Natural Families of Kalamazoo

Some of us stay on the sidelines, gathering strength and a sense of belonging in knowing that Kalamazoo is a place where others practice
parenting in ways similar to our own.  Others pop our heads in every once in a while to ask a question or comment on something with which we may have some experience.  Then there are those of us who are posting something at least a few times a day and reading every post every day.  Hopefully, we are also connecting outside of online (which is of course far from natural, but oh so convenient for us to make these connections) and are getting to know each other face-to-face.  Whatever works for each of us.

Kristi Montgomery Beebe was inspired to start this group back in November of 2004 by an organization called Families for Natural Living  (now Families for Conscious Living).  "Heart-Centered Parenting" is a phrase trademarked by Families for Conscious Living to explain that holistic living begins with cultivating a heart-centered awareness that is not parent-, child-, expert-, or culture-centered.  FCL advocates for parents making holistic choices for the benefit of themselves first, then their families, communities and planet. This description seems to fit our group very well. It's the ripple effect starting with ourselves, and we may never know how many positive ripples each of us will create through our own lives and examples!

Other NFK Member Groups
These are other groups which stemmed from our original NFK group or have been started by NFK members who wanted to branch out into other areas of discussion and gathering.

Kalamazoo Homeschool Connection
A non-religious, tolerant and fun group who meet in real life on a regular basis to offer support and camaraderie in their homeschool journeys.

"Stitch & Bitch"
This knitting group meets downtown on the first Saturday of every month, plus some impromptu gatherings now and then.  You'll have to join the group to find out where they're meeting up these days.

Christian NFK
An interdenominational Christian group of NFK'ers, birthed from the original NFK group.

What some of us have to say about NFK

When Natalie was younger we did the Gymboree thing so she could interact with other babies. From there I got involved in some other mommy groups but... they lacked the diversity, tolerance and crunchiness I craved. Play dates were torture!  So the summer of last year I said “This is [crazy] I’ll make my own group!!!” So I made up some flyers and put them where crunchy parents go and I waited. About a week later Kristi e-mailed me and said “I have a crunchy mommy group” and she invited me to join her the following Sunday….and the rest is history!  I’m pleased to find other like-minded moms here…but I also love the things that make us different! I truly feel accepted and I’m comfortable being my weird self around you guys.  ~ Christina O.

I think that I am getting crunchier by association :)  LOL! I love having folks to ask advice/help and there is always someone who has information!  I love that I am always learning something new.  Although I am having a harder time these days getting [online].  And hopefully it gets EVEN harder as it gets nicer out - much better to be outside than on the computer, eh? but to know if I had info to share, or questions to ask......there is a wealth of information amongst this group.

And I am SOOOOO glad for the knitting group that was spun off of here, that has TRULY been a blessing to myself, my relationship and my family!  As silly as that may sound to some, it has given me a creative outlet......when I sooooo desperately needed one!  Kristi, many thanks for starting this group, and for being so generous in all you do!  ~ Jeme B.

I have loved this group!  I was so down last fall when I joined…..had just stopped working and was home with the girls all day and it was such an outlet to find….not only others to chat with…..but to find others who care about the same things I care about!  And I’ve learned so much!  I thought I was pretty natural before…..but you ladies have taken me to a whole new level!...I care about and value each one of you!  I love chatting with you and sharing your lives!  ~ Jen S.

This group is like talking to my neighbor or a girlfriend.  Since I live in the boonies, and my neighbors are so far apart, it is nice to have a group of like minded people right at my finger tips.  I would say it is refreshing to talk about certain subjects like extended breastfeeding, cloth diapers, co-sleeping, attachment parenting, etc. to people without looking like I have two heads.  It is also nice to know that this group of people are not judging in a negative way, the way I am parenting when they meet my high spirited kids.  This is a great list for resources, and I would be lost with out it.  Peace!  ~  Katie P.

I am so thankful to have access to a this group of amazing people. I, too, never seem to feel like I fit in, but I think it has to do with first not fitting into myself. I talk to Scot about this a lot, how I have that gut-feeling about things and have been pressured for so long not to listen. The more I learn to trust myself and that gut feeling, the more 'right' I feel and the happier I become. Reading here is a great place to check my gut and learn some new and awesome things. I'm not social by nature, so online is safe for me to not feel judged or ignored. It is so wonderful to come here and read about others' experiences, and even though I still feel I'm at the beginning of my path, I do hope that I, too, will have something to share to inspire someone as I have felt inspired by others.  ~ Kele H.

This yahoo group, Kristi, has been more than resourceful for me and  my family.  Although I rarely have time to read all the messages, it is not only strengthening to my own responsibilities, but is fun to read how people are working through their own journeys...and how us humans are more alike than different.  It's been a real joy and blessing to read other's insights and questions along the way.  ~  Michelle M.

I love being a part of this group for several reasons.  I love having a group of friends that are "crunchy" to ask questions.  I am fairly new to the "Natural Living" and have needed help along the way.  Everyone is so helpful and have great ideas!

Having this group to talk with about things I was NOT into before has opened my eyes and helped me focus on other areas of my life that could use some "Natural Living", i.e. parenting, mama pads, cloth diapering, delayed vacc'ing.  I would never have done any of these items without this group!!! 

I love the knitting and Gardening groups that came from this group!!!  I also LOVED the apple picking, putting up peaches, and Mabel's daughter's birthday party.

When you started this group Kristi, I thought, "Oh that probably isn't really for me", (my only "natural" focus at the time was Organic Veggies) but I joined to be supportive of you as my friend and I am SO happy that I did!  Thanks, Kristi!  ~ Shawn F.

This group has meant so much to me!  I am so glad that I joined, even though I didn't feel that I was "natural" enough!  I have gotten soooooo much from everyone here!  I've learned a lot about homeopathics, more about cloth diapering and natural childbirth....  I learn new things all the time and best of all I have found many wonderful friends!   This group is my favorite and I count myself lucky every day to be a part of it.  Thanks for all the work you have put into the group, and for all you continue to do!  ~ Trish R.