Trip to Lone Pine!

Playgroup on hold...

Hi Everyone!

I really hate to do this, but I think we are going to cancel our playgroup tomorrow and hold our get-togethers until January. My life has gotten kind of crazy lately and unfortunately I have work tomorrow and then December gets crazy with Nate's finals and we're heading out of town to visit family for 3 weeks over the Christmas break. Also Michelle is sick this week and her new little one is due in December, so she'll be out for a while, too. I'm sure you all have crazy schedules around the holidays as well, so this might work out best for everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and we'll start back up after the new year!! See you soon.

Can't Make It

Hi Ladies!

Just wanted to let you know I have sick little girls today, so I won't be making it to Putters. Bummer. Also, I talked to Michelle last night and she has a cold, so I'm not sure she'll be there either. If you are planning on going, please contact someone else to make sure they're going, too. I hate for anyone to be alone. Sorry to ditch out, I'll miss seeing you all! Have a great time and hopefully I'll see you next week.

November's Schedule!

November 3rd: Nursery Room
November 10th: Putters Indoor Playground
November 17th: Nursery Room - Thanksgiving Pot-luck & craft!!
November 24th: Thanksgiving week - No activity.

We'll be doing sign-ups for our pot-luck this month so if you have something in mind you'd like to bring, please let us know in a comment! Also, now that we'll be indoors most weeks, I'd love help planning crafts at the church or special outings (i.e. I'm planning a trip to the fire station), so if you're willing and available please let me know! Hope to see you all soon!

Happy Halloween!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Halloween party this year! We had a great turnout and my girls and I had a great time. The total count for children there was 24…that is awesome!! I know it got a little chaotic, but I am so grateful for the help of so many women from set-up to clean up. You sure made my job easier! For those of you that we missed, we hope to see you next year (and at our weekly get-togethers in the meantime!). Now some fun pictures to enjoy…

Coloring stems for "Pin the Stem on the Pumpkin"

My favorite is that we didn't even blindfold the kids and still none of them got the stem in the right place!

Our attempt at making a cute craft turned into quite the entertainment! What were we thinking handing a bunch of two year-olds suckers and telling them to decorate them instead of eating them? Most kids either ripped off the paper...

....or cried (but doesn't she look so cute!)

...or just ate the sucker anyway

but eventually they turned out pretty cute! :)

Playing a musical witches cake walk!
Some of the fun
Making cute owl cupcakes

If anyone else has fun pictures to share, we'd love to see them!! Oh and now that it is November, I will be working on the schedule for this month. Sorry to be last minute again! :) Check back soon...

Halloween Party Details...

Please join us for our first annual Mom & Tot Halloween Party! This is for all children home during the day (about 0-6...if they're home from kindergarten!) and any parents who are home as well. Also feel free to invite others you know, parties can be a great missionary tool! :) We will be starting at 10:30 on Tuesday, October 26th in the nursery room. Dress up your little ones and join us for a fun time of Halloween games, crafts and treats! Can't wait to see you there!

Halloween Party!

I am REALLY excited about this party! School age kids usually get awesome Halloween parties in their classes, but what about the little ones? Okay, so maybe they don't even have a clue what's going on, but it's still fun to dress them up (who wants to buy or make a costume and then put their child in it ONCE?!), and every toddler enjoys a good party (or at least all the sugar their mom's let them consume)! No matter what, it's at least fun for the moms! So with that said...let's make it EXTRA fun! I've chatted with a few gals about it and I think we're going to go the whole nine-yards...decorations, costumes, games, cupcake decorating...the classic awesome kid-friendly Halloween party. So now, anyone want to help pull it together? I'm looking for some volunteers to head up different assignments. If you are willing to help out, please e-mail me or respond to this post. If you have a special area in mind that you'd like to be in charge of, let me know, otherwise I'll just let you know where we need help. Oh, and start spreading the word!! The more people we have, the more fun it will be. Even people who don't normally come to Mom & Tot should be invited! (And make sure to mark your calendars and plan to be there, too!)

And one minor detail...THE DATE HAS CHANGED! Sounds like there are MANY Halloween parties scheduled for Friday the 29th (mostly due to Halloween being on Sunday this year), so we are moving it to TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26th at 10:30 at the church. I hope that works for everyone. Seems like the consensus was that that was the best day. I'm already looking forward to it!

Hayride Details

Hey everyone! Just wanted to give the details for the hayride tomorrow!! It is at Lone Pine Farms (where they have now set out all their Halloween stuff and it is a BLAST!). I've never been on the hayride, but it sounds like something the kids (and moms) will love! We could either do a tractor-drawn ride for $3 (ages 1+) or a horse-drawn ride ($4). They take you out to their pumpkin fields where you get to pick out your own pumpkin to take home! (The price of the pumpkin is extra.) If everyone could meet in the parking lot in front of the playground at 10:30, that would be great. It's going to be fun!

Just to let you know...

I talked to Michelle tonight and we both are unable to make it to Splash tomorrow. I feel really bad having to ditch out this week, but I want to make sure that anyone who is planning on going knows we won't be there! There might be other women from the ward going, but I never know who...so if you are wanting to go, it might be best to call someone else and make sure you won't be alone. Happy swimming to all who go, we'll be missing you!

October Is Here!

With fall just around the corner, there is some serious fun to be had! I love October because it seems there is always so much going on and everyone is ready for a good party. Well look no further…we’ve got some fun activities planned! :) As the previous post mentioned, we will be meeting every Wednesday except the second and fourth weeks in which we will be meeting on Friday. Also, I am still looking for volunteers to plan activities (maybe a craft/treat/outing etc. for a specific date). Please let me know via a comment or e-mail if you’d be willing to help out and which week you would like to take. Thanks for your help and participation ladies – you are wonderful! And now for October’s schedule…

Wednesday 10/6: Nursery Room

FRIDAY 10/15: Hayride and Pumpkin Picking at Lone Pine Farms! (details to come…)

Wednesday 10/20: Nursey Room

FRIDAY 10/29: Halloween Extravaganza! (also more details to come…)

Our "New" Schedule!

Hi All!

So after MUCH deliberation, we have finally made a decision on a meeting time for our playgroup….ready?...NO CHANGE! We have come to the conclusion that ultimately it works the very best for the most people involved to keep our playgroup scheduled for WEDNESDAYS at 10:30. I know the vote was for Tuesday’s, but it seems that for the most part those who voted for Tuesdays could do Wednesdays as well, but those who need Wednesdays can’t do Tuesdays due to kiddos’ school schedules, work etc. I sincerely hope that this works for everyone…we really want this playgroup to be accessible and convenient to as many women as possible. If you have any serious complications, please let me know – otherwise we’ll see you all on Wednesday!

P.S. to facilitate those that work every day but Friday, we have decided to do our “party playgroups” on Fridays in October. Please note on your calendars that the 2^nd and 4^th full weeks of October we will be getting together on Friday rather than Wednesday. Those will be our Pumpkin Hayride (10/15) & Halloween Bash (10/29) weeks! You won’t want to miss them! :)

Halloween Party

I think doing a Halloween party for the kids would be a ton of fun, especially since Halloween is on a Sunday this year. I have some really cute Halloween treat ideas, including owl cupcakes the older kids can put together themselves. Would everyone else be interested in doing this towards the beginning of October though? I'm due Nov. 1st which means end of October is going to get really tricky for me. We could even do pumpkins if we wanted (my family used to paint or do markers when we didn't want the mess of carving).

The plan for today!

Hey Ladies!
Sorry this is such late notice, but in case anyone is wondering where to go…I think we are going to head to Putters (still looks pretty wet outside!) Unfortunately I have work today so I won’t be able to make it, but I hope you all have a blast at Putters and I look forward to seeing you all next week at Lone Pine. Can’t wait!

Indoor Playground Possibility?

Today was the first day of school for my two older ones and I've realized how much they help entertain my one-year-old. Now that their gone I'm left to do all of the amusement and I must say I am not the greatest at it. Seer has a lot of fun when she is allowed to run around without any restrictions so I searched for a safe play place where she can "be let loose." I found this Tiny Tot Indoor Playground that may be fun. Its a co-op so you pay $96 for September through June access.

Here is some more information and a link to their site:

The playground is a safe and fun environment for families with children birth through 5 years old, organized and run by our community of Co-Op members. It's a great place to enjoy energetic play during the rainy season in Eugene, Oregon. Please contact us at info@tinytotscoop.org for more information.

www.tinytotscoop.org

Has anyone looked into reserving the church gym for playtime? I thought that may be fun too?

Brianne

September Fun!

Once again I apologize for posting this schedule at the last minute! Maybe someone who isn't as time-challenged as I am should be doing this job. :) Well for now, you'll have to put up with me! (and I appreciate that you do...) Anyway, here is the schedule for our September fun:

1st: Bethel Community Park (Thought we'd keep it simple since it's tomorrow!)
8th: Awbrey City Park (North on River Road - like you're heading to Lone Pine Farms. I've never been there, but have had some suggestions that it's a fun one!)
15th: Lone Pine Farms - bring jackets, a sack lunch if you'd like and quarters to feed the goats...the kids will LOVE it!
22nd: Royal/Dog Park (Again, trying to keep it close for those who need it close!)
29th: Splash swim day...SO fun! (For those of you who haven't been, there's a great toddler pool with little toys that's heated to 92 degrees and only a foot deep. Plus only ages 6 and under are there so it's great for little ones. Kids are $3.75, parents are free.)

I know we are getting into the questionable weather months...so if it is raining, plan B for now is going to be Putters indoor playground. I'm hoping we won't have to use a backup plan for more than 1 week this month, but if it looks like we're routinely headed to Putters, we'll change it up a bit! (Reminder...at Putters we meet on the playground in the back behind the pizza sitting area. It is free and really fun for the kids!)

Looking forward to seeing everyone!!

5K Love!

I recently heard about the 5K run the Stecker family is putting on in support of families of children with heart defects in memory of Baby Caleb. I think it sounds like a fabulous event with a great cause and wanted to pass along the info in case you hadn't heard about it. It is a donation only run benefiting the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The website with all the details is at: www.fiveklove.com. Registration starts at 8am, the kids' fun run will start at 8:30, and the official race will begin around 9am. The 5K will include optional tasks throughout the course. A spot to do box jumps, burpees (not gonna lie, I have no idea what those are!), pushups, air squats, and lunges. There’s not very many of each, but if you stop and do the tasks at the station you’ll be rewarded with a sticker for your number bib!

Nate & I will be there chugging along with our stroller and we'd love some company! :) Hope to see you all there (this is one you don't want to miss)!

Schedule for August!

We're headed back to the park! It seems we get the best turnout at the park, so we thought we'd enjoy some more awesome summer days on the playground! Guess we'd better take advantage while we can...who knows how much longer the sun will stick around. Not to mention it seems our children are at an "I could never get tired of the park" age! :) It also seems we get a better turnout at the more local parks so this month we'll keep it close. So without further ado, here's the agenda:

August 11th: Royal/Throne/Dog park (whichever name you prefer!)
August 18th: Bethel/Sand park & POT-LUCK! Woo-hoo!
August 25th: Petersen Barn park (there's a some-what hidden playground...we'll be there!)

See you on the swings! ;)

Let's head to the beach!

This week let's join the other lovely ladies of our ward for a fun day at the beach! We are planning on meeting at the church at 9:30 a.m. to carpool and caravan over. We're thinking of going to Heceta Head (about 10 miles north of Florence on 101), but plans are subject to change at the last minute due to weather (we'll try to find the sunniest, and least windy beach of the day)! :) Pack a lunch, swim clothes/change of clothes (we all know how sandy the little ones get!), shovels and buckets, etc. We will probably head back mid-afternoon. It's going to be a blast, so please join us!!

...And dang it, I have to work, so I hope you all have SO much fun and I'll be thinking of you all soaking up the sun without me! :)

Okay...just ONE more change!

So Anna Glazier had an awesome idea for our playgroup next week, and since we’ve been going to parks every week so far, we thought maybe we’d have a little change of pace! The UO theater department puts on children’s plays in the park so we thought we’d try it out!! Lets all meet in the church parking lot at 10:00 (or you’re welcome to just meet us there if you’d prefer) then we’ll caravan to the park, get our tickets, a spot to sit and enjoy the show (it starts at 11:00). Fun!! The plays are supposed to be really cute…it will be Jack and the Beanstalk. Tickets are $4 each for 2 and over (if we have a group of 10 or more, which I’m thinking we will). You’re welcome to bring a sack lunch or snacks and we’ll have a blast!

If you want more info about it, here is a link: http://www.uoregon.edu/~madduckling/about

Hope to see you all there…can’t wait! :)

Next week change...

Hey ladies!

Just wanted to throw out a reminder that tomorrow is Pot-luck Week! I'll try to secure some tables at Skinner's Butte Park, but try to bring something also easily eaten on the grass if possible! :)

Also, we need to make a change of venue for next week. The swimming plans ended up being a little tough, so instead we are going to head to the park again! (Parks never get old anyway...right?!) For lack of a better idea (and since people seem to enjoy this park), let's head to the "sand park" again next week. I hope it is a convenient one for everyone to get to. If not and you have a different suggestion, I'm wide open!! Thanks gals! :)

July's Official Schedule...unofficially! :)

Alright ladies, after brainstorming some fun playdate ideas at our last get-together, we finally have a schedule!! That way you don't have to wait for someone to post our location at the last minute (usually me!). We hope to see you all here and at the other FUN activities our wonderful ward women have put together! Now no one has an excuse for a lame-o summer, or not getting to know other amazing ladies! All you have to do is show up. (P.S. If anyone is car-less and needs a ride to a get-together, please e-mail me. We've had several women volunteer to pick up others so that everyone can come.)

The schedule...we tried to alternate close parks (within ward boundaries) and other fun spots that might require a little bit of driving. Again, if you just need a ride and would otherwise come, please let me know! We'd love to have you!

June 30th: Royal/Throne Park (also known as "the dog park")

July 7th: Oakway Park (behind Trader Joe's, has a fun water feature so dress kids accordingly)

July 14th: Bethel Community Park (also known as "the sand park")

July 21st: Skinner Butte Park, also POT-LUCK WEEK!! (bring something to share!)

July 28th: Swimming at "The Woodland's" Appt complex, courtesy of Michelle Asper!

There you have it! Just a reminder, it's at 10:30-12ish. And if you know anyone in the ward that doesn't yet know about our playgroup, please pass this on!!

Now for more ward-fun schedules... Margaret sent me another list of REALLY FUN Activities! (I hope you don't mind me re-posting this) :) And thanks for whoever else helped in putting this together, it all sounds awesome...I had no idea there were free movies or discounted swim days! Here it is:

Tue June 29th - 10am Free Movie at Regal Cinemas (Valley River Center) "Astro Boy"
Wed. June 30th - 1:10pm-3:40pm Theme Swim "Beach Party" Echo Hollow Pool (bring $2.50/person, hot dog & drink provided)
Sat, July 3rd - 8:30am Ward Red White and Blue Breakfast and Bike Parade (Bring your bikes decorated)
Wed, July 7th - 10am Free Movie at Regal Cinemas (Valley River Center) "Planet 51"
Fri, July 9th - 1:10pm-3:40pm Free Recreation Swim at Echo Hollow Pool
Mon, July 12th - 11am-1pm Kids Water Balloon Fun at the pavilion behind the church (I scheduled pavilion already)
Tue, July 13th - 10am Free Movie at Regal Cinemas "Ice Age:Dawn of the Dinosaurs"
Wed, Jul 14th - 1:10pm-3:40pm Theme Swim "Magic Day" Echo Hollow Pool (bring $2.50/person, hot dog & drink provided)
Wed, July 14th - 5pm Touch a Truck (Free event) at Peterson Barn Park
Thu, July 15th - 7pm Couple Laser Tag (Sandi will schedule) at Putters
Sat, July 17th - High Lakes Backpack Fish Stocking (Email me if you are interested.)
Sat, July 24th - 10am-Noon Primary Pioneer Activity (Kids wear pioneer costumes. There is a contest)
Wed, July 28th - 10am Free Movie at Regal Cinemas "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"
Wed, July 28th - 1:10pm-3:40pm Theme Swim "Prom" Echo Hollow Pool (bring $2.50/person, hot dog & drink provided)
Tue, Aug 3rd - 10am Free Movie at Regal Cinemas "Monsters Vs. Aliens"
Thu, Aug 5th - Day Trip to the Coast (details to come)
Wed, Aug 11th - 1:10pm-3:40pm Theme Swim "80's Day" Echo Hollow Pool (bring $2.50/person, hot dog & drink provided)
Aug 12-Aug 14th - Scandinavian Festival Junction City (Melissa said a lot of ward members went Friday night last year)
Tue, Aug 24th - 10am Free Movie at Regal Cinemas "Aliens in the Attic"
Wed, Aug 25th - 1:10pm-3:40pm Free Theme Swim "Ducks vs. Beavers" Echo Hollow Pool (hot dog & drink provided)
Sept 3rd-4th Ward Camp-out/Service Project at Camp Alpine

Tannya is working on organizing a movie night at her house in the backyard (TBA) and an overnight zoo trip. She will let you know more details.

See you at the park!!

Sorry for posting this so late, but since we got rained out of the park last week, let's try it again for tomorrow! So we'll see everyone at Bethel Community Park (see map from previous posting if you need directions) at 10:30. I know it's the 3rd Wednesday and we're supposed to do a pot-luck, but since we're so late on the planning, how about everyone just bring a finger-food to share!! However, if you don't want to bring anything...don't let that deter you from coming, we'd rather see you! Also, Kristan Johnston is going to be bringing ice cream cones for everyone to celebrate Maggie's birthday so dessert is covered (and if anyone else's kids eat ice cream like mine...dress them accordingly!). :) Can't wait to see you all tomorrow!

The sun will come out tomorrow...

But for now we have to move inside, darn it! We will hopefully see you all at Putter's at 10:30. It is indoor and free!! (Just come to the back playground past the sitting area for pizza.) See you there!

Welcome to our Blog!!

To all Santa Clara 4th Ward Women (and any friends or visitors!)...
Welcome to our official blog for our Mom & Tot group! We are so excited to start this up so that we as women can get together to build friendships, strengthen each other, vent, bond, let our kiddos get out all their energy...and just have a fun time! We will be posting our locations for each week's get-togethers here, so check it often. You are all also welcome to use this blog to post anything cool you find, plans you want to include others in, or simply if you made tons of cupcakes and need others to help you finish them! We look forward to seeing everyone weekly. Here are the details...

Every Wednesday at 10:30 - 12:00. On the 3rd Wednesday of every month we will do a pot-luck lunch, otherwise just bring a sack lunch or snacks.

Location for Wednesday June 16th: Bethel Community Park.

In case of rain we will be at Putter's Indoor Playground.

If you have any questions, or would like to be added to the list to be able to post to this blog, please contact Brooke Wolfley: (801) 330-1515, brookelyn47@hotmail or Michelle Asper: (541) 968-6843. We hope to see you all (and your cute kids) soon!!