Mac MOPS

Operation Cooties Free!!

2011-11-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Our November MOPS meeting is just around the corner...

Operation Cooties Free!!

Come listen while Dr. Hyder, from West Hills Healthcare Clinic shares information on trends this year, tips on keeping healthy, first aid, etc.

Friday, November 4th, 9:30 am in room 1:12 at Church on the Hill. See you there. :)

Playdate on Thurs at Scottys!!

2011-10-24T15:14:00.001-07:00

Reminder, all.. our play date is Thurs, October 27th at 10am. Scotty's Play House. See you there!!

Momsense... this years theme for MOPS

2011-10-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Join us at McMinnville MOPS this year as we talk more about our Momsense......

Developing a mothering strategy is somewhat like playing a game — and this year’s theme is appropriately game related. Have fun being a mom! Playing games involves being bold and taking risks, loving those in the game with us and being sensible while figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

Just as in real-life, sometimes in games, unexpected, “chance” events occur, abruptly changing our paths. We must regroup and determine our next steps. Teaming together with other moms is a great strategy.

Combining her mom intuition and her common sense helps a woman discover her own unique MomSense.
(Mom Intuition + Common Sense = MomSense)

Join us at McMinnville MOPS this year as we talk more about our Momsense......

Kick Off Picnic

2011-09-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Reminder... tomorrow is our Kick Off Picnic!!!

11am, Chegwyn Park
Sandwiches are provided. Please bring a side dish to share.

See you all there.

Summer Activities

2011-06-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for a couple fun summer activities with the McMinnville MOPS group!!

July 14th at 10am: Bouncin' Playdate. We will gather our kids for an outdoor play date with 2 bounce houses, hot dogs, and friendly conversation. Location: Nancy Moody's House. Information: Hot dogs provided, please bring a nut free side dish and your own beverages.

August 11 at 11am: Moonlight Theater Matinee. (movie tba). Pizza and movie provided, you bring your kiddos to enjoy a private movie showing and great conversations.

More information will be coming... but save the dates!!!

Mother's Day Tea 2011

2011-05-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

We want to thank those of who not only attended the tea but provided behind the scenes help as well. Whether is was making food, selling tickets, or even just providing ideas; we appreciate it!

It was a HUGE success. We had set a goal of how much we hoped to raise during the event and we exceeded it!

If you attended the tea and had a photo taken with Kate from Farm Girl Photography we have the photos to view below. (Aren't they fabulous?!?)

To order you photo please email the picture number to Kate at farmgirlphotography@gmail.com

The cost is $3 and that includes having the photo mailed directly to you.

Mother's Day Tea

Thank you all again! We can't wait to see you next year!

Great Harvest Bread Co Playdate

2011-02-22T20:34:00.001-08:00

We had a rolling good time at the McMinnville Great Harvest Bread Co last Thursday. Our tour started with a loaf of fresh cinnamon chip bread and a lesson on where wheat comes from along with the rest of the pure and natural ingredients Great Harvest uses. Next we saw how they mill the flour and the extra large mixers and ovens they use. The kids even got to kneed rolls.

March Meeting: Natural Alternatives to Balance Your Body and Your Health

2011-02-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

March 4th, 9:30am Church on the Hill

Guest Speaker: Vida Ice, Regional Vice President and Independant Consultant, Arbonne

Topic: Discover how hormone imbalance can play a role is symptoms such as depression, insomnia, decreased energy, weight gain, headaches, loss of sex drive, and so much more.

You will learn about toxin awareness and taking steps to regain your natural balance and prevent pre-mature aging. You will leave with knowledge to make healthy choices in personal care and nutrition!!!

You won't want to miss this!!

Meeting and Play Date Thanks

2011-02-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the moms who came out to our meeting this month and enjoyed a morning of crafts!!!

Another thanks to those who joined us for our fun outing at Great Harvest Bread ! We learned a lot, enjoyed some yummy bread and got to visit!!

Now, next up: Moms Night Out: Friday, February 25th at 7pm. COTH room 1;12. Bunco Night. Free. Come for a night of fun and win some prizes!!

Tis' the Season

2010-12-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

First off I want to apologize to everyone for taking so long to get the handouts from our November meeting about couponing.

Download the handout HERE (It will also be available in the sidebar should your need it later.)

Also, we want to remind you all of our meeting this Friday, December 3rd. It will be a great time filled with Holiday crafts and some great giveaways!!

We'll also have a devotion about "Keeping it Simple" for the holidays.

You definitely won't want to miss it!

Shine your Light

2010-10-28T11:28:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday during the service at the Church on the Hill, Pastor Jerry said something that really resonated with me.

"If you don't have time for people, they may get the feeling that Jesus doesn't have time for them either. Because you are a representative for Christ."

I've been really thinking about this since then and realized that I am at fault. I tend to be so encompassed in my own life that I don't take the time to stop and look at those around me. To see who possibly needs a comforting word, a listening ear, or even a shoulder to cry on.

I'm even guilty of this with my own kids. I get caught up in a project and their attempts to gain my attention go unnoticed, or I view them as a simple nuisance.

The other day my son was asking me several questions while I was working on a deadline for an article. I was only half listening to what he was saying and noncommittally answering him. Then like a bright light through the fog his next question shined. He asked, "Mommy, does God hear all our prayers?"

It was at that moment that I knew my deadline could wait. That the real deadline was talking to my son so that he didn't think God only half listened like I had been.

In the David Crowder Band song "Shine" the last verse goes:

"Shine Your light so all can see it
Lifted up, 'cause the whole world needs it
Love has come, what joy to hear it
He has overcome, He has overcome"

By making time to share Jesus with others we are shining His light. And He will always overcome.

(I wanted you all to enjoy the video of "Shine". Watch the story as it plays out; it's an amazing video and song. Enjoy!)

T-Minus 1 Day!!

2010-09-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Where my Mommy's at?!?

That's right! In just 1 day we will begin our course in Momology: The Art and Science of Mothering.

Your Professors have worked extra hard on the syllabus and are looking forward to learning right a long with you.

Class kicks off at 9:30 am sharp with breakfast. Our child development center (childcare) will be ready to receive your kids prior to class time.

This meeting will introduce you to our theme this year and also provide you with ample time to get to know us and the other members.

We are looking forward to seeing/meeting all of you and can't wait to get this year started!

Mean Mom, Kind Mom

2010-08-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

(from Proverbs31 by Lysa TerKuerst)

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.'" Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Yesterday we were driving back from the joy called the beach vacation. All total we logged over 20 hours in the car. It was family bonding at its finest.

So, this is what I hear from the backseat:

Ashley: "Mom, Brooke just licked my hash brown! Ewwwwww!"
Me: "Brooke, why would you lick your sister's hash brown for heaven's sake?"
Brooke: "Because my arm hurts."
Me: "Oh. Well that just makes complete sense."

There may have been 127 other instances where the soundtrack of my life was, "Mom...she poked me and she is on my side and she just spilled her drink and she took my book."

My kids were getting on the last good nerve I had and I could feel an emotional eruption bubbling to the surface.

Do you ever struggle with the mean mom trying to come out? Or the mean girl? Or the mean sister? Or the mean wife?
How is it I can be marching along to the sweetest tune and then veer off so suddenly into a bad attitude?

I wish there was one simple fix-it plan where if we follow three steps all tendencies toward emotional eruptions would vanish. But that's not reality. If all we needed to follow was a plan, we'd have no need to follow Jesus.

And ultimately isn't that what life is supposed to show us - that we need to follow Jesus? So what does Jesus say about this? He says we must do three things. But these aren't three easy steps. They are three attitude shifts of the heart.

He says we have to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

Deny myself...
I have to look beyond the emotions begging to erupt and use self-control. I have to deny myself the momentary satisfaction of the quick comeback, the rude response, and the full out yelling.

Deny myself. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

Then I must take up my cross...
My cross. Stop the blaming and finger pointing and wishing everyone else would change...and see my sinful reaction as a negative contribution to the problem at hand. I must take my issues to His cross and see my sin for what it is - sin. And I must be disgusted enough by my sin to truly want to do something about it.

Take up my cross. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

Finally, I must follow Him...
Really follow Him. Follow who He is and how He is. I must close my mouth, pause long enough to let Him interrupt my eruption, and let His Spirit redirect me. Yes, my children need to be corrected but I can let the consequences scream so I don't have to. Only a calm mama can think of rational, reasonable consequences that instruct.

Follow who He is and how He is. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

It's amazing how quickly my mean mom vanishes when I deny myself, admit my sin, and choose to let Jesus interrupt me.

Just don't be messin' with my hash brown if your arm starts hurting. Okay? I have to draw the line somewhere you know.

Dear Lord, please interrupt my natural flesh pattern today. I desire to change. I need to change. I realize and admit that I need You, Lord. Help me to stop the blaming and finger pointing once and for all. Help me to follow in Your footsteps today. I want to seek You with all of my heart. For I know that those who seek You will find You. Thank You for this promise. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Why MOPS?

2010-08-17T10:48:00.001-07:00

Have you thought about joining but aren't quite sure what you would get out of it?

Hopefully this will fill in any gaps.

--------------------------------------------

Why Groups?

The heart of MOPS International is the MOPS group, because a group is made up of relationships. And relationships are the vehicle of encouragement. Whether your group includes mothers of preschoolers, teen moms, military moms or school-age moms (MOMSnext), the essential aspect of your group is the relationships that are formed.

Four characteristics describe the relationships that result from a MOPS group:

Relationships with other moms
Women need to know they are not alone in their mothering. In an open and accepting atmosphere where every mom is welcomed, moms together find courage and skills to become better women and better moms.

Relationships with growth
MOPS groups provide a place for learning. Practical guidance, offered from a biblical perspective and from the wisdom of those who have lived longer and further, anchors a mom with answers she needs.

Relationships with perspective
The relationships offered in a MOPS group offer perspective from several levels. First is the level of shared perspective offered by moms who are themselves locked in the years of mothering young children where daily tasks become Herculean efforts with small children in tow. Second is the level of maturity found in the MOPS Mentors. Each group enjoys the wisdom offered by moms who have passed through the stage of mothering preschoolers. And third, a local MOPS groups connects each mom to the community of moms around the world who are encouraged by the ministry of a large, international nonprofit organization.

Relationships with a purpose
Relationships in a MOPS group help move each mom one step closer to Jesus, and one step closer to church connection. Motherhood is a season of life that leaves women open to spiritual considerations.

The relationships formed in a MOPS group reflect the Christian faith in a comfortable and contagious form. Life to life and mom to mom, questions are considered and beliefs are reaffirmed for some and discovered for the first time for others, both for moms and families.

Halfway mark!

2010-07-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hello all you fabulous women!

We hope the summer is treating you nicely. How great is it that the weather finally decided to cooperate?

Well if you have older kids like me it may have dawned on you that we have hit the halfway mark. That time in summer when we realize that school wasn't so bad after all! The great news it's all downhill from here. The next month will be filled with school supplies and clothes shopping and before you know it that first day of school will be here.

The other great news is that it means we are that much closer to our MOPS season. And to celebrate we will once again be having our Kick-Off event, this year we're partying picnic style.

We'll provide the sandwiches and all we ask is for you to bring your own drinks and maybe a side/dessert to share (*no nuts).

WHEN: Friday Sept 17th @10:30am
WHERE: Joe Dancer Park

If you can let us know that you'll be coming that would be great. We want to make sure we have enough food for everyone.

You might also want to jot down our first meeting on your calendar, October 1st in Room 1:12 at the Church on the Hill.

We can't wait to see you all and hear about your summer! :)

Thank You Mom

2010-05-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

Newsflash: Being a mother is the most selfless job in the world.

It requires patience, compassion, caring, patience, a sense of humor, kindness, patience, empathy, a tender heart, and patience. :)

This Saturday, May 8th, we will once again be honoring mother's in our community with our Mother's Day Tea.

We want to thank all of you who have signed up to support the tea by hosting a table, donating items for the auction, or providing culinary delights for all those in attendance.

But most of all we thank you for being Mother's.

Here is a special video in honor of YOU.

A Whole Lotta Fun at Whole Foods

2010-05-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you put together an awesome organic food store, 5 moms, and 11 kiddo's?

One truly unique and awesome experience!

Though the weather was a little frightful outside, inside the store we were welcomed by the open arms and charismatic personality of Miss Mea.

Here are some of our pics from that day!

Don't Forget!

2010-04-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

I know it's April Fool's Day but I promise this isn't a joke. :)

Tomorrow is our monthly meeting!

As always it starts at 9:30am and will be filled with fun crafts and fellowship.

Hope you can join us!

In the arms of God

2010-03-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

At MOPS, we aren't just a monthly timeout for moms. We aren't just an easy way to get some mom time. We ARE a family.

And like in any family, when one of us hurts we all hurt.

We mourn with our sister Amy, and her family, at the loss of their beautiful angel Allison.

An inspiration, Allison touched more lives in her short 6 years than most can ever dream to in their lifetime. She brought people together and forged a mighty community in Christ's name.

We celebrate her life here on earth and her new life, running free and joyful with her Heavenly Father.

I tried to come up with other words that could convey how special Allison was and I couldn't. She is beyond any words that I could come up with. So instead I will post her memorial here for you all to see if you hadn't gotten a chance to read it.

"Allison died in her home early Tuesday morning (Feb. 23rd) surrounded by her beloved family. She went running in to the arms of the Lord our Savior at 6:45 am after a 6 year struggle with numerous medical issues. She will be missed by her father Jeffrey S. Yates, mother Amy J. (Allison) Yates and younger sister Keala Rose Yates. We won’t forget Allison and all the things she has taught us and the people she brought into our lives. We won’t let Keala forget her Sissy and how sweetly she called her ‘my Allison’.

Although she died at the age of six, in that short time she touched many lives and taught many people how a good spirit can be so simple. As parents we want to give our children all the experiences possible that can enrich and fill their lives with love, compassion, culture and an understanding that children in a typical family might not get to experience. She proved to us that all of this is possible.

Allison attended Willamette Education Service District Preschool and graduated in 2009. This year she began attending Columbus Elementary School, but was unable to continue due to her declining health. She liked to go to the Oregon Coast Aquarium with her family and her favorite was the shark tank. She enjoyed being on the couch with her sister listening to the television, but treasured being snuggled. Even though the hospital is usually not a fun place, Allison seemed to be really happy spending time with her friends (the staff) on the 10th floor at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. She knew when she was there, she was going to be cared for and would be as comfortable as possible. Nurses and Doctors that weren’t even there to care for her during that visit always made time to stop by to say hi. She also enjoyed attending services at Church on the Hill and helping the music staff by kicking her feet against her wheelchair. "

Allison Linnea Yates: Sept. 21st, 2003-Feb. 23rd, 2010

Pizza and a Date

2010-02-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Just a reminder that we are having our monthly playdate this Friday the 19th in the Gym at the Church.

We also plan on making a run to get pizza. Of course you don't have to eat pizza. Our plan is to have those that want pizza to pitch in and then someone will run and pick it up.

Regardless, hope you can all make it!

Every Yes Involves a No

2010-02-17T09:00:00.001-08:00

Written by: Glynnis Whitwer (courtesy of Proverbs31.com)

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it." Luke 14:28 (NIV)

So, how are you doing on your New Year's Resolutions? If you are like many of us, frustration has set in. Maybe you are already behind on your read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan. Are the numbers on the scale increasing, rather than decreasing? Did that goal to reduce television watching stop when American Idol started?

While we love to set goals, and dream of becoming a slimmed down, spiritually mature and more well-read version of ourselves, the living out of those goals is infinitely more challenging.

That's because every time we set a goal for ourselves, a more appealing alternative is presented. Have you noticed this phenomenon? Just as you decide to diet, someone brings you a plate of brownies they "baked just for you." As soon as you decide to get up early and pray, the cold weather makes it much more appealing to stay in bed. And that decision to stop gossiping gets challenged when some interesting news about your boss finds its way to your inbox.

Every good intention will be met with a challenge at some point. Without a plan, most of us will abandon those intentions, telling ourselves we knew we couldn't _________ (fill in the blank).

The reason this happens is we overlook the fact that every "yes" we say, requires a "no" to something else. Without that understanding, we operate outside of how life works, and underestimate the cost of achieving our goals.

Here's an example of what I mean. When you say "yes" to reading your Bible every day, you have to say "no" to the morning news or your favorite novel. If you say "yes" to teaching a small group of women, you'll say "no" to your favorite Tuesday night tv show, plus free time to prepare.

There will always be a sacrifice of something when we desire to move forward in an area of our lives. Goals are exciting. Possibility of change is alluring. Sacrifice is hard, but worth it in the big picture of our lives. In fact, it's the road Jesus called His followers to walk daily.

The resolutions you set at the beginning of the year have great value if they are helping you grow into a more disciplined, mature follower of Christ. However, if you feel like you've reached a plateau, or hit a dead end, perhaps it's time to evaluate if you've said enough "no's."

I invite you to remove the "New Year's" label, and reevaluate the goals you set in January. Recommit to them and consider what you'll have to sacrifice to make them happen. The good news about sacrifice is we serve a Lord who lived it out on our behalf. When we are frustrated with the cost of achieving our goals, we can always turn to the One who understands.

Dear Lord, I praise Yo u and thank You for sacrificing Your son, Jesus, so I could live forever with You. In light of that, help me keep my sacrifices in perspective. I ask for Your strength to fulfill the dreams and goals You have placed in my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

A New Year.. a New Beginning

2010-01-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

As we ring in the New Year many of us will vow to be more organized, to make more time for family or the dreaded "Lose Weight".

Whatever your resolution, goal, commitment is for the New Year we hope that you will spend the second Friday with us!

Our next meeting is January 8th. We will be focusing on the very aspects that many of us resolve to change in the New Year.

We'll hear from 3 fantastic speakers about taking care of our body, (brief yoga session, dress comfortably,) our health, and our Spirit.

Join us for a few hours of fellowship and learning!

November Meeting

2009-11-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

It is that time of the month again!

No, not THAT time but time for our monthly meeting.

Join us this Friday, Nov. 6th as we explore "It's a Small World: Relationships with Family".
How did your relationships with your family change when you became a mother? Was it a struggle for you or a welcome transition?

If you've received your curriculum book "Life on Planet Mom" check out chapter 3 to get an idea about what we will be talking about.

We'll meet a panel of 5 moms; Mother-2 daughter and 2 sisters, and discover how their relationships have changed (for better or worse) and what techniques they have used to make their bond stronger.

Family is important to all of us. We raise our children based on the role models we had (or lack of) when we were growing up. We take the good, bad, so-so, and combine into our own parenting style that works for us.

This excerpt from "Life on Planet Mom" reiterates this:

"My friends and I have wrestled through issues regarding discipline, working/staying at home, faith, guilt, performance/perfectionism, co-dependency, and more. All together, it would give Dr. Phil enough fodder to fuel a year's worth of programs. But it's important to dissect what you were taught (or what you were not) and how much of that you want to pass along to your own children."

We hope that through these 5 ladies experiences you can gain the knowledge, strength, and confidence in your own relationships.

WHERE ARE YOU!?!?

2009-10-02T11:04:00.001-07:00

I'm at the 1st MOPS Meeting of the Season!

Where are you?! You should be here--->

If you couldn't make it this month we hope you will choose to join us for our playdate on October 16th at 10am in the gym at the Church on the Hill.

The kids will build rocketships out of cardboard boxes while moms are able to visit and catalog shop from mom businesses.

SEE YOU SOON!

Quickly approaching!!

2009-09-21T22:16:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the BBQ!

We were blessed with beautiful weather and wonderful food.
If you were able to make it, thank you so much for joining us! If you weren't then we look forward to seeing you at our first meeting of the season on Friday Oct. 2nd!

Our first meeting is titled "The Hood in Motherhood" and will cover how we change and evolve when transitioning into motherhood.
If you have received your book, "Life on Planet Mom," you can read the 1st chapter. It's about 20 pages but reads really quickly.

Also, if you haven't registered yet please click on the registration links in the sidebar. Print out the forms, fill them out and bring them with you to our first meeting. You will need to fill out a separate MOPPETS form for each child that will be cared for during the meetings.

The dues for the 2009-10 season are as follows:

International Dues: $23.95 - Because we are affiliated with MOPS International all members must pay these dues. Included with payment is the 2009 theme book "Life on Planet Mom," a year subscription to the bi-monthly MomSense magazine, and the Mom Email which is sent weekly.
Local Dues: $24.00 - Local dues stay within our group. We use this money to cover the cost of childcare, crafts, and other meeting expenses. We do actively fund-raise throughout the year which is what keeps the dues as low as they are.

**Dues must be paid in full at the first meeting unless other arrangements have been made.**

Summer was fun, but we can't wait to get the new season underway! See you in October!!

2009-08-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

As you can see from the little ticker we have on the right hand side, we are eagerly counting down to our 1st event of the season.

We are so excited to be able to see our moms from last year and meet some potential new moms. It will be a great time of fellowship with a little playday mixed in.

If you are curious about MOPS we encourage you to come and spend some time at this very casual event. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our meetings, purpose, or how to sign up!

You can meet us at Joe Dancer Park (1650 SE Brooks St. in McMinnville) at 10:30am. We will be by the baseball fields where the play structure is. There is plenty of parking and LOTS of room for the kids to run. Burger/Hot dogs will be provided. We ask that moms bring drinks for themselves and their children as well as a side dish to share. **Please refrain from bringing anything containing or made with nuts as some of our kids have allergies.**

For our returning moms, we want to let you know we will have sign-ups available if you are interested or able to help us at the Craft Fair. The Craft Fair is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the proceeds help fund our childcare costs for our MOPS Season.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

PLAY DAY!!

2009-06-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

We have our first play day of the summer tomorrow June 5th at 10:30am. Meet up with us at Wortman Park on the McDaniel Street side.

Bring snacks, water and all kinds of stuff to gab about!

High Tea

2009-05-09T19:23:00.001-07:00

Hello all you lovely Mama's!

I am at home resting from a wonderful "Power Tea" spent with some wonderful women!

Jolina and I want to thank all the women who served as Hostesses and those that took the time to make/bake and bring goodies for all those attending.

It is our hope that everyone went home with warm hearts and a little bit more insight about tea.

If you weren't able to make it I hope you are able to come next year!

I'm guessing at the totals since Jolina probably won't have the grand total until next week but I'm guessing we were able to raise close to $1300! The silent auction alone brought in close to $500 so another thank you for working with your tables to put them together.

I'm off of here to cuddle with the kids before I turn in for the night.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

IT'S HERE!!!

2009-04-22T20:07:00.001-07:00

SPA DAY 2009!

Please join us for our end of the year celebration of you!

FRIDAY MAY 1ST, 2009

CHURCH ON THE HILL GYM

9:30AM- 11:45AM

On the sidebar you will see links to 2 different forms. One is a registration form for next year and the other is an evaluation form. We would love to have you come back next year and want to hear your thoughts on how we can make next year EVEN BETTER!

**If you bring both of these forms plus your registration fee of $21.95 you will receive entries into some AWESOME giveaways that we will be having**

We want to thank all of you for joining this year as we learned about the Adventures in Mothering.

We hope you gained some wonderful knowledge and resources that will make you even BETTER moms!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Be my Valentine..

2009-02-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

We had such an amazing time at Hillside on Friday!

It was truly a blessing to see our little ones as they brightened the day of so many residents.
We handed out valentines and then just let our little ones do what they do best!

Here are some shots from our wonderful day.

Thank you to all who joined us! We hope to do this again in the future.

Frugal Mommies

2009-01-26T00:33:00.000-08:00

Phew!!

I don't know about you but I think our January meeting could have gone another hour at least!

There was such great information and I'm thankful that our group has been blessed with some really frugal mommies.

During and after the meeting there was A LOT of talk of having a recipe exchange. Well, we thought of one better. A resource just for our MOPS moms that has all of the great menu planning tools that Robyn shared and even the recipes. We are hoping that our mom's out there will share their recipes as well by email them to Tina to include on our recipe blog. You will see a button on the left sidebar here that links you to it.

We have tried to categorize each recipe so that when our database becomes better you can search by meal or main ingredient.

Also, I promised many of you I would put a link on here to the Muffin Tin Monday group that I found on Flickr. There are oodles and oodles of pictures showing what other moms have offered kids during this fun meal. I hope that you are able to incorporate this into you week, whether its for lunch or dinner!

See you on Friday February 6th!

MUFFIN TIN MONDAY

Coming Soon...

2009-01-10T00:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies..

We had a really great meeting this month, full of great information that will save us all a little time and hopefully money!

There was an overwhelming response and much interest in a recipe swap/resource. Because of that we have decided to create a page just for MOPS recipes!

If you have a recipe you would like to submit please email it to Kelly Sitton. If you click her name on the steering team list you will get her address.

I will be working on getting the page up and running in the next few days so please check back soon!

Friendships

2009-01-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

Written by:Ellen Banks Elwell

Have you ever gone through a time in your life when you felt lonely but found it difficult to reach out for companionship? I have. At a period in my life when I felt depressed and discouraged, reaching out felt risky. I feared what might happen if I didn’t sense acceptance from the other person.

Philip Yancy and Tim Stafford see some good in this condition. They write, “I believe God created us incomplete, not as a cruel trick to edge us toward self-pity, but as an opportunity to edge us toward others with similar needs. His whole plan for us involves relationships with others: reach out to the world around us in love. Loneliness, that painful twinge inside, makes us reach out.”

With all the hustle and bustle of our schedules as moms, we have a fair amount of physical companionship-especially when the children are young. But it’s easy to feel lonely, even when there are lots of bodies in the room, if our soul hasn’t had enough opportunity to knit with a friend or companion. God built this need into us.

Think of the woman Jesus described who lost a silver coin and upon finding it rejoiced with friends. Or remember the widow ministered to by Elisha who was instructed to ask all her friends and neighbors for jars to hold the oil that was about to be miraculously multiplied. Asking her friends for their help may have felt risky and humbling, but I like to imagine the joy and excitement they all shared in the experience.

When we get to feeling lonely, we can present our need to God because he cares, sees, and provides. But we can also then call a friend or someone we’d like to get to know and put something on the calendar!

Father,

Thank you that you intend for us to need other people. Thank you that you understand our loneliness because you experienced it yourself when you lived on earth. May we do our part in connecting with others around us. Amen.

December Newsletter

2008-12-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

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You gotta have friends..

2008-12-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

Our meeting this month was all about relationships.

It takes us stepping out of our comfort zone to find the types of relationships that will enable us to grown as mothers. Relationships that deep down we crave but perhaps aren’t willing to admit that we want.

We need to recognize the excuses we use to avoid relationships; excuses such as time barriers (“who has the time with all the things I have to do at home”), don’t need a relationship because we have our kids (we are there for our kids not the other way around,) wanting to find friends like us (the best thing for us may be a friend that fills a void that we don’t have in our everyday life.)

If we can overcome these obstacles, which we place on ourselves, we may just wake up and realize that we have been missing a great thing!

Tracy Smith was a guest speaker this month.

Tracy and her family will be travelling to Peru in February to take part in a mission called Extreme Nazarene. The organization will be working to build 120 churches in 3 years. It’s a huge leap for the Smith family. They have been in the process of selling all their belongings in order to afford the 3 years in this volunteer position. It really shows the type of relationship they have with God and within their family.

Tracy spoke about how this experience has really shown her the true value of friendship. She has a core group of friends who have stepped up to be there for them even when they didn’t know that they needed it. Friends who are more than willing to offer to watch their son for them so they can get some things done around the house or perhaps just take over cleaning a closet.

If you interested more in the Smith's journey to Peru or would like to know how you can help them visit their Peru blog.

Friends are invaluable to moms. They give us a sounding board or just an escape on those days when we feel that we may lose it. We urge you all to step out and make a new friend, they could be sitting right next to you!

Thankful

2008-12-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

A new feature to the blog will be a devotional. It will be posted once or twice a month and we will try to keep it related that months subject or holidays.

We would love any feedback so please feel free to leave a comment on any post!

Written by: Ellen Banks Elwell

There are many ways to thank God in prayer. Here are four forms we can use and model for our children.

Give thanks for provisions. Psalm 104:13-14 says, “You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor. You cause grass to grow for the cattle. You cause plants to grow for people to use.” We can thank God for food, breath, strength, light, encouragement, protections, and many other provisions each day.
Give thanks in all situations. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 urges us, “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” One of my friends reminded me that the verse doesn’t mean to give thanks for all things but in all things. We may not be grateful for the problem, but we thank God for what he’s accomplishing in us through the problem.
Give thanks for what God is doing in people’s lives. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 Paul states, “We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These are very specific areas of growth for which we can offer thanks – faithfulness, love, and hope.
Give thanks in anticipations of what God will yet do. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Giving thanks to God for things yet to come indicates your trust in him.

Offer thanks for provisions, in all circumstances, for God’s work in our lives, and in anticipation of what he will do!

Father,
Thanks for hope to keep going. Thanks that you are in control even when we feel off-balance. Thanks that you will be with us each day. Amen.

November Meeting

2008-11-15T16:56:00.000-08:00

What a great time of fellowship and discovery!

We had a big announcement about the Craft Fair. It was a busy and long weekend but well worth it. When all was said and done we made over $2700!
This is going to be huge for our budget next year! The money will provide us with child care costs and hopefully some scholarships.

Our next fundraiser will be our Mother's Day Tea with is set for Saturday May 9th. More info on that will come in the next few months.

The last big announcement is, we've requested that all our mom's sign up to volunteer for child care during one of our meetings. You don't have to, but it would be a great help. In addition, if you sign up but are able to find a friend or relative to take your spot then you can attend the meeting instead!

Our subject this month was “Identity.” If you weren’t able to read pages 11-40 in “The Mommy Diaries,” there were some really great inspirational stories.
One of the stories that really touched me was titled, “The High Chair Day.” The part that really stuck with me was the section that the author talked about saying yes to everything.
“I said yes to everything that came along. Yes to the person wanting to offer a party-plan home show. Yes to the leaderless committee at church. Yes to the substitute Sunday school teaching. Yes to the undones my husband couldn’t finish. Yes to the neighbors, yes to anyone, everyone – because good women said yes. But I never said yes to myself.”
How true is this of us moms? We get into a rut of being everything because we are the MOM.. or as I like to call it Manager Of the Masses.

Our speaker this month, Lucetta Elmer, made a wonderful point. She said, “Don’t get so stuck on your idea of your identity.” We get so caught up in being moms we forget who we were before our wonderful children came along.

I want to end this post on a great thing that Sara Groves said during the video clip.
“It's important that your kids see you being passionate and doing what you're called to do .”
So I challenge all of you to touch base with the person you were before you became a mom and go out and do something you used to do. Spend an hour in a coffee shop reading a book, take a leisurely walk down 3rd street and window shop, delve back into your creative side, whatever it is that you found pleasure in set some time aside and do it. I guarantee you will feel refreshed and renewed, just in time to make those holiday dinners.. =0)

November Newsletter

2008-11-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

November Newsletter

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The time is upon us..

2008-11-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

Our big fundraiser of the year if finally here!

We hope you have already signed up to help out for the craft fair, but regardless if you are able to help we hope that you will show your support by coming and checking it out.

The Craft Fair is in the gym at the Church on the Hill and will be open Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

In addition to great handmade crafts we will also be having some awesome food from Ribslayer and Sweet Apple Pie Fries. There will also be winter gardening demonstrations by Country Garden Nursery and kids crafts for $1.

Join us for what is sure to be a great experience and fun time!

The Mayonnaise Jar

2008-10-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

A professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. he then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar and shook it lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, at the laughter subsided. "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your religion, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else--the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Do a bible study. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter. Set your priorities.

The rest is just sand."

It's so easy to not see the big picture. As mom's we are constantly pulled in so many directions. We have church commitments, child commitments, spouse commitments. It's important to remember that we need to make a commitment to God as well. We need to spend time with Him not only by ourselves but spend time with Him with our kids and our spouse. What better way to build our relationships.

During this adventure don't focus on the sand of your life, unless you're walking on it with your family.

Good Mom, Bad Mom, Good Mom

2008-10-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

The following devotion is from a wonderful website called Proverbs31.org. When I got this in my email last week it totally hit home and I new instantly that I wanted to share it with all of you. I hope it touches you as it did me.

Written by:Lysa TerKeurst

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

Devotion:

Good Mom?

Bad Mom?

Good Mom?

Bad Mom?

Do you ever feel as though you are the ping-pong ball in a heated match bouncing constantly between feeling like a good mom to a bad mom?

One minute I have a great discussion where my child finally gets it... GOOD MOM!

The next I get an e-mail from a teacher that lists the three parents who have yet to turn in that permission slip and I am on the list for all the world to see... BAD MOM!

I calmly handle the stresses of the morning routine... GOOD MOM!

But then during the afternoon homework session, my child's irresponsibility over a last minute project just about sends me over the edge. I find my neck muscles tensing and my voice rising... BAD MOM!

I make sure they pack something healthy for lunch... GOOD MOM!

The schedule falls apart in the late afternoon and I wind up feeding them sugar cereal for dinner... BAD MOM!

Sometimes I feel like that ping-pong ball mom bouncing from feeling good to bad. Yesterday morning I sat down at the kitchen table after getting everyone where they needed to be and cried. Sometimes having kids is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. Other days I feel like the task of parenting little people is driving me to the brink of craziness.

Just the other day I was processing some recent family things with my friend, Renee, over the phone. Suddenly a strange theme seemed to arise. I just started laughing. I told Renee that so many of my days seemed to tell the same kind of story... I was on the verge of a breakdown and then I spent time with Jesus and He made things better.

Renee quipped back to me, "Well, isn't that where most of us live every day?"

Not that we are on the edge of a breakdown, but we live in a place of utter dependence on God. I know as a mom, I live in constant need of His love, encouragement, wisdom, perspective, strength, patience, and grace.

Anything I do right as a mom is because of my constant dialogs with God.

Anything I do wrong as a mom is because of trying to do things in my own strength and slap wearing myself out.

That's where grace steps in. And I need lots of grace. God's grace steps in and says, “Lysa, you are doing better than you think. Stop bouncing from feeling good to bad to good to bad. In the good times, rejoice and thank me. In the not so good times, call out to me quickly."

And suddenly it occurred to me; with God I'm never a bad mom. I might be having a bad moment... or two... or seventeen. But a few bad moments do not define me as a bad mom.

God's grace is there to cover me. Teach me. And even in the middle of a bad moment, interrupt me, redirect me, and change me.

Forgiveness is there.

Love is there.

A second chance is there.

You are a good mom my friend even if, like me, you’ve had a few bad moments... you are the exact mom God knew your children needed. Let's live in that truth today.

Good times..good times..

2008-10-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ladies, it was so great seeing you all on Friday!

I hope you all had a great time and are already planning on going to our playday on the 24th! Or better yet Mom's Nite Out this Friday!

Here are some pictures of our truly fabulous day.

photo's courtesy of Tracy Smith

Fin

2008-10-03T11:07:00.001-07:00

Our meeting is slowly coming to an end...

We just had a great game called "Speed Meeting" which is a spin off of speed dating. Everyone seemed to have a fun time playing and it was so fun that it lasted longer than expected!

It's so amazing to see the comraderie that is already developing. There are plans for playdates and coffee already in the mix.

THANKS LADIES FOR JOINING US!!!

And we're off!!

2008-10-03T09:38:00.001-07:00

Here we are at our first meeting of the season!

All of our ladies are still arriving and it's so great to see so many old friends come together and just the spirit that is in this room is awesome!

More to come later!!!

Sucking it up

2008-10-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

Drive-thru registration was held on the 19th of this month.

The day started out overcast but our spirits weren’t! We had everything set up a little before 10am and by that time the kids had already watched 10 minutes of Veggie Tales, discovered the fountain, and were ready to go home.
Alas, there was no going home yet as we waited for our first mom to drive up. Many of our Steering Team members showed up, so in essence it ended up being a playgroup as well.
We watched our kids playing together and trying to work out problems dealing with sharing, taking turns, and invasion of personal space. Often time’s cries of “MOM!” could be heard throughout the church grounds as a preschooler ran to tell his/her mom about the latest atrocity. The most popular reply…”Sometimes you just have to suck it up.”

During the last week these words have been resonating in my mind.

How often in my life has God told me to “suck it up?”
I remember a time when my kids and I were out shopping. My son was 2 at the time and being difficult as ever. He kept running off, hiding in the racks, and touching things that he shouldn’t be touching. I was dead tired. My 2 month old daughter had been up several times the night before, and let’s face it, two kids is a lot more work than one.
Just as I’m chasing my son down for the umpteenth time I see a mother with two kids of her own. Her oldest looks about the same age as my son but with a huge difference; he was much better behaved. It was in that instant that my body sagged in defeat. Why couldn’t my kids be like hers? Am I such a terrible mother that my kids have turned into the kids that I used to see in stores when I was pregnant and swear that my kids wouldn’t behave like that?
As I was dancing it up at my pity party God shot the answer straight to my heart. Of course I’m not a terrible mother, nor do I have terrible kids. They are individuals just as He made them. Sure my son was running amok in the store but what I hadn’t noticed was just how much fun he was having; fun out with his mom and baby sister. He wasn’t trying to make me angry, he was just being himself; the same little boy that at night before bed time curls up in my lap and tells me he “wuvs me.”
So, when I’m out shopping with my now 3 and 1 year old, and they are BOTH running amok, hiding in the racks, and touching things they shouldn’t be touching; I just take a deep breath and say “Suck it up Tina, everything is how God intended.”

I hope you can join us for our 1st MOPS meeting of the season this Friday, October 3rd at 9:30am in Room 112 at the Church on the Hill.

October Newsletter

2008-09-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

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Continuing the Legacy..

2008-09-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

2008-09 Curriculum

2008-09-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

We are very excited this year to be using the MOPS curriculum and theme Adventures In Motherhood, based on the verse :

“. . .how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ . . .” Eph 3:18.

The Adventures in Mothering Curriculum offers you a season pass to the Adventures Theme Park. You’ll be exploring life as a mom, where, packed with excitement and surprise, you navigate through the merry-go-rounds, roller coasters and bumper cars of your days with little ones.

When you register with MOPS International you will receive a book called The Mommy Diaries: Finding Yourself in the Daily Adventure. This book was created to accompany the MOPS curriculum. You will be encouraged to read excerpts from the The Mommy Diaries that go along with our theme segments each meeting.

10/03 Adventures In Mothering (introduction)
Mommy Diaries: pages 5-9
11/14 Identity Adventure
Mommy Diaries: pages 11-40
12/05 Relationship Adventure
Mommy Diaries: pages 68-96
01/09 Perspective Adventure
Mommy Diaries: pages125-155
02/06 Help Adventure
Mommy Diaries: pages 97-124
03/06 Growth Adventure
Mommy Diaries: pages 41-67
04/03 Hope Adventure
Mommy Diaries: pages 156-182

We hope that this MOPS season will be encouraging and uplifting for all of our MOPS moms.
So fasten those safety straps and let’s take the ride together!

WELCOME!

2008-08-03T23:07:00.001-07:00

IF YOU’RE A MOTHER OF PRESCHOOLERS ...You've got your hands full and we know how you feel. It was hard enough bringing your baby into the world. But now it’s gone and turned your world upside down! When did showers become a luxury? MOPS knows you are experiencing a challenging phase in life, so while you are pouring yourself into the development of your child, let us pour encouragement into you! Discover how MOPS can strengthen and encourage you as a parent!

We are very eager to get this MOPS season under way and are excited about the curriculum we will be following "Adventures in Mothering." Along with our theme we have a verse that will be a intregal part of our exploration as mothers, ". . .how wide and long and deep is the love of Christ. . ." Eph 3:18. We all know that mothering is an adventure and now we get to celebrate all of our ups and downs together. So come on out to see us, you won't want to miss out on the fun!

If you have never been to a MOPS meeting, your first one is free. When you become a regular member there is a registration fee and dues for the MOPS season, which is part of helping make MOPS happen.

For more information on registration go to http://www.hillchurch.com/ We are located under Children:Kids (0-5).

If you have any questions please feel free to comment here or email our Coordinator Kelly Ashton. You can find her email address by clicking her name under the "Steering Team" heading.