Junior Chef: marshmallow snowmen and graham cracker houses

It was snowman and graham cracker fun this morning!

Before getting messy the kids colored snowmen which they later attached to shakers for a snowman pokey.

Then it was time for creating their masterpieces. With lots of treats and icing little houses and snowman came to life. The children also got to decorate their own bear cookies. The kids LOVED creating their houses, and decorating exactly the way they wanted. The creativity was so much fun to watch!

Using tambourines and shakers, Sherri from Circle Time Parties and the children danced and sang many of their favorite winter songs like Jingle Bells and Frosty the snowman. The children’s favorite part was singing a song that helped dress up Benjamin bear in his winter clothes. The day was complete with the classic 12 days of Christmas story.

A Porcupine In A Pine Tree!

Our Scholastic book this month was a funny holiday twist on the classic "12 days of christmas" - with a Canadian theme! A Porcupine In A Pine Tree. This book was a hit! Kids were giggling and laughing as we went through the 12 days of Christmas from beaver tails to Stanley cups, this book is a perfect addition to your holiday collection.


This book is donated by Scholastic Canada and after we read the book, one lucky member gets to take it home to keep and enjoy with their family.


I love reading with my kids, and Christmas is no exception! We have an extensive library of holiday books that we pull out in November, and enjoy all season long. If you are looking for great books to read with your kids over the holidays, don't forget to check out momstown book reviews, winter wonderland collection, Hanukkah books, and our Top 5 Reindeer books! Momstown has some great suggestions for keeping literacy in the holidays!

Crafty Kids and Christmas Fun!

Our momstown playgroup at The Little Gym was in full holiday spirit this week!
We had a great group of moms and kids take some time to relax, play, and enjoy the holiday crafts (and snacks too!).







We made "r" is for reindeer crafts, and some of our littlest participants substituted their "r" for hand print antlers. It made a great keepsake for "baby's first christmas".
We chatted about our holiday chaos, and what we bought our hubby's for under the tree. Everyone left a little more relaxed, and the kids had a great time!


Looking to get out and meet some new people? We have a new member meet up at the Little Gym every month! Sign up for a 2 week free trial with momstown to find out what the fun is all about. For details about this craft, or other easy holiday crafts you can do at home with your kids, check out momstown arts & crafts.

Time With One

With 3 young kids, 2 dogs, and a husband, it's not too often that anyone gets quality time alone with mom! At times I find myself alone at the grocery store, or running around town, but it's not the quality time I should be spending with my kids individually.

I recently had the opportunity to go to Calgary. There was a new member of the family that I just had to meet, and snuggle! I contemplated going alone - and really would have enjoyed the trip by myself, but after discussions with my husband we decided I would take our oldest (5 yrs) daughter.

Her countdown started in September for this trip! I was unprepared for how excited she would be to have me all to herself. The plan was to arrive in Calgary for a few days, and then head up to Banff to ski!


This trip was life changing for me. The conversations, and interactions I had with my daughter during this vacation are things that just don't happen when I'm running around with 3 kids. She was able to ask so many questions, and learn so many things that I don't always have the time to stop and explain.

I truly enjoyed my time away with Cassidy. We also hit the slopes together. It's her second season skiing, but I had so much fun helping her learn something new, and watching her improve right before my eyes!




My husband and I often talk about the importance of "date nights". We are pretty good at keeping a commitment with each other and getting out "kid free" a couple of times a month. This little trip has made us realize the importance of maintaining "dates" with our kids individually. We have now committed to our kids that on a regular basis they are going to have more quality time with one of us. We have realized that having strong individual relationships with our kids will help to keep our family unit strong.

Obviously (although unfortunately), vacations won't be our norm for spending quality time with the kids, but we have already started planning out some great local activities that we can do. The plan will be that one parent gets out with a child, while the other stays home with the other 2 kids. I'm excited to get this started!

Do you have "dates" with your kids?

Win 4 tickets to The Life Adventures of Santa Claus

WIN a Family 4 pack of tickets to the Dec 20th performance of The Life Adventures of Santa Claus at Oakville Centre. Enter here on our momstown Oakville Contest Page!

Reliving childhood at the Oakville Nutcracker

I spent yesterday reliving memories of being a little girl and wanting, desperately, to be Clara, the main little girl in the ballet The Nutcracker.

I grew up in a city where the ballet company put on a terrific production annually and local kids would audition for the small group roles of the mice, chefs, mini candy canes. The girls in the show practiced evenings and would come in late to school wearing a ribboned badge to show their ballet involvement.

Oh, the envy I had for those ribbons. I loved sitting in the audience but boy oh boy did I want to be backstage where the action was like my friends who were on stage.

Fast forward thirty years and I found myself sitting with my fascinated and suitably impressed six year old daughter and Grandma at the Oakville Ballet School production of The Nutcracker at the Oakville Centre. Unknown to myself at the time, I didn’t realize that most of the ballerinas were children from the ballet school.

Unbelievably talented children.

I was shocked at the level of excellence – both in performance by the dancers and with the stage sets and costumes. This show has been produced for the last 30 years so it’s a well oiled machine. I was beyond impressed.

If you live in Oakville, there’s simply zero need to head to Toronto to see the National ballet Nutcracker. The price was right, it's based right here in Oakville and featured local dancers.

Such an excellent afternoon spent with my daughter who was awestruck by the beauty on stage and inspired to keep at her own ballet lessons and be Clara herself.

For the love of Christmas cookies

The cookie exchange is one of my favourite momstown Oakville events - time to bake, connect with adults and share holiday traditions.

Our mama only event was well stocked with delicious cookies all prepackaged into half dozens for us to take home.





Big thanks to Joanna for hosting us and for also collecting food for the Oakville food bank.

I have to admit, my cookies have been sneaking their way out of the freezer ... not sure if they will last until the holiday guests arrive!

Top 5 Oakville Family Fun Gifts

Our playroom is jam packed with toys. My kids love their toys but really, we are a busy family who likes to get out of the house, attend lots of momstown activities, participate in extracurricular programs and explore together.

When Grandma asks what to get the kids this year - what about these terrific family focused gift ideas that encourage learning, adventure, physical activity and family fun?


1. Bronte Creek Family Pass

A family pass allows families to pop into the conservation area whenever they choose to ride bikes, play in the barn, go skating.... not sure why we don't have a pass but we SHOULD. An annual day-use pass is $150 - a perfect family gift of the outdoors.

2. Drop-In Indoor Play Pass
My kids love to run and jump at indoor playgrounds like Little Rascals or The Busy Genie. Contact them to ask about their play passes. Perfect year round gift!

3. Lessons and Activities
momstown Oakville spends a lot of time at the Little Gym and many of our member kids take lessons there which are fabulous but not cheap. My kids love gymnastics too and they also need to learn that it's a privilege not a right. By receiving a 'gym pass' for Christmas they realize it's a gift and the appreciation level goes up. I know of many grandparents who contribute to ballet, hockey or music lessons instead of another toy under the tree.


4. Tickets to the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Going to a big production is always a hit with kids! We're so lucky to have a theatre like the Oakville Centre so close and with quality performances. Tickets to a family show are sure to delight any child and is an experience they won't forget for just $20/ticket. Additionally, there are packages that include many performances at a discount if you want to maintain the magic all year long.


5. Family Ski Pass
Get active this winter right here in Halton! With little legs and small attention spans, a day pass doesn't make sense for new skiers but a family pass sure does! Glen Eden sells their season pass for age 5 and under for just $89 - a perfect gift!

Hope these Oakville gift ideas help you and family have an active and fun year together in 2012!

momstown Oakville kids playgroup at Dazzle was a wild west time

momstown Oakville welcomed kids of all ages today at our Wild West playgroup! Dazzle Art is a great place for galloping around, burning out some steam, and taking part in lots of pretend play.

We had a sheriff star badge craft to go along with our Wild West theme this month - but I think a lot of these stars may end up on the Christmas tree instead!

One of our littlest crafters got right into the action.
momstown kids got creative and created 3D stars with the foam shapes!

Parachute time! Sherri - a momstown mama and circle time parties owner did her usual terrific job rounding up the kids, and came prepared with some Wild West tunes like Yankee Doodle to get everyone moving. We also experimented with bouncing balloons and ping pong balls off the parachute - the kids loved it!

Join us every month at Dazzle for our all-ages playgroup - today we had kids from 4 weeks old to age 5! Not a member yet? Register now for a free 2-week trial.

Holiday Shopping & Swarovski Sparkle at the Eaton Centre

We love Oakville and we know you do too. But - have you ever planning a day trip into the big city to celebrate the holidays with your kids?

Why not jump on the GO train one weekend this season, check out the holiday windows and lights, plan a trip to the Eaton Centre, and perhaps the Nutcracker ballet?

Each Saturday from November 19 to December 10, Swarovski is hosting the Stars for Wishes Workshop at the Toronto Eaton Centre! There will be glitter and sparkle and do-it-yourself ornaments the kids get to take home in addition to contributing to a great cause and holiday memory.

Best of all, proceeds go to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. So you’re not only getting creative with your kids, but it’s for a good cause! Ornament kits are $20 each.

To register and purchase your kit, visit the Swarovski Gallery Store at the Toronto Eaton Centre or call 647-439-8584.

Swarovski Stars for Wishes Workshop
Where: Toronto Eaton Centre (In front of the Swarovski Crystal Wish Tree)
When: November 19, 26 and December 3, 10th from 10 am to 12 pm

Make this even better? Are you a YummyMummyClub fan? Each Saturday one of Erica Ehm's bloggers will be there crafting away with you and your kids - join in for a photo op and chat with other mummies!

Guess what? 3 outta 4 weeks the YMC mummies who are there are Oakville moms too! What a small world - travel downtown to mingle with other local moms in an event that's beyond your average Saturday!

November 19 - Caroline Fernandez, Activity Mummy
November 26 - Sarah Gunn, Wall Candy
December 3 - Lisa Thornbury, Party Mummy
December 10 - Sharon DeVellis, Inside Scoop & YMC Editor-in-Chief

Check out this great video about why you should head down!

Junior Chef: Snowflakes and Snowballs!

It wasn't snowing outside today, but we sure had a fun winter party inside! Our junior chef program today was all about winter and snow! We made snowballs and snowflakes and the kids had a great time!


Our youngest chef was too small to take a turn to stir, but he was so happy watching all the "big" kids creating with food! He also enjoyed the occasional taste.


Our snowflakes were made from tortillas! Just like you make a paper snowflake, we folded and cut the tortillas, and when we opened them, each snowflake was unique!



Everyone enjoyed tasting our treats! There weren't too many snowballs left to take home.



Junior chef isn't complete without our circle time by Sherri from "Circle Time Parties".
We sang about snow, dressed in hats and mitts, and even did the snowman Hokey Pokey!



Thanks Sherri from Circle Time Parties for hosting another great momstown Oakville event. Next month we are diving in christmas with gingerbread houses! If you'd like to see what the fun is all about, join us for a free 2 week trial.

Oakville Santa Claus Parade

It's tomorrow!!! The man in red is getting his suit tidied up and his float in pristine shape.

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 19th is the Oakville Santa Claus Parade! 9am on Lakeshore, rain or shine. Join other Oakville families to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season and enjoy the songs, clowns and activities of the parade.


You can find your way around with the parade route here:


Santa Claus Parade 2009 - momstown handed out momstown balloons!
Santa Claus Parade 2008 - momstown Oakville was announcing our launch (in the rain!)

Momstown Conference 2011: We have an amazing year ahead!

Our momstown leadership team met last weekend for our semi annual momstown national conference. What a team we have! It was my first opportunity to meet some of the leadership team members and i have to say that i was truly impressed by each and every one of them. Each team member comes from a very diverse background, and brings different interests and skills to the group. With all of us combined as a team, we are an incredible force!


Although we would have enjoyed socializing all weekend, we really had to get to work, as we had 3 days packed with informative workshops and brainstorming sessions. We met at the offices of Jan Kelly Marketing in Burlington where they had an incredible space for us to use. We attended workshops lead by Jan Kelly Marketing, Allison Burke of Impressions Public Relations and seminars on blogging and marketing.


I am the type of person who needs to constantly be learning new things, and thinking about what's next. This entire weekend was perfect for me! There was so much information, brainstorming and excitement i was totally exhausted by bed time, but couldn't sleep as my brain wouldn't turn off!!


After our workshops, brainstorming and planning sessions we had a day planned to meet with momstown strategic partners. We spent time with Kid's CBC at their offices in Toronto. We then headed out to Fisher-Price offices to learn about their organization, and their exciting plans for 2012!


I left this conference so inspired by everyone I work with here at momstown. I am also so motivated to make momstown Oakville the best that it can be! We have some great events and contests planned for 2012, and i'm so grateful to be part of such an amazing organization of incredible leaders.


If you are already a member, you will be excited to see what we have planned for 2012! The events, contests, and information that momstown has to share will make for an exciting year. If you aren't already part of the fun, why not join us for a free 2 week trial! Momstown has so much to offer!

Wild West with momstown!

Our momstown theme this month was "Wild West" and we had a party to celebrate!
Our new member meet up was a busy place this month. We had lots of new faces, and some great new kids!



Our kids LOVED the Wild West craft. We made foot and arm print horses! They really had alot of fun tracing their feet and arms, and cutting it out. With a little glue and crayons, we had horses! To practice lacing skills we punched holes and used wool to make the horses mane.


We also read our scholastic book "Are You A Horse?" at this event which was a huge hit with moms and kids!

To learn how to make these horses, or for other great Wild West craft ideas check out momstown Arts & Crafts.
If you'd like to see what the fun is all about, sign up for a 2 week free trial and join us at our next new member meet up.

Red Cross Infant CPR and Momstown

A huge THANK YOU to the Canadian Red Cross for hosting our momstown event yesterday. Moms (and kids) from Oakville and Burlington joined together for an infant CPR class. November is CPR month at the Canadian Red Cross, and what better time to learn some new skills, or to brush up with a refresher course. Our moms were able to bring their kids along, which made for a very popular event. Kids played quietly, while moms learned.

Our morning was so informative, and gave moms some confidence and skills to better handle an emergency situation with a child. We learned what to do if your child is choking.



There were also some great demos to teach infant CPR.


Plus lots of great first aid general tips that every mom should know.

The Canadian Red Cross challenges everyone to get the training they need to help save a life. Momstown is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a great initiative. Click for additional information about the Canadian Red Cross or check out momstown Oakville for more information about further upcoming courses like this one!

Are You A Horse?

This months Scholastic book was "Are You A Horse?" by Andy Rash. Our moms and kids LOVED this book. It went right along with our Wild West momstown theme this month. Our kids were giggling as cowboy Roy tried to figure out what a horse was! He was asking every animal and cactus along the way.


Our group was so enthusiastic, they were shouting at the cowboy as he ventured through the book. This book was a great way to introduce kids to "describing objects". Cowboy Roy learned that a horse is a living thing, and animal, and has 4 legs.



Congratulations to baby Jacob who is taking this book home to enjoy with his mom!
Scholastic Canada donates a book to momstown every month. If you'd like to join us for our next event, sign up for a 2 week free trial at momstown Oakville. If you'd like to find other great books to enjoy with your little cowboys and cowgirls, check out our momstown arts and crafts for Wild West Books For Kids - Book Review.

November is CPR Month

Did you know that November is CPR month at the Canadian Red Cross?

The Canadian Red Cross challenges everyone to get the training they need to help save a life. Momstown Oakville and Momstown Burlington are joining together for a fun filled and educational morning of learning. Whether it's your first time learning CPR, or just looking for a refresher course, this is a great time to do it!
Our moms will be learning some great skills: what to do if your child is choking, demonstrations of infanct CPR, plus some general first aid.

Remembrance Day in Oakville

"Mommy, why is everyone wearing a red flower on their coat?"

Remembrance Day is a memorial we should all be talking with our children about especially since they have, luckily, been sheltered from war. I explain to my children that the poppy is a sign of 'thank-you' to all the brave soldiers for looking after us. That explanation seems simple yet deep enough for them to understand the basics.

It is important to recognize this day with our children and what better way to start a discussion than with a craft or storytime? momstown has many ideas on how to bring our the teachable moments


Remembrance Day Crafts:
In Flanders Fields Bingo Dabber Poppies
Preschool Poppy Painting
Paper Poppies


Remembrance Day Books for Kids
A Poppy is to Remember
H is for Honor
Boo Boo Bear's Mission
Pepper's Purple Heart: A Veteran's Day Story
Where Poppies Grow


Looking for a local service or parade to attend on November 11th?

Oakville Remembrance Day Parade
Church and Navy streets / Cenotaph at George's Square
Hosted by Oakville Legion Branch 114

10:15 a.m: Veterans depart from Church and Navy streets and march along Lakeshore and up Trafalgar to the Cenotaph at George's Square.

11 a.m: Ceremony at George's Square includes two minutes of silence and a wreath laying ceremony. After the ceremony, veterans march back to Church and Navy.

Remembrance Day in Milton
The traditional Remembrance Day Milton Service will be held Friday, Nov. 11 at Evergreen Cemetery on Ontario Street. The march will begin at 10:45 a.m.

Remembrance Day Services in Burlington
9:00 a.m. - Sunrise Remembrance Day Service, Spencer Smith Park

Burl-Oak Naval Veterans are holding a 30 minute ceremony at the Naval Ships Memorial Monument in Spencer Smith Park at Burlington's Downtown Waterfront. All are welcome to attend.

10:30 a.m. - Remembrance Day Parade begins at Central Public School (Down Brant to Elgin - Elgin to Locust - Locust to Ontario).

11:00 a.m. - Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph, City Hall

The Royal Canadian Legion is holding a 45-60 minute ceremony at the Cenotaph, just outside City Hall (426 Brant St.). All are welcome to attend.

Our momstown Hamilton mama Andrea comes from a military family, her father served and her nephews are currently enlisted. Read here about what Remembrance Day means to her.

Our thanks and full appreciation to all veterans who have served or who are serving Canada on our behalf. Thank-you for your bravery.