Branson PM MOPS January 2011 Newsletter

At this time of year, many people (including moms) make goals and plans for the coming year. “I’m gonna lose 20 pounds!” “I’ll ride my bike to work every day.” “I’ll save money by making my coffee at home.” Some goals are great, while some may be a little unrealistic. But the concept of reevaluating oneself seems like a pretty good practice to me – whether on a yearly, monthly or even weekly basis.

So as I look back over this past year, I wonder over my accomplishments. Did I do what I hoped to in 2010? Did you? I made a major move. I bought a new-to-my-family couch. We adopted a puppy. But those things don’t really measure the year. How have I changed? Have I grown? I was talking to a friend yesterday about growing – about becoming the women we want to be. It seems obvious that to

become that woman I aspire to, I need to move in that direction, creating a plan to get me there and making choices that align with that plan. I won’t wake up one morning having “arrived!” No, I tend to wake up right where I left off the night be-fore, assuming I haven’t digressed in the night due to a poor response to someone waking me up. Who do you aspire to be? Are you moving towards becoming her?

In some ways, I feel like this past year has been one of discovering more weaknesses in me than strengths. I am more aware of what I currently can’t handle than what I can. 2010 has been a good year, but it has challenged me. But maybe that’s so in 2011 I can go beyond those weaknesses and reach new heights.

I am growing. The growth may only be measurable in centi-meters and breaths, which seem pretty miniscule in the big picture. I think it’s safe to say that moms get just how impor-tant each little centi-meter can be. ;)

-Rachel Ryan Oliver

A New Year!

January 2011

Inside this Issue:

A New Year~ 1

Penny Saving Tips~ 2

Steering Team~ 3

MOPS PM Sponsors~ 3

Kindermusik Ad~ 4

Kids in the Kitchen~ 4

Crafts for Kids~ 5

Small Group Leaders~ 5

Encouraging Literacy~ 6

Classifieds~ 7 Service Dates ~ 7

Luigi’s Ad~ 8

Celebrations~ 9 Devotion~ 9

What to Expect~10

Next Next Next Next Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting

Jan. 11th @ Jan. 11th @ Jan. 11th @ Jan. 11th @ 6:00 pm6:00 pm6:00 pm6:00 pm

Penny Saving Tips

Throwing a Super Bowl Party on a Budget

According to Hallmark, Super Bowl Sunday is most popular party occasion of the year – topping even New Year’s Eve. The great thing about Super Bowl parties is they are casual, fun and can be easily done on a budget -- giving everyone a real reason to celebrate!

Determine your party budget before you even start. Frequently expenses you never thought of pop up – running to the store at the last minute to get ice, postage for invitations, etc. Make a list of everything you’ll need for your party and the estimated expense. Build your guest list according to what you can afford. If that means inviting two or three couples instead of five; you’ll still have a good time.

Check out sites like Evite.com to send a free electronic invitation. Evite.com will even track the number of guests who have responded, allow them to post a message to the group, and share photos when the event is over.

You’ll save big bucks by looking paper goods such as plates, napkins, and tablecloths at your local dol-lar store instead of a party goods store. While you’re there, look for balloons and streamers in your team’s colors.

When it comes to Super Bowl parties, it’s more than alright to go potluck -- it’s generally expected. Make fun, casual food the name of the game. People will be munching close to the TV, so be sure that food is portable. Give guests an idea of what to bring to ensure variety (you don’t want to end up with seven plates of brownies). If your guests will be bringing munchies and other finger foods, try to balance that with a more substantial offering. Choose a crock pot staple such as hot beef sandwiches or chili. The food can be prepared a head of time and guests can help themselves when they get hungry. Plus, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the party as well.

Check out the Coupons.com website for printable coupons on party foods such as Dips, Snack Mixes, and other party favorites.

For this party, your television set will undoubtedly be the centerpiece. Make sure there is enough seating and that everyone has a good view of the screen. If possible, set up a second viewing area if there isn’t enough room around your main television.

Be sure to accommodate people who may want to get away from the noise or may not be interested in the game by setting up a quiet seating area for conversation in another part of the house.

Because football fans can get a little rowdy, remove anything breakable from your viewing area. You may even want to provide some foam footballs for them to throw around. Spills are almost in-evitable, so throwing a few area rugs down can help prevent costly carpet cleaning bills later on. Keep a carpet cleaner handy just in case you need it.

2010-2011

Steering Team

Co-Coordinators:

Mary Blackwood 417.332.7917

Tennille Michel 417.527.1063

Publicity

DeAnna Sheets 417.880.9936

Finance

Melody Alms 417.294.4264

Prayer & Care

April Mulnik 417.527.0091

Hospitality

Amy Wilhoit 417.336.9822

Kami Biedenstein 417.348.0695

Craft Coordinator:

Hollie Holderfield 417.263.0484

MOPPETS:

Jenine Conway 417.239.0632

Kelly Skoglund 404.819.6527

Service:

Teresa Boyd 417.634.0381

Mentor Moms:

Carolyn 417-294-1051

Peg 417.335.2525

Kathy 417.339.4108

Susie 703.220.3012

Have you check out the Branson PM MOPS website?

Visit us online to view past newsletters, registration in-formation, calendar with upcoming dates and more

about our sponsors.

www.bransonmops.com

Gold and Platinum Sponsors Check out our website for more information about these

sponsors:

Mice Cookies

This Christmas cookie recipe will keep the kids quiet as a mouse. 1 Cup creamy peanut butter ½ Cup butter (no subs), softened ½ Cup sugar ½ Cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 ½ Cups flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ Cup peanut halves (ears) 2 Tablespoons green and red mini M&M’s (nose) 4 teaspoons mini chocolate chips (eyes) red shoestring licorice (tail) In bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour and bak-ing soda and add to creamed mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Pinch each ball at one end to taper into a tail. Insert two peanut halves in center of each ball for ears. Add one M&M baking bit for nose and two chocolate chip eyes. Bake at 350 for 8-

10 minutes. Gently insert one licorice piece into each warm cookie for tail.

Kids in the Kitchen Kids in the Kitchen Kids in the Kitchen Kids in the Kitchen Recipes for Kids

2010-2011

Small Group Leaders

Small Group Coordinator:

Stacy McNeil 417.336.1111

Small Group Leaders:

Angie Smith 417.443.6050 Larene Thrash 417.348.1911

Maryann Riveros 417.336.8706

Kim Matthews 417.230.6409

Tami Guerin 417.880.7370

Sarah Matthews 417.334.58.12

Sara DeLawder 417.230.2811

Cara Conway 417.331.3001

Lori Larimore 417.337.5747

Adriane Stauffer 417.294.1321

Your small group leaders are here for you, here to guide you, pray for you, and help you feel welcome to our group. If you have any questions or need please don’t hesitate to ask your small group leader or another steering team

member! We want NO MOM

LEFT ALONE!

Crafts Crafts Crafts Crafts

Sock, Mitten and

Glove Puppets

• Unpaired socks

• Mittens and gloves

• Heavy yarn

• Buttons

• Colored felt

• Permanent markers

• A large sewing needle

• Scissors

• Chalk

• Glue

Save those unpaired socks, single mittens, and lonely gloves from abandonment by making them into lovable, adorable puppets. Not only will your child enjoy making these puppets, he will also love playing with them and putting on puppet shows.

To make, have your child put on the sock, mitten, or glove and imagine what kind of animal, real or fanciful, he thinks is waiting to emerge. While he's wearing it, ask him to point where things like the eyes or hair should go and mark them with chalk. When he's satisfied, take it off and place it in a workspace.

Decorating the puppet depends on how old (or how ambitious) your child is. For younger chil-dren, drawing faces and clothes on with perma-nent markers is great. Slightly older children can cut pieces of colored felt for eyes, scales, and noses and glue them in place. If your child is old enough to use a needle and thread, he can sew on

7 Tips for Encouraging Early Literacy

Encourage your child's literacy skills — well before he learns to read! 1. Form a close bond. This one is easy! Your relationship with your child is very impor-tant to his ability to learn. If you are interactive, close and loving, your child will reap the rewards.

2. Get in on the fun. Being a participant at playtime can bring you closer and help you learn useful information about your child's habits and emotions.

3. Tell tales. Build narrative skills by gathering family members at meal times and hav-ing them tell the story of their day.

4. Play rhyming games to build phonemic awareness . . . and just for fun.

5. Bring reading and writing into everyday life. Encourage literacy in your child's daily routines by writing thank-you notes or making shopping lists together.

6. Be attentive and engaged when you communicate with your child.

7. Read together. Make story time a daily ritual that your child can count on and look forward to.

Secret Sister Info

If you need to drop from secret sister please contact Kami

Biedenstein at 417.348.0695 or

[email protected]

Classifieds…….I want…….I have…...I Need E-mail DeAnna Sheets if you have something you would like to place in the Classifieds. “I

needs” will be kept confidential and not published. DeAnna will help find someone who can help

and get what you need to you. E-mail [email protected]

I Have. . .

*White Wii Game w/ 2 Controllers, 2

nunchucks, wireless sensor bag, & Wii Fit

Board (contact Melinda Sutton @ 417-294-9289 or [email protected])

*Games for Wii: Super Mario Bros., Wii Fit

Plus, and Wii Sports (contact Melinda Sutton @ 417-294-9289 or [email protected])

*White XBox 360 consol w/ one controller

and headset (contact Melinda Sutton @ 417-294-9289 or [email protected])

*Animal Cage (contact Sara DeLawder @ [email protected] ) *Bedroom Suite that fits a Full-Queen Bed

(contact Kerry Pearson @ [email protected]) *Wood working equipment, machinery in my

basement, barely used. A scroll saw, drill

presses, router, table saws, Dewalt and

Grizzly, including a Grizzly vacuum system,

set of clamps, etc. (contact Kathy Jeter @ [email protected]) *Exercise bike (Weslo Pursuit E23 ) in excel-

lent condition (contact Claire Fogelquist @ [email protected])

I Want. . .

*Frame for Bunk bed– preferably white but

not mandatory (contact Cathy Heine 417-559-3325 or [email protected])

*Clothes for a 5 Year Old Boy (contact Deb-bie Schuhow [email protected])

Women’s Crisis Center

Small Group Schedule for Women’s Crisis Center Small Group Schedule for Women’s Crisis Center Small Group Schedule for Women’s Crisis Center Small Group Schedule for Women’s Crisis Center

January 15January 15January 15January 15-Lori/Cara February 19February 19February 19February 19----Kim/Adrianne March 19March 19March 19March 19- Tami/Sara/Sarah April 16April 16April 16April 16-Larene/Kim May 21May 21May 21May 21- Angie/Cara Summer Dates to Come

Congratulations!

Don’t forget to pray for all the pregnant mommies and mommies wanting to be

pregnant!

Birthday Celebrations

January

10 Brandy Berner

15 Jenine Conway

18 Sara DeLeon

31 Stephanie Lang

"Dear friend, I pray that you

may enjoy good health and

that all may go well with you."

3 John 1:2

The Wonder of GodThe Wonder of GodThe Wonder of GodThe Wonder of God As I reflect on my relationship with God, I realize how much He's done for me. I feel incredibly blessed, yet know how undeserving I am. When I think about the amount of time I've spent with him verses the number of blessings he's poured into my life, I want to duck my head. The great thing about our God is that He is always waiting for us, with open arms. We don't have to wait for the beginning of a new year to make a resolution to spend more time with him. He's always waiting and ready for us to crawl up in His lap and come to him whole-heartedly. How privileged we are to have a God who loves us this much!

I would like to encourage you to look at God in a new way. I read this devotion from the Women of Faith Study Guide Series in November and was so enamored by it that I "chewed" on it for quite a few days. I pray it blesses you as much as it has me!

Think of all the expressions you've heard used in the last week (ex. seriously? You know what I mean.) Now think of words you tend to over-use in your day-to-day life. Lastly, think of some words that you use to describe God, but that are overused in other contexts (awesome, amazing, great). Are there any words that you use solely to describe God?

Job is an amazing man of the Bible who went through a very intense period of suffering and loss. During this time, he was able to hold on to his faith in God. If you read Job 37, you'll find inspiring and encouraging descriptions of the wonder and awe of God. My favorite verse in this chapter is verse 22, "God comes in awesome majesty". As I read this I realized that I don't reflect on the majesty of God nearly enough. It's his majesty and infinite ways that strengthen our faith, so it is incredibly im-portant for me to sit at his feet and dwell in his presence; reflecting on his majesty.

I pray that Job 37 will be an encouragement to you and give you a yearning to spend some quality time with God. Crawl up in His lap, let Him hold you tight and just be enamored by his awe-some majesty! Our God is an awesome God and He can't wait to spend that time with you!

In His Love,

April

Happy New Year! May God Bless you and your family!

DeAnna Sheets

Publicity

234 Wilshire Drive

Hollister, MO 65672

Branson PM MOPS

What to Expect at the December Meeting

• Speaker– Angie Daniels

• Refreshments Provided by: Tami’s, Kim’s, and Adriane’s Groups!

• Coupon Book Craft with Hollie (Bring coupons to share if you have them)

Branson PM MOPS January 2011 Newsletter

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