daily diaper - Cross Community Mops
Transcription
daily diaper - Cross Community Mops
Maranatha Mops D AILY D IAPER ISSUE 1 • SEPT 2010 Mothering is a balance of art and science. It combines all of who we are to shape healthy, resilient kids. Mothering is so complex it requires both sides of our brain – not to mention our hands and feet, eyes and ears, mouth and (sniff, sniff) unfortunately, sometimes even our noses! A very warm welcome! There's the scientific side of mothering where we develop a hypothesis based on certain principles, test that hypothesis in real-time, consider the results and decide what parts worked and what parts didn't. We keep refining our hypotheses until we find what works for us. MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs. Intertwined with the scientific, mothering requires an artistry that shades with our personality, colors with our unique gifts, and blends past and current experiences. MOPS helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups that provide a caring atmosphere for today’s mother of young children. MOPS also encourages and supports moms through resources such as books and articles which are available through their website at www.mops.org. We are excited to start off another exciting year here at Maranatha Mops. There are many wonderful speakers and activities planned for all of you. We hope you enjoy all that we have planned for you! – Your Steering Committee Our Mission... today’s agenda Overall Topic: Introducing this year’s theme: MOMOLOGY Announcements Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Game Craft: Making Name Tags Skit Mentor Moment Discussion Time Final Announcements Next Meeting: 09-22 What’s your personality profile? Psalm 139:10 PLEASE READ: One of our goals at MOPS is to give moms a much needed break. We want MOPS to be a morning where you can spend quality time with other moms and have a few moments to recharge and refuel. In order to accomplish this, we ask that all moms use the excellent child care that we provide. We realize that there may be times when it is necessary for you to have your baby in the room. Nursing infants are generally not a distraction. However, for the sake of the moms at your table, if you must have your child in the room, please sit in the back of the room while the speaker is speaking. Thank you for your cooperation. "Better Moms Make a Better World" Mom Minute THE IMPORTANCE OF OTHER MOMMY FRIENDS How I discovered that making friends is easier when you have babies in common. When my son, Austin, was born, I became a full-time stay-at-home mom overnight. Although it was 100 percent my choice (and the best decision I ever made), it was the biggest life change I had ever faced. The initial isolation of new motherhood is crushing. Not only had I given up a job I loved, but I was suddenly incompatible with my childless friends just when I needed friends most. They didn’t get what it was like to shower with the bathroom door open, one eye on a screaming 1-month-old in his bouncy seat. Nor could they comprehend how frustrating it is to have only a newborn for conversation. I took Austin for daily trips to the drugstore, buying one thing at a time so I would have an excuse to return — and chat with the cashier, who was also a mom — the next day. I strolled Austin through the park. But seeing groups of mothers picnicking on the grass, I felt like the loneliest mom in town. Then one afternoon I ran into Nicole, a neighbor who, unbeknownst to me, had a baby girl Austin’s age. She suggested we go to the park sometime. “I’d love to!” I replied. “I’m always around, just give me a call.” My desperation must have been obvious because she invited me to a weekly mothers’ luncheon in the area. I couldn’t say yes fast enough. On the day of the lunch I was determined to make a good impression. I dressed in the nicest clothes I had (of those that fit) and made an extra effort to apply my mascara with a steady hand. I even dressed Austin in his prized Baby Dior onesie. My husband eyed us as he left for work and snickered, “Do you two have a hot date?” Despite his sarcasm, I knew he was also desperate for someone to befriend me so I’d stop calling him at work 12 times a day. When I arrived at the restaurant, the sea of strange faces was initially intimidating. But soon I overheard the woman across from me talking about c-sections. My ears perked up. I leaned across the table and made my move. “I had a c-section, too,” I said, praying that something more than silence would follow. She replied, “It wasn’t so bad, right? By the way, I’m Caryn.” Soon we were chatting about sleep deprivation and our in-laws as if we’d been friends for years. Motherhood, I realized, is the mother of all icebreakers. The women I envied in the park had most likely started off just like me. Over the next few weeks I planned play dates with other mothers, who brought along acquaintances, and soon I had plenty of mommy pals. Over time some returned to work, others moved away, and our group shrunk to what it is today — a tightly knit circle of women who, more than two years later, are some of my closest friends. These days, I also get together with my childless friends again. We laugh over jokes from as far back as high school. But there will always be a special place in my heart for the women with whom I share motherhood. They’ve been privy to the most precious moments of my life — the ones with my son. They’ve watched me act silly with him, change him, comfort him. And they’re a constant understanding ear as I tackle the hardest and most rewarding job of my life. By Stacey Stapleton A SSii m A m pp ll ee IIdd eeaa .... .. .. Marshmallow as Cupcake Frosting A clever way to repurpose an everyday item. Try this sweet, no-icing-necessary method. When your cupcakes have about three minutes left to bake, pull out the tin and place one marshmallow on top of each cupcake. Return the tin to the oven for the remaining time (or until the marshmallows are slightly melted but still fluffy). "Better Moms Make a Better World" Book Corner.... Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids By: Shelly Radic Mothering is part art, part science, and always a work in progress! Created with the next generation of mothers in mind, Momology is a delightful collaboration of celebration and information to help readers be the unique mothers God created them to be. With access to 36 years of research-based ministry at MOPS, Momology shares the four core elements of successful mothering using a variety of voices: parenting and relationship experts, peer-to-peer advice, and the respected team of MOPS International. With lively contemporary design, fresh perspectives and cutting edge research, Momology seeks to make better moms make a better world. Available at www.mops.org Featuring... A Steering Member BIRTHDAYS 9/9 9/10 9/11 9/17 9/20 9/20 9/29 Victoria Berardesco Heidi Collins Lee O’Donnell Stacy Bauer Heather Canning Tammy Charlton MaryAnna Caton A fellow mom that make these meetings happen. Kristen Stephens has been in MOPS for about 4 years. This is her second full year as MOPPETS Coordinator. Kristen truly enjoys being a part of the MOPPETS program knowing that her time and efforts are a huge part of the moms being able to relax and know that their children are in good hands. She looks forward to seeing faces from MOPS and MOPPETS last year as well as new ones. Her 2 daughters, Lily (3) and Claire(2) really enjoy the MOPPETS program because they get to do crafts, coloring and playing. Feel free to talk to Kristen about any questions or concerns you may have about MOPPETS. Husband/How long married: Brian Stephens for 7 years! Somethings you may not know about me.... Played Division I golf for 4 years in college and almost went pro. Also, right after I got married, my husband and I were in a band and lived in an RV for a year while traveling around the country playing music. We attend Maranatha church and I sing on the Worship Team. Hometown- Grew up in Southampton, NY (Long Island) Lived in Florida- 2 1/2 years Business Endeavors- SimplyFun Consultant (Business encouraging Learning Through Play and Family Time) Also, is the Lesson Plans Editor for CraftGossip.com Thing I miss most before being a Mom - Going out to dinner often Thing I love the most about being a Mom - Watching my husband and children playing and make-believing in the living room at night @ WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT... www.maranathamops.com – Our MOPS Group website www.mops.org – MOPS International website www.pbgfl.com – Palm Beach Gardens Activities & Events www.pbclibrary.org – Palm Beach County Library/Story Times Prayer & Promise www.nesting.com – Organizing your family’s daily life But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT www.crown.org – Biblical financial principles Dear God, There are days when being a mom is the greatest feeling in the world! When my baby reaches for me and says, “Mama,” my heart melts! But then there are days when the laundry seems like an endless pile, the dishes always need washing, and my kids have colds—again! That’s when I feel really overwhelmed and wonder if I can really do this job. Lord, I know I can come to you and ask for strength, for you have promised to give it to me. So please help me on those days when I am not sure I can make it through—and thank you for the good days when my heart melts with love for my precious blessings. Amen Source: Crystal Bowman, Mentor www.familyactivityguide.com – Local Family Fun Resource www.sittercity.com – Finding local babysitters www.southfloridadines.com – Great Savings on Restaurants "Better Moms Make a Better World" 2010 -2011 STEERING: Gretchen Cristantiello, Coordinator U P C OM IN G E VE N T S U P C OM IN G E VE NT S MOPS Next Meeting • Wednesday, September 22nd, 9:30am ★ Table 1 will provide the food. ★ [email protected] Lillian Bentley, Mentor [email protected] Michele Zimmerman, Finance [email protected] Ginny Bissonnette, Hospitality [email protected] Rachael Kerns, Discussion Groups [email protected] Jo Swift, Publicity [email protected] Dawn Rofrano, Creative Activities [email protected] Kristen Stephens, Moppets [email protected] EMAIL POLICY: NOT FOR SOLICITATION OR ADVERTISING 22 MOPS PLAY DATE • A Latte Fun • Monday, Oct. 11th • 10:00 to 12:30 Cost is $10 per child. It includes lunch and beverage. Parents are free. Everyone needs socks. It surely will be lots of fun. Sign up today! Contact: Ginny Bissonnette – 407-970-4901 • [email protected] Location: Downtown at the Gardens 11 SEPTEMBER SAFARI NIGHTS Friday, September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2010 ~ 5:30pm – 9:00pm Discounted admission rates Come and see your furry friends in a whole new light when the zoo comes alive on these special nights! Join us for food, family fun and furry friends every Friday night for the “wildest” time anywhere! During these evenings we offer live entertainment, children’s games and crafts in our Nature Workshops, special up-close animal encounters, interactive wildlife shows, complimentary carousel rides, and delicious menu options from the Tropics Café. This is the best place to be on a Friday night with your friends and family. Come and see what all the commotion is about! Safari Night Nightly Fees (includes admission and access to all shows) Members: Adults: $6.95 • Children (3-12): Free • Children Under 3 Free Non-Members: Adults: $9.95 • Children (3-12): $5.95 • Children Under 3: Free 3, 10, 17, 24 J O I N U S F O R W O R S H I P AT M A R A N AT H A Sundays at 9:00 and 10:45am - Sunday morning worship celebrations feature a blend of contemporary and more traditional Church at the Beach, Sunday, 7:00am Palm Beach Shores Community Center, Singer Island. If you enjoy the outdoors and a laid-back atmosphere, Church at Beach is a great worship option for you. Maranatha MOPS Sponsors: Maranatha Church Chick-fil-A at The Gardens Thomas Rofrano, DC Mommyconnectcards.com Susan Fonger's Musikgarten Esther Center Laurie Hodges, Realtor Diana Moore, ACN independent rep Hard Exercise Works, PBG Coastal Pools & Services Please see www.maranathamops.org for links to our sponsors websites www.maranathamops.com For more information on becoming a MOPS sponsor, contact Michele Zimmerman at (561) 644-2253 All MOPS Mom’s get a special rate of $50