GF Monday Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

NEW WEBSITE!!!

2011-07-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

We have a new website! For current, up to date information as well as a few other fun things please go to

New Grace Fellowship Monday MOPS Site

Some Recipes from Today's Spring Tea & Testimony

2011-05-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the recipes from this morning! Can you say yummy?

Cinnamon Granola Bars made by Kim O.

Ingredients

· 1/4 cup Organic butter, softened

· 1 cup packed Organic brown sugar

· 1 cage free brown egg

· 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

· 2 tablespoons Organic honey

· 2 cups old-fashioned oats

· 1 cup 100% stone ground whole wheat flour

· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

· 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

· 3/4 cup raisins

Directions

· In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add egg; beat well. Stir in flax and honey. In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon and baking soda; stir into creamed mixture just until blended. Gently stir in raisins.

· Press into an 9x13 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 14-18 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 1 dozen.

Photo taken by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman.

Asian Noodle Salad made by Mollie B.

Notes: It makes a gigantic amount using the quantities listed below so I adapt to how many I will be feeding. I also use coleslaw mix or broccoli slaw mix instead of whole heads of cabbage. The cashews get soggy if they sit too long so I add them when serving. There is a dressing recipe, but I like the Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette found in the refrigerated produce section by the bagged salads on the top shelf.

SALAD INGREDIENTS:

· 1 package Linguine Noodles, Cooked, Rinsed, And Cooled

· ½ heads Sliced Napa Cabbage, Or More To Taste

· ½ heads Sliced Purple Cabbage, Or More To Taste

· ½ bags Baby Spinach, Or More To Taste

· 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Sliced Thin

· 1 whole Yellow Bell Pepper, Sliced Thin

· 1 whole Orange Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced

· 1 bag Bean Sprouts (also Called Mung Bean Sprouts)

· Chopped Cilantro, Up To 1 Bunch, To Taste

· 3 whole Scallions, Sliced

· 3 whole Cucumbers Peeled And Sliced

· 1 can (about 10 Oz.) Whole Cashews, Lightly Toasted In Skillet

FOR THE DRESSING:

· 1 whole Lime, Juiced

· 8 Tablespoons Olive Oil

· 8 Tablespoons Soy Sauce

· 2 Tablespoons (up To 3 Tablespoons) Sesame Oil

· ⅓ cups Brown Sugar

· 3 Tablespoons Fresh Ginger Chopped

· 2 cloves Garlic Chopped

· 2 whole Hot Peppers Or Jalapenos, Chopped

· Chopped Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

Mix salad ingredients together. Whisk dressing ingredients together and pour over salad. Mix with tongs or hands and serve on a platter.

Note: dressing keeps for up to three days before serving, without cilantro

Pasted from <http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/salads/asian-noodle-salad/>

Need something to do with your kids this summer? Check out Grace's various VBS camps!

2011-05-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Want something for your kids to do to help break up the summer and have fun in a safe environment? Check out what Grace Fellowship has to offer this summer!

PreK-K VBS

July 25 - 28, 9:30am - noon
Must be 3 by September 1, 2010 - completed Kindergarten.

At SonSurf Beach Bash VBS, kids learn that there is only one truth: Jesus

Click Here to Register for PreK - K VBS

Gradeschool VBS Day Camp

July 11 - 14 9am - 3pm
1^st - 5^th Grade (grade completed)

Trout Lake Camps counselors will be joining us again for adventure filled days of Bible learning, awesome worship, and amazing games.

Click Here to Register for Grade School VBS

SCUBA CampServeJuly 11 - 15, a Monday - Friday service week where our 6th graders serve the community through day long projects in different locations.
Time: be at Grace Fellowship by 7:50am & return around 4:00pm.
Cost: $152.00 (mission trip - tax deductable).

Click Here to Register for SCUBA CampServe

More questions? Contact these people at 763-425-2246

Pastor of Children & Family Ministries: Sara VanHeel x235

Preschool Coordinator: Amanda Lembke x242

Grade School Coordinator: Cheri Hecimovich x230

SCUBA Coordinator: Matt Morgan x233

Preview for Monday's meeting: Dienna Goscha

2011-05-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Dienna Goscha, creator of River's Edge curriculum, will be speaking to us on How the Love God with all your heart when You're Always in the Kitchen? We're excited to hear Dienna's suggestions for all of us since we're busy moms!

Here's a sneak peek: Moms struggle with loving God with all their heart when they can’t seem to even get out of the kitchen much less deep into His word. Learn tried and true methods of drawing closer to Jesus even in the midst of diapers, dishes and dirt. Be inspired and encouraged to move out of mayhem and into a joy filled heart.

For more information on River's Edge please see their website. River's Edge Curriculum

4/25 Meeting - PYD!

2011-04-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to give you all a little introduction to our meeting topic coming up on Monday! If you haven't heard of Pocket Your Dollars go and check it out here right now! Angie, a writing contributor from PYD, will be giving us her money saving tips and tricks. It's definitely something you won't want to miss!

As PYD's slogan says, "Keep your money where it belongs."

2011-2012 Registration Now Available

2011-04-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

Registration form for 2011-2012 MOPS year is now available here. If you plan to be a part of Grace Fellowship MOPS this fall, please print out the form and return it to the group member coordinator (info listed on bottom of form). If you get it sent in before June 1st, you will get a discounted price!

Summer MOPS Study

2011-04-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Are you looking to stay connected & develop deeper relationships with other MOPS moms over the summer? Alana Nystrom will be leading another Summer MOPS Study starting June 9th. The group will meet every Thursday morning for 12 weeks from 9:30-11:30am and will be using the book She's Gonna Blow, by Julie Ann Barnhill. Childcare will be provided for a fee. If you are interested in participating in the book study, please contact Alana by emailing her here or calling her at 763-302-9291.

Details for our "Taste of MOPS" Meeting on 4/11

2011-03-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting is Monday, 4/11, and will be our annual "Taste of MOPS" meeting. So what is it? And what should you do for it?

We encourage all of you to make/bring a dish that you're "known" for - any kind of entree, appetizer, fruit/veggie or dessert. It could be that amazing cookie that's been passed down from generation to generation or a little treat that you buy and bring to every Christmas party. The point of the meeting is to share what and what you are proud of! (And if you're in love with Cooler Ranch Doritoes, by all means bring them!)

Details: Unlike a regular MOPS meeting you do not have to double or triple your recipe to accommodate the group. We all just want a "taste" of what's there -- more like a potluck -- which is also why we're encouraging everyone to participate (so we have enough food!).

If you'd like to make something for that day please send the name of your dish to Mollie B. (mbenjamin@poseidom.net) and please categorize it: Entree, Appetizer, Fruit/Veggie or Dessert. On 4/11, we will all vote for our favorites using the same "marble system" we did for the Christmas Tea.

(Please note: Store bought items are welcome, however, they will not be considered as part of the competition.)

If you have questions and/or concerns or are unable to bring an item to share that morning, please contact your DGL.

Need Harmony - The Skit Guys will be at Grace Fellowship on 4/10. It's a day you DON'T want to miss!

2011-03-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Egg Bake Recipe from 3/7 Meeting

2011-03-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Remember that yummy egg bake that was at the last meeting? We did some digging to obtain the recipe. Sarah L. made this and she got the recipe from her friend Christine L. You can thank us later. :o)

Omelet Sandwich

Eng muffin bread - buttered (one loaf)

cubed ham (I used sliced honey ham from deli gives it a nice honey flavor)

1/2 lb. swiss cheese

1/2 lb. cheddar cheese

8 eggs

3 c. milk

1/2 t. dry mustard

1/2 t. salt

1-1 1/2 c. crushed cornflakes (optional I did not do this for MOPS but have before and it's good)

1/4 c. butter (melted) to go on top of cornflakes if you do that.

1. Grease bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Layer bottom w/ bread butter side up, swiss, ham, cheddar & bread (butter side up)

2. Blend eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pour over top. Refrigerate overnight (8-10 hours).

3. (Optional) Mix corn flakes and butter and spread on top.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

The 5 Love Languages

2011-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

In preparation for our meeting on Monday we thought it would be helpful for you to assess what your 5 love languages are as well as your children. Click on the link to take the assessment from Gary Smalley. If you'd like for your child(ren) to take it you'll have to wait until he/she is at least 5 years old. Have fun!

5 Love Languages Assessments

Monday's Meeting - The Clothing Exchange

2011-03-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

Here are the details you need to know for Monday's MOPS meeting.

Bring in your new and/or gently used clothes sizes NB - 5T. Keep in mind that if you wouldn't pick it out for yourself b/c of the wear and tear on the clothing then our members probably won't either. We will have a table for sizes that are bigger than 5T but please keep in mind that some of these might not be needed for our members.
We'll also be accepting maternity and women's clothes. If at all possible, please bring these clothes on hangers.
You will be allowed to bring home with you a maximum of 15 items of clothing.
The rest of the clothes will be donated to Women's Advocates.
No toys or baby gear.

Email Julie D. if you have any questions!! Happy sorting!

(A More Real) Love Story

2011-02-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

Since we weren't able to meet yesterday, I thought we could all use a little laugh. If you haven't heard of Anita Renfroe, look her up! This goes out to any couple who's lived through having preschoolers!

Sneak Peek - Amy Stienessen's "Surviving in Stilettos: Don't Forget Your Insoles"

2011-02-15T11:50:00.000-08:00

This Monday we are happy to announce that our MOPS Int'l Area 9 Community Coach, Amy Stienessen, will be speaking to us. Amy's really fun, spunky and has a great sense of humor. We know she'll help brighten our Monday morning and give us some insights to carry with us for the rest of the week.

Here's a sneak peek into her topic for that morning:

Exploring the shoes we wear in the many aspects of our lives as women! Looking at the relationship we have with our church, husbands, children, jobs, and God we will walk together to recongize the types of "shoes" we should be wearing so our feet don't hurt!

Just a Reminder for our Infants' Moms!

2011-02-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: Jennie Gaskins

Remember to label all of your infants' items; especially the diaper bag you bring for them, any bottle or snack you have brought for them, etc. It helps our volunteers out so much in the nursery and makes it less likely that you'll be called out of the MOPS meeting. Also, if you haven't made up a sheet to put in our Baby Binder listing any helpful information that you think our volunteers would need to watch your child, please consider doing it before our next meeting on 2/21. It really makes life easier for our infant room.
If you have any questions, please contact Mollie Benjamin!

Day of Pampering...what you have to look forward to on Monday!

2011-02-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

If you've never experienced a MOPS' Day of Pampering you are in for a real treat this Monday morning.

Monday is all about you, Mom! It's a day for you to relax, indulge yourself and leave your worries behind.

Here's a sneak peek of the services that will be there bright and early for you to enjoy:

Neck Wraps

Foot Soaks

Make-up Consultations

Lip Ex-foliation Treatments

Skin Analysis

Chair Massages

Hand Scrubs and Hand Massages

Table Massages

Haircuts

Eyebrow Waxes

Wellness Assessments
Prayer with a Mentor Mom
Craft: Lotion

And what morning would be complete without amazing food?!

The doors won't be open until 9:30am so we'll all have to wait outside in anticipation! If you see any of the following women before Monday morning and especially on Monday morning, give them a hug and thank them for the hard work they've put into this morning!

Leeora W.
Becky U.

Brittany D.

Dena N.

Jaime C.

Kim O.

Michelle B.

Nikki S.

Tara H.
Tiffany A.

Well, done Ladies! You all deserve a pat on the back!

New Year... Get in Gear!

2011-01-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

After all of the fun (and food) of the holidays, is one of your New Year's resolutions to get (back) in shape? Have you thought about running or walking in a 'real' race, but don't know if you can? (You CAN!) Aren't sure where to start? Step 1: Register for the "Get in Gear"5k walk/run on Sat, April 30th TODAY and commit to making 2011 an active and healthy year! Step 2: Get moving! Join some of your fellow MOPS friends for walks/runs in the weeks ahead - get (and give) encouragement and support with each step. Step 3: Share a fun April Saturday morning with us in Minneapolis on the 30th (carpooling available - race begins at 9:20 am) and then bask in the glow of your success!
An added bonus for not procrastinating? Register by 1/31 for the lowest prices ($22.30 for the 5k) - price includes an event t-shirt (ladies' cut).
For more info and to register, visit www.getingear10k.com
Questions? Contact either Julie Dukowitz (Monday MOPS) at owenduke@embarqmail.com or Corrie Hoff (Tuesday MOPS) at robandcorrie@comcast.net.
Stay tuned for training info, tips and a schedule of training walk/runs in the weeks to come!
(And, in case you are STILL wondering, YES YOU CAN DO IT!! :)
PS - For you 'hard-core' runners, there are 10k and half marathon options as well. See the website for details.

Why go to a MOPS' playdate or MNO?

2011-01-12T17:09:00.000-08:00

The better question my friend is, why not?

We all know that the precious, yet limited, time we have during a MOPS' meeting is probably not very sufficient for building those friendships we're all seeking. That's why we plan things for us to do outside of MOPS! I know, it sounds simple, but I think you would be surprised by how many moms you would meet, get to know and then become lifelong friends that you wouldn't have known had you skipped the playdate or MNO (Mom's Night Out).

She could be a mom you've been wanting to go deeper with at your table. She could be that adorably dressed mom you notice at every meeting and want to strike up a conversation about her adorable purse and trendy clothes but just haven't had the time to do so. She could even be a mom you never knew would become your best friend because she's at a different table. You never know what opportunities you'll have at one of these MOPS' events.

Give it a try! Check out our Upcoming Events page for our next event. Talk with the moms at your table and your DGL about getting together outside of a MOPS' meeting. This is what MOPS is about, my friend!

Crime Prevention with BP Crime Prevention Specialist Gerry Gibbs

2011-01-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

It's not a "fun" topic but it's one that definitely needs to be heard. How safe are we and what can we do to teach our children how to be safe? Brooklyn Park's Police Department's Crime Prevention Specialist, Gerry Gibbs, will inform us this Monday, 1/10, on what we can do to keep our children safe.

Here's a quick bio on Gerry:

Gerry Gibbs is a Crime Prevention Specialist with the Brooklyn Park Police Department. Gerry began her law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff for Ramsey County Sheriff’s Dept. but has spent the last 24 years working for the Brooklyn Park Police Department in a variety of positions but most currently as the coordinator of the Crime Prevention Unit. Gerry resides in Brooklyn Park with her husband and two college age sons.

Gerry has enjoyed her law enforcement career but the most important and joyful aspect of her life has been raising her two sons. Gerry believes as you raise children you go through many stages of challenges but perhaps her greatest emotional challenge will be this coming May when her youngest son is deployed with the Minnesota National Guard.

MOPS on Break until 2011!

2010-12-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

While the first MOPS meeting of 2011 may seem like years from now...it's actually creeping up on us! Here's a preview of the speakers and meetings we have planned for your 2011 Spring MOPS semester!

1/10 - Gerry Gibbs from the Brooklyn Park Police Dept. will be talking with us about children's safety.
1/24 - Kelli from Kingdom Kids Nutrition has some great suggestions on how to feed our children nutritious yummies!
2/7 - DAY OF PAMPERING! If there were ever a meeting you would not want to miss in 2011 it's this one.
2/21 - Jane Kise from Differentiated Coaching for Educators will be speaking to us on how to lead our children based on our personality type.
3/7 - Spring cleaning!
3/21 - Kilee Christnagel from Start Your Kids Engine will be talking to us about our children's love languages.
4/11 - Our second annual Taste of MOPS
4/25 - Angie from Pocket Your Dollars has some great tips on how to save and use coupons.
5/9 - Dienna Goscha from River's Edge Curriculum will be speaking to us about how as moms we can love God with all of our heart when we feel like we're always in the kitchen!
5/23 - Spring Tea & Testimony (which means it's our last meeting for the 2010 - 2011 year)

If you would like to join MOPS we do have room for three more moms. Please contact us at gfellowshipmops@gmail.com for more information

Dean's List

2010-10-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Needed: Anyone who's got the right stuff on this little job we do called "Mom".

Good at saving money? Are you a coupon collector and know the best way to shop sales? Are you always finding ways to be creative or add a little spice to your family's life? These are only a small example of the topics and interests that are represented in our MOPS' group.

Let's face it, we've all got something we do well and since there are 52 of us, we could definitely benefit from the wealth of knowledge we have sitting in our MOPS meetings on Monday mornings!

If you want to share your trick of our mothering trade or anything else, please contact Bert, about an opportunity to be highlighted as one of our speakers that morning. Please see the MOPS directory for Bert's contact information.

Alisa Palmer

2010-10-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

Liked what you heard today or have extra questions for Allie? Check out her blog and Facebook fan page!

Blog: Intentional Parenting

Facebook search "Intentional Parenting" or you can find it on the Monday MOPS Facebook fan page under our favorite pages.

Going Green

2010-09-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

In an effort to be environmentally friendly and cost efficient we have decided to be a greener MOPS group.

What does this mean? You'll be seeing more paper plates instead of Styrofoam. More travel mugs and coffee cups for drinks rather than Styrofoam cups. Possibly even cloth napkins rather than disposable napkins. And eventually actual flatware that can be reused.

Want to help? Contact Julie D. about being on our Green Team! It's a few small changes that makes a big difference for us and our children!

First Meeting Preview - "Orientation" 9/13

2010-09-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your many 'first' days of school? Kindergarten? High School? The excitement, the nervousness, the drama ... and of course, the many outfit changes! Well, students, it's time for one more "Orientation" - this one to your year as a MOPS member.
Wondering what your morning will look like? First, we can help with the clothing dilemma: following our school theme, plan to wear some type of high school or college clothing. Show your school spirit and colors! (We promise you won't need to reveal graduation dates.)
Starting at 9:15, bring your little one(s) to the appropriate MOPPETS room(s) - volunteers will be ready to greet you and your child and can help with the (sometimes difficult) drop-off process. Don't worry... your kids will be treated with love and kindness and will be in excellent hands. Make sure you sign in each child, help them to use hand gel, and give them a nametag.
Next, head to the MOPS meeting room, where our Mentor Moms and the smell of a warm, delicious breakfast will greet you (and coffee too! You may want to bring your own travel mug.). And don't forget your smile - 'id photos' will be taken this morning (for our MOPS directory). Help yourself to breakfast, find your table (seating is assigned and you will be with the same group of MOPS moms for the year), introduce yourself and be ready for a morning full of fun and fellowship. The meeting will begin shortly after 9:30.
Our 2010-2011 MOPS Steering Team and DGL's (Discussion Group Leaders) will be introduced (no, there won't be a quiz on names!), and we'll go over the syllabus (handbook) for the year. You'll also have the chance to get to know your table mates and to share some things about yourself too. The meetings end promptly at 11:25, with time for members to get to the child care room(s).
That's it! We hope you are as excited about this new MOPS year as we are. We look forward to meeting you (new members) and seeing you again (returning members)!
PS: Keep an eye on your e-mailboxes next week for the first Monday MOPS e-newsletter to arrive!

Sneak Peek....

2010-08-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

Wondering what the first few meetings are going to look like this Fall? Here's YOUR sneak peek into our first few meetings:

September 13th "Orientation": We all remember what the first day of school was like, the excitement, the possibilities and the nervous butterflies! You'll experience all this and more during our Orientation for MOPS 2010 - 2011. Come wearing your school pride (shirts from either your high school or where you went to college) and be prepared to meet the women at your table and learn more about this MOPS year.

September 27th "Beauty School": Let's face it, we all want to feel pretty. It's the way women were designed. That's what this meeting is all about. Stylist and owner of Element Salon in Maple Grove, April Johnson, will be sharing with us easy hair styles for the busy mom. As the owner of a successful salon, a stylist and a busy mom of a two-year-old boy, April understands that you don't have time to stand in front of a mirror for 30 minutes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't still feel pretty! Looking for a style that's more than a ponytail? That's what this meeting is about! We'll have other speakers with beauty tips there as well.

Haven't registered for MOPS yet? Spaces are filling up and you don't want to miss out on the school fun! Contact us at gfellowshipmops@gmail.com for more information.

2010 - 2011 Registration is OPEN!

2010-06-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do next Fall? Do you want to have two kid - free hours where you can talk with other moms without being interrupted? Want to learn a little more about mothering or other topics so that you can become a "better mom" to make a "better world?" GF Monday MOPS is the place to be?

When is MOPS? MOPS meets the second and fourth Monday (or Tuesday, our sister group) from 9:30 - 11:30. MOPS starts up on Sept. 13th, 2010.

What exactly does a MOPS meeting look like? Good question. It depends on the day. MOPS is split into tables of six to seven moms. You will have a table leader (aka - Discussion Group Leader "DGL") who will help you get to know the other moms at your table both during and outside of MOPS. There is ALWAYS amazing food. Some times we have a speaker come in to teach us a topic and some times we have a lighter meeting where we'll have a small discussion and also a craft (the crafts are always purposeful, cute and easy to do). Childcare is available at the meeting so you will have two kid free hours! (Babies 6 mo and younger are welcome to attend the meetings with mom.)

Special Days you WON'T want to miss: At GF MOPS we have a few special meetings you will not want to miss out on. In the Fall semester we have our "Honor Roll" meeting where each mom will have a chance (if she so desires) to show off her area of "expertise". Let's face it, as moms we all have an area we excel at whether that's cooking/baking, organizing or decorating (amongst many other talents). This is a great chance to come and learn from your fellow moms! We also have our lovely Christmas Tea to finish off our Fall semester, fancy tables, special food and an enchanted Christmas setting leads to a very relaxed morning. The Spring semester we have our VERY popular Day of Pampering - that's exactly what it is! Come and be pampered - from free chair massages to haircuts to free eyebrow waxing. This meeting it about YOU, mom! We also have our Spring Tea to finish out the year. You have made awesome friends and this meeting is the way to celebrate that and the finish to our 2010 - 2011 MOPS' year.

How much does it cost? MOPS Int'l has a once per year fee of $23.95. With that fee you will receive a bi-monthly magazine, MomSense, weekly encouragement emails, a reusable shopping bag, and other things. That MOPS Int'l fee cannot be waived or refunded. GF MOPS' semester fee is $50.00. That money goes toward speaker expenses, table decor, craft supplies, childcare supplies and snacks, etc.

Sounds great! Where do I sign up? Contact us at gfellowshipmops@gmail.com