Summerville Mothers and More

A Message from Karrah (Co-leader 7/1/2007-6/30/2008)

First of all, let me say. Welcome to Mother’s and More. You are lucky enough to have found, at least what I consider the greatest group of women. If you are looking at this website, I assume you are looking for something new. I know I was when I found the group in February of 2007. The previous group I was in wasn’t a good fit for me. Even though it was a hard experience, I am thankful for it. It gave me the courage to go in search of something else and that’s how I found Mother’s and More.

My daughter Katy is 2 years old and although I am incredibly thankful for the experiences she has because I am a member, I joined for me! I am a mom (and former teacher) who likes to have something to do everyday. I love taking Katy out and having new experiences with her and getting to hang out with other moms! I couldn’t believe the monthly calendar when I first got it- so much to do! I usually RSVP by Sunday night for activities Monday- Friday, and the weekly Mom’s night out activity, too.

Being an Air Force wife, too, I am so thankful to know I have the ability to plan ahead and go out without Katy and have a good time with the “girls.” Since Matt can be gone for months at a time, it is wonderful to know that I still have the “girls.” These “girls” have become my friends, confidantes, and support system. Plus, with Mother’s and More being a national organization, when and if we move, I can contact the group in our new area and already start a new support system.

I hope if you have come to check out this site, you will also come and check out both a child event as well as a moms only event. I know this group has filled an area in my life that I didn’t even know was empty! I am honored to be the co-leader and consider it a very small step repaying the group for all they have done for me. If you have found that something isn’t working in your current support system, please come check us out. I know I will always be grateful that I did.

As I look over the other co-leader’s letters to see if mine is too long winded (it is), I notice they ALL mention support system. That’s what Mother’s and More is- a GREAT support system to ALL mothers in whatever stage of motherhood you’re in.

~Karrah Martin, mom to daughter (Katy)

A Message from Kelly (Co-leader 1/1/2007-12/31/2007)

I became a mom in the Fall of 2004 with a somewhat built in "support" system of family, or so I thought. My husband is from the Summerville area, and I am from Hilton Head Island (which is only 2 hours away). However, I did not join Mothers & More until the summer after the birth of my second daughter, when she was 5 months old and my oldest girl was 20 months old.

Knowing now what I know about this fabulous group of women in our chapter, and what the national chapter has to offer… I wish that I had joined Mothers & More before the birth of my first child. It was very hard for me. The “support” system I had was not one that made me feel like I was doing things right. I was unable to express my fears, anxieties, ask for help without being judged, or just be me. In addition, what made it harder for me outside of my family was that a vast majority of my friends was not married or if they were married, they did not have kids. I felt that I had no one. My husband was/is great, but he did not understand the daily challenges I felt being a stay-at-home mom who gave up her career to be with our children ALL day (especially not having any adult conversation throughout the day).

Mothers and More helped me to focus on my needs, as well as my kids & family needs. I have made amazing friends, incredible women that I would never have met on my own. I have found a support system of women who understand what I am going through on a daily basis and are there to help.

If you are new to motherhood, the area, or you just need a member outside of your family & friends to help understand the challenges a mother faces, I hope you will try us. We have a diverse group of women, so you should be able to find your place within our organization. Thanks for reading and Welcome to the Summerville chapter of Mothers & More!

~Kelly Redick, mom to daughters (Paige & Piper)

A Message from Leisa (Co-leader 7/1/2006-6/30/2007)

Welcome to the Summerville, SC Mothers & More Chapter! My name is Leisa and I am the very proud mom of two wonderful girls ages (almost) 4 and 6 1/2. My husband and I moved to Summerville in October 2005 from the seacoast NH area. We're not military- we were just tired of the cold and wanted to move someplace warm!

I joined M&M when my oldest daughter was 9 months old. Deciding to leave a job I absolutely loved was a big surprise to me and I did have a bit of a hard time adjusting to the new role of "at home" mommy. The women I met through M&M filled that place that I thought would magically be there once I became a mom. I met women who had the same types of questions about parenting, child development, career, romance, etc. that I had. I found a place to be myself and to share the joys of being a mom. Lots of laughter and shared experiences brought us together and I was able to relax & enjoy being a mom.

When Curt & I decided to move to Summerville I knew that there was a very active Mothers & More chapter here because a friend from my NH chapter had belonged to this one! So I transferred my membership, talked at length to one of the 2005 co-leaders Renee, and introduced myself on the chapters e-loop. I got the low-down on schools, preschools, neighborhoods, etc. I did forget to ask about traffic and was I surprised by the craziness of Dorchester Road!!

For me, moving was an exciting adventure but I found that after a while the enormity of having made such a HUGE life changes was a bit much. I am glad for my neighborhood friends, my work friends at St. Paul's, and most especially for my Mothers & More friends. There are always kind words and a hug when I need it. It's a good group; you get back what you put in, with interest!!

~Leisa Ammerall, mom to daughters (Coley & JJ)

A Message from Ashley (Co-leader 1/1/2006-12/31/2006)

I moved to Summerville in January 2005 when I was 7 months pregnant with my second child. I did not know a soul and my husband was working 80 hours a week! Five days after moving here, I attended a Mothers and More meeting, and joined on the spot! Meeting these women and joining this organization was the best decision I have made since moving here.

Mothers and More helped make Summerville a home for my family and I. I have made wonderful friends, amazing women that I would never have met on my own, and I have found a support group, women who understand what I’m going through on a daily basis and are there to help. Although my term as co-leader is coming to an end, I plan on staying active within the group for years to come, I just can’t imagine my life here without it!

If you are new to the area, or maybe just new to motherhood, I hope you’ll give us a try! We have a diverse group of women, so you should be able to find your niche within our organization. Thanks for reading and Welcome to Summerville.

~Ashley Jones, mom to daughters (Sydney & Catie)

For more information, contact the Summerville Mothers and More at: summervillemoms@yahoo.com