MOPS at the Park

What MOPS means to me......
When I was in high school I was probably the most quiet, non-outgoing girl you would ever meet. I was super shy, never wanted to step out of my comfort zone, and basically did what I could to go un-noticed.

Obviously since high school alot has changed about me. Im no longer the quiet girl I once was...for starters I'm now the mom of 2 beautiful daughters! Being a mom has changed me in so many ways for the better. I'm now very outspoken, very outgoing and very involved. MOPS has helped me to become just that person. Before joining MOPS, I never got involved in "mom groups", went to playdates, or definetly would have never volunteered to help with anything leadership for a group. That just wasnt me!! I look back now, and think how I could have benefited from MOPS during that first year of motherhood before I joined the group. MOPS has definetly helped get me out of my shell and out of my comfort zone to become the mom I am today. I am so thankful for the many "mom friends" Ive made because of the group.
If someone had told me back in high school that I would be the stay at home mom that I am today, going to playdates, and above all helping with Publicity for MOPS, I wouldnt have believed them. I think the best word I can use to sum up my experience with MOPS is lifechanging!!!
So for all you moms out there who were just like me, dont be afraid to open yourselves up and cut loose and experience all MOPS has for you this year. I promise you wont regret it!

--Stefani Wade

My mommy moment happens at swimming lessons. On the first day of swimming lessons, Tate refuses to get in the water- not even a toe nail. Eventually, the "head" swimming teacher comes up to me and says, "Well, do you want us to just carry him in and let him cry?" Absolutely! So, off we go to conduct a swimming intervention for my four year old. He ends up with his own personal swimming teacher who skillfully, yet unsuccessfully, tries to trick him into enjoying the water. The next day, Tate bolts at the mere mention of entering the pool. Literally- he takes off on a run around the outside edge of the pool. "Don't run, Tate!" the life guard yells. (Yes- they all know his name, today.) I march purposefully toward him, determined not to chase him, and command him to stop in my best low-toned "Super Nanny" voice. After a lap and a half and a "Come to Jesus" meeting in the YMCA restroom, he is convinced to sit near the pool. Finally, on the last day, I decide to try the "You don't have to do it if you don't want to" approach. The result? "Look at me go under the water, Mom! I can go under ten times. I can swim like an alligator! I can swim like a shark! I'm freakin' Michael Phelps!" (Ok- he didn't really say that last thing.)

Maxwell
______________________