“My oldest son tried to finish his homework this morning, refusing to get ready,” laments Mary, a busy mother of three. “My second son came downstairs in winter clothes, forgetting it was sports day at school. We were running late with two minutes before the bell, and the dog runs out the door and down the street. I finally get the kids in the car, start to leave and realize my 2-year-old is still asleep in the house. I go back inside to get her and see that the dog has tracked mud all through the house!”
   
Mary is one of the members of Nurture, a mothering group in Costa Mesa that meets the needs of women on a spiritual, psychological and social level. She was one of the many women I sat down with to share the all-time “Ugh!” moments. You know, those stressful times when your life is in disarray and the pounding in your head pleasantly reminds you that the kids WILL go down for bed an extra half-hour early tonight.
   
Nurture is a mothering group open to women with kids of all ages. It is a chance to take a much-needed breather and engage in “grown-up conversation.” Various speakers talk on issues of spirituality, parenthood, marriage, love, character development and ethical refinement.
   
Nurture is also a place of mentorship. The idea is that veteran mommies guide new mommies, and new mommies keep veteran mommies vivacious.
   
Lead volunteer and veteran mommy Kelly Fischbacher shares advice on the beginning stages of parenthood. She says, “Sit down and enjoy your kids. Time goes by quickly, and if you keep saying, ‘In a minute, in a minute!’ the minute will
eventually go away. It doesn’t need to be a ton of time, but a little time shows your child that you value him.” n

Kathleen Crain is a staff writer.

Lead volunteer: Kelly Fischbacher
Where they meet: ROCKHarbor church in Costa Mesa
When: Weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Number of members: 150
How to join: Contact Kellie Berry at kberry@rockharbor.org