MOPS of Simpsonville

5 Weeks and Counting!!

2011-07-29T05:39:00.009-04:00

Good Morning All!! As I sit here and eat my Lucky Charms at 530am due to a wonderful craving, I couldn't help but think, this is the perfect time to write my first blog for MOPS! I am so excited about being your new Publicity 'go to' person for the 2011-2012 year. What is even more exciting is that MOPS starts up in 5 wks. Sept 8th will be our first meeting at the new location of FBCS Downtown Simpsonville and we start promptly at 9:15am!

When I think about MOPS starting back, it reminds me of school starting up for some of you, fall weather, and of course, the Holidays (which includes food and lots of it). Most importantly it reminds me of the fellowship and new friendships that will develop over the next year. This is my 2nd year as a MOPS mom and I have made so many new friends in the past year that I find it such a blessing. I depend on my friendships for advice on 'how to's' with my son (and daughter on the way), encouragement on days when I think no one has ever gone through the same situation before, girls night out, play dates, and the list goes on. I hope that you can say the same thing, there is nothing like a MOPS group of friends to be there for you when you need it!

This years theme is MomSense: Bold-Loving-Sensible. What do those 3 words mean to you? For me Bold - reminds me of my husband. My husband stands up for his beliefs no matter what and I swear some days I think he is so strong (emotionally and physically) that he could pick up a car! Loving - my son Cullen. He is the most loving child I have ever seen. He will give hugs and kisses to anyone, even the girl at Publix who carries our groceries to the car! Sensible - I should be honest, I had to look this word up to get an exact feeling on what I think. Definition - wisdom. My Bible gives me wisdom. It is the one place that I can go to and find an answer to my question. It may not hit me on the head at the time, but the Bible always has wisdom (even if it comes from Cullen's children's Bible)! I would like to encourage you to think about those 3 words before our next meeting - what do they mean to you? Do they remind you of a person, a situation where you showed boldness, or a verse that you can cling too? PLEASE SHARE with us all!!!

In closing, I would like for all of us to have open hearts and be ready for what God has in store for us this year coming up! Last year we had lots of MNO's (including the great Spa night), crafts, play dates, and even a free babysitting night (yep, GO DIVAS!). But we also helped so many other moms too (the mom who lost everything in a house fire, another mom going through a divorce with 5 or 6 kids, shoe boxes filled at Christmas time for children, offering collection for another family who lost their mom). It's amazing what we can do as a team/group with the same goal of serving and worshiping our amazing God!!

As part of the publicity team, please let me know of any suggestions for future blogs and newsletters! I love the feedback!

Natasha

Parenting in Christ through Generations

2011-04-12T21:34:00.001-04:00

Today we had the pleasure of listening to Jeannie Thrailkill and her two daughters, Brooke Moore and Caroline Brower, speak to us on the importance of raising our children in Christ. They opened up their lives and shared intimate stories with us that touched our hearts and made us reflect on our own lives. Here are some of the notes from their words of wisdom:

Parenting is hard work, but we must build a foundation in Christ so that our children grow up knowing the love of Jesus and resting in his grace and mercy always. We should instil some foundational verses to help them know that God is our heavenly Father, such as:
- Be still and know that I am God
- He will be a Father to the Fatherless
- Draw near to God and He will draw near to you

Remember these truths and challenge yourself to understand them:
- God is good ALL the time
- Call on Jesus always. In good and bad.
- Ask God what is blocking your relationship with Him and then have the courage to correct it.
- Choose to be obedient to the Word.
- Be aware that the Enemy wants to destroy and tear your family apart.
- Do not let fear overtake you, but trust Christ to see you through.

Provide Christ DAILY for your children. Pour His Word and His compassion and His heart into them daily... not just once a week at church. When you build a foundation in Christ in your children, and if they know Him, He will always be with them. Even if they ignore Him for a period, He will reach out to them and call them back to Him.

Although we can't force our children to accept Jesus into their hearts, we can and need to introduce Him to them. We don't have to wait till they are a certain age to start. Here are some ideas of how to introduce Jesus to your children:
- Show them who Christ is by YOUR example. Your actions will teach them who Jesus is.
- Teach them forgiveness. Not just "I'm sorry", but also how to forgive, as Christ forgives us.
- Teach Bible stories.
- Listen to Christian radio in the car. Teach Bible and Christian songs.
- Be active in church. Remember it is OUR responsibility to teach Christ at home, but it must be reinforced by church.
- Pray. Pray with them, pray for them.
- Learn and teach scripture.

It is important that we remember (even though it's hard to come to terms with this) that our children do not belong to us. They belong to God. They are the children of God and we are "babysitting" them. God has trusted us with these special little souls, and He gave us His instruction manuel... The Bible.

There is nothing more powerful then the prayer of a mother. Be a praying mother and pray for your babies... the good, the insignificant and the bad.

* I came along this post from another blog I read and thought it complemented what we were talking about. You can read it HERE.

Another New MOPPET!

2011-03-20T19:22:00.003-04:00

We are happy to announce that we have a new MOPPET!

Connor Andrew Stewart couldn't wait to make his arrival!
He was born on March 7th at 10:03am (more than 3 weeks early)
He weighed 7lbs. 5oz. and was 20 inches long.

Congrats to Andrew and Susan Stewart!
And to new big sister Anna!!

First New MOPPET of 2011!!

2011-03-03T20:29:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Luke Pickens!
Born on February 23, 2011
at 12:31pm
6 pounds 15 ounces.

Billy and Kristen are the proud parents
and Trey is now a BIG brother!

Randy on Marriage

2011-02-08T15:32:00.000-05:00

We had the privilege of hearing Pastor Randy speak to us this morning about marriage. For those of you that missed it, or just would like a refresher, here are some notes:

Col 3:12
Two things are true about each woman in MOPS:
1. You are exquisitely loved by God. You are so valued, that He gave up His Son for you.
2. Some of you are discouraged or in pain. We must be careful, for our pain will drive us from God.

Imagine that our emotions fill up a bucket. But wait, that bucket has holes in it. Our emotions are seeping out of this bucket and we can quickly be on empty if we're not careful. The three most common things that create gaping holes in our bucket are: Money, Stress and Fatigue.
We must spend more time filling up our bucket, so that everything doesn't spill out and leave us empty. We can do this by having encouraging friends and fellowship (like MOPS), but mostly by having daily devotionals and time with God.

We are unable to fill up our bucket on our own.

Phil 3:3
Back in the day, the #1 commodity for families was money. Men and women would take better jobs, even if it meant time away from their families, to make more money. They figured that making more money would help sustain their family and thus keep everyone happy. However, people began realizing that there is something more important than money... time. So, people began turning down the high paying jobs, so that they would have more time for their families every day. Now, we are realizing that perhaps the #1 commodity isn't money OR time, but rather Energy. You can't do anything with time or money if you're too tired.
What if spiritual energy became physical energy? What if God filled our bucket up spiritually, and we were better for it all around?

Marriage is a covenant created by God. A covenant is an exchange of behavior. It means 3 things:
1. This deal is permanent
2. The other partner comes first
3. The #1 goal is to glorify God

Are you frustrated by having to perform your husband's roll? Do you feel like you're pulling him up a hill? Do you feel like you are the head of your house?
At the same time- Are you so frustrated by your husband's actions (or lack of action), that you are neglecting your OWN spiritual growth?

Heb 10:22
The closer you get to God, the cleaner you will be.
Pray with your husband out loud and confess to one another and God.

1 John 2:28
The closer you get to God, the more confident you will be.

Psalms 25:14
The closer you get to God, the more you are aware of your relationship with Him and with your husband.
The World will try to destroy your covenant with your husband and with the Lord.

Num 25
Immorality will always lead to idolatry.
Do not allow your life or bucket to get so empty, that your children have to clean up your messes.

Isaiah 42:4
Disappointment and pain will lead you to spiritual growth.

Imagine a straight line. You are on one end, and God wants you to be on the other end. He wants you to simply walk the line to get from where you are, to where He wants you to be. It is painful and scary for you to go from one end to the other... especially if your husband is not leading. So, instead of walking that straight line from "here" to "there", we decide to take our own course. We take the following steps to eventually get "there":
1. Denial- "God, I do enough already... I tithe, I go to Sunday School, I work in the nursery... isn't that enough?"
2. Resistance- You offer options to God. I'll do this instead of that. "Instead of doing what you want me to do, I'll just tithe an extra 5%". Because that is easier to do than what He's asking you to do. Because that'll keep you cozy in "here" and you wont have to go "there". But if you stay "here", then nothing changes. You do not grow, and everyone suffers.
3. Exploration- You begin to consider "there". Your heart and mind become opened to the idea that maybe this might be good.
4. Acceptance- Finally! You realize God was right to begin with and "there" is better than "here" every was or could be.

In marriage, when your husband says you have to go from "here" to "there", if it's from God, you MUST come to acceptance. He was called by God to be the head of your house.

Some questions to think about:
- In your marriage, do you notice a pattern or cycle that brings you down?
- Which do you desire more: God or His blessings?
- Can you live apart from God's grace?

Momology Challenge

2011-01-25T15:14:00.000-05:00

Let the Mompetition begin!

Susan Budd came up with a wonderful idea this year- It's a group vs group competition to gain the most points in an effort to get to know each other better and bond as a group. But wait, there's more... the winners of this Mompetition get a fabulous prize- a date night with your hubby on April 29, with FREE babysitting provided by the steering group. Praise Jesus! Who couldn't use a night off?!

Here's how the game works:
- Each challenge will require an organizer that is in charge or organizing, scheduling, attending and recording the event details. This organizer will be awarded 10 BONUS points, but may only receive bonus points for ONE event. So it's probably best to allow each member of the group to organize an event.

- You may choose general and monthly themed ideas to earn points for your group. Have ideas approved by Susan by contacting her HERE.

General Challenge Ideas:
10 points + 1 point for each participant
Each idea must be unique- the group may not do the same thing twice.

- Organize a group outing- lunch, playdate, MOPS mom's night out, etc. At least 1/3 of the group must participate to receive group points.

- Do something as a group at a MOPS meeting- wear PJ's, wear matching shirts, do something funny as a group. The ENTIRE group must participate for this to count and you will only receive points for ONE item per meeting... no repeats, and bringing food doesn't count.

Monthly Challenge Ideas:
20 points + 1 point for each participant
Do one project as a group outside of MOPS. At least 1/3 of your group must participate and the activity MUST follow the monthly theme.

- January- Shepherding a Child's Heart- Do a group service activity with the kids
examples: Visit a nursing home, pick up trash, make care packs, etc...

**THIS CHALLENGE IS EXTENDED THROUGH FEBRUARY DUE TO SNOW**

- February- Your Marriage Relationship- Do a group activity that will enhance your marriage
examples: Bible study on marriage, watch a relationship-based movie, etc...

- March- Beauty Inside and Out- Do a group activity that demonstrates beauty inside and out
examples: Serving a shut-in, Bible study, helping others, etc...

- April- Family Relationships- Do a group activity that enhances family relationships... may be your family, someone else's family or your church family!
examples: an activity with Dad's and kids, serving the choir/orchestra dinner between Easter musical performances (contact Kathy Porter), etc...

I know we've got some seriously competitive mom's at MOPS, and it's great fun for everyone to participate! As Stephanie Cannon said today, "I don't care what the prize is... It could be a Tootsie Roll for all I care... But I WANT IT! We have to win!" So, as you can see, the Red Hott Divas are ready to kick some butt! But the question is... is YOUR group going to bring it?!

Angel Bell Craft

2010-12-04T22:36:00.002-05:00

Here's a fun little Christmas craft...
Start by reading the story of Mary (Luke 1:26-56).
Explain that angels are special messengers sent by God.

You need:
A styrofoam cup
magic markers
jingle bell
ribbon
white paper
glue (hot glue works well)

Turn the cup upside down. Carefully draw a face on one side of the cup. Thread a pice of ribbon on the jingle bell. Punch a small hole in the bottom of the cup. Poke the ribbon through the hole and tie a large knot. loop another piece of ribbon and glue it to the back of the cup (think a carrying loop). Cut out angel wings and glue them over the attached part of the ribbon (where you glued the loop). Hang your angel bell from the loop.

Ring the bell and tell the world that Jesus is coming!

OCC Shoe Boxes - SHIPPED!

2010-11-11T07:52:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to thank you ladies for being SO GENEROUS in giving! With your help, we packed and SHIPPED 70 boxes this year! What an amazing amount! With the cost of the goodies that went inside added to the $7 per box shipping it cost @ $900 to do those 70 boxes! How AWESOME!

Thank you thank you thank you!
There are 70 children out there that will be touched this Christmas because of your generosity!

Mom's Night Out!

2010-11-02T13:34:00.002-04:00

The only thing better than a Thanksgiving meal is not having to cook it!
Join us at Copper River (in front of Chuck E Cheese on Haywood) for our Mom's Feast

Monday, November 15th at 7:00-Dutch treat.
This will be the last MNO event until after the new year.
Don't miss it!!

Operation Christmas Child

2010-10-25T11:39:00.002-04:00

Each year we fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. This is our BIGGEST service project each year!
Last year we filled and shipped 50 boxes! To know that 50 children around the world were blessed by your generosity is an incredible feeling.
Well, this year we have "upped-the-anty"...we are aiming to fill and ship 70 boxes!
Your Discussion Group Leaders have a list of the goodies your small group is providing for the boxes. Most of those are already turned in waiting for the 4&5 year olds to pack away into the boxes. What we need know is money to ship those boxes.
Samaritan's Purse asks $7 to ship each box. So you do the math...70 x $7 = $490!
OUCH! I have the utmost faith that God will provide!
I ask you to pray about what you can give...
We will be collecting money the next 2 meetings to ship those boxes.
If you write a check make it to Samaritan's Purse.

Thanks girls!
Let's make this Christmas something special for 70 kids!
Michelle

MOPPET Blessing

2010-09-28T14:46:00.002-04:00

Welcome to

Jonas Jorge Avesani
Born 9/28/2010
at 11:24am
3.7 lbs and 15 3/4 in long
Small but healthy!

God is good!

Congratulations to Mauricio and Nicole.
Marco is the Big brother!

Prayer Requests/Updates

2010-09-22T08:19:00.001-04:00

Update from the Eaton's:
Isaac is...
Still moving forward in feeding volume.
Still moving forward in maintaining body temp.
Off of oxygen.
...Off of Oxygen monitoring.
Off of antibiotics.
Could be off IV fluids Tuesday.
Could be off IV port on Wednesday.
Will be in special care nursery for a few more days at least.
Brooke was discharged Tuesday.

Please be in prayer for Nicole Avesani. She has gone into preterm labor at 30 weeks and is at GHS. They are giving her steriods to speed up development and hoping to, at minimum, hold off labor for at least 48 hours.

Another New MOPPET

2010-09-17T12:10:00.001-04:00

Welcome to...

Isaac William Eaton
Born on 9/17 at 8:39am
5 lb. 11 oz.
18 inches

Congratulations to Roger and Brooke
Isaac has two big brothers, Andrew and Matthew
and a sister, Lillian!

Our Newest MOPPET!

2010-08-30T15:34:00.001-04:00

We have a new MOPPET!!!

Samuel Henry Portele
Born 8/30 at 11:53am.
8lbs 2oz.
21 inches long

Cathy and Patrick are the proud parents.
Claire and Molly are the big sisters!

Congratulations!

MOPS Convention 2011

2010-08-13T17:58:00.001-04:00

Start planning for it NOW!!!
MOPS International Convention will be held...

In Nashville, TN
August 4-6, 2011.

Start saving your pennies now...it is one of the
best, most worthwhile conventions you could ever go to!

I'm there...how about you?

More baby news!

2010-08-09T08:56:00.001-04:00

We have a new family member!!

Penelope Mayrinck Evans
Born August 8 at 3:37am.
8lb. 6oz.
21 in.

Carolina and James are the proud parents!
Lucas and Marialice are the proud big brother/sister!

Congrats Evans Family!

New MOPPET!!!

2010-07-09T08:47:00.003-04:00

Our MOPS family continues to grow...

We have a new MOPPET!!!
Makenah Elise Brown
Born July 8, 2010 at 10:13 pm.
9lbs 4oz.
20 1/2 inches

Seth and Elizabeth Brown are the proud fisrt time parents.
Congratulations...and welcome to MOPS!

Newest MOPPET!

2010-06-03T23:07:00.001-04:00

We have a new family member!

Logan Michele Daves
Born June 3, 2010
7 lbs 4 oz.
19 3/4 inches.

Tracy and Carl Daves are the proud parents!

Congrats!

Mom's Night Out!

2010-06-03T11:51:00.002-04:00

The end of the school year is sooooooooo busy.
Aren't you ready for a break?
We will have a Mom's Night Out event at Lola's
(a wonderful new restaurant owned by our very own Paige Nalbone)on Monday, June 7th.
The MOPS price for this event is $12 per person plus tax & tip for pretty much
anything on the menu along with salad & bread, coffee or soda & a small canoli.
Yum!!!
Please RSVP on Facebook or by email.

Hope to see you there!
Michelle

Lola's A Taste of Italy
115 Pelham Road
Greenville, SC 29615
298-0088

Convention Details!

2010-05-18T12:29:00.001-04:00

Here is the MOPS Convention info I promised:

August 5-7
Gaylord Palms
Orlando, Florida

The cost:
BEFORE June 7th $229 ($199/ea for a group of 4)
Plus lodging (@$50 a night), travel and food.

BETWEEN 6/8-6/21 $249 ($219/ea for a group of 4)
Plus, plus

BETWEEN 6/22-7/12 $269 ($239/ea for a group of 4)
Plus, plus

I STRONGLY recommend you register early if you want to get the workshop you really want.
Go to http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=560 for convention/workshop details.

You won't be sorry if you go...in fact, you will be thrilled, refreshed, renewed.
I WISH I could go this year....family vacation is the same week though.
Maybe my hubby will take the kids by himself...NAH!

You don't need me to register...but check with each other. It is cheaper to do it in groups of 4.

Enjoy!

MOPPETS Gone Wild!

2010-04-30T21:23:00.001-04:00

Let's Get Wild at Giggle Bugs!!

Date: Friday, May 14th
Time: 9:00-12:00
Cost: $3 per child ages 2 and up (yes,that means you pay for 2 year olds).

They usually do not allow outside food and drinks (other than birthday cake and ice cream), but we talked them into goldfish and sippy cups. No outside cans, juice boxes or Capri Sun-type drinks will be allowed. If you do not want to pay for a drink, put it in a sippy cup. :) We will provide the goldfish.

There is a small section for the itty bitties, but there is not a great deal for them to do. If you are bringing a little one, maybe think of bringing a ball or other favorite toy for them to play with.

P.S. Normal cost is $4 on toddler days (ages 2- 4) and $7 for ages 5 and up.

Woo hoo!!! Let's go play!!

More MOPPET News!

2010-04-03T18:18:00.001-04:00

Like I said...we've been growing!

Welcome Caroline Leigh Hardee!
Born 3/22/10
7lbs 13oz
21in

Blake and Rebecca are the proud first time parents!

Congratulations!

New MOPPET!

2010-04-03T18:13:00.000-04:00

Our MOPS family has grown!

Welcome Claire Addison Ginn
Born 4/2/10
8:32am
8lbs 6oz
20 in
Jamie and Crystal are the proud parents!
Brooke and Ryan are big sister/brother!

Congratulations!

Resurrection Eggs

2010-03-21T20:24:00.005-04:00

Around Easter a favorite activity is going through Resurrection eggs. My girls will ask to do them numerous times a day! Well at a regular price of $15-$20 for a set it can be an expensive purchase.

I recently spoke at a Mom’s group in Columbia and going with the theme of saving money that day they had a great make your Resurrection eggs activity. I quickly asked if I could share it!!

What you will need:

* 5 plastic eggs of various colors
* Picture of a donkey (print one from your computer)
* Goldfish cracker, or other cracker your child likes to eat
* 2 small nails
* Small rock (grab one from the yard)

Hopefully you should have most of the items already so if you have to buy the eggs the whole activity should cost around $1.

Below is the scripture and story about each egg. If your family is like ours you might want to make a set for each kid. They love to open the eggs themselves and eventually will love tell you the story.

Open the blue egg.
Let the child hold the donkey. (Use a picture of a donkey printed on your computer to go in the blue egg)
Read Matthew 21:1-9
Jesus was coming to Jerusalem for Passover. Some people cut palm branches from trees and handed them out for people to wave. Some people laid their coats on the street like a carpet. Jesus rode into the city on a donkey. “Hosanna! ” the people cheered as they waved their palm branches. Some people cheered, “Hail to our King!” Jesus rode through the town on a donkey because when a king rode on a donkey it meant he would bring peace. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to set us free and bring us peace.

Open the purple egg.
Let the children eat the piece of cracker. (Use a gold fish, a ritz bitz, or any cracker your child likes) Matthew 26:17-19, 26-30.
Jesus and His disciples (the 12 men who helped Jesus tell others about God) celebrated Passover together. They went upstairs to a room in a house in Jerusalem. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to remind them that they were to care for others. Then Jesus and the disciples shared a special meal. Jesus knew it would be His last meal with His friends. Jesus knew He had to follow God’s plan for His life and die for our sins.

Open the yellow egg.
Let the children hold the nails. (Show them how to make the 2 nails into a cross.) John 19:16-22
Jesus had to be nailed to the cross to die for our sins because it was God’s plan. The people who loved Jesus were very sad. Jesus did not deserve to be punished. He had not done anything. Jesus died so that we could be forgiven. The Bible says in John 3:16,”For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Open the green egg.
Let the children hold the rock. (Use a rock from your yard)
Matthew 28:1-2
After Jesus died one of his followers wrapped Jesus’ body in cloth and put it in a tomb. The tomb was a special tomb cut into the rock in a hillside.. A big stone was rolled in front of the tomb to close the entrance. Guards were posted to guard the tomb. Jesus followers were very sad that Jesus had died.

Open the orange egg.
It is empty.
Matthew 28:5-8
Early the next morning a lady named Mary Magdalene went to visit the tomb. When she came to the tomb the big rock had been rolled away. The tomb was empty. It was good news! Jesus was alive! Jesus went to heaven to be with God. Jesus was punished for our sins so that some day we will get to go to heaven to be with God and Jesus.

Service Opportunities

2010-03-16T14:01:00.002-04:00

The other day I thanked my neighbor profusely for something she had done for me, and her response was, "Hey, it was really no big deal!" It may not have been a big deal for her, but it was HUGE to me!! I love thinking about ways that MOPS can help those around us in ways that to us seem small and insignificant, but to those on the receiving end it is HUGE!

We have two opportunities right now to contribute a small amount to make a big difference. The first is the Home 4 Me closet. They are in need of you type-A women who love organization (you know who you are!) to help sort and organize the many donated items that come in weekly. If you're interested in donating a couple of hours a month to help out, there will be a sign-up sheet at the next meeting.

The second opportunity is to help bring Easter to a local boys' home. Check your emails for more on that, and consider how you might be able to help. Items are needed by the next meeting, so don't wait! Easter sales are on NOW, and as long as you're buying for your own clan, why not share the love with some boys who desperately need it?! What a great way to help spread the Easter story!

Obey First...A Parenting Tip

2010-03-11T08:02:00.002-05:00

If you have not signed up for the free parenting tips at www.biblicalparenting.org you are missing out!
Here is the most recent one...and I really liked it...so I am sharing!

Obey First and Then We'll Talk About It

When parents give an instruction but children don't want to comply or it's not convenient for them, sometimes they need to learn to "obey first and then we'll talk about it." This emphasizes obedience.
If little Brian has pulled a chair over to the counter and is climbing onto it, you may say, "Brian, we don’t climb on chairs.""But I was just…""No, you need to get down. Obey first and then we'll talk about it." Once he gets down, discuss the problem and find a solution together."Karl, go get your pajamas on.""I don't want to go to bed.""No, obey first and then we'll talk about it."To some parents this may sound like blind obedience. We've all heard stories about people who were led into cultish activity because they couldn't think for themselves. No parent wants a child to fall into a pattern of blindly following a leader's instructions, but evaluating instructions is an advanced skill. Many parents have gone too far in the other direction ending up with children who can't follow simple instructions without a dialogue. Parents sometimes believe they have to talk their child into wanting to obey. Inadvertently, these parents teach their children that if you don't like a request then that's enough reason to resist it. These children make poor employees, develop selfish attitudes about following someone else's leadership, and have a difficult time in relationships because they haven't learned how to sacrifice their own agenda for others.Talking is important but sometimes even we, as adults, must obey first and then understand later. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son without fully understanding and then considered it faith for him to obey. Peter didn't know why he was to go to Cornelius' house but went anyway only to discover that God wanted to bring salvation to the Gentiles. Philip was asked to leave a revival in Samaria and go out into the wilderness, not knowing why, but when he got there he led an Ethiopian man to Christ.Evaluating instructions is an advanced skill and will become important later on but children need to learn that sometimes we all must "obey first and then we'll talk about it."

This parenting tip comes from the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

To share with us on our blog click here.

If this tip was sent to you by a friend and you'd like to continue to receive tips yourself, you can sign up at www.biblicalparenting.org.

Apple Cranberry Crunch

2010-02-25T15:34:00.002-05:00

Several of you have asked me for this recipe...so here it is!

This is an "abouts" recipe...no real measurements
@7-8 apples peeled and cut (enough to cover the bottom of a 9x13)
2T flour
@1c fresh cranberries (or in the off season use craisins) I almost always use craisins
@3/4c sugar
combine all this in the baking dish.

then... the topping...
5 packages of instant apple cinnamon oatmeal
1 stick butter, melted
@1/2c brown sugar
@1/2c flour
combine and pour on top of apple mixture
(you can also add @1/2c chopped pecans to the topping)

350 degrees for 45 minutes.
I put it together the night before, store covered in the fridge, then increase the cooking time in the morning to 1 hour.

Parenting Anger

2010-02-24T15:07:00.003-05:00

I have heard a lot of you talk about getting angry with your kids.
It happens to me all of the time...not that I am proud to say that, but it's true.
I received this via email a few weeks ago and thought I would share:

"But My Anger is Justified"
Some view their anger as justified because they are right and others are wrong. They believe that being right is the only ticket required to launch into an adult temper tantrum. But saying "He made me angry" implies that external events require emotional intensity. The dad who links the trigger (what "made" him angry) and response (what he does with his anger) too closely ends up believing that others have made him the way he is.
When parents do this, they often blame their kids for problems and rarely take responsibility for their own emotions. In many cases, of course, the child is indeed wrong. It isn't helpful, though, to expect our children to bear the responsibility of our anger in addition to what they did wrong. The mom who says, "I wouldn't have to get angry if my kids would listen the first time," has fallen into the trap of blaming her children for her angry responses. The truth of the matter is that it doesn't take much intelligence to see something wrong, but it takes wisdom to know how to respond to it. There's a big difference between a button that pops up on a turkey to announce that it's done and a cook who knows how to make a great dinner. Some people are like those little turkey buttons—whenever something goes wrong they pop up with angry reactions and they try to justify abusiveness because they see a problem. It's not enough to be right in life; parents also need to be wise. Real wisdom knows how to respond in a way that brings change, not revenge. As parents, we don't just want to punish our kids for doing something wrong; we want to help them change their hearts. Anger may reveal what's wrong, but it's rarely a good solution to a problem. Once you identify an offense, it's best to consider how to motivate change.

This parenting tip comes from the book Good and Angry, Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN,BSN.

If this tip was sent to you by a friend and you'd like to continue to receive tips yourself, you can sign up at http://www.biblicalparenting.org/ParentTips.asp.

Our First MOPPET of 2010!

2010-01-31T16:37:00.002-05:00

We have a new member of the family!

Samuel Langston Ellison

Born January 28th

2:55pm

7lbs 14oz

19 inches long

Congratualtions to David and Marijon!

Ian is officially a big brother now!

Wrapping Up a Great Day!

2010-01-26T23:14:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but today's meeting was like a great shot of energy. I think we must have had one of our largest MOPS crowds and on a cold, January day that is a BIG DEAL!

I have to give a shoutout to Jan Kneeland who talked about encouragement. I find that going to the Bible not only provides comfort in difficult times and direction for living, but also encouragement that I need. I need to look to God for my encouragement. Too often I look to other people and things of this world to keep me going. How about you? As mothers, we look for power that WE have and we fall short. We worry about the end result instead of trusting God to work things out in his timing. And his timing is perfect!

Thanks also to Ann Marie for helping many of us get the "right fit." I wish she could have seen that initial stampede to the bathroom. Many of us have been living with "girls in need of a lift" and this was certainly a needed event!

Our craft was great as usual, the food was yummy and I had the opportunity to hear compliments from both of our visiting moms because I sat beside them. They could feel the love and support we all have for each other and that is what MOPS is all about.

Let me leave you with the words from Phillipians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.

Love to all,
Jerri Lyn

* Look for more good stuff from Jan in our next MOPS Messenger!

10 Questions For Lindsay Cuttino!

2010-01-25T11:54:00.003-05:00

I have had the pleasure of knowing Lindsay Cuttino for the past two years. She is my DGL this year and I served on the Hospitality Team with her last year. Lindsay is a very creative person and you should see the beautiful cakes she creates! I spoke with her this morning and asked her 10 questions. Here is what she said:

What is your favorite color? White!

Easiest meal to put on the table in a hurry? Breakfast food!

Your childhood ambition? I didn't have one.

Your hardest adjustment as a mom? Juggling everything that a mom has to do with two kids...especially when I have to take them somewhere.

Your pet peeve? I was always a grammar nerd! I hate it when people pluralize something that is actually singular. Example: People say, "There's two chairs over there." They are saying "There is two chairs over there" but that is incorrect!

Quality you are known for? I get along with most people.

Your greatest extravagance? Buying a whole tub of Bryer's cookie dough ice cream, sitting on the couch and eating the ice cream all by myself!

TV show you have to watch? I love to watch Rachel Ray!

Are you a night or a morning person? Morning.

Tell your favorite MOPS memory? I will always remember having to stick my hand in that nasty gravy during the game played in the Nov. 2009 meeting. Yuck!!!

I would like to thank Lindsay for taking the time to answer these questions. I would also like to enlist her to proof all future blog posts and newsletters. I need grammar nerds in my life and that is not good........I majored in English!

Resolution Check-In...Adios to Sweet Tea

2010-01-24T22:58:00.002-05:00

Yikes!

January is almost behind us! I hope you all have had a great start to 2010. How are those resolutions going? I have heard of great progress for many of you.
I really enjoyed hearing William speak to us at our first MOPS meeting of 2010. I was so impressed with his dedication to achieving health that I decided to make a few small changes. I am proud to report that I have not had a sweet tea in two weeks. Now if you know me, you know that this is MAJOR! I love iced tea. I crave it. I will knock people down to get it. I like all types of tea and I drink a lot of the unsweetened variety. McDonalds, however, has this great big tea for a buck that became my downfall about a year ago. I discovered how easy it was to swing by and grab one before going to the pool or to a meeting or anyplace else. It became a pleasure that was too easily obtained. Do you have any idea how much sugar is in the stuff? LOADS!

So, it was with great trepidation that I decided I needed to cut out this extra sugar after being inspired by William. I needed to get back to my unsweetened tea and increase my water intake. Well, it has not been easy but I have made it so far. I actually don't miss it as much as I thought I would. I have been experimenting with different types of mint teas which add a zing to the unsweetened stuff. I can report that I am not craving sugar as much as before.

So ladies, it really starts with the little things! What is next? I don't know yet. I have been working on that ice cream love affair also. Now if I could just get motivated to MOVE THE BODY!!! I would love to hear more about the little changes that are having a big impact on your life.

This week we will get back to our normal meeting schedule with our second January meeting, so don't forget! We will have our yummy food provided by discussion groups and Kristen has a great craft planned. See you there!

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-01T10:33:00.003-05:00

I think my least favorite part of the new year is the feeling that I HAVE to make resolutions. I mean, let's be serious, is changing to a new calendar really going to make me a better housekeeper, or less addicted to sweets? It's not...been there, tried that. But I still feel like I need to resolve to do SOMETHING.
So, this year I have decided to grow my relationships. Most importantly, my relationship with God. I don't spend nearly the amount of time with Him that I should. If I did, I would probably be a better housekeeper and able to stay away from the treats...because I KNOW that relying on Him will help me get places better than if I were relying on myself.
I also plan to invest more time in my relationship with my husband...who is this guy that I'm married to anyway? And my children...now that they are getting older I feel like the only time I spend with them is chauffeuring them or pressuring them to get their homework done. And you, my friends...how well do I really know you? or you me?
So that's my focus this year...I resolve to grow my relationships.

How about you? If weight loss or gaining health is a goal...I do have an opportunity available for you. The leader of this program is a friend of mine...and he is wonderful.

2010 NuLifeRx Fitness Challenge
January 9th, 2010 at LivN Nsidout
550 Brookwood Place
Simpsonville, SC 29681
Price: $99 for the complete 12 week program!

Start your New Year off with everything you need to succeed in your weight loss goals! Connect with others in the upstate who are focused on gaining health in the new year. Be supported by a group of doctors, a nutritionist, an exercise physiologist and a weight loss coach in accomplishing your goals!

Includes:
Kickoff event with speakers and 12 week program description
Health With A Mission - 12 week fitness challenge book and journal (200+ pages)
NutritionRx - Online web-based nutrition tracking with calorie count.
2010 NuLifeRx Fitness Challenge t-shirt
Online Social Networking for participants to connect with each other and the NuLifeRx staff for support
Weekly "Brunch and Learn" meetings at LivN Nsidout (food purchased separately at Inergy)
Couch to 5k guided preparation for the "Race With A Mission" on April 9th, 2010 (optional)
Weekly "Couch to 5k" group training at LivN Nsidout
Finale and "Race With A Mission" 5k on April 9th, 2010 (optional race fee $20)

So sit down today and think of what you resolve to do this year...
Looking forward to growing my relationship with YOU!
Michelle

Christmas Eve Traditions

2009-12-24T13:29:00.004-05:00

It seems every family has a different tradition for what they do on Christmas Eve.
My husband and I both grew up doing very similar things on Christmas Eve...spending it with Grandparents.
Since we live nowhere near our parents we decided to start our own traditions:
We bake cookies for Santa.
Go to Christmas Eve service at church.
Let the kids open one present, which is always new jammies.
And read the following...so they understand that Christmas is about a very special baby!

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Merry Christmas my friends! May God's love shine on you brightly!
Michelle

A New MOPPET!

2009-12-11T14:11:00.001-05:00

Tyler Matthew Evans is here!!
Born today at 12:47pm
6lb 5oz, 18 1/2 in long.

Matt and Natalie are the proud parents.
Tyler has 2 big sisters Makenzie and Rylie.

Congratulations!

Christmas Opportunities at First Baptist

2009-12-10T23:57:00.002-05:00

I know that many of you are making plans to attend "Only Love" at FBCS this weekend but there are two other Christmas events coming up that you will want to check out.

Wednesday, December 16th:
The Preschool and Gradeschool Choirs of FBCS will present their annual Christmas program at
6:30PM in the Worship Center. This is such a cute program and several of our MOPS moms work hard with these choirs during the year. I promise, you will love it!

Friday, December 24th:
FBCS will have Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 5:00PM, 7:00PM, and 9:00PM. Each of
these services are identical. They last approximately one hour and include music, prayer and a short message. This is a great opportunity for families. Please note that these services are generally very crowded, so arrive early to get seats! Childcare is NOT provided during these services.

Hope all of your Christmas preparations are going well!

Love,
Jerri Lyn

A Recipe from Mrs. Evelyn- HOBO STEW!

2009-12-09T00:07:00.003-05:00

Are you expecting a crowd any time during the Christmas season? Well, I want to share a good recipe that you will enjoy, is easy and fast and will please a BIG BUNCH of people. Mrs. Evelyn, our MOPS mentor shared this with us last year. Mrs. Evelyn is a super person and I got to know her a little better during last month's MOPS FEAST. I was amazed at the amount of mission work that she does and the number of lives she has touched must number the thousands. She is a true gift to our MOPS program. I hope you enjoy this.

HOBO STEW

6lbs. ground round or sirloin
1 lg. onion, chopped
2lb. bag frozen vegetables
10 potatoes, chopped
2 heads cabbage, chopped
1 cup chopped peppers
4 cans tomatoes
2 tbl.spoons soy sauce
salt, pepper, and garlic to taste

In a large pot, brown meat, add onions and peppers and cook until softened. Add remaining ingredients and cook over medium to low heat stirring frequently. Add water as needed.

Serves 30 people. (Told you it was BIG!)

Why I Still Love Charlie Brown

2009-12-08T23:52:00.002-05:00

I was very bummed out this morning. I had to miss the MOPS annual Christmas Brunch and was not happy about it. My two-year old had a very important appointment and even though I was where I needed to be, my thoughts were with all of you.
Unfortunately, the misery did not stop there. I forgot my umbrella and it rained. I had no checks left in my checkbook when I got to Publix. My two-year old would not nap. I could go on.....
FINALLY at 8:00pm, I sat down to watch what was bumped from the viewing schedule last Tuesday night. Yes, I LOVE Charlie Brown and it was worth the wait. I have always loved this 30 minute show that is older than me. Do you know why? Because it boldly states the gospel of Luke in the show. It states it without apology. It ignores political correctness. It just says it all.
Can you imagine that show being produced for the first time in 2009? Sadly, it would not make the network lineup. The fact that it is still shown on one of the "big three" networks gives me a glimmer of hope.
Yes, I missed all of you today. I do hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. And I want to thank the wonderful soul who put the video of "Santa Baby" on facebook. That made my day!

Annual Christmas Brunch

2009-11-29T21:34:00.000-05:00

All I want for Christmas is...
to laugh until I pee myself at the MOPS Christmas Brunch!

You SOOO don't want to miss this one...the most fun meeting of the year!
Don't forget to bring your white elephant gift. It doesn't need to be new, by all means...regift something you don't use, but no gag gifts please.
If you prefer to shop, it's a $5 max.

Can't wait to see all of you, after all...It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Can I Ask You A Question?

2009-11-24T22:11:00.002-05:00

This morning I spoke with Sharon Scruggs. She was very gracious and answered my usual 10 questions and for that I am very thankful! Sharon is so very sweet and is part of the "muscle" that is the MOPS Hospitality Team. I can speak from experience about how hard this team works in preparing for our meetings and this year the work is DOUBLED. Sharon is always there and ready to help and with a smile on her face. Here is what she told me:

Your favorite color? Blue!

Easiest meal to put on the table in a hurry? Tacos

Your secret ambition as a child? Newscaster

Your hardest adjustment as a mom? Functioning on little sleep!

Pet Peeve? Whining

Quality you are most known for? Dependability

Your greatest extravagance? Chocolate

TV show you have to watch? No time for TV because I am on the internet!

Night or morning person? Morning

Tell a favorite MOPS memory. Watching Melissa Lumm stuffing her mouth with M&M's during the eating contest during the Christmas Brunch last year!

Black Friday-Cyber Monday

2009-11-23T15:59:00.003-05:00

Ok. I know that you are still preparing for Thanksgiving on Thursday but have you thought about the day after? Some of us love this phenomonenal day created by retailers known a "Black Friday." Some of us loathe it. I am a little indifferent. If I really find a good deal and I happen to be in a store......
Still, if you MUST participate in the chaos there are ways to prepare yourself. Did you know that you can visit sites such as tgiblackfriday.com to help plan your shopping attack? This site will let you look at the PDF of sales flyers for major stores for Black Friday. This is helpful because you do not have to waste that precious Thanksgiving Day family time looking through sales ads. The site is up and running now. Also available now is Amazon's Deal of the Day at www.savingsmania.com. This is worth checking out if you chose to get a jump on shopping and do not want to fight the crowds. The Deal of the Day can feature any item you would normally purchase from Amazon such as books, music, DVDs, etc.
Another option if shopping is out of the question is Cyber Monday. This is the day that sees the most shopping traffic online. CyberMonday.com lists participating stores and directions. Many of these deals involve rebates so take this into consideration.
Good luck with your shopping ladies! Watch out for others and stay safe......as you know, this is not the reason for the season. Keep it in perspective.....our little ones will pick up on our stress and are satisfied with much less under that Christmas tree than we think they are!

Home-Ec 101

2009-11-23T15:42:00.003-05:00

I am making a plug for a great blog I discovered over the past year. This blog is written and maintained by Heather Solos of Charleston, SC. Heather is a trained chef who left the restuarant world behind several years ago to become a stay-at-home mom to two boys.
I discovered this blog when I googled "homekeeping." I was looking for an answer about cleaning a type of fabric that got stained by my sewing machine. Yes, I can sew (basic stuff) and yes, the advice worked. I also liked Heather's writing style so I bookmarked the site and kept returning!
One interesting thing about the blog is Heather's section on Holiday planning and her step-by-step recipes which have pictures. During November she has featured a Thanksgiving Countdown
which has suggested schedules for cleaning and cooking. In her cooking section she does a great Thanksgiving meal that is easy to follow. Heather's blog is actually entitiled, "Home-Ec 101-What you Wish your Mama Taught You. Many of us may have had little home ec classes in school or may have never been taught how to cook things like turkeys or homemade mashed potatoes. If you did learn these things at home, Heather has other stuff that may appeal to you. She has five main topic posts which are labeled: "Cook It" , "Clean It", "Fix It", "Wash It", and "Read It." She also prints a weekly menu idea guide. The address is home-ec101.com. Check it out!!!

Turbo Blogging and Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T15:20:00.004-05:00

Turbo blogging is what happens when you are a blog contributor and you fail to blog for awhile! I have had a nice little pile of written stuff but have just failed to post it. I hope you all will forgive me.
Can it possibly be Thanksgiving Week? Has it snuck up on you, too? I am so excited that we are entering the Christmas season but I sometimes feel that Thanksgiving gets less attention than it should. I want to wish each and every one of you a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope that you all get to spend time with your families and don't have to spend every spare minute cooking or driving. Those two things can "eat" into this fast week.
I do want to list a few things I am thankful for. Bear with me.....when you contribute to the blog you get this opportunity!

1. I am thankful for Jesus. He loves me with all of my flaws and forgives me.
2. I am thankful for my family, my country, my church and all that God has blessed me with.
3. I am thankful for MOPS which has helped keep me sane for the past two years. I am thankful that Ann Simmons answered God's call to start our Simpsonville group. I am thankful that Michelle is continuing what Ann started and that she is understanding. I am thankful for all of the Steering Committee and all that they do to help keep everything on track twice a month. I am thankful for all of the great friends I keep continuing to make by being a part of this group. You all make me a better mom and your support is priceless. I love you all!
4. I am thankful for all of the shortcuts I will use later this week: pre-chopped onions, whipped cream, Peppridge Farm stuffing and my microwave.......yes I will be cooking this year!!!!

Love in Christ,
Jerri Lyn

PRAYER REQUESTS

2009-11-13T10:43:00.002-05:00

Ladies,
Please lift the following up in prayer:
From Ann Simmons regarding her new niece:
I'm writing to ask that you all add Sydney to your prayers. Last night they decided to transfer her to another hospital and put her in the NICU. I believe what she has experienced is a collapsed lung. It seemed to develop over the day yesterday because there was no evidence of it in the x-rays the took ... Read Moreyesterday morning. She was born at 36 almost 37 weeks and her lungs were clearly not finished developing. They are giving her the meds to help with the lung development and now healing. Also, last night they heard a heart murmur. The doctor isn't as concerned about that, but they will be doing an echo cardiogram this morning to make sure. SO, Ed (Dad) is with her at Community North. Teresa (Mom) is at Community South in Indianapolis. They are hoping that Teresa will be released this morning so she can be with Ed and Sydney today. Also as another prayer point in this, I'm fairly certain that Teresa is not a Christian. My brother is but has definitely fallen away over the years. Please pray not only for Sydney, but for Ed and Teresa to see God's hand in this in a real, tangible way and through that come to KNOW Him!
From Kelly Costello regarding her sister:
Kelly's sister, Libby, found out earlier this week that she has a brain tumor. She is having surgery on Monday to remove as much of the tumor as possible. She will also be having chemo and radiation soon. Even with these treatments, Libby has been given a window of 2 years to live. Kelly will be ... Read Moretraveling this weekend to be with her family in N.C. Please pray for Kelly's safe travel, comfort and strength for her and her family, skill and wisdom for Libby's physician and that he is able to remove as much of the tumor as possible, and peace, comfort, and strength for Libby.
And for our Creative Activities leader, Kristen Garrett who is in surgery as we speak. Pray for successful surgery and an easy recovery.
Thanks prayer warriors!

Moms Feast!

2009-11-09T14:48:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and what better way for us to celbrate than to get together to EAT?

No cooking, no children, no husbands- just great friends and great food. We will be going out for our Mom's Feast on Tuesday, November 17th at 6:30 at Mimi's Cafe (on Woodruff).

I must have a headcount by this Friday, Nov. 13th, so please RSVP if you are joining us.

This is a Dutch treat event.

I can't wait to see you there!!!

Brandy

Another New MOPPET!!

2009-11-07T11:57:00.004-05:00

Our MOPS family has a new baby!

Levi Brian Owens

8 lb. 0 oz.

21 inches

Born Friday November 6th @ 4:33 pm

Levi has an infection and is in the NICU...please lift him up in prayer.

Brian and Sheri Owens are the proud parents!

And Gideon, Titus and Lydia are new big brothers/sister!

Congratulations!!

Beading Instructions

2009-10-31T08:45:00.000-04:00

Hey All,

I am so glad that so many ladies enjoyed the Beaded Serving Spoon craft this month. Here is some of the details on the materials incase you want to try it at home & start beading anything that stands still!

First off the spoons came from Wal-Mart. They are $1.50 each. They also have matching serving forks & serving slotted spoons at the same cost.

On the serving untensils you should use 20 gauge beading wire. For the beaded glasses you need to use alittle smaller of a wire which is more like a 26 gauge.
The wires come in all different colors & I am attaching 2 great links which show the serving spoons using red wire for Christmas, and the red gobblet using gold wire. They are great examples.

The wire for these specific spoons is 44 in. long. You might need to cut it at the end if it is too long. You need about 2 inches at the finishing end for the final spiral.
The beads I used were 6mm faceted plastic beads (which were the larger beads - in red and clear) You can get a pack of 850 beads for $2.99 at Michaels.
The smaller beads (seed beads) are 6/0 glass seed beads (the small beads - in red & clear) You can get a 3 oz pack for $2.99 at Michaels.
For one spoon we used about 30 large beads (red & clear combined) & about 70 small beads (again combined)
The packages from Michaels will make many spoons (About 50) so you can make all sorts of stuff w/little investment.

While beading, I was asked if we could bead on the backs of the spoons too. I thought I'd let you all know that I tried this. For these particular spoons this would not work out that well. It is very difficult to keep the wire tight & wrap the beads around the edges. I personally did not think it looked as nice as the other. If you decide to try this, you need to add about 5 inches to the wire, & of course double your bead amount. It would be more suitable if you had actual rounded handles on the serving spoons.

As a side note, I thought I'd let you all know that while I was looking for utensils to bead, I came across a great set of wooden salad servers for 3.15 at Target. They would make a lovely beaded gift. I can envision using turquoise w/the wooden utensils. I think it would be great. Of course we were under a tighter budget, so we couldn't afford that, but maybe one of you all would venture into this idea.

Also remember that any beaded utensil or glass needs to be hand washed. The dishwasher would be too hard on the wire.

Check out these sites & happy beading!
See you all next time, Kristen

http://www.artbeads.com/christmas-serving-utensils-decor.html?cmp=postech&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=postech

http://www.artbeads.com/wire-wrapped-wine-glass-christmas-idea.html?cmp=postech&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=postech

New MOPPET!

2009-10-29T13:55:00.002-04:00

Our MOPS family has a new baby!

Sterling Maxwell Krulic ~ "Max"
7 lb. 8 oz.
21 inches

Born Thursday October 29th @ 9:15 am

Bryce and Brooke Krulic are the proud parents!
Samantha is now a BIG sister!

Congratulations!!

Meeting Reminders for October 27th

2009-10-26T22:14:00.002-04:00

Ladies!
I'm looking forward to a great meeting tomorrow! I just wanted to remind everyone that we will be doing a craft. Please bring needle-nosed pliers if you have them!
Also bring in your items for our Operation Christmas Child box collection. We will collect items tomorrow (and at the November meeting at the latest) so the MOPPETS can fill the boxes at the November meeting.
So get some sleep and get ready for some great food, crafting and conversation.....see you tomorrow!!!

Pumpkin Seed Fun

2009-10-22T20:25:00.002-04:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I love Fall and all of its' trappings and this year is no different. I love the crisp air, the colors of the leaves and that indescribable "football feeling." I even enjoy pulling out sweaters to wear following the first cold mornings that seem to arrive in the South later and later every year. I hit all of the orchards: Stewart's, Nivens and Sky Top!
But one of my favorite things about Fall are PUMPKINS!!!! There is nothing like a good pumpkin. The shape. The vibrant color. Say the word "pumpkin" several times and see if you can resist smiling! And the sight of a jack-o-lanterns on porches in neighborhoods is a treat.
Another great treat comes from pumkins-the Pumpkin Seeds! The seeds are the true treasure of the pumpkin and are loaded with protein and fiber. They are so good and roasting them is a great activity to do with your kids. The following recipes are from allrecipes.com. They have several variations listed and I have found this recipe to be a good one.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
*Most recipes for pumpkin seeds work best if you use 1-2 cups of seeds and use them immediately after taking out of the pumpkin.

1. Remove seeds from pumpkin. Rinse under cold water. Pick out pulp and stings before seeds dry.
2. Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray. Arrange seeds on sheet in one layer.
3. Sprinkle with salt. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 275-300 degrees. Turn seeds once during cooking time.

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
This is a great variation to try. Follow the same steps as above just change the cooking time to one hour and mix the seeds with the following:
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tblsp. melted margarine or butter
1/8 tsp. garlic salt
2 tsps. Worcestershire sauce

Enjoy!

Catching Up and Can I Ask You A Question?

2009-10-19T11:12:00.002-04:00

Hi Ladies!
I am back after an illness-induced absence and have some catching up to do! There are some really SCARY GERMS out there.......have you been fighting them off, too? Well, good luck with the battle.
Don't forget our upcoming MOPS Spooktacular Halloween Party! It is coming up this Friday, Oct.23rd from 9:15-11:15 and promises to be a great time for you and your Moppets. See you there!
I spoke with Eileen Leine this morning and asked her some questions. Eileen has been a member of MOPS since our first year. She is working as a Discussion Group Leader this year and is a super person! Here are her responses:

Your favorite color? purple!

Easiest meal to put on the table in a hurry? Chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese....the all-time kid favorite!

Your ambition as a child? to be a lawyer.

Your hardest adjustment as a mom? It is harder than I thought! The baby stage was easy and then it got harder!

Pet Peeve? When my house is dirty.....it drives me crazy!!

Quality you are known for? being thoughtful.

Your greatest extravagance? going out to eat! I love it!

TV show you have to watch? House Hunters.

Night or morning person? Morning, but not before 7:00!

Tell of a MOPS memory. I remember my first meeting and how warm and friendly everyone was, especially Michelle Jensen and Ann Simmons. I felt so welcomed. I have never forgotten that!

Have a great Monday, ladies! Stay well!!!

Teachable Moments

2009-10-15T18:52:00.002-04:00

Parenting is such a difficult job!
Every day we are presented with "teachable moments" to share with our kids.
Today, a whopper presented itself.
A 6 year old boy, and his brothers, presented a story of getting in a weather balloon and being carried away.
What likely happened...
the boys were playing with the weather balloon, accidentally loosened it...then the fun began.
The 6 year old, terrified of the trouble he was going to be in, ran and hid. The older brothers tell the story of him getting in the balloon.
It is possible that the brothers saw him get into the balloon, but not out before it floated away.
But what the 6 year old did, hiding, there is your teachable moment.

I called all of my kids downstairs, even the 3 year old. Showed them the news, explained the story and then asked, "is that what you would do? Is that what you should do?"
I explained to the kids that telling lies ALWAYS causes more trouble! And, hiding can cause big problems. I told them how the police were there and how the boy was going to be in BIG trouble because he hid, instead of just telling dad what happened.

Little opportunities present themselves everyday. Find them and don't waste them...it can really help make parenting a little less difficult when the kids are faced with difficult choices!

How big is YOUR God?

2009-10-14T21:22:00.002-04:00

“My God is so BIG!!! So strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!” That song is stuck in my head after singing it with a bunch of 3 year olds tonight. It seems that recently a LOT of my conversations with friends have come around to that conclusion! Over and over I've heard their stories, and have stories of my own, that confirm how compassionate, how caring, how great, and just plain BIG our God is! You would think that after walking with God for a certain amout of time, or through a particularly difficult time, trusting Him would have become second nature – He is so predictably faithful! And yet every story blows me away yet again! Instead, faith seems to be a never-ending learning process, kinda like patience. We think we have it mastered, and realize the only thing we have down pat are the words to make it SOUND like we're trusting. My mouth can say a lot of words that my heart hopes in, but just doesn't or can't quite believe. Praise God for His patience with me! I hope and pray, with fear and trembling in my voice as I do, that God continues to stretch my faith until it really is FIRST nature to trust, rest, believe.

All that to say - we have met and exceeded our goal of $350 for Operation Christmas Child - enough to send all 50 boxes! I love God's accounting! As of Tuesday, we had an excess of $5. Yes, $5. Not a deficit, and not a huge excess, but just enough. I love it! So thank you to those of you who allowed God to use you to answer prayers, and all praise to God for proving, once again, how BIG He is!

Christmas??

2009-10-14T07:38:00.002-04:00

Brian mentioned yesterday that we have but 11 shopping weeks until Christmas. That means that our annual Christmas Brunch is only 8 weeks away!
Many of you know that it is tradition to have music at this meeting. This year will be no different. So, I need your input! Think of your 2 or 3 all-time favorite Christmas songs. Put your requests in the comment section of this blog, on the FB MOPS page or email them to me. The songs that are most requested will be in the program!
So get requesting!
Michelle
Oh, and a side note...
I traditionally pick the singers based on who I know will sing...but PLEASE, if you would like to join the "MOPS Ensemble" let me know!

Operation Christmas Child - A Service Project

2009-10-03T21:47:00.001-04:00

It has been said that the greatest hindrance to accepting the Gospel may be the idea of accepting a gift that we can never repay. I thought about that this week as I worked on our Operation Christmas Child project. Could it be that easy? Could it be that just our simple pride gets in the way of accepting a gift of eternal value? How incredibly sad! That's why I love this project so much. Some child, and the parents of that child, and entire communities, are going to receive gifts from total strangers thousands of miles away, who have never met them and know nothing about them, and still love them enough to send these very special packages. They will have no means of repaying us. We know this, and somehow knowing that makes the process of giving all that more precious and exciting!

What a beautiful picture of God's love for us. My hope and prayer is that through these gifts, one child, one family, one community may be able to better understand how a God they have never seen could send a gift they could never repay, just because He loves them, and because He CAN! I can't think of a better way to get across the message of salvation, can you? To be God's hands and feet to help spread His message of love on this earth – what bigger calling could there be?!

So jump on board! We are more than half-way to our goal of 50 boxes!! If you have not had a chance to contribute to the shipping cost ($7/box) you will have another opportunity at the next MOPS meeting. Check the newsletter for your groups assigned gifts (I promise you will spend no more than $5/person for your gifts!) and give generously as the Lord leads you. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get to heaven and hear how these gifts affected lives for eternity!

Jan

MOPS Halloween Party!

2009-10-03T18:21:00.001-04:00

Save the date, Moms!

MOPS of Simpsonville is having a HALLOWEEN PARTY on Friday, October 23rd! The party will be held from 9:15am-11:15 am in our usual meeting place at West Campus. This party is for both Moms and Moppets.

Here is what you need to do:

Bring a candy bag for your child
Bring a snack to share (does not have to be homemade!)
Dress your child in their Halloween Costume and wear a costume yourself, if you dare!

Activities will include games, a kid craft and cookie decorating. It should be a blast so plan to attend!!!!

MOPS Day at Bargain Babies

2009-10-01T15:18:00.003-04:00

The owner of Bargain Babies Consignment has graciously made a special offer to our MOPS moms. On Wednesday October 14th all MOPS moms will receive 30% off of their entire fall purchase.
The details?
Bargain Babies has 2 locations: on Fairview Road and on Main Street in Simpsonville.
The Fairview Road location will open early, at 9 am, just for us!
The Main Street location will be open no later than 11am, and is hoping to open early at 10am for us. All you need to do is shop...then at checkout time tell them you are a MOPS mom and VOILA!, you get 30% off!
There are a few exclusions...cutom orders, Squeakers and new embellished socks.
I hope you ladies enjoy your special discount and the great clothes that will be available for your kids!

Friends for a Season?

2009-09-29T20:10:00.004-04:00

Linda's talk today got me to thinking about the friends I have had over the course of the years.
When I was young my friends were mainly comprised of my classmates and my cousins. I have since lost touch with many of those friends, including some of my cousins. Different paths caused that.
After college, I found most of my friends were people that I worked with. We had lots in common and enjoyed each other tremendously. But then, one by one, we started families and hung out less and less.
Now that I am a mommy, I realize that most of my friends are mommies also. We are going through the same season in our lives and that creates a natural bond between us.
As we go through different seasons of our lives we are always surrounded by friends. The friends often change, but the importance of those friendships doesn't. Enjoy the friendships you have now, invest deeply in them and enjoy them. Don't despair over friendships that are no longer, instead cherish the memories and be grateful that you had them.
It is true...that a rare one or two friendships will withstand the test of time and carry over from season to season. Treasure those friendships for they are priceless.
I am glad that I am your friend in this season of our lives...and I hope to carry our friendship on as we continue to move towards the next season. But if our friendship ends with this season I can honestly say, that I will always cherish it.
Michelle
P.S. Dana...I love you girl!

WOW!!!

2009-09-28T18:15:00.002-04:00

I returned from MOPS Convention yesterday a tired,yet inspired mother. There is so much that I want to share with all of you from the Convention. The love and support that is felt at a gathering of over 4,000 moms is something impossible to truly describe. All I can say is WOW!!!

My plan is to share information from the Convention on the blog, newsletter and FaceBook. I look forward to seeing all of you at the meeting in the morning. Thank you all for being such a supportive group of moms!

Love,
Jerri Lyn

Can I Ask You A Few Questions?

2009-09-23T15:10:00.003-04:00

This month we will start a new blog feature. We will spotlight a member who has been around a while. This cooresponds with our spotlight section in the MOPS Messenger that introduces one of our new members. So here is installment one!

JENNIE SIBLEY........CAN I ASK YOU A FEW QUESTIONS????

Jennie Sibley has been a member of MOPS of Simpsonville since it began! She is the mother of four and in fact her youngest is one of our newest MOPPETS. Jennie is on the Hospitality Team this year with Brandy and the gang. She is a lovely person and great to talk with. She let me bend her ear for these questions this morning.

Favorite color? Pink

Easiest meal to put on the table in a hurry? Chicken casserole. I can share it with you.

Childhood ambition? To be a nurse.

Your hardest adjustment as a mom? Trying to balance my time between four children!

Pet peeve? Riding along and seeing children in other cars who are not in carseats.

Quality you are most known for? My loyalty.

Your greatest extravagance? Shopping without my children!

TV show you have to watch? American Idol.

Are you a night or a morning person? Morning.

Tell a MOPS memory? I love watching the eating contests we have during the annual Christmas brunch!

Great Start !!!

2009-09-15T18:06:00.002-04:00

What a great first meeting!
I hope everyone enjoyed renewing old friendships, starting new ones and getting a much needed breath of fresh air. It was great seeing so many new faces...13 new moms. It was great to see Joy Anderson, Kristy Barton, Carolina Evans, Yvette Grace, Jennifer Hall, Laura Huskins, Jennifer Jarvis, Stacey Jones, Sheri Owens, Lori Patterson, Cindy Smith, and Amy Thornton at MOPS for the first time. Brooke Krulic...we missed seeing you, but are looking forward to your getting off bed rest and joining us!
I would like to thank Brandy and her Hopitality team for the great gifts and prizes and yummy breakfast. Also, thanks to Kristen for a wonderful craft. Additionally, thanks goes to Judy and the MOPPET workers for watching our children for us. But most importantly, thanks to all of you for being there, it just wouldn't have been as much fun without YOU!
So, Welcome! Can't wait to see you all again in 2 weeks!
Michelle

September Teaser

2009-09-04T10:37:00.002-04:00

Quick! What do the following things have in common? Besides being flowers!!!
Daisies
Roses
Hydrangeas
Peonies
Irises
Lilies
Find out at the first MOPS meeting on September 15th!!!!!!

The Next Big Blockbuster

2009-09-04T00:25:00.002-04:00

I don't know Brooke Eaton very well. We have never been in the same MOPS discussion group. Our children are different ages. We both seem to be relatively quiet people. I tell you this because even though I don't know Brooke very well I can tell you that she has touched my life. She sent me a beautiful note when my Grandmother died two years ago. She has a beautiful voice that has touched many in numerous solos. She also wrote the following piece for the MOPS Messenger newsletter in September 2008. This piece is wonderful and captures the essence of the "big picture" that often gets lost in the daily chaos of motherhood. I hope you will enjoy it again. I hope that this year I will get to know Brooke a little better.
The Next Big Blockbuster
by Brooke Eaton
Every great action and adventure movie has an equally great musical score. Just imagine Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Superman and James Bond without any music. Sometimes grand and majestic with a broad, sweeping melody, other times frantic and edgy keeping you biting your not-so-perfectly-manicured nails (who has the time?), the soundtrack is what takes the adventure from humdrum to breathtaking, from I'll-wait-for-it-on-video to gotta-see-it-on-th-big-screen. The amazing thing about the soundtrack of a movie is that like all of the other songs you've ever heard it is made up of the same twelve notes. If you listened to any one section or one instrument's part, it might sound monotonous or even downright annoying (like one more, "Why Mommy?")
"But," you might say "what does this have to do with me...mhy life is no action and adventure epic. I'm just a mom, changing the 47th stinky diaper of the day, cleaning up the dishes again, answering the telephone, paying the bills, driving the carpool, and on and on..."
Well, like the soundtrack of that great movie, listening to only a second of music, it might not sound like much, but listen to all of it in its complete glory and you have another story entirely. Believe it ot not, your life is an adventure....filled with danger, mystery, maybe a little bit of romance,chills, thrills, joy, sorrow, laughter and tears. No one else's adventure looks exactly like yours. We are all on a journey for a faraway land, and if we will accept Him, there is a prince waiting for us in a more amazing "happily ever after" than the greatest screenwriter has ever dreamed.
Having preschoolers is a part of what brings the movie of your life its humor, its passion, its tears and some of its most precious joys. So today, as your toilet overflows because your preschooler decided to do an experiment to see how much paper it would hold, as your supper burns and you have to call out for pizza, as you pick up the same toys again after the kids are finally in bed, remember not to judge the whole movie by the scene you were in today. Enjoy instead the theme to Chariots of Fire (remember that one?) as you read these words.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith(They are in the theater watching you life's epic), let us strip off every weight that slows us down(No, I don't mean the three diaper bags), especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.(The Perfect Prince who loves us so much He was willing to die for us. Talk about romantic!), on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward(You, beloved!). Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him(You think you've had a bad day!) so that you won't become weary and give up.(Hebrews 12:1-3,NLT, additional notes mine)
Today, I'm going to try playing my favorites on iTunes and remember that this movie is a work in progress. At the end of this life, I'm going to watch it on the big screen with my popcorn (with extra butter-it won't matter then!), Junior Mints and the biggest Coke heaven has, laughing, crying, and clapping at the end , at the Master Filmaker's brilliant design! Maybe after I've watched mine, I'll come to your mansion and watch your's too, since time won't be an issue.

And now, enjoy the show!

That September Feelin'

2009-09-01T13:25:00.000-04:00

The countdown is on!!! Two weeks from today MOPS will meet for the start of a new year and I am so excited. The Steering Committee spent a great two hours together last night to finalize plans for our year. I am blessed to be working with such a great group of dedicated women who support each other and understand what a tremendous job it is to be a mother.

Have you noticed the change in the air? I love September! Even though it still looks and feels like Summer, I always feel a little different once that calendar page is flipped to September. There is just that unexplainable feeling that something has changed. Even though Fall has not officially arrived there is a crisp feeling to everything. Even going to my beloved pool feels different!
So in the spirit of change, let's look forward to a great first month of MOPS. Start thinking about what changes you want to make in your life. Think about the precious relationships you have with others, with yourself and most importantly with God. We will focus on these relationships this year and I know it will be a blessing to you. God has great plans in store for you!

Until next time,
Jerri Lyn

August is Tomato Month!!! A Recipe.

2009-08-25T22:30:00.003-04:00

I was at a farm stand this past week (with all of those hungry,visiting relatives) and I remembered this great recipe. It features the wonderful tomato which is in it's peak of flavor this month. Carol Carson, a long-time MOPS mom, has a good recipe featuring the tomato. These Bacon Tomato Cups have graced the table at many MOPS meetings and they FLY onto the plates because they are soooo good. Here's hoping that you new MOPS moms try this recipe which was first featured in the September 2008 newsletter!

Bacon Tomato Cups

8 slices bacon
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
3oz. shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
8 Grand flaky buttermilk biscuits

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a MINI muffin pan. In a skillet, fry bacon. Let bacon drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon into medium sized mixing bowl. Add the tomato, onion, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning, mix well.
Cut each biscuit in half (2 half moons). Peels each piece apart into 2 ( making 4 half moons from each biscuit). Shape 1 piece at a time into mini muffin cups. Fill biscuits with bacon mixture. Bake 10-12 minutes or until brown.
(Published in Simpsonville FBC Church Cookbook)

Tuesday Night Check-In

2009-08-25T22:12:00.002-04:00

Hi Ladies!

What a difference a week makes! From all accounts I have received, everyone survived that infamous first day of school. Now we are in the middle of that first week..........
I am sitting in a silent house following two weeks of visiting relatives and it is pure bliss. I am now back to focusing on MOPS and our upcoming first meeting. I can't wait to see all of you returning moms and I look forward to meeting all of our new MOPS members.
I do have a few requests:
1. JOIN THE BLOG AND SPREAD THE WORD!!!
2. Continue to lift Erin Oliver's brother and his family up in prayer. Also continue to say prayers for Judy Taylor and Gretchen Pace. Judy's dad, Leon Lutz, passed away last week. Judy has the HUGE task of coordinating the childcare for our MOPS meeting. For those of you who are new, Gretchen is Judy's daughter and has been active in MOPS for several years. If you have a prayer request that you would like published on the blog, please contact me!
3. Have any of you been to the new Greenville Children's Museum? If so, I want to hear about it!

Love until next time,
Jerri Lyn

Wednesday Night Opportunities at SFBC

2009-08-16T17:46:00.003-04:00

Yes, THAT week has arrived! Some of you are rejoicing and some of you are a 'weepin! As the mother of a two year old my time has not yet arrived but I can sympathize with the level of stress that this week brings.

This week is also the kick-off of Wednesday night activities at SFBC and I wanted to pass along this info:

Wednesday night activities will now have a new name: Mid-Point. Activities at downtown start this Wednesday and September 6th at the West Campus. We would love to have all families and children participate!

5:00: Dinner on the Town @both campuses

6:00-7:30: Childcare for birth to two year olds@ both campuses

Way Point : 3yrs.-K5 Music/Mission Friends@ Downtown

Mission Friends: 3yrs-K5 Missions @West Campus

GA's & RA's: 1st-5th grade Missions @West Campus

Core Training Classes: Adult Disciplemaking @both campuses
(September)

Fan the Flame (6:15): Adults @West Campus

6:30-7:30

Prayer Service @downtown
ExPLO: 1st-5th grade music,worship,mission @both campuses
PrimeTime:6th-12th grade @both campuses

7:30
Proclaim (Adult choir) @Downtown

-

Urgent Prayer Request

2009-08-09T22:52:00.002-04:00

Please lift Erin Oliver and her family up in prayer! Her brother was injured this evening following a fall from his roof. He has several injuries and is now in surgery at a hospital in Beufort. Erin's parents are with him now.
Please pray for comfort and healing. Updates will be given as details are gathered. Thanks so much, MOPS moms!

Send Them Back With Prayer

2009-08-06T22:45:00.003-04:00

I sincerely hope that prayer is an important part of your life. As mothers we send up many prayers and we know the power of prayer. This Sunday, August 9th there will be a special back-to-school prayer service at 6:30pm at Simpsonville First Baptist Church at the downtown location. These prayers will be lifted up for pre-schoolers through college students.
Our children face many challenges at school and the beginning of a new school year is such a busy time for them. Parents are also dealing with the anticipatory anxiety that comes with these new beginnings. This service will give us all an excellent opportunity to turn this over to God and ask for his guidance. I plan to be there and I hope you will also!

Prepare to Blast Off

2009-08-05T22:43:00.002-04:00

Hi Ladies!

Are you enjoying these last blissful days of Summer? It is truly ticking by fast and as Michelle said, we are preparing for a super year at MOPS.
This is my first post to the blog and I look forward to chatting with you in this venue. I have been working on the newsletter for our first meeting and I can't wait to share it with you. I have BIG shoes to fill as Debbie Dill is so talented and has provided us with two years of great info and MOPS coverage!
I am asking for your help in advance: watch your e-mail! I will be asking several of you for input into newsletter articles and for information that will be used to spotlight new and existing MOPS moms. I will also be "re-running" some of our past articles and recipes that our new members would enjoy. So grab that last bit of sun and no pushing while you are scouting out the school supplies!
Jerri Lyn

August Updates

2009-08-03T14:18:00.001-04:00

Hi there ladies,I can't believe that it is already August. For those of you with older kids, that means...16 more days until school starts!I trust that you all have been enjoying a relaxing summer. Your Steering Team has been busy planning the upcoming MOPS year.It looks to be WONDERFUL!

Here are some changes that you need to know about:

1. We are going to be meeting twice a month. We will meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. The dates of our meetings are:
Sept 15 & 29 Oct 13 & 27 Nov 10 Dec 8 Jan 12 & 26
Feb 9 & 23 Mar 9 & 23 Apr 13 & 27 May 11

2. This one is going to be new to everyone... We are going to be charging a $20 dues this year. Many groups charge $5 per meeting dues ($95/year). We have been fortunate to not have to go that direction thus far. But, since we are meeting twice a month, and MOPS is providing the food once a month (to take the load off of you) we need to collect this fee to pay for the food. There are a couple of options in paying this:
A. You can send a check made out to MOPS of Simpsonville to Cheryl Griggs BEFORE the meetings begin in September. Her address is 109 Legends Way Simpsonville, SC 29681
B. You can pay Cheryl at the first MOPS meeting on September 15th.

I know money is tight right now, and this is going to catch some of you totally off guard. Please don't let this $20 keep you from MOPS. If you need to speak to me about a payment arrangement PLEASE call me or email me.

I am so excited about MOPS this year! We have wonderful speakers lined up and LOTS of fun planned!Enjoy the rest of your summer and I'll see you in September (did that song just go through your head too :) )!

Touching base...

2009-06-28T23:22:00.003-04:00

Hi there girls!

I trust everyone is surviving June!
The Jensen's are planning on a relaxing week after a fun-filled busy week at VBS! The Boomerang Express is definitely parked in the station for awhile!

Just a few updates/reminders:
Rebekah Budd is home and I am sure Susan would love a visit.
There is a FBCS scheduled playdate in the park on Tuesday June 30th from 6:30-7:30 at City Park.
It is not too late to sign up for convention...call me if you are interested.

I hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Michelle

June News

2009-06-02T13:57:00.003-04:00

Hi there girls!

Here are a few updates for the upcoming month:

Rebekah Budd has been in the hospital for almost 2 weeks. She is having surgery on 6/2 to insert a trach...please lift the Budd's up in prayer.

On Monday June 15th we will have a playdate at City Park from 10-12. Bring your own snacks and drinks.

VBS - Boomerang Express starts on June 22nd. It is from 9-12pm. Visit the church's website to register. www.fbcsimpsonville.org

Be safe at the pool and do your best to stay cool!
Have a great summer girl!
Michelle

Another New MOPPET!

2009-05-23T18:53:00.002-04:00

We have another new addition to our MOPS family!

Welcome...
Avery Claire Griffith.

She was born on 5/21 at 12:28pm
7 lbs, 15 oz and 20 inches

Proud parents are Kevin and Cathy Griffith...
and big brother Landon.

MOPPETs is filling up!

2009-05-13T16:13:00.002-04:00

What a great last meeting!
I don't know about you, but I left feeling energized and encouraged!

We have 40 moms registered for next year already! And 52 children!!
There are still some spaces available in all of the MOPPET classes EXCEPT for the Infant class (Jan '09 - present). It is FULL!!!!!!
Most of the other classes only have 2 or 3 spaces left. So if you have not registered yet and need childcare...GET ON IT!!

I love you all and I hope you have a great and safe summer!
Michelle

Thanks from Susan!

2009-05-12T18:22:00.000-04:00

Dear MOPS sisters,
I was greeted this evening with Natalie Evans bearing gifts of diapers and formula for Rebekah. WOW! What a surprise! I don’t know if Natalie noticed, but I was tearing up and really touched by this gesture of pure love.

Rebekah truly is a testament to the power of God and answered prayers. I pray that each of you will be able to meet this very blessed child and see in person the handiwork of God. Being her mother is truly an honor and a privilege.

I thank Jesus for each of you daily. Thank you so much for all of your love, support and prayers. I cannot express how deeply I appreciate each and every one of you, and I am humbled each time I receive another reminder of how many people are caring for us during this journey we are on. Remember that each of you are fulfilling your own calling with each gesture of love and support that you show another. Gal 6:2 says ‘Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ You are all truly a testament to this!

In Christ’s love,
Susan Budd

A Few of My Favorite Things

2009-05-07T15:59:00.002-04:00

The last meeting before summer break is quickly approaching us!
This month we will be celebrating "A Few of Our Favorite Things!"

You don't want to miss out on all the fun...
Breakfast is being catered, there will be games, lots of prizes and giveaways and fellowship.
No one will walk away empty handed!! Or empty hearted!!

Remember, we are registering for next year already...so bring your completed registration forms and your dues.

See you Tuesday!!

2009-04-26T20:14:00.001-04:00

MOPS has another new baby!!

Rebekah Faith Budd was born on April 21st at 8:27pm.
She weighed 4lb. 6 oz. and was 17 inches long.
Rebekah is doing well, but has a long road ahead of her.

Please continue to lift Michael and Susan, the 4 boys and Rebekah up in prayer!

PRAY!!!!

2009-04-20T10:22:00.005-04:00

Susan Budd is being induced with Rebekah today. She started her pitocin at about 7:55am.
The last update (@10:20am) stated that Rebekah is showing some signs of distress during contractions.
Continue to lift the ENTIRE family up in prayer today!!! I know that our God is in the miracle business and I am praying for a big one today!
I will keep you updated as I can.
Michelle

@11:30 am
PTL! Praise the Lord!! Baby Rebekah has stabilized and seems to be handling contractions much better. The heart decelerations seem to be due to cord compression, which is better than the alternative. The Pitocin has been increased to help move things along. Susan is resting with stronger contractions. Thank you for your many prayers. God is Great! Michael

Reminders for April

2009-04-08T18:28:00.002-04:00

Our April meeting is fast approaching and I have a few reminders for you.

We will be collecting $$ to buy an end-of-the-year gift for the MOPPET workers. There is no set amount, just what you feel led to give. Remember, these meetings wouldn't be possible without them!

It's official...we will begin meeting twice a month starting in September! Our meetings will be on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday's of each month. Start making your plans for the fall!

Our 2009-2010 theme is "Together on Planet Mom." We will talk a little more about this at our meeting.

I hope to see all of you on Tuesday!
Michelle

Urgent Prayer Requests!

2009-03-20T08:56:00.002-04:00

Please lift the following MOPS families up in prayer today...

Christie Williams...her grandmother died on 3/12. They are in Florida and will be returning on Sunday.

Crystal Ginn...her husband's father had a massive stroke this morning. He is not responsive and is not breathing on his own. Crystal and her family are traveling to Georgia right now.

Please bathe these families in prayer today.
Michelle

Another new baby!!

2009-03-16T17:39:00.002-04:00

Our MOPS family has a new baby!

Gabriella Rae Vollnogle ~"Raelie"
6 lb. 14 oz.
19 inches
Born Thursday March 12th @ 1:25 pm

Bruce and Karen Vollnogle are the proud parents!

Congratulations!!

Playdate and Mommy time Info

2009-03-16T16:21:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! I hope you had a wonderful weekend with your families. I am excited that the sun may be shining again tomorrow! Let's keep our fingers crossed!

For PLAYDATE, join us at the Greenville Zoo entrance at 10:00 AM. We will spend some time at the zoo and on the playground. I have heard that some mom's may be packing lunch to eat under the covered shelter. If you have questions, call Adair Johnson at 207-6261.

For MOMMY TIME (those of us without kiddos tomorrow morning), meet up at Panera on Fairview Road for some coffee and/or fellowship time. Hope to see you there!

Therapeutic Aromatherapy

2009-03-10T16:02:00.004-04:00

Hey ladies! Good afternoon! Debbie here. I am so excited about our blog and chatting with everybody on a more frequent basis. If you're like me, you've already sprayed your house with cinnamon and thought, hmm, is this really a good idea? ;)
For those of you who may not have been able to be there this morning, our fabulous speaker on Mommy Stress informed me that my favorite scent will in fact increase libido. And, that there are a lot of fragrances that can effect our perception of life. So, here is a copy of the sheet she handed out for those of you who are curious about your own favorite fragrances...

Bergamot=mood lifter
Benzoin=helps with respiratory infections, congestion
Eucalyptus=decongestant, aches and pains
Lavender=helps with relaxation, calms, and wards off stress
Lemon=uplifting and helps focus the mind
Lemon Balm=calming, helps curve the nervous system
Lime=stimulating and refreshing to the mind and spirit
Mandarin orange=mood lifter and helps ease anxiety
Neroli=helps ease anxiety and promotes relaxation
Rose=promotes comfort of the mind and spirit, eases anxiety
Sandalwood=helps ease stress, aggression, and grief
Sweet orange=helps rid blue moods, uplifts the spirit
Tangerine=uplifting and energizing
Tea Tree=anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
This is from a website igoteach.com that has instructions on how to make Therapeutic Aromatherapy Dough.
Also, a study at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, England reports:
Thirty-six patients and CCU were given massages, some with aroma oils and others without. There was a 91% reduction in heart rate for the group treated to aromamassage, a 51% reduction in the massage group receiving unscented oils, and only a 41% reduction in the control group with standard care treatments.

So, I hope you all have locked yourselves in the bathroom, had 4 sets of deep breaths, lowered your shoulders and are feeling much calmer about your day! Get out there and enjoy the sunshine while it's here!

Now, in the spirit of our new blog, please post in the comments what your favorite fragrance is. And if it's not on the list, google it and let us know how your fragrances influences you!

3 New Babies!!!

2009-03-09T09:53:00.003-04:00

Our moms have been busy so far this month!
Welcome to:

Joshua Randall McClure
6lb. 4oz.
19 inches
Born to Randy and Angela McClure on February 27th

Ashlynn Lydia Campbell
7lb. 11 oz.
20 1/2 inches
Born to Bryan and Jaime Campbell on March 2nd

Emma Grace Sibley
6lb. 14 oz.
19 inches
Born to Todd and Jennie Sibley on March 5th

Congratulations!!

Up and Running!!

2009-03-09T09:41:00.002-04:00

At a meeting for area Coordinators I was introduced to the idea of having a group blog. Ann and I loved the idea...so here it is!
I am an amateur at best, so be patient as I figure this whole thing out.
I will start with some dates to remember:
March 11 is MOPS day at Bargain Babies. You get 30% off all spring/summer merchandise!March 17th at 10am is the playdate at Greenville Zoo.
March 19th at 7pm is Mom's Night Out at West Campus. It's Craft Night!
See you all at the next meeting!

MOPS of Simpsonville

5 Weeks and Counting!!

Parenting in Christ through Generations

Another New MOPPET!

First New MOPPET of 2011!!

Randy on Marriage

Momology Challenge

Angel Bell Craft

OCC Shoe Boxes - SHIPPED!

Mom's Night Out!

Operation Christmas Child

MOPPET Blessing

Prayer Requests/Updates

Another New MOPPET

Our Newest MOPPET!

MOPS Convention 2011

More baby news!

New MOPPET!!!

Newest MOPPET!

Mom's Night Out!

Convention Details!

MOPPETS Gone Wild!

More MOPPET News!

New MOPPET!

Resurrection Eggs

Service Opportunities

Obey First...A Parenting Tip

Apple Cranberry Crunch

Parenting Anger

Our First MOPPET of 2010!

Wrapping Up a Great Day!

10 Questions For Lindsay Cuttino!

Resolution Check-In...Adios to Sweet Tea

New Years Resolutions

Christmas Eve Traditions

A New MOPPET!

Christmas Opportunities at First Baptist

A Recipe from Mrs. Evelyn- HOBO STEW!

Why I Still Love Charlie Brown

Annual Christmas Brunch

Can I Ask You A Question?

Black Friday-Cyber Monday

Home-Ec 101

Turbo Blogging and Thanksgiving

**PRAYER REQUESTS**

Moms Feast!

Another New MOPPET!!

Beading Instructions

New MOPPET!

Meeting Reminders for October 27th

Pumpkin Seed Fun

Catching Up and Can I Ask You A Question?

Teachable Moments

How big is YOUR God?

Christmas??

Operation Christmas Child - A Service Project

MOPS Halloween Party!

MOPS Day at Bargain Babies

Friends for a Season?

WOW!!!

Can I Ask You A Few Questions?

Great Start !!!

September Teaser

The Next Big Blockbuster

That September Feelin'

August is Tomato Month!!! A Recipe.

Tuesday Night Check-In

Wednesday Night Opportunities at SFBC

Urgent Prayer Request

Send Them Back With Prayer

Prepare to Blast Off

August Updates

Touching base...

June News

Another New MOPPET!

MOPPETs is filling up!

Thanks from Susan!

A Few of My Favorite Things

PRAY!!!!

Reminders for April

PRAYER REQUESTS