If you are the mother of a preschooler who longs for life beyond Barney, broken crayons and bibs covered in drool, a new group in the Camellia City may have the answer for you.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is currently registering local moms for the program, which is slated to kick off in late January 2007 at Southside Baptist Church in Greenville.

MOPS is designed to encourage and equip stay-at-home mothers to be better moms. It also gives them a much-needed opportunity to socialize with other moms, organizer Erica Lossett said.

&#8220MOPS was organized in the 1970s by a group of moms who wanted some time away from kids and home. We offer creative activities, discussions and lots of great information.”

Childcare and a meal are provided during the meetings, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. twice monthly on Mondays at Southside Baptist Church.

While MOPS is a Christian-based organization, Lossett stresses people of all faiths are welcome to get involved in the program.

&#8220We hope our moms will find spiritual growth through our program. But we also understand if a mom simply wants to have a few hours each month to socialize with others, and have time for herself.”

Among the varied topics and activities planned for MOPS in 2007 are: a panel discussion, with

older moms sharing their parenting wisdom with the younger moms; a nutrition class for mother and child; a scrap-booking class; a session on coping with anger, and a &#8220spa day” where the moms can wear their &#8220jammies” and enjoy relaxing facials, manicures and pedicures.

&#8220We have something different, interesting and fun throughout the year, and the topics will change each year. I was blessed to be part of a MOPS group as a new mommy, and it really helped me,” Lossett, the mother of two preschoolers, said.

The cost of registration is $30, &#8220and that fee includes a lot,” Lossett said.

&#8220Members receive a subscription to MomSense Magazine and get to participate in all activities at the meetings throughout the year. They get those valuable hours of childcare, membership in MOPS International and access to our Web site, not to mention the loads of information sent out by MOPs to members. It really is a bargain.”

Registration continues through December and forms may be picked up at the office of Southside Baptist Church.

The first meeting is slated for January 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.

For more information on the program, call Erica Lossett at 382-0465.