A Typical Meeting

“What is MOPS?”        “What do you do at MOPS?”  “What are MOPS meetings like?”

For all you curious, new moms to MOPS, here are a few more details regarding our meetings:

We begin promptly at 9 AM. This is important because we start with door prizes – and you don’t want to miss them! This year we have donations from dozens of local business and some of them are REALLY good. Such as: a $50 spa pedicure. Don’t we all want a little Momma-pampering time!? We’re giving that one away to a lucky mom at our first meeting. So, remember: 9 AM sharp!

After door prizes we might announce upcoming events or celebrate new babies or new pregnancy news. We also try to recognize mom birthdays (you know you want a little attention!), and whoop and cheer over anniversary celebrations. The anniversaries are especially fun because we have mentor moms (ladies who have been through this mommying-small-children thing & know just how to love and support us through our wearying days) who often have big-number anniversaries they are celebrating. It is simply joyful. J

Then (drum roll, please!), it is time for breakfast. Yes, HOT breakfast without children around, so YOU get to eat it! Plus, you get to enjoy it with other women around so we get to gab. Again, pure joy. The spread usually includes egg casseroles, yogurt & granola, fruit, muffins, sweet breads, coffee cake, juice and coffee. Every meeting the food is a bit different, however, because we take turns preparing and bringing the food. Anyway, COME HUNGRY.

After breakfast, each meeting is a little different. This year’s theme is “A Beautiful Mess: Embrace Your Story,” so we will have various activities, service projects and speakers that help us explore the idea  that Mom’s live in messes – but that our jobs and existence are BEAUTIFUL. Sometimes we do simple crafts. They are not particularly fancy, but you will have time to actually FINISH a project! Sometimes we listen to speakers and then have discussion afterward within small groups. Sometimes we just get to relax and talk with other gals who are going through just the same things we are right now. And doesn’t it feel good to know you are not alone and that someone else knows exactly what you’re talking about!?

Our time is scheduled. We do have activities and plans and speakers. But, we always keep you, MOM, in mind. Some gals come dressed up, some come relaxed, some just roll in right out of bed – it’s up to you. You are welcome into our group just the way you are and we can’t wait to get to know you!