A bit of news about things happening with Multiples of America.
Check out the quiz at the end for your chance to win a gift card!

A Winner!
42 members emailed their answers to the November quiz. A perfect score is not the aim; everyone who joins in the fun is entered into the drawing. Here’s a rundown on the answers from that quiz, featuring tips shared in some of the articles in the November issue of Multiple Connections.

If you find you need a quick break from the challenges of parenting multiples, the article, Looking Out for Number One, suggests you might try all of the following except do the laundry.        

Clothing for your multiples isn’t something that needs to cost a lot of money. One of several tips suggested in the article, Dressing Your Twins for Less, is buy clothing second hand.        

Looking for a good read? Our book review of The Good Sister takes a look inside a thrilling story with main characters who are twins.        

When multiples take a “credit physical,” the article, You Should Check!, reveals they are sometimes being impacted by mixed credit.        

The article, We Know It’s True, shares the findings from a new landmark study about the challenges of raising multiples in the United Kingdom, citing that having multiples costs at least $26,000 more than having a singleton.

Winner of the gift card drawing was Lorena Melcher, South Jersey MOMs (NJ). Find the December quiz at the end of this email. Just click on the link and you’ll be able to answer quickly and easily on the pre-filled form!

Happy Holidays
Our Executive Office and Board of Directors wish each of you a wondrous holiday season.

May the carols whirring all around bring memories of joys in holidays past.
May the colorful lights shining in streets and homes be a beacon of hope for today.
May the new year ring in new joys and new opportunities.

Board News
The board is working with our volunteers to deliver the services and benefits you enjoy from year to year as well as to develop new initiatives focused on support and connection. Here’s a few of our latest moves:

• The Research and Membership Development department has a membership drive underway. They are encouraging everyone to reach out to former members and ask them to reconnect and rejoin the club.
• Our new Leadership Academy is now underway! We had our first zoom learning session this month and started a book study! All club leaders can join in their discussions about club management issues on our Leadership Shareshop Facebook page.
• A reminder that our Executive Office will be closed for the holiday from December 23 – January 2.

Can You Help Us Build Our Story?
Sending skyscraper-sized thanks to those who have already donated to the Building Our Story fundraising campaign. We are all blessed by your gift! We’ve raised $675 so far, with every dollar of that being matched by an anonymous donor. We’re still working to push the tally closer to our goal of $2,500. Can you help us build our story? Every dollar makes a big difference in moving forward our mission. The Building Our Story giving page will be open through the end of December: www.givebutter.com/MOA24

Great Expectations Seminar
Are you expecting twins or triplets? Great Expectations is for you!

Are you a parent with young multiples? Great Expectations is for you!

Perhaps you’re a club leader wondering how the club can better reach out to new moms? Great Expectations is for you!

Our Great Expectations program is a series of four seminars focused on the needs of expectant and young parents with multiples.

First up, we’re hosting the seminar, “Preparing for Multiples and those first months home” on Mon., January 27, 7:30 p.m. CST (8:30 p.m. EST, 6:30 p.m. MST, 5:30 p.m. PST).

Smadar Zmirin, a twin specialist who has been helping parents of multiples for more than 15 years, will share tips for mastering the logistics of caring for two (or more) babies at once and optimizing the physical living environment to reduce anxiety and stress.

There is a separate sign up for each session, so you can attend just one session or all four! Space is limited, so register today at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/greatexpectations/

Self-Care for Busy Parents – January Zoom Connect
Does the busyness of the holidays have you feeling tired, hurried or overwhelmed? Ready for a dose of Self-Care for Busy Parents? Then mark your calendar for our January Zoom Connect on Wed., January 8, 7:30 p.m. CST (8:30 p.m. EST, 6:30 p.m. MST, 5:30 p.m. PST).

Amy Nolan, a Board-Certified Life Coach, Licensed Therapist, and mom of multiples, will share ways to take care of ourselves from the inside out by taking a look at how we think, what we do and how we can show up for ourselves to lead a more balanced life. Learn more about the event and register to attend at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/zoom-connects/

A New Vision for the New Year
January is a good time to consider new challenges and new possibilities. I can promise that volunteering is a choice that will add purpose, learning, and friendship to your days. And now more than ever, Multiples of America needs you, your talents, and ideas to keep our organization moving.

Board members and committee volunteers are needed on the local, state, and national levels. Check with your local club or state organization about what openings they are expecting in 2025.

And if you’ve served as a National Worker volunteer within the last three years, I hope you’ll also consider submitting an application for an elective office on the Multiples of America Board of Directors. The first step is completing an application online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G6JKQTR. The deadline to apply is January 15. Check out the flyer at the end of this email and check in with Nominating Chair, Nancy McMahon, with any questions about positions or the application process: volunteer@multiplesofamerica.org

Seeking Scholarship Applications
The February 1, 2025 deadline to apply for the Marge Ainsworth Scholarship is only a few weeks away. You must have been a member of your local club for at least the last three years (and that club is a member club of Multiples of America) for you, your spouse or multiples to apply.

Read more about the application process in the flyer at the end of this email and download the application form at:  https://multiplesofamerica.org/ainsworth-scholarship/ Questions? Email Scholarship Chair, Bea Reynolds: scholarship@multiplesofamerica.org

It’s the Most Wonderful News of the Year
Have you heard? We’re headed to the city of sunshine and amazing desert sunsets! Our 2025 convention will be at the Omni National Resort in Tucson, AZ! The Omni is a newly renovated resort, complete with two swimming pools, golf courses, a world-class spa and more. Rates are a remarkably low $129 per night (with no added resort fee) for two queens or a king. Check the Omni Tucson National website for a peek at the room and facilities. The link for reservations will be posted on social media and our website in January.

New Members’ Only Password
The password for the Members Only section changed Dec. 15. The new information was sent in the most recent Special Delivery or you can contact your club representatives.

Please remember this information is only for members of clubs or affiliates for whom dues have been paid to Multiples of America. It is very important that it be kept secure and not published online in newsletters, social media, or club websites that can be accessed by non-members, or shared with non-members via email.

Action Alert
If you have added members to your club since your initial renewal, please let us know so we can add their names and emails to our list. Without that information, those members will not receive email communications sent to all members, such as Multiple Connections and this monthly Special Delivery. To add on members after your initial renewal, go to https://multiplesofamerica.org/add-on/ and follow the step-by-step directions. Questions about that process? Let us know.

Time to Make a Multiple Match?
Our Multiple Match program provides a personal connection for members in an electronic format. Sign up and we’ll work to match you with another member facing similar parenting or life challenges. It’s a match that can create a connection for support or friendship.

Right now, we are especially looking for matches for members who have:

• preschoolers
• kindergarten bound multiples
• multiples with Nemaline Myopathy
• teens with ADHD
• identical boys in middle school

and single mothers who used an anonymous donor

Join in Multiple Match at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/multiplematch/ (Note: The Members Only password will be needed to access this form.)

Local Clubs Celebrating

Upstate Parents of Multiples (SC) created custom wooden signs as a part of their moms night out in November. 

Greater Orlando Mothers of Twins and Triplets (FL) gathered their families for the annual holiday party complete with cookie decorating, face painting, and, of course, time with Santa.

Southcoast Mothers of Multiples (MA) gathered for their annual Christmas party and potluck dinner. The evening concluded with the club’s traditional Yankee ornament swap.

Watch for This
Our website is growing and changing almost daily. Check out these updated items:

The December Press Release shares information about our annual fundraiser

The December Zoom Connect on Partnership Power has been added to the Zoom Connect Café.

Send Your Ideas/Share Your Joys and Challenges
I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what questions you have about any of these items or other services provided by Multiples of America. Share some news about your club: its successes or challenges, or about your personal joys or challenges on your parenting journey. Contact me at president@multiplesofamerica.org

THIS MONTH’S QUIZ IS CLOSED.