Winter Wonderland Connect the Tots and Craft!

On Wednesday morning we had our Winter Wonderland themed Connect the Tots, and it was tons of fun! The kiddos had tons of fun playing together, and the mamas got plenty of time to relax and chat about...everything! A couple of the kids were even running laps-I'm pretty sure it was nap time for everyone when we got home. Even with all the running and playing, there was still time for hugs between kiddos. It was very cute, and reminded me why momstown is so great. The socialization our kids get at playgroups like this one is so great, and we get an excuse to get out of the house!

We did a Winter Wonderland Craft where we decorated a big letter "S" for snow. The kiddos really enjoyed it, and the mamas got creative too! If you missed out and want to make the craft (above) with your kiddos, all you have to do is cut out a big letter "S" grab some glue and crafty fun supplies (we used cotton balls, crafty eyes, foam penguins and snowflakes, and colouring supplies). And then let your kiddos use their imaginations to decorate! We hope to see you at our next Connect the Tots, it was tons of fun!

Your momstown Edmonton North mama, 

Amanda

Bringing Smiles to our Seniors

I have always had a huge soft spot for the elderly. I choke up when they have to run to a bus because the driver is to impatient to wait, and I offer my arm when they walk across the street and I always ask if they need help finding something in stores.

Because of this love for seniors, it felt natural for me to work in seniors home. I am completely comfortable there and the things I have learned are incredible. Just to hear someones life story is amazing and makes me realize how good we got it. As much as I love working at the seniors home it also breaks my heart. Many not having family or have family but they do not visit. I have seen many residents that I have grown to love pass away. Christmas is one of the worst times of the year for resideI have always had a huge soft spot for the elderly. I choke up when they have to run to a bus because nts passing away.

While on maternity leave I was introduced to momstown. I instantly loved it, it got me out of the house and connected me with other women who were going through the same things I was as a mother. Then I got a wonderful opportunity to co-own the Edmonton North chapter. While planning events for our calendar the seniors home always pops into my mind and I think about how lonely some of the residents are. I knew that the residents love having children around, it brings a sparkle to their eyes! We started with Knit Night last month, and this month we thought it would be a great idea to do Christmas carolling with the kids.

We didn't end up singing as much as I thought we would, however it was a great event and it almost made me cry at how well it went!A bunch of balls were pulled out and the children played toss with the residents. We made such a huge impact on the residents day, for most of them it was probably the happiest part of their day. The smiles it brought to their faces and the absolute enjoyment they got from tossing a ball was amazing. And the seniors weren’t the only ones who had fun, the children did too. I could tell by their laughter and rosy red cheeks!

I know we were able to lift many spirits today, and I thank everyone that were able to make it. We were treated to cookies and punch and were asked to come back again every month, actually every week, but they would be happy to see us a least once a month!

Your momstown mama, Kandice

Your momstown mama, Kandice

Are YOU a Horse?

For our November Scholastic story time, we read the very exciting book Are you a Horse? by Andy Rash. Keeping up with the Wild West theme at our story time we made ourselves sheriff badges before we dived into this awesome book.

Are you a Horse is a great tale of a cowboy receiving a saddle for his birthday but not knowing what it is for. He learns that the saddle is for a horse, and so his adventure begins. He sets out to find a horse to fit his saddle. Along the way he encounters different creatures that do not fit his saddle. Andy Rash writes in such a way that it engages the children to participate in finding the horse. Again the kids loved the book so much they sat as close as they possibly could!

Congratulations to our winner of Are you a Horse, Liam!

Hope to see you at the next Story time! Your momstown mamma Kandice

Story Time At Our First Playgroup!

During our first playgroup since becoming the new owners of momstown Edmonton North, we read Story County by Derek Anderson sponsored by Scholastic Canada. We are very lucky to partner with Scholastic as every month we get to read and give away one copy of that months selection. Story County was Octobers book, however we thought it would be a nice treat for our first playgroup. 

The children were enjoying the book so much they were climbing over each other trying to help me to turn the pages! Story County is a tale of friendship and team work, everyone gets together to make a farm. This silly adventure has cows wearing shoes and chickens planting corn and dog putting up the fence instead of the farmer. This story brings giggles and smiles.

A huge congratulations to our first story time winner Ivy!

Momstown was able to get an exclusive Q&A with author/illustrator Derek Anderson, click here to read his insights into the wonderful world of Story County.

It's Here....momstown Edmonton-North is open!

I am a mother of two extremely energetic children who constantly keep me running! One boy Emmett, who is nearing his 4th birthday and a girl, Ivy, who will be 1 in November. I love motherhood and all the ups and downs it brings. My children have taught me so much patience and have shown me that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most beautiful. They are also the reason for my interest in bringing momstown to Edmonton North. After meeting so many great moms after both the birth of my son and my daughter, I realized the importance of maintaining relationships in our fast paced “go-go-go” world. A place to be able to meet face to face and online and share in all the ups and downs motherhood offers anytime,day and night.... momstown is where it’s at!
Thus, it is with great enthusiasm that I open momstown Edmonton North in 2010. I am so eager for momstown to get rolling and most excited to get events together and get out and meet more moms in my neighbourhood. Alberta is a province that has undergone huge population changes in the past five years and there are so many moms that do not have the support of their immediate family and friends around them. momstown Edmonton North will be the avenue to connect them!
I can’t wait to meet you all and share in some lasting memories at all the momstown outings and playdates to come!
Laura Boeyenga, your Edmonton North mama