September, 2011

Nature Walk Wreath:  The end product -- a one-of-a-kind door decoration -- is certainly special, but the best part of this project is the "collecting walk." This homemade wreath is an ideal group project -- each family member gets a chance to contribute, and there's no wrong way to do it.

Materials

• Nature objects you've gathered on a walk (dried leaves, acorns, seedpods, pinecones, twigs, etc.)
• Large grapevine wreath (available at garden centers) or individual small ones

• Floral wire
• Glue gun

Instructions

1. Take your family for a stroll through a neighborhood park or any nearby nature spot to gather whatever catches your eye.
2.  Back at home, invite everyone to arrange their finds on a large grapevine wreath, or provide individual small ones to serve as take-home keepsakes.
3. Twigs, stems, and larger items can be woven into the grapevine or secured with floral wire. A parent can affix small items such as acorns or pebbles with a glue gun. Hang the finished product proudly -- it should last until spring.

Apple Pancakes: (serves 4)
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 large apple, cored and sliced thinly
5 large eggs
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

1) Preheat oven to 400.  In a 10-inch oven safe skillet, melt the butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over medium heat.  Add apple slices; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.

2)  In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, milk, cinnamon, salt and remaining tablespoon of brown sugar.  Pour batter slowly over cooked apple mixture.  Transfer skillet to oven, and bake until pancake is dark golden brown, sent in the center, and puffed around the edges, about 15 minutes.  Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve!

MomSense: Separation Anxiety - For Mom and Child

Whether we welcome it or not, the reality is that moms cannot be with their children twenty-four hours a day. The time comes to drop them off at MOPPETS, or in the church nursery, or at preschool or daycare. Separation can be difficult for both mom and child, but it is an important part of the growing up process.
If you or your child is exhibiting anxiety or having trouble settling into a new routine, try these suggestions to ease the transition:

• Visit his classroom together to meet his teacher and see where he will be staying.
• Plan to arrive at your child’s classroom a few minutes early, so that you’re not rushing when you say goodbye.
• When you drop your child off, don’t linger. Give her a quick hug and kiss, reassure her that you will be back, and leave. Ask the classroom teacher or assistant to give her extra attention and distraction for those first few minutes after you leave.
• If your child is a baby, play peek-a-boo or similar games to reassure him that whenever Mom “disappears,” she always comes back.
• Give your child verbal praise when she exhibits courage or takes those first few steps toward independence (even if your heart is breaking at your “baby” growing up.)
• Leave a lipstick kiss on the top of your child’s hand that she will be able to look at while she’s away from you.
• Don’t fuel an older preschooler’s fears by telling him that you’re scared or uneasy about the separation, even if you are.
• Stay occupied after you drop off your child — get together with a girlfriend on the first day of school, chat with your MOPS Discussion Group or call your mother. Keeping yourself occupied will help pass the time, and the support will do your heart good.
• Take older preschoolers out for a treat after the first day in a new classroom to debrief and celebrate. 
• If you find yourself struggling with letting go, journal through your thoughts — you may be able to better sort through your thoughts, and it will be a wonderful memoir of those special milestones in your child’s — and your — life.

Upcoming Events:

October 28th - Clothing Exchange

November 18th - Toy Exchange

Next Meetings: 

October 7th

October 28th

November 4th (back to back with Oct. 28)

Needs: We still need craft table leaders!  Please consider volunteering to be a part of this fun and creative team.  For more information, please contact Andrea or Kat!

MomSense

Speakers for 2011-2012

Moms, we am looking to see what topics are near and dear to your heart and that you would like to learn about this year at Mops.  Several ideas have been presented, but we want to hear from you, too!  Leave a comment below with your suggestion(s)!

Here are some that we have:
A Mentor Panel
Safety
Self Defense for Women
Being SuperMom (or not)
Different kinds of schooling
Emotions After Pregnancy
Marital Class
Team Parenting (for those that are in the Military or otherwise absent spouse)
Pediatrician
Healthy food on a shoestring budget

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Westwood Mops Promotional Video

Looking Forward - Convention, Part 3

As I travel home from the Convention, I am reflecting on my time and the lessons I have learned.  I learned a lot about Mops International and the vision it has for their groups scattered throughout the country and the world, and I have also learned a lot about myself.  God blessed me with a wonderful woman on this trip (one I had never met until we carpooled to the airport!) who shared life lessons and pointed out my own weaknesses and strengths.  She, in particular, challenged me in my thinking and made me put words to specific questions.  (The speakers and presenters did as well, but Sue specifically called me out!)

A lot of ideas were presented to me - some that I want to implement in my own life and in the Mops group that I help coordinate - and others that I want to discuss and explore further.  I especially love our theme verse for this coming Mops year: "God does not want us to be shy with his gifts, but to be bold, loving, and sensible."

Dear Lord, don't let me be shy with the gifts you have given me.  Let me be bold in my life - both as a mother and as a child of God.  Let me love others, even the ones that are hard to love.  Let me be sensible with my choices...the choices that are presented to me as a leader and the ones that are given to me in every day life as a mother, wife, and friend.  How it must hurt You when we take the gifts You have given us and we dismiss them or point at someone else's gift and wish for that one instead!  Lord, show me how to take a hold of my gifts in a bold, loving, and sensible way for Your glory and not shy away!  You have given me these gifts to ME - and ONLY me! - for a reason!  God, help me filter every choice I make through this mindset and keep my eyes focused on You.

I'm so looking forward to this coming year at Mops!  I'm excited to start planning next week with an awesome group of women who love each other and love God and desire to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader... (from the Mops International vision). 

Hold on to your hats, ladies!  We're in for an awesome ride!
In His Arms,
Danielle

Mops Convention - Part 2

Well, I made it.  This place is amazing!  This resort covers 7 acres and is totally enclosed and so the high heat and humidity here in Nashville is kept at bay.  And we even were upgraded to a room with a view!

I'm looking forward to the sessions tomorrow.  First up is the 1st General Session (the theme being BOLD) and Lisa Harper will be speaking and Travis Cottrell will be the worship leader!  Then a couple of Workshops: Engaging Your Audience and Hospitality Leadership Essentials.  Finally, we'll have another General Session (LOVING) with Mandisa and comedian John Branyan.

I've already scoped out the Resource Fair and have entered in several drawings (note to self: next time you go to a convention, bring pre-printed labels with address/phone/email....less writing!).  I've also scored some freebies!  Sigh, I've done a lot of walking so far...so even though it's only 8:30 there in the Pacific Northwest, I'm going to do my best and get on Nashville's time zone - off to bed I go!

In His Arms,
Danielle

(By the way, imaginary terrorists obviously did NOT hijack my plane today!)

The Mops Convention - Part 1

Well, I'm off on an adventure tomorrow!  My first ever Mops International Convention.  I've got butterflies...  Lots. Of. Butterflies.  Probably because I don't know what to expect - there's only so much a brochure and website can tell you!  I'm also not a big fan of large groups (as in 100+) of women...and there's going to be a lot of women (hence the name Mothers of Preschoolers!).  So I'm nervous - let me share some of them! :}

I'm nervous about the flight.  Since 9/11 I've always wondered if it's the last flight I'll take.  (Although the flight itself isn't all that nerve-wracking for me).  So I'm nervous about the imaginary terrorist(s) that will hijack my plane and ruin my family's life.  ...the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:25-26

I'm nervous about forgetting something.  I've heard that some people pack an extra empty bag with them when going to the Mops Convention because of all of the freebies and stuff there - they come back with a full bag of Mops gear that they use as favors/raffles for the coming year!  In anticipation of this "loot", I have packed my large duffle bag and I am nervous about all of the empty space.  I keep thinking that I must have forgotten something; clothes, blankets, diapers, wipes, pacifiers...oh....I'm only packing for one person - me!  But I MUST be forgetting something!!!!  Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Jeremiah 43:18

I'm nervous about meeting new people.  I'm not a social butterfly - I would much prefer to be on the wall and observing people and their interactions!  So to be going to a place I've never been, with a woman I've never met, to be at a convention I've never attended, is a little bit daunting!  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

So, the point is, I've got butterflies in my tummy.  My insecurities are rearing their ugly heads, but fortunately I have the arms of God to rest in.  I'm looking forward to returning to you all and sharing what I've learned!

In HIS Arms,
Danielle
Coordinator