This website is for you!  All you mothers out there who have the hardest and most rewarding job in the world raising our kids.  We could all use a little help and just that little bit to make our lives easier.  When I had three little ones and I stayed at home all day with them, I longed for a resource with all of the information that I would need to keep my kiddos entertained and me sane.  If this website has helped at least one mother, then it has all been worth it!

As for me, for weeks I have been trying to decide what the perfect Mother’s Day would be.  Part of me wants to go to church with the whole family.  I can picture me now trying to wrangle cranky kids into their nice clothes, rushing them to eat their breakfast, and jumping into the van with not a minute to spare.  Afterwards we would go to an overpriced brunch where the kids would complain about the food and my daughter would have to pee as soon as they brought the food.  After brunch we would go to a park where I would spend the whole time watching them run and play and thank God for these gifts from heaven.

While this day sounds great the other part of me wants a different kind of Mother’s Day.  On this day I get up and go on a walk on the Monon Trail with some others Moms.  We would stop for a brunch at a restaurant that forbids children.  Then we would go shopping all day.  For dinner, we would sip wine and eat sushi.  We would come home to a spotless house and kids already asleep . . . .

Whatever type of day you choose today I hope it has been a wonderful one. We all deserve a little time with our family and a little time for ourselves.  Happy Mothers Day!!

I’m in love.

Please don’t tell my husband but it’s true that I have a new love in my life. Since moving to the Carmel/Westfield area I’ve fallen in love with . . . . . roundabouts!

Being the mom that I am who is always running late, I love every extra minute that I save on my way to preschool or home from Meijer. Even if I only save 30 seconds, I am still excited. I love that I can travel down Springmill Road from 146^th Street to 96^th Street in just 10 minutes!

 love every opportunity not to stop and look around at all of the others at the four way intersection and see who is going to go first. I love that at a roundabout I don’t have to worry about the courtesy wave (or annoyed flip of the wrist) that has to occur for some of us to go again after we’ve had to stop.

But as in every love relationship, not everything is perfect. Here is the only problem with my current love. When giving other east side, south or west side soccer moms directions to my house I cannot figure out how to tell them to turn left at a roundabout. If I do explain this the conversation usually begins with ‘Have you traveled in Europe before?’ If the answer is no then I am at a complete loss on how to tell them to maneuver these wonderful traffic control systems.

Perhaps one way I can tell a mom to turn left at a roundabout, (which she would actually have to turn right to accomplish) is by telling her to turn north, for example, onto her desired street. This conversation is also confusing and begins, ‘So, do you have one of those directional things in your minivan?’

Even more confusing to amateur roundabout soccer moms is the dreaded double roundabout. Have you ever seen one of those signs attempting to tell drivers how these work? Even I, now a seasoned roundabout driver who has traveled in Europe, am at loss when I see one of these squiggly-lined signs. I’m sure that we’ve all seen amateurs drive around those a couple times before figuring them out. I have been a victim myself and couldn’t help myself when I had to blurt out ‘Look kids, it’s Big Ben and Parliament!’

I’ve searched on line to see how my favorite direction websites handle this issue. I see a lot of ‘take the second exit out of the roundabout’. Now, this isn’t going to work because even though we soccer moms are excellent multi-taskers, driving and counting at the same time could hurt someone.

To us moms, about the only other negative aspect about a roundabout (say that three times fast) is that there is not a stop to put our lipstick or mascara on. There is not a place to turn around and hand something to our children. Without a stop sign or a long light we sometimes have to wait miles to dig our cell phone out of our purse.

But the truth still stands, I love roundabouts! I do hope in the future that Westfield puts in as many as our neighbors in Carmel have. Not only do they save us time, but gas and lives are saved too. May I place my vote now for a magic-roundabout?

I don’t know about you but the first week of May is always a welcome event in my world.  The weather is warmer and our area comes alive with events like the Kentucky Derby, Mini Marathon and the Indianapolis 500.  If you want to get your kids in on the action then take your brood to the Rookie Run and Kids Day on Monument Circle on May 12.  Get all of the info here    http://www.500festival.com/other-events/rookie-run.  We’ve gone the past several years and the kids LOVE it.

Not everything is that far away though, there’s plenty going on in your own backyard!  This weeks calendar is full of fun things to do with the kiddos.  There are pajama parties, building clinics, indoor gym times & May Day activities.  Just click on any day of the week to get all of the information.

While you’re at it don’t forget about the library storytimes and other events.  The list of Hamilton County libraries is on the right of this post.  Our Hamilton County libraries are incredible with storytimes every day and for every age.  There’s events for teens to babies.  Only the special events are on this calendar.

Thanks for reading and looking.  Don’t forget to ‘like’ Hamilton County Moms on Facebook for other information.  Have a great week!

The weeks are flying by here at my house and I’m sure yours is the same. Is it really the last week in April? Seems hard to believe but bring on the warm weather! We just are getting back into the swing of things  from Spring Break and now it’s time to think about summer camp! Yes, summer camp registration has alredy begun everywhere so if you haven’t started thinking about this then now’s the time. Here’s the scoop on summer camp.

In case you haven’t noticed there are summer camps EVERYWHERE. I think even those bouncy places offer summer camps. Here is a very short list of where you can find summer camps. Cool Creek Park, Dillon Park, or any other parks department, Conner Prairie, your school system, YMCA, private clubs, your local sports places (including schools sports) and art places like theaters. Somewhere along the line people were genius enough to realize that summers are long and offering camps to kids was a huge money maker. They can certainly take my money because spending and entire summer with your kids without any little breaks in there is just too much for you both. So, when in doubt, ask if there is a camp to entertain and enrich your little one.

Most camps run for one week and you can sign up for individual weeks or a bunch. I understand why they do this, but when your kiddos are younger this can be hard. Because it’s summer we’ll be out later in the evening and not going to bed quite on time. So, by about Wednesday kids can get tired and not want to go to camp. Thursday is better and then Friday is the last day so just try to get through it. There are some camps that run two or three days every week for a number of weeks and those are my favorite. I wish more places worked like that with a break in between days.

Churches are also a great camp or Vacation Bible School place. Most churches allow even non members to attend.  My children have done many Vacation Bible Schools at churches that we don’t attend and they are all happy, upbeat places just singing about the glory of God.  Of course, do your research but again, I personally have been very happy. VBS also has the advantage of being very cheap! A week typically will run you anywhere from $15 – $25. Yes, that’s for the whole week. You can’t even get a babysitter for that cheap anymore.

Overnight camps are also available if you’re into that. I’ve heard that the YMCA has great overnight camps and there is another one called Spring Hill that has a great reputation. When and if you decide to send your child to overnight camp is up to you. I haven’t done so yet but maybe this is the year for my ten year old?

The last factor in camp is the friend factor. Camp is a whole lot easier when you have a friend to walk in with on the first day. While some kids are fine going solo others need a buddy. Ask around to find out if your kids friends would be interested in joining them.

This is just my 2 cents about camp. I’m sure everyone has there own opinions or recommendations. Feel free to leave them in the comments section. We can all benefit from each others perspective! In the meantime, don’t forget to check the calendar for all the latest happenings around Hamilton County! Enjoy the week!

Hi Hamilton County Moms!  Check out Curvy Girl Studio!

Curvy Girl Studio is a non-judgmental “safe haven” for those of us who struggle with weight (ourselves and/or our children) and are uncomfortable in a traditional gym/health club atmosphere. We offer non-impact, moderate cardio, dance-fusion classes as well as chair classes that focus on core strength. Both classes are suitable for all ages, fitness levels and physiques.

Curvy Girl offers morning & lunchtime classes everyday and classes for mothers and their children (ages 6+) throughout the summer months. It’s never to late to begin; never to early to start!

After taking a gamble in the mega million lottery and having a week vacation at the beach, I’ve heard so many stories about how great life would be if we were ultra rich.  If we lived in mansions and never had to work another day in our life.  If we had nannies and didn’t have the rat race of the working world.  And while I enjoy dreaming about a life of luxury I am a firm believer that our ordinary lives are extraordinary.

One of the main reasons that our ordinary lives are extraordinary are the close relationships that are formed when you are forced to live and work so close to others.  Some of my best friends are my neighbors and most of that is because we have been through life together living so close.  We have watched each others children, brought meals when kids were born and helped each other with everyday struggles.  We get together for a glass of wine after a long day of work or being with kids.  I know that living life with these people in it has made me a happier and healthier person.  Life is better when it’s shared with others and if I were crazy money rich I wouldn’t have lived so close to these people and life wouldn’t be as rich.

Despite people thinking that the highlight of someones life would be something epic, I would argue that we’ve all enjoyed all those little, unexpected moments with our children more than an event that was supposed to be huge.  I’ve had my deepest belly laughs while  sitting on the floor with my kiddos or playing a board game with my family.  We just spent a week at the beach and my best time was with my son in the elevator.  Who would have thought something so hum drum would be so much fun?  Some of my cheesiest grins and happiest times have been at my children’s events like ball games, concerts and plays.  I’m sure we’ve all had some pretty amazing experiences in our lives that didn’t compare to our 4 year olds dancing at their preschool performances.

Most of us are mothers reading this so I know that we all can agree that these little things make life worth it.  So, when you’re  hating doing the everyday, boring  stuff that seems to make up most of our life remember that your ordinary life is extraordiary.  I’ll put my midddle-class suburban life up against a millionaires any day and I think you should too.

I’m out for the week so here is an oldie but goodie!  I just began working full time last year and wrote this right before that time.  Being a mom is hard no matter how you shake it!  Enjoy!

As a Stay at Home Mom I am constantly hearing how hard it is to be a working mother.  To juggle work and motherhood is apparently pretty hard.  I wouldn’t know, I’ve been a stay at home mom (affectionately referred to as SAHM) the entire time I’ve been a mother.  I’ve always been grateful that I did not have to fufill all of the demands of being a mother and working.  Until recently.  I now think that working mothers have it all figured out.  Working and being a mother is SO much easier than being a full time mother.  As a matter of fact, I have grown to even envy working mothers!

First is the money factor.  As a two income family, working mothers (known as WMs) usually enjoy the fruits of two incomes.  They often live in bigger, fancier houses than SAHMS.  Their houses are often decorated impeccably from places like Pottery Barn.  As a SAHM, most of my decorations come from Target.   WMs also have more money to take better and more vacations.  Disney World is a definite by the time the children of WMs are three years old.  Summer vacation homes on the beach are an annual event.  My children are lucky if we drive to a nearby attraction and spend one night at a janky hotel.

Next is the all important time to yourself factor.  WMs have about 40 hours a week without children. Yes, all you SAHMs I said 40.  Though those hours are not always spent doing exactly what you want to be doing, they are spent without your children hanging on you, whining to you or crying to you.  While WMs are working, they are not breaking up arguments between siblings, changing diapers or telling a child not to stand on the table for the twentieth time that day.  To a SAHM, even driving down the street by yourself is a treat.  We dream of lunches with other adults and some peace and quiet.

SAHMs also look at WMs with envy because they have to shower more frequently.  They have to put on makeup, fix their hair and wear nice clothes.  SAHMs don’t always want to look so frumpy, but when the most exciting thing that you are going to do that day is grocery shopping, well, what’s the point?  We usually dress in sweat pants and fixing our hair consists of putting it in a bun. We live for the times when we have to go somewhere that requires a new outfit and some mascara.

Next is the necessary travel that WMs pretend to dread.  I’ve heard this line all too often before, “Darn it, I have to fly to Florida next week (in frigid January), to attend a conference (at a five star resort).  I’ll miss putting the kids to bed at night (because a nice, quiet evening to yourself is just horrible), and we only get one free evening (to relax on the beach).”  I and my other SAHM friends are usually salivating at the mouth at that point.   I would love to even have to go to the other side of town overnight.

Working mothers can also justify paying for a cleaning lady.  I’ve always found this ironic because the more that you and your rug rats are home the dirtier your house is.  So, the typical house of a SAHM looks like a tornado went through it.  I can’t even imagine coming home to a clean house.  Having someone come and clean your house sounds like something that only happens in fairytales. I think Cinderella had a cleaning lady, didn’t she?  So, while moms who work full time are sitting in a cushy company meeting, we SAHMs are scrubbing toilets.

So, while the past eight years with my children have been glorious, I’ve decided it’s time to make my life easier and get a job.  I can’t wait to get up in the morning and take a shower.  I am looking forward to driving to work by myself while listening to something other than Radio Disney.  And if someone is needed to visit a customer in China for a week, I would consider selling my first born to increase my chances of being selected.

Spring Break has finally arrived!  And while the idea is to get the heck out of dodge for a week or even a few days, not everyone has those plans.  Don’t fret if you’re sticking around.  The weather has been fantastic – it has been warmer here than some of those places that we’ll be flying too!  And there is plenty to do that you haven’t done before.  Here is just a short list of ideas for you if you are doing a Staycation.

First, check out HCM’s  wonderful events calendar chock full of FREE and inexpensive activities sure to get you through the week sane and sound!

If you’re kids are indeed school-aged then head on over to Cool Creek Park Nature Center at 1 pm Monday through Thursday for their FREE animal presentations from places like Silly Safaris.  Combine that with some playtime at the park or hike in the woods or even hanging out in their indoor Nature Center and you’ve got yourself a free afternoon that sure to make all those kids – and mamas – happy!

Hamilton County has some of the most fantastic parks to get you out enjoying nature and best of all they’re free!  Go to http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/topic/?topicid=121&structureid=23 for a complete list of parks.

If you want to venture to Indy then there are some great outdoor places as well.  My kids LOVE Holliday Park off of Spring Mill Road http://www.hollidaypark.org/.  It’s got several playground areas, an awesome nature center and miles of trails that lead down to the White River.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day.

Don’t forget about Eagle Creek Park.  Yet another opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.  Take it all in.  More information is at  http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/EagleCreekPark.aspx.

One of my latest favorite places is The Indianapolis Museum of Art.  AMAZING grounds to walk through and best of all admission is FREE to the museum.  If you’re worried about taking your rowdy kids to an art museum, then play a game with them.  Ask them what picture is their favorite, what picture they would want to hang in their room or what picture they would give to a friend.  You get the idea.  http://www.imamuseum.org/ to get the hours, etc.

And don’t forget about the other things that you never do – go downtown and rent a carriage, walk along the canal, visit that museum that you’ve never gotten to or my all time favorite, The Children’s Museum.

Whatever you’re doing next week just make sure to enjoy it.  After all, Spring Break 2012 will only happen once!

Mom 2 Mom Spring Consignment Sale

Where: Northview Church

12900 Hazel Dell Parkway Carmel, IN 46033

Gray Barn Building on SW corner of parking lot.

Drop offs: Friday, March 23, 2012

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pre-sale for sellers and volunteers 6-8 p.m.

Sale: Saturday, March 24, 2012

8 a.m.-1 p.m.

      *Cash only*

Kids’ clothes, Maternity clothing, toys
Children’s equipment and furnishings

No torn or excessively worn clothing.
No broken toys.

We sell on a consignment basis. Consignors price their own merchandise and receive 60% of the proceeds. The remaining 40% helps support the Mom 2 Mom group at Northview Church.

Apply to sell by emailing Alais: alaissheley@hotmail.com,

(Subject line: M2M)

Registration is $15

*seller fee waived if you also volunteer*

Spread the Word

Tell your bargain-hunting friends about the
Mom 2 Mom Spring Consignment Sale by forwarding this email to them.

Mom 2 Mom Consignment Sale-1

Spring is in the air and it makes me want to get a pedicure, play with the kids outside and drink a cold beverage while sitting outside in the sun. I’ve been adding Spring events to the calendar right and left and loving it.  There are FREE Spring movies every weekend, FREE Easter Egg Hunts and FREE Spring Break events so check them all out.

Some housekeeping items to tend to.  I’m looking for some web site assistance and wanted to put the word out that I would be happy to give some FREE advertising to someone who assists me.  HCM now has over 1,200 Facebook fans and over 1,200 direct newsletter subscribers so it’s a great (and intelligent, beautiful & funny I might add ) audience.  If you or anyone else is interested and is a technical genius then send me a message at hamiltoncountymoms@yahoo.com.

Also, I wanted to put together a list of places in Hamilton County where you could have your child’s birthday party.  I think a complete list os possible birthday places would make the lives of us HC Moms a little easier.  So, if you have any places that you can think of, just leave it in the comments section or email me at hamiltoncountymoms@yahoo.com.

If you haven’t set your clocks forward already then do so now.  I’ll take the less hour in the weekend for some added daylight at the end of the day.  And while you’re at it, change the batteries in your smoke detectors!  Have a great week.  It’s gonna get to 70 degrees out.  Enjoy