By Kimberly Crossland, owner of Cruisin’ + Campfires and The Focus-Driven Biz
To the mom who has her straw in the coffee pot right now, the mom who’s battling an inner dialogue of not being good enough, the mom who’s restless at 3 a.m. because her toddler’s foot is in her back, the mom who can’t sleep when her kids are sleeping because she is planning how to juggle her family’s day tomorrow, and the mom who is breaking up sibling fight number 107 for the day — I see you.
Motherhood is one heck of a journey, and it’s one that’s designed to be done in community with others. But not just any community — judgment-free communities where support is abundant and the unsaid truths about motherhood are normalized.
So, I’m declaring it. Mother’s Day 2021 is the year of connection. After a year where we’ve been fully connected to our kids and far more disconnected from the outside world, it’s time to get back together. With more kids returning to in-person schooling and more adults getting the vaccine, more families are starting to feel comfortable venturing out again. If you’re ready to form new connections online or in-person, here are a few local organizations to check out.
If you’re a mom of a preschooler, there are two local Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) chapters — one at Christ Lutheran Vail and one at Pantano Christian Church. Both chapters offer opportunities to connect with moms virtually or in-person. To learn more, you can visit MOPS.org to find out meeting times, how to register, and get connected to the coordinators.
Vail Christian Church also has an opportunity for moms in all stages of motherhood, from the sleepless newborn phase to the lonely empty-nester phase, and everything in between. Moms on a Mission meets on the second Monday of each month. Visit VailChristian.com/sign-up to learn more. In addition, Vail Christian Church has a toddler story time that can not only connect kids but also moms or grandparents. This event takes place the first and third Thursday of each month.
Our new and local W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Pima County library has now opened to the public. While they’re still limiting the number of people allowed inside at one time, you can still grab a local mom friend (or make a friend while waiting for your turn to get inside) and go check out some books together.
Many local gyms are opening back up including Inverse Jujitsu and Springs Gymnastics. Both have options for kid’s classes, which opens up time for moms to form connections with each other.
Summertime is coming, and that means schedules are shifting. Check with each of these organizations before you attend any meeting and keep your eyes on The Vail Voice’s Facebook page for other opportunities emerging. No matter how you’re celebrating Mother’s Day or your comfort level in meeting in person, I hope you feel loved, seen, and connected. You are so appreciated.
Kimberly Crossland is a mom, a Vail resident, and owner of The Focus-Driven Biz.