CVMOM Xtras

ADULT SOCIALS

Get yourselves a babysitter! It’s time you've shared a night out with the MOMs and dads of CVMOM. We're really a fun group! The best way to find that out is to get together without the kids. Not to mention this setting really gives your husband an opportunity to meet other dads that share in his personal child rearing experience.

On average the club organizes 2 to 3 get-togethers a year. These are usually around holidays. In past years they have been scheduled on Valentine's Day, Halloween and Cinco de Mayo.

CHILDREN’S SOCIALS

Children’s Socials are an opportunity for CVMOMs to get together with their families and are an excellent way for our children to meet other “multiples. Typically, there are three children’s socials throughout the year.

This year we have some very exciting events planned for our children. In October we will try to organize a day at the Tierra Rejada Family Farms where our children will have numerous activities to choose from, including Clydesdale-drawn hayride, pony rides, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, and much more! It has been a great success in the past and we hope this year will be successful as well.

In December we have a Holiday breakfast for our families, which will include a guest appearance by Ole St. Nick himself! Bring a gift for your child and Santa will call your child up to receive the gift. Don’t forget your cameras, as this is an excellent photo opportunity (and you don’t have to fight the crowds at the mall!).

In the Spring we will have an Easter event, including a picnic and Easter Egg Hunt. The date and more details to come…

We hope to see you and your little ones at all of these events!

BIG KIDS’ CLUB

Looking for something different to do with your older kids? CVMOM hosts several events for school age children (kindergarten and up.) This Xtra is not only for your multiples but for all your children. Events in the past included hikes, bowling, ice skating, ice cream parties & beach days. Parents are expected to come along and join in the fun unless arranged otherwise. We hope you will join us for one of these fun days soon.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Our goal as a club is to remember to give to our community to make it a more pleasurable place and at the same time encourage in our children a sense of giving and true community In past years we have collected batteries and new toys that were given to Casa Pacifica, a children’s crisis care and treatment center located in Camarillo. Holiday cards were collected and handed out to all of the patients at the Thousand Oaks Healthcare Center. We’ve also donated to the new Simi Valley Hospital NICU which will be opening in 2006. Philanthropic donations have also included money donated to Interface Children’s Services of Ventura County. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Kathleen Banaszkiewicz Philanthropic or Nicole Vitto Community Service.

BIG SISTERS/LITTLE SISTERS

Big sister/Little Sister matches new members with existing members to offer additional support. We try to pair sisters up with similar situations. It is a great support for new moms of multiples and a good way for experienced moms to share their knowledge and helpful tips. We have all been there and know it is a very exciting, but unsure time in our lives and good friends help. If you are interested in beings a Big or Little Sister, please contact Sue Russell Big Sister/Little Sister.

PLAYGROUPS

Playgroups are also offered throughout each month. Generally they are set up separately for infants or toddlers but there are some in which all ages are welcome (ask hostess for details). This is an excellent way to meet other MOMs with children the same ages as your own. It’s an opportunity to discuss problems, get advice and vent your challenges that MOMs of multiples generally have. It’s also a fun way to begin integrating your children with other multiples. This is a terrific support system and is recommended to all who can attend.

MOMs-to-be are also welcome so they can get to know other MOMs, and maybe gather some useful advice before the babies arrive.

Playgroup schedules are posted in our Member's Only section. Contact Playgroup Coordinator with any questions

SECRET PALS

Do you like surprises? The Secret Pals Xtra is a great way get to know another MOM. You don't have to spend a lot of money to participate...simply bring a small gift or an encouraging card addressed to your Secret Pal to any social meeting or be sneaky and drop it off at her house. Upon signing up participates fill out a short form stating ones favorite things to help in purchasing the perfect gift every time.

Sign-up for this CVMOM Xtra is in July and pals are revealed at the June social meeting. So there are plenty of opportunities for swapping gifts throughout the year, (ie: birthdays, holidays, stressful days). By the end of the year you will dying to know who's your gal pal. For more information, contact Secret Pals Cathy Bach-Abril.

INSTALLATION DINNER & SILENT AUCTION

Every year in early June CVMOM has their annual Installation Dinner and Silent Auction. Contact 1st Vice President/Programs: Stacy Lim and Pam Sanders for more information.

NEW MEMBER TEA

Twice a year, usually in the Spring and Fall, CVMOM hosts a new member tea where new members to CVMOM as well as prospective members get together with club members and have an afternoon of tea and conversation. New Members and Prospectives are encouraged to bring their little ones as there are always helping hands - eager MOMs to watch little ones! It's an afternoon where MOMs enjoy other MOMs' company, it's a chance for newer MOMs to ask questions, get opinions, etc. For more information, contact Membership(3rd Vice President/Membership) and look for updates in the newsletters.