Neighborhood Groups: Find Your Tribe

I vividly remember the first evening we arrived in Texas. I sat across from my husband at Village Burger Bar, exhausted from the 13-hour, halfway-across-the country trek. I really had no idea where I was, as I had never actually stepped foot in this town before. And all I wanted to do was burst into tears.

A few days before, we stood in the yard of our home in Tallahassee, Florida, and waved goodbye to all of our things in the moving truck. We had spent the first three years of our married life in Tallahassee, and it was a town that I had come to know and love; I envisioned us raising our kids there. But as we all have experienced, that moment comes in your mid-twenties or first five years of marriage where you have to make the first BIG decision. (I promise, there will be many more.) But the first one seems so pivotal. So life-changing. 

And I don’t know about y’all, but I don’t do change well. Even though I agreed that it was smartest decision for our family (and my husband’s career), I mourned my former town. I missed my friends, my church, our beautiful home, and a job that I loved. But I held my tears back at the Village Burger Bar that night, because I knew the hubs was just as uneasy as me, and I needed to be strong with him. (Or as we say in the South, put on my big girl underwear.) 

Fast forward 5 ½ years, and things couldn’t look more different. Texas has become home now. And you know what has made the difference (besides all the incredible shopping)?….THE PEOPLE.

The Girls. The Mamas. The friends I’ve made while pushing swings at the playground, or sharing in the woes of toddler tantrums at Kroger, or sitting next to at Breastfeeding Class. This area is BURSTING with other moms in similar situations and walks of life. Let’s face it, even though we feel like we are NEVER ALONE, motherhood can be sort of isolating. And whether you’ve been here one week or one year, the sheer size of this area can make it difficult to find a “tribe” or connect with other moms.

We all need a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with about all the hilarious mistakes we are making, a voice of reason in this monumental task called Motherhood. And let’s be honest…someone to text that picture of your baby’s rash to in the middle of the night and ask: “IS THIS NORMAL”?

One of Collin County Mom’s Blog goals is to CONNECT MOMS. And that is why we came up with “Neighborhood Groups!” Never heard of NG’s?! These are groups that are scattered throughout the Dallas and Collin County area that meet for playdates, Mom’s Night Outs, or just a simple cup of coffee! This is just another way that Collin County Moms Blog can be a resource for all aspects of motherhood!

They are guided by our CCMB-trained “Mombassadors” who plan and post activities that are open to everyone! Our Mombassadors are experts in fun and creative playdates and activities in their respective areas! They’ve hosted everything from story time, family brunch and Karaoke Night, to craft time and fire station tours! The list goes on and on! These groups and meet-ups have turned into many dear friendships, book clubs, and connections that otherwise would have been unknown!

How do you join a group? Easy! Just click on this link and it’ll take you to a list of all our playgroups, which will guide you to the appropriate Facebook Group. You aren’t limited to just one! We understand this is a large area, so if you live in one place and work in another, join both groups so you can take advantage of working lunches OR weeknight/weekend activities! (P.S., we haven’t left the Dads out…we also have a brand new Dad’s Playgroup called Dallas Metroplex Dads!)

Once you have joined a group, check out the Events tab for all the upcoming events planned!

We hope you find a group that will connect you with your future gal pal, coffee mate, or strolling partner!  As always, feel free to contact us with any questions at [email protected]!

 

 

Katie Wells
Katie resides in Plano and is a Stay-at-Home mommy who rarely “stays at home”! Between gymnastics, Bible study, and making the most of Mother’s Day Out, she is always looking for the next fun playdate in the area! Katie and her husband are both Mississippi natives and alumni of Mississippi State University. (Insert cowbell ringing.) They started out with a four-legged child, Manny, and five years later decided they were ready for the “real thing”. They quickly realized you’re NEVER READY. Greyson was born in October 2014 and has proved to be “a little Texas Tornado.” Her favorites include ANYTHING chocolate, SEC football, Netflix binge-watching, small town festivals, shopping the clearance aisle at Marshall’s, and throwing theme parties. You can read about her adventures, victories, failures, and everything in between on her blog, Two For One Wells.