Traditions!!

So as the holidays get closer I begin to think about all our traditions and memories we make each year. I never thought about all the things we do each year as being a tradition. But since we do it year after year, it's now considered a tradition.

I made a countdown calendar a few years back that the kids get so excited to see what activity they will be told to do for that day, such as todays was to make snowmen out of playdough. I've never heard my 7 year old son get so excited. So in my household we always seem to get upset when one of the children gets to do something and the other one doesn't (yes, a little mommy guilt their). So this year I decided that I'll wrap all our children books related to Christmas or Winter thinking I probably won't have enough to countdown to Christmas, to my surprise I did! (I worked in day care and with kids for about 10 years where I collected lots of children books). The funny part about it is that my kids are so much more interested in the books now that they just unwrapped them. So as an addition this year we have our calendar and a book to unwrap. Other activities we do are make and decorate cookies that we share with family at Christmas. Another thing that we've done the last few years is decoarate a Gingerbread House (a kit from either Walmart, Target, etc...). We also go to church Christmas Eve followed by supper at Panda Garden which is a tradition that goes back to being newlyweds. We also buy an orament each year with that year stamped on it. One thing that gets us excited for the new year is we write a time capsule (which we've only done the last 2 years), but it's so cute to see how the kids interests and likes have changed. All we do for it is answer a few questions of favorite snack, or movie or favorite toy, etc...

So my inquiry is what traditions or memories are you making this year?

Here are pictures of years past of our fun memories.

The Christmas Card Race

I found this on Fans of Being a Mom Blog and felt that we all could relate.

I gave up sending holiday cards years ago, but apparently some interpid moms still make the effort. I’m not sure if I think they are crazy or superheroes. Today, guest writer Antonia Luff Tagupa shares her hysterical take on the whole holiday card scene with a true story that will either make you laugh or cringe. Enjoy!

Not everyone realizes that the holidays are a competitive sport; but moms do. Moms know full well that the first one to get her photo holiday card in the mail wins.

The design and execution of the photo holiday card is arguably the most prestigious event of the entire holiday season, winner takes all. There is some quality control, such as the number of photos on the card, and the flawlessness of each picture, but really, it’s the first one out that takes the win.

And why not? To achieve this honor means that you must have purchased the kids’ most-adorable holiday outfits back in September before they all sold out. It means that you somehow managed to get your kids into these outfits for no less than three different sittings, for an average of thirty photos each. At least one of these of these photos shoots will have been staged in front of a roaring fire, which you would have made in your living room fireplace during what was probably a freakishly warm day in October. Another photo shoot will have been staged in front of your beautiful holiday decorations, which would have been purchased and hung up no later than mid-November. And still another photo shoot will have been staged as a spontaneous fun filled family occasion such as making cookies—oh, the laughter and merriment in these impromptu moments!
You will then have stayed up late, very late, on the computer one night using all your powers of (sleep deprived) concentration to piece together your perfect card. But at last, your order is complete! Your only job now is to anxiously wait the 3-7 business days for their arrival. Having already purchased your most-appropriate holiday stamps, you’re more than ready to start addressing the envelopes the instant they arrive.

After all 122 perfect photo holiday cards have been stuffed, stamped, and mailed, you’re done. You’ve finished, and the only thing left to do is hope that no-one else’s holiday card arrives before yours (excluding non-photo holiday cards—they don’t count). When two or three days have passed without getting a single card from any of your competitors, you can relax. You did it! You have won the most coveted of all the holiday sporting events! Aaah, the peace and satisfaction that comes with the knowledge that each of the 122 people who received your card—the first card of the holiday season—will now harbor a mix of jealously and resentment toward you for the next 365 days!

For all the holiday joy that you’ve deprived yourself of all season long, you finally decide to relax. The kids are in bed, you’ve made yourself a cup of tea, and you sit back to gaze upon your holiday card. You stare lovingly at the faces of each of your well dressed (if not entirely happy) children. You gently open your award winning card and look upon the brief, yet appropriate, holiday message in each card. And then, and only then, do you see that your daughter’s name is misspelled.

Toni Tagupa is a stay-at-home mother of two girls and a dog—plenty of material for her to poke fun at. In her spare time Toni obsesses about her Christmas card, school drop-off, and her recycling. Writing is her favorite outlet.

Confessions!

So I've had one of those weeks where I've been a little moody (and my family can tell). So the other day I got a message from MOPS International to check out the momology blog (www.mom-ology.org). Check it out.

What a great little blog for all us moms. The one area that caught my eye was the one titled CONFESSIONS - Confess your mommy disasters on the days you feel more like a monster and less like a mom. Oh Wow, I have some of those days. But reading others confessions makes me feel like I'm not alone and there are others who have felt like this. It's great to put in perspective that I'm not the only one and won't be the last.

I love being a mom and love being part of such a great group of moms who are on the same journey as me.

A Mom Plan

I found this the other day on one of my favorite blogs (www.mealplanningmommies.blogspot.com ) and wanted to share it.

Why do we meal plan?
To make the week run smoother. To ensure that we are getting important nutrients into our family's bellies throughout each week. To ensure that at 4:00 when our kids start to remind us that they are going to be hungry soon, that we are not irritated (as much) with coming up with a dinner for them within a reasonable time frame.
What happens if we don't meal plan?
Perhaps more trips to the fast food joints in our area than we would like to admit. Frustration with our children every time they announce they are hungry. Pulling meals together only to find that you are missing one very important ingredient that brings the whole meal together. Getting to 4:30 in the afternoon and clenching your teeth when your kdis start nagging for food, and you realize the one meal you can make is actually going to take one hour to bake in the oven, and you will have to not only whip up that meal, but also manage to entertain, and distract, your kids while it cooks to keep them from nagging relentlessly. What? That's never happened in your house?
Anyway, this post is actually about a different kind of plan.
A Mom Plan. Because being a confident, controlled mom doesn't always just happen by accident. What is a Mom Plan? Anticipating, planning ahead, identifying what "habits" (for lack of a better term) will continue to repeat themselves in your house, and then creating a plan to avoid those things, and be prepared for those things. (I believe that this process comes more naturally for some moms than others. Some of you type-A moms out there are probably wondering why I would even take the time to post this. For the rest of you, read on...)
Sidenote: I am blessed with many wonderful influences in my life right now. I seek advice, and encouragement from the women around me on a daily basis. Here are just a few tips I have been taught along the way that I plan to implement as I carry out this (new-to-me) idea of creating my "Mom Plan"....
Ask yourself: What negative cycles do I see repeating themselves in my home?
(BTW, it's also a marvelous idea to reflect on the positive cycles in your home, and give yourself a pat on the back for those) One of our readers pointed out that when moms are tired, they will become very irritable very quickly and reach their boiling point much quicker. One plan of attack, in that regard, would obviously be to get more sleep. But how? Create a plan. I will be in bed by such-and-such a time even if the dishes are not done, I will set boundaries for myself, I will lay down when my child takes a nap, etc. Find what will work for your unique family, and life situations.
Try just adding one new idea to your "Mom Plan" each week.
Trying just one idea at a time will allow for two things.One: You will not feel overwhelmed with trying to change everything at once.Two: You can evaluate if what you are doing it actually helping you or not.
The phone call to my mom that started this thought process.
I cried to my mom this Saturday morning over the phone. "They're driving me crazy. I just made them a PB&J english muffin sandwich, and then they started begging for oatmeal, and Kipton was crying, and bleh blah blah." She lovingly, and patiently listened as I carried on and on. It was 9:00 in the morning and I felt like I had already suffered through a full day. When I was exhausted and at a loss for words she interjected, "I think you should rest. Take a nap, Alisha." :) (she also suggested I might be having my period soon...which was ruled out last week...TMI, I know) Her answer wasn't enough for me. We continued talking. She reminded me how she would stop everything (sweetly, I might add) when I was a kid, and pray, out of nowhere. She did too. I remember as a kid times when we'd all be worked up, and my mom would get down on her knees and make us pray with her. We always felt better after we prayed. Even if the problem was still in front of us, it didn't seem as big anymore. She prayed with me over the phone. I love my mom.
Anger has been my issue lately.
I always keep it real on here. I don't mean to beat this one into the ground, but anger towards my children for acting their age, is definitely one of my personal struggles in this season of my life. It was not always been my struggle. Three kids, under the age of five, all living under one roof, have managed to bring this side out of me that I never knew existed. It is the struggle that I have not quite come to the other side of yet.
My Mom Plan for this week.
Fight back anger with prayer and worship. Out loud prayers. Not mumbles under my breath, or yelling out, "GOD, HELP ME!" prayers. Just, earnest, stop everything, get down on my knees and pray out loud with my kids, kind of prayers. Each time anger rears its ugly head this week I plan to bring it before the Lord, before it gets out of hand. Rather than clenching my teeth and letting anger fester until I am yelling at my kids, I will stop. I will pray. I will listen to worship music that will remind me who is in charge. I am hoping to let you know how this goes for me throughout this week.
YOUR TURNWhat's your struggle? What do you need to create a Mom Plan for? What is your Mom Plan?

I'm a Golden Retriever

Okay if you weren't at our meeting on Tuesday your probably wondering, what is she talking about. We had an excellent speaker who spoke about personality types and learning styles. It's funny how answering a few questions about yourself explains what type of person you are. I was able to find out that I am an a golden retriever who is described as being loving, nurturing, loyal, good listener and an encourager. The best part was trying to figure out what my husband and kids are now, the verdict is still out. I'm pretty sure that my husband is a Analytical learning where I am a Global learner.

So if you missed out check out these resources to find out your personality and learning styles.

"The Two Sides of Love" by Gary Smalley and John Trent is the personality model

"The Way They Learn" by Cynthia Tobias is the learning Style Model

Don't we all need a laugh

If you give a MOM a minute

Do you have feel like this? I got it from Fans of being a Mom.

My kids love the popular book series by author Laura Numeroff and illustrator Felicia Bond that started with If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The mouse, the moose the cat, and the pig are all cute and quirky animals who are easily distracted by the task at hand. Eventually, a few pages and a circuitous route later, they wind up back where they started. For busy moms, it’s a familiar story.
I opened up my laptop to write a blog post, but a couple of unpaid bills amidst the piles on the kitchen counter caught my eye. Might as well hop online, do some quick banking, and get rid of the clutter. But, an email from Banana Republic for 40% off and free shipping pinged my inbox.
Well, I’ve been meaning to replace my favorite, yet well-worn pair of black pants, but haven’t wanted spend full price. Perfect, I’d order the pants at a discount while it’s fresh in my mind.
Of course, I couldn’t quite remember the size and style, so I left my desk and went to my closet to look for the pants. Wow, was my closet a mess! So I started pulling clothes off their hangers and doing a little reorganizing. Half an hour later, I had a pile of items to donate and a lot of empty wire hangers on the rod.
Some new, matching hangers and maybe some bins to consolidate the things that don’t need to be hung up would really pull my closet together. And, since I was low on detergent and toilet paper anyway, I might as well head to Target. One hundred dollars and a full cart later I headed back home.
As I pulled back into my driveway I realized that I was about to be late for kid pick-ups. I raced back out. Naturally, they were starving and expecting dinner as soon as we got home, so I got that going – followed in quick succession by the baths, books, and bedtime routine.
Once the kids were tucked in, I headed back to the kitchen to clean up and noticed my laptop sitting there. So, I decided to open it up and write a blog post.
The bills are still unpaid.I haven’t ordered my pants (what size am I, again?).My closet looks like a bomb went off.The Target purchases are still in the trunk of my car.The kitchen is a mess from dinner.But, here’s my post. : )
Posted: 09.14.2010 by FoBaM: Meredith

Where You Go I Go -Kim Walker / Jesus Culture

Sunday

By 2:10, you should have goosebumps. Just warning you. And by 5:50, I'm a goner.

Motherhood

Motherhood changes everything. That’s what they say, and it’s true. It changes your sleep patterns, your body, your work choices, your relationships, your priorities, your aspirations, your morning routine, your evening routine, and everything in between. It stretches you to reach into places you never knew were accessible to you, unearthing deep pockets of courage, ingenuity, and patience. It makes you stumble over roadblocks that you never considered before, giving you the chance to learn about the Real Life at every turn.
But, more than any of these changes, motherhood changes your heart. It’s not just that it’s bigger and more capable of love than ever before. Being a mom actually changes the way your heart works. Your children become a part of every equation. Your heart doesn’t make a move without them. Each decision is now predicated on how your choice will affect your kids. They are, more often than not, the deciding factor on the Big Things in your life.
Even when you’re not faced with any decisions, your children are always there in your heart. Ask any mother on any day about what is most important to her, and you will always get the same answer – her kids. World peace would be nice, but the kids come first. No matter where you are or what you are doing, a piece of your heart is always focused on your little ones – wondering what they are doing, if they are okay, and when they will be home.
And, apparently, that never stops – once a mom, always a mom. Though your role will change as the years fly by, the core essence of what it means to be a mom – to love unconditionally, without reservation, completely and wholly – only grows stronger and deeper as you watch your babies grow up. Though you may start out changing diapers and end up babysitting the grandchildren, you will never stop being a mom to your kids. You will always worry about them. You will always want what’s best. You will always share your opinion (for their own good, of course), and you will always remind them to bring a sweater, eat their vegetables, and mind their manners. You will never stop thinking of them as your little angels, and – happily – you will always be able to embarrass them with hardly any effort at all.
Motherhood – it’s the life-changing, heart-expanding, reality-altering experience that will stay with you forever. Aren’t we lucky?

taken from www.fansofbeingamom.com

Asking for Grace

This morning as I was flipping thru my book "Whispers of Wisdom for Mothers of Preschoolers (a year of inspirational readings)" I found one titled Child of Grace, which I knew I had to share.

Kendra hauled Thom to a time-out corner, clasping him in an iron grip while he howled and kicked. Kendra looked at the clock. Not yet 9:00am. Days like these made her wish she had remained single.
A gorgeous baby with big blue eyes and a sideways smile, little Thom changed overnight after his second birthday. He methodically destroyed the house. His biting habit made it impossible for Kendra to take him to playgroups or to the church nursery.
This morning, Thom tried to flush Bob the cat down the toilet. Soppy and cold, Kendra and Thom now sat in the time-out corner until he finally quieted. Kendra wiped his runny nose-and Thom's rage erupted all over again.
Lord, can I give him away?
At the thought, her arms tightened around him. Though his diaper erupted with unspeakable odors and he buried his nasty nose in her neck, Kendra knew she would never, ever give Thom up. Instead, she held him close and sang to him.
In the Old Testemant, God's chosen people seemed anything but a holy nation. They threw endless tantrums and disgraced His name. Yet he remained faithful and even rejoiced over them.
Lord Jesus, I often come to You like an obstinate, dirty, smelly two-year-old yet You hold me on Your lap. Thank You for loving me, Amen.

MOPS 2010-2011

I am so excited for this next year of MOPS. Our theme is "Momology, The Art and Science of Mothering". This past weekend some of the steering team got together to plan for the new year. It was a great time spent together brainstorming, laughing and enjoying time with each other. We were surprised with a secret guest Saturday morning who gave us a motivating talk. Oh the guest was Jeannie!! It was wonderful for her to join us for a small bit to encourage and guide is into this new year. I think we all left Saturday feeling that this year is going to be fun, entertaining and inspirational for all you moms.

* Just a little note for you to mark your calendar for the 24th of August as our MOPS picnic/playdate at the park to greet and meet new moms. Please encourage your friends to come and see what MOPS is all about.

I Can Relate

I've been reading a great book "Mom to Mom, Day to Day Advice & Support for Catholic Living" by Danielle Bean (even though it is aimed at catholic moms, we are all in the same boat). It's just one of those books that you pick up and begin reading and say "oh my that's me". I have found many times in this adventure of being a mom, where I stop and think am I alone, am I the only mom whose going thru this. The truth is "NO". We all have our moments where we may explode or get upset over spilt milk, we are all human. As she stated in her book "I really want to emphasize the fact that no one is perfect. Every mom loses patience and raises her voice now and then, sometimes unfairly. If nothing else, I hope that anxious moms will understand this: Messing up sometimes and losing your temper doesn't mean you are a bad mother. It means you are human. Apologize, pray for the strength to respond more lovingly the next time, and then get back to peeling the potatoes."
Can you relate?

To Plan or not to Plan?

Summer time is alot more relaxed and laid back at our house. More playing outside, enjoying the summer weather. But I found this week that I have been really stumped with meals. I like to try new things and in the summer we grill ALOT!(less clean up and mess in the kitchen).
So I'm curious do you meal plan? If you do, are you able to stick to it?


P.S. Do any of you have some great grilling recipes other than brats and burgers? I'd love to hear them.

SUMMER

I am amazed at how the summer is flying by. I actually ordered a book "The Family Manager's Guide to Summer Survival" by Kathy Peel (which I should have planned ahead and got it 2 months ago, but anyways). It's got some great ideas on things to do with less money, boredom busters and ways to compete with the TV.
I have found as my children have gotten older we need more and more things to do to keep busy. One day they ran around outside with colored water spraying the rocks and trees. Another is I gave them a bunch of plastic bowls and pitchers that they enjoyed filling up with water outside. I even have a bunch of craft supplies that are accessible for them that they enjoy using to make their own creative crafts. And always for those rainy days we have moon sand and playdoh (to help with keep the mess contained I have the kids use a plastic tub on the floor).

I'm curious about what you do to keep things moving smoothly in your house throughout the summer months with your young ones?

Spread The Word!!!

(I couldn't get the picture to cooperate)

I just had to show you these cute bottle bags we received from MOPS Organization that will help spread the word of our program. They include a MomSense magazine, a soft receiving blanket, a postcard congratulating them on their new little baby and a postcard to fill out to join MOPS as a new mom.

I can't wait to Spread The Word!!

Goodbyes Aren't Always Easy

It's always sad to say goodbye to good friends. Unfortunately we were unable to say goodbye to some of our friends who have been with us for a few years. I asked them to share their experiences with MOPS and what the future holds for them in this next adventure. Here's what they had to say:

Jeannie Reid: Was apart of MOPS for 4 years, 2 years as Coordinator.....loved getting to know other Moms and gaining encouragement and wisdom from each other....appreciated our Mentor Moms and their commitment in loving us.....loved the MOPS instruction in making me a better Mom, drawing me closer to Christ.

This fall will be teaching at Community Christian School part-time as a High School English teacher. Will miss MOPS terribly!!

Michelle Johnson: Will not be returning next year. But I have loved my time with MOPS. :-) I was apart of it for 6 years and enjoyed the support I received through many experiences. I also loved being on Steering Team while I was on it, with the deep friendships I made being the favorite part of that. I am still hoping to have another baby one of these days (biological or adopted - doesn't matter!), God willing, so maybe I'll be back someday. Until then, I am going to raise Alex best I can, substitute teach, take photos and work at Bug-Bee Hive Resort as I have been doing. I am hoping not to have to get a full time job quite yet, as I desperately want to be home before and aftter school with Alex. I would appreciate prayers for this!

Alisa Hackl-Weiss: Moving to Richland Center, WI. Was apart of MOPS for 5 years. MOPS has lead me closer to the Lord. He was always in my life...but he was a Part of my life. Now he IS my life. I've met some amazing women, wonderful friends and because of MOPS I've become a bigger part of my own church. Growing with God and Growing with the women at MOPS has literally CHANGED who I am. I am the happiest spiritually than I've ever been. The Mentor Moms you have with you are some pretty cool Ladies!! I hope that God leads me to a position like that one day. Because if he does, I'll know that I had a great example to follow. Much Love to all of you!

Rena Bolt: Was apart of MOPS for 1 year and has moved closer to her family.

Thank you ladies for taking the time to share all that with us. I think I speak for all of the MOPS group, you will all be greatly missed, but we wish you lots of luck and love in your new adventures.

What a meeting it was!

Where did the last year of MOPS go? It was definitely a fun one with lots of new faces. The last day was one that I walked away from feeling really blessed to be part of such a wonderful group of moms.

Well this is my first experience writing on a blog, it's all new to me. I love reading many different ones that I hope to share with you one day. So to start I'd like to share these pictures that have been sitting in my camera .

Alisa getting her make-up on for the day.

Thanks for the great skit Karna and Alisa.

BRUNCH and CONVERSATION!

(NEED I SAY ANYTHING MORE)

Some of the great moms in our group!

Hope to capture more fun moments .

Looking forward to our Playdates at the park this summer.

Books For the Journey

General Parenting (early childhood)

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
Professionalizing Motherhood by Jill Savage
My Heart’s at Home by Jill Savage
Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison
In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger
The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
Romancing Your Child’s Heart by Monte Swan


General Parenting (school age / teen years)

Grace-Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
Raising Kids for True Greatness by Tim Kimmel
Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent
The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison


Marriage and Family Life

The Most Important Place on Earth by Robert Wolgemuth
Captivating by Stasi and John Eldredge
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Sheet Music by Kevin Lehman


Parenting Issues

She’s Gonna Blow (dealing with anger) by Julie Barnhill
Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Have a New Kid by Friday by Kevin Lehman

Home and Organization

Desperate Households by Kathy Peel
The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized by Karen Ehman
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley (Fly Lady.com)

Raising Boys

Wild Things – The Art of Nurturing a Boy’s Heart by Stephen James/David Thomas
Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
Mom’s Everything Book for Sons by Becky Freeman

Faith-filled Mamas

Thank you to Kirsten K. for sharing today about the importance of faith in our mothering!

Our small group shared the challenges we face as moms: finding time to pray, read our Bible, and creating a spiritual foundation for our children.

This website might be a help for anyone needing a great devotional that meets moms where they are.

How do you make time each day for your spiritual life?

Make this the week you make spending time with God top priority!

Play Date!

Don't miss a chance to catch up with all your MOPS friends tomorrow! Tuesday, Feb. 16th

Willmar City Auditorium basement - 9-11am --see you there!

Book Club Anyone?

There's been some interest in starting a Book Club with our MOPS Moms!

I'm willing to open my house during one of our "off" Tuesdays - say, 9:30-11?

The kids could play downstairs and we'd do our best to concentrate upstairs. :)

Anybody game? Book suggestions?
Jeannie

My Grandma Calls it My BOG

Blog, Bog, whatever.

But if you want to check out some groovy Mama Blogs, I posted links on the left sidebar - just scroll down till you find it.

I also included Jill Savage's blog, the founder of Hearts at Home. Do you have any other websites you like that other MOPS moms would enjoy?

Thanks!
Jeannie

Raising Healthy Kids

Now that you've had more time to think about Dr. Bateman's talk last week, have you made any changes in your family's diet or your own?

I'm so thankful for the information he shared! I've been trying to offer healthier snacks after school and keep the fast food to a minimum.

In our discussion group, we were reminded by our mentor mom that kids go through different stages of growth at different rates. As long as you strive to help them develop healthy habits, you have to trust the fact that they will grow and develop as they should.

What thoughts do you have?

Don't Forget...

1. Send a family picture to alisonwerder@gmail.com for the MOPS Directory.

2. Girl's Night Out! Friday, Jan. 15th at LuLu Bean's in Willmar. 7pm-whenever. Each session will be the Friday after the first MOPS meeting of the month.

3. Do you have a personal/family blog you are willing to share? Let me know in the comment section so we can have a sidebar of links on this blog.

4. Free dentistry! Dr. Eckmann's office in Paynesville on Friday, February 5th. Call 243-4434 for appointments.

Happy New Year!

Welcome back to MOPS, ladies!

Today, January 12th, we welcome Dr. Bateman as he shares information on raising healthy kids and starting great habits while they're young.

We also welcome ALISON WERDER as our new MOPS Coordinator!

Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 26th.