OSU Band Concert Family 4-Pack Tickets Giveaway & Prize Pack

October 13, 2019October 27, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

UPDATE: WINNER is… Pamela Peterson!

The Best Damn Band in the Land! And you & your family have the opportunity to see it in concert right here in Ohio as they make their way to the infamous border battle game! But you better get your tickets fast, like leap year, this opportunity only arises once every 4 years. The band only stops on their way to Michigan and the other year they are in Erie Co. thus, they won’t be making their way through this neck of the woods again until 2023!!

The Ohio State Alumni Club of Wood County host the event and the band makes the stop locally and holds the concert to raise funds to support scholarships for Wood County students and marching band members. And over the past 44 years this event has raised more than $287,000 providing 150 scholarships to Wood County students.

These are the local students (all from Wood & Lucas Co.) that are in the marching band and will be playing at the concert.

(Justin Barnes/Springfield High School, Ruth Bonnice/Clay High School, Sarah Wood/Anthony Wayne High School, Dawson Taylor/Anthony Wayne High School, Parker Stephens/Northview High School).

WHERE:

Perrysburg High School Gym

13385 Roachton Rd. Perrysburg, OH

DATE & TIME:

November 29^th @ 7:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

TICKET INFO:

ADULTS: $20 KIDS: $15

Click on link to purchase tickets, https://tinyurl.com/PerrysburgOSUMBConcert

(Proceeds benefit the OSU Alumni Club Endowed Scholarship Funds & the Ohio State Marching Band)

FACEBOOK EVENT:

Follow event for fun post updates & additional info, like, will Brutus be making an appearance? https://www.facebook.com/events/693775137752712/

CONTEST:

Enter to win a family 4-pack tickets for the concert & a prize pack including, a limited edition Brutus poster, Marsha’s buckeyes (made locally in Perrysburg!), & some other OSU goodies!

HOW TO ENTER:

1-Share this post on Facebook

2-Tag a friend

3- Comment on the BLOG with the name of the official rock song of The Ohio State University?

WINNER will be randomly selected on October 26^th @ noon.

Toledo’s Main Library Reno is a Parent’s Dream Come True!!

October 2, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Dream BIG! Okay. I want a convenient parking spot, ease of entryway, enclosed kids space, lots of hands-on activities for the kids, Storytime, coffee, snacks/lunch option, a shop that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, and, did I mention coffee?! Can a public library actually provide all these amenities? It can and does! That’s right; the Main Library Reno has pulled out all the stops & checked off all the boxes to officially make a parents dream come true!

Toledo Lucas County Public Library

Address: 325 N Michigan St, Toledo, OH 43604

Phone: (419) 259-5200

Website: http://www.toledolibrary.org/

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm, & Sunday 1-5pm

Parking: Parking Garage, cost is $ .50 per ½ hour.

The renovation maintained the integrity of the original building and key features like the Vitrolite remain intact.

Heavy construction in more than half of the public footprint opened the space to provide a welcoming environment that provides many books and movies, collaboration, lifelong learning, circulation of materials & community engagement.

Stop off at the Gift Shop to purchase something unique and fun from local artists, check out the exhibit in the Gallery, & then grab a snack & that much needed coffee at the Café, Sarines!

Sarnies offers deli sandwiches & new chopped salads to the area using only the freshest ingredients. Fresh breads are baked daily, salads and sauces are made using local ingredients and cookies are baked from scratch. Sarnies is located on the first floor next to the Gallery.

Menu http://www.sarnies.org/

Cafe` Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9am – 7pm, Friday & Saturday: 9am – 4pm, Sunday: 1 – 5pm

Eat in the Café area or take your lunch to the Roof Garden!

The Children’s Library is located on the second floor & is the perfect place to bring little ones for fun, learning and play!

They’ll enjoy features like the Rainbow Fish Tank and the Mystery Wall and explore signature areas including:

The Susan M. Savage Family Place: Creativity Lab
The Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation Children’s Computer Center

The Joseph and Judith Conda Family School Readiness Room

ProMedica Picture Book Room

Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection

The Main Library Reno is legit amazing! What are you waiting for? Share, tag friends, & make plans to meet up at the library today!

Fiddler on the Roof Family 4-Pack Ticket Giveaway

September 21, 2019September 30, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

**Winner is…Jessica Demaline!*

Tradition!! On Thanksgiving night, after all our family & friends had left my sister, brother, & I would get in our jammies, mom would heat up leftovers, & we all had permission to eat our 2^nd Thanksgiving in the living room (extremely rare)while watching the musical, Fiddler on the Roof. TRADTION!! As the years progressed we would say the lines along with the characters, sang along, & yes, we even danced, lol! Thus, to say that Fiddler on the Roof holds a special place in my heart would be an understatement. When I saw Fiddler on the Roof would be live on stage at the Stranahan Theater Oct. 17-20 I about lost my mind, I’m SO excited! Never seen it? Here’s a brief synopsis…

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a musical about life among the Jewish community of a pre-revolutionary Russian village. A poor milkman, determined to find good husbands for his five daughters, consults the traditional matchmaker – and also has a word with God.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. Featuring the Broadway classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life.”

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will be live on stage at the Stranahan Theater, Oct. 17-20! And Mom on the go in Holy Toledo followers have the opportunity to be entered to win a family 4-pack tickets to the opening night performance!! (Thursday, October, 17th @ 7:30pm)

WHERE:

Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH, 43614

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

October 17^th @ 7:30pm

October 18^th @ 8pm

October 19^th @ 2pm

October 19^th @ 8pm

October 20^th @ 1pm

October 20^th @ 6:30pm

TICKET INFO:

Link to purchase tickets: https://bit.ly/2lSjb3f

CONTEST

Enter to win FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Family 4-pack tickets for opening night performance, October, 17th @ 7:30pm

HOW TO ENTER:

1-Share this post on Facebook

2- Comment on the BLOG with the answer to the following question: What is your favorite song from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF?

Winner will be randomly selected September 29^th @ noon

Momentum Festival is Back!

September 18, 2019September 18, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

What is Momentum?

Momentum is a three day festival of music and art in downtown Toledo, Ohio, centered on our revitalizing waterfront along the Maumee River. Momentum supports local artists and musicians and invites international creatives to perform and exhibit in Toledo. Since 2017, the Momentum festival has brought dynamic interactive and accessible programming to thousands of attendees. Momentum centers in Promenade Park and is supported through partnerships with Toledo’s philanthropic community.

When?

September 19^th-21^st

Where?

Promenade Park & spaces linked to Imagination Station….riverfront area

Cost?

Mostly free! (CHAKA CHAN tickets are $20 at the gate)

Schedule of event….

https://momentumtoledo.org/schedule

To put it bluntly it’s awesome! It’s legit a weekend (well, Thursday-Saturday) full of fun for the entire fam! Here are some pics from last year…..

This year’s attractions are equally as awesome, here’s a few we’re most excited about, check it…

Aqueous….. http://jenlewinstudio.com/aqueous

The Herd, think glowing floaties, for a cause!…..https://www.cakeweek.com/the-herd

And much more!!!

Tag/share with friends & make plans to meet up downtown Toledo this weekend!

Secret Forest with a Hidden Treehouse in Toledo

September 17, 2019September 17, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

This is where childhood comes alive, where the imagination lives! The Toledo Botanical Gardens is a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous flowers, grasses, & ground coverings, layers upon layers of textures, its beauty is bountiful. It’s a living classroom where kiddos can learn about pioneer times, explore the vegetable gardens, & most recently allow their imaginations to roam freely in the Secret Forest!

Toledo Botanical Gardens

Address: 5403 Elmer Drive Toledo, Ohio 43615

Phone: 419-270-7500

Website: https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/toledo-botanical-garden/

Hours: Open 7 a.m. until dark every day

Admission: FREE

Amenities: Picnic area adjacent as well as restrooms

Kiddos can climb, jump, run, & explore their way through the Secret Forest. As you stroll up it’s reminiscent of a Secret Garden, with just the roof of the treehouse peeking up from the trees below and the wood threshold acting as the gate to imaginary play.

Once one walks through it the magic comes alive! You’re greeted by a multi-level treehouse complete with a suspended bridge, entirely enclosed climbing rope netted tube, and rope bridge with rope netting surrounding it, and an overall atmosphere of adventure!

After visiting the Secret Forest stop off at Schmucker’s down the road for lunch, dinner, or a shake! Located at, 2103 N Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43615 it’s a local piece of history, established in 1948…open daily 5am-11pm & closed Sundays.

5 Tips for Managing Screen Time during the School Year

September 9, 2019September 10, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Screen time is a privilege! If you have a child between the ages of 8 & 14 you already know just how persuasive they can be, it’s legit impressive…they know how to tug on those heartstrings just enough, to the point of practically teetering on manipulation. They also seem to have amazing selective memory skills, they can list the last 8 times their sibling used their screens, what they were wearing when they used them, & the exact amount of time they used it for, yet can’t seem to remember where they put their shoes 2 minutes ago. They will undoubtably use both their persuasion skills, & selective memory skills to convince you, the parent, that they are not only worthy, but clearly due their screen time, it’s only fair! Oh, and I also forgot their MOST extraordinary skill, perseverance…yup, I’m even talking about that child who quits everything, not this, they are relentless, & they will strike when they know we are at our weakest….ya, know, after they’ve asked a dozen time & we are entering our REM sleep cycle, lol! And that brings us to our first tip!

Parents NEED to stick to their guns! Parents you can’t waiver, no matter how persuasive kiddos may be or how sick & tired you may become of hearing them beg. Once you establish the rules for screen time you can’t waiver.
Screen time is a privilege! This really needs to be embedded into their memory. In our home screen time is a special right granted to children who complete their chores and homework. Once those are both completed screen time can be given. But what if they don’t complete their homework and chores until it’s time for screens to be on sleep mode, (which is 8pm in our house on weekdays)? Well then, no screen time that day. End of discussion. This is a great rule for children to understand because as an adult they are going to need to establish boundaries & self-control with technology.
Screens are to be used in community spaces & parents have the right to do a screen check whenever they wish. I firmly believe that there should be nothing they need to hide from us, and likewise, I’ve allowed my children to use my phone on occasion, & I have nothing I need to hide from them…I can’t help but think back to the house phone, answering machine, & home computer days, when everyone in the family shared those devices, those were good times. And while I realize we can’t go back & we need to acclimate children with today’s technology we don’t need to throw them into the deep end & say good luck!
Screens can be confiscated at any time & grounded till further notice by parent. Likewise, screen time can be awarded to their weekend screen time due to exceptional behavior. Since screen time is a privilege it can be taken away if a parent deems appropriate. But what if the child needs it for a school project? Parent can decide if they will grant use, or there is always the public library. Extra screen time can be awarded on the weekend as a reward….kids usually appreciate this most in the wintertime, lol!
Screens live in the charging station– Screens are to be placed on the charger, shut off, & charging (if needed) at 8pm on the weeknights. (I love this charging station because it holds & charges up to 5 devices at a time, isn’t bulky, doesn’t take up much counter space, & it has a light, so I don’t have to leave the larger kitchen lights on when kiddos charge their devices at night.) Phones are only removed before chores and homework are done if a child has an afterschool activity & a parent might need to get a hold of them…otherwise only once their homework and chores are completed.

Multi Port Quick Charger Station

Afterschool Activities Guide 2019

August 28, 2019August 28, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

“I want to be able to walk a tight rope while playing the trumpet & dribbling a soccer ball on my head! Then I want to go to Swim Lessons”. That’s what I get for saying they can learn how to do anything they want after school, lol! But I am fully confident, if any city is up for this challenge it is Toledo!! There is literally no shortage of awesome after school activities to sign your kiddos up for, whether its vocal lessons, dance, gymnastics, food class, art, swim, or, yes, even tight rope! Here’s a list of just some of the amazing after school activities, classes, lessons, & programs available in Toledo & the surrounding area…..

ART

CREATE: Art Studio + Workshop

Classes/Clubs: Preteen Painting Club, Advanced Art 101, Slime Club, After-school Art Club, Friday Preschool Art, Adventures in Painting, & so much more!

Address: 188 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg, OH 43551

Phone: 419-873-6240

Website: http://www.createperrysburg.com/

Cost: Varies…average is $75-$100 for a 6 week class/club

Their Grand Re-Opening is September 5th & 6th ….checkout website to be entered in giveaway!

COOKING

Foodology

Classes: Homemade Pierogis, Kids Turn to BAKE, Burger Battle (for teens) Taco Takeover (Family Friendly), Kids Turn to COOK (tweens 9+), and more!

Address: 2059 W Laskey Rd, Toledo, OH 43613

Phone: (567) 970-7100

Website: http://www.foodologytoledo.com/

Cost: Prices for the classes range anywhere from $30 – $80, depending on the menu

DANCE

Toledo Ballet

Classes: Ballet, jazz, tap, musical/acting, tumbling, etc.

Address: 5327 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623

Phone: (419) 471-0049

Website: https://www.toledoballet.com/

Cost: Varies

Fall classes begin September 3^rd! Also see deets for Nutcracker auditions (Sept 12^th & 14^th)

Mini Motions Dance Center

Classes: Tap, Jazz, Tumbling, Hip-Hop Modern, Ballet, Lyrical, Cheerleading, Poms, Baton, and more!

Address: 2437 Tremainsville Road. Toledo, Ohio 43613

Phone: 419.473.0999

Website: http://www.minimotionsdance.com/

Cost: $25 Registration Fee – Classes $60 a month.

Gymnastics

Bird’s Eye View Circus

Classes: Beginner Youth, Intermediate, & Teen Circus Classes (aerial silks, static trapeze, and lyra)

Address: 1153, 2413 Collingwood Blvd 1st floor, Toledo, OH 43620

Phone: (567) 298-6841

Website: https://www.birdseyeviewcircus.com/

Cost: •$20/single class •$105/ 7 Classes •$200/ 14 Classes

Learn more and sign up on their website!

Exceleration Gymnastics Center

Classes: Classes for babies through teens, boys & girls, Gymnastics, Tumbling, Aerial Silks, Ninjas/Parkour, and birthday parties!

Address: 2255 S Reynolds Rd. Toledo, OH 43614

Phone: 419-381-1000

Website: http://www.excelerationgymnastics.com/

Cost: Varies…$45-$89 See Website for details

New Heights Gymnastics & More

Classes: Gymnastics, Tumbling, Ninja Zone, Birthday Parties and more!

Business Address: 6539 Weatherfield Ct. Maumee, OH 43537

Phone: 419-795-2132

Website: http://www.newheightstoledo.com/

Cost: Varies!

Sunrise Gymnastics

Classes: Tumble, Gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do

Address: 3640 N Holland Sylvania Rd, Toledo, OH 43615

Phone: (419) 841-2902

Website: http://www.sunrisegymnastics.com/

Cost: Varies! (All new students can come & enjoy a FREE trial class!)

Music/Vocal Lessons

Forte Music School

Lessons: Vocal, Guitar, Drums, Flute, Clarinet, you name it & they’ll teach ya how to play it!

Address: 3208 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Phone: (419) 471-2100

Website: https://www.fortemusicandarts.com/

Cost: $90 a month for ½ hour lessons & $180 a month for 1 hour lessons (lessons are once a week)

The University of Toledo Community Music Program

UT Center for Performing Arts

Lessons/Classes: Workshops, ensembles, music lessons and more, the Community Music Program seeks to provide local people of all ages with ways to engage their passion for music. Beginner group music lessons in piano and guitar (6 weeks of lessons) start soon…other 6-week sessions available starting in October, January, and March. Visit online today to learn more.

Address: 1910 W. Rocket Drive Toledo, OH 43606

Phone: 419-530-2448

Website: www.utoledo.edu/al/svpa/music/communitymusic/

Operated by the University Of Toledo Department Of Music, the Community Music Program offers many opportunities for music education and performance, and does not require enrollment as a student at UT.

Soccer

Toledo Leprechauns, Toledo Celtics Soccer Club

Leprechauns Registration Is Open To All Boys & Girls Pre-K Through 8th Grade

(Registration Deadlines: Monday, September 16th, 2019. Form is online)

Address: 3215 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Phone: (419) 473-9490

Website: https://www.toledoceltics.com/

Cost: $55-$65 depending on Division/grade

Pacesetter Soccer Club Offers Jr Day Academy for 3-5 yr olds

Address: 5400 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43615

Phone: (419) 885-3140

Website: https://www.pacesettersoccer.com

Cost: $50 for ages 3-5yrs old (you can ONLY register online)

Sylvania Recreation

(Open to District residents as well as non-residents)

Soccer for Pre-K-8^th Grade

Address: 7060 Sylvania Ave. Sylvania, Ohio 43560

Phone: 419.882.1500

Website: https://www.playsylvania.com/soccer/

Cost: $45 for residence & $55 for non-residence

Sports

Catholic Youth Organizations (CYO)

Sports offered: Soccer, Cheerleading, Football, Cross-country, Softball, Wrestling, Track, etc.

Address: 1933 Spielbusch Avenue Toledo, OH 43604-5360

Phone: Ms. Julie Dubielak 419-244-6711, ext. 4932

Website: https://toledodiocese.org/cyo

Cost: Varies

YMCA of Greater Toledo

Programs & Youth Sports: Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, & Cross-country

Address: 1500 N. Superior St. 2nd Floor Toledo, OH 43604

Phone: 419.729.8135

Website: https://www.ymcatoledo.org/

Cost: Varies….see website for more details! See what your YMCA Branch is offering

Swim Lessons

SafeSplash +SwimLab Swim School

Offers swim classes & opportunities for competitive swimmers

Address: 1510 Spring Meadows Drive #D-100, Holland, OH 43528

Phone: (419) 370-2801

Website: https://www.safesplash.com/locations/holland

Email: moreinfo@safesplash.com

Cost: $80 per month…for all additional options see website

Clubs

Boys & Girls Club of Toledo

Offers: POWER HOUR (An after school homework help program, students work with the instructors on their homework and earn Power Points for achieving weekly academic goals.) CADET CORPS. (A weekly club for 7-, 8-, and 9-year old Club members. Under the guidance of an instructor, members brainstorm and reach consensus on five goals that they will achieve during the week. Club members choose a reward activity for goals achieved.)LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, SPORTS, TECHNOLOGY, ARTS & CRAFTS, etc.

Address: 2250 N. Detroit Ave. Toledo, OH 43606

Phone: (419) 241-4258

Website: http://www.bgctoledo.org/

Cost: Free….The Club is open Monday through Friday, after school and in the summer, when children need positive, productive outlets. (See website for locations)

American Heritage Girls Club

American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christ centered, family fun, scouting group open to all girls from grades kindergarten through 8th grade.

For all parents interested in having your daughter(s) be a part of AHG, or if you’d just like to find out more about what we are all about, please email Rachel at rachelewbank@yahoo.com .

Cost: The cost is $55 for the year plus additional fees for uniforms (which are optional).

For ALL Scouting, Girls on the Run, Chess club, etc. be sure to check out your local public school or parish for deets!

5 Tips for Healthy After School Snacks

August 21, 2019August 21, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Omg! I drop off little, sweet, Angels at school in the morning & come 3:30pm I’m picking up cranky, hangry, feral animals! Like seriously, as soon as we step foot in the house they are trampling over one another to get to the kitchen…if I didn’t unlock the door fast enough I’m pretty sure they would knock it down or eat it, lol!!

Here are 5 simple tips for healthy after school snacks:

1. Prepare snacking foods ahead of time

We want our kiddos to make healthy choices when it comes to their afterschool snack. We would much rather have them reaching for celery sticks & peanut butter or hummus than that processed bag of chips. However, convenience plays a huge role. If the celery isn’t cleaned and cut, ready for consumption, then chances are they will grab that bag of chips instead. Prepare healthy snacking foods ahead of time. Clean and cut fresh fruits & veggies and have them in easily accessible containers.

2. Don’t bring it in the house

Speaking of that bag of chips, lol! If we don’t want our kiddos consuming high-sugar, trans-fat-laden, processed foods, we can’t bring them into your house…let’s be honest, if we do it’s just too darn tempting.

3. Watch portion sizes

Even the healthiest, organic, GMO-free snacks can sabotage healthy eating when portion sizes are not monitored. Encourage kiddos to read the nutrition labels and take special consideration of the serving size.

4. Provide variety

Children, like adults, get bored with food easily. Have a variety of snacking foods on hand—whole fruits, veggies, hardboiled eggs, smoothies, mixed nuts, frozen bananas covered w/Pb & sprinkles, potato wedges w/ketchup, trail mix, yogurt parfaits, fruit kabobs, etc.

These almond flour, sugar-free, homemade waffle corners are a huge hit in our house:

3 cups almond flour

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

2 Tbs. olive oil

Mix ingredients together and follow waffle maker directions. Makes 6 waffles.

5. Choose healthy fast foods

Despite our best efforts, sometimes we do forget the snacks at home and find ourselves with a car full of hungry kiddos with back-to-back extracurricular activities. A fast-food chain might be your only option. When this happens seek heathier choices, like Chick-fil-a grilled nuggets, McDonald’s oatmeal and/or yogurt parfaits, etc.

Are your kiddos hangry after school? What’s your go-to after school snack?

Mom Tribes: Why you NEED them & where you can find your Toledo Mom Tribe

August 15, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

It was a stifling July afternoon. My 3 year old and 2 year old were bickering over the same toy for the third time in an hour. I was suffering from a mild depression due to a false positive pregnancy test. And to add insult to injury, my husband and I had just had a colossal fight. The tears just started rolling down my cheeks; I just wanted to melt into the floorboards. I felt so isolated; motherhood began to feel less like a blessing and more like a punishment. Sure, I had friends, friends that either weren’t married yet and/or didn’t have children. And once I had children those friends seemed to avoid me like the plague, or, at least that was the way my exhausted mommy brain had interpreted it at the time. In reality our lives were just so different, when they were going out in the evening I was going to bed. On occasion they would try to send me some positive vibes like, “hang in there, it’ll get better” type comments. But let’s be honest receiving comment like that from friends who couldn’t relate to any of my daily woes as a mom was as useful as getting auto mechanic advice from my dentist. And then IT happened I received an email, an email that would end up changing my life.

A couple months prior to my meltdown in the living room, I had joined a small Playgroup of 9 moms on Meetup.com. I had joined it in the midst of my hurricane of pity that I dubbed motherhood. They had a couple of playdate meetup that I wasn’t able to attend and apparently no one else was either because the organizer was done. The email stated that the Playgroup-in-Toledo was available for anyone who wished to take it over for a small fee of $15 a month. I must have been in the eye of that motherhood storm at the time, not quite thinking clearly because I did something so outside this introverts comfort zone to this day it still shocks the heck out of me, I took the leap…I jumped! I took over as the organizer for the Playgroup-in-Toledo. And what started off as 9 moms grew to over 200. It turned out that I wasn’t alone in this hurricane of pity; in fact with each meetup we had I could literally feel the dark clouds dissipating. The sun finally shined down, motherhood became a blessing again, even on my crappiest of motherhood days. I am so thankful something told me to jump, to take that leap that hot July afternoon because I ended up landing on a huge net, my net-work of other moms, I finally found my tribe.

Do you have a motherhood tribe?

Why you need your Tribe:

Companionship– “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” C. S. Lewis. It is comforting to have other women to commiserate with, who understand, can relate, and even offer suggestions on how to survive a colic infant, sore nipples, potty training, tantrums, night terrors, Kindergarten, tweens, teenagers, etc.
Many Hands make Light Work– Whether you are meeting up with other moms for a playdate at someone’s home, out and about on the town, or are taking turns providing childcare during a meeting, having extra sets of eyes and hands makes life much easier and more enjoyable.
Access to a vault of knowledge– I must say women now a days are amazing, they are more than “just moms”, they are entrepreneurs, book writers, professors, homeschoolers, scientists, trainers, coaches, chefs, etc. And having that brilliant network of ladies on speed dial is advantageous….whether you just burnt dinner or are struggling to help your 8^th grader with their science homework, these ladies put Siri to shame.
They Raise you Up and Talk you Down-You know you have officially found your tribe when they raise you up, support your efforts, and encourage you to strive towards your goals, no matter how big or small. Likewise, when you are down on yourself and ready to jump off that preverbal cliff they are there to talk you down from your despair one step at a time.
Life was meant to be Lived-Lucy(s) need their Ethel(s), Thelma(s), their Louise(s), and Laverne(s), their Shirley(s) to do crazy fun things with….a moms’ night out, movie, dance class, paint pottery, etc. Everyone needs those people in their lives who will say yes to experiences, who will join you on this magnificent adventure.

Where can you find your tribe?

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

Location: Washington Church, 3925 W Central Ave. Toledo, OH 43606-2766

Phone: (419) 536-3789

Meetings: Sept.-May, 1st & 3rd Friday of the Month at 9:30am to11:30am

Website: http://washingtonchurch.org/ministries/mops

A MOPS meeting includes practical teaching through speakers, demonstrations and videos. Plus, there’s usually food! But more important, you’ll get to have honest conversations with other moms who understand the joys and frustrations of motherhood. We’ve all been placed in this time and place in history, as the tribe of women who are raising the world. We know we mother better together, so all moms are welcome at MOPS. From the time you get pregnant to when your kiddo is in Kindergarten, our doors are open.

Bloom (for Mothers and Grandmothers)

Location: Little Flower Catholic Church

Meetings: September to May, 2nd Thursday from 9:00am – 11:15am

Email: annpfrancis@yahoo.com

Website: http://alturl.com/st6oe

Bloom is a program for Catholic mothers in all stages of mothering/grandmothering, which will meet on the second Thursday of each month from September to May, from 9:00am – 11:15am in the St. Francis Room. Please contact Ann Francis at annpfrancis@yahoo.com or register online at http://alturl.com/st6oe

Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo

Location: West Toledo YMCA

Meetings: Held once a week on Thursday mornings, beginning at 9:45 am and concluding at 11:15 am

Website: http://www.motherscenter.net/

They are a non-profit established in 1984 that meets regularly to share common experiences, make new friends and enjoy the company of peers while the children are supervised by experienced childcare workers. In addition to weekly meetings, they offer playdates, an Executive Mommas group for working mothers and many family activities. If you’re looking for fun, friendships, social activities, parenting ideas, community involvement opportunities, or just a reason to get out of the house with your little ones, they might be just what you’ve been searching for.

FiA (Females in Action) Toledo Exercise Group

Location: Varies (see website)

Website: http://fianation.com/ohio-schedule/toledo-schedule/

Meetings: Vary see website

Before the demands of the day pull us in different directions, FiA’s start their day with a 45 minute workout. During this time, we experience a physical and personal growth that radiates through the rest of our day – enabling us to be better daughters, sisters, employees, spouses, friends, bosses and mothers.

-FiA’s develop incredible female friendships

-At FiA, they are focused on supporting and encouraging one another to push beyond our comfort zones.

-Supporting you, challenging you, and cheering you on – those 45 minutes are a great investment in you so that when you’re tackling all the rest of your roles – your heart, mind and body are ready.

-This environment brings out the good in each of us and helps us connect/relate based on our common interest to get fit and be healthy. And then we build on this commonality by providing opportunities for women to get to know each other through our book clubs, Bible studies, and socials.

MOMs (Mommies Of Munchkins)

Location: Napoleon Church of the Nazarene 630 Appian Ave. Napoleon OH 43545

Meetings: First Friday of each month 9-11am

Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/181214645841239/about/

Meets in Napoleon the first Friday of every month from 9-11a!! Group of welcoming mommas talking all things mom while sipping coffee/tea and snacking! Free childcare provided!

MOMsNext (A Sister group to MOPs)

Location: Washington Church, 3925 W Central Ave. Toledo, OH 43606-2766

Phone: (419) 536-3789

Meetings: Sept – May: Mtg 1st & 3rd Friday of the Month at 9:30am – 11:30am

Website: http://washingtonchurch.org/ministries/mops

If you are a mom with school aged children and are free in the morning, then come check out MomsNext! Come meet some amazing women, who are on the same journey of motherhood as you are.

Toledo Area Playgroup

Location: Online, https://www.facebook.com/groups/147320928783529/

Meetings: vary

Local mom’s with kids who want to get together with other mom’s who have kids.

Mom2Mom

Location: Christ the Word 3100 Murd Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560

Phone: (419) 829-2005

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Mom2momtoledo/posts

Meetings: Sept-May First Wednesday of the month 9:15AM-11AM

Mom2mom is a Toledo area mom’s group designed to grow friendships and strengthen families. We meet the first Wednesday of the month from September through May. Our theme this year is “Deep Roots ~ Strong Moms”. Free childcare is provided. Registration is open!

I know it can be a little scary at first but remember, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. Neale Donald Walsch

Know of additional Mom Tribes in Toledo? Please comment & share.

Babysitters Club & Pop Rocks to Dick Pics?! Generation Xennial Kids

July 28, 2019July 28, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Babysitters Club & Pop Rocks to Dick Pics?! Generation Xennial Kids

If being gender neutral is so important why do people have gender reveal parties? Do I call the boy in class, who is now a girl, “he”, “she”, “you”, if I get it wrong I’ll forever be called a bigot? What’s catfishing? Can I please get SnapChat…dick pics won’t be sent, I’ll only be friends with my friends, please? Say what?? These are just a few of the many questions asked by my 13 year old. Back when I was a 13 years old my biggest concern was getting enough babysitting hours so I could cover that bike I really wanted & still get candy at the $1 movie theater. Who remember the $1 theaters? Those were the days! And while there’s always a difference between a parents’ generation & their children’s generation our dynamic (us 45-36 year olds) is extra special, there’s lifetimes worth of technology between us & our kids!

We are the Oregon Trail Generation, the My So Called Life Generation, the Xennial Generation! Xennial is a term being used to describe people born between 1977 and 1983. We are the small unique micro-generation that were the last to use the Dewey decimal system card catalogs, microfiche (google it), had to actually read a map for directions, we used pay phones, knew the struggle of a sibling listening in on a landline, though, also had the luxury of being anywhere we wanted to without parents being able to track us, & we know the struggles of trying to hold it till the next commercial…and if you missed those last few crucial minutes you’d have to wait until summer reruns.

Who would have thought that both, my parents, when they were kids, & my own children, could both be ask, “what’s a rerun?”. Crazy, right?! So where am I going with this?

Though the differences are vast & maybe our children will never come to experience the anticipation of having to wait an entire week for the next episode and sadly miss out on all the fun lunch table conversations that ensued, we as Xennial parents have so much to offer!!

We are young enough to be able to remember the analog, pre-iPhone days, & we can keep those days alive by encouraging our kiddos to have a 1980’s type of childhood, to go play with friends until the streetlights come on, to experience the joy of selling that first cup of lemonade at a lemonade stand, to slip-n-slide a summers day away, & don’t let them binge watch a show, pick one you watch as a family and set aside a day each week to do so, watch 80s movies together, sign up kids for one less activity this school year & instead use that time to have friends over for REAL face time, teach them how to have conversations, to disagree respectfully, to learn that virtual reality isn’t reality!

Parents be vigilant, know that their adolescent minds aren’t ready to handle having the whole world at their fingertips. Remember, technology makes a horrible master but an amazing servant!

Are you part of the small unique generation born between 1977 & 1983? are you a generation Xennial? What do you miss most from your childhood that you wish your kiddos could have in their childhood?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/globalnews.ca/news/3579270/xennials-generaion-x-millennials-generation/amp/