Friday, May 17, 2013

momstown MIlton Kids learning to use recycled materials for craft projects!


It is amazing what great things you can find in your recycling bin!  Our momstown Milton mamas and kids had a wonderful time exploring and painting using recycled materials for crafts from the Blue Bin at our Recycled Treasures program.

We used plastic bottles, paper tubes, left over Easter grass, Christmas tinsel, corks, and the spongy wrap that protects Asian pears in the supermarket.  All of these different finds made for some fun exploration with paint on a beautiful spring morning!


We spread out some craft paper on the fence and attached it with masking tape, and also had paper out on a play table for kids who preferred painting on a surface.  The little ones had a great time choosing from the variety of tools and bright paint colours.  



Soon we had a beautiful abstract painting and lots of messy kids!  Everyone was proud of their creations, and enjoyed seeing the different shapes that the different objects made on the paper.


 


Some of the little artists discovered that the plastic bottles created a flower on the paper, and then added colourful centres with the corks.  They made some beautiful paintings! 





Our Recycled Treasures morning eventually became a fun playdate, with some kids concentrating on painting while others preferred the sand box, pool, or snack table.  It was a relaxed and fun morning for the kids and moms alike.  It is so wonderful to discover new, easy and inexpensive ways to be creative with children.  

Thanks for coming out, everyone!




To learn more about what momstown Milton is all about - Click Here

To register for a 6 week FREE trial membership - Click Here

If you are a business that would like to sponsor our events or advertise with us please contact info.milton@momstown.ca


 
Submitted by Paula Porter, a momstown Milton member and
 mother of two amazing girls.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

momstown Milton Mother's Day Tea Party

As the rain pitter-pattered outside, the momstown Milton families arrived for a Mother's Day Tea Party at The Dance Class.

Greeted warmly and enthusiastically by momstown Milton's very own mama, Sam Kassam-Macfie, who looked just like a princess; sparkly dress, tiara and all, the party was off to a great start! Little toddler feet scurried into the expansive party area with excitement as babes in buckets were carried in gently by their mamas. A quick first glance and it was plain to see, this tea party could only be described one way: we were in for a momstown Milton extravaganza!



With so many astonishingly wonderful activities to choose from, the excitement coming from the little ones was positively palpable. Whether tossing or kicking balls around or twirling multi-coloured streamers (making their very own rainbow scene); the little ones were expending their energy to the fullest.

 
 
Moving into another room there was a section for little ones and their families to just relax and play. Or for those craving an artful adventure, the Artsy Mamas demonstrated how to make a "thumb print owl." Using a pre-cut tree (created from recycled materials - scrapbooking paper or wallpaper) set against a canvas background, the little ones would press their thumbs into an assortment of paint colours and create their very own striking forest scene.




Walking to another craft table, we saw Satinder Brar, Canadian Certified Counselor, provide a "hand flower" craft. On a sheet was a poignant poem symbolizing how children grow up so fast, the little ones stuck their hands in multi-coloured paints and pressed their palms down to create stunning flowers symbolizing their own family.

 
 
The next activity (planting an alyssum - "clear, crystal, white" flower), courtesy of Crawfords Garden Centre, was absolutely perfect for springtime. Using biodegradable pots, the little ones got some assistance as soil and the delicate white flowers were placed and patted down into the pot.

 

Then, it was time to settle down for circle time. Sam sang out (to the tune of "If you're happy and you know it"), "If you're listening to me, tap your head!" and soon fingers were tapping away. One at a time, Sam introduced the fantastic vendor participants who helped make the momstown Milton event a stellar one: 

Following the introductions, Sam, with tremendous energy and enthusiasm read aloud "Guess How Much I Love You?" Her voice carrying across the room, she lead the group in a very interactive and engaging storytelling experience. "Where are your ears?" Sam asked the little ones and at another point, stood up and got the little ones hopping up and down. Keeping with momstown's pillars, Sam made the learning experience a high energy one: showing toes and outstretching arms, the little ones sure had a workout during the reading!



Afterwards, song sheets were handed out and soon animated voices filled the air (to the tune of BINGO), "I love Mommy and she loves me and Mommy is her name-o. M-O-M-M-Y!" Clapping enthusiastically after their performance, the group then sang "Happy Mother's Day" (to the tune of Happy Birthday). Coincidentally, there were two people celebrating birthdays that particular day (Lisa and Addison) so the crowd was only too happy to wish them a happy birthday through the gift of song. 

With the abundance of energy still lingering in the air, the group moved to another room for a moving and grooving dance party led by Miss Ashley from The Dance Class! Little sons and little daughters dancing with their mommies, the beautiful and touching lyrics of the song about growing up, "turn around", filled the air.


 

After all of the dancing, it was time to enjoy the delicious snacks generously provided by the group. A feast for the eyes and the stomach. Lemolicious Fruit Tea from My Steeped Tea by Heather Williams was a light enjoyable refreshment. There was also fresh fruit; savoury samosas; chickpea bread; decadent brownies; tasty cookies and so much more!

 
 
To end the memorable momstown Milton event on a very high note,  draws were held for fantastic  prizes! Drum roll please for the winners... 

The Lemonade Stand Millionaire Book by Gail Haynes (donated by Doug Hopkins of Sun Life Financial)  - Leanne and Jocelyn
Facial at Blue Room Spa - Lindsey
Simply Creative $20 gift certificate - Sharon
Shoeless Joe's Milton  $25 gift certificate - Maria  
Knapsack (donated by The Dance Class) -  Elisa 
Supperworks $50 gift certificate - Paula
Glamour Shots by Laurie Goodman Photography - Tracey 
Gift Basket ($50 value) from Doug Hopkins of Sun Life Financial - Aeysha 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And the best part? Everyone was a winner! Each partygoer got to take home a $10 coupon from Supperworks and a free kids meal coupon from Shoeless Joe's Milton.   

Friday, May 10, 2013

Celebrating Spring at our momstown Milton Baby Sensory Groups!


Momstown Milton’s Baby Sensory program is always a big hit with moms and babies alike.  It is such a hit in fact that we have had to create two groups in order to accommodate everyone!  We have a group that meets every other Friday at  11:00am, and another that meets every other Tuesday at 2:30pm.  Though the locations differ, both groups explore the same sensory activities.   We’re excited to  have some photos from each event! This week the little ones had fun exploring a Spring themed sensory bin.   


The bright and beautiful sensory bin was filled with Springy things that our little explorers could touch, hear, taste, and see.  Green Easter grass; silky flowers; stuffed insect toys; colourful shaker eggs and plastic bugs provided fun and fascination.





The stuffed insects were a lot of fun for the babies.  These colourful little bugs have crinkly wings that make a nice rustling noise, jingly bells inside, and shaker beads.


Easter eggs recycled from our egg hunt were half filled with dried mung beans, rice, and dried kidney beans.  The eggs were taped closed to avoid choking hazards.  Babies love shakers!



Not surprisingly, the green Easter grass was the biggest hit.  The little ones loved shaking the grass, pulling it apart, and covering their faces with it. 




It is always such a thrill for a mom, watching her baby light up, laugh, and explore new things.  The Baby Sensory program is a wonderful chance to find new and simple ideas that bring a lot of joy and wonder to the day for our little ones.  This beautiful little bin of Springy things brought a lot of happiness to two groups of babies and mamas this past week.  

See you next time at Baby Sensory, when we will be getting wet, wet, wet with a fun water table!



To learn more about what momstown Milton is all about - Click Here

To register for a 6 week FREE trial membership - Click Here

If you are a business that would like to sponsor our events or advertise with us please contact info.milton@momstown.ca


 
Submitted by Paula Porter, a momstown Milton member and
 mother of two children.