Wednesday, December 7, 2011

MOPS Reminder

WOW, time flies! The Christmas season is in full gear and I am so excited. This year I feel so blessed and grateful for what God has provided me with. And I am so happy to share my blessings with others by blessing them. there is just something that makes the heart smile when you give!

And with the Christmas season busyness comes stress. Like it's little sidekick. We are already trying to fit shopping, wrapping, baking, programs, family gatherings and everyday life into a small amount of time! We begin to lose that feeling of gratitude and full heart. Because, quite frankly....we are TOO TIRED and stressed to sit and reflect on what we have.

Many of you were with us last year when Dawn Zuberbehler spoke to us. Well, she is back! And she is going to enlighten us with her wit, Godly heart and real life struggles. She will help us stay afloat and positive during this crazy season. Remember, JESUS is the reason for the season. What better way to celebrate his birth than doing what HE wants. Thanking God for what he has given us and share his love with others!

This week, we will be having a brunch. So bring your favorite brunch goodie and be ready to get your tank filled up! What a great way to continue on with this busy season than with fun, fellowship, laughter and food!? See you Thursday at 9:30!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Thank You!

We live in a society where Christmas begins after Halloween and it is FAR from being about the birth of the Savior!  As a society, we have too much, yet never enough. Never have enough time but are filling our time with SO much, yet we are SO unhappy and ungrateful! 

I wanted to say thank you!  Thank you for putting complete strangers ahead of yourself and on your  to-do list.  Thank you for spending some money (when money is tight) to bless someone with something they could not even IMAGINE!!  Thank you for being the vehicle for helping a child learn about GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!  For being a part of sharing the gospel with a child you may never meet, but who needs it so badly!

MOPS packed 25 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child!  How awesome!  Now, I know we won't and can't all impact lives the same way.  So if you didn't do a shoe box (and let me be transparent and vulnerable here and tell you, I did not) you are not done! 

You can impact lives here and now.  Maybe it is someone in your own family, your own church, your own town or a stranger you happen across on your holiday travels.  It only takes ONE thing...ONE person, ONE kind word or gesture.  It is never too small or insignificant!  So, make the most out this holiday busyness that is upon us.  Enjoy your family, impact someone and LOVE your GOD!  And THANK him for the precious gift of life!  Not just yours but Jesus's!! 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

MOPS Reminder

Happy 1st Monday of November!

Really...already November? WOW! That seems impossible, and yet, here we are! And the sun has decided to join us today, so that is AWESOME!!

And I am sure you are all caught up on sleep since you got an extra hour this weekend?! No? Me neither! But, can't imagine a life that is not filled with a wonderful family and sleep deprivation! Thank you GOD for the 
opportunity to be awakended in the night by some beautiful children!

If you are like me, you are already mentally and emotinally planning for the next two months of holidays. But, how about we try something new? Let's just focus on one at a time!

This Thursday (Nov. 10) at MOPS we will be hearing from Mentor and MOPS moms and mums. They will be sharing about the ups and downs of their lives and how to remain THANKFUL for them all! It will be an encouraging meeting. And I know I need to remember this when I am running around in the madness of Thanksgiving. That's what it is all about...being thankful for the harvest we have within our lives!

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for ~author unknown

Food for this meeting provided by Apples to Apples, Taboo and Scattegories.

***Also- If you have completed a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, you can bring it Thursday and we will drop it off for you. Hand it to Sarah Schleich (me ) at the beginning of the meeting.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Lena Playgroup

Family T.I.E.S. Playgroup at Lena Evangelical Free Church, in Lena

On Fridays from 9:30-11:00am
Children birth-5 y/o, with a parent are welcome.


Dates are...
* November 18
* December 16
* January 20
* February 24
* March 16
* April 20
* May TBA- Grand Harbor


Any questions contact Lois Shelton, Parent educator at 369-4848 or 291-5641

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

MOPS Reminder

This Thursday...T-Minus TWO days!

MOPS this week is complete with lovely moms, beautiful children, wonderful wives and DeLiCiOuS food!  We will be sampling crock-pot goodies, learning how to make our lives easier with meal planning and getting a TON of yummy recipes.  It is a meeting sure to make the hours of 3:30-6:00 happier in your home!  Dinner made easy....MOPS style!

See you all there!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

OpErAtIoN ChRiStMaS ChiLD

                     It is Time for us to spread the word of God through Christmas gifts again! 

     Samaritan's Purse is an organization that helps get packed shoe boxes to children around the world!  Not only does it provide fun and necessary things for kids that have little to nothing, it is also a great way to spread the love of Christ through our caring and God's word!  

National collection week is Nov 14-21.  We will be, as a MOPS group, putting boxes together at our Mom's night in Oct 27.  I have included a list of approved and unapproved gift ideas!  This is also a great way to start the holidays off with your family!  So don't hesitate to do a couple shoeboxes of your own at home!  Also, here's the website to help you if you have any questions on how to pack your shoe box!

www.operationchristmaschild.com
click on this link (or put it in your search area) http://bcove.me/hd9t30be to see the impact of your shoebox!


GIFT IDEAS
TOYS 
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc. 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES 
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. 

HYGIENE ITEMS 
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. 

OTHER 
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) 

A PERSONAL NOTE 
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) 

DO NOT INCLUDE: 
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

RECIPES NEEDED

At the next MOPS meeting (Thursday the 27th) we will be doing a Crock pot tasting and meal planning meeting! We want to do a cookbook to hand out also.  So, if you have any favorite recipes that you would want to submit to Nikki, that would be GREAT!  We need them to her by this Friday, the 21st that would be awesome!  You know, as moms and wives and women we work under pressure, so the time crunch will help motivate you to get in your recipes, I'm sure!   


Send them to jekki99@comcast.net




Thanks, Ladies!  Happy Tuesday!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

MOPS THURSDAY!

Happy October!

How about this weather!?  God's Season of Autumn is sure GoRgEoUs lately! Now that the school routine has been in full swing for two months, it is time for some Battles to reappear!  The newness of school, seeing friends again, and a new teacher wear off.  The earlier dusk, cooler weather and late nights with Friday night football begin.  And so do the new battles.  The "mom, I'm bored."  And the "I don't want to do anymore homework"   begin to roll in!  So how appropriate, that this week we are talking about just that!  BATTLESHIP!!

Battleship:  And the How to Discipline without making it a battle!  LOVE THAT!  I am sure we all try to be patient and encouraging 100% of the time.  But God made us HuMaN!  And let's be real, sometimes we  raise our voices and are short.  And that is...well.....not really effective! Am I alone here?!  Yeah, didn't think so!

So, join us, this Thursday, October 13 for Battleship!  Leave encouraged and with some new tools for making a more peaceful home!  Come to chat, refuel, and enjoy some delicious food!

Food Provided by Monopoly, Mad Gab and Jenga!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

rUmMaGe SaLe InFo.



The times have been set for the fall MOPS rummage sale!  

September 16 from 9-12 and September 17 from 8-1! 

Come look for good deals from great moms!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Fall Rummage Sale


         MOPS FALL RUMMAGE SALE is September 16 & 17!


The following is a general list of items that sold last time...
 baby/ kids clothing
jackets, coats, snow pants
shoes, boots
toys
games
books
strollers (please no car seats)
highchairs
bouncy seats, play mats etc...
maternity wear
supplies (baby monitors, baby gates, crib sheets/sets, etc..)
 
 Interested in getting rid of some things but don't want to sell? We gladly accept donations with the funds and remaining items going to MOPS & local charities!
 
* Once you sign up and I have your information you will be given a "sellers packet" which contains your ID#, information and tags. Anyone who signs up to sell is asked to volunteer for: set up (Thursday) OR clean up (Saturday) AND at least 1 day of the actual sale.  
 
**Nothing to sell? We love our volunteers, and have been known to pay them in snacks!
 
Please consider joining us, it's fun and easier then having your own garage sale. One mom made over $350!!  There will be a table at our MOPS meeting where you can get more info or as always you can contact me!!


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

And we're back.....

Are you more than ready to be back to a school schedule?  Are you ready for football, chili, orchards and pumpkins.....


Then you are probably SuPeR ExCiTeD that it's also time for MOPS 2011-2012!!  





September 8
9:30am-11:15am (MOPPETS check-in starts at 9:15am)
Crossroads Community Church in Freeport

"The Game of Motherhood" an intro to what is in store!  And of course, food and socialization!







Wednesday, June 1, 2011

MOPS SuMmeR ScHEdULe

AUGUST Schedule...

2nd: Krape Park @ 10:00
3rd: FAMILY PICNIC @ LENA LIONS PARK at 5pm
4th: Freeport Library @ 10:30
5th: McDonald's on Galena @ 11:30

MOPS SuMmeR ScHEdULe

JULY schedule...

5th: Krape Park @ 10:00
7th: Freeport Library @ 10:30
8th: McDonald's on Galena @ 11:30
11th: Read Park Picnic @ 11:30
12th: Krape Park @ 10:00
13th: MOM'S NIGHT OUT @ Jen A.'s at 6:30 (Christmas in July theme.  Bring white elephant gift and dessert or appetizer)
14th: Freeport Library @ 10:30
19th: Krape Park @ 10:00
21st: Freeport Library @ 10:30
22nd: McDonald's on Galena @ 11:30
25th: Read Park Picnic @ 11:30
26th: Krape Park @ 10:00
28th: Freeport Library @ 10:30

MOPS SuMmER ScHeDuLe

JUNE Schedule...

7th: Krape Park @ 10:00
9th: Freeport Library @ 10:30
10th: McDonald's on Galena @ 11:30
13th: Read Park Picnic @ 11:30
14th: Krape Park @ 10:00
15th: MADISON ZOO TRIP (meet @ Crossroads parking lot @ 8:45)
16th: Freeport Library @ 10:30
19th: Freeport Library @ 10:30
21st: Krape Park @ 10:00
22nd: MOM'S NIGHT OUT @ Nikki S.'s (Hawaiian theme, bring dessert or appetizer)
24th: McDonald's on Galena @ 11:30
27th: Read Park Picnic @ 11:30
28th: Krape Park @ 10:00
30th: Freeport Library @ 10:30

Saturday, May 28, 2011

HaPpY SuMmeR

       Whatever you and your family do this summer, don't forget.  Don't forget to be safe, to laugh, let the kids get dirty, let yourself get dirty, eat a s'mores and let everything glorify the lord!  See you in September!!




Monday, May 23, 2011

Last MOPS Thursday

There is no need to cry about our MOPS year coming to an end.  And no need to cry about entertaining your children 24/7 as school ends!  I mean.... warm sunshine, bbqs, pools, tans, no "morning school rush,"  early sunrises and late sunsets...and the best, that we all get to enjoy these things because of GOD!   


Our last MOPS for this school year is Thursday, May 26th!  Our mentor moms will be answering some of our questions and we will hear why MOPS ROCKS from current MOPS moms! 


Bring your yummiest brunch fare and your appetite!   


See you Thursday!



Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Don't forget your Money!

It is time to register for MOPS 2011-2012 year!  So don't forget your checkbook or cash!  If you are like me, you may need to put it in your shirt to remember it, but moms will go to great lengths!  


Total registration fee is $23.95. 



Monday, May 9, 2011

MOPS THURSDAY!

Joanne Arnold, RN will be showing us must know first-aid and Heimlich.  She will also have some awesome handouts that are great resources for everyone to have!  


Food provided by: Fixology and Nursology
Fruit provided by: Careology



Monday, April 25, 2011

MOPS THURSDAY!

Mops this Thursday, April 28!

Darin Doak, Attorney will be sharing info about wills and other important documents we need as parents adults!  Will be a very informative meeting!

Food: Audiology and Zoology
Fruit: Criminology

See you then!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

RUMMAGE SALE



WHAT:   MOPS rummage sale
WHEN:  Friday, April 15  from 3-6pm & Saturday, April 16 from 9-11am
WHERE: Park Hills Church; 2525 W. Stephenson St. in Freeport

Monday, March 7, 2011

SpRinG sIgNS....

Some signs of spring...

**Cardinals and other wonderful birds are out and about and very vocal!

**These said birds have HUGENORMOUS abdomens!

**Your shoes get stuck in the mud...and your foot is quickly released from it!

**There is sun out to greet you before 6:30am!

**The kids can now go outside without their snow pants...although play clothes are a mess when they come in (see above mud point)

**Winter coats find themselves on the car floor more than they do on their owner's back!

**The thought of putting on AND LEAVING the house in flip-flops is not totally crazy!

**God's amazing world starts to bloom and show life again!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

MOPS Reminder

Thursday, March 10 ....same time, same place!  


Spring break is just around the corner.  And for some, this means excitement because spring weather follows that!!  


However, for some it brings stress and anxiety.  "What am I going to do with my kids for a week so they don't beat up each other and I don't pull all my hair out?"  


Well...join us to hear about some fun (and inexpensive) places to take your family for some fun!  And feel free to bring information about some of your favorite "family fun" places.


Fruit will be provided by Nursology
Food will be provided by Fixology and Homology

Happy Birthday to you.....

Christine S.- March 4
Trisha F. - March 5

Tracy S. - March 6

Sharon F.- March 8

Joy H. - March 8

Kimberly B. - March 13

Amber C. -March 15

Heather W. - March 22

Cheryl S. - March 23

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MOPS Reminder

MOPS this Thursday, Feb. 24.


Come be enlightened and encouraged after hearing the marriage testimony of Dave and Sarah.  They have a great story that is REAL, NOT always pretty and has GOD all over it!!  


Same time...same place!


Fruit provided by Criminology
Food provided by Anesthesiology

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Fireside Chat

REMINDER LADIES....

Fireside Chat this coming Thursday, the 17th at 6:30pm at Jan's.

Bring yourselves and some good conversation and enjoy an evening in the company of other REAL women!


Sunday, February 6, 2011

MOPS this Thursday!

Who doesn't need to hear that it is normal yet not permanent to feel unsexy and tired while raising your family and dealing with life?  I DO!  Join us Thursday, the 10th, when the Williamsons will be digging into this topic with us.  Get tips on how to go from "mommy...mommy...MOMMY!" to "Hot mama" in the same day.

And what better way to take in the information than with chocolate? That's right, we will have a chocolate fountain for dipping all the goodies that zoology will bring and the fruit that audiology will provide.

So join us,  Crossroads- 9:30-11:15 for MOPS with childcare check-in at 9:15.

Monday, January 24, 2011

MOPS This Thursday

Well, ladies!  It has been two weeks!  Time for our next MOPS meeting....the last for January, can you believe that!?   


This Thursday, Steve Stovall will be talking with us about self-awareness and home safety/defense.  He will give us realistic approaches to security and safety issues and ways to resolve them.   All this while maintaining confidence and NOT BECOMING PARANOID!  


Food will be provided by Homology and fruit by Phenomenology.


So join us....same time, same place!!



Monday, January 17, 2011

Hearts at Home

   Hearts at Home is a very unique and wonderful ministry!  It was started by Jill Savage (who visited Park Hills last year) and is all about being a child of God, a mom, a wife and a friend!  

   It is being held on the campus of ISU in Bloomington/Normal.  This year it is March 11-12.  Registration may be done online at www.hearts-at-home.org and I believe you can call and register.  There is a fee for the conference.  And the amount depends on when you attend.  




                    BUT....DON"T LET MONEY STOP YOU!!!


   Hearts at home offers scholarships to moms.   So if you would love to go but money is THE only thing stopping you....check out their website (listed above in blue) and/or talk to Nikki S. at MOPS.  Money is not an obstacle that you should have in trying to better yourself as a woman and in a Christ-based setting!!  


   So check out the Website....Early registration ends Feb. 9.  It is a HUGE SAVINGS TO REGISTER BEFORE THIS DATE!!!  But you may still do late registration from Feb. 10-March 2.  You will need to have a place to stay if you are planning on doing both days (MOMS night out is not an early night).  There are many budget hotels in the area that are offering deals and are totally budget friendly.....again, however, THEY BOOK FAST!  


     Here is your to do list on this MLK Day...
1.  Go to Hearts-at-home.org
2.  Figure out what seminars best fit you and your family.
3.  Check out the scholarship info, if that is something you need.
4.  Register (you can use credit/debit or pay pal online and you may still be able to send in a check).
5.  Get jazzed that you will get a weekend that is KID-FREE..and line up your childcare. (NO children are allowed in the seminars...not even if nursing.  Check out their website for info and answers on this topic).
6.  Get your room or talk around with other MOPS moms to see if they are going and if they would mind having another roommate.  (very cost effective and you never know what kind of wonderful friendships can be made :)).
7.  Then smile...Cuz you are about to have a PHENOMENAL weekend full of laughing, crying, encouragement, friends and alot of GOD!!


    

Monday, January 10, 2011

Meeting Reminder

Hey Ladies....

Next MOPS meeting is this Thursday, the 13th.  Same place, same time!  Amy will be going over our "mommy mission statements."   How to write them, what needs to be in them and how to follow through!  Should be a light and informative meeting!  Hope to see you there!

Food for this week will be provided by...
**Insectology-fruit**
**Volcanology-food**