Check out the MOMS Club® of Bend, Oregon - Moms Offering Moms Support.

If you're a mom who's new to Bend or a long time resident, you should check out the MOMS Club® of Bend, Oregon Moms Offering Moms Support.

Here is what the MOMS Club® of Bend has to offer you:

Playgroups - are available for brand new babies through toddler, preschool and older.

Children Activities - including visits to Bouncing off the Wall, sledding, fire station visits, library story time and pottery making. New activities every month for kids of all ages.

Mom's Night Out - need a few hours away from the kids, join fellow moms for a night on the town, we rarely meet at the same place twice.

Couple's Night Out - line up the babysitters and have a date night with other couples.

Family Night Ou t- coming up in December our family activity will be a meet-up at the Bend, Oregon Christmas Parade. Feel free to contact a board member for more details on time and exact location. Join us for some Holiday FUN!

Monthly Meeting Social - join us the 2nd Wednesday of the Month at 10:30 am at the First Methodist Church 680 NW Bond, Bend, OR for a guest speaker and more info on the Bend Mom's Club.

Community Service Projects - we participate in a variety of service projects through out the year primarily focusing on raising funds and donations for organizations that support families.

But most of all a great support group of moms just like you! For more information on the MOMS Club® of Bend, Oregon email momsclubofbendor@bendbroadband.com.

There's a Fine Line Between Thursday Night and Friday Morning - Are you Giving or Getting?

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

~ Winston Churchill

"There's a fine line between Saturday night and Sunday morning".....I'm sure we've all heard this quote, maybe even said it a few times, in our before child, wild years. As I was watching the news this Thanksgiving weekend listening to the endless stories on the preparations and deals for Black Friday, I was somehow reminded of the somewhat vulgar quote. "There's a fine line between Saturday night and Sunday morning" - usually referring to a night of heaving drinking followed by religious repentance. When it comes to Thanksgiving weekend.....there's a fine line between Thursday night and Friday morning. The country transforms in a matter of hours, from being Thankful for their families and blessings received throughout the year, to crazed shoppers trying to be the first in line to get, get, get.

In Bend, the past year we've seen housing prices tumble and jobs lost at record rates. In the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas let us remember to be Thankful every day for the many blessings we've received and take an opportunity to give.

Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.

~ John D. Rockefeller Jr.

There are so many ways we can give even if we don't have a lot of money to donate. This year the Adams Team is assisting the Bend MOMS Club in their effor to support, Grandma's House, a faith based, non-denominational, non-profit home, and outreach ministry, providing safe, nurturing, and stable shelter to homeless and/or abused pregnant, (whether choosing adoption or parenting) and parenting teens mothers between the ages of 12 to 19 years old and their babies.

Please join us in giving back to Grandma's House by spending a few hours with your family going through your house to choose a few gently used items from the following list to donate. If you don't own anything on the list, while out on your next shopping trip bring the family to help pick out one gift.

For the Girls

• Slipper sock with non-skid bottoms


• Disposable cameras


• Scrapbooking supplies


• First aid kits


• Long distant phone cards


• Body Wash


• Alarm clock radios


• Personal journals


• Crafting Items


• Large and extra large hooded sweatshirts

For the Babies

• Swaddle blankets


• Baby carry slings


• Baby care items: Q-tips, cotton balls, diaper wipes & baby wash


• Diapers from newborn to size 6


• Baby monitors


• Newborn clothingfor either boys or girls


• Premie clothing - greens and yellows


• Baby socks


• Cardboard baby/toddler books

Donations can be brought to the MOMS Club Meeting or contact a board member to arrange a drop off.

It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.

~ Albert Einstein

Are Your Skis and Snowboards Ready? It's Official - Mount Bachelor Opens Friday, November 20th 2009 at 9am!!!

Are Your Skis and Snowboards Ready? It's Official - Mount Bachelor Opens Friday, November 20th 2009 at 9am!!!

The ski season has officially begins this Friday as Mount Bachelor opens in Central Oregon. Opening day operating lifts are expected to be the Pine Marten Express and Sunshine Express. Additional areas of the Mountain are expected to begin opening Saturday through the Thanksgiving weekend. The Nordic Lodge and trails will also open for the season first thing Friday morning.

All open services will be operating out of the West Village Base Area including food, rentals, retail shop and Snowsports school.

Skiers and Snowboarders should remember that early season terrain still exists and to watch out for unmarked obstacles. The staff at Mount Bachelor recommends skiing and riding groomed terrain. For beginners there are a few runs open via the Sunshine express.

If you don't already have a season pass - visit the Tickets/Passes page of the Mount Bachelor website for more information.

As of Tuesday, November 17, 2009, there has been 70" of snowfall and more is on the way!

Winter Golf, Just One More Reason to Love Central Oregon - Where You Can Golf & Ski in the Same Day! Here's Where to Play.

It may be snowing but you can still Golf this winter or any winter in Bend, Redmond and surrounding Central Oregon Cities. Just one more reason to love Central Oregon - you can ski and golf all in the same day!

The following Central Oregon Golf Courses are still OPEN for Public play all winter.

• River's Edge Golf Course in Bend, OR


• Lost Tracks Golf Club in Bend, OR

• The Greens at Redmond in Redmond, OR
  


• Juniper Golf Course in Redmond, OR


• Missing Link Family Golf Center in Redmond, OR

• Kah-Nee-Ta Resort in Warm Springs, OR

• Meadow Lakes Golf Course in Prineville, OR
  

• Challenge Course and Ridge Course at Eagle Crest Resort

• Desert Peaks Golf Club in Madras, OR

A few pointers for Central Oregon Winter Golf:

Be prepared to walk more often in the winter as high cart traffic can be damaging to the grass over the winter. Bundle up to keep your muscles warm between holes especially if you are not walking the course.

Although these courses are open year round, they may not be open every day. Call ahead to double check before heading out to hit the links. Click the link on the above courses to be directed to their websites.

Avoid frost delays by scheduling late morning or early afternoon times. While it's great to be the first one on the course when the sun is rising in July, this is not the best course of action for the winter. Schedule late morning and early afternoon tee times and you'll have a better chance of scoring an on time tee time.

Don't Miss the 10th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Bend, OR, Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Don't Miss the 10th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Bend Oregon this Wednesday November 11, 2009.

This year's parade begins at 11:00 am on NW Newport Ave. The parade will proceed through downtown Bend, OR to the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The Veterans Day Parade of Bend is sponsored by community and volunteer donations. Come out Wednesday and show your support of our Veterans. A map of the parade route is available on the Bend Bulletin's Website.

Photo Notes: The picture is my cousin, CPT Scott Adair, currently serving our country in Iraq. Stay safe Scott!

Super Fun Fall Activities in and around Bend, Oregon - The Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. Safari Adventure 2009

Our First Super Fun Fall Activity in and around Bend, Oregon - The Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. Safari Adventure 2009. This is the first in a series of posts about Super Fun Fall Family Activities in and around Bend, Oregon to help keep you busy celebrating the Harvest Season.

The Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. located in Terrebonne, OR is a MUST DO family activity this fall. Located just outside of Bend, OR and Redmond, OR; The Central Oregon Pumpkin Co.’s Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maize and Pumpkin Cannon will excite kids of all ages. Click the this link for directions.

The Pumpkin Patch is open September 27^th and Runs through Halloween.

The Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. has much, much more than pumpkins. The family activities on site included Clydesdale Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, a zoo train, hay fort, petting zoo, pony rides and a pumpkin Cannon. Yes, I said Cannon. For a small fee, one can launch a pumpkin into the sky out of a VERY large cannon. Although the Pumpkin Patch is open all week, not all activities are available every day, see the schedule provided below.

Pumpkin Patch Hours:

Monday thru Friday 12:00PM – 6:00PM

Saturday & Sunday 10:00AM – 6:00PM

Pumpkin Patch Activity Prices

Pumpkin Cannon: $2.50 per shot (Saturday & Sunday)

Zoo Train: $2.50 per child (Saturday & Sunday)

Pony Rides: $5.00 per child (Saturday & Sunday)

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides: FREE

Petting Zoo: FREEHay Fort: FREE

The Corn Maize Safari Adventure 2009

This year’s Corn Maize at the Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. has a safari adventure theme. Visit their website www.pumpkinco.org and click on Corn Maize to see the elaborate design with a full of safari animals. The Maize has you trekking through an elephant, giraffe, lion and zebra. See the schedule below if you're ready to get lost in the Maize.

The Safari Corn Maize Hours:

Friday 3:00PM – 7:00PM

Saturday 10:00AM – 7:00PM

Sunday 10:00AM – 6:00PM

The Safari Corn Maize Admission Price

Age 5 and under – FREE

Ages 6-11 - $5.50

Ages 12+ - $7.50

Harvest Market

For those who love fresh locally grown produce, don’t miss the Harvest Market at The Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. Add to your fall menu with fresh grown winter squash, gourds, mini pumpkins, local apples, honey and jams.

Head out today through October 31st to the Central Oregon Pumpkin Co.'s Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maize for a day of Super Fun Fall Family Activites!

Stay tuned for more Super Fun Fall Family Activities in and around Bend, Oregon.

Get your Tickets for the JELD-WEN Tradition at Crosswater Club at Sunriver Resort and Support Central Oregon Charities.

Get your tickets for the JELD-WEN Tradition at Crosswater Club at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon and Support Central Oregon Charities.

If you need another reason besides great golf to attend the JELD-WEN Tradition at Crosswater Club at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon, then purchase your day pass to support Central Oregon Charities. This year the JELD-WEN Tradition has invited all youth-oriented non-profit organizations to participate in ticket sales. Each participating non-profit organization will keep 100% of ticket sales generated in their favor!

Visit the JELD-WEN Tradition Ticket Page and click on the "CLICK & PRINT" Tickets button to order your tickets online and support our Central Oregon non-profit organizations.

*Admission gate sales are not part of the Charity Ticket Program. Kids 16 and under are free with a ticked adult.

The Central Oregon Charities supported by the JELD-WEN Tradition at Crosswater Club at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon are:

• Alyce Hatch Center


• American Red Cross - Central Oregon Region


• Assistance League of Bend


• Bend Park & Recreation Foundation


• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon


• Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon


• Camp Fire USA - Central Oregon


• Central Oregon Junior Golf Association


• The Education Foundation for the Bend - La Pine Schools


• Girls on the Run of Deschutes County


• Grandma's House of Central Oregon


• Healthy Beginnings


• The Heart Institute of the Cascades


• Kids Intervention & Diagnostic Services (KIDS) Center


• MountainStar Family Relief Nursery


• Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation


• Nativity Lutheran Church Youth Ministry


• NeighborImpact


• New Generations Early Childhood Development Center


• Redmond 2J Education Foundation


• Redmond Area Park and Recreation District


• Redmond Chamber of Commerce


• Redmond Kiwanis


• Saving Grace


• Sisters High School Women's Softball Team


• Summit High School Girls Basketball


• Tower Theatre Foundation


• United Way of Deschutes County


• Wonderland Express


• Working Wonders Children's Museum


• Youth Choir of Central Oregon

Family Friendly Dining with Adult Sophistication? Can it be True? Flatbread Community Oven in Bend, Oregon has it ALL.

Family Friendly Dining with Adult Sophistication? Can it be True? Flatbread Community Oven in Bend Oregon has it ALL.

Let’s face it, it’s not too often that you find a family friendly restaurant with adult sophistication. Flatbread Community Oven in Bend, Oregon’s Old Mill District is a refreshing update in family friendly dining. According to Lisa Lumsden, President and CFO, “The creation of FCO (Flatbread Community Oven) came from an understanding of the lack of an upscale yet very approachable, high quality, healthy and community focused pizzeria, where families, professionals, and friends could all gather and be comfortable.” I for one believe she accomplished just that.

One Personal and Surprising Experience in Bend Oregon Family Friendly Dining

A few weeks back, a friend and I took our kids out to bike the Old Mill Trail Loop. Once back at the Old Mill, against our better judgment, we decided to take 2 four year olds and two infants out to lunch. My friend suggested Flatbread Community Oven. I had never been there and was looking forward to trying something new. Upon entering the busy restaurant, I could feel my stress levels slightly rising as the atmosphere did anything but shout, “FAMILY FRIENDLY.” I began mentally preparing myself for a fight to the finish.

Man, was I surprised. The wait staff was friendly, quick and engaging with the kids. Best of all, the Make Your Own Pizzas! We ordered the kids each a Make Your Own Pepperoni Pizza. Shortly after, placed in front of both kids, is a plate with pizza dough, cups with sauce, pepperoni and cheese. After independently decorating their pizzas and a good portion of the table, the two boys went with the waiter up to the Pizza bar to watch their creation placed into the 900 degree wood fired-oven. This process took up most of the “is my food coming yet, how much loooonger,” portion of the meal. AND, they happily ate the pizza when it returned.

Now for the Adult Friendly Description

The atmosphere inside Flatbread Community Oven is trendy and sophisticated. The menu items are more reminiscent of upscale dining than family friendly pizza joint. The restaurant has an adult only Wine Bar where you can get wine by the glass bottle or flight. The patio seating overlooking the Deschutes River is a great place to unwind with a glass of wine and enjoy the fresh, flavorful creations Flatbread Community Oven has to offer. If you’re free on Wednesday nights you can enjoy live music. They sum it up well with their tag line “FUN WINE, FINE PIE.”

All in all we left Flatbread Community Oven fully relaxed, satisfied and full. If you’re moving to Bend, new to Bend or a long time resident and haven’t yet tried Flat Bread Community Oven in the Old Mill District hop on in for an Adults only meal or and enjoyable Family Friendly Dining Experience. Your kids may not remember the name but they will ask, “Can we go to that place where I make my own pizza again?”

Coming Soon in Bend, Oregon - Munch ‘n Movies in NorthWest Crossing's Compass Park. It's Time to Enjoy Fresh Air and Free Family Movies!

Coming Soon in a new venue - Munch ‘n Movies in NorthWest Crossing's Compass Park. It's Time to Enjoy Fresh Air and Free Family Movies!

You know summer in Bend, Oregon is drawing to a close when the movies go outdoors. There's not much better than enjoying an evening outdoors with family, friends and good food. If you're moving to bend or new to bend, Munch ‘n Movies is a family friendly movie event Walk-In style. It's like the drive-in without the drive.

Starting Friday, August, 21st for 4 weeks bring your lawn chairs or beach towels over to Compass Park in NorthWest Crossing for a family friendly movie night on the outdoor big screen. That's not all, be there early to enjoy tasty food from local vendors, and some live pre-movie music. The event officially begins at 5:30 pm with the movie starting at dusk.

Schedule for Munch ‘n Movies in NorthWest Crossing

August 21, 2009 Movie: Wall-E

August 28, 2009 Movie: Twilight

September 4, 2009 Movie: The Princess Bride

September 11,2009 Kung Fu Panda

NorthWest Crossing is located in NW Bend off of Mount Washington Drive. Click on the link for directions to Compass Park.

Click on the following links for more information on:

Munch n' Music

Bend, Oregon Family Friendly Activities

NorthWest Crossing Neighborhood

NorthWest Crossing Events

Children's Festival This Weekend in Bend, Oregon

If you’re out and about in Bend, Oregon this weekend stop by and visit me at the Children’s Festival.

Saturday, July 19th from 10am to 4pm is the Saving Grace Cascade Children’s Festival at Drake Park. What a fun event to support a great cause. Enjoy great activities, food, music, dancing and so much more for the children and only $0.50 per activity. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday with the family. Not to mention all the proceeds benefit Saving Grace.

I’ll be at the Mom’s Club of Bend Booth – another great organization in Bend. Stop by and find out more about the support network the club offers both working and stay at home moms. Not to mention the playgroups, family outings and Mom’s Night Out. Bring the kids too; we’ve got a fun art project for them.

For more information about Saving Grace visit www.saving-grace.org
For more information about Mom’s Club visit www.momsclubofbendor.org