Silverton MOPS

Keeping Christ in Christmas

2010-12-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

This is something that I'm sure many of us start out every Christmas season thinking "this year, I'm going to do a better job of incorporating the real meaning of Christmas into the daily lives of myself, my spouse, and my kids". But, in the hustle and bustle of shopping, sending cards, throwing parties, and planning matching outfits for our kids, our good intentions slip by the wayside, and we wake up on December 26th wishing we would have done a better job.

I stumbled upon a good article on http://www.keeperofthehome.org/, a website for at-home Christian moms, about family traditions that do a great job of incorporating the magic and splendor of Christmas, with the birth of Jesus. Enjoy!

Family Traditions that Keep Christ at the Center of Christmas

Singing Christmas carols, lighting the Christmas Tree, putting out the Christmas decorations, lighting the Advent candles, giving and receiving gifts, rejoicing in the birth of our Lord and Savior. Christmas is such a special and magical time of year; filled with family traditions and warm memories. But, it is also a busy and full time, where we can easily get swept up by all that we "have" to do, and miss out on truly celebrating the Reason that we celebrate at all.

Since adding children to our family, my hubby and I have become more aware of the importance of creating and keeping family traditions that are meaningful and point us toward Christ during the Christmas season. I was so blessed to grow up in a wonderful Christian family where my parents helped my sisters and me to keep our focus on Jesus at Christmas time. They created traditions that I am looking forward to passing on to my children, as well as incorporating our own new traditions.

Family Traditions That Point Toward Christ

The Nativity

My family had a nativity scene growing up that was not the most beautiful thing you've ever seen, but I have such fond memories of it. The paint was chipped on the figures, and the stable was cardboard with hay glued to the roof that would become thinner and thinner with each passing year; it was obvious it was well loved. Our nativity was not a "just look but don't touch" kind of nativity. My sisters and I loved to play the Christmas story by acting out with the figures. We would take turns playing with the different characters, and instead of just being a decoration, the nativity was a special toy for us to play with. I want my children to have the same experience, to be able to play and interact with our nativity scene so that it can become real to them, and not just something that just sits up on a shelf or the mantel. We celebrate Christmas because Jesus came to us, to be where we are, to interact with people on a close and intimate level, and I want the figures that represent His birth to symbolize that for my children.

Lighting the Christmas Tree

"Come on, ring those bells, Light the Christmas tree, Jesus is the king, Born for you and me. Come on, ring those bells, Everybody say, Jesus, we remember, This your birthday." This is the song that we played on our record player (yes, record player) every year as we would decorate our family's Christmas Tree. It was a reminder to us that Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birthday. Now with my children, when we light our Christmas tree, I also want to talk about how Jesus came to earth to be the light of the world (John 1:9). One of my favorite things to do at Christmas time is to sit in the dark and look at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. I want to teach my children that the same Light that we celebrate at Christmas shines through their lives as they live for Jesus.

Christmas Carols

Who doesn't love singing Christmas carols? I love to hear the words about Jesus' arrival on earth playing on the radio and in stores where otherwise His name would never be mentioned. Children love music, and songs are a great way to teach them truths about God, the Bible, and the true meaning of Christmas. Too often, though, I think the words of the most beloved Christmas carols are so familar that we sing them and miss the true meaning of the words. On Christmas morning my sisters and I were allowed to wake up my parents at a specified time by playing Christmas carols on the piano. We would practice for weeks ahead of time, and then begin Christmas morning by playing songs that declared the arrival of Christ. It was a great way to begin our Christmas celebration focusing on Him. Teach Christmas carols about Jesus' birth to your children and take the time to explain to them the words and what they mean. Taking your children Christmas caroling is also an opportunity to share the good news about the birth of Jesus with others. My parents began a tradition of caroling on Christmas Eve after I had moved away to college, but I know that it is something that they look forward to every year.

The Christmas Story

Before we could open presents on Christmas morning, my family would always read the account of Jesus' birth from the Bible; and not just read it, but also act it out. It was usually just the five of us, my parents, my two sisters and I, but we would all get involved in the retelling of the story. We would even get dressed up - we had a white sheet and a halo made of pipe cleaners for the angel Gabriel, towels on our head tied on with string transformed us into Mary and Joseph, and my mom's purple robe became the outfit of one of the wise men. My dad played the part of honor as the donkey who Mary would ride to Bethlemham on, until we got to big to sit on his back any longer, of course. It wasn't always the most peaceful performance as my sisters and I would often argue over who got to be the angel or Mary, our favorite roles. But, I treasure those memories almost more than any other Christmas tradition. Of all of our traditions, I think that this one was the most important; reading and being involved in the Biblical account of Christ's birth helped to keep us focused on Him. Even when I entered my teenage years and thought I was too "cool" to act out the story with my sisters and would roll my eyes and sit on the couch pretending I didn't care, it was still my favorite part of Christmas day, because I knew that if Jesus had not come to earth as a baby, we would not be celebrating at all.

Giving Gifts

Giving and receiving gifts at Christmas is the major focus of our society today, so I believe that it is very important to keep Christ at the center of gift giving, and guard against getting swept up in the materialism and consumerism of our culture. Another song that we played on our record player when I was growing up was "The Gift Goes On" by Sandi Patti as we handed out presents on Christmas morning. The words, "And the gift goes on, The Father gave the Son, and the gift goes on, The Son gave the Spirit, and the gift goes on, The Spirit gives us life, and the gift goes on and on and on..." reminded us how God gave us the greatest gift in His Son. This year, our family is implementing the three gifts idea, based on the gifts that Jesus received from the Magi. We are looking forward to simplifying our gift giving, guarding against over-consumption, as well as teaching our children another aspect of the Christmas story in this way.

Birthday Cake for Jesus

Another new tradition that we are going to start with our family this year is making a birthday cake for Jesus. My three year old daughter loves birthdays. As we just celebrated birthdays for three of us this fall, and this was the first year that she could really remember and understand, birthdays are fresh on her mind. I read about this idea after Christmas last year, and thought it was such a great way to teach children that we celebrate Jesus' birthday at Christmas that I knew it was a tradition I wanted to add to our family's celebration.

Ultimately, as a family, we want to glorify God in all that we say and do, and this is just as true at Christmas time. We want to keep and incorporate our family traditions that focus on Christ as the reason for Christmas, and create our own traditions that will add to our children's experience of Christmas as Jesus' birthday.

What traditions keep your family focused on Christ during the Christmas season?

Corn & Pickles

2010-10-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

...no, sadly, that is not the latest pregnancy craving craze! Those two vegetables, are in fact, the only two (besides green beans) that my kiddo will eat! Lucky me! Because of this, I spend a good amount of time trying to hide veggies in his other food (primarily pancakes). If you have the same problem (like I suspect a few of you do), here is a good recipe to sneak in some pumpkin, some fruit (if you sub applesauce for the oil), and a whole bunch of fiber! I make these a lot, and they get gobbled up in no time! Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
(Recipe from Rogue River Rendezvous, 1992)

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp allspice
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 cups canned pumpkin
1 cup vegetable oil (or sub 1/2 cup with applesauce)
1 cup bran cereal or 1 1/2 cups bran flakes
6 ounces chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour and the next 8 ingredients (through sugar), and set aside.
-In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs until foamy; add pumpkin, oil, and cereal, mix well. Add to sifted flour mixture, stirring only until combined. Stir in chocolate chips & nuts. Spoon evenly into greased muffin tins.
-Bake for 30-40 minutes; cool completely before removing.

Not Just A Mom...

2010-10-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Such a great story! Enjoy!

A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the county clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job, or are you just a... "Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation... 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know... The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ballpoint pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family), and already have four credits, (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."

Motherhood...What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".

Welcome Fall!

2010-09-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you to helped kick off our 2010-2011 season of MOPS last Friday! It was so nice to see everyone again, to share some yummy breakfast, and great conversation and fellowship! I was so caught up in the excitement that I completely forgot to take any pictures...I promise to be better at the next meeting! **Remember to mark your calendars for October 15th!**

I'm not sure about you, when fall officially starts, anything and everything pumpkin enters my mind, but usually the first and most prominent is any type of edible pumpkin treat! Here is a recipe I found for Pumpkin Pie Pudding, that is actually healthy, and that kids (well, at least mine) love! Oh, and extra bonus, your kiddos get some veggies and they don't even know it! Yahoo!

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Ingredients

2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice

Preparation

Whisk milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Boil 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Beat eggs with a whisk in a large bowl. Gradually add half the hot milk mixture to the beaten eggs. Return milk-egg mixture to pan. Cook over medium heat 3 minutes, or until thick, whisking constantly. Remove from heat; stir in pumpkin, salt, and pumpkin-pie spice. Spoon evenly into 6 (6-ounce) custard cups. Let cool, and chill for about 30 minutes, or until pudding is set.

Calories: 168
Fat: 3gCholesterol: 77mg
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrate: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Iron: 1mg
Sodium: 214mg
Calcium: 134mg
Tracey Seaman, Health, NOVEMBER 2003

Enjoy! -Liz

2010-05-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Mamas! Few reminders and announcements to get to our last month rolling. Hope everyone is doing well so far and can’t wait to see you all at our LAST meeting...just sad but looking forward for summer!

***Friends Church/Silverton Christian School is having a Plant Sales since yesterday and will be today as well Sat. starting at 9AM. I’ve seen those plants and they are sure beautiful and bountiful! I can’t wait to get a couple of hanging baskets! Time to dress up our porch/outside and make it cheery considering all the greys and rain. So come on out and boost your mood ;) You help benefit the school!
***Sara our awesome book review mom wants to send a reminder to please bring back books that have been checked out for a while. We will truly appreciate it. Since we missed her last month, we may have our last book review for the year.

***Spring Cleaning Time...pls. don’t forget to donate your stuff for our Annual MOPS Garage Sale to help fund for next year’s MOPS “) And Sign-up to volunteer to set up or help during our Garage Sale.

***Don’t forget to bring your check for our last meeting so you can have that discount rate of a $35.00 rate. Last til’ end of May. Register early!

***We had only 14 surveys filled out. Please make sure to fill one out at our next mtg. I can probably scan our survey and you can have it here on FB and you can mail it to myself, Gina or any other Steering Team (preferably Julie or Lesley).

***Next meeting, come “COMFY”...bring out the Yoga pants! I love em’! Anything comfy is loved.

HUGE THANKS FOR OUR MOPPETS DONATIONS!!! We will do a thank-you luncheon for them along with thank-you gifts. All you moms help make this happen as they make it happen for us by watching our wonderful kids.

THANK YOU & See you all soon! We are excited as always :) GOD bless you all in all you do! All of you are wonderful moms :)

Sisters...girlfriends...

2010-03-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day,
drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother.
As they talked about life, about marriage, about the
responsibilities of life and the obligations of
adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her
glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance
upon her daughter.

'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling
the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll
be more important as you get older. No matter how
much you love your husband, no matter how much you
love the children you may have, you are still going
to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now
and then; do things with them.'

'Remember that 'Sisters' can mean other women as well...
your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other
women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.'

What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman
thought. Haven't I just gotten married?
Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a
married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely
my husband and the family we may start will be all I
need to make my life worthwhile!'

But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact
with her Sisters and made more women friends each
year. As the years tumbled by, one after another,
she gradually came to understand that her Mom really
knew what she was talking about. As time and nature
work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman,
Sisters are the mainstays of her life.

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are between you. A girl friend is never too far away.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
neither would I. When we began this adventure called
womanhood (MOTHERHOOD), we had no idea of the incredible joys or
sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.

Mom's Night Out!

2010-02-19T13:51:00.001-08:00

Check out the photos on facebook from our last Mom's Night Out! Thanks to Annabeth who planned this fun, game night!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silverton-MOPS/230861230267?ref=nf#!/album.php?aid=371834&id=230861230267&ref=mf

Garage Sale!

2010-02-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies! We are looking ahead to our Annual Garage Sale coming up this June 17th-19th! This is our primary fundraiser, and the main reason we don't have to charge more than we do. We can all help out by volunteering, donating our used stuff, and shopping. Start a garage sale pile now and be prepared. We will be passing around sign up sheets at the March meeting....put it on your calendars now ladies.

Business Partners!

2010-02-19T13:40:00.001-08:00

Remember to thank our business partners by shopping their stores! It is such a blessing to be able to hand out fun, useful gifts to our mama's without breaking the bank. A majority of our member dues go to MOPS International so we aren't left with much leftover. Thanks to the support of our business partners (and a little fundraising) we don't have to burden the MOPS moms with asking for too much extra. Thanks to these February business partners!

1. Rainbow West Christian Bookstore
2. The Chocolate Box
3. American Family Video
4. Papa Murphy's Pizza

February Meeting Photos!

2010-02-19T13:33:00.000-08:00

It was great to see all of you ladies this month. Those of you who were sick or stuck home with sick kiddos, we wish you well and hope to see you in March. We had a great meeting today focusing on Planet Relationships (mostly with spouses to go along with Valentine's Day). Pastor Roger had some great relationship stories and advice, and many of you made some super-cute tuck notes to tuck into the pocket, lunch box, sock drawer or car of those you love. Also, don't forget about the post-it-note challenge. It doesn't take much, just a few simple words to encourage those around you. Leave your hubby a post-it-note on the kitchen counter for him to find while he eats breakfast. Leave your mom or mother-in-law a note letting them know how much you appreciate all of the little things they do. Blessings ladies!

Check out the photos of the meeting on our facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Silverton-MOPS/230861230267?ref=nf

A First Corinthians Christmas- Thanks Gina!

2009-12-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angles and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties anod sing the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, even though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and lots of presents.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Family Identity!

2009-12-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

This is a great article about family identity. It goes along well with the idea of traditions and family unity at the holidays. Check it out if you get time--it's hard to go wrong with Focus on the Family!
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/building_relationships/celebrating_your_family_identity.aspx

December Meeting!

2009-12-17T11:33:00.001-08:00

Well ladies, it's that time again! We hope to see you this Friday from 9-11 for our very laid back, casual December MOPS meeting. It will be coffee shop style (sit wherever you like), with lots of tasty treats and FABULOUS prizes. We will also be making a craft that would easily double as a gift if you were willing to give it away...(hmmm...suspense!) We hope to see you Friday morning for a small break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season! Blessings and Best Wishes to all our MOMS!

Book Review with Sara!

2009-12-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

The ADVENTure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in our Holiday Traditions - A Mom's Guide
by Lisa Whelchel
Illustrations by Jeannie Mooney
Published by Multnomah Gifts, a division of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

I recently interlibrary loaned a book I've heard about to help me think of some ideas for Christmas. I've heard about The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel on Focus on the Family and FamilyLife Today so I thought it could help me. I really like the ideas in this book. The whole idea of the book is that we shouldn't feel bad about getting excited about Christmas and all the things that Christmas brings. We should embrace Christmas and all the traditions because there is meaning behind all the things we do. Lisa Whelchel, who is also the author of Creative Corrections, does a good job giving a brief description of the history and Christian meaning of all the traditions so we in turn can explain to our children why we do what we do. Activities and questions are also given to do with our children so we can enjoy the traditions and focus on Christ during this special time of the year. I really enjoy Christmas so it's good to find a book that isn't about alternatives or complaining about how secular Christmas has become. This book takes what we already do and love and puts Christ in the center of it.

I think a quote from the book best sums it up:"Now it is my desire to lure parents into the hustle and bustle of Christmas and then set them free to join their children in the celebration - guilt-free. On each day of the traditional Advent, the twenty-four days preceding Christmas, we will explore together a different aspect of the Christmas celebration. It's amazing how short a distance you have to go to find Jesus in our present-day symbols and traditions. We will encounter the true meaning of Christmas in such unlikely places as a candy cane, a fruitcake, and the partridge in a pear tree. We will rediscover the significance of Santa Claus, tree ornaments, and even the colors of Christmas."So go find the book and have fun celebrating with your family this Christmas. I know I will be making the birthday cake for Jesus that the author describes in the book. It has lots of symbolism which I love!

Merry Christmas!
Sara Trott

Placemat Discussions

2009-11-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

I found these rather tacky placemats at Ross and I LOVE THEM. It isn't that they match my kitchen decor particularly well, and it isn't because they go with any other Christmas decorations in the kitchen. I love them because they prompt wonderful conversation with little kiddos. In addition to wonderful conversation, they make for great quizzing material. While we are waiting for all the food to get to the table or having snack we talk about things like

1. What was Jesus' mom's name again?

2. What kinds of gifts do you think the wise men brought to Jesus? Do you think that is why we give gifts at Christmas time?

3. Do you think Mary was comfy-cozy in a stable?

You get the idea. We talk about the story of Jesus' birth (Christmas) multiple times each day because as he snacks on animal crackers we are talking about what we see on the placemat. I think I'm going to make this a tradition around here....possibly all year long. I could even make my own placemats in an effort to direct table conversation among my kiddos. Hmmm...Just food for thought! Blessings

November Give-aways!

2009-11-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

Gina is always so sweet to snag a few photos of our give-aways before they go home with our amazing MOPS moms! Too cute, don't you think? We focused on scrapbooking, photos and other things of that sorts all centered around Planet Family...

November Business Sponsors!

2009-11-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you to P.a.M. Photography for donating a FREE family portrait session! What an amazing blessing to have the opportunity to capture the precious moments in time that only a professional photo shoot can do.Check P.a.M. Photography out on facebook or find find her on the web at http://pamphotographyandmore.webs.com/

November Meeting!

2009-11-29T19:48:00.001-08:00

We were thrilled that so many ladies made it to the November meeting where we discussed life on Planet Family. I trust that your Thanksgiving was a wonderful time to be with family and friends while giving thanks to God for His amazing blessings. We really do have so much to be grateful for.

Just a couple of Recaps:
1. We made $178.88 at the Homespun Christmas bazaar. Way to go ladies!
2. A huge thanks to those of you who put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. What a blessing it will be to the children who receive the gifts this holiday season.
3. Don't forget about the first Friday play-date this Friday, Dec. 4th from 9-11 at the Silverton Friends Church!
4. Friday Dec. 4th is the Silverton Christmas tree lighting.
5. Saturday Dec. 5th is the Canyonview Nativity

Those of you who weren't able to be at the November meeting really missed out. Our very own mentor moms shared from their heart about their journeys in motherhood. They answered these questions (plus a few extra tidbits)!
1. What are your fondest traditions, either started or carried on by your own family?
2. What is the most beneficial thing your parent's taught you? What do you hope your kiddos have learned from you?
3. Discuss how your relationships with your kids and/or parents evolved from parent-child to adult-adult.
4. What expectations did you have for your children? How were you flexible if the expectations weren't met or changed?

Discussion Questions:
1. How has transition to motherhood affected your relationships with your parents?
2. What values or traditions have you adopted from your in-law relationships?
3. What are your expectations for the relationship between your child/children and extended family? How do you communicate these expectations?

Lastly, I hope that you all found time to work on your 'I Give Thanks' books with your kiddos and also spent some time completing your leaf project. We would love to post some pictures of what you all did with the leaves. Lesley did an awesome job making a thankful tree and I heard of someone else who chose to hang the leaves from their dining room chandelier.Blessings Ladies!

Homespun Bazaar!

2009-11-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you to those of you who participated in the fundraiser this past weekend. The bazaar was a huge success because so many moms chose to participate by donating their 'homespun gifts'. A giant thank you to those who made crafts, volunteered to set-up or even work at the bazaar on Friday and Saturday. What a blessing! The fundraiser was a HUGE success...

Boring Breakfast Blues--A Cure!

2009-11-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

We pretty much rotate through pancakes, waffles, french toast, and eggs for breakfast around this joint, but for some reason 'egg-in-the-hole' is hands-down the favorite. These pictures are of 'egg-in-the-star' and sometimes we make 'egg-in-the-guy', egg-in-the-flower or 'egg-in-the-heart'. I just lightly butter both sides of the bread, cut out a shape with a cookie cutter, and put it in the frying pan. I quickly add an egg, fry on both sides and voila....Egg-in-the-STAR!

2009-10-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Gina for taking the time to let us all know what exactly are the times for all the Silverton Halloween events!

2:00 - 4:00pm Halloween Costume Contest at Citizens Bank parking lot next to bank on Main St., sponsored by Silverton Mural Society.

4:00 - 6:00pm Goblin Walk ...All downtown merchants displaying Goblin Walk sign will be handing out treats

7:00 - 9:00pm "Thriller" in the streets - The American Academy of Performing Arts Co. will presenting the second annual Silverton "Thriller" dance onMain St. between First and Second streets. They will perform about four times per hour. MOPS Moms like Enez & Gina will be performing!

7:00 - 9:00pm Fall Carnival = Lots of candy, carnival games, popcorn, apple bobbing, cake walk and more! Costumes allowed (no scary ones please) at Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 Industry Way.

As you can see, there are lots of exciting things going on this Halloween. Hope to see you all out and about tonight with your 'super-cute kiddos'. Be safe and have a Happy Halloween!

Slimy Bath Toys!

2009-10-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else's kiddos' bath toys get slimy and nasty? I feel like I clean bath toys CONSTANTLY! And I am pretty stinkin' meticulous even do say so myself. It takes some bleach and a toothbrush to get the yucky stuff off and half the time I end up tossing the toys anyways. The bath toys at your house may not get as gross as ours (because we have well water) but nevertheless I found a much more acceptable solution: RUN THEM THROUGH THE DISHWASHER! I got this little hint from a friend this last week and I feel as though my life has been forever improved upon! Okay so it probably isn't that drastic, but this mama was pleased to find a simpler solution to a household dilemma. Blessings!

Stumped for Dinner?

2009-10-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Mom's Night Out!

2009-10-20T22:16:00.001-07:00

This Friday is Mom's Night Out! Please join us for fellowship, snacks (bring your favorite to share), and crafts. We will be working together to create the tags for the upcoming fundraser bazaar at the Silverton Friends Church. Many hands make light work! We can't wait to see you and spend some much needed time RELAXING and VISITING! I believe the time is 7-9 pm! See you all then. Blessings!

Focus on the Family & Plugged In

2009-10-20T22:08:00.000-07:00

Undoubtedly many of you have heard of, and read reviews on Plugged In... http://www.pluggedin.com/ . You can link there from the Focus on the Family website, and it offers faith based reviews on music, games and movies. It offers a synopsis of the film as well as any potential oppostions to your faith based teaching at home. I have found it to be a real blessing in deciding whether or not to attend a movie myself or with kiddos as well as checking out whether a movie sounds like a good flick or not! No one wants to spend eight or nine bucks to get into a film that they find offensive and rude only to have to leave early! Check out these faith based reviews before you head to your next movie. Blessings!

October Meeting in photo....

2009-10-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

Gina took some great pictures of the October give-aways! Friendship Bread, Great Harvest Bread, Coffee and Muffins, Thai food lunch....all things to encourage being with a friend to develop friendships that will help sustain us on Planet Mom! Never miss a meeting...there are way too many great prizes and a whole lot of fun gals to visit with. Serious props to Annie Schacher (CARE group leader) for blessing her table with some great treats. I think I might make a Halloween BINGO game for my kiddos now! Great idea Annie! I included a picture in case some of you didn't get to see the Halloween BINGO game boards!

October at a Glance!

2009-10-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

Our October MOPS meeting proved to be an exciting one! We focused on friendship....being authentic, being a good friend in practical terms, and how our friendships change once arriving on Planet Mom. We had some great give-aways thanks to our October business partners and made some new friends while speed-friending (kind of like speed dating, right?). What a blessing to be able to come together, EAT FOOD, and enjoy the amazing company of other moms! Thanks for taking the time to be there ladies. I just wanted to take a moment to remind us of some of the announcements:

1. Sign up to follow this blog and be entered into a drawing for a FABULOUS prize at our November meeting. Please....I need the encouragment.

2. Check out our MOPS library after the meeting. There are some great books and great magazines. If you find a great book, send me a quick summary & review of it. I would love to put it on the blog so we can all check it out!

3. Dont' forget to be working on your home-made what-nots (crafts, baked goodies, home decor, and the list goes on and on) for the upcoming fundraising bazaar at the Silverton Friends Church. This is a great opportunity to support the MOPS group as well as get your product to be seen. If we all participate this can be a huge success!

4. Bring a wrapped shoe box full of goodies for either a boy or girl ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-13. Keep the age and gender in mind while shopping for small toys, school supplies and toiletry items. No guns, knives, liquids, lotions, hairspray or anything else that might leak, explode or cause trauma to a child from a war torn country. Please include $7.00 shipping with your box if at all possible. Just a reminder that we will be collecting these at the November MOPS meeting to ensure they make it to their destination by Christmas. What an amazing opportunity to teach our kiddos that it is better to give than to receive. It is also a wonderful way to teach our kiddos empathy and encourage sacrifice and caring. Just a little tidbit: Target's dollar section has great stickers, small toys, crayons, notepads and other items. I'm sure the Dollar Tree is full of great stuff too! Let's all try to participate as much as we are able. Thanks in advance Ladies!

October Business Partners!

2009-10-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

We wanted to send out a great big thank you to our October business partners. Let's support these local businesses ladies!

1. Rolling Hills Bakery
2. Gear Up
3. Thai Dish Cuisine

A Look Back at September

2009-10-17T10:05:00.001-07:00

Table Decor on Planet Mom! September was an exciting introduction to the new theme of Together on Planet Mom. Each table created a unique version of what Planet Mom looks like in their universe. The posters were splashed with magazine cutouts of things from diapers, sippy cups, and toys to things like purses, high heels and running shoes! It was a wonderful reminder of how much we all have in common on Planet Mom as well as how beautifully different we all are! I laughed out loud as I looked over each poster in preperation for completing and laminating them. I got a sense of each woman in our group and her heart as well as what makes her laugh and cry. I hope you find humor in the posters as you glance at them each week while making small talk at your table. I hope they strike up intriguing conversation about dreams, hopes and daily realities. Blessings!

MOPS Meeting Tomorrow!

2009-10-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our October MOPS meeting! We can't wait to see you all there and don't forget to bring your idea for the fundraising bazaar. We have such crafty ladies in our group....I can't wait to see what you all have come up with! Blessings...see you tomorrow!

Welcome Isaac Mulkey!

2009-10-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nate and Michelle Mulkey on the birth of their newest blessing Isaac David Mulkey born at 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 2nd, 9 lbs. 10 oz. and 21 inches long. What a doll!

1st Friday Play-date!

2009-10-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

It was such a blessing to see all of you wonderful gals at the play date this morning! The kiddos had a great time burning some energy, the moms got some much needed gab and fellowship time and we all had some terriffic snacks too! Can't wait to see you all next month!

Children's Tylenol Recall!

2009-09-30T09:53:00.001-07:00

Hey there all you MOPS moms! We thought you might want to check this link out and see if any of your supply is affected!

http://www.nowpublic.com/health/tylenol-recall-2009-list-infant-and-childrens-tylenol-recall

Book Reviews with Sara Trott!

2009-09-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley
http://www.radicalwomanhood.com/

One of the books I heard about and I read this summer was not a parenting book. Surprise! But I do think it has helped me with some of the issues that I face being a mother, a wife, and a woman. The book, Radical Womanhood, covers many of the issues that we deal with as women in today's society. The subtitle of the book is feminine faith in a feminist world, and it does just that. It gives biblical principles that counter the arguments made by feminists in the past and today.

Whether we know it or not, we have all been influenced by the feminist movement. From the roles of men and women to the Mommy Wars, feminism has affected every aspect of our lives. Radical Womanhood gives a good history of how we got here, covering the four waves of feminism and giving the biblical view to the issues feminism has brought out to the open.
The book, and I agree, makes clear that some of the things the feminist fought for were not all bad, but it also points out where it went too far.

I greatly enjoyed the chapter on the history of the home and the chapter describing the fourth wave of feminism. Both subjects I have not thought much about and appreciated learning. As a stay-at-home mom, the chapter on the Mommy Wars was very good and expressed many of the conflicts I faced when deciding to have children. Many of you will see yourself in the pages of this book.

This book is easy to read and not a long, scholarly textbook. It is well written with personal stories the author has gathered from other women to illustrate the biblical principles made in this book. I would highly recommend reading this book to give you an idea of where we come from as woman and what the Bible calls us to.

And remember, you don’t have to buy a book to read it. Check out your library to see if they have it and if they don’t, they can loan it for you from other libraries. Ask your librarian how to do an inter-library loan if you are interested.

Good reading!
By Sara Trott

September Business Sponsors!

2009-09-16T13:50:00.001-07:00

Thank you to the following sponsors for donating to Silverton MOPS this month! Without these generous sponsors our meetings wouldn't be nearly as exciting!

Preggie Pops!
What are Preggie Pops?Preggie Pops are naturally flavored and specially formulated lollipops made for pregnant women. For generations, women have sought out certain natural therapies to ease morning sickness. As healthcare professionals, we have developed a solution: convenient, delicious, high quality and all natural lollipops. Preggie Pops offer relief via a combination of essential oils, aromatherapy and our unique delivery system. In addition, our Preggie Pops alleviate dry mouth, provide quick calories and energy during labor, and are an overall soothing and comforting way to address the needs of pregnant women. Preggie Pops are also drug free and healthcare provider recommended.
http://www.threelollies.com/

Fir Point Farms!
Our 35 acre farm features old growth fir trees, acres of sun-drenched flowers, a shaded Nature Trail and stunning views of Mt. Hood. Browse the greenhouses and herb garden, cut your own bouquet from the U-Pick Flower Field, visit with the farm animals and shop in the Country Market full of fresh, local produce, gifts and gourmet food items focusing on the great Northwest.Fir Point Farms is home of the famous Tree-Climbing Goats, Tillamook Ice Cream Cones and the Harvest Festival!
http://firpointfarms.com/

Check it out!

2009-08-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Some fun toddler activities...art, food and more. Check it out!http://fun.familyeducation.com/early-learning/family-learning/33372.html

Congratulations Annie Schacher!

2009-08-23T15:02:00.001-07:00

Dan and Andrea Schacher welcomed Spencer Timothy into the world on August 14th at 10:28 pm....6 lbs. 8 oz. and 18 1/2 inches long. What a blessing! Congrats Dan, Annie and Big Sister Marissa.

Upcoming meeting dates and activities!

2009-08-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Be watching for these magnets at our first MOPS meeting. Keep them on your fridge as a reminder of our upcoming meetings and activities...Believe me, you don't want to miss out! There are so many exciting things in store this year. Blessings!

The Power of a Praying Parent

2009-08-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

Next to my kitchen sink stands a 'flip calendar' filled with quotes from Stormie Omartian's book, The Power of a Praying Parent. I love staring at it and meditating on the thoughts it shares. The pages of the calendar are swollen from being constantly splattered with water. They are a constant reminder that our kiddos need to be bathed in prayer, not just soap and water. The battle between flesh and blood is real and our children are in the mix.

"We want our children to be known for their goodness. We want our children to be attractive to others because of their purity. This doesn't just happen. It must be taught. And although we can do much to teach our children, the real teacher is the Holy Spirit." -August 10th

Together on Planet Mom MOPS Theme for 2009-10

2009-06-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

The MOPS Experience equips women for the joys and challenges of their lives as moms. One key factor in the MOPS Experience is the relationships built within a group. Time and time again, MOPS moms share that the friends they make in MOPS are significant for this season of their life and on into their future. God created us for relationship! It’s one of the defining parts of being human.
However, when you become a mom, all your relationships change. It’s like you have landed on a different planet—Planet Mom—and the relationships on Planet Mom don’t look like the ones on your previous planet. Your relationship with yourself is different—you are a mom! Your relationship with your husband, girlfriends, extended family, community and God have all changed. Many of these changes are positive, some are not. Even positive change requires adjustments on your part.

During the 2009-10 MOPS year, we will explore how to thrive in relationships Together on Planet Mom.

The theme book for 2009-10 is Life on Planet Mom: A Down to Earth Guide to Your Changing Relationships by Lisa T. Bergren. The book is part of the MOPS International Membership benefit. All the moms and Mentors in your group will want to be equipped with this resource as together they learn to navigate the relationships on Planet Mom.

The foundation of being Together on Planet Mom is that God is with us and we are created for relationship with him and each other. We are created to “do life” together. This is definitely true for us as both moms and leaders. The more we draw together in community, the better we are able to thrive as women and moms. And in MOPS leadership, we are better together than individually, which is why the emphasis in MOPS leadership is working together on a team. This life together is underlined in our theme verse for the year, where Jesus promises: “For where two or three come together ... there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20

Silverton MOPS

Keeping Christ in Christmas

I stumbled upon a good article on http://www.keeperofthehome.org/, a website for at-home Christian moms, about family traditions that do a great job of incorporating the magic and splendor of Christmas, with the birth of Jesus. Enjoy!

Family Traditions that Keep Christ at the Center of Christmas

Family Traditions That Point Toward Christ

The Nativity

Lighting the Christmas Tree

Christmas Carols

The Christmas Story

Giving Gifts

Birthday Cake for Jesus

Corn & Pickles

Not Just A Mom...

Welcome Fall!

Ingredients

Preparation

Calories: 168Fat: 3gCholesterol: 77mgProtein: 5gCarbohydrate: 30gFiber: 1gIron: 1mgSodium: 214mgCalcium: 134mgTracey Seaman, Health, NOVEMBER 2003

Sisters...girlfriends...

Mom's Night Out!

Garage Sale!

Business Partners!

February Meeting Photos!

A First Corinthians Christmas- Thanks Gina!

Family Identity!

December Meeting!

Book Review with Sara!

Placemat Discussions

November Give-aways!

November Business Sponsors!

November Meeting!

Homespun Bazaar!

Boring Breakfast Blues--A Cure!

Slimy Bath Toys!

Stumped for Dinner?

Mom's Night Out!

Focus on the Family & Plugged In

October Meeting in photo....

October at a Glance!

October Business Partners!

A Look Back at September

MOPS Meeting Tomorrow!

Welcome Isaac Mulkey!

1st Friday Play-date!

Children's Tylenol Recall!

Book Reviews with Sara Trott!

September Business Sponsors!

Check it out!

Congratulations Annie Schacher!

Upcoming meeting dates and activities!

The Power of a Praying Parent

Together on Planet Mom MOPS Theme for 2009-10

Calories: 168
Fat: 3gCholesterol: 77mg
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrate: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Iron: 1mg
Sodium: 214mg
Calcium: 134mg
Tracey Seaman, Health, NOVEMBER 2003