Live Greenery Wreaths

This week was a live greenery wreath craft. We had a couple of the ladies load up thier cars with left over christmas tree trimmings (thanks Amy and Shelley) and bring them to the meeting. What a mess we made, but as you can see they turned out great. Some of the ladies made swags and some made wreaths. They all turned out lovely and smelled wonderful. What a blessing it is to have all of these great talented ladies as my friends this Christmas season and all through the year. Merry Christmas MOPS Moms.
"..Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him." Psalm 28:7

Got Cookies?

Got Cookies? Boy, did we have cookies at our 3rd Annual MOPS Christmas Cookie Exchange. It was held at the beautiful Willow Glen Clubhouse (thanks Jen). We had 18 moms with 3 dozen (or more) cookies each. That makes a total of 648+ cookies. Wow. We ate some at the party and took some home to share with our family. Also there were several delicious appetizers. There was a contest for Best Cookie, voted on by anonymous ballot. There was a tie between Keely's Peanut Butter Balls and my Goodness Gracie Graham Cracker Toffee Cookies. What a wonderful time of food, fun and fellowship we had.
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 11 Corinthians 9:15

Are you Thankful?

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of my favorites...my birthday, food, family, friends and lots of fun. But, originally, it was meant to be a day to pause and give thanks to God. Unfortunately, for many, including myself, thanksgiving is more of a one-day holiday than a way of life. I don't know about you, but I've been blessed beyond comprehension, and even in the unwelcome moments of life, I have so much to be thankful for. What would it look like if I ONLY spoke words of gratitude the entire week of Thanksgiving? If I went so far as to look at a pile of laundered clothes that awaits my folding and putting up, a task I normally hate, and instead think and speak out loud, “God, thank you for these clothes." When my daughter voicing her grumpiness, “God, thank you that she has a voice that works and you are shaping her own unique personality.” Or when my son is voicing his opinion, that does not coincide with my opinion, "God let me be thankful that my son is growing up into a fine young man with ideas and thoughts of his own." If every time I see a person this week, I tell them why I am thankful to God they are in my life. So, starting this morning and going through this Sunday evening, I'm challenging myself to live an entire week full of thanksgiving. How about you? Are you up for being Thankful?
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
(Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

Movie Night for MOPS Moms

Sunday night was a great time of fun, laughter, great food, fellowship and movies (some saw New Moon and the others saw Couples Retreat). Both movies got good reviews. If you all didn't make it, you missed out. So refreshing and renewing to get out with other moms without husbands and kids. I had a great time ladies. Thanks!
"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." II Corinthians 4:7

Ribbons and Bows

This week at our MOPS meeting we learned to make large, decorative bows for our Fall and Christmas decorations. Our craft was led by one of our mentor moms, Ms. Sue. We had a great and relaxing time and now have some new skills for our decorating projects. Thanks for sharing Ms. Sue. Also Debra B. demonstrated to some of the ladies (with girls) how to make hair bows. Thanks Debra B. we enjoyed it.
"Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:3

Charlene The BonBon Queen

What a fun and exciting speaker we had on Wednesday at our MOPS Meeting. It was our local Charlene "The BonBon Queen". She and her French husband, Pascal, own South n' France, a bonbon company here in Wilmington. She gave a wonderfully entertaining talk of how she came to own the little pink house, where they live and work, and also brought delicious samples of their bonbons. Oh My Goodness, were they wonderful. Sorry for you ladies who missed out. Maybe you can catch her next time. If you would like to see her fabulous website this is their address: www.southnfrance.com.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8

Joey Jog 2009

What a wonderful day for Joey Jog 2009. Not one drop of rain fell until the closing ceremony. What a gracious god we serve. The Joey Jog raised almost $30,000. WOW! Thanks to all the MOPS moms who volunteered their time, talents and athletic ability. Such a great way to celebrate the life of one special little girl.
"Know that the Lord is God." Psalm 100:3

Our Little Pumpkins

What a fun day we all had at the Pumpkin Patch and then Lunch out. It was windy, cold and a little rainy, but the fellowship and togetherness warmed our hearts anyway. Everything seems better when there are friends along for the ride!

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

Meeting for October 7th

Today at our MOPS meeting we discussed flu prevention and care with our speaker, local pediatrician, Dr. Daniel Ott. He had lots of informative information and answered many questions from our moms. Thanks, Dr. Ott, we appreciate your time and enjoyed your visit very much.
Also from our mentor mom, Sue, we had a great devotion about how God allows struggles in our lives to shape us into the people he wants us to be.
Our older kids in Moppets made some really cute fall crafts. Oranges dressed as little pumpkins and little ghost treat buckets. All faces were made with electrical tape. How cute.
"Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2

5th Wednesday

Today was a leisurely day for our MOPS meeting. Not to much planned since it was basically a "free day". We only get about one 5th Wednesday per semester, so we use it to catch up or finish up crafts that were started. We personalized coffee mugs today. They will be used for our coffee or other drinks and also serve as our name card for our table at meetings. Some of the mugs were very cute and so individualistic. The cups really showcased the moms personalities. All so very different. Also we had two new moms visit today, Jessica and Shalissa. Our Secret Sisters exchanged gifts and three of our MOPS moms had birthdays this week, Shelly's was today and Kathy's is tomorrow and Tonya's was on Saturday. Happy Birthday girls. Next MOPS meeting is Wednesday, October 7th at 9:30 am. Hope to see everyone there.

"May you be blessed by the Lord today..." Psalm 115:15

Luau and Limbo

This Wednesday night was MOPS's turn to serve dinner for our fellowship dinner at Harbor. It is a gift of service that we try to do at least once a semester to show appreciation for letting us use the facility for our MOPS Meetings. The helpers tonight were, Tonya, Amy, Shelly, Debra, Kathy, Melissa, Tobi, Jennifer, Dee, Leslie, and Debbie and Sue, our mentor moms, who also helped us with the kids and also me. Thanks to everyone who came out early to set up and also for all of you who brought wonderful desserts to share. What a fun night. We had tons of decorations and even luau music playing in the background. There were also candles on the tables along with pink tablecloths, palm tree sprinkles and sea shells. Thanks again Ladies, it was a grand night.

MOPS Meeting with a Mission

Wednesday was our second MOPS meeting of the semester. We had a wonderful speaker from Harbor, Ms. Evelyn Fitzgerald, who spoke of her mission trip to Africa this summer. I think it made most of the moms feel very blessed and fortunate for the many, many blessings the Lord has bestowed on us. Also our Mentor Mom, Ms. Debbie delivered a great devotion about our prayer life, with reminder notes to take home to remember to pray daily.
"Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say 'Oh, Thank you God!'" Philemon 1:4

First Meeting of Fall 2009

Today was our first meeting for Fall Semester. We had a great turnout, about 20 ladies came with a couple of new moms. We were missing about 3 regulars, who we hope will be back soon. The Steering Team provided an excellent brunch and we played a very fun get-to-know-you ice breaker. Can't wait for the next meeting. Our bond in fellowship with Jesus means so much to us.

"Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him..." Romans 11:36

First MOPS Meeting of the Fall Semester

Hello Ladies, Wednesday is our first meeting for the Fall. The times are 9:30 am until 12 noon. We have a wonderful year planned with some new and exciting changes. Please join us at Harbor United Methodist Church in the Gathering Space. Hope to see you there.

Exciting things...

are coming your way! The Steering Team met this week and have begun planning the speakers, crafts, curriculum for the MOPPETS, fun, theme and games for the fall semester of MOPS! We have some great things in mind and can't wait to see them in action!

Goin' Swimmin'

After 6 MOPS moms and 10 kids met at Halyburton Park for stroller exercise, we went to Jennifer's neighborhood pool to cool off! There were 8 moms and 19 kids! We had a really nice time! The pool has plenty of room and the little ones like to hang out on the big steps or along the bench on one side. I saw more than one red face and shoulders, but it was a nice day!

Rail Road Museum

Today, 10 moms and 27 kids met at the Wilmington Rail Road Museum. Suzy suggested it and I'm so glad she did!! She called to reserve a spot for our group with a discount. Most everyone headed for the train/toy room as soon as they had paid. A few went to visit the caboose first and some even checked out the displays of old trains.
The kids were most impressed with the model trains set up and that they could push the buttons to make them go! There were a couple of train tables, lots of toys and even Thomas the Train movie showing on a television. The moms sat back and enjoyed watching all the kids have fun!
After awhile, we migrated to the caboose and engine to look around and take pictures. They could pull the rope to make the bell ring at the front of the engine! There was one boxcar attached and a sing that said "To the hobos." Inside were a few mannequins set up to look like hobos. A little odd, but very truthful.

Potential Picassos

This morning about six MOPS moms met me at church to help paint the backgrounds and signs for our upcoming Vacation Bible School. Ms. Lisa found some teenagers to help watch our children. Thanks so much, Ms Lisa. It was a nice break for us. We painted, visited, drank coffee and had lots of laughs. There is still some painting to do, but lunchtime and nap time came, so we thought we should get the kids home. Thanks to Cheryl, her husband, Matt, Jennifer, Suzie, Kristin and her son Tyler, Mollie, and my mom, Sue. We couldn't have done it without you ladies. Thanks for coming.
"How good and pleasant it is for us to dwell together in unity." Psalms 133:1

Beach Bodies...Here We Come

We had another Stroller Workout this (very hot) morning. And I have come to a conclusion, I think Keely is trying to kill us!! No, no, just kidding. We had a great workout with 4 moms and 7 kids in tow. We did a mile and a half of walking with circuit training along the way. After several bottles of water and lots of gasping for air, we were done in no time. Thanks Keely for getting us whipped into shape.
"She gets up before dawn to prepare...and plan the day's work..." Proverbs 31:15

Wacky, Wet and Wild

Wednesday was our MOPS play date. Leslie agreed to be our host, very brave of her, don't you think? We had six moms and thirteen kids join us for the morning. A very hot morning by the way. There were several small pools, water toys, water tables with boats (that was a big hit with all the boys) and a sprinkler. What a great time we had of fellowship with the moms and the children. Thanks again, Leslie, you are such a blessing to us.
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you..." Ephesians 1:16

Are we there yet?

This is the question we ask (Sargent) Keely during our workouts. We are meeting regularly for our stroller workouts at Halyburton Park, and I can personally say it is making a difference. She has added some new and exciting circuits at our stops on our mile walk. We only had 4 women and 3 kids on Friday, but what a great time of fun, fellowship and fatigue! We are so thankful that the Lord connected us with Keely.
"Two are better than one..." Ecclesiastes 4:9

Got Berries?

Today was our first official play date of the summer. About 14 MOPS moms and their kids all met at Lewis Strawberry Farms this morning. We started picking Strawberries and then onto the Blueberries. Everyone had a few "samples" while they were filling their buckets, just to make sure all the berries were ripe. Once our buckets were overflowing and the kids were bug-bitten and sunburning, it was time for ice cream. After a hot morning in the fields, there is nothing better than a shady place to sit and eat home-made ice cream. What a wonderful kick off to our Wednesday play dates. Thanks everyone for coming. See you next Wednesday.

MOPS Spring 2009 Final Meeting

What a wonderful end-of-the-year meeting we had. A great and tasty brunch with the attendance of our MOPS moms and the church staff. They help us out regularly, both with prayer, physical and financial support. We really appreciate their time and effort. Our year end presentations were made to the Steering Team and mentor mom, and also a presentation to Mollie, who started our MOPS Charter here at Harbor. We are very thankful to her for that. One of the last photos I took at the Brunch kind of sums up our year. It is of Mollie taking pictures of all of us! A photo speaks a thousand words and that girl is always snapping photos. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support, you all made my first semester as Coordinator so special and I appreciate that very much. The new semester will start in the Fall on September 2, 2009. Please join this outstanding group of women for MOPS at Harbor. They are each exceptional, talented and unique women and it is a joy to have them in my life.
Lori Oldham
MOPS Coordinator Spring 2009
Harbor United Methodist Church

"Go in Peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord." 1 Samuel 20:41

Last Meeting - Brunch

Our last meeting was such a nice one! Lori and her mom Sue did a great job of decorating the tables! Each mom brought a dish and the tables were laden with food. We ate the entire 2 hours! Lori made announcements, then presented each Steering Team member with a serving tray and card. We gave her a card and gift certificate to Space Savers. She was very excited! Then Leslie presented me with a charm for my bracelet. It is beautiful!
Mrs. Debbie spoke next and it was powerful. She told us how much MOPS had done for her and then challenged all of us to be better moms and be the best MOPS group we can be. She received a set of clear crates to hold some craft items.
Debra shared a story about being a mommy and then Corinna shared a devotion about seizing the moments with our children.
Tobi and Kelly bought gold pieces off members who brought rings, necklaces, watches, etc. We revealed Secret Sisters, got our end of year pictures, and filled out surveys about our MOPS year.

Stroller Exercise

Today was our first Stroller Stride! Keely is a fantastic motivator and a rather driven fitness coach! We are all going to feel this in the morning.
We met at the park and buckled the kids in for some stretches. After a quick potty break, we set off on the trail. While walking, we would do 30 seconds or a minute of lunges, side kicks, butt kicks etc. At each bench, we stopped and did a minute of four certain exercises, like chair lifts, push ups, ab twists, jumping jacks, squats, bicep curls...on and on! We ended at the playground to release the kids and more stretching.

Craft Day

It's hard to believe there's only one more MOPS meeting!! We had a great time today. There was an amazing devotion/testimony from Suzie and she sang two songs in honor of Mother's Day. She encouraged us to relish this time in "Mommyville" because all too soon it will pass.
Afterwards, we made travel boxes for the kids. With just a wipes box, contact paper and some toys, crayons, and paper, our children will have a little entertainment for any long road trips for the summer!

Free Day

Today was a fifth Wednesday, so a very low key day at MOPS. After feasting a little while, we had announcements, a devotion, and prayer time. Lori set up a table with nail polishes, wipes and trash bags for cleaning out purses and diaper bags, and set up shop to wax some eyebrows!! We got a group picture today, too.

Yard Sale

No one is going to believe how much stuff we had donated to our yard sale!! Around 10 of us were there today to sort, stack, heave and ho all these items into some kind of organization. Books, movies, toys, clothes, clothes, more clothes, knick knacks, furniture...on and on! Here's to a rousing success at our first MOPS of Harbor yard sale!

Easter

Today we had a very fun craft with Mrs. Debbie! We sewed small pieces of felt that were cut in shapes like fish, bunnies, owls, hippos, turtles, sheep, and chicks. They were decorated with felt flowers and leaves or buttons.