This whole Happy Home Fairy thing started before I even had kids!
As a 2nd grade teacher, I saw how little time moms had to be creative, find fun ways to celebrate holidays, surprise their husbands, plan meals, etc.
Boogers, bums, and never-ending need for food is kind of time consuming when it comes to little people.
Without a kid on my hip, I had plenty of spare minutes to come up with ideas and share them.
I will never forget the first time someone approached me and asked if I would share my ideas with their group of young moms.
I was nervous OUT OF MY MIND, I way over-planned and over-printed materials, and I probably changed my outfit 6 times the morning of.
But the second I arrived at the facility where I was speaking, all of my nerves melted off (along with my make-up as I lugged 3 carloads of craft samples and inspirations up 2 floors of stairs in South Florida heat).
The reason my knees stopped quivering, though, was not because someone handed me a Mimosa, but because I had arrived at a MOPs group.
Have you ever heard of MOPs???
One word – AMAZING.
Walking through the door I saw a bunch of precious, super real women gathered together with the sole purpose of rocking their God-given Mom calling.
They had come because they wanted to find community.
They had come to laugh or cry (a roomful of pregnant/nursing/or toddler-rearing women? It will happen, people) or whatever they needed to do to feel heard and understood.
They had come for the childcare. 😉
They had come to have a delicious meal that didn’t include shaped pasta or nuggets.
They had come to lift each other up in the face of sleeplessness or breastfeeding issues or to encourage one another through the stomach bugs and terrible 2s toddler challenges.
They had come to get crafty.
They had come to be mentored.
They had come to be inspired.
That day I went to MOPs I decided that I would be back when I had a kid on my hip because I knew I was going to need those girls in my mommy-ing journey.
Sharing our Happy Home’s Family Prayer Jar to a group of young moms.
5 years and 2 babies later and that statement could not be more true.
I still speak at MOPs groups all over our city and I have loved every. single. one.
I get really passionate about sharing ideas with MOPs groups.
I still change my outfit 6 times before heading out for a presentation not because of nerves anymore, but because of spit-up.
Although I have been known to walk confidently up to the platform covered in a little poo or barf because I know they will get it.
At MOPs that kind of stuff is a celebrated part of the dress code. 🙂
I think I am sharing a story here about a time when I didn’t like my kid.
One MOPs group that I spoke at while pregnant with the Happy Baby ended up getting plugged into this little blog and followed his story after he was born. Then they actually took a collection of money for our Happy Home at one of their meetings to help cover some of our medical bills!
I had never before been so blessed and overwhelmed by a group’s support during such an uncertain time.
Every young mom needs a community like that.
That is why when MOPs contacted me to share my MOPs story with my incredible readers so that they could donate a giveaway of 3 MOPs memberships (retail value of $23.95 each with a whole ton of awesome benefits), I was like “Ummmmmmm… YES!!!”
Would you like a chance to receive a MOPs membership for FREE????
Here is how to enter this MIND-BLOWINGLY awesome giveaway…
Simply leave a comment below telling me YOUR MOPs story.
Don’t have one but want to find a group and get involved?
There are over 3,900 MOPs groups meeting all over the world (seriously, my sister-in-law attended one when they were living in Germany). Just click HERE to find one in your area and in your comment let me know how winning a membership would help you get connected with those mommies.
I will choose 3 gals to receive a MOPs membership and announce their names on my Facebook page this Wednesday, October 2nd (so make sure you have ‘liked’ the Fairy HERE).
I cannot WAIT to hear what you all have to say about this group that is committed to changing the world (and fashion – spit-up, ahem) for generations to come.
Happy MOPs Group-ing! 🙂
**Make sure you pop over to the MOPs Facebook Page to give them a ‘like’ and tell them the Fairy sent you!**
I am a mentor mom and love it. I love how the moms find a safe refuge, make lasting friendships, grow in their faith, and develop leadership skills. Would love to have my daughter-in-love join (she’s blessed me with my 9 month old grandson)! I would love to provide her with a membership to get started.
I don’t have my own MOP’s story but if MOP’s is anything at all like your blog and the fun creative things you inspire me to do then sign me up!
I never have been to a MOPS group. I worked full time with my oldest (11), so I never got to join a group. When I had the other 3 (ages 3, 2, and 1) and was able to stay at home, I was scared to leave the house because I was officially out-numbered (3 kids and two hands). 🙂 I would love the opportunity for fellowship, especially since the mom’s group at our church stopped meeting. This would be great!
I have been to Mops before and would love to attend again. I have 3 children. My two youngest would love to play with others in there age group. I love reading your blog. 🙂 thank you
I went to my first MOPS meeting on Sept. 24th. I’m a new mom, my son is just a month old. It was nice to get out of the house and meet women who were going through or have gone through what I was experiencing. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt less stressed because I had people I could relate to and that could help me out. I am definetly going to more meetings and will promote MOPS to other friends.
When I had my first baby, I stopped working full time. I had no relatives or friends in the area. I attended a commuter church. And I knew no other families with young children. I felt so isolated!
After about a month into motherhood, my mother-in-law told me about MOPS. She encouraged me to go and even did a little research. When I walked into the meeting, I was half-dead from lack of sleep. I was having trouble nursing. I needed friends! I felt like I had a sign on my forehead, “HELP!”
The MOPs Coordinator took an interest in me and my nursing problems. She was helpful and supportive. She also introduced me to a MOPS Mentor Mom, who was an older wiser mom who had already walked the path that was so new to me. I was so thankful. The team and the other moms were so welcoming. I felt comfortable right away.
As a result of that first MOPS meeting, I began to feel more confident as a first-time mom. I was going to be okay. I’m not sure how I would’ve gotten through that first year of motherhood without MOPS.
After graduating college with 3 little ones, I decided to be a SAHM rather than join the work force. I lost touch with all of my friends. 🙁 I have been so lonely and borderline depressed.
I found out about my local MOPS group online searching for playdates… ANYTHING just to get out of the house and make mommy friends. I’m so excited to go to my first meeting next Friday! I would love to win a membership!
I should add my hubby works away for up to 28 days at a time on no set schedule and my family lives 4hrs away. Getting alone time in the bathroom is impossible much less getting out of the house to socialize and recharge!
I start my first MOPS group next week! I recently became a SAHM and the first thing I did was look for a MOPS near me. I’m so excited for myself and my 2.5 year old to meet some Christian families in the area!
I am a working mom and I teach little ones at a Catholic School. Your ideas have saved me more than once when trying to come up with just one more new idea that an older sibling didn’t do when they were in my class. What a great way to connect with other moms and bring the concept of MPOS to my families in the school,
I would LOVE to attend a MOPs group. I tend to spend most of my time with just my kids or with the same people from my church. Although that’s great, it’d be nice to meet other moms in my area and meet more regularly (I can go weeks without a play date sometimes–eek!). After spending time with other moms, I feel so refreshed socially and spiritually but I just don’t make it priority enough. Having a MOPs membership would help me to actually make it a priority 🙂
You are the winner! Congratulations!
When God moved us to south Florida 5 years ago I was less than ecstatic to be there. I was following my husband but my family, mountains and heart were all back in northern Alabama and Georgia. When we were pregnant with our first I was still frustrated that I had been taken from my support system and told God as much, reminding Him (as if He needed it!) that I needed Him to be faithful to provide all those baby items my family and friends surely would have provided. Needless to say, between our neighbors (some of them still strangers at the time!), a Bible study group and our church’s MOPS group we were inundated with baby items! I mean, inundated! I had to admit that God certainly showed me up regarding His faithfulness – a lesson I have not forgotten.
Over the next few years that group of gals from our MOPS group became a priceless lifeline for me, from meals and babysitting at the birth of our second child to encouragement, hugs and prayers through life’s storms and joyful times.
Now that we have moved yet again I am eager to plug into another community of believers so we can be that friend who sticks closer than a brother and be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith. Indeed, that’s what MOPS has been to me.
I attended MOPS mtgs. with my daughter 29 yrs. ago before membership fees. I now have my 2 yr. old granddaughter, Hadley, living with me which is pure joy ? her daddy is in the Army & stationed in AK. Her mommy works full time so most days it’s just the two of us. It would be nice to have a group of kids for her to play with. I do go to a church with a lot of young children but the moms are young too & I’m not so…? thank you for all your ideas.
I LOVE MOPS!! This is my third year of participating and my second on the steering committee. I am a SAHM and we have three littles- 3 y/o, 19 mo, and 2 mo! My hubby is gone a lot of the time (read:even overnight), as he supervises and covers 4 states (including our home state-Texas-so that’s like 3 additional states, right?!?!!!). Three years ago, we had just moved to our small town and I only knew a few people from the church we attended. A friend of mine and I were walking at the park with our first children (then 2 y/os) and when we were done walking, we always let the kids play on the playground. That day there was another young mom there with her kiddos. We got to talking and she told us about MOPS. I immediately put it in my iPhone calendar even though it was a few weeks away- I didn’t want to forget about that!! I completely love all MOPS stands for and is!! It is a great place to meet new friends-that completely ‘get’ where you are because they’re wading thru the diapers and tantrums and boogers and issues with naptime with you -just 4 miles down the road!! It’s a place you as a mom can feel safe-your kids (and you) are taken care of, loved, understood. You *can* actually get a word in edge-wise, finish a whole sentence in one setting, and actually talk about something besides puppies, dress up, going potty and Elmo – um, with an ADULT, no less!! It’s wonderful, and freeing, and calming. I always feel better about my mommy business after I’ve been able to recharge with Godly women who understand and encourage me. My days go smoother. The kids LOVE it! They have a whole other friend group, too! They get excited about going and look forward to going to ‘the MOPS church’!
I think it’s awesome that you’re giving away memberships!! I’d love to win one myself! We’re trying to pay off our debt, and every little bit helps!!
You are the winner! Congratulations!
How is this going to work, Julie? What info do you need from me? THANK YOU SO MUCH!! ?
Summer, please email me your email address and phone number – [email protected]. Then MOPs will be in touch with you to give you a special code to their website and subscription services. THANKS!
I have just begun my 2nd year as part of a MOPs group. I was invited at the beginning of their year last year by the wife of my husbands friend. I was nervous and excited at the same time…I was longing, LONGING for women friends with kids the same ages as mine. The possibilities sounded wonderful…childcare, breakfast, adult conversation! But, I am not big on stepping out of my comfort zone…what do I wear…who do I sit with? Really, I should know better…but I took a step in faith and haven’t regretted it. I have met some wonderful women. I have made some awesome crafts. I have made new recipes. I have eaten some fabulous breakfasts! Two mornings a month is a blessing to me…these women opened their hearts to me and seeing the group grow is such an inspiration! The outings we plan outside of are meetings are fun and encouraging…(OH, so your child has an absolute meltdown when it is time to leave too? AWESOME!) I am encouraged, calmed, reassured, prayed for, and blessed by my MOPs group. I have two years before my youngest will join the school world and I will have to “graduate” from MOPs, but my MOPs story is still going strong and it is going to be an awesome one!
I joined MOPS last year after many requests from a good friend. I had no clue what was in store for me! Not only has MOPS strengthened friendships with people I already knew, I made lots of new friends. MOPS has taught me to be a better friend too. My relationships with these women are some of the best I’ve ever experienced. The church that hosts our meetings has become my place of worship. I’ve even joined a bible study there. All these new people in my life, bible study, church service, MOPS…..this is what life is all about! I am finding my place in this world. I’m focusing it on God and teaching my 3 year old daughter all about it!! I am loving every minute of being a mom! Where am I going with all this? It’s all because I joined MOPS! I am quite certain I wouldn’t have all this if it weren’t for MOPS. I’m a huge advocate for MOPS. It has truly been a life changing experience for me and I want so much to share that with any and all moms that need a change, a little help, or a new friend!
It has been my prayer the past few weeks to find a group of Christian mama’s that I can fellowship with and find support. It has been so much harder than I thought it would be to do this parenting thing! The only MOP’s group I have found so far is on the other side of the island (about an hour and a half away) but your post just encouraged me to email them and see if there is any other groups meeting closer to our home. Wish we were closer to join YOUR Mop’s group 🙂
I discovered our local MOPS group through Facebook. The fellow moms of littles as well as the mentors have been a lifeline for this mama for going on two years!
I have never attended a MOPS meeting, but there is a group in my city – Cullman, AL. I am a work at home mom with a 2 year old daughter. I worked full time up until July of this year, so while I love being at home with my daughter, I also miss the adult interaction of working outside the home. I would love to have the opportunity to connect with other moms in my area who have children close to the same age as my daughter. It would give me the opportunity to start new friendships and give my daughter an opportunity to make new friends to play with. I think it’s important for her to play with other kids her age.
I am going on October 2nd to my first MOP’s meeting! I am so excited to even just get out of the house!!! First time mom of a “pre”-preschooler, I thought I had it all down before he was born, but boy did I have it ALL wrong!! This has to be the most challenging job I have ever taken on! I need a group like this to help remind me, “I AM NOT ALONE!” 😀
I’ve never been to a MOPs group but as a mom of two little ones it sounds like just the place for some much- needed encouragement, and I see there is a group at the Christian Fellowship church nearby. Hope I win!!
I was a member of MOP’s last year and met some amazing ladies, and equally amazing kids!! I made life long friends, and after moving away this year, and graduating from the ‘preschool’ years 🙁 I know just how important this ministry is. Thank you for highlighting this and blessing three special Mom’s during a time when sanity is everything 🙂 I will be sharing this on Facebook in the hopes that one of my friends see these and then may receive this blessing 🙂
I started attending MOPs this year. I have had struggles being a first time Mom and everyone had advice. It’s not like your child comes with an instruction manuel. I found strength in the Word. Recently I have been wondering if I was doing enough and doing the right thing as well as right choices for our son. That’s when I found Mops. A group that could relate to the everyday issues that I was facing and made me feel that I wasn’t in it alone. Now I feel that I am a part of something not just battling the World alone but find that beside me are a groups of women, warriors, who strap on their armor daily, out to battle the world too for their children. There is strength in numbers, and as the Bible says where two or three are gathered in my name, there I will be also. I found that these Moms have struggles just like me and that they too where many hats to hold a household together. This is my story
I didn’t attend my first MOPS group until after I birthed baby 5. I was so excited that first meeting to make a craft. I could not remember the last time I had done that for me. Then, I started getting support from these women that I was slowly becoming friends with. My husband told me 4 months into it that he could tell a big difference and wished I had found Mops sooner. I look forward to going to every meeting. Iadore the women that are in my group. They teach me so much and give me so much support. I live 9 hours away from my nearest family. I had surgery last Sept. My mops group brought my family food for 3 weeks. They also sat with me on occasion. They became my family away from family. I will ways suggest to any mother of a preschooler to put finding a mops group at the top of their list.
I am so exhausted! I feel like all I so is think on how to attain my joy, inspire others, mentor and be mentored, encourage , accept encouragement, have more motivation , or not miss the mark.
I haven’t slept more than 4 hours in 4 nights now… My 3 daughters caught the flu! I’ve made myself try to enjoy movie marathons while snugglingy babies and putting cool wash cloths on their heads, teaspoons of honey to sore throats and endless refills of water.
I have wanted to find a group like this for what feels like my whole time in motherhood, this far(5.5 yrs).
I was in a parental development team meeting at my daughters Christian school when I happened to just unload… That I just need support, encouragement , nourishment, practicality, prayer, friends(my family of 5 moved to VA from AZ, just 6 weeks ago, in complete faith). And overall an outlet without my kiddos. I felt selfish. My daughters are 5&1/2 years, 4years and 1&1/2 years old.
I stay at home, take them to school, maintain our home watch my niece every day, stand in the kitchen for what feels like all day, fold laundry , attempt to put it away, pick up kids from school, keeps naps on schedule though sometimes they just don’t happen, and I can go on. I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining , I just want to get away. I don’t know who of my family or friends to call and listen to or have them listen to me. I don’t want to even verbally communicate it to people because then I feel the enemy can come in and have his way with my storm . I just want to talk in tounges all day , wishing they knew an the enemy would be confused , I pray in the spirit all the time it seems, over every circumstance, forcing myself to remember that I have unmerited favor. I want to just feel weight off my shoulders and be surrounded around others who know how I feel. My husband works (just started a new job here, and hasn’t received a full monta income yet, which is why I’m trying to win this membership… I have no extra cash flow.) I just want to be refueled and feel energetic again, understood by those women who have and do walk in my … Bare feet , haha.
I really want to be a MOP, as I have two girls in prek and k grades…
THANKYOU for your time.
Blessings.
A free membership with a MOPs group would be an AwEsOmE blessing in my life! I hadn’t heard of such an opportunity before now. It’s so easy as a SAHM to feel “alone” even with three kidlets always around. 😛
I have been wanting to try mops! My daughter is 11 months old. She is epileptic and has had numerous surgeries. The mommy support would be incredible during these hard times.
You are the winner! Congratulations!
I have been a MOPS mom for going on seven years, and it has been and incredible blessing. When I stopped working after the birth of my first child it was a really lonely time for me. Suddenly trying to figure out this “mom thing,” with no one to talk to during the day, and no real support system, I was drowning. MOPS was something to look forward to twice a month on my calender, and a safe place to share my insecurities as a mom, without fear of judgement. I have attended three different MOPS groups in my six and a half years as mom, and would recommend it to any woman of young children. I hope to win, and give the gift of membership to a mom unable to afford to join. Better moms truly do make a better world, and I want no mom to feel alone!
I’ve never attended any MOPs groups, but I’ve heard wonderful things about them. I would love the participate in the Parkridge MOPS! As a homeschooling mama, I definitely cherish all the MOM time I can get 🙂 Thanks!
I am a new Mom to the most amazing baby boy named Chase. My best friend tells me about all of the fun she has with MOPS. (She’s in another state.) I missed the last meeting locally because of a family thing but will definitely be at the next meeting. I worked for the same company for 13 years before having my little “Nugget” and deciding to be a SAHM. It’s tighter on a single income so I would really appreciate winning a MOPS membership. Cannot wait to meet the ladies at the local chapter. Love your blog and follow you on Facebook. Thanks Bunches!! 🙂
I attended a MOPS group several years ago when my son was an infant. I loved it but was not able to continue going due to a scheduling conflict. Your post is a reminder to me of how much I loved the group and that now is a better time for me to become involved again; especially now that I have three young children (ages 2, 4, and 5). Thank you for the reminder and for your wonderful blog. I am a new reader and have been enjoying your posts for the past few weeks.