Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Dec 6th Meeting

This morning John Havelka of Edward Jones gave us a run down of financial planning for families. The financial advisor stressed the importance of having financial goals, both short and long term. He answered questions about credit scores, life insurance, retirement saving, college saving, and investing. It may be hard to find time to discuss your budget with your spouse, but it is very important.

"Create a strategy, and then review your strategy periodically." -John Havelka


After our speaker, we had a mixer to meet other moms in our public school districts and shared our favorite Christmas traditions.


We finished up the morning putting together "Cookies in a Jar" to keep or give as gifts.
Cookies in a jar:
Cream 2 tbsp. of water, ½ cup of butter, and 1 egg together until light. Add entire contents of the jar and stir until well blended. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350ยบ for 10-12 min.
Ingredients included:
¼ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup rice crispies
1½ cups flour 
¾ tsp baking soda 
¼ tsp baking powder
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup chocolate chips
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup white sugar

...see previous post for our December Newsletter!

December Newsletter Online

Here is this months newsletter!

Dec Newsletter Page 1

Dec Newsletter Page 2

Dec Newsletter Page 3

Dec Newsletter Page 4

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

November 15th Meeting

What a blessing our MOPS speakers are!


This morning author and teacher Sarah Beckman spoke on Safeguarding Your Marriage. As the youngest of 14 children, Sarah was introduced to alcoholism and divorce at a young age, but grew up to know God's love and plan for her life despite brokenness. Sarah encouraged us to create and cultivate a SAFE marriage, and offered her own story as an example of God's redemption.

Sarah's acronym for a safe marriage:
  • Spend time together ALONE
  • Add accountability
  • Find out about your man
  • Engage in the intimacy of prayer
Resources and recommendations:

saltandclay.org
growingkids.org (Growing Kids God's Way by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo)
fivelovelanguages.com (The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman)
Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
Night Light by James and Shirley Dobson

Forest Hill Cemetery, Owatonna

1 Corinthians 10:13 says "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The Marble System

There have been several requests for Kim's chore chart/marble system, and she has been gracious enough to provide it to us - thank you Kim! Click to download.

Chore Chart

Thursday, November 3, 2011

November 1st Meeting

Hello November!

Is it too much to ask for as beautiful a month as October? Here's hoping! At our Nov.1st meeting we debuted our *Slideshow* of Fall Family Fun photos and announcements while we indulged in a delicious breakfast. We got started on taking table pictures for our yearly directory and began collecting goodies for our service project for our men in uniform! If you didn't receive an email with the suggested items to donate, email mopsowatonna@gmail.com and we'll get you one!

Our guest speakers Holly Guenther and Kim Kubicek were from among our own ranks at MOPS, and they shared some fantastic advice on balance in our lives as moms. From balancing work and home to balancing your bank account, these women's experience and perspective were truly treasures to be remembered and put into practice!


On weekly schedules and family meetings:
"If it's not written in, don't expect it to happen." -Kim

On routine and flexibility:
"I would like to have an Alice." -Holly

On volunteering: "Are you doing it because you should do it or because you want to do it? Don't say yes right away; pray about it and talk to your spouse." -Kim
"No can be a complete sentence." -Holly

Kim shared her family's marble system, message wall, medical binders, and meal plan organization, and Holly encouraged us to think about how our kids are going to turn out later in life and the kind of person they are going to be, highlighting Proverbs 22:6 as her inspiration. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight, Holly and Kim!

Here is the electronic copy of our November Newsletter with tips on balancing a busy life, and all new "Book Review" and "Steering Team Spotlight" - check it out!

Nov Newsletter Page 1

Nov Newsletter Page 2

Nov Newsletter Page 3

Nov Newsletter Page 4

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

October 18th Meeting

Brisk air greeted us this morning, but hot beverages and the warmth of friendship awaited us in the basement of Bethel Church. Zoe Back and her mom shared their tradition of scone making (and delicious samples! for recipe see below), and Dr. Jodi Sampson spoke on nutrition and toxicity.



 "High cholesterol is not a disease, it's a sign that something else is going on."


Dr. Jodi presented studies on sugar addition, types of fats, obesity trends, and information about toxins, vitamin D, probiotics, and much more.

Resources:
http://www.foodmatters.com
http://www.gerson.org
http://www.nutritional-solutions.net
http://www.marianutrition.com
http://www.mercola.com


Traditional Scone Recipe

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
3 TBsp white sugar
1 TBsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 stick cold butter
1 egg, plus 1 egg for wash
1/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream
2/3 cup dried fruit
1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Pulse dry ingredients in a food processor.  Cut butter into tablespoons, add to dry mixture, and pulse until it looks like coarse meal.  Add 1 egg and milk to the mix, pulse until it begins to form a ball and remove from food processor.  Pat out dough on a lightly floured surface and gently knead in dried fruit and nuts.  Pat the dough out to about 3/4 inch thick and cut out scones using a round cutter.  Place scones on greased cookie sheet or a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Whisk remaining egg with two teaspoons of water; brush the egg wash on the tops of the scones using a pastry brush.  Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden.

Fruit/nut combination suggestions:
Cherry and almond
Cranberry or date and walnut
Mango and pecan
Coconut and macadamia
Frozen raspberry and white chocolate chip
Be adventurous!


Pumpkin Scone Recipe

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 TBsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ginger
1 stick cold butter
1 egg, plus 1 egg for wash
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup canned pumpkin

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Pulse dry ingredients in a food processor.  Cut butter into tablespoons, add to dry mixture, and pulse until it looks like coarse meal.  Add 1 egg, milk and pumpkin to the mix, pulse until it begins to form a ball and remove from food processor.  Pat out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3/4 inch thick and cut out scones using a round cutter.  Place scones on greased cookie sheet or a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Whisk remaining egg with two teaspoons of water; brush the egg wash on the tops of the scones using a pastry brush.  Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, until golden.

EventsOct2011

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

October 4th Meeting


What a BEAUTIFUL morning! At today's meeting Bob Bardwell, Ironwood Springs founder, wheelchair athlete, & father of four teenage girls, shared his amazing story with us. Mr. Bardwell encouraged us with humor, poignancy, and truth.


"It's not what happens to you, it's what you do about it." You think God's behind in your life? You think God can't catch up? Romans 8:28. God will turn tragedy to triumph. We have a choice in life: to be a VICTIM or VICTOR!


"My greatest problem was the same after my accident as before. My biggest problem was from the neck up."

 Three keys to raising children:
1. Encouragement!
2. Expect progress, not perfection.
3. Change comes from the heart - be an example.

Thanks to all who served and encouraged us at today's meeting. See you next time!
P.S. Here is our October Newsletter!

1011 Page 1 PDF

1011 Page 2 PDF

1011 Page 3 PDF

1011 Page 4 PDF

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

September 20th Kick-Off!

Answer: 
These bold, sensible, loving moms are ready for another year of breakfast, fellowship, and fun.

*cue JEOPARDY theme music*

Question: 
Who are Owatonna MOPS!

We had a great morning gathering together after a crazy summer and getting back into the swing of things. After a rainy dawn, the wind blew the clouds away and the sun came out! At our first meeting of the year we introduced a new Steering Team, Table Leaders, and Mentor Moms, and we welcomed some brand new members to our fantastic group. Thanks to our wonderful MOPPETS workers and coordinators, we were even able to have a baby room for a few of the under-1s. If you weren't able to make it to the kick-off meeting, we hope you will be able to join us next time!


 Toby finds a new use for booster seats
 Julie presents this year's theme
 introducing table leaders
 getting to know one another
 meeting mentor moms
this year's top sponsors

Friday, August 12, 2011

Register for MOPS!

Spread the word!

For this year's theme, we are combining Mom Intuition with Common Sense to develop our own unique MOMSENSE!

We have limited seating and want to make sure we have a spot for everyone, so sign up soon! Preregistering also helps us to properly plan for childcare for the children so EVERYONE is able to enjoy our first meeting. We look forward to seeing you September 20th as we kick off another wonderful year of MOPS!

Moms Registration Form[1]PDF

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

April 5th Meeting-Resource List

Resources for Mothers:


Homelife ...magazine by Lifeway...monthly issue

Homespun Memories for the Heart by Ehman, Hovermale and Smith

Family Devotions by Josh McDowell

Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel


The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie O'Martian

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie O'Martian

Zoo Guide...a Bible Based Handbook to the Zoo by Answers in Genesis
Christian Radio

Discovering Your Child's Design by Ralph Mattson, Thom Black

The Family Book of Christian Values by Stuart and Jill Briscoe


The One Minute Mother by Spencer Johnson

Kids are Worth It by Barbara Coloroso

The New Dare To Discipline by Dr. James Dobson

The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman


Family Life- A Weekend to Remember (retreat)



Resources I use with the children:

Hero Tales by Dave and Neta Jackson (4 volumes)

Jotham's Journey by Arnold Ytreeide (for Advent...3 volumes) (older kids)

Adventures in Odyssey by Focus on the Family (Audio Recordings)

CLUB magazine for kids by Focus on the Family


(Fun devotions for Boys 2-5, 6-9, 10-12) Also in "girls" 

April Newsletter

You can see the April Newsletter online! 

Friday, March 18, 2011

MOPS University

 March 15 was the second MOPS University of the year.  There were 7 different classes for the moms to choose from. Each Mom got to attend 3 sessions.
Anne Vande Zande leads Bible Encouragement by studying the book of Ruth.

Nancy Hawkinson leads the Crafty Chik Corner to make cute spring plantings.

Jessica Durand teaches the ladies how to produce an action packed resume...with white space!

Janna Lamison teaches how to preserve memories. Pictures and stories both needed.
Ladies made a purse sized notebook to record memories

Kelly Gentz (and helper in front-pak) teach how to save money and find deals.

Tom Defresne helps with ideas on Saving for kid's college...pre-school years go quick!

Tamra Wheeler leads the Zumba party.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Kids Crafts

If you were not a part of MOPS today you missed out lots of fun kids craft or snack ideas.

But never fear.  I took some snapshots and will share with you all via blogger world! :)

Crayon Stained Glass
Sweet & Crispy Tortilla Chips
These ones you can find on Stephanie Wright's Blog by clicking the links.

Ideas posted on the table....
 A quiet drum.  The mallets are made of fabric.

 cupcake liner snowman.

 Homemade Kazoo

 who doesn't love a little kid handprint?!

 Sand paper art...Color with crayons on sand paper.  Bake at 250 for 30 seconds to smooth it out.

 Wonderful food creations can make snack time much more fun!

 Turn those old playing cards into photo playing cards.  Add a picture and laminate each card.

 Homemade Gak...
Here's how to make it.  Click on the picture to make it larger.

Bird Feeder.....
Bagel, slather with peanut butter and dip and cover the peanut butter with bird seed.  String up and put it on a tree for the birds.

Egg Carton Caterpillars....
Cut out one line of an egg carton.  Flip over and decorate with crayons, markers, stickers, etc.  Put 2 pipe cleaners for the antennae.  Draw on eyes, or use googly eyes.