Stroller Strides of the First Coast

Banana Buttons ~Emily Carpenter

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:33:00 +0000

When I found out Zoe already had a cavity at 3 and a half years old, I decided to get crackin'. She is loving the idea of these "Banana Buttons" I came up with on the spot when faced with me taking away a lollipop her teacher gave her:

Banana Buttons:Cut two bananas into about 12 pieces each on a small cutting board
Melt 1/4 cup Ghiradelli 60% cacao chocolate chips on high for 30 seconds in microwave (hey, I can't guarantee they'll taste decent if you don't use these exact chips!)
Stir with spoon and melt 15 more seconds
Spoon a bit of chocolate onto each banana piece
Place in freezer on flat surface
Chill 10 minutes
YUM!

Valentine's Couples Class Feb 12th

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:33:00 +0000

Join us Feb 12th 9:00am at the St. John's Town Center for a FREE community Stroller Strides class. This is a couples class to celebrate Valentine's Day so bring a partner!!

You can find more details and RSVP on our Facebook page under events!!

We hope to see all of you there!!

New Playgroup Captain!!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:25:00 +0000

Stroller Strides of the First Coast would like to welcome Jessica Bishop as our new Playgroup Captain!! She has lots of experience working with infants and toddlers and we are looking forward to enjoying her playgroup ideas!!

Please be sure to check Facebook for updated February Playgroups as they become available!!

February Mom of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:31:00 +0000

Congratulations to Mollie Sumner! She is our February Mom of the Month! Mollie is mom to Elise and Liam. She has been a member of our Stroller Strides family since September 2009!! We haven’t seen much of Mollie as of late because she has been a busy bee! She bought a house, packed and moved all within a few weeks of welcoming little Liam in December!! Mollie-You Rock Mama!!! Here is a little more about Mollie…

1. Took piano lessons for 13 years
2. Was a student ambassador to the former Soviet Union when I was 15.
3. Did competition dance in high school
4. Wedding anniversary is Christmas Eve
5. Met my husband in a bar (McDinton's) in Tampa
6. Love a good, classic martini
7. Favorite movie is Batman
8. Favorite book is Atlas Shrugged
9. Am a bit of a neat freak
10. Enjoy doing laundry
11. While working at Raymond James, had a client fly me to dinner in his private plane.
12. Got to pilot the plane on the way home.
13. Music moves my soul
14. Am SCUBA certified
15. My husband proposed while we were snorkeling in Barbados
16. Have an acute sense of smell
17. Contemplate cutting bangs every other day
18. Have never had a cavity
19. Have 5 nephews, 1 niece and 5 step-nieces
20. Have a Master's Degree in Economics
21. Worked at Abercrombie & Fitch for 3 years while in college
22. Think I'm addicted to sugar
23. Played on the tennis team in high school
24. Bought our house without my husband knowing.
25. Am writing this at 4:56 am because it's quiet!

Vendor of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Are you in need of a date night? Well our February Vendor of the Month can help with that!! Seeking Sitters is our February Vendor of the Month. They can help with all of your babysitting needs!! Be sure to contact them the next time you need a sitter!! http://www.seekingsittersjacksonvilleeast.com/

Stroller Strides ~by Emily Carpenter

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Last weekend I went through the Stroller Strides Instructor Training Program again. I did it simply to earn CECs (Continuing Education Credits) since I was originally certified in 2008. Sitting in that conference room all weekend re-learning all about prenatal and postpartum fitness made me think about the first day I tried Stroller Strides. The #1 reason I went? I had a coupon! #2 I didn't know any mothers, except for one neighbor -- and when we had playdates I always felt I was doing motherhood wrong. I remember getting dressed-- none of my old workout clothes fit, and even if they had I wasn't read to be that scantily clad. I couldn't believe how long it took me to get out the door with baby Zoe, then 6 months old. Water for me, snack for her, blankets, clean diaper, toys, stroller... the list was endless! Gone were the days of getting ready 15 minutes before I had to be somewhere-- I used to be great at that! I arrived, self-conscious and worried. Worried about:

Being the fattest mom there
Zoe crying the whole time
No one else going through what I was going through
Keeping up
Finishing the class
Having fun
Making friends
Having other moms judge me

Sometimes these thoughts can paralyze new moms. I know they paralyzed me. I was happy bonding with Zoe at home, I was worried about cutting into that time to take an hour to work on something as vain as 'getting thin'. I was worried I'd be roped into a multitude of activities I didn't want to do. I was worried people would say it was unnatural that I felt like 24/7 wasn't enough time with my baby. It didn't take many classes before I suddenly felt happier--- and more like "Emily". I had friends! Zoe had friends--whoa! And I looked forward to getting there---- crazy packing of the car and all. It turned out-- even though ever mom I met was different-- no one was judging. Sometimes one mom would cry and then everyone started! Sometimes we'd chat and giggle and get in trouble with the instructor. What fun to know we were still women who people looked forward to seeing. It's different making friends as a mom. The criteria are different. It's not "Did we vote for the same person?" it's "Our kids didn't sleep through the night till the were TWO!" For me, in that first year (I've now just begun Year #4 with Stroller Strides) it was the feeling that baby was central to everything, but Mommy's health and happiness was the foundation--- and sharing that journey with other women going through it. The embracing of that concept still has me coming back every week.

A Beautiful Life ~by Vanessa Eskolin

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:12:00 +0000

A couple of days ago I watched the trailer for the movie "Water For Elephants" starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson. In one of the clips, Robert Pattinson leans over to Reese Witherspoon and whispers "You're a beautiful woman. You should have a beautiful life." That struck me as really a great line. Well, let me be honest; Robert Pattinson could probably tell me to go fly a kite and I'd still giggle, but I digress.

If I were to "free flow" about motherhood, beautiful might not be the first adjective that comes to mind. This is probably due to the fact that am in the beginning stages of potty training Max, so motherhood is currently associated with pee pee, caca, potty, and my son refusing to sit on his potty unless he is wearing his fireman hat. But at the end of the day (after I have spot-checked for pee pee drips in random areas of the house), I think motherhood is beautiful. Messy, silly, and at times frustrating, but all in all pretty awesome. As a mother, we are given the opportunity to raise and guide our children, and then we watch as that child develops their own personality and becomes an individual. This individuality may also be the cause of the few gray hairs I have begun to notice, but who am I to say that there is anything wrong with wearing a Halloween costume while sitting on the toilet? Motherhood is by far one of the most difficult jobs out there, but the rewards and experiences are unmatched.

"Water for Elephants" is not in movie theaters, and I have not yet finished the book, but I would bet money that the dialogue following Robert Pattinson's line about "a beautiful life" has nothing to do with making wee wee in the potty. I will go see this movie, and although I will probably swoon when Edward Cullen whispers this across a candlelit table, the image in my head will be of a bright red fireman hat and a little white toosh running through the kitchen. Call me crazy, but I think that is pretty beautiful.

Slow Down, Pay Attention, and Just "Be" ~ by Vanessa Eskolin

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:40:00 +0000

I took a yoga class today. For those of you who know me, you know that this is a challenge. I am what some more polite people would refer to as "high-strung". I have never been one to sit around and be mellow, take naps, or just "be". I fidget, I make lists, cross things off my list, add more to the list, and I am ALWAYS straightening or organizing something. I don't necessarily love this quality, but I am learning to just accept the way I am. I envy people like my husband who can just flop on the couch and read a magazine or take a nap.

Back to yoga. At the start of the class the instructor explained that in honor of the New Year, we would be doing extra reflection and meditation. The class would start with 12 minutes of meditation. "12 MINUTES OF SITTING STILL", I inwardly screeched, "THERE IS NO WAY I CAN SIT STILL FOR A WHOLE 12 MINUTES!!!" I had the choice to either rush my over-active tooshy out the door, or close my eyes, take some deep incense filled breaths and do my best to "reflect on the past year" (instructor's words, not mine).

As is evident by my post, I survived. I not only survived the mediation, but as soon as I made the decision to "just be", the class breezed by. I left feeling light and relaxed. I arrived home to rice on the floor and dishes in the sink, but it DIDN'T MATTER. I am writing this tonight because I think as women and mothers, we tend to constantly be in motion. Planning, cleaning, organizing, feeding, playing, etc., etc., etc., and we can easily forget to sit down and pay attention to what is happening in the present moment. Some of my most peaceful moments are taking time to watch Max when we are outside. What could easily be a five minute walk turns into a thirty minute walk because Max stops to look at grass, listen to a bird, or touch a plant. He is paying attention to every detail of his present surroundings. Who'd have thought my two year old could be teaching me such valuable lessons??

As we enter the New Year and travel through busy, full lives, I want to remind you (and myself!!) to take time to slow down, pay attention, and just "be". Now please excuse me while I go add that to my list.

Exercise of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:35:00 +0000

Gliding Disc Plank to Tuck

Place both feet on the gliding discs or plates and get into plank position. Activate the core and draw both feet in twards the chest at the same time. (This can be performed without discs or plates by jumping the feet in and back out).

You never know when this might pop in one of our Stroller Strides workouts!

January Mom's Night Out and Mom's Lunch

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 23:28:00 +0000

Stroller Strides of the First Coast is hosting a Stroller Strides instructor training Jan 22-23, 2011. Join us in welcoming other Stroller Strides Moms from out of state and within at a Mom's Night Out on 1/22. We will meet at Daruma's Steakhouse on Old St. Augustine Road at 7:00pm for food, drinks, and conversation. Please RSVP by 1/15 by email so I can make sure to reserve enough space.

Our January Mom's Lunch will be held 1/14 12:30pm at the Red Elephant on San Jose Blvd. Please RSVP via email or Facebook so we have enough seats.

January Playgroups

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 23:23:00 +0000

Playgroup meets every Wednesday from 10:30am to 11:15am at Losco Park. Please make sure to RSVP via Facebook under our events tab so we can make sure we have enough supplies!

January Playgroups:

1/5 - Winter Frame Craft
1/12 - Critter Magnet Craft
1/19 - Animal Puppet Craft
1/26 - Bring a book to read to the group

We hope to see all of you at playgroup!

January Vendor of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:49:00 +0000

Our January Vendor of the Month is The Joys of Jess. This ETSY store creates hand embroidered art just for you! Purchase during the month of January and enter coupon code "strollerstrides" to receive 10% off!
Don't wait...shop now!!

The Vendor of the Month will be listed for the entire month on the side bar.

January Mom of the Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:55:00 +0000

Our mom of the month for January is Jessica Bishop. Congratulations Jessica!! Jessica is mom to Ben. She has been a member of our Stroller Strides family since September 2010. Jessica has a great sense of humor and a wonderful personality…she definitely makes class fun! Have you met Jessica? Come visit one of our classes and meet this great mom…until then here is more about Jessica…
1. I just had my first son, Benjamin, on July 12, two days before my third wedding anniversary.
2. I married my high school sweetheart. We went to different colleges and spent 3.5 years in a long distance relationship.
3. I'll eat almost anything with mint in it. Almost.
4. I'm very into crafting, making homemade, and buying homemade.
5. Before I was a mom, I taught preschool.
6. I graduated from Florida State University in 2006. I'm a diehard 'Nole.
7. I run my own etsy shop where I sell embroidered goods.
8. I'm a navy brat, but I've pretty much only lived in Jacksonville and Pensacola.
9. I have a very young family and on my dad's side, we have five generations living. My son has a GreatGreatGrandma. And she's only in her 80s.
10. I am only 4'11.
11. I played softball for 10 years. I was a catcher mostly because it made me laugh to be the smallest one and the catcher.
12. I have two labs, Olive and Hunter. They were named after shades of green.
13. I use cloth diapers on Ben.
14. I have one younger brother. He's 21 and has a severe seizure disorder that results in him having mild cerebral palsy and developmental delays.
15. I'm closer in age to my youngest aunt than I am to my oldest cousin.
16. I HATE COLD WEATHER.
17. I hula hoop and am actually pretty good at it.
18. I turn into my mom more and more each day.
19. I'm a terrible cook. Thank goodness my husband isn't. Worst housewife ever.
20. I cry at anything sappy in tv or movies, but not at my own life. Like I cried when Rory Gilmore graduated, but not when I did.
21. My favorite movie is A Little Princess and it makes me cry like a baby.
22. I own more children's books than adult books and NOT just because I taught preschool and have a kid.
23. My favorite book is Bridge to Terabithia and it makes me cry like a baby.
24. I'm feeling pretty boring because 25 things are hard to come up with.
25. If I stay up past 10pm, it's been a late night for me. Even in college, I was in bed by 9 on "school nights."

Breakdown Aisle ~by Emily Carpenter

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:37:00 +0000

So... it was THAT day. It's Winter Break, my husband is off, time to relax. Except both of our daughters are sick. And today I had two appointments and a meeting and my husband had a doctor's appointment, but we had to get the girls to the pediatrician to get checked. My husband took the task. During my meeting, he called to tell me my 8 month old has RSV and my reception was so bad I had to call back 3 times. (Sprint, you are really starting to tick me off, put up more freaking towers.) Of course my husband didn't have details ("She has RSV, but it's okay."), but okay--- she got a prescription, she'll be okay.
Meeting over, I raced home to swap places with my husband who had an appointment in 20 minutes-- got a 3 minute recap of the Sick Status.

As soon as he peeled away, I realized he forgot the baby's prescription! Then I looked at the prescription and realized we need a nebulizer to administer it! He thought we had one. Sigh. I call the insurance, call the pediatrician, and wait for the girls to wake up from their nap to pile them back in the car to go to the pediatrician to get a nebulizer. Baby wakes up very congested--- nurse her, then pack her and very cranky 3 year old in the car.

Two miles into the journey, my husband calls and is done with his appointment and has collected 3 more prescriptions from his doctor. He meets up with us, I collect the nebulizer, we get on the road to Publix Pharmacy. Cranky sick girls whooping it up in the backseat. I decide the best plan is for the 3 of them togo to Panera while I drop off the 'scrips. Long line at Publix. Finally get up to the window... they don't have baby's medicine. They call Walgreens and CVS... they don't have baby's medicine. They tell me to go to the hospital pharmacy... in the morning because it's closed. They don't have 2 of hubby's 3 medicines. On the verge of tears. Go back to Panera. The baby is burning up. Go back to Publix--- no infant tylenol (or knock-off). Go to Customer Service--they point me to the wrong aisle--- where I proceed to break down in tears.

Meanwhile-- my husband held it together all day. A crazy day of failings. That's what I felt like, anyway. Totally inefficient, dragging my kids around when they needed to be sleeping, not connecting to any one moment in the day. I always hear moms say they feel like they are failing and I think, "Don't be silly, you are doing great!" But the failure comes in subtly, after a steady collection of things that don't go according to plan. Even though we know better. Even though we know, with kids, plans are really just "a nice idea".

I still managed to make a casserole at 11pm for a friend who just had a baby. Last week I told her I'd drop it off Wednesday morning. So, the funny thing is, this morning I arrived at her door, casserole in hand, kids groomed and fed... no evidence of the total mess I was 12 hours earlier.

Exercise of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:31:00 +0000

Reverse Lunge with Bicep Curl:
Place one foot on a Gliding Disc or plate and the other on the middle of your tube. Slide the disc foot backward into a reverse lunge and back up, at the top of the lunge add in the bicep curl. (This can be performed without the disc or plate by simply stepping back into the lunge).

Watch for this at an upcoming class!!

Stroller Strides Says Plan Ahead to Celebrate With Healthy Choices

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Stroller Strides Says Plan Ahead to Celebrate With Healthy Choices

Mom Night Out-Wine and Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:33:00 +0000

This month's moms night out is a Wine and Wrap at Vanessa Eskolin's house in World Golf Village! Bring your presents, wrapping paper, wine (or favorite drink), and a dish to share. We will wrap presents, eat, and have girl talk!

Please RSVP through email or Facebook under the events tab. Let us know what dish you are bringing!

Vanessa's address is 4239 S Franklinia Street St. Augustine, FL

Can't wait to see all of you there for some wrapping and talking!!!

December Playgroups

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:26:00 +0000

We still have 3 playgroups left for the month of December! Hope to see you there!

Dec 15 - Holiday Ornament Craft
Dec 22 - Handprint Mold Ornament Craft
Dec 29 - Winter Photo Frame Craft

Please make sure to RSVP via email or Facebook under the events tab so we will have enough supplies!

December Mom of the Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:47:00 +0000

Congratulations to Emily Carpenter! She is our December Mom of the Month! Emily is mom to Zoe and Teagan! She is also one of our Stroller Strides instructors and is ready to make you give it your all during her workouts! We are so proud to have her as part of our Stroller Strides family! Here is a little more about Emily...

1. I am a control freak. As in, "Seth, you know that's Zoe's cubby, why did you put Teagan's shoes in it?"

2. My junior year of high school I won a top award for Chemistry.

3. I had vocal surgery in 2001 to remove a cyst from my right true vocal cord.

4. I love Penn State, proud to be a graduate, and hope all my kids consider it for college.

5. There were 54 people at my wedding.
6. Seth has a sister Carey who's birthday is Oct 13 and is a soil scientist. I have a cousin Carrie whose birthday is Oct 13 and is a soil scientist.
7. I am incredibly impatient.
8. I like doing our budget, bills, taxes, and making things click.
9. I would love to become a professional organizer, but not sure I want to start a whole new venture.
10. I cannot believe the difference between having one child and having two. It is way more than twice as hard with two. It's a whole different ball game.
11. My favorite color is lavender.
12. I stay up too late (midnight or later) and wake up too early (6:30am) with too many wake ups in between.
13. I want to be 100% sure we are ready before we get a dog. (Maybe 7 years from now, LOL)
14. I badly want a breast reduction!!-- I want to go from a J back to my normal DD-- that's 4 cup sizes! Waiting till I am a year out from the last baby I wean.
15. If I am not in the mood/space/or kids going nuts I do not answer my phone. I really believe it's a convenience and if it's inconvenient, I ignore it.
16. I have no full blood sisters or brothers, but I do have one amazing stepsister (Shelley) who has been in my life since I was 3, another stepsister since 3, a lovely stepsister since 21, one stepbrother who I have only seen once since 1998, and 4 half brothers whom I met once .
17. I feel happy every day about who I picked to be my partner because he is my best friend. It's something that sounds good when you're single, but as each year goes by, I constantly think, "If this dude wasn't my bestest friend and so awesome, how bored and annoyed would I be?"
18. I wish Seth's dad lived closer and our kids could know him like a third parent.
19. I used to care a LOT about my birthdays--like... a LOT. Now, it surprises me that I don't care so much. I care WAY more about Mother's Day or my kids' birthdays and half birthdays.
20. I really love that my job allows me to be outside, be with my kids and be with other moms. I never thought I'd still be doing Stroller Strides 3 years later. I haven't stuck with one exercise regimen for more than 3 months.
21. I did two tours with Cirque du Soleil playing character clowns with my husband. We met performing on Royal Caribbean.
22. Though I don't always practice, I think kindness is probably the most important thing.
23. I’m a vegetarian. Sure, sparing animals is okay, but I do it for the environment primarily and secondarily for health. When I learned that it takes more water to produce one pound of beef than all my showers over one year combined—I started leaning into the lifestyle.
24. I really like the new show “The Talk” (CBS 2pm) and not ashamed to admit it! (Give it a chance!)
25. In general, I think everything is headed to a good future.

Last Day of the 10,000 Strides Challenge!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 20:34:00 +0000

It's the last day of the 10,000 strides challenge. Make sure you get all your steps logged before midnight 11/22. Who will be the grand prize winner of the 1 hour massage?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

10,000 Strides Challenge Week 3 Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:58:00 +0000

Desiree Thibault has taken the prize again for week 3!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! She is well on her way to winning that grand prize 1 hour massage from Massage Green!!

Are you going to let her "step all over you"??? Get out those pedometers (if you need one email cjs@strollerstrides.net ) and get moving!!! Then make sure you log your steps!!

November Mom of the Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:17:00 +0000

Congratulations to Jen Gardell! She is our November Mom of the Month! Jen is mom to twins, Grant and Grayson. She has been part of our Stroller Strides family since June. Though busy working full time and keeping up with those beautiful boys, Jen makes it to at least one class a week! Go Jen!! She is energetic and a great motivator! Want to know more about Jen? Read more…

1. I have a brother and a sister

2. I was born in Tampa

3. I went to the University of Florida (Go Gators)

4. My first love is my Rottweiler Emma

5. I met my husband at a work training in Atlanta

6. My favorite color is green

7. I always said growing up that my biggest fear was having twins. I said I would give one up for adoption---Best part of my life now but so funny that I always said that and now have twin boys

8. All always said I would never ever breast feed and ended up pumping 80 ounces a day for 6 months :/

9. My boys were born at 33 weeks and spent 3 weeks in the NICU

10. The doctors thought I would be a boy and my parents were going to name me Michael. My mother in law thought my husband (Michael) was going to be a girl and she was going to name the baby Jennifer

11. I am the medical banker at SunTrust Bank

12. I am a morning person and hate staying up late

13. I was pre-vet till my senior year at college when I saw a dog be put to sleep working at a vets office

14. I am a total blackberry addict. My husband threatens to throw in out the window daily

15. My favorite movie is Pretty Woman

16. I am blind as a bat without my contacts.

17. My dream vacation is a trip to Australia. My husband hates to fly so I might be taking the trip solo

18. I have not slept through the night in 1 year (reference #7 for the reason why)

19. In college I had 14 foster animals at one time. Animal control gave me a list of the dogs/puppies on the euthanize list and I couldn’t control myself. $600 bill at animal control and one unhappy roommate J

20. I am a super picky eater. I like very plain food and have determined I could probably live fine on baby food.

21. Through college I was a camp counselor at Doggie Daycare called Camp Wag a Lot.

22. I have had my hair highlighted since I was 13 so I really don’t know what my current hair color is

23. I have a tattoo on my lower stomach

24. I got married on campus at the University of Florida

25. I honeymooned in San Francisco

10,000 Strides Challenge Week 2 Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:32:00 +0000

Join me in congratulating Desiree Thibault as she takes the title of week 2 winner for the 10,000 Strides Challenge.

Desiree is stepping it up...is there anyone out there who will be able to take the week 3 title away? Don't forget to wear your pedometers everywhere (even to a Stroller Strides class) and keep a log of your daily steps. You must log them by midnight Monday of each week!

It isn't too late to catch up...if you need a pedometer just let me know cjs@strollerstrides.net.

Now...let's get stepping!!!

October Mom of the Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:29:00 +0000

This month's mom of the month is Lyndsay Tryba! Lyndsay is mom to Owen and has been a member of Stroller Strides since March 2010. We love having Lyndsay as part of our Stroller Strides family and will be sad to see her leave at the end of this month when she relocates to Washington! We wish her and her family well on the relocation and hope to keep in touch!! Here is a little more about Lyndsay...

1. I grew up in a small town called Howell, MI
2. I met my husband when we were in 8th grade and we started dating in 10th grade
3. Before we started dating I stalked him and tricked him into our first date to a haunted house.
4.We were married in May and the last time I saw my husband before the wedding was in February. I did not see him before the wedding until I was literally walking down the aisle!
5. I lived in San Diego for 4 years.
6. I went to college at San Diego State University.
7. My major was in Child and Family Development with an emphasis in Family Development.
8. I was involved with the Child Development Club in College
9. I interned with the Office Of Violence Prevention in San Diego.
10.I went through a 40 hour training to be a Domestic Violence Advocate.
11. I was involved in a teen relationship violence study. My role was to survey teens at schools, detention centers, youth groups, etc. about what they thought was appropriate behavior in a relationship. The results were very disturbing.
12. We moved back to Michigan in 2005.
13. I worked for a Nonprofit agency that helped pregnant and parenting teens.
14. I gave birth to my son Owen in Kettering, Ohio
15. We moved to Pensacola, FL when Owen was only a week old.
16. We moved to Jacksonville this past March.
17. We are moving to the state of Washington in November.
18. My favorite past time is to read. I love my nook!
19. This Halloween my husband and I have been together half of our lives.
20. I love going to the movies whenever I can. Since we have had Owen, Netflix has been a lifesaver!
21. My birthday is the 4th of July and for the longest time I thought that the fireworks were all for me!
22. I love to camp and spend time outside.
23. I used to play tackle football with the boys in the neighborhood growing up.
24. I enjoy collecting shells
25. I am proud and honored to be a Military wife!

Mom's Day Out - Thirty One Gifts Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides of the First Coast) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:13:00 +0000

Come celebrate, encourage, and reward yourself with Thirty-One Gifts! Thirty-One is more than a 'purse' party. We have storage solutions, stationary, and a host of gifts for yourself or loved ones that can be personalized. October is a great month to kick off your Holiday shopping. Our Holiday collection is now available and you don't want to miss out on this opportunity! Come enjoy food, fun, and most of all shopping!

When:   October 16th at 2:30pm.
Where: The Hawthorn Clubhouse
             6450 Autumn Berry Cir
             Jacksonville, FL 32258
RSVP: Facebook or email by 10/15

Hosted by Stacy Shihadeh