momstown Mississauga Threw a Great Birthday Party!

We had a fabulous party yesterday at Erindale Park yesterday. The sun was shining, skies were blue, nice and warm, it was the perfect day!  Thank you to everyone who came out to support our 5th Birthday & Launch event! I was so excited to have you all there getting to see what momstown is all about! I saw so many friends - both new and old! I appreciate that support and it makes me very proud to see our momstown start connecting with a great group of families in Mississauga!

The day kicked off with the line-up for loot bags. Today's Parent sponsored them, so they were loaded up with goodies from all sorts of great national companies. We also had some fabulous local sponsors who together with the loot bag contributions donated over $2000 in prizes to give away at the event. That figure does not even include the Britax Stroller or accessories, or the Fisher Price toys!

Melitta coffee was on hand to get us going on a sunny morning. The coffee was delicious and pretty amazing to have it brewed fresh for you in the middle of Erindale Park! They were all smiles as we chatted about the various brews Melitta offers.

Our Today's Parent Tent was stocked with Vinci Tablets - these were enjoyed by both young and old. My mother in law was very kindly looking after my kids and she loved trying out the the tablet! What a fun and engaging toy - less breakable than an iPad with its rubberized handles.


Our Fisher Price Toy area was greatly enjoyed by both young and old. The kids loved trying out the toys and seeing how they worked in person. I know 'Mr. momstown Mississauga' absolutely loved the Imaginext Castle and we're definitely buying it for "my son" LOL!

The star of the Day had to be good old Clifford. My kids were so excited to meet him in person. It was such a hot day for the big guy too - he walked around and was surrounded by the crowds of kids. Everyone loves Clifford -  a big thank you to Scholastic for sending him to our party!

Miss Mandi from Sing Music Studio rocked the parachute - it was fabulous! She did a great job singing and engaging the kids getting them moving and grooving. 

Our Cupcakes were sponsored by Georgie Porgie Loot Bags. They were adorable with our logo! I got one, and it was delish redvelvet cake & frosting that wasn't to sweet! She also had a cupcake decorating station where the kids could try their hand at creating their own cupcake designs. What kid doesn't like frosting?  

Our rest and read area, was stocked with books and fun pieces of carpet for relaxing - from our friends at Lakeshore Carpet One! They were our Premier Local Sponsor for our event and also provided a very popular Dora themed door prize.  We also had Scholastic Klutz kits in the rest & read area and the kids loved colouring the velvet art! What a blast from the past for me to see velvet art - I loved those pictures as a kid!

Con Agra was also an event sponsor and provided 500+ puddings for sampling - chocolate was the clear favourite as there were none left to take home! We have just tried freezing them with popsicle sticks inserted in the top! Instant yummy popsicle! I'll post pics on our Facebook Page of how that turns out!

Pockets the Clown was our Facepainter and Magician! She did an incredible job making the kids look fabulous and she managed the line up with such flair - even staying right to the end (in +30 temps) to finish every child. What a class act!

Valerie from ERT was on hand as our Event's First Aid. Stay tuned for classes with momstown Mississauga & ERT in child first aid taught by Valerie this fall. She is an incredibly engaging instructor.



The Made by Hand show was there too with a fabulous Paint your Hand Print :) What a clever craft! Their Fall show is coming up Oct 27th at the International Centre. Mark your calendars you can finish your holiday shopping early this year!

Our friends at Star Academy were on hand to do some science experiments with the kids. The independent school's motto is 'Learn to love to learn' which was evident in their engaging activities & staff.

We also had Hearts Child Care Centre on hand to entertain the kids with a sensory tent with playdoh & bubbles. What a hit!

We also had Monkeynastix on hand with an obstacle course. The kids loved trying out all the equipment and having fun. It was great way to burn off all the energy after the cupcakes!

Finally we gave away thousands of dollars in prizes. This was our grand prize winner!  Many momstown mamas had their eyes on this prize but she was the lucky duck who got to take it home! Thank you Britax!

Lucky mama who got to take home the Britax Stroller! 

Fisher Price Playzone at momstown's 5th Birthday Celebration!

momstown Birthday Party Features: Fisher Price Playzone

PLAY & WIN!

Come to our Birthday Celebration this Thursday August 16th at Erindale Park in Mississauga and play in the Fisher Price Play Zone! Let your child play, discover, and enjoy the toys.... and then we are giving them all away! That's right, you can win one of these great toys at our Birthday Celebration

Head over to our Birthday Event on Facebook and RSVP!  And be sure to register at our Welcome Table on the day of the party to be eligible to win!  

Here's a sneak peak at the toys we'll be raffling off in our Fisher Price Playzone at momstown's 5th Birthday Celebration!

Thomas & Friends: The Great Quarry Climb 

Imaginext Eagllon Castle

Laugh & Learn Musical Table

Jake & The Neverland Pirates: Jake’s Musical Pirate Ship Bucky

Little People Stand ‘n Play: Loops 'n' Swoops Amusement Park

Stand Up Ballcano

Laugh & Learn Dance &Play Puppy

Discover ‘n Grow Jumperoo

momstown & Today's Parent Magazine

I remember getting 2 subscriptions to Today's Parent magazine when I first had the twins. I couldn't believe I would get the magazine for their first two years it seemed like such a LONG time! Their customer service department was happy to extend my first subscription to 2 yrs with just a phonecall... 

I loved reading all the milestones in that first year and it was fun to look forward and see what was coming next. By the second year my favourite part of the magazine had turned into the recipes - its such a challenge for me  feeding the kids! I could never have imagined how fast those first two years would fly - everyone says this to you when you are having your baby, but its really amazing how true that is. Anyway all of a sudden my 2 years of subscriptions were done - in a blink of an eye! I ended up getting another subscription as a gift for my next birthday...  

There’s never been a better time to join momstown Mississauga! When you purchase or renew a full year momstown membership in August or September, you received a BONUS subscription to Today’s Parent!

For a limited time, included in your membership to momstown is a one year (12 issues) subscription to Today’s Parent! This includes all new memberships as well as existing membership renewals, and applies only to full year momstown memberships ($45). This special offer is available from August 1st, 2012 to September 30, 2012 inclusive.

Already receive Today’s Parent? Then your subscription will be extended one additional year!

Click here for full details and mark your calendars to renew or sign up soon!

Olympic Crafting at the Lakeshore Mardi Gras Festival

Last weekend I joined forces with  Made by Hand Show owner Jacqueline and we split a booth at the Etobicoke Mompreneurs area of the Lakeshore Mardi Gras Festival!  It was a great event with a carnival atmosphere right in Colonel Samuel Smith park by the Lake. There were carnival rides, stilt walkers and jugglers and people all dressed up in their Mardi Gras Beads. Local businesses were out in force to show off their wares, entertain and make the weekend fun!  

We had a great time creating crafts with the kids, and it was interesting to talk to so many people throughout the weekend. If you have met me you know, I am a talker!  I had the pleasure to speak to people from all over Etobicoke and Mississauga. I was there to promote our Birthday Party coming up at Erindale park Thursday August 16th! Since it was right in the midst of the Olympics we did some Olympic Torch Crafts, as well as some simpler colouring crafts (flowers were the clear favourite)! 

In splitting a both Jacqueline and I were able to talk to the various people about her company's upcoming Fall Show as well as momstown Mississauga. The Made by Hand show is a company that promotes everything handmade. They promote and showcase handmade artists, artisans and designers. They offer a spring and a fall show assisting local artists with an affordable way to promote and showcase their work! 


As a mom I have found other mothers to be generally very supportive of each other. There have been times where I have seen the competitiveness that comes out when people start talking about their kids and milestones, walking, sleeping, eating etc.  





Since starting momstown Mississauga and becoming an entrepreneur  I am astounded at how supportive  small business owners are of each other. Its like this whole secret world of support I had no idea existed! 
The beauty of starting up a momstown location is that there are 19 other chapter owners who are all going through the same thing! It is an amazing network of support. 

I have however been astounded at the support I have found from other women (and a few men too) in the business network I that I am meeting. Since we are not in a formal workplace competing for salary, bonuses, titles and so on there is a spirit of comraderie and support that is just fantastic! 

Details of the Fall Made by Hand Show - mark your calendars! 

  The Fall Made by Hand Show is coming up Saturday October 27th at the International Centre, Hall 6 in Mississauga. 

It will feature over 150 Canadian handmade artists and there are free facepainters and crafting for the kids. Parking is free and the $2 show admission goes to charity (children are free) To find out more visit their Facebook Fan Page or their website at www.madebyhandshow.com 

Prizes for momstown Mississauga's Birthday Party!

RSVP!

Here's a list of our Birthday Party Prizes! 

The momstown Mississauga 5th Birthday Party is less than 2 weeks away!  We are in full birthday party planning mode and are so excited to share the celebration with you.

We have so many 'presents' to give away at our party - our amazing national and local sponsors have all given us incredible things for our loot bags, and door prizes you can win just for attending the party. 

Why do we have so many? Basically its because people love momstown! We are connecting parents in a meaningful way all across Canada! Companies want to support grassroots initiatives like this and it's great PR for them to be involved in family events! Talk about a win for everyone! 

Britax B-Nimble Stroller
Britax Baby Carrier
Britax Back Seat Mirror
Britax Seat Protector
Britax EZ-Cling Window Shades

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Dance & Play Puppy
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Musical Table
Fisher Price Little People Stand ‘n Play Amusement Park
Fisher Price Stand Up Ballcano
Fisher Price The Great Quarry Climb
Fisher Price Jake’s Pirate Ship Bucky

Fisher Price Discover ‘n Grow Jumperoo

Fisher Price Imaginext Castle

Melitta Prize Pack

Girl's Room area rug & Dora Prize from Lakeshore Carpet One 
$450 Photography Package from Skipp Photography
Birthday Party Package from Pockets Parties
Birthday Party Package from The FUN SIDE
2x $50 Gift Cards from Thyme Maternity

Gorgeous Gift Basket from Whole Foods Square One
Scholastic Clifford the Big Red Dog Prize Pack
Gift Certificate from Monkeynastix Mississauga for a Birthday Party Package
$150 Sleep Consultation from Precious Moments Babeez

Two Crystal and Silver Necklace and Earring Sets from Beading Buds
Two 5 play passes for The Busy Genie  

Sterling Silver Necklace (custom) from Wee Piggies Mississauga

La Roche-Posay Replenishing Balm 400ml bottle

Back Pack Filled with School Supplies - from Star Academy 

Gift Basket for the Eco Friendly Baby - from Green Carbon Living

A 1 yr Membership to momstown Mississauga
$50 Gift Certificate to Urban Fitness

You have to be at the party to win the prizes! Not only are we giving all these amazing things away, but don't forget, the first 100 families will get a loot bag jam packed full of stuff!

Kids in the Acting Business

When my twins were first born I joined the MississaugaParents of Multiple Birth Association. My husband and I were (understandably) nervous at the thought of two babies arriving in our lives at the same time.  We researched and were thrilled to find out there was an agency that offered support to families who were expecting!

Through an email sent out through the club, asking for parents of newborn twins if they wanted to work on TV we connected to our agent.  Cindy from Twins Talent Agency has introduced us to whole new world.  Our twins have “worked” several times now since that first experience as infants.  

Playing with a Balloon "prop"

Recently, my son and I were backgrounds on the set of a science fiction tv series. It is an amazing experience to be on a set. I am always astounded at the amount of work that goes into producing a few seconds of a television show.  There must have been 20 people in our scene as background, you can’t believe the amount of time and effort it takes to get the shot right!

Filming - look at the balloon man! 

One thing I have learned from our experiences on set is to hurry up and wait! You need to be prompt for the call times; however there is very little chance of actually working until much later. With kids this means coming prepared with lots of snacks, activities, craft supplies and a few toys.  

Fooling around while waiting... Is it our turn yet?

I was so proud of my little man yesterday. We waited for 4 hours for our turn to “act”. In the scene the main character was getting an ice cream cone from a bicycle vendor. My son and I waited our turn while the lead actor got his dripping chocolate ice cream. My little man had to wait patiently for his turn, be handed a Popsicle and walk up the path through the park. We did it at least 10 times on a very hot afternoon and he wasn’t allowed to open the popsicle! If he had it would mean filming each time with a popsicle and they didn’t have enough to ensure he got one for each shot! What a champion – he didn’t have a tantrum! I was so proud of him – and in the end he got his treat! 

It was not my dream to have my kids on television. The work they have done however has been great experience for all of us. I have had so much fun getting to peek into this world. The money they have earned has gone straight into their college fund and we have all had a lot of fun in the process.

Have your children introduced anything new into your life? Besides the not sleeping, fascination with their bathroom trips and most importantly all the love - of course! Be sure to share on our message board, here on our blog or on our Facebook Page. 

Talking to your Kids about Death

We have had a sad year in our family saying goodbye to some close family members, both relatives and cherished pets. Death is a hard thing to talk about with small children.  It’s a natural part of life and in our family we felt it was important to allow our kids to take part in all the funeral rituals and customs. 

I lost my  grandmother last winter.  Open caskets were the custom back in her day so it was important the family honour that tradition in her life’s celebration. My husband and I researched and talked about it, and decided to let the kids attend the viewing. They were 3 and a half and everything we read seemed to indicate it wouldn’t scar them for life. We were careful to prepare them and answer questions. We spoke factually but without too much detail.

I think the viewing was actually a really good thing after all. The staff had done an excellent job - my Grandma looked at peace and the experience was not scary. There were a great many questions afterwards about sleeping vs. death. It seemed perhaps a bit easier to understand since the kids had seen things with their own eyes.   

Emma the Cat - furry best friend 

Our cat was almost 19 and we lost her a few months later this spring. While death was not a foreign concept this time, there were still a great many questions. The questions this second time around focused on what happens logistically. ”Where do you go when you die?” This was a struggle to answer and so we settled on “I don’t really know”.  As individuals my husband and I have differing beliefs, so rather than stress one or the other we talked about what we both believe and hope but we stressed that we don’t really know and that's ok. 

Most recently we had to say goodbye to my uncle. There has been a lot of loss in our family in the past 7 months. The questions this time were more practical and detailed... and I ended up having to hush the kids during the proceedings and reassure them we could continue to talk later.  I know that we will have a great many questions come up over the next few weeks as they think things through. 

Have you talked about death with your kids? I found some really great books that helped the discussion in our family. What helped our discussions is keeping it simple, and not going into too many details. My favourite book has been The Tenth Good Thing About Barney.  We checked out a few from our Library and local Chapters. Let me know here on our blog, on our message board or our Facebook Fan Page if you have found anything to help with this discussion in your family.