Why moms groups are so important

Nothing can make me happier than being a mom. I believe it is the most glamorous job in the world. OK. maybe not glamorous, but definitely happy. If anyone were to ask me what being a mother is like, I look back over the years and  remember;

My babies laying in my arms asleep so peaceful. Caressing their soft skin and watching their breath...in and out. Laughing. My oldest on our first trip to Disneyland: She was mostly fascinated by the trees; because at the time we lived in Tucson were trees where scarce. She kept tilting her head back to look up at all the leaves.....

My two year old right now is jumping up and down holding her shoe, exclaiming "My boots! My Boots!" Who knew shoes could be so exciting?!  I foresee quite a bit of girl-bonding shoe-shopping coming in about a decade.

When I think about being a mother, I only remember positive things. I know why; it is because I don't have to worry about where to send my complaints to.  My mommy friends may not always have the answers my mom, the doctors, or those experts have. There is a different feeling when you know you are in the presence of someone going through the same exact thing you are at exactly the same time. There is no replacement for it.

You know you are not alone...as a result, I can vent out all my frustration and all I have left is the happy memories. 

These are the things I will remember because I have all the support and advice I need in parenting. That is what my mommy groups have brought to me. And when someone asks me What it is like being a mother...I will tell them....you'll never forget it...and always cherish it. There is nothing better than being a mom.

Deals for your group!

Here's an idea you don't want to pass by!! If you are all about getting deals for your group sign up for groupon notifications in your local area.Today I purchased 3 hour long dance lessons for my group for $22 each person. I purchased one for myself, and 3 gifts. This is how I work it out on our calendar.

First I called the venue, and told them that a small group of us bought the groupon deal and we where hoping to at least pair up. Between myself and the venue we determined when we could fit the group of us into their classes.

Now I post them on our site! I explain that the group purchased the groupons from the group funds, but we are asking for donations to re-coop funds.

Once we have members rsvpd, we take that number and officially reserve the spot (members have until a pre-determined date to rsvp). Typically I would have them make their donation before RSVPing to ensure that they are committed to coming.

If I have coupons left over, I repeat the process. This type of an event only needs to have two people to really make the group event fun; so I figure the only reason to not do it again is if you only have one groupon left over---which in that case can be used a prize for a drawing or something!

Happy Organizing!

Party in the House!

Yesterday I received an email from house party notifying me of my chance to enter the fisher price play date house party!

My jaw dropped when I saw the hostess receives

5 new Fisher-Price toys:


Go Baby Go! Stride-to-Ride Dino

Laugh & Learn Learn & Move Music Station

Laugh & Learn Learning Kitchen

Lil' Zoomers Spinnin' Sounds Speedway

Fisher-Price Stack ‘n Surprise Blocks Musical Croc Block Wagon

10 Brillant Basics Rock-a-Stack® Toys

10 Fisher-Price Day and Night Diapers sample packs

Apply for this House Party and if you are chosen, please share your event stories with us!!!!!!!!!! Happy Playing!

Where to Meet

Playdates are the core of many Mom's groups. Sometimes, depending on the moms in the group, playdates are held at churches, community rooms, or parks. It's a simple and effective way to bring moms and kids together. Playgroups often gather weekly at places mentioned above or in each other's homes. Here's some help on getting your playgroups up and running.

Finding your Venue

If your playgroup is based off a church or a religion, then you may already have the best place to run your playgroup. By talking to the staff at the church, you should get an idea of:



-how large the space is you are going to use.

-if you need to provide the toys and entertainment for the kids and mommies

-if food is allowed

-what dates and times you could possibly use the facility

-any other details regrading using the space



If your playgroup is mainly for any mom and kids, then selecting a proper venue may be difficult if you are looking for a re-occurring place to meet. Check out your libraries and local stores and community center to see if they have community room available for little or no cost. Some do and some don't.

Most mom's don't realize it at first...but they may already have an appropriate venue right in their own home! This makes it easy. There's no cost, and toys are already available (because most families have a variety of toys appropriate for the age groups their children belong to). Alot of mom's find it most comfortable in each others homes. Some playgroups alternate hosting the playgroup in their home.
Although most playgroups offline run their playdates at the same date and time, it may be difficult to implement this with an online group. In this case, it may be easier to let the host decide on the date and time, and specifics of their event.

As organizer, you also have the right to decide if you want to let the members of the group determine your events, or if you want the group to suit your needs, and then seek out members with the same needs. So if your group does depict a reoccurring playgroup in each other's homes for (i.e.) Weds at 9:30 am, then it should be clear on your web page, and members should be made aware of this, before joining the group, so they can decide if the group is right for them.

Just stay tuned!

So-- no! I've haven't fallen off the blog grid. The past two months I've been working feverishly because reality hit me. I have three unrelenting commitments that may selfishly negotiate my time away from writing! Their names are.......well, you get the idea. If I intend to continue to see new additions every week my time management has to be precise! So my plan! I'm writing a ton of informative articles set to make their debut in September! Don't be afraid to take the silence as a nice brake from the screaming kids in your own household! Submit your ideas relating to playgroups that you would like to see featured!  Til September!

A good reason why playgroups are benefical

My eldest daughter is a very picky eater. Not too long ago, she would not eat any condiment at all. I could not even get her to try ketchup; something I thought is a childhood staple.

Last Fall we had a play date with a friend from the playgroup. For lunch, we made a picnic spread on a blanket on the living room floor. Chicken nuggets (a staple in our house) made it's way onto the blanket. My daughter's friend looked on over the food with disappointment.

"There is no ketchup." She pouted.

Of course! Just because my child does not eat ketchup does not mean that other children don't. So I happily brought out the container of the ketchup and made a smiley face with it on a plate.

"Where is my ketchup?!" demanded my own four year old. I could not believe my own ears. Not one to argue, I put some ketchup near her reach, and all the kids ate happily.

Now my daughter reminds me "Don't forget the ketchup."

As if I would.

But I think it's safe to point out, that if your child is a picky eater like my own, one way to encourage them to try new foods is to invite a friend over that already likes it. Having a playgroup is even better.

Try a picnic at a park, and each child is to bring one thing they like to eat (that is somewhat healthy) and one thing they do not want to try. You never know they might try it if other children are eating it, and sharing the new foods may introduce yourself to food you have never thought to give to you child in the first place.


Just 'food' for thought.

Easy Recipes For Kids: Trail Mix

You might remember when you were a child, how special you felt when you were included in adult activities. One activity that is often considered adult is cooking. Even many kids books offer some adult interaction that requires an adult to put the food in the oven or on the stove top. Personally, I never liked help, so for my recipes that I do with my children, I try to make them with as little adult interaction as possible.

The first recipe that I did with the playgroup went really well. We made trail mix but because my daughter is allergic to peanuts, we choose to use almonds and cashews instead. Here are the possible ingredients you can use for your own!

any type of nut
raisins or craisins
m&ms, Reese's pieces
dried fruit
marshmallows
sunflower seeds
popcorn
gold fish or animal (or other small tough) crackers
cheerios or other cereal
pretzels
gummy candy

Put each individual ingredient into a bowl, and let the children take a small baggie. Let them choose what they would like to put in it with the rule that they need to have 3-5 types (this way they might pick something new!).

Very easy and no parent help to do!