By Sarah Whitman
Senior Staff Writer
LAND O’ LAKES — The children gather around to listen to a story. Moms sit back and relax as storyteller Maureen Shewmaker reads with enthusiasm. It is 10 a.m. on Wednesday and this is the Moms & Tots group at Land O’ Lakes Community Center.
The group is sponsored by Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church and welcomes moms with children 5-years-old and younger. Each week, the meeting has a different theme. This week, it’s listening.
“I love story time because Christian really likes it,” mom Jennifer Bien said. “He sits still and listens. It’s amazing.”
Christian is a 4-year-old who loves to run and play. During story time, he sits quietly and anticipates the turn of the page. Of course, he did just get his wiggles out during music time.
“He likes the music too,” Bien said with a smile. “This (is) our first time here. A friend recommended it. We’ll definitely come back.”
Friend Kris Miley, mom to 5-year-old Ryan and 1-year-old Aidan, has been coming to the group since 2008. The group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays for 8 weeks at a time twice a year. The current session runs through March 24.
“This group is great because they have music, story time, crafts and snacks,” Miley said.
Moments later; she joins in doing the hokey pokey. Mary Mosakowski, a certified early childhood teacher and mother of two, leads the group. She sings, “Put your backside in and shake it all about,” provoking giggles throughout the room.
When the music stops, it is time to get creative.
“Okay, since today’s theme is listening, our craft is going to be coloring paper wind chimes,” Mosakowski explains. “Come pick out which one you want to color and take it over to a table.”
The children rush over with their moms close behind. They use markers to color the paper cutouts. Moms help out where needed, but encourage the little ones to just have fun.
“This is an opportunity for his creativity to shine,” said Natalia Carmona, mom to 3-year-old Kevin. “He gets to interact with other kids his age and it’s a great way for him to overcome his shyness.”
Across the room, Sheila Vega helps her 3-year-old twin girls Rosangely and Giannely pick out marker colors. It is the family’s fourth time at the group. The twins love spending time together.
“It’s wonderful because they’re learning to listen and follow instructions,” Vega said.
After crafts are done and put away, it is time for the popular game of Simon Says. The moms play too, touching their nose, then their toes. The tots laugh when they mess up.
“I didn’t say Simon says,” Mosakowski repeats as 2-year-old Louis Aden Capeilupo stands giggling with his hands on his head.
His mom, Erika, corrects him and follows it with a hug.
“I like coming to this group because he can socialize with other kids,” she said. “Him and I also get to have some one-on-one time.”
Simon Says ends when Mosakowski announces its time for snack. The tots cheer, looking to see if the nearby table full of treats has been uncovered. The day’s snack is bananas and animal crackers.
“They love snack time,” Vega said, following her exited daughters to a table.
While the children eat, John Huebner, pastor at Shepherd of the Lakes, has a mom’s corner. He shares a message on parenting and gives the women time to share their thoughts on the week.
Meanwhile, Shewmaker and Mosakowski keep an eye on the kids. Both have little ones in the group. Shewmaker’s daughter Jessica is 4. Mosakowski’s daughter Grace is just 2.
“It’s important for mothers to have a place to get together and spend time with their kids,” Mosakowski said.
To register for Moms & Tots, call (813) 401-9135. There is no fee to attend.
