Kidsfest 2012 - Children’s Festival celebrates 30 years

Kidsfest 2012 is happening June 7 to 10, 2012 at The Forks. An interactive, life-like Dinosaur Petting Zoo, a plate-spinning comedic waiter, international children’s stars Fred Penner and Al Simmons, and a group of singing “baboons” are among the headliners of Kidsfest taking place. Check out all the performers here.

Kidsfest also presents more than 24 lively hands-on activity centres where kids can play with clay, make a kite, try on costumes, create a pair of wings, make crafts like necklaces and paper bag puppets and go “critter dipping.” All activities listed here.

Advanced general public tickets are $14 each or $48 for a family pack of four. Gate prices are $16 each or $56 for a family pack of four. You can save on the gate prices by getting your advance tickets at all Winnipeg Safeway locations in early May.

Children under two are free, and kids under 12 only need to pay once for the entire four day festival, provided they keep their wristbands on. Kids’ wristbands can be exchanged daily at the box office.

For more information visit Kidsfest at http://kidsfest.ca

Motherhood: Finding You Again

This year has been life changing to say the least. A second child, new career, moving again, all while trying to be a good mother, wife, daughter, sister and person. These life changes were a trigger to depression. I seen it a mile away and could only ignore it for so long. I tried to cry for help, but it took a while to get my point across. Maybe I wasn't crying loud enough. Maybe I wasn't yelling loud enough. Or maybe my family couldn't read my mind like I thought! What do you mean guys can't read our minds?!?! In the end I learned that it was up to me to pick up my feet and get the help I needed.  Telling your family you think you have PPD is one of the hardest things you ever have to do.

I read the parenting books. I read up on articles on making decisions on becoming a SAHM or going back to work after my maternity leave was up. Early on in my career I knew I wanted to stay home with the kids for a few years before going back to work. That decision was easier said then done. I fell in love with momstown. It was a life saver to me and I wanted to help others. I knew this was just what Winnipeg needed. I had always dreamed of being an entrepreneur too, so I was excited to take on this opportunity.

So my plan to be a SAHM went on hold. I now have two jobs. I'm a work at home mom running a very busy and growing business. Plus I still have my son at home during the days. Juggling kids and work is a challenge!

What I didn't realize was the fight I'd have in my head with being happy at home raising the kids and trying to run a business. My husband and I are sacrificing a lot in order to do this. Being a SAHM and a WAHM is a sacrifice financially and emotionally. Heck, having kids is a sacrifice! We don't go on fancy holidays. We don't go to concerts. Fine dinning now consists of Perkins - did you know kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays?!?! I now trim my own hair. I visit the salon once a year. Here's a tip to moms on a budget - don't colour your hair lighter. Roots show up before your budget allows you to go to the salon to touch it up. But it's worth it right? I'm at home with my kids. My job has flexible hours. I am fortunate to have a husband that has a successful career so I even have this option. Yes, I know I'm fortunate!

So why do I have this guilt? Why I'm I stressed right out? Why am I not happy? I wish I had the answers. I wish this article was about tips for moms going through similar struggles on what to do with your life. All I can say is motherhood hit me with a ton of bricks. Did you read my blog on Motherhood: Perception vs Reality?

I feel guilty that my dreams affect my husband. We can't even afford for him to travel and see his brother get married. Because of my dreams to be a SAHM and an entrepreneur. I haven't bought my husband a present for his birthday in three years. Oh no wait, two years ago he got a bag of his favourite chips from our daughter.

I DO KNOW that the guilt will never leave. Have you ever sat there, spaced out on the couch, having an entire conversation with yourself in your head. Rationalizing the two sides. I call it Mama Guilt Syndrome. Some of us have a more severe case then others. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm a 9. I use to be a 10. I now leave the house without the kids and go on dates with my husband without panicking for leaving the kids in the care of someone else. But on a daily basis I still have a conversation in my head about my personal life. If I go back to work (outside of the home) we'd have a lot more money but I'd feel guilty for sending the kids off to daycare or guilty for working long hours. If I don't have the business and just focus on the kids I would have a personal guilt of losing my skills and falling behind in my career. I do hear with time the mama guilt begins to fade...... I look forward to my 40s.

Motherhood is not easy. We hear of the challenges of raising kids, dealing with tantrums, dealing with diaper rash, getting them to sleep through the night, deciding on a parenting method, the list goes on and on. But deciding what to do with our lives isn't a big topic. Why? It's probably one of the most important and a big factor in PPD. We put our careers on hold for our children. We put our lifestyles on hold...... actually we change our lifestyles! I'm sporting sneakers and tights now, not heels and dress pants. My lunch consists of drive-thu at Wendy's while the kids are passed out in the back seat, not lunch with my coworkers on the patio at Earls. I drive a mini-van!

So what is in store for me? I don't know. I have a fight in my mind on a daily basis on what to do with my life. What do I want to be when I grow up? How do I get the old me back? I feel like I'm defined by motherhood now. It is a personal journey that I'm going through and will take time to work it's way through. Just like every other mother out there is going through their own personal journey, making life decisions that no longer just affect themselves.

What I can say is my life is definitely not boring! It's just different. Instead of late nights, fancy dinners, last minute seat sale vacations and sleeping in until noon, it's playing in a sandbox, watching my son take his diaper off and eat his own poo (yes that DID happen) and watching my kids take their first steps and speak their first full sentence. It's these moments when the world around me stops and my life feels balanced. I have a three year old and a one year old to thank for that. These little wonders define the small moments in my life.

Motherhood is more then just raising kids. It's about finding a balance of raising a family, being the wife your husband fell in love with, being the friend your best friends laughed with during those late night girls night outs, following your values without letting the latest parenting trend make you question your decisions and making changes without sacrificing your happiness.

So to all the mothers out there struggling with their journey, remember you are not alone. Seek out a friend, vent on the momstown message board or talk to your partner or mom. It will all work it's way out, and while you are figuring out which path to take, remember to sit back and enjoy those moments when the world around you stops and your life feels balanced.

Tales 4 Tots: Giraffes Can't Dance

This month our theme is Luau so we've been learning about Hawaii, dancing at luau's, making volcanoes and blending smoothies. So it was only fitting that our Tales 4 Tots's book was about dancing. 

We read a wonderfully illustrated book called Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andrea and Guy Parker-Rees. This is a wonderful story about a giraffe named Gerald who longs to dance at the annual Jungle Dance with all his friend, but "when it came to dancing, he was really very bad."

But Gerald discovers, with the help of a friendly cricket, that what he really needs to find is the right music. When he does, he becomes the "best dancer that we've ever, ever seen!"

Read more on the book review for Giraffes Can't Dance here.

We also did a cute craft that momstown Calgary had done in the past. 

You can easily make this craft at home too. What you need:

• Yellow construction paper
• Scissors
• Brown paint or stamp pad
• Glue
• Googly eyes

First trace your child's foot and forearm on yellow construction paper. The foot will be the head of the giraffe.  The forearm will be used for the neck of the giraffe. Your child can practise their hand coordination by glueing the pieces together. 

 The fun part is having your kids use the finger to make brown dots of paint on the giraffe. 

The best part of having our Tales 4 Tots at Chapters is the little ones can play with toys..... clearly my son is not ready for crafts yet! 

Join us next month as we read Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Register on the calendar. 

Baby Basics: Natural Alternatives for medicine and boosting immune system

Our momstown baby basics program is now underway we have had some wonderful speakers. Our first speaker was Dr. Kimberly Mah Dalke of Two Rivers Chiropractic Centre who came out to speak to the group on natural alternatives for flu/colds for babies and children and ways to strengthen the immune system naturally.

It was an interesting topic and we all learned so much. Everything from natural alternatives to combat the flu to the different vitamins that are safe for babies and toddlers to help strengthen the immune system naturally. We even talked about super foods, such as honey.

Dr. Kimberly is ready to have a baby any week and still looks fabulous!

momstown Winnipeg moms listening to Dr. Kimberly speak.

Here are some photos of some of the natural remedies and vitamins safe for your children to take. Many of theses are available at your local health food store, such as Vita Health or Shoppers Drug Mart.

Dr. Kimberly also brought some books and magazines for us to look at that are great resources to keep at hand at home.

For those of you who missed it, we plan to have Dr. Kimberly back to speak to the group (once baby is born and she's back at work). I can't wait to hear Dr. Kimberly speak again. She is a wealth of information and next time I plan to take notes!

Motherhood: Perception vs. Reality

The other day I was reflecting on my life before children. I had this fantasy of what life would be like when I had children. You know. Like the fantasy you had before you got married. When you thought marriage would be like dancing in the rain. No arguments, love notes through out the house, walks in the park, traveling the world, breakfast in bed....  Hmmmm marriage is a lot more work then I realized. It wasn't long after the honeymoon stage that I got it. Don't get me wrong. I love my husband. We've had romantic moments.  But it's work. Throw in kids, stressful careers, finances (ie. debt) and gosh darn it, you better have a strong marriage.

So I did it again! A perception so far from the truth it will have you in tears! Literally!

Perception: Scrapbooking all day long while my baby napped.
Reality: I haven't touched my scrapbook in 3 1/2 years! My dog has a beautiful scrapbook. Enough said.

Perception: I would have breakfast ready for my husband every morning and I would be sipping on my hot coffee in my pyjamas (Note that in my mind I looked darn cute in those pyjamas) and his brown bag lunch would be waiting by the front door as I kissed him on his merry way.
Reality: Dude you're on your own! I am lucky to have showered and made it to the kitchen (with kids in toe) before he has left for the day.

Perception: I would have a kick ass body because I would be running with my jogging stroller all day long with my kids...... because what else do SAHM's do all day?
Reality: I don't own a jogging stroller.

Perception: Laundry done, clothes hung, bathrooms clean, floors mopped, carpets vacuumed and I get to sit back and watch Days of Our Lives while the kids nap.
Reality: Thank god you can go for months not watching Days of Our Lives and not miss much! And what do you mean the clothes don't get hung by themselves? What's an iron?

Perception: I will never raise my voice at this little, tiny creature.
Reality: Breath, walk away, walk away, WALK AWAY!

Perception: My kids will be so well behaved. They will not be like that terror on the flight home from my honeymoon.
Reality: Pits soaked, sweat dripping down my face, face bright red, huffing and puffing as I drag my terror out of the store.

Perception: My daughter and I will do crafts and sit and laugh and have a jolly good time.
Reality: Don't grab the glue, watch the paint, for the love of god DON'T touch the walls!!!

Perception: Dinner will be hot and ready for my husband when he gets home from work (note again I am wearing a cute little apron and I look darn hot).
Reality: The witching hours may bring on tears and cause extreme heart rates. For temporary solutions call 222-2222.

Perception: Weekend is here! Let's go on a family vacation!
Reality: Let's clean the house.

So that's my reality check. I love my kids. I love my husband. It's nothing like my perception but it's a feeling that no parenting book or movie or person can explain. You can be warned but you won't believe it because you will parent different, right? :)

We all have our strengths as mothers. We all have good days and bad days. It's okay to complain. It's okay to cry. It's okay to have a moment of weakness. While my reality is far from my perception it's darn worth it. The good days outweigh the bad days. And that unconditional love that your little baby gives you is beyond your expectations of motherhood.

Oh, and the days where my perception is close to reality..... those are fan-freakin-tastic days where I feel like I can rule the world!

You may have seen these floating around online. Perception vs Reality.

Now Hiring Advertising Representatives for momstown Winnipeg

momstown.ca is an on-line network for neighbourhood moms wanting to connect for support, conversation and just plain fun! With a fantastic event calendar and lively message board, momstown.ca is a great way to get involved with your community while having a blast with your kids! They say it takes a village to raise a child, we say it takes a town!

Are you looking for a way to channel your creative energy? Are you a positive, out-going person inspired by parenting, early education and community? Are you looking for a fun, flexible, part-time job? Then joining the momstown team could be the answer for you!

Job Description – Advertising Representative

momstown.ca is currently seeking self-motivated, energetic and enthusiastic individuals for a  rolling 6 month contract position as an Advertising Representative. In this exciting role you will be responsible for selling online advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Your work will entail finding and building up relationships with potential and existing advertisers and effectively pitching for advertising budgets. You'll make sure that booked campaigns are run smoothly, reported on and that the clients will rebook.

This is a part-time role working out of your own home with flexible hours. We’re currently looking for up to two Ad Reps for our momstown Winnipeg chapter.

Responsibilities:

Sales

o  Responsible for selling online advertising and sponsorship opportunities

o  Generate sales leads, cold calls, develop client relationships

o  Prepare and present proposals to new and existing clients

Administrative

o  Maintain client log

o  Collect ad artwork from clients by deadline

o  Complete monthly ad tracking/booking sheet

o  Track monthly sales and invoice momstown and for monthly commission 

o  Load all ads onto momstown ad server by deadline

Qualifications:

• Outgoing, dynamic leader who is creative, organized, highly self-motivated
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills
• Strong computer skills and internet savvy
• Must have a valid driver’s license & reliable vehicle
• Must have a reliable computer with internet access
• Preferably 2 to 3 years experience in sales and /or marketing

Pay Structure:

• Independent Contract work – 6 month rolling contract
• Highly competitive commission based
• Free membership to momstown Winnipeg

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please submit your resume and covering letter, no later than May 18, 2012 to info.winnipeg@momstown.ca

Please visit our website at www.momstown.ca

Hiring Event Coordinators for momstown Winnipeg

momstown.ca is an on-line network for neighbourhood moms wanting to connect for support, conversation and just plain fun! With a fantastic event calendar and lively message board, momstown.ca is a great way to get involved with your community while having a blast with your kids! They say it takes a village to raise a child, we say it takes a town!

Are you looking for a way to channel your creative energy? Are you a positive, out-going person inspired by parenting, early education and community? Are you looking for a fun, part-time supplemental income? Then joining the momstown team could be the answer for you!

Job Description – Event Coordinator

momstown.ca is currently seeking creative, self-motivated, and energetic individuals for a  rolling 3 month contract position as an  Event Coordinator. In this exciting role you will co-ordinate & execute fun and educational events and field trips for parents and young children aged 0-6 years old.

This part-time role requires approximately 8-12 hours per month. We’re currently looking for up to two Event Coordinators for our momstown Winnipeg chapter to run fun, family-friendly events, such as our Baby Basics, Alphabet Play, Tales 4 Tots, Junior Chefs, Little Scientists, Discovery Field Trips and more! This is the perfect role for a SAHM or mom on maternity leave. Where else can you run events and work with your kids in toe!

Responsibilities:

• Event Coordination
• Creating and customizing events from designated momstown curriculum
• Personally running & attending a minimum of 4 events per month: prepping supplies and running activities.
• Act as a membership ambassador and liaise with members

Qualifications:

• Outgoing, dynamic leader who is creative, organized, highly self-motivated
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills
• Vested interest in children and parenting
• Comfort with leading circle/storytimes and craft activities for children
• Must have a valid driver’s license & reliable vehicle
• Must have a reliable computer and internet access
• Event planning experience is an asset 

Pay Structure:

• Independent Contract work – 3 month rolling contract
• Hourly Rate
• Free membership to momstown Winnipeg

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please submit your resume and covering letter, no later than May 18, 2012 to info.winnipeg@momstown.ca

Please visit our website at www.momstown.ca