heart when we don't have the size a mom needs. We call it our Bosom Buddy program, and YOU are the key to it's success. If we don't have a steady stream of bras coming in from our customers, we start to run really low. 

I'm  not getting any younger, so I better
make this year count!!

My birthday challenge to our readers is to see if we can get 53 gently used nursing bras in honor of my 53rd birthday. We received 9 today, so only 44 to go! I'll keep you updated on the progress!!

A Growing Team National Network of Moms

We are part of the most amazing co-op/purchasing group that I've ever seen. It's sort of like Costco, Direct Buy and Sam's Club on steroids! We have our Nurturing Moment team that includes some pretty amazing people, and is continuing to grow. Members save money on everything from automobiles to furniture to ink cartridges and q-tips. The best part of all, though, is that they pay you for word of mouth advertising. It's a vehicle that is blessing families around the country by allowing  moms  to stay home with their children. 

However, it is also blessing A Nurturing Moment because in this tough economy, it is helping us keep the doors open. If you're looking for a way to save money or make an extra income (no get-rich quick here...you do have to work at it), then give me a call. We promise that there's no product to sell, no pressure whatsoever, and no pushiness!

Thank YOU

In closing, I want to say thank you to each one of you who enrich my life in so many ways. Our ANM family truly is a family. You bless us in so many ways. I just hope that the long-term vision I have for ANM (that's for another blog another day) will continue to bless moms all over North Alabama!

Hugs to you all!!

Herbie says Thanks, too!

Shop to Share

The Junior League of Huntsville is an amazing group of women who design creative ways to make money to benefit local charities. We are so excited to be a part of their upcoming promotion, Shop to Share,  which begins tomorrow!

It's simple, you purchase a Shop to Share card for $25 which entitles you 20% off at some of the areas  best local retailers from October 20 - November 3. Plan your shopping carefully, and you'll save a lot more than the $25 that the card costs!

You can buy your card at the following local businesses:

• Alabama Outdoors
• Athletic Club Alabama
• Barb's Sewing Center
• Belk
• Chickadee Designs
• Crawford Gifts
• Lawren's
• Party Works
• Personal Couture at Huntsville
• Portobello
• Red Door Interiors
• Silhouette
• Spoiled Rockin' Kidz

A Nurturing Moment is thrilled to be the only mommy-baby store to participate in this fun initiative. The proceeds will benefit a variety of projects in our community. Many of the projects supported by the Junior League help at-risk children, a goal that is near and dear to our heart.

When you use your Shop to Share card and spend $100 or more, you can choose a gift from our treasure basket!

Be a Bosom Buddy and Help a Local Mom

One of our passions at A Nurturing Moment is helping low-income and teen moms. One way we do this is through our Bosom Buddy Program which provides free gently used nursing bras to breastfeeding mothers on the WIC program.  Each WIC mom is eligible for 2 bras every 6 months as long as she's nursing. We will fit her during the last month of pregnancy.

The key to this program's success is YOU! The way we get our gently used bras is from our customers. When you bring in clean gently used nursing bras (the size on the tag should still be visible, and the bra shouldn't be stained), we give you a discount on anything you purchase that day.

1 bra = 5% discount

2 bras = 10% discount

3+ bras = 15% discount

This discount will be over and above any other discounts you are entitled to!

Currently, we are really running low on certain sizes: We don't have any 34 D or DD. We need 36 C, D & DD, 38 D & DD, and 40 C&D. Of course we appreciate any size bra you bring in! You can be certain that another mother will be glad you took the time to donate!

 When a woman is struggling to pay bills, she often doesn't have $50 or even $35 for a good, supportive nursing bra. That's why this project is so critical. Not only will breastfeeding save significant money when compared to infant formula, but Mom won't have to spend a lot of money on a good nursing bra! Recent moms who have received bras through our Bosom Buddies project include a teen mom who is very committed to breastfeeding her baby, a single mom who is planning to finish school, and an army wife.

Celebration of Smiles

Can you imagine what it would be like to know your baby needs surgery but not be able to afford it? That is the plight of many mothers in third world countries whose children suffer from cleft lips and cleft palates. Imagine being the grandmother of a beautiful little girl who was rejected by both her parents  because of her cleft lip. Then imagine the intense relief and joy you would feel upon learning that your precious little one would get the needed surgery at no cost to you.

It seems somewhat incomprehensible to us here in the states. We have insurance and Medicaid for those who can't afford insurance. But that isn't the case everywhere. That's why Operation Smile has been sending surgical teams around the world for 30 years. They have changed countless lives and brought smiles to over 200,000 children and their thankful parents.

Now you have the opportunity to be part of this incredible adventure of healing. On April 21 photographer Darlene Korab of Lagniappe Photography will be at A Nurturing Moment as part of the national Celebration of Smiles events. For just $24 you will receive a mini-session and a 5X7 portrait of your child. Southerland's Photography is providing the printing services, so every penny of your $24 will go directly to Operation Smile.

It only costs $240 to provide one cleft repair! We're hoping that our ANM family will provide for 3 cleft repairs!! Make your appointment today by calling Darlene at 256-679-1038, then stop by our event page to let us know you're on board!