Kick Off Picnic

This Tuesday we will kick off an exciting new MOPS year with a picnic! MOPS will provide popsicles. Feel free to bring toys for the large sand area.

This event was the first event I attended last year. I was nervous. I was brand new to this city and had precisely 3,542 boxes to still unpack. But, I craved all those mom relationships I had just left when I moved. I knew I needed to show up even though the introvert in me was having a small panic attack about showing up to an event as a stranger. But, I loaded up the boys and we went on our way. My GPS said I arrived as it took me inside a subdivision. Driving all around thinking it was tuck away inside this subdivision. Only to find out it wasn't. I took it as a sign that this wasn't the group for me, the introvert in me was happy that I was willing to give up and head back to the boxes. Then a still small voice said don't give up. So, I pulled over and looked at the map, I'm not sure why because my map reading skills is that of a monkey! I was so flustered and just done! I turned around again, and decided to just go home. Completely ignoring that prompting to keep going.

As I was driving home, I passed the park sign with a lovely sign that read MOPS HERE! Okay, God I  get it, you really want me here. I pulled in and said a quick prayer "PLEASE LORD LET THEM BE NICE AND NORMAL....AND PLEASE DON'T LET MY  BOYS ACT A FOOL!"

We got out and immediately I was greeted by Jessi, the coordinator. Talk about a cheery disposition! Then Katie, my table leader came over and must of seen my sweat glands working overtime and started with "Welcome, I promise we aren't weird! We are all normal!" I literally laughed-out-loud. Thanks God! I get it, you wanted me here.  After some small talk I found out a mom in the group lives in my neighborhood and we both had kindergarteners at the same school! Talk about mom connections. I met another mom who was joining the group for the first time and that immediately put me at ease. This wasn't some click with country club moms. This was an inclusive group that supported moms.

Maybe you are that mom right now. New to the group and wanting connections, wanting to not feel alone in the trenches or to be able to share struggles and not feel judged. What can you expect on Tuesday?

This.....

You can expect to pull into the parking lot and see moms lost in conversations about sleepless nights, kids who refuse to eat anything but macaroni, conversations about school starting up or different preschools in the area. Moms trading crockpot recipes, sharing the latest coupon on cartwheel or what  breakfast item is free at Chick-A-Fila this week. You will see kids spread out throughout the park, some throwing epic fits, others the typical meltdown, some may be shoeless running around with saggy diapers while others are asleep on their moms chests.

If you are needing some encouragement to show up, please consider this your encouragement. From a mom who was in that place this time last year. Show up, put yourself out there, reach out. I promise what you find in return is a group of moms who want to support and encourage you!

See you Tuesday!