August Retreat Pictures

Here are some pictures taken by Melissa Phillips at the MOPS Retreat on August 7th.

Normal day,

let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you,

love you,

bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by

in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may,

for it may not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,

or bury my face in the pillow,

or stretch myself taut,

or raise my hands to the sky and want,

more than all the world, your return.

~Mary Jean Iron

Any Strong-Willed Children?

How many of you who say you have at least one "strong-willed" child? I certainly do!

I have posted a few "Parenting Tips" from The National Center for Biblical Parenting on this blog before and I received another great one today that I thought I would pass along.

August 2, 2010
Strong-Willed Kids

Children who make decisions with intensity tend to be labeled “strong-willed.” At the end of the day, their parents feel as if they’ve been engaged in hand-to-hand combat—and that the child often wins at the parent’s expense! Most parents consider a strong will a negative personality trait because it often creates resistance and frustration in family life. Yet, in reality, it’s the strong-willed kids who are often better equipped to succeed, be creative, and face adversity.

Children with strong wills have the potential to become the next generation of leaders. They have their own ideas and plans. They know what they want. They’re persistent, confident, passionate, and determined to succeed at whatever they choose to do.

Leaders have an agenda, look for ways to incorporate others into their plans, and have a high need for control in life. Balanced with graciousness, leaders become a treasure because they make things happen, create organization out of chaos, and motivate people to action.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to raise a leader. These kids tend to have their own ways of doing things and like to tell other people (including their parents) what to do. A strong will keeps a child moving in a certain direction in spite of obstacles. Often these children need bigger barriers or tighter limits to teach them that those boundaries are firm.

Don’t be discouraged by the effort it takes to teach a strong-willed child which limits not to push. The strong-willed child accomplishes things in life, because the roadblocks that might hold others back are no match for this kid’s determination. Your job is to help him know the difference between obstacles to overcome and limits to live within.

A strong will can be an asset… as long as the heart is in the right place.

This parenting tip is from the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Thank you, Thank you!!!

I wanted to thank everyone who donated their unused bath and body products at our last MOPs meeting. I was able to put together a really nice basket full of useful items for each of the 3 women staying at Rachel's House.

Rachel's House "exists for previously incarcerated women to experience the love of God in a physically and emotionally safe environment, empowering them to establish healthy relationships with God, family and community". (click here to read more about the Rachel's House Ministry).

I delivered the gift baskets to the Lower Lights Ministries (they are a Compassionate Ministry Center of the Bellows Avenue Church of the Nazarene) office on Wednesday morning. Kristin Garrison, the program director for Rachel's House, was very grateful for the gifts.

These are the baskets I delivered on behalf of the Grove City Nazarene MOPs group.










The small sample bottles I put in this nice cosmetic bag for some additional supplies for the ministry.

Thanks again to everyone who donated!

MOPS Play Date - Pictures

So I'm a little behind. We had a MOPS play date LAST Thursday (as in January 21st) at Galaxy Games and Golf. If you've never been there it's a great place to let the kids burn some energy. I have only been there in the mornings, during the week (when all the older kids are in school) and it's usually not busy at all!

The kids had a great time and it wore them all out to make for a great nap time! For some of us this was our last goodbye to Jessica before she packed up the boys and moved backed to Minnesota. :( She will definitely be missed but will hopefully keep in touch!
(there was some talk of the next MOPS retreat being at the "Mall of America", Jessica said we could all stay with her)

A little something to share

Does anyone out there have a picky eater?

Both of my boys are picky. Caleb to the extreme. So when I find something they like we stock up. I found these Ore-Ida ABC Tater Tots at Meijer on my last shopping trip and decided to give them a try. They loved them!



How can you pass on a food that they not only like but can learn from at the same time?





Two other things I thought I'd mention if you're a mom like me trying to get veggies in your children anyway possible........ V8 Fusion and Garden Cheddar Goldfish crackers.



My pediatric an suggested the V8 Fusion and the boys really like it (I didn't think they would at first but they did). An 8oz glass contains a FULL serving of vegetables AND a FULL serving of fruits! I shop around for this because it can be a little pricey. I can usually find it on sale for about $2.50 a bottle.

I think I read about the new Goldfish crackers in a Parents magazine so I had my eye out for them when I was shopping. I found them last week and decided to try a bag. I don't think there are many kids out there that don't like Goldfish crackers. However, I didn't think they tasted that good, at least not the regular cheddar ones we buy. I DO like the new Garden Cheddar kind. They have a lot more flavor (in my opinion) and they say they have a 1/3 of a serving of vegetables in a serving. Of course you have to eat 56 crackers (that's the serving size). Joshua wouldn't have a problem with eating that many if I let him. All I can say is they taste better, the boys like them and they are getting some amount of vegetables in their bodies even if it's a small amount at a time.

BONUS!!!!! - Meijer has Goldfish crackers on sale for a $1 this week! THAT'S LIKE HALF PRICE!!!!!

Really Woolly

Is it just me or is anyone else having a motivation problem right now?

Maybe it's the cold, snowy, not very sunny weather that's doing it to me!
It could be the deep breath I'm taking after all the busyness of December!

I want to be creative. I want to have interesting things to share but right now sleeping sounds better than "doing". (no, I'm not pregnant)!

Here is something I wanted to share....

Have you heard of Really Woolly?





This is how the website describes it....

Really Woolly® Kids shares spiritual foundations with kids in a fun and relevant way. Using real life situations, the Woolly family teaches kids to always rely on Jesus, our Shepherd. We know sometimes life can be a little "woolly", but Really Woolly® Kids demonstrates that in the pasture, the hope of our Shepherd is always with us, no matter what!

We have all three of the DVDs they have made and my boys LOVE them. We love them also because of the incredible messages in each story.

In addition to the DVDs they have a website where kids can play games, watch videos and print coloring sheets. My boys really like to play games on our computer but there seems to be so little that is something we would let them see. Now I've found an awesome website that I feel totally comfortable letting them spend time on.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

http://reallywoolly.fraboom.com/woollyville

MOPS Christmas Party - Pictures

I guess I didn't get as many pictures as I thought. Maybe I should have given the picture taking task to someone else that night.

We had a nice time of relaxing, fellowship and as always when we get together....WAY TOO MUCH FOOD! It was all so delicious but we didn't even make a dent. Those of you who would like to share your recipes please email them to me and I will post them on the blog.

Beth - Don't forget to send me your infamous blueberry pie recipe! :)



Lisa must have been telling an interesting story because she definitely had every one's attention!



Always adorable Melissa with Brooklyn, who was tired of the paparazzi taking her picture.



Tiffany is always willing to give a beautiful smile for a picture! Thanks Tiffany



Natascha looks like such a natural with a baby in her arms. Come on Natascha don't you want another one?

Late Fees

Just a quick post of some information my husband and I learned over the past week.

Did you know that as of October 1st, 2009, you'll have to pay another $20 if you are more than 7 days late renewing your plates or license. And if you have multiple cars, those late fees can add up quickly.

Here is an example:

The birth date your vehicles are registered under is November 1st.....you have until November 8th to renew your vehicle tags before they charge a $20 fee.

This late fee is also applicable for your driver's license renewal.

"Right From The Start" Series

I came across a video series presented by Dennis and Barbara Rainey from Family Life. The topic is "A Biblical Approach To Early Childhood Discipline". I watched the first session and thought it was wonderful! I was encouraged and reminded of the responsibilities God has given me as a parent. If you have the time (the first session is about 30 minutes) I would encourage you to check it out.

Here is what the "Listener's Guide" says in the Introduction:



Of all the titles we may be given in life, none is more honorable than parent. That little person who relies on you for the basics of food, clothing, and shelter will also take from you bigger things—like character, integrity, and a spiritual belief system. Your job is huge. And it starts now.

We’d like to fast-forward you to some landmark moments that you will hopefully enjoy in the future—graduations, recognition of achievements at school and on the job, engagements, weddings—moments when your eyes will glisten and your heart will race as you watch your children reap the benefits of their good choices. Their successes will be your blessings. And we hope and pray there will be many. But between now and those future days of reward there will also be countless moments of demand and concern when your parenting skills, and your patience, will be stretched to the limit.

Would you like some help?

We don’t have all the answers, but we have learned a few things in our parenting journey. And we’d like to share some of those with you in these pages and on the companion videos. In particular, we’ll discuss the earliest years of parenting—from the day you bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital to his or her fifth year. Those infant and toddler years set a pattern for all the years that follow. It’s best to get it right . . . from the start.

Click HERE to watch the first session......Let me know what you think about it.

Tips for avoiding swine flu (and other viruses)

This information was provided by Natasha, one of our MOPS coordinators.

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital ,Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know...

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (except to eat or bathe).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot to clean nasal cavities, but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.