PortageMOPS

Diapers/Pull Ups

2010-06-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

I have a bunch (maybe 20-25) size 6 diapers that if any would like and a large box of size 2T-3T pullups (Cars) with only a couple gone that I am looking to sell for $10.00. If anyone is interested, please just let me know. Max potty trained much quicker than expected (only 2 days).

Thanks so much!

Katie Zirbes bkzirbes@charter.net

Stove/Range/Oven & Microwave

2010-06-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

This is an email I received from Lisa F. - if you have further questions please contact her!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lisa-

We finished our kitchen remodel and the man who was supposed to take our old gas stove/range/oven and over-the-range microwave has flaked on us. Was wondering if you could circulate this through MOPS? If anyone is interested, they can contact me via e-mail. Thanks.

Kenmore Gas Stove/Range/Oven in good condition (there is a small (dime-sized) spot on the cooktop where the finish is off)
-Color: Almond
-Size: 30"
-Model # 362.7556891
-Mfg. date: approx 1996
-$150/OBO

GE XL 1400 SpaceSaver Microwave (installs over the range and has vent)
-Color: Black
-Model #: XL 1400
-Has rotating plate, express cook times, timer, over-the-range lighting.
-$75/OBO

Peace and love,
Krista

Last meeting!

2010-05-27T09:09:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to remind you that tonight is the last MOPS meeting of the 2009-2010 year. You won't want to miss this evening of fun!!! We are having a potluck so please bring a dish to pass and we will see you there at 6:00pm (we start at 6:30pm).

Love ya
Tami Jo

My. Olympus

2010-05-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to pass along this info:

Families can receive up to 4 waterpark passes at Mt. Olympus for free, good for the month of June. We got these tickets last year and the kids had plenty of fun. Families DO need to pay extra for the dry park amenities if they choose, but is not necessary...Kids 2 and under are free.

http://www.1039wvbo.com/includes/news_items/2/news_items_more.php?id=115&section_id=2

Water Parks

2010-05-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Mt. Olympus Water Park is FREE on Tuesday May 25th.
Noah's Ark is FREE on Wednesday May 26th. (The front part only and you must sign a release to be filmed for advertising.)

If you have further questions just call the water-parks ;)

Birthday Wishes

2010-05-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

Please join the Huebner kids and the Smith kids in sending birthday wishes to Trent. Wednesday May 26 at 10 am at Pauquette Park. We will meet on the basketball court and release balloons shortly after 10. Please bring a balloon to release.

See you there!

Jessica Huebner

Summer Reading Programs

2010-05-21T14:31:00.001-07:00

Here are a few links for reading programs. Kids can earn a free book for reading this summer...

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=562113&utm_campaign=Web

http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_doubledogdare?cmpid=SA_20100513_V2

Summertime Fun

2010-05-18T13:08:00.001-07:00

Riverview waterparks discounted admission weeks are Jun 14-18 and Aug 16-20.

Free Bowling

2010-05-11T17:29:00.001-07:00

http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/state.php?state=WI

Resources

2010-05-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies,

A few things I have to pass on. First follow the link to see the the Scholastic Warehouse Book sale dates. This will be the last one at this location as they are closing on July 30.

http://ghost.bfintranet.com/pdf/77_12128_52.pdf

Second I am looking to provide daycare for a few children I have 2 kids of my own 1 and 3. I am available full or part time or occasionally. We live in Portage across from Paquette Park. We have a fenced in backyard, 2 wonderful cats and a few fish. I do have references if you would like them. Please pass my name and number to anyone you know. Call or email me if I can help you.

Jessica H
742-4493
huebnerjm@hotmail.com

Madison Cheap

2010-05-11T04:46:00.001-07:00

There are some great deals on here!

http://madisononthecheap.com/

Mom's Morning Out

2010-04-16T16:09:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone...don't forget tomorrow morning is Mom's Morning Out at Krista's Kitchen at 9:00am!!!

Jobs Available

2010-03-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here is an email I received that I thought I would pass along.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I do the hiring for RJ's here in Portage and am collecting apps for part-time waitstaff and host/hostesses. I thought of MOPS bcs the hours are pretty good mom hours- pt evenings w/ the possibility of Sun a.m.s. or just occasional catering events.
Tx
Amy C

FRC

2010-03-22T14:16:00.001-07:00

Here is an email I received and I thought I would pass along the information to all of you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wanted to let Portage MOPS know about a free training opporunity. On April 20 from 5-8pm, I will be facilitating Stewards of Children, which teaches adults how to recognize, prevent, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. It will be held at the Family Resource Center in Portage. Registration is required at 608-742-8482. If you would like a flyer with more information, please let me know. Thanks! Jess Ritschke

Fundraiser Date Change

2010-03-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

Please re-mark your calendars for we are now going to be having our Silent Auction/Dinner on May 22nd!

Mom's Night Out

2010-03-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Tonight is our Mom's Night Out at La Tolteca...hope to see everyone there. I can't wait for those yummy chips and what I call "white sauce".

Fundraiser!!!

2010-03-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Our next MOPS Fundraiser will be on May 15th from 5:00pm - 8pm. It will involve a Silent Auction and a Spaghetti Supper. The Spaghetti Supper will cost $5 a person with kids under 5 eat free! The Silent Auction will be a variety of large and small packages. There will also be $1 tables that involve games for kids!

We are needing everyone's help for this event. Please begin brainstorming now on how you can participate (ie. donations, collecting donation, helping in the kitchen, clean-up, set-up, financial, etc.) If you have any further questions you can contact Shelly, Sarah K, Ann or Lori.

Updates from Haiti

2010-03-01T19:12:00.001-08:00

Good morning everyone,

I hope you are doing well. I slept last night. :) I decided either my friend the rooster a.k.a "chicken soup" or myself was getting a tylenol pm. Yesterday I did a "teacher inservice" for the teachers at the school. I did the American/Haitian version of the above the line/below the line program. The principal said some of the concepts might seem foreign, since corporal punishment is not banned here. But I did my best to explain that the word discipline comes from the word "disciple" which means "to teach", not punish.

After that we loaded up some of the donations and took them to earthquake victims in Port au Prince. There is a community a little north of about 60 people that we gave some of them to. Most of them lost their homes and are now sleeping under tents. Carolyn and Gary (the leaders of our mission house) are helping to rebuild a new church where the people will be able to sleep when the rainy season starts in 2 months. The rain comes down sideways here. The church will have a concrete floor, but no mattresses. At first, the pastor (Pastor Cesar) told us we could pass out the donations we had, but it got too chaotic. I was glad when we stopped. I felt like some "rich white woman" giving out the basic things that we all take for granted. We left them in the Pastor's home for him to give out at a later time. I met one family with a new little baby girl. She was so beautiful. I got a picture of her which I will share later. I got to tickle her a little bit and she cooed and smiled. I got to the car and broke down for the first time. There is so much poverty here.

We went into Port au Prince city. About 700,000 people are living in tents there. There are tent cities everywhere. I will load pictures onto Facebook tonight. It takes a long time here, so please bear with me. We also went to one of the mass grave sites where 50,000 people are buried. It is a field with many white crosses.

What is so wonderful and amazing is the spirit of the people. All are friendly and welcoming. The children are absolutely wonderful. They love to have their pictures taken, which is why you see so many. The adults really do not like to have their picture taken. It is only polite to ask before taking their picture.

That is all I have time for now. I will post more pictures tonight. Thank you for all of your wonderful comments on Facebook. I enjoy reading them. I apologize that I do not have time to reply, but know how much they are appreciated. Please forward this email to anyone I may have accidentally left off of the list today.

Love and miss you all. God Bless and keep you. Bon Di Ay Le Bon--God is good. Please keep our Haitian zanmis (friends) in prayer.

Niki

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Everyone,

We took some time off today in honor of Doug’s birthday and went to the market today. There were people everywhere! Olivier and Junior needed some shoes. If you can imagine going to St. Vincent De Paul and multiply that by 1000 in terms of space and looks, that’s what the market is like. Nothing is organized or labeled, you just look through piles and piles of stuff until you find what you need.

I felt a little like Queen Elizabeth on parade as people stared and yelled, “Blanc, Blanc,” which means “whites, whites.” Dan (the principal at the school) said that it was very uncommon for people in St. Marc to see 6 white people all in one place. Everyone is friendly though, if you give them a smile. We let Nancy do all the purchasing as it is done by bartering. She said that typically people will want 3 times as much if you are white, but she knows what most things should be priced at and speaks fluent Creole. I enjoyed listening to her. If they tried to charge too much, Nancy would walk away until the price was fair—my dad would love it here. :)

Then we went to a place called Epidore. It is the Haitian equivalent of a McDonalds. We had pizza for Doug’s birthday. It was delicious. I knew enough Creole to order some drinks but that’s about it. Nancy said that once a Haitian friend of hers, trying to make her feel welcome, made her a “pizza” of ketchup, cheese whiz and spam.

Last night we ate goat for dinner. I was a little nervous at first, but it actually tasted good. I just tried to put it out of my head that it was goat. Otherwise, we eat a lot of rice and beans, vegetables and something somewhat like sweet potatoes (patat).

For those of you that gave us monetary donations, we put the money towards buying food for the people in Port au Prince that I told you about in my Haiti #3 letter. Pastor Gary knows where to get rice, etc. at a fair price for them. It was the equivalent of about $3,500 Haitian dollars. One large bag of rice costs about 500 Haitian dollars and will feed the people for several weeks. It will be a big blessing for the people in that community, so thank you for your generosity.

I didn’t realize yesterday when we were in Port that they still do not have any electricity there, which is why we had to leave the city before dusk. Port is not safe in the dark. Pastor Gary is a crazy driver. I told them that my driver’s education husband would freak if they saw how people drive here. There were many cars on the roads with no lights at all and it was completely dark. There are no curbs, no street lights of any kind, and no signs. If a bigger vehicle comes up behind you, it honks and you better just get out of the way. I am the only one in the vehicle that wears a seatbelt. You would be proud of me David. :)

The clothes from school went to Olivier and Junior. They were very happy and smiling to have new clothes as Olivier came here with nothing. It is raining again today, which is Carolyn and Gary said is unusual for this time of year. The rainy season usually starts in April. I hope it stops soon, as I am not able to email or upload pictures until we have a connection again. Please send this on as needed.

Love you, miss you and God bless, Niki

PS. Just got satellite up, so will try to send photos of Port soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bonswa Moi Zanmis (Good evening my friends),

It's late Sunday night, and I was finally able to upload more pictures, but I am still about 2 days behind. It rained all afternoon and night yesterday, so during those times there is no internet. I usually type a letter ahead of time, and then try to upload it when the opportunity arises. But at least I am grateful to have a roof over my head. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be living in a tent with no electricity during those rainy nights.

We went to a Creole church service this morning out in the country. It was wonderful. Many, many people came to worship in an open air church. Haitian people that come to church absolutely dress to the 9’s for church service. Olivier and Junior wore dress shirts purchased from the market, but were worried because they weren’t ironed. Nancy said even though people are very poor, they are worried about what they look like in front of other Haitian people. You are not even allowed to enter the church unless you are dressed a certain way. I wore the one and only dress I brought. Most women wear skirts here everyday.

Also, most older women still cover their heads in church. Keven, a teacher from the school, came along with us to interpret. Pastor Gary did the sermon. I didn’t understand much of the rest of the service, except for a few Creole words now and again. I loved the singing though. People down here really know how to worship. It was a little like southern gospel, with the loud singing and clapping. I taped about 45 seconds of the men’s choir on my camera, which I will try to upload on Facebook when I get home. It was really awesome.

Afterwards, we gave out more of the donations we brought from everyone in Portage. A huge military duffel bag full. Pastor Alfonz and his congregation were grateful. They made us feel very welcome at church.

After a 2.5 hour church service, it was time to head back to St. Marc. I always smile to myself as we pass through the countryside. Children literally run to the edge of the dirt road to see us “blancs” (whites). I usually just smile and say “bonjou”. The kids are friendly and wave back.

I love to take pictures of the kids and show then show them their image on the screen. Nancy told me that many families do not have mirrors, so the kids get the biggest kick out of their own reflection. If you ask one child if they want a photo, 10 kids will jump in before you can hit the shutter. :)

Coming back we saw lots of women doing laundry in the river. They wash everything by hand at least 2 times, followed by powdered bleach. I only know this because I asked Keven how the women get everything to be white when it gets washed in a river.

A little 4 year-old may be coming to the orphanage here on Tuesday. He is from Port. He lost his parents and his arm in the earthquake. Please pray for him as well as the many other children who have been through so much.

I am really going to miss it here, except for my around-the-clock rooster friend a.k.a “chicken soup”. I can recognize his crow now, but I can’t seem to find him. Nancy said when the stray dogs get really bad, they feed them peanut butter mixed with benedryl. That made me laugh. I can totally see why.

I can’t believe tomorrow is my last full day. I’m looking forward to being with the kids, and will write my last letter late tomorrow night. Please forward this on as needed. I am horrible about getting everybody's addresses on here, so please don't take it personally if I have forgotten.

See you all soon and “Bon di ay bini ou” (not sure if the spelling is right, but it means “May God Bless You” en Kreyol.

Niki

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Everyone from Haiti,

The week has gone quickly and I can't believe we leave tomorrow. It was hard to say goodbye to the kids and know was for the last time. The girls I taught today reminded me of Taya. There was Ann, Paola, Fiona, Angee, Noella, and a few other girls. Kids are universal, no matter what the poverty level. Lynn brought art supplies from the US, and we taught all the kids how to make friendship bracelets for the first 1/2 hour. They have no art program here, so the kids really enjoyed it. They go to school from 8:30-1:30, as it gets quite hot in the afternoon. A little girl named Fiona asked if she could braid my hair after school--haitian style. It was quite interesting. :)

Here's a little history on the school if you are interested: El Shaddai Learning Center started in 2001 by Carolyn and Pastor Gary. They are originally from Virginia. Carolyn started it in her kitchen with 2 kindergarten kids who spoke English. Later that year, 3 more kids came and Carolyn added a creole interpreter. In 2002, they were up to 21 students. In 2003, there was a war, so the school closed in December because of too much shooting. It resumed in the fall of 2004, and since that time it's enrollment has steadily increased. The school has about 8 teachers and an enrollment of 73 students, but about 15 students have not returned since January 12th. Most of those 15 are accounted for, a few are not.

The students work at their own pace using a curriculum called ACE, which stands for Accelerated Christian Education. This is because the students are all at such different levels. You might have a 22 year old working on what we would consider 7th or 8th grade material. Or, if I child comes to the school and cannot speak English, they must complete the "preschool" first. Hence, Junior (11) and Olivier (8) who live with us, are at the little kids school until they can become fluent. Sometimes the kids will have to drop out of school for a year or more. This depends on each student's family situation. Then, if they return, they pick up where they left off. These students are very fortunate. Most Haitian schools have 80 students per classroom and the teachers do not come on regular basis because they get paid so poorly. I think Nancy said they make about $1/day. If student's at El Shaddai learn nothing else, they learn English, and an English/Creole interpreter/driver can make about $50 US dollars a day.

One boy named Kesmee, who graduated from El Shaddai last year, is now working in the US. He has no arms, but is doing well. Carolyn said that when Kesmee was young his family practiced voodoo and he fell into a fire which burned his arms. By the time his father took him to a doctor (vs. other healing methods) both arms needed to be amputated. Apparently voodoo practices are still common here, but Christianity is as well.

Tomorrow we are delivering the rice to the people just outside of Port au Prince, and then on to the airport. I will upload the my other pictures when we get back to the US, so please check Facebook Thursday or Friday if you are interested. It just takes too long to upload here. Please forward this email on as needed. Thanks to all of you who have sent emails or posts on Facebook. :) I look forward to that each day.

As I sign off from Haiti for the last time I'd like to leave you with a few final words that I found while traveling:

"Our first task in approaching another people, another culture, another religion, is to take off our shoes, for the place we are approaching is holy. Else we may find ourselves treading on people's dreams. More serious still, may we forget that God was here before our arrival."---Max Warren, Protestant Missoner

"There are no heroes of action,
only heroes of renunciation and suffering.
There is no reward for the work,
except for the privilege of doing it."--- Albert Schweitzer

Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti, especially the children. It will be many years before Port au Prince will be even close to what it was. The government here works through bribery, so the people do not have a "welfare" type system to help them. We were told just a few days ago customs decided to add a new "tax" to any relief items coming into the country. We are thankful that ours got through.

Also, there were only a few institutions of higher learning before the quake. Those that existed were in Port. All of them are gone now due to the earthquake, so even people who tried to escape poverty cannot finish their education. We are so very fortunate in the US and we don't even realize it. I hope I will remember to be thankful for every clean glass of water, every hot shower, washing my clothes in my washing machine (vs. a bowl or the river) and my garbage man who comes every Monday from now on.........................

May God Bless each of you, see you soon.

Niki

Email from our Mentor Mom

2010-02-25T05:52:00.001-08:00

Bonjou,

I had a few minutes so Doug helped me post pictures on my Facebook. Go to Niki (Seth) Briggs. You don't have to be a "friend" of mine. I opened it up so everyone could see them. We worked at El Shaddai school today. The kids were wonderful. I absolutely loved working with them. I was also teaching one of the teachers. They have no teacher training, so some concepts are difficult for them too. They're teachers make between $125-$250 per month. The kids area is next to the school is a garbage pile that loose pigs, roosters and goats frequent.

I am very tired though. My "friend" (a rooster I have affectionately named "future chicken soup") starts crowing at about 3:15 a.m. (after 5:15 it's every 14 seconds--I timed him!!), so I only got about 3 hours of sleep last night. Running on adreneline mostly. We walked to town tonight to get some groceries. Some boys in the store helped me practice my Creole which was nice of them. I made them laugh since my pronunciation is so bad. :)

So many people. So much garbage everywhere in the streets and in the rivers. It leads right to the ocean (see facebook). The recycler in me makes it difficult to see. We were absolutely covered in dirt when we got back, as the roads are dusty. Have to be careful when you walk on the streets. There is a hierarchy: who is ever the biggest gets the right of way. Truck first, then cars (not many), then motorcycles, then bicycles, then walkers. Felt the rush of a truck about 2 feet from me, so I definitely stayed out of the way after that!

There are two RN nurses staying here as well. They held a clinic outside today. About 100 people came. They got paid in coconuts and eggs. So many injuries/diseases we do not see in the states. Gangrene, Tuberculosis, etc. Brian (one of the nurses) is going to send me his pictures when he gets back to the states.

Olivier (the little orphan we picked up in Port) came to live here as well. He is 8 (see yesterday's email below). Junior is 11 and is living here as well. Both boys are so cute. They made a fort today out of a box. There is so much poverty all around. It is difficult to put into words. Hope to do something at the orphanage tomorrow. Please forward this as needed.

God bless, love, and miss you all.
Niki

Is Your Spouse Your Best Friend?

2010-02-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NAS)

Although I can say today that my husband Scott is my best friend, that hasn't always been the case. When we first were married, I was so close to my twin sister that Scott felt excluded when the three of us were together. Gradually, however, we both learned to develop our friendship with one another.

We reached a big turning point when we left Atlanta, where I had been single and then newly married, and moved to Florida for Scott's new flying career. Living in a new city where we knew few other people, we learned to depend on each other for friendship in a way we hadn't learned before.

Scott now is the one I turn to first just to be my friend, not in the way a girlfriend is a friend, but in a way that only a husband can be. The support that this kind of friendship brings is reflected in Ecclesiastes 4:9: "Two are better than one."

What are some specific ways we can develop a close friendship with our spouse? First, we can take note of what's going on where we each spend a great deal of time, the workplace Has he talked about a stressful project? Has she said how energized she is by a new assignment? Follow up by asking for more details and remember to pray for these situations. This shows your thoughtfulness and support. If she's a full-time homemaker, acknowledge that you know her job never ends and that you appreciate her.

Secondly, a great way to forge bonds of friendship is to share an interest. What do you both like to do? You may need to think about what you did while you were dating. Our friends Tracey and Ron take short trips to the mountains. It's more Tracey's passion than Ron's, but he's learned to enjoy it too. My mom and dad are great cooks and have created some incredible meals together. Scott and I have watched countless basketball games together. If you don't already have a shared hobby or pastime, start trying out some activities. It's easy to let the day-in and day-out responsibilities of life to crowd out time for relaxation and laugher, so you'll have to make the choice to have fun together.

Finally, we need to ask ourselves if we're making friendship with our spouse a priority. Do we save our best energy for developing friendship with our spouse or are we too busy? Sometimes we have to say no to other pursuits so we can have time to protect and nurture the gift of friendship in marriage.

The seeds of friendship we plant today will continue to bloom later in our marriages. We've all seen older couples sitting at restaurant tables, eating their entire meal in complete silence. I don't want to look like those silent couples, and I'm sure you don't either. I want to grow old relishing my friendship with my husband, a friendship forged over years of sharing interests and making each other a priority.

Dear Lord, show me ways to nurture friendship with my spouse, so we can continue to enjoy each other through the passing years. Lord, today, I commit to making friendship with my spouse one of my top priorities. Where I need to give up some activities so I'll have time for friendship with my husband, give me eyes to see that. Thank you for the lifetime friendship you've given us in marriage. In Jesus name, Amen.

Related Resources:
What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

This devotion was adapted from What a Wife Needs from Her Husband. Order your copy today!

Visit Melanie’s blog – What Matters Most for more marriage encouragement.

Application Steps:
Plan to do something fun with your spouse. Do this within one week's time, and don't let anything interfere with these plans.

Reflections:
What do you want your marriage to look like ten years from now? What can you do today to reach your desired outcome?

Is there room in your life for friendship with your spouse? Is there anything you can take out of your life to allow space for your friendship with your spouse to grow?

Power Verses:
Genesis 2:18, "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; will make him a helper suitable for him.'" (NAS)

Ephesians 5:28, "So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself." (NAS)

Taken from "Proverbs 31 Ministries" by Melanie Chitwood

Food for Thought

2010-02-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

You've got to think about what you think about. Cause you think about something all day. It can lead you right or it can lead you wrong. Whatever's in your heart and mind affects your actions every time.

Taken from desk calendar "If you Can't Lose It - Decorate It!" by Anita Renfroe

One Heart Seminar

2010-02-06T20:13:00.001-08:00

YOU'RE INVITED !!!!!!

What: 17th Annual One Heart Women's Seminar

Where: Ballroom @ Wintergreen Hotel & Conference Center in WI Dells

When: Saturday, February 27 - 8:00am - 3:00pm

Looking for a day away to be refreshed and refueled? Join me for this year's One Heart Seminar ...

I will be one of the speakers and will also be leading the worship at the One Heart Seminar the year and would love to see you there !! If you have not experienced One Heart in the past - you need to come this year !! The morning will start with registration at 8:00am and the conference starting promptly at 9:00am. The day will consist of music and speakers that will seek to touch your heart, drawing us closer together and most importantly closer to God as we seek a deeper relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.

Included for $30 is your registration to the conference, conference materials, coffee and muffin and a wonderful sit down lunch.

Reservations can be made by sending your check (payable to One Heart) to Reva Barron W6659 County Road O Endeavor, WI 53930

Please include your name, address, email address and let Reva know if it is your first time attending

Scholarships are available

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask - I would love to hear from you !!

Also please email me and let me know if you are coming and how many will be in your party as I will be reserving tables and would love to save you a seat !!

God Bless ~

Faith

Upcoming Events

2010-02-06T08:59:00.001-08:00

Hi Ladies

Our church is sponsering The Strength Team. The dates of this will be at 7:00 pm Feb 10-14 at the Al Ringling Theater in Baraboo. The admission is FREE

The Strength Team essentially is a group of Christian muscle men that perform 'feats of strength' and present a high character, moral message.

The Team will also be going into the schools during the week and presenting the same message there. They will give a baseball type card to all the kids with the strength team pictures on it and all of the evening event information.

Spread the word and tell everyone you may know to come!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. You can also go the their website www.strengthteam.com. I will also have some flyers and cards out on the registration table at next weeks day meeting.

Thanks -

Faith, Hope and Love -- Christy

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" MT 28:19

Prayer Request

2010-02-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine went for her 20 week ultrasound this week and was told her baby had died. They induced and delivered the little girl early this morning. Please pray for Jill, her husband and their three children still here with them. And, of course, for their littlest one who is in Heaven now.

Thanks.
Lisa M.

Support needed in the community

2010-01-11T10:07:00.001-08:00

This is an email we received from Rachel M.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morgan F. (from Portage- six year old fighting luekemia) is going threw the roughest part of her chemo she is very ill due to all of her treatments she will be in critical state for the next month or two. Please keep the family in your prayers they could certainly use them during this difficult time.

I would also like to take up a collection for the family. They have a son who is 4 almost 5. Morgan is six. Mom and Dad are trying to get through this they are such a wonderful family. I know they like gift cards to pizza hut, local restaraunt chains in the area and also in Madison and I'm sure any type of fiscal donation would be appreciated. The mom has not been to work since the beginning of the school year (she teaches in Rio, her husband is a teacher in Portage). Even a card with thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated I know they lift Jean's Spirits. I would like to collect any of the above items this upcoming January night meeting if everyone is on board.

Have a good one

God Bless,

Rachel

Christmas is in 3 days!!!

2009-12-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

I am so excited because Christmas is almost here!!! If you were at the MOPS Christmas Party you will know that this is one of my favorite times of the year; the day my Savior was born!!!

Often times though I know we can get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of everything and our focus of what Christmas is really all about can get lost. While I was on Facebook today one of my friends posted this song that is found on Youtube. WOW! I am going to give you the link and trust me it's worth taking the 4 minutes to listen to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPViKJRHyZo

LOVE YOU!

Pizza n Project Night

2009-12-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry that we don't have any pictures of our last outing. We had a camera but forgot to take pictures; we were just having so much fun to stop and think about pictures. There was a total of 7 of us there! I can't say that many projects were finished but that is because we decided that it would be much more fun to play Apples to Apples! We also had left over money from the pizza so we put that money ($12...every little bit counts) towards our scholarship fund for MOPS!

Thanks for the FUN evening ladies! Can't wait to see more of you tonight at the Cookie Decorating!

One Heartbeat at a Time

2009-12-10T19:54:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone,

Tonight we had our Christmas Party and I had a BLAST!!!

We shared a song tonight with you to encourage you that you being a mom does make a difference. Here are some links for you to click onto to hear the song again.

For Steven Curtis Chapman explaining the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmZJt7JNlUE

To listen to the entire song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo0Buzfd770

Love you girls!!!

Survey

2009-12-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

Thank you Laci for this great survey idea. Everyone please post a comment and let us know your result to this question.

Where did all your Christmas cards get sent out to?

Items for Sale

2009-12-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

We are selling the following items and wanted to offer it first to our MOPS moms ( feel free to pass on to whomever might be interested) before we Craigs List them..

1 Generation Next drop gate convertible crib. Converts to a toddler bed and you may also purchase a conversion kit later to convert it again to a full size bed.
Comes with a dual firmness crib mattress ( one side is firmer for the younger babies)
You can read about the crib features here: http://www.babysdream.com/Products/GenerationNext/Default.htm
wood color is similar to the Chestnut. We bought it brand new and used it for only one kid. ( there are some bite marks on the rail courtesy of Jonas)
Asking $200 OBO

Also selling

King size bed and nightstand set. from Ashley furniture.. good condition. Includes bed, mattress, box spring, and 2 nightstands ( with 3 drawers each). Cannot move out of our home until right after New Years (our replacement furniture will be delivered then) $200 OBO for the set.

Call me if you are interested.. can talk to me or Martin. (Please see MOPS directory for contact info)

Thanks!
Linda B.

Caramel Apple Bars

2009-11-25T06:01:00.000-08:00

A couple of MOPS meetings ago Jessica H. made these bars and they were so YUMMY! Here's the recipe:

1/2 cup cold butter
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker oatmeal cookie mix
1 egg
1 cup finely chopped peeled apple
3/4 cup caramel topping
1/4 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.

2) In large bowl, cut butter into cookie mix using fork or pastry blender. Stir in egg until mixture is crumbly.

3) Reserve 1 1/2 cups cookie mixture. Press remaining cookie mixture into bottom of pan. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle apple evenly over crust. In small bowl, mix caramel topping and flour; drizzle over apples. Sprinkle reserved cookie mixture over apples.

4) Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows.

ENJOY!!!

Book Sale

2009-11-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

Great time to shop for Christmas presents! Upto 80% off the cover price of all books!!!

Madison Scholastic Book Fairs Warehouse
6115 Pepsi Way
Windsor, WI 53598

Friday December 4th through Tuesday December 15th
Monday - Friday from 11:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Car seats

2009-11-16T19:27:00.001-08:00

I have two car seats that are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds and good through Dec. 2010, which we are willing to give away. (We used them with Olivia and Veronica won't be in them long enough to keep.) They are Graco five-point booster seats -- the ones that you usually use between the infant carrier seat and a plain old booster seat. Anyone interested in one or both can contact me at 566-1150 or jasonandlisamaddux@yahoo.com.

Beth Moore Video

2009-11-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

As I was checking out all my blogs that I follow up on I watched this video from Beth Moore...awesome! Just a little 9 minutes to help you feel encouraged.

http://vimeo.com/7442184

And if you were wondering your blog site is livingproofministries.blogspot.com

Love ya

Conference Opportunity

2009-11-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks Kelly for providing us with this info!

A Perfect Mess: Why you don't have to worry about being good enough for God...
When: January 23rd, 2010
Where: Wautoma, WI
Who: Lisa Harper: speaker & Kim Hill: worship leader
Cost: $25 b/f Thanksgiving & $30 after Thanksgiving...includes lunch
Registration Deadline is January 16th
web info: www.rcwcpresents.com
For more information visit the website or contact Sarah or Tami Jo. If there is enough interest there could be a carpool organized!

Babysitting Trade

2009-11-05T19:45:00.001-08:00

Hi Ladies. I am looking for someone who would like to trade an afternoon of babysitting. My hubby and I rarely get to do Christmas shopping together and this year I’d like to do it! Here’s what I propose. Trade a Saturday or Sunday afternoon of babysitting. One week we watch your kids for the afternoon, one week you watch ours. You could use the afternoon for shopping or a date! The weekends are becoming limited due to the holidays coming up, so email me so we can get it arranged! Thanks Kendra L.

Things in Need

2009-11-04T10:22:00.001-08:00

I'm wondering if anyone has a bouncy seat appropriate for a newborn (1 month old) that I could borrow for awhile? Ours had a corroded battery and won't work. Thanks. Lisa M

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am needing to borrow a battery operated breast pump from Fri-Sun. Does anyone have one of these? Mine needs an outlet and where I am going I am afraid there will not be one available. Thanks. Nikki B

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are able to help in either area please contact the person or myself.

Verse of the Day

2009-11-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I have a daily calendar on my (and my sister's) work desk that is by Anita Renfroe. I am usually inspired by what she has to say because it's so real. Today wasn't any thought of hers but simply a verse that hit me right between the eyes. It comes from Galatians 6:4-5 and it says...

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct." (NLT)

I seriously almost fell off my chair. I struggle with this so much (especially at work). It hit me so hard that when I got home tonight I looked it up for myself and in other translations. Here are some of the other translations...

"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." (NIV)

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." (Message)

"But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor. For every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [little] load [of oppressive faults]." (Amplified)

So no matter what version I looked up the message God was telling me was the same. STOP worrying about everyone else and what they are doing or how they are doing it. I only need to focus on my own work because that is all that I am responsible for.

I think this could go for not only me (and ALL my issues) but as moms. Many times we focus on how our husband is doing, how our sitter is doing (which to a point we need to consider this), how our children are doing, etc., etc. Let's all take a deep breathe and relax and focus on only what we are doing at hand.

Kids Day at Culver's

2009-10-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Recently...okay a while back ago...there was a Kid's Day at Culver's and MOPS had a table. At the table we had a sign up for the fundraiser, a door prize and information about our group. I took a couple of pictures so I thought I would share them with you.

(Sorry about the side-ways picture...I am not computer smart so I don't know how to rotate it. In that picture though is my very handsome hubby and handsome son!)

Mom in Need

2009-10-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,

I was recently made aware of a fellow MOPS mom in need of our help. Due to medical reasons, she was unable to work and then couldn't pay the bills. She doesn't have family here so has been staying with friends because lost her apartment. She's trying to find work again and get back on her feet, hopefully within the next few months.

Columbia County has been helping her and her kids with food and supplies. MOPS would like to help out by taking donations of ANY amount for a gas card so she can indeed drive to a job once she finds one.
Please consider blessing her with anything you might wish to donate...even just a dollar or two. I know we all are feeling the financial crunch, so please don't feel like you are obligated....only if it's in your heart.

You may bring monetary donations (or a gas card) to the next MOPS meeting and we'll collect them. Please contact me, Lori, and I'd be happy to come pick it up too. Sara T. also offered to be a drop-off/pickup contact.

Thank you so much....she will be truly grateful for anything at all. Every little bit helps!

It's comforting to know that if any one us ever has an unexpected hardship occur in our life, that we are all there to help each other out. :)

Lori C
CARE TEAM LDR.

Survey

2009-10-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

It is difficult for us to admit that we need it, but a once-a-week "unplugging" from the frenetic pace that is now our norm can be one of the most spiritually liberating experiences for us and for our family.

Taken from the daily calendar of Anita Renfore.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now isn't that so true! This weekend I am going to be attending the Women of Faith Conference in MN. I normally look forward to these events but in August I attended a Beth Moore Conference and in September I attended the MOPS Conference so to be honest I am just in the mood to just stay home. However; I know that it is extremely important for me as a woman of God, a wife and a mother to get away to get recharged. I am leaving tomorrow and even though I am not packed yet...I am still excited for what God has instore for me this weekend!

How about you...what have you done lately or about ready to do to get recharged?

Formula

2009-10-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is an email from Ann:

Hey Ladies,
Quick question - has anyone used the Similac Neosure 22 calorie formula
before?

They are switching baby Jack to this formula at his 11:30 feeding
today; and it has lead me to some questions.....so I thought I would
toss this out on the blog to see if anyone else has used this and can
think of any reasons you are for or against this.  From doing a little
bit of online research, it does appear to be more expensive from a lot
of the formula available.....but...what can we do?!  Our lil' Jack
needs to eat!  hahaa'

Anywho - if you could PLEASE email me at WSunshinegirl@aol.com with any
thoughts on this, I would really appreciate it!

Discharge is tentatively set for 6:00 P.M. tonight "after" evening
rounds......so please say a prayer we go home today!!!

Happy Friday!
Thanks,
Ann B

Relationship with Self-Care

2009-10-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

WOW...am I the only one, but wasn't today's speaker just awesome?!!! I know I was able to get a lot of reassurance in my thinking. It feels great to know that you are doing the right thing even if you are going against the advice of your medical doctor. I was also able to gather information that I was curious about...just plain great!!!

For those of you who were unable to make it (I know a lot of people were sick so thank you for not coming and spreading your germs) and for those of you who are night meeting moms - Lisa records all or our meetings so you can check out our video library and check out the meetings that you were unable to see and still benefit from the speaker.

Hope everyone is having a GREAT DAY!!!!

Clothing Swap

2009-10-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

I need to cancel the clothing exchange/swap party that was scheduled for this Saturday, October 10th. If people are interested they should let me know and I will reschedule it. If I don’t hear from anyone I probably won’t reschedule.

Kendra

New Baby!!!

2009-10-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Veronica Pearl

entered this world 2:32 pm

Yesterday Saturday, October 03, 2009

She weighs 8 lb. 8 oz

And measures 21.5 in.

Lisa, Jason and Olivia are all doing great!!

Cloth Diapers

2009-10-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Does anyone has cloth diapers or diaper covers that they would like to sell. My frends daughter was just diagnosed with hip dysplacia, and the doctor reccomended that she switch to cloth diapers. So if anyone has some that they would like to sell please email me, so I can get them to her. Thanks for the help.

krisforme2002@yahoo.com

Kristi

Convention!!!

2009-10-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

Wow!!! That is about all I can say about our experience at the MOPS Convention! What an awesome opportunity that God offered us! We had such a wonderful time and were able to learn so much about ourselves as women of Christ, as mothers, friends & leaders. I personally cannot wait to extend thoughts and ideas that I have gathered!

Tami & I have purchased the CD's of the convention to have in our resource library so anyone can check them out and learn what we did!

We have included a few pictures of our fun times! We had such a fun time hanging out and getting to know each other better! We had dinner and listened to a live band in Downtown Nashville, we visted Cooter's Place and just were silly!!!

We had the opportunity to meet our favorite artists and authors, worshiped with Natalie Grant, Matthew West, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels & Plumb!!! We laughed A LOT with Ken Davis. I hope that you each have an opportunity to experience something like this in the future!!

Fundraiser Update

2009-09-30T19:38:00.001-07:00

Hey ladies,

Just want to remind you that we only have one more week left to sell as many coupons as we can! You still have a chance to get FREE pictures!! Remember, if you sell 10 or more coupons you will get the Memories Package which is $99.99 value for FREE or if you sell 20 or more will get the Treasures Package which is a $149.99 value for FREE!

Could everyone please email me how many they have sold as of now! I already know the count for those who already turned in their money and stuff.

We need to sell at least 75 coupons or the company WILL NOT come on Friday night. I know there are lots of people that have requested Friday picture times so it is crucial that we sell for sure that amount!

Any questions please contact me!!

Thought of the day...

2009-09-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

"You can tell a lot about a woman by the purse she carries. You are what you carry."

Taken from the daily calendar of Anita Renfroe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I first read this I was super excited! Only because I am that kind of girl that will notice the type of purse that you have. I absolutely love when ladies, woman and girls look adorable! I love accessories - well before I had my son, I can't really do a lot of jewelry now because he tends to yank and pull on them.

But then I really started to think about the quote; "You are what you carry". YIKES!!! I got to thinking about this baggage/"purse" that I carry around. What can people tell about me just by looking at my baggage? That is a scary thought for me.

So who's with me? Let's ditch the "purses" (baggage) and be FREE!!!

Fundraiser

2009-09-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

This is a friendly reminder to keep selling those tickets/coupons!!! The coupons are only $5 and they get a color 10x13 portrait of their family!!! Our goal is to sell 100 coupons so that we do not have to do a spring fundraiser!!! So far we are up to 44 tickets! I just know we can reach our goal.

Love ya
Tami Jo

Game Night!!!

2009-09-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great night playing games and enjoying each other's company! Because of our exciting game of Cranium, we now know the definitions of some creative words!!! Thanks to the ladies that brought toothsome snacks :)

Pink Day

2009-09-18T09:41:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and family,

October 06th has been designated as “Pink Day” at Pardeeville Area Schools in recognition of breast cancer awareness. All staff members and students at the schools are being encouraged to wear pink to show their support. The Village of Pardeeville Village Board has also shown support, too. Local businesses are being encouraged to "paint the town pink,"

The HS School Student Council will be selling “Breast Cancer Awareness” t-shirts. The shirts will have a Bulldog on the front, with a cancer ribbon in his mouth, and they will say “Pardeeville Bulldogs Take a Bite out of Breast Cancer”. The color of the shirts will be black. The cost of each t-shirt is $15.00, regardless of the size.

I am working with Mr. Lynch and the HS Student Council selling the t-shirts. If you or any of your co-workers would like to purchase a t-shirt please contact me direct.

The shirts will be done by October 1st and proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts will be a donated to a cancer organization that the Student Council will pick.

If anyone is interested in ordering a shirt for themselves or their family members, please email me their name, phone number, and the size of the shirt(s) by Friday September 18th. We don’t want anyone to feel left out if they want a shirt to wear on October 6th.

My email address is babcockmc@verizon.net

Thank you for your support in making our first “PINK DAY” a HUGE success!

Carol Babcock, Pink Ribbon Angels volunteer

608.697.9088

Upcoming Events

2009-09-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Mom/Kids Day out: Thursday September 17th - 10:00 am at MacKenzie Center in Poynette

Mom/Kids Playdate: Friday September 18th - 10:00 am at Collipp Worden Park in Portage

Mom's Night Out: Friday September 18th - 6:00am Games & Munchies at Sarah K.'s

Survey of the day

2009-09-14T11:32:00.001-07:00

Like art, like music, like so many other disciplines, prayer can only be appreciated when you actually spend time in it. Spending time with the Master will elevate your thinking. The more you pray, the more will be revealed. You will appreciate not only the greatness of prayer, but the greatness of God.

So walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. ~ Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB)

Taken from "Hand in Hand - prayers and blessings for families" daily calendar.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I thought it was so fitting that I read this today while sitting at my mom's computer (I still don't have internet at my new home...ooops). Just this morning I was reflecting, while making my bed, just how much my prayer life has changed since becoming a mom. When I was in High School my prayer time was when I would go to bed. I would lay in bed and pray; God and I had a lot of good times! Then I went to college and the school that I went to blocked out time for us to have our quiet time. Every morning I would be in the church praying and getting in His word. Then I became a mom! I no longer could have my quiet time when I laid down because I am so exhausted that as soon as my head hits that pillow...I am OUT! I no longer can have that "set in stone" time where it's blocked out for me to get into His word because there is a little one hanging at my knees. Now I find that my quiet times and prayers are when I am doing the dishes, folding the clothes, making my bed, preparing dinner, etc. I actually like this way the best! I find that in my past years it was a certain time that I would have conversations with my Maker but now it's ALL THE TIME! The moments may not be as long but they definitely are more frequent throughout the day.

How has your quiet time changed since becoming a mom?

Fundraiser

2009-09-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

We have begun the kick-off for our new and exciting fundraiser for this year!!! If you have not yet heard anything about the fundraiser, please contact Shelly for further information.

Also, for everyone who sells 10 coupons/tickets by Thursday September 24th will receive a FREE package!!!

FREE Money for MOPS

2009-09-11T13:50:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I just found this out from our one and only Shelly!!!! I hope I explain this as clear as mud but if I don't please ask Shelly or I for further explanation.

At Pierces Grocery store you get a Pierce's card to get their specials. If you already have a card...GREAT! Just go to the customer service desk and ask to add MOPS as one of your organization. Then part of what you spend is donated to MOPS!!!! If you do not have a Pierce's card and shop there just sign up to get one and then add MOPS as your organization.

This is really exciting to me because it's a super easy way for us to raise money for MOPS!!!!

Love ya
Tami Jo

Playdate!

2009-09-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

There is an informal playdate scheduled for tomorrow (Friday the 11th). We are going to be meeting at Collip Warden park at 10:00 am for anyone who would like to come out and enjoy the weather!

MOPPETS Rotation

2009-09-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

Good Afternoon!

I am pleased to announce that we will be having an addition room/rotation set up this year for your kids. We will be incorporating a Games and Freeplay room. It is my intent to have the children play outside during the warmer months (Sept; Oct; Nov (maybe); April; May). If you absolutely would not like your child to be outside during this time - please email me and we can arrange for some quiet indoor activities instead.

Thanks!!

Faith, Hope and Love

Christy

Snacks for MOPPETS

2009-09-06T09:43:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Ladies!

We sure had a great time last night didn't we? It was exciting to see all the new and old faces!

With our first meeting behind us - and more registration forms turned in - I am still in need of your help.

As of right now we have ONE person signed up to bring in snacks for the MOPPETS. This mom has shared with me that she would not like to have to bring a snack for the entire year - and she shouldnt have to.

If THREE more of you could sign up - or email me - with an interest in helping out, then each lady would only be responsible for 2 snacks this year. And I've made it even easier this year as well - I have chosen easy and quick snacks that will coincide w the lesson for the mth. I would also like to add that if you are hesitant to bring a snack due to financial constraints, MOPPETS can reimburse you.

Please pray about helping MOPPETS. It is only through the help of each of us that make MOPPETS (and other areas in MOPS) possible. And remember many hands make little work!

Lets make this a great year and not leave the burden on only a few moms.

Thank you and please email me if you are interested in helping out with snack this year.

Faith Hope and Love

Christy

Mom in Need Praise!

2009-09-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Recently we just had a MOPS mom that was in need. Many of you generously helped out; THANK YOU so much. I just got an email for her and this is what she said:

"I just wanted to send a big thank you to everyone for there generosity and prayers during this time of transition for myself and my boys. It has all been greatly felt and makes this time so much easier knowing you gals are there ready to help and in keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers."

Thanks again for supporting, loving and caring for your fellow MOPS mom/friends.

MOPS Meeting 8/27/09

2009-08-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night! If you have not registered we will have forms available to do so!

Fellowship & Dinner start at 6:00, meeting starts promptly at 6:30!

Our topic is Relationship with Friends! We have lots of fun stuff planned so come and enjoy a night out!

1001 Things It Means To Be A Mom

2009-08-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

* (Being a Mom) Being a mom means discussing with your husband how you want to raise your kids. Before you even have them.

* (Pregnant Moms) Being a mom means tearing up while cooking oatmeal. (Hormones are in play.)

*(Baby Moms) Being a mom means feeling terrified when you bring your baby home.

*(Toddler Moms) Being a mom means crawling around on your hands and knees to get your toddler's perspective of what she can grab off tables and stick in her mouth.

*(Moms of School Kids) Being a mom means memorizing the school locker combination because somebody in the family needs to know it.

*(Mom of Teens) Being a mom means being told, "I'm too old for this!" And knowing they're still too young.

*(Working Moms) Being a mom means deciding between career and family. And forever worrying if you chose right.

*(Single Moms) Being a single mom means deciding you don't have the time to make a new relationship work.

*(Moms and Money) Being a mom means having your kids beg you for money.

*(Moms and Difficult Issues) Being a mom means feeling lost when your child's behavioral problems are linked to a mental problem.

Homeschoolers

2009-08-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is an email I received from a former MOPS mom. If you want additional information please contact myself or Faith. I have two other emails with more details.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello!!

Our family has been a part of a home school group for the past 5 years. (The group itself has been in existance for 10 years) This group has met weekly and been a beautiful piece of the puzzle of our success at home schooling. I'm excited to share with you that we are moving to a new facility this year and have the opportunity to open our doors to new families!! This email will be the first of "3" that you will recieve - the next two will be information regarding start dates, fees, etc. PLEASE don't hesitate to email me with any questions or interest that you may have. I am very excited at this chance for others to experience the blessing that we have received through this group!

Some basic info:

Group name is LAHSO (Lodi Area Home School Organization)

We meet in Lodi at the Rec Center (This is a brand new facility!)

We meet on Mondays during the school year from 9am - 12pm

Ages Pre-K through 12th are welcome

Classes are split into three levels: PreK - 2nd / 3rd-6th / 7th-12th

Each level has 3 classes: Music, Phy-Ed, and a third period class that has variety (some will include: art, science, geography, cooking, speech, among other subjects)

We have 2 special programs each year - one Christmas program and one spring program

We have 2 presentation nights each year - one fall and one spring. This is an opportunity for our students to share a skill, demonstration, speech, report, song, etc etc

We have field trips organized throughout the year

I look forward to hopefully hearing from you!! PLEASE pass this email onto any other home schooling families that you know of that may be interested!

Thanks & God Bless ~

Faith

Anyone need to laugh?

2009-08-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

If you want to feel good about your whole day, go into your closet, find your swimsuit and put it on. Walk out to your bathroom and look in the mirror. Nothing worse is going to happen to you all day.

Taken from "If You Can't Lose It, Decorate It" daily calendar by Anita Renfroe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This one really struck me funny because it is exactly how I have been feeling lately. I have just been complaining (especially in the last week) to my husband for how disgusting I look. Even though my husband tells me that I am beautiful...deep down I am not real sure if I believe him. My thoughts to his statements are; "You have to say that your my husband", or "He's just saying that to get 'lucky' tonight", etc. I would love to think that I am the only one that struggles with this but for some reason I don't think I am.

Ladies...we have to always be reminding ourselves that we ARE BEAUTIFUL! God created us in His own image...He made each one of us perfect! We are His princesses and daughters! So today...look in the mirror and smile because you are looking at a DROP DEAD GORGEOUS woman of God!

My Princess...

2009-08-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

You Don't Have To Fit In.

I know you want to e accepted by others, but you were not made to fit in. You, My princess, were created to stand out. Not to draw attention to yourself, but to live the kind of life that leads others to Me. Remember, it's your choices that will pave yoru path to life. I will not force you to do anything. I have given you a free will to walk with Me or to walk away from Me. I want you to know that you can put on your crown at any time and let people know that you belong to Me. You have royal call on your life. I want you to remember you wear the crown of everlasting life, and through you I will do abundantly more than you would ever dare to dream.
Love,
Your King and Crown Giver

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." ~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Taken from: "His Princess-Love letters from your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Am I the only one who needed to hear that? I know I struggle with the thoughts of "Is she judging me?", "I wish I could be talented like her", "How come she gets to have perfect skin". This has been a battle I have always struggled with. However, my God is Faithful and He daily reminds me that He created me perfectly! I am who I am for a reason...Thank You Crown Giver!!!

Verse of the day...

2009-08-04T05:09:00.000-07:00

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. ~ Romans 13:8 (NIV)

Mom needing...

2009-08-02T06:12:00.001-07:00

There is one email from both Ann B. and Gina T.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***Does anyone have a baby bassinett they would be willing to loan us for a few months??!!***
With Noah, a neighbor of ours had loaned us one....but they moved away to Georgia! haha'

I would prefer to have something that does not sit too low to the ground, as we have a 10 pound dog that likes to lick & cuddle. My goal is to start using the baby CRIB much sooner then I did with Noah....but I don't want to have baby Jack home and nothing to put him in! haha'

If so - please email or call me!

Thanks much,
Ann B

***Hello everyone!

I am looking for someone to watch my sweet baby boy on Monday (August 3rd). Lauren is going to spend some time at her grandparent's house next week, and I am meeting them in Illinois to drop her off.

I would probably be gone a good portion of the day - from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I would absolutely be willing to pay someone...

Please let me know if you can help!

Thanks ;)
Gina

Survey

2009-07-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Even if you find your "soul mate", you will find that his "soul" will gladly let you fall into the toilet at 2 a.m. if you don't teach him proper seat etiquette. I am fairly sure I never heard that in any of the fairy tales I was told.

Taken from "If You Can't Lose It Decorate It" by Anita Renfroe daily calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am still laughing at this; not just because it's funny but because it's so TRUE! Now be honest ladies...how many has this happened to? It has happened to me (however not because of my husband yet but growing up due to my brothers).

Moppets

2009-07-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies!

Only about 7 more weeks till our 1st day meeting kicks off! Where did the summer go?

I am sending out a 2 for the price of 1 email. In preparing for our upcoming year - I need your help in the following areas:

1) VOLUNTEERS ... VOLUNTEERS.... AND MORE VOLUNTEERS!
** I have started my preliminary calling of last years volunteers. So far I have 4 that will for sure return. 3 have already said no thank you - and the rest I will be doing a follow up phone call this week. In order to have a successful MOPPETS year - I would like a roster of about 15 volunteers. We need about 9 each meeting - the rest would be back ups. If you know of anyone - your moms, aunts, gramas, church members, the neighbor lady - that would like to donate 2 hrs of their time ONCE a MONTH - please give me their phone number.

2) TOY DRIVE
** I am still collecting and looking for gently used toys to replace the (gross) toys from previous years. Items to consider: Puzzles // Boy toys (We have plenty of cars) // Barbies w a few clothes // and anything that a 2 year old might like (I cant seem to remember what Elena played with - and that was only a year ago!!)

I know that for many of you - MOPS is still a long ways off, but your help in making this a great MOPPETS year is greatly appreciated!
Please EMAIL me - as I dont always have an opportunity to check the blog out.

Thanks- enjoy the rest of your summer!

Faith, Hope and Love

Christy
jncpacheco@verizon.net

Verse of the Day

2009-07-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb...You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. ~ Psalm 139:13,15-16 (NLT)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WOW! This just gives me goosebumps. Isn't God just plain AWESOME! To think that even though He controls the entire universe He cares about me so much that He knows EVERYTHING about me! Absolutely Incredible!!!!

Early Registration

2009-07-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Only TWO more days left until early registration is up. Please turn in your completed Registration Forms along with your payment by this Thursday! After Thursday the price goes up. Don't miss it!

Prayer Request

2009-07-11T05:12:00.001-07:00

This is an email from Lisa F.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A friend of mine just found out that their 13 yr old son, John, has a brain tumor located on the brain stem. He just had surgery to remove part of it and the family was told it is very rare for a child to develop this type of cancer. They also believe it is a secondary form of cancer and are doing tests to locate the primary souce within his body. Please say a prayer for the entire Link family.
Thanks

Lisa F

Needing to borrow...

2009-07-10T14:54:00.001-07:00

This is an email from Lisa Maddux.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Does anyone have a pick-up truck they would be willing to lend me (mostly my husband) for a day or part of a day? We have some various wood and stuff in our garage that we want to clear out and take to the dump, and we don't really have the right vehicle to do that. Let me know at jasonandlisamaddux@yahoo.com if this is something you'd be willing to help with. We have no particular time in mind.
Thanks.
Lisa

Indian Agency House

2009-07-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hands-On History Day on July 18. It's the same weekend as the Portage Downtown Arts Walk, so tell all your friends and come on out for an art-filled day!

The Historic Indian Agency House, outside of Portage, returns with another Hands-On History event on Saturday, July 18. In keeping with the museum’s 2009 focus on ceramics, this fun and educational program will concentrate on Early American and Native American pottery traditions. Participants will tour the Agency House to learn all about pottery on the Wisconsin frontier – where it came from, how it was made, and what it was used for – and then make their own clay pot using traditional Native American techniques. There are two sessions available, both with the same activities: 10 am to 12 pm, and 12 pm to 2 pm. Space is limited to 15 participants per session; registration is encouraged but not required. This event is recommended for children ages 6-15, but all are welcome. The cost of the event is $3 each, which includes the tour and all craft materials. We hope to see you there!

Please call 608-742-6362 with any question.
Anna Rusk
Historic Indian Agency House intern

1001 Things It Means To Be A Mom

2009-07-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

* (Being a Mom) Being a mom means being a role model.

* (Pregnant Moms) Being a mom means having an earthquake jolt your life.

* (Baby Moms) Being a mom means realizing the relationship between you and your husband has just changed.

* (Toddler Moms) Being a mom means questioning your existence, especially during those times when it's a hot summer day and your kids are screaming uncontrollable bloody chaos in their car seats, and the air conditioner is broken.

* (Moms of School Kids) Being a mom means worrying everyone in school is bigger than your child.

* (Moms of Teens) Being a mom means hearing other adults comment about how your teen is a great conversationalist.

* (Moms of Adult Kids) Being a mom means realizing your daughter's purse is more expensive than yours. And she's still in college.

* (Working Moms) Being a mom means learning what the Mommy Track means.

* (Single Moms) Being a single mom means wrestling with how to put your children first when you're in a new relationship.

* (Moms and Money) Being a mom means doing the math before returning to work. After child-care costs, commuting, taxes, and other expenses are tallied, you might not be earning as much as you think.

* (Moms and Difficult Issues) Being a mom means having your heart break when you realize your child is physically or mentally different from other kids. Yet, curiously, that difference makes you love them even more.

Taken from "1001 Things It Means to Be a Mom" by Harry H Harrison Jr.

Toys for Sale/Free

2009-07-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

This is an email from Kendra L. Sounds like some great deals!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have a train table for sale for $10. It is 3 feet by 4 feet and has two tilt out drawers to store the trains. It has a reversible top in that it can be a plain faux wood, or you can turn it over and it is decorated like a road I think. I tried to sell on Craig’s list but no one was serious about it. The table comes apart easily with an Allen wrench or can be moved as is. I need it out!

For free/giveaway: I have a set of 4 Mr. Potato Heads with all the parts. 2 of them are Stars Wars theme, the other two are regular. My kids just don’t use them anymore.
For Free: 1 small set of Lincoln Logs. This would be perfect for someone that has more of them. It is a small set, and was all we had so it wasn’t ever enough to do much with.

If anyone needs pictures or wants to check anything out…Please let me know.

Hugs, Kendra
745-1655
klacrosse@verizon.net

My Princess...

2009-07-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

You are my precious daughter!

You are a daughter of the King, and not just any king. You are My daughter, and I am the God of all heaven and earth. I'm delighted with you! You are the apple of My eye. You're Daddy's girl. Your earthly father may love and adore you, but his love is not perfect, no matter how great -or small- it is. Only My love is perfect...because I am Love. I formed your body. I fashioned your mind and soul. I know your personality, and I understand your needs and desires. I see your heartaches and disappointments, and I love you passinately and patiently. My child, I bought you with a price so that we could have an intimate relationship together for all eternity. Soon we will see each other face-to-face -Father and daughter- and you will experience the wonderful place I have prepared for you in paradise. Until then, fix your eyes on heaven, and walk closely with Me. You will know that -although I am God- My arms are not too big to hold you, My beloved daughter.

Love,
Your King and your Daddy in heaven

"And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:18

Taken from: "His Princess-Love letters from your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Aubrey Update

2009-07-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

I know God has heard the prayers that everyone has spoken for Aubrey. I just found out that she now has a website to keep you updated on her current status. The website is: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/abonnichsen I know Aubrey, her family and friends are and will be forever grateful for your prayers.

Needed

2009-07-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

This is an email I received from a fellow mom; I hope someone can help her out!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello,
We are looking for a very gently used double stroller for under $100. We don't have a lot of money to spend, but we have two children under the age of three and we have gone without one for too long:) Please feel free to call 608-566-1087 or email nhoward85@yahoo.com if you have one you would like to sell. Pictures would be very helpful. Thank you for you help!!
Nicole Howard

Summer Party

2009-07-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

This email is from Andrea Muente...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey everyone...hope everyone is having a great summer! I would like to have a MOPS gathering at my house on Saturday July 25th from 11am-1pm. We are having a bounce house with slide, big sand box and play stuff and a pond if anyone wants to try fishing. I was thinking about doing a pot luck, if everyone can bring a dish to pass that would be great. I plan on having a large sub there and some drinks. Ann is taking care of the plates, silverware and cups. The party will continue past 1pm with our friends and family and everyone invited to stay longer if you want. Please let me know if you are able to make it by July 20th. Please call me at 608-393-3178 or you can email me. Hope to see everyone soon! Andrea Muente

5-Day Clubs

2009-06-30T16:38:00.001-07:00

This is an email from Kerri F.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5-Day Clubs are like summer Vacation Bible School but held all throughout the summer at various locations. Kids ages 4-12 are invited to any 5-Day Club in your area. You can come to just one day or all five days (all five days yields the best results). Kids learn about Jesus, have fun puppets, stories, and games. There is a prize at the end of the week. Jesus said: "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them."

A.M.s THIS WEEK - June 29 - July 3 - Monday thru Friday 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Oshner Park in Baraboo.

P.M.s THIS WEEK - In Portage: June 29 - July 3, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. located at Cindy Peterson's house on Fox River Rd. (off of Hwy F). (608)742-8462.

I will try to keep you posted as to when and where there will be other clubs throughout the summer.

If you're interested in hosting a 5-Day Club at your home, or at an area park, contact Johanna Wynn at (608) 697-9761

Prayer Request Updates

2009-06-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Can you send this out to Mops please? People can leave comments on the funeral home website if they want. The family has been reading them each morning.

http://www.funeralplan2.com/ritchiefuneralhome/mem?action=memorials&id=172554

Thank you to everyone for their prayers and kind words.
Lisa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's what I know as of now. We are actually here in SD with the family....

Friday Aubrey had a biopsy of the tumor. She will be in ICU for 5 days. They inserted a shunt to the brain to drain off fluid. The tumor is inoperable. They can do chemo and radiation for 6 weeks daily. However, the dr's feel this will only buy them around 9 mo. The tumor is VERY fast growing and has grown considerably just since they went to Denver less than 1 week ago. It is in the back part of the head, but with several "fingers" reaching out. They are choosing right now to do the treatments as Brenda and Tim don't ever want to tell her down the road or think "they could've done more". Aubrey needs a complete healing.

I will update more as Billye lets me know what's going on. Thank you for your prayers on behalf of the Bonnichsen family.

Tanya Schoessow

Childcare Needed

2009-06-29T11:27:00.001-07:00

This email is from Kendra L.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Ladies! I hope everyone is having a splendid summer so far.

I know it’s a ways off, but I want to put the word out about my upcoming childcare needs.

Starting the week of September 1st, I will need childcare for my 4 year old Nathan. He will be in the 4 year old Preschool program in the mornings, and I need someone to watch him in the afternoon. The hours would be 11:15 to 3 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday’s only. I do all of the drop off and pick up from school so that part won’t be a concern. Pay is negotiable as I have no idea how much is usually charged for only one!

The twins will be in school all day, so this is a shock to my system to only worry about arrangements for one child!

If you are interested, or know someone that might be interested please call or email me when you can. Like I said, I know it’s early, but I’m a planner and I’d like to get thinking about it.

Thanks so much!

Kendra
745-1655
klacrosse@verizon.net

For Sale

2009-06-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

This is an email from Janette K. I hope someone finds a good deal!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Everyone!

I hope your summer is going well. Tracy and I have been cleaning out the house as it seems to be consumed with toys our children have outgrown. I have some bigger items for sale (we're not doing a formal garage sale this year) and I thought I'd just let you know in case anyone was interested:) All items are very gently used. If you want to see pictures of a particular item, just let me know and I can email it.

Fisher Price Little People Castle with accessories $15 OBO
Fisher Price Little People House with furniture/mom/dad & baby $15 OBO
Fisher Price Little People Ramps Around Garage with cars/mechanics $15 OBO
Fisher Price Little People Noah's Ark set with extra animal sets $15 OBO

Little Tikes Play Kitchen with 2 chairs/loads of play dishes and food to go with it $20 OBO
Little Tikes Play Workshop with 2 hard hats and some tools $15 OBO
Little Tikes Doll Cradle $10 OBO

Bob the Builder Workshop with magnetic blocks $10 OBO

LeapFrog Desk with Chair and a My First LeapPad with 1 book/Alphabet stencils (desk has been crayoned on) $10 OBO

If you are interested in any of the items, you can contact me via email kopfhamers4@verizon.net or give me a call 745-0492. Thanks!
Janette

MacKenzie Center

2009-06-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Join Us for

Outdoor Skills Day & a Prairie Interpretive Walk

MacKenzie Environmental Education Center

Saturday, July 11th, 2009
9 am – 2 pm (near our lodge)

FREE ** Fun for all ages!
Rotate thru a variety of hands on skills like:
fire building, outdoor cooking,
fishing, archery, shooting sports and more
or take a walk of the prairies at 10am and
tours of the State Game Farm too!

A concession stand will be available during event time. This event is hosted by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Friends of MacKenzie Center. The MacKenzie Environmental Education Center is located 2 miles east of Poynette on County Road CS & Q.

Please phone 608-635-8105 for more information.

Prayer Request

2009-06-27T13:26:00.001-07:00

~Please keep Lisa Francis and family in your prayers. Tim's mom has been battling cancer for some time now and is now in peace. They left for Iowa today to be with his family and help make preparations. They may not be back until Tuesday or Wednesday.

~A friend of mines daughter Marissa Jordan (10yrs old in august) has batttled lukemia and won, just celebrated her 1 yr anniversary, BUT... today she was med-flighted to the UW childrens hospital w/ a brain anurism and lung/heart failure!!!! she was put into a drug indused coma, and will stay in that state for 2 weeks, she survived surgery, and they removed the blood clot and anurism, PLEASE BE IN CONSTANT PRAYER FOR HER AND HER FAMILY!!!!! i will email updates Thanks Jenn Selbach and Jordan Family

MOPS Reunion

2009-06-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I am so sorry for that late update regarding the final details on tomorrow's MOPS event. Here the are the details and I hope to see lots of you there!

Tomorrow Saturday June 27th at 10:30am

We will be gathering at the North Shore of Devil's Lake. We do not have a shelter reserved for our group so please bring your own blankets and chairs.

This is an event for all current and past MOPS families.

This will be a fun and relaxed time to hang out and get some laughs in!

So pack your lunch and wear your comfy clothes!

You can also bring your registrations forms with you. The current registration cost for next year is $35 but don't delay because it will go up to $40 coming in July. Any further questions regarding registration contact Shelly Jenkins.

Can't wait to see everyone!

Verse of the Day

2009-06-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.

Proverbs 18:15 (The Message)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What is something that you have learned today or insight that you have gained?

Cool Books!

2009-06-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

A MOPS mom sent me this email regarding some pretty cool gift ideas for you child or another child. Go to www.ladybugtreehouse.com Here is what the rest of the email said regarding this new company. "Make your child a star today!! Each book is personalized to include a child's name, age, hometown, and friends. The books are a great gift idea! Each storybook is a hard-cover, bound book. We also do school and charity fundraising! Check out our site for more details. We hope you enjoy our site. We will be adding more merchandise soon, so keep checking back. Please feel free to forward this email on to others!"

Update on Aubrey

2009-06-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been praying for Aubrey I just received an update on her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good Morning Everyone!

We finished with our appointment yesterday with the Neurologist. We will be leaving for Denver Childrens Hospital this morning sometime. Aubrey has an appointment with an incredible Neurologist in Aurora , CO tomorrow (Weds) at noon.

It has been amazing to see God's handiwork in all of this! The Neurologist here gave us the choice of going to Denver Childrens, Mayo Clinic, or University of MN Research Hospital . He discussed the importance of Aubrey being at a specialty hospital, and these were the three he recommended. We talked about it with Aubrey, and she helped to make the decision. For us, the Childrens Hospital was the perfect fit.. As many of you know, we have family in Colorado , so we would have an incredible support system there. Unfortunately, the doctor we saw in Rapid would not be able to do the surgery if we chose Denver , so he had to refer us to a neurosurgeon in Denver . Our prayers were answered when we received the phonecall that it would be Dr. Ken Winston. I googled his name and discovered that he is the Professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado ! As I did more research I find that the hospital is top notch, has a Blue Distinction Award (for those who are familiar with BCBS insurance standards!) which means it is a quality facility that has to mean high criteria in all phases of care! SO...God has made the way for the best doctor and the best hospital so she'll have the best care!

The brain tumor Aubrey has, he called a Glioma. It is in the middle of her brain at the brain stem. He said it is quite large and has been growing for sometime. We'd noticed the biggest difference in Aubrey from about the middle of the school year and as the school year went on, there were changes that were more and more evident. (Her grades were dropping, it was very difficult to get her to complete writing assignments or any big projects, not wanting to do PE because she claimed to get headaches and stomach aches and she seemed to be fatigued all the time. We noticed she was talking loudly when carrying on a normal conversation, and had her tested and found that she had some hearing loss in her left ear. Now looking back it all begins to make sense.) The Neurologist here said that it is very likely that she'll need to do some radiation therapy or chemo. We are praying that will not be the case!!! We are believing that Aubrey will get to tell her grandchildren the story of how God brought her through this situation and the way He prepared the way for her to have the best! By the way, Aubrey is doing GREAT!!!! She is very resiliant and refuses to focus on anything negative!! She is a fighter in her own unique way! We have been so proud of her...what a trooper!!!

Through the suggestion of many, we will be starting a Caring Bridge webpage so you can log on and read about what is going on with her. Between Tim and I, will we keep the website updated as often as possible. If you register on the site, everytime we do an update, you will receive an email. More about that when it comes! Thank you again for all of your love, support and prayers! It has been so incredibly awesome what so many of you have done so far! I couldn't find the time to get online last night, because so many were dropping by to express their love and concern. Our family so appreciates and loves you all. (Although I have a 5 yr old who is NOT grasping why everyone is giving things to Aubrey and she isn't getting anything!!!) Please keep little Chloe in your prayers too...this has already been kinda hard for her to grasp, and at times will start crying and not know why. But together, as a family, we'll conquer this and come out on the other side victorious!!

Blessings!Brenda Bonnichsen

Moppets

2009-06-21T22:13:00.001-07:00

Hey Ladies ... before you have your next garage sale, please check over your toy supply. I am looking to replace the toy bins for this coming year with more age appropriate, gently-used toys. I will be replacing toys for ages 2-5. If you have any toys that you would like to donate, please email me and I will make arrangements to pick them up.

Some ideas for toys are: toy cars - or other boy toys (we dont really have alot of those); bald babies, maybe some barbies for the older girls, ABC/123 toys, and anything else you can think of.

Thanks for your time - and your donations in advance!

Faith, Hope and Love

Christy

Marriage

2009-06-19T05:28:00.000-07:00

In the marriage arena, the [couple] invariably mix [personalities] up according to the cliche, "opposites attract." Then, once the marriage is underway, opposites attack. The tendencies that seemed so charming about the person because they are different and create a balance in our universe become the very traits that cause us to bang our heads against hard objects.

Taken from: "If you Can't Lose it Decorate It!" daily calendar by Anita Renfore

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I read this I about fell off my chair because I was laughing so hard. I wasn't laughing because it is just funny...I was laughing because it is so TRUE! (Well at least for me.) I literally was just carrying on a converation with myself a couple days prior to reading this and was thinking the same concept. In my mind, I was complaining about the little things my hubby does that annoy me. But then it hit me...those very things is what made me fall in love with him. So I had to ask myself, "if he has not changed then why I am complaining?" The obvious answer that I concluded was that it was me. So now when he does those little "annoying" things...I just remind myself to laugh!

Summer Projects

2009-06-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

I was given this information from another MOPS mom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Paint It Pottery Shop in Wisconsin Dells is offering classes for kids ages 5-12.

June 25th: Handprint Plates ($18 from 10am - noon)
July 9th: Clay Building ($18 from 10am - noon)
July-August: Various Art Camps including Story Hour with Project, Tie Dye adn Fused Glass Tiles ($15-$30 per Art Camp session)

Spaces are limited so contact them immediately if you are interested. The phone number is 608-254-5456 and the website is www.paintitpotteryshop.com

Events

2009-06-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Ladies!

We are having a couple of events come up rather quickly here.

The first is going to be on Thursday June 18th at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. This is a Mom & Kids day out! We are planning meeting at the zoo at 10:30am and then having a picnic lunch together. If you are interested in going please leave a comment so that further arrangements can be made regarding carpooling and meeting at the zoo.

The second event is on Saturday June 27th at Devil’s Lake Park in Baraboo at 10:30 am. This is a family event and is going to be our MOPS reunion. Come and meet MOPS mom from years past to either reconnect or create new friends! Bring a snack lunch and lots of smiling faces! There was an Evite sent out regarding this. Please respond to the Evite so that we can make further arrangements; if you did not receive the Evite contact Shelly.

MOPS registration will be available at the MOPS reunion event. Make sure to get your registration in early before the price goes up.

If you any further questions regarding either of these events please contact Ann.

Believing is seeing...

2009-06-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

"Seeing is not believing, it is only seeing. The real triumph of this life is to understand that 'believing is seeing'."--George MacDonald

Trust Him more today than you did yesterday. If you can't understand, just keep following. Though it may be dark right now, you will see that eventually He has led you out of the mountain.

Taken from Fresh Grounded Faith, Jennifer Rothschild

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My daily struggle is believing without seeing, however when I look around I am constantly reminded of how great God is! I pray for everyone to be able to trust God today, trust that He is with you and will lead you out of the darkness!

Have a great sunny Friday!!! Sarah

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 NIV

Help Needed

2009-06-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

Hello Ladies!!! This is an email that I received from Laci; I just wanted to make everyone aware of what's going on and the help that is much appreciated!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello MOPS Friends- As many of you know, I have been on a trip to WA state to get our storage unit unpacked. We will be leaving WA for the 25 hour trip tomorrow afternoon. I will be returning home to Portage about Noon on Sunday June 14th. I would really appreciate any help you or your husbands/families could give to unload our U-Haul. I will provide pizza and beverages to any sort of work party we can get. I would like everyone to show up at our house (202 E. Franklin Portage - the corner of Franklin and Adams) at 1:00 PM. If you can offer any bit of help please e-mail me at bandljamison@hotmail.com or call me at 509-981-0458, that way I can make sure I have enough food. Thanks very much for all the help I can get.Fondly,Laci Jamison

Survey

2009-06-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

"It's a God thing."...As if anything isn't. Sunrises are God things, air is a God thing, coffee is a God thing. Chocolate, music, hot baths, great friends, autumn evenings, Dippin' Dots ice cream, cloud formations-I believe that they are all pretty much "God things."

Taken from: "If you Can't Lose it Decorate It!" daily calendar by Anita Renfore

~~~~~~~~~~

The survey is to tell us what your "God thing" is. Just post a comment and let us all know!

I'll go first - Everything stated above plus hearing my son laugh, hanging out with my mom, thunderstorms and sleeping in! (Just to list a few; the list is obviously longer)

1001 Things It Means To Be A Mom

2009-06-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

* (Being a Mom) Being a mom means thinking you're the luckiest person in the world.

* (Pregnant Moms) Being a mom means realizing that perhaps the greatest gift in life is a baby.

* (Baby Moms) Being a mom means learning what an inflatable donut is all about.

* (Toddler Moms) Being a mom means learning the "terrible twos" is false advertising. The condition lasts longer than a couple of years.

* (Moms of School Kids) Being a mom means inexplicably breaking down in tears when your child starts first grade just like you did when she started preschool. Husbands will not understand this.

* (Moms and Computers) Being a mom means having children beg for a computer, beg to put the computer in their room, and beg to let them join MySpace.

* (Moms of Teens) Being a mom means wondering why your teens has nothing to say when you ask how their day went.

* (Moms of Adult Kids) Being a mom means aking your twenty-two-year old, in front of his date, about his constipation issues.

* (Working Moms) Being a mom means getting everybody out of the house by 7:30 a.m.

* (Single Moms) Being a single mom means knowing that, while two-parent homes are best for children, life doesn't always work out that way.

* (Moms and Money) Being a mom means figuring out how to cut your grocery bill 40 percent after you quit work-even though you're adding another person to the family.

* (Moms and Difficult Issues) Being a mom means explaining to your kids that even though drugs are dangerous, you have a medicine cabinet full of them.

* (Moms and Grace) Being a mom means recognizing that your children are a gift from God. And treating them as such.

Verse of the Day

2009-06-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

God makes everything come out right;...Gos is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, He's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever...As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is His love to those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:6, 8-9, 11 (The Message)

~~~~~~~~~~

I don't know about you, but I am so glad that my God is loving!

Moppets

2009-06-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

I know that it hasn't even been a week since our last MOPS meeting, but thought it would be appropriate to send this email out to you - since MOPS would be still fresh in your mind.

Over the next couple of months, if you happen to think of anyone who would love to volunteer their time and love to MOPPETS for our upcoming year - please send me their name, and phone number. You can also give them mine if you like (745-0502).

Please also give them this information:
* We meet the SECOND THUR of each month from SEPT - MAY
* Time commitment would be 8:45 - 11:45 AM
* They DO NOT need to be available each month to volunteer. Only 1 time/yr is
required.

MOPPETS appreciates all the help we can get!

Thanks! and have a great summer!

Faith Hope and Love -
Christy