Meet Our Mentor Mom: {Misty A.}

We are so thankful for the wondering ministry of our MOPS Mentor Moms! Misty has been an incredible encouragement to many of us moms; she truly has a sweet spirit and kind heart.

Tell us about your family. My husband is Bill, and I have two daughters - Sydney, 14, and London, 8. 

Do you currently work? I run a Mary Kay business from my home and work as a make-up artist for a local photographer as well as wedding make-up periodically.

What is a hobby you have that some of the moms may not know about? As of the last year, I guess I would call running a new hobby.  I am not very fast but I am pretty determined.  :) Aside from that I love music and writing my fitness blog.

What is one piece of advice about motherhood that you would like to pass on? Pray blessings over your children!  Pray that if they are doing something wrong, they will be caught.  And don't forget to take time to just be a woman, just you!

What was the most challenging part for you about being a young mom? I struggled with leaving my children with a sitter.  It needed to be done however so I could put our marriage relationship ahead of our parenting.

What book are you currently (or did you last) reading? Most of my reading time these days is in the Bible.  But, I have recently enjoyed re-reading, "Letters from a Skeptic" by Greg Boyd.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse you would like to share? This is the most difficult question!  I feel like my favorites change with each day.  One of my all-time favorites however is John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  Those words are specifically from Jesus.  And although the struggles that we have in this world can be completely overwhelming, they are nothing compared to the sacrifice that Jesus chose to make for us.  And he's encouraging us!

How has your experience been with being a MOPS mentor mom?  I am incredibly blessed by being a Mentor Mom.  At the beginning of this year, I began praying that this position would really mean something for the women in our group.  I've built a few incredible relationships and am seeing how precious they are.

Christmas Traditions {by Melissa H.}

Christmas time is my favorite time of the year.  It is always busy with so many things to do, people to see, presents to wrap, cookies to bake and the list goes on and on.  That is what makes this month so special to me.  

I have such fond memories of my family’s Christmas traditions growing up that I really want to give my children the same gift.  Of course we do all the typical things like decorate the tree, hang Christmas lights, bake cookies, but I really wanted to do something every year to help us remember why we really celebrate Christmas.  I have done Advent calendars in previous years but have never really made it as special as I did this year.  


With the suggestion of a MOPS speaker a couple years ago, I bought the magnetic nativity advent calendar and Advent Book.  Every night the girls and I open a door on our book and read a verse or two from the Christmas story.  The girls also find another piece of the nativity scene in each door on the calendar.  This year I also added an activity, treat, dessert, or service project to each day.  It requires a lot of organization but my girls can’t wait to open the next little door to see what’s inside.  


Granted they have not liked all of the activities such as choosing 3 toys to donate.  Other days include watching “The Polar Express”, decorating a gingerbread house, buying toys for the toy drives at school, visiting Santa, painting Christmas ornaments, baking cookies and making cards to deliver to our elderly neighbors, driving around  to see Christmas lights, eating a Christmas dessert or treat, and attending the Christmas Eve service.  


My hope is that they will understand that Christmas is so much more than how many presents Santa brings them, but rather,  how much joy they can bring to others at this time of year.  


Finally, I want them to understand just how blessed they are to be able to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  I plan to continue these traditions every year and maybe they will have fond memories of Christmas as I do. 

Fall Inspired Recipes!

Hi ladies!

Here are the links to some fabulous favorite recipes from the last few MOPS meetings! How fun that they all are very fall-inspired!

Allie's S.'s Mocha-Apple Cake with Browned Butter Frosting. She also brought an amazing salad - the Spinach-Apple Salad with Maple-Cider Vinaigrette. Yum! 

Katie B. also brought a yummy Baked French Toast Casserole...who doesn't love Paula Deen?

 

And last but certainly not least was Becky Z.'s Pumpkin Fluff Dip. 

Mentor Moms - contact information

We are so thankful for our three wonderful Mentor Moms! Below is their contact information if you need someone to talk to, pray for you, or support you. We love our Mentor Moms!

Mary Timmers

Home: 651.459.4569

E-mail: marytimmers@aol.com

Karen Christenson

Home: 651.686.7488

Cell: 651.583.4728

E-mail: pkchr@comcast.net

Misty Anderson

Cell: 612.749.3212

E-mail: harper.anderson@gmail.com

Do You Need A Night Out...Kid Free?

Enjoy an evening out while the women of MOPS provide childcare during their annual fundraiser on Saturday, November 12 from 5:30-8:30 pm in the Generations Wing. There is a suggested donation of $10 per child with a $25 family maximum. 


There will be planned activities and lots of fun for your kids. Please share this information with your friends! It is available to all members of the community. Please RSVP below by November 9. Any questions can be directed to Melissa at melissa.r.ho@gmail.com. You can register your child/children at www.woodcrestchurch.org under the MOPS tab.


Hope to see you there! Tell your friends!

Note From Jenny | Living on a Budget

I (Jenny) hope you enjoyed our speaker last week and her talk on living on a budget. I appreciated all her handouts and resources. I was thinking of a few other money saving strategies. I would like your ideas too.
One thing I have done this time with my son Simon (wish I had done it the first time with Anna) is make some of my own baby food. It is really pretty easy, doesn't take much time, and is very cost effective. There are several recipes out there- here is an easy one- or you can simply take frozen or fresh fruits and veggies, steam or cook to soften, blend or grind them up, and add water to get desired consistency.

Baby's Chicken and Apples

Ingredients

1 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast half
1 medium (5 to 6 ounces) apple, peeled, cored and cut up
2 teaspoons unsweetened apple juice

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, cook chicken breast half in enough boiling water to cover for 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (internal temperature should be 170°F). Remove from saucepan; cool. Reserve the water the chicken was cooked in. Cut up cooked chicken into small pieces

2. Meanwhile, grind apple in a food mill or mini food processor with the apple juice until the consistency of applesauce; set aside.

3. Grind chicken in a food mill or mini food processor. Mix ground chicken and applesauce together. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons reserved cooking liquid for the consistency your child likes. Use within 1 day, or freeze up to 1 month.

To Freeze: Spoon finished food into ice cube trays. Cover with waxed paper and freeze until firm. When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To Serve: Heat thawed mixture to lukewarm in a small dish set in a pan of hot water. Stir before serving. Always sample a small bite to make sure the food is not too hot.

*****

Another thing I have heard about (haven't tried it though) is to make baby wipes. I googled it and found these instructions.

Lisa's Baby Wipes

1/8 - 1/4 c oil (mineral or baby oil) 1/8 - 1/4 c baby shampoo
1-1/2 - 2 cups water 8 drops of lavender oil
5 drops of tea tree oil (optional) ½ roll paper towels

Add the baby shampoo last, mix the solution gently.

Another Baby Wipes Recipe

2-1/4 cups water 2 tbsp baby shampoo
1 tbsp baby oil 1 roll paper towels, cut in half

And finally, one last idea that I would really like to try is making my own laundry soap. A friend told me about the recipes on the Duggar family's website. Here they are

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.


Powdered Laundry Detergent - Top load machine

1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

-Grate soap or break into pieces and process in a food processor until powdered. Mix all ingredients. For light load, use 1 Tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 Tablespoons. Yields: 3 Cups detergent. (Approx. 40 loads)


What do you think? Do you have any experience with these types of things? Any other ideas you are willing to share?

MOPS Recipes: 7 Layer Bars + Breakfast Sandwich Dish

I don't know about you, but I end up eating way too much each morning we have MOPS. The food is just so good! I always love getting new recipes, so I am highlighting a couple of recipes from each MOPS meeting on our MOPS blog!

This past Friday, I couldn't get enough of the 7 Layer Bars. I've always wondered how to make these! Here is the recipe, from Sarah B. Thanks, Sarah, for sharing your recipe with us!



7 Layer Bars

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
3. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature. 


Another food I just couldn't get enough of this week was Sarah M's breakfast sandwich dish! I had no idea you can make breakfast sandwiches as an "egg bake" sort of dish...but I sure am glad I know now!  Here is Sarah M's recipe:





Breakfast Sandwich


12 pieces English muffin bread
½ lb thin sliced ham
½ lb sliced Swiss cheese
½ lb shredded Cheddar cheese
8 eggs
3 cups milk
½ tsp dry mustard
½ tsp salt


1 ½ cup corn flakes, crushed
½ cup melted butter

Grease a 9x13 pan. Butter bread and lay, butter side up, in the pan. Cover with Swiss cheese slices, layer ham and Cheddar cheese. Cover with another layer of bread, butter side up. Blend eggs with milk, dry mustard and salt. Pour over the bread. Refrigerate overnight.

Before baking, mix cornflakes and melted butter.  Sprinkle this mixture on top of bread in pan. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Abby V. | Running For Uganda

It's getting close...8 weeks and counting.  I'm heading to a land I've only dreamed of going; a two-week vision trip to Kampala, Uganda to learn more about World Vision and to run a marathon.  The list of to-do's is long, and every day it seems to get longer...I need to buy my plane tickets.  I have to run __ miles today.  I need to get my shots.  I need to buy a raincoat.  Childcare for my boys while I'm gone is constantly on my mind.  How will I make it without seeing those little faces each and every day?  

But the highest on my priority list needs to be to thank God for this incredible opportunity (it's not always up there, but I'm working on that).  I cannot wait to deepen our relationship with this country!  This whole trip still doesn't seem real, but it has been incredible to watch God open doors within World Vision, our family, and our community.

(source)

Training for the full marathon is going as well as can be expected.  I'm still trying to determine if running is a "passion" of mine, but I'm beginning to think it might be like pregnancy ~ you don't want anything to do with it while you're in the last trimester (or the first trimester, if you're like me), but as soon as it's over, you long for the belly?  The race is finally scheduled for Sunday, November 27.  I'm quite thankful for this warmer weather we've been having here, as I'm now trying to train in the heat of the day instead of avoiding it at all costs, like I did this summer.  The miles are starting to add up, and I'm feeling well.  My current struggle is fitting in all the runs during the week, just with the busyness of life, but I'm extremely blessed with an amazing husband who keeps the kids happy while I'm out running and encourages me along the way. 

We're also making headway with our child sponsorship goal ~ I don't have exact numbers, but I'm estimating we have close to 40 children sponsored.  I would love to answer any questions regarding child sponsorships.  It is an amazing relationship with a specific child, whose community is helped due to your gracious giving.  I also want to challenge everyone to tell your friends and family about the opportunity of child sponsorship.  Only God knows who will begin a child sponsorship!  Our team website is:

http://support.worldvision.org/site/PageServer?pagename=About_Other_Uganda

As for the adoption, we received word last Friday that our dossier (paperwork for the adoption) has been approved in Uganda, so we are currently in line to receive our referral (picture and paperwork for a child).  Please be in prayer for this entire process, as it is a little nerve-racking.  We know that God is in control during this entire journey, but this has been (just a little) bit of a challenge for this major control freak...  : )

I've heard this following quote a number of times, but the words have never lost their sting...does it make you feel a little uneasy, too?

Sometimes I'd like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid God might ask me the same question.

Also, here are the book recommendations from Abby's talk last week at MOPS:

~ Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman

~ The Hole in our Gospel by Rich Sterns

~ There is No Me without You by Melissa Faye Greene

Pumpkin Bars and Spinach Artichoke Dip

Hi Ladies!

It was a great day at MOPS today. I hope all had fun getting to know each other a little better with our Connect Four game.

I just thought I would feature a few of my favorite dishes from this morning's brunch. I loved all of the food, but the things that stood out to me were the Spinach Artichoke Dip (Traci H) and the Pumpkin Bars (Melissa H). Don't you just love fall food?

• Pumpkin Bars
• 
  
• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
•  
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 
  

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir into the pumpkin mixture until thoroughly combined.
3. Spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 10x15 inch jellyroll pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in preheated oven. Cool before frosting.
4. To make the frosting, cream together the cream cheese and butter. Stir in vanilla. Add confectioners' sugar a little at a time, beating until mixture is smooth. Spread evenly on top of the cooled bars. Cut into squares.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1- 14oz can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
1- 10oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed
10oz jar Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4oz (1/2pkg) cream cheese softened
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup shredded parmesean romano cheese blend

Preheat oven to 35 0degrees. Mix all these ingredients in a mixing bowl:
Drain and chop artichoke hearts (keeping them somewhat chunky)
Take thawed spinach and squeeze out any excess water
Add Alfredo sauce
Add 1 cup shredded parmesean romano cheese blend
Add 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Add softened cream cheese
Add minced garlic
Mix until well blended and place in a oven safe casserole bowl or dish
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Place in 350degree oven for 15-20 minutes
Serve warm with sliced French bread, tortilla chips, or crackers.

Enjoy!

Need Your {Businesses and Blogs!}

Welcome, MOPS moms, to our new blogsite! This site is designed to help connect our MOPS moms with each other. We are using this site in place of a newsletter this year and hope you will find it helpful! Feel free to subscribe via email (see sidebar) so you can be updated with each new post.

Businesses
You may have noticed that we are featuring businesses and blogs of our MOPS moms on this site (see sidebar). Supporting other moms' businesses is a great way to support fellow moms who may be working part time or working from home while staying home with their kids.  If you are one of the Woodcrest MOPS moms that has her own business, we would love to include you on our Business Moms list! Just leave a comment on this post with the url of your business and we will add your link to the list (only Woodcrest MOPS moms, please).

Blogs
Also, we thought it would be fun for you to get to know other moms in our groups through their blogs. So if you have a personal blog you would like to share, please let a comment on this post and we will make sure to include it on our MOPS blogroll (once again, Woodcrest MOPS moms only). We would love to include you!

Thanks ladies! We are looking forward to meeting you all at our first MOPS meeting on September 9th!

Meet Krissa | MOPS Assistant Coordinator

I would like to introduce to you Krissa Lusk, our new assistant coordinator of MOPS! Krissa, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?


My husband, Jason, I live in Eagan with our two kids, Ahriana and Caeden. Ahri is 3 ½ and completely obsessed with Disney princesses.  Caeden is 5 months old and he’s starting to find his voice..if you call a high-pitched screech a “ voice”.  I’ve been working part-time as a nail technician at Lifespa, in the Lifetime Fitness located in Lakeville, for nearly 3 years.  Jason works for Bose as an applications engineer – the same Bose known for its audio systems, however the group that Jason is in has nothing to do with audio.  Jason and I have been married for just over 7 years now and a fun little fact is that we met online!  I don’t really have any hobbies but I do enjoy working out when I find time to do it.  I also like finding fun things to do with my kids outside!  

What's been the most challenging thing about being a mom? 

Wow!  Well, as you all know, being a mom is not the easiest job in the world.  There are lot of challenges along the way but one of the biggest for me is having a husband who travels for work.  He’s been traveling since we were married, but with two young kids in the mix now it definitely brings more challenges.  I think another one that goes along with that is relying on God to guide me in my everyday parenting, and giving me the patience and everything else I may need  to raise my kids to my best ability!

Amen to that! Next, what's the best piece of advice on motherhood you're received?

LOVE your kids to the best of your ability, TELL them you love them a lot, and PRAY for them… TRUST that God is always there to help you along the way! Cherish every stage as much as you can because it goes FAST!

Is there a verse of passage of scripture that you've been encouraged by lately?

A passage of scripture that is a constant reminder for me is Romans 12:2. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Along other lines...what is your family's favorite weeknight meal? Care to share the recipe (this sounds like a good one!)? 

One recipe we like to make is Chicken Marsala:

½ cup flour

4 boneless chicken breasts(trim, salt and pepper)

3 tbs veg. oil

3 oz pancetta(chopped fine) or you can use bacon

8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced thin

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp.  tomato paste

1 ½ cups sweet marsala wine

1 ½ tbs. fresh lemon juice

3 tbs. unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces and chilled

2 tbs. minced parsley

- Set oven to 200 degrees

-Pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts to match the other ends, pat dry with paper towel, season with salt and pepper, dredge through the flour to coat and shake off any excess.

-Heat 2 tbs. of oil in skillet over med-high heat until just smoking. Add chicken and cook until light brown on both sides, transfer to oven to keep warm.

-Add remaining 1 tbs. oil to skillet and return to med-high heat, add the pancetta and mushrooms. Cook until the pancetta is crisp and the mushrooms are brown.

-Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook until the tomato paste begins to brown. Stir in the marsala, simmer until reduced and slightly syrupy.

-Stir in the lemon juice. Turn the heat to low and whisk in the butter, one piece at a time. Off the heat stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the sauce over  the chicken before serving

Hope you enjoy!

Meet Jenny | MOPS Steering Team Leader

Tell us a little bit about yourself.


My husband, Todd, and I live in Apple Valley with our 2 kids.  Anna turned 4 in June, and Simon was born last year December (so he is 8 months).  I work part-time as a nurse in the Operating Room at Regions Hospital.  Todd is an aviation planner, which is a hard job to describe.



How has being in MOPS changed your life or helped you be a better mom?


MOPS has helped me form some great friendships and really get to know some of my friends on a deeper level.  It is nice to have other moms to go to who can relate and understand what I am going through.  I have gotten some great advice.  I have also really enjoyed and learned a lot from our speakers and topics.

Tell us about your faith journey and how you can to know Christ.


I came to know Christ at an early age.  We grew up learning about God, going to church, and "doing" Christian things.  I'm grateful for my parents and this upbringing.  However, it wasn't until junior high or even high school that my faith was really tested or that I had to chose it for myself.  Thankfully I had some great Christian friends and a wonderful youth group (where I met my husband) that helped me stay strong.  I chose a Christian college (first Northwestern and then transferred to Bethel).  Todd and I attended a couple different churches after getting married, but finally found Woodcrest 2 1/2 years ago.

What are your hobbies or what do you like to do when you're not being a mom?


Hobbies?  Hmm, I don't really feel like I have time for any.  Ok, every once in a while I get to scrapbook.  I enjoy reading- especially mystery type novels.  We swim in our pool a lot.  And, I love to entertain and host parties.



What is your favorite thing about being a mom?


My favorite thing about being a mom is also probably the scariest thing, which is being able to teach and train my children.  I find it humbling and rewarding that God trusts us to do that.  Almost every night when I tuck my kids in or when I check on them while they are sleeping, I say a prayer for them and for me.  The prayer for them is that they will know and experience both God's love and my love for them.  The second prayer is for me, that I will do my best and look to God for help in raising them to love Him and others.  I also enjoy just getting to see my children grow up.  I remember when Anna was a baby.  I would find myself saying, "oh, I love this stage," and then she would go through another one, and I would say the same thing.  It is so neat to watch them learn and develop their little personalities.  It really does go fast!

Steering Team 2011-2012

We have a great Steering Team that has been working hard this summer to plan on new year!  More information on each of these wonderful ladies is to come, but here is our team!

Coordinator: {Jenny Wright}
Assistant Coordinator: {Krissa Lusk}
Registration: {Anny Engels-Bergh}
Finance: {Abby Smith}

Hospitality: {Amanda Selness}
Service: {Karri Larson}
Fundraising: {Melissa Ho}
Publicity: {Nealy Lanzen}
Crafts: {Annie Torrini}
MOPPETS leader: {Shauna Smith}

Discussion Group Leader Facilitator: {Juliet Mock}
DGL: {Traci Holm}
DGL: {Annie Torrini}
DGL: {Janna Murphy}
DGL: {LaDonna Ver Strate}
DGL: {Abby Velin}

And our wonderful Mentor Moms:
{Mary Timmers}
{Karen Christenson}
{Misty Harper-Anderson}

Kicking Off A New Year!

We're really looking forward to another great year of MOPS! We are currently taking registration forms for the 2011-12 year.

We meet in the Refuge Room at Woodcrest Church in Eagan, MN.  Kick-off is Friday, September 9th at 9:30-11:30am. Don't miss it!

{   Download the 2011-12 MOPS registration form here   }

FALL Schedule	SPRING Schedule
September 9	January 20
September 23	February 3
October 7	February 17
October 28	March 2
November 11	March 16
December 2	April 6
December 16	May 4
January 6	May 18