May 2012

Game On: Meet Beth Sanchez 
– Future 1/3 Coordinator!!

By Herself

Over the Last couple of weeks, I have been pondering next year’s MOPS theme: “PLUNGE - Love as if your life depended on it!” What a great theme for MOPS and life in general!  How often do we as moms literally plunge into each day!  We never know what to expect minute to minute from the little people in our lives.

One of the things I look forward to in my position as coordinator over the next few years is helping moms get connected with other moms and watching them develop life-lasting friendships. We are truly on a great adventure.  Life is going to throw us curve balls once in awhile but with a good moms support group we can help each other process through the ups and downs of life.  I think that is what I truly love about MOPS!  I have thoroughly enjoyed the amazing friendships I have developed with moms over the last three years.

My life has seen many ups and downs, where I have literally had to choose to plunge in head first instead of sitting on the sidelines watching.  One of the downs I have had to walk through is losing my fiancé to lung cancer. Also, being told that I would never be able to have children. These two things were very life shattering!  However, as I prayed and trusted God, as well as having a good support group of friends, I was able to plunge in and walk through these trials.  

As I moved forward in life after my fiancé passed away, I began praying that God would literally drop my husband off at my door!  That is exactly what God did.  So today I am happily married to my best friend Bobby. God has also blessed us with two miracle babies! Our son is almost four years old and our daughter is 10 months old.

One thing that I love about being a mom is watching my kids learn.  It blows me away the things they pick up and funny things they do and say. I also love those precious moments when my kids sit on my lap and hug me like crazy and whisper “I love you so much mom!” Then there are those days that I don’t enjoy: like the days where I feel like all I have done all day is disciplined my children. However, even though I don’t enjoy those days I continue on, trying to be consistent because I love my children so much that I know these long days are worth the pain.  Through these moments not only are my children growing and learning how to live life, but I am being stretched and my character is being developed more and more.

Throughout life I am trying to choose not to sit on the sidelines when things are hard or things in my friend’s lives are hard.  But, I am trying to be proactive and plunge into life with friends and family! May God give us to strength to love as if our lives depended on it! ***

“Mentor’s Favorite Things…”

“One of my favorite things our family has done is movie night. Watching movies together is not particularly unique, but what I love about it is that we have a handful of favorite shows that we have watched again and again over the years to the point that we all consider these few movies our special family movies. We have many favorite lines from these shows which come up often within the family as "inside jokes." Our favorites are "The Scarlet Pimpernel," "Hello, Dolly," "What's Up, Doc?," and "The Importance of Being Earnest." When DVDs became more common than videos these were some of the first of our videos that were replaced by DVDs. They were gifts from my adult children who had happy memories of watching these shows over and over with the family.”  -Susan Frerichs (1/3 Mentor)

“One of my most favorite things is when my husband, Brian, and I take a little "get-away" every January. When we were first married (and before kids!), it was a long weekend getaway. After kids...well, just a night away while the grandparents babysit, is about all we can do.  During this time away, we unplug from everything...phones, TV, computer, friends, etc.  We look back over the previous year and go month-by-month making a written list of highlights from that year.  We then discuss plans and goals for the coming year.  This has been an annual tradition for 20 years and it's great to be able to look back from year to year and re-count the blessings & challenges that have been a part of our life!”  -Jen Smith (2/4 Mentor)

Time Out To Cook
Sweet Potato Pancakes (Jana Murphy 2/4)
1 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour

1 tbsp. Sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. unsalted butter (melted)

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 cup buttermilk (or mix 1 tbsp. lemon juice with cup of milk; let sit 5 minutes)

1/3 cup sweet potato or pumpkin

***In a bowl or mixer, combine first four ingredients, followed by remaining four and stir or mix together. Spoon 3-4” rounds on buttered skillet over medium heat until bubbles appear on top. Flip and cook another minute until brown. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve hot with peanut butter, yogurt, fresh berries and maple syrup. Taken from Parents Magazine May, 2011.

Game Stats

Here are some of the “favorite things” that our Moms listed, by rough category but in no particular order! (If marked with a hyphen and number, the item was repeated that many times):

Pampering/Cozy-time

Spa days-2, massages-3, pedicure–3, facial, Taking a bath, Bath products, My hot tub, Relaxing with coffee, Tempurpedic bed, my bed!, sleeping, My pajamas & bedtime, Cozy pj's, slipper & coffee in the a.m., Down comforter, My bed and soft blanket, My fuzzy throw blankets

Food

Chocolate bundt cakes, chocolate, Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, Adams peanut butter, pizza, Beef stew, Hershey's nuggets, toffee and almond candy, Bananas foster dessert, M&M’s, Spry power peppermints, Whole Foods, Cookbooks, Trying new recipes, Vegan cookbooks

People

Dates with husband – 2, Being with friends & family, Time with grandchildren–2, Family game night, Hanging out with my mom, Watching movies with family, My baby cooing gently when I hold her, husband, family, Good friends

Reading

Books–4, (John Rosemond, Francine Rivers, “The Core Issue” by Christine Caine), Christian books, Magazines, Sitting on the porch with a good book, Pioneerwoman.com

Devices

Cell phone-3, iPad, iPod-2, iPhone, Laptop, Camera–2, My Kindle-2

Kid Products

Sleep sheep – soothing sound stuffed animal, Wubbanub pacifiers, My son’s little backpack - so he can carry his own stuff,  Diaper Genie, Moby wrap, Arbonne baby products, Cute bows for my girl

Drinks

Lattes, coffee-2, Cinnamon dolce frappucino from Starbucks Pumpkin spice latte/frappucino-3, Chai latte, Wine tasting, wine, Pepsi, Diet Coke, Fountain drinks, Nalgene water bottles

Body

Light-up lip gloss-2, C. O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine from Bath & Body Works, Burt’s Bees lip shimmer – guava, Hairspray, “It’s a 10” hair products,  Bath & Body Works - foaming hand soap

Household

Kitchen-Aide mixer, Keurig coffee maker, Salad spinner, Laundry detergent and drier sheets, Gain detergent, Mr. Clean Magic eraser, Swiffer mop, Dyson vaccum, Haan steam cleaner, Organizing containers, Organizing, New organizing techniques & shortcuts, All storage containers, Velvet covered hangers, Candles–2, Scentsy

Shoes

Yellow box flip flops–2, Comfortable shoes, Ballerina flats, New Balance trail shoes, New shoes

Other

·        God, My worn Bible, Honesty, My faith, FROG (Fully Rely On God)

·        Handbags-2, Purses, Thirty-One bags

·        iTunes gift cards, Podcasts, Music, Christmas music, Christian music, Reality TV

·        The entire fall season (Vala’s pumpkin patch, apples)

·        Planting flowers in the spring, Being outside, To the beach/sunny days, Nature

·        Shopping, Victoria’s Secret, A comfy bra, Scarves, Shrugs

·        Pictures & picture albums, Clear acrylic rubber stamps

·        Cruising in my 1969 Chevette

·        Boxed blank notecards, Small metal card holder

·        Traveling, Traveling with all of my family

·        Turbo kick class

The Christ Community Church MOPS Facebook page has 124 followers!! Are you one? Join in and see updates and engage on Facebook with your MOPS friends between meetings:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christ-Community-Church-MOPS/125998760779919

Be A Team Player!

Summer LEAP at Compass Ministries – Interested in serving in a summer program that Compass is holding for six weeks? It will be held on Monday-Friday, 12-4pm from June 4-July 13. Volunteers are welcome for one day or many, to come help serve lunch or work with the kids for a couple of hours. Fridays are field trip days and chaperons are needed. Contact Jenny Berg at jennyb@cccomaha.org to see how you can be more involved.

Go Play Around Town

(Websites: http://www.momsofomaha.com/, http://vacation.visitomaha.com/, http://www.visitnebraska.org/)

Summer U Jr. at Christ Community Church This year, 4 & 5 year olds and kids having just completed Kindergarten can join the fun with Summer U Jr. They will love the singing, games, teaching and activities geared just for them. Select the Summer U Jr. course below to register. $15 per child / Non-refundable (check website for programs through 5^th grade) https://www.cccomaha.org/summerU/index.php

Dad & Me: Out of this world with Dad Saturday, 6.16.12 / 9:30 AM at Christ Community Chruch. Dads of children 3-6 years old: Join us for one-on-one time with your child that will be "out of this world" fun. Each child will decorate their own rocket and participate in other great activities. Tickets are on sale 5.20-6.10.12 from Dawn at dawnb@cccomaha.org $6 for Dad, grandfather, or uncle and 1 child and $2 for each additional child. Space is limited; must purchase tickets in advance.

Hot Shops 11th Annual Spring Open House, May 5th-6th!  The more than 80 artists of the Hot Shops Art Center downtown invite the public to see their latest artwork and learn how they create them.  There will be live demonstrations, gallery shows and live music.

Midwest Winds Kitefliers Club Annual Spring Festival!  As part of National Kite Month, see professional kitefliers perform at the LaVista Soccer Complex, 7346 S. 66th St.

Midlands Pirate Fest at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, May 5th-6th!  Piratey family fun at the Pirate Fest.  See the link for admission prices and hours.

St. Bernard's Parish Carnival, Sunday, May 6th!  St. Bernard's, 65th & Military, will hold their parish carnival on the 6th from 11:30 to 5 pm.  There will be rides, sweet treats, toys, and games. 

Home Depot Kids Workshop, Sat. May 5th!  Build a planter box to keep and get a free builder's apron.  From 9 to noon, while supplies last.

Other Fun Stuff at Joslyn Art Mueseum (http://www.joslyn.org/visit/kids-programs/)

·        Check out our new Family Flashlight Tour! - A new, kid-friendly gallery guide that's available in the Scott EdTech Gallery. Use a "flashlight" to find your way through the Egypt exhibition and learn interesting facts along the way!

·        Saturday Surprise - Stop in every other weekend for free art-making!

·        Story Adventures - It's never too early for stories and art!

·        Family Fun Day - Activities, art-making, and gallery fun for everyone!

Announcements!!

ONLY ONE MEETING LEFT FOR EACH GROUP! SEE BELOW!!!

May 4^th(1/3) & 11^th(2/4): Last meeting…Celebration morning! And registration for 2012-2013!!

***Summer Blog: Our Teaching Mentors will be encouraging us with one blog entry at the beginning of each month over the summer. Be on the lookout!

Prayer hotline:  Have a prayer need? Please send it to: prayer4mops@gmail.com

MOPPETS

Thank you for serving your 2 days in MOPPETS! It is VITAL that you show up on your assigned days so we can continue to provide a quality program for our children. If you have a conflict, please switch with another MOPS mom and contact our Childcare Coordinator, Michelle Brewer (michelleb@cccomaha.org), ASAP of the change. Please refer to your directory or your DGL for contact info. When you arrive at the church, check the posting by the nursery check-in table to find where you have been assigned to help. Thank you for your cooperation! This months assignments are listed below:

May 2^nd – 2/4 Steering (9-11:45)

Amy McEnroe

Natalie McNair

Stephanie Heinauer

Mary Cavell

May 4^th – 1/3 Meeting (8:45-11:30)

Kathleen Russell

Angie Timm

Sharilyn Toney

Liz Fogle

Michelle Shaughnessey

Leigh Dunn

Sarah Bouman

Shauna McCoy

May 11^th – 2/4 Meeting (8:45-11:30)
Kylie Shada
Martha Elvir
Shauna LeGrande
Stacy Meyer
Kristin Goolsby
Michelle Kazor
Kelli Hasenjager
Kim Sorenson

April 2012

Amy with husband Scott

Game On: The Path By Amy Gleason

8:46am September 11, 2001 Fort Greene, Brooklyn

I heard it, but at the time I didn’t realize what I’d heard. I was actually still asleep, having flown back into the city from Minnesota late the evening before. I didn’t know a plane had just crashed into the North Tower of The World Trade Center. I remember lifting my head off the pillow, wondering, “What the…....was that noise!” I dismissed it and went back to sleep. The phone rings...

Several minutes later, my mom calls from her office in Omaha, asking me if we’re alright. Yes, why? Where are you? Home, sleeping. My head was confused and fuzzy from sleep, until she said this: 

Amy with daughter Sophia and son Wyatt

 “A plane crashed into The World Trade Center.”

I screamed for my roommate, Kim. My knees buckled. I scrambled to find the TV remote. Kim comes into the room with a look of utter disbelief upon her face. What? WHAT?

You see, Kim and I met and became friends at work. She was a sommelier and I was doing an internship in a world-renowned wine program at Windows on the World. WOW was legendary in New York City and around the world. WOW was located on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower of The World Trade Center. Although neither of us had worked there more than several months, we knew people. We had friends there that morning.

9:03am September 11, 2001 - I was still on the phone with my mom when she told me another plane hit South Tower. We couldn’t get any television coverage at our apartment. Not having cable, our signal was transmitted from towers atop The World Trade Center. So we turned on the radio, desperately trying to find out what was going on. It was like Orson Wells and The War of the Worlds; frightening and surreal at the same time, not knowing what the truth was...were we in a dream? Could this possibly be happening?

Yes, it was happening...I finally assured my mom that we would stay home, not set foot out of our apartment and I would be in touch when I could. The local radio coverage was our only link to what was happening a couple miles away. And then suddenly, we learned it wasn’t just NYC they were targeting.

9:37am Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon...

9:59am The South Tower collapses...

10:03am Flight 93 crashes into a field in Somerset County, PA...

10:15 The Pentagon E-Ring collapses...

10:28 The North Tower collapses...

That hour was incomprehensible. The only thing I clearly remember was standing right in front of the stereo receiver, knees buckling as the announcer screamed in horror while she watched from an uptown office as the South Tower begin to crumble after burning for 56 minutes.

The next minutes, hours, and days are woven so tightly together into my memory that it’s difficult to say what happened when. I remember everything, yet those memories come back in such random flashes, it’s a challenge to describe them so they make sense to someone else. What I do remember was how insanely, ironically gorgeous that autumn day was. A perfect blue sky, cloudless...interrupted by dense, thick black smoke that persisted for days and weeks. The next few days, rainy and gray, making search and rescue extraordinarily difficult. Gathering medical supplies to donate, making food for exhausted and unbelievably brave members of the FDNY & NYPD, buying dog food to nourish the K9 rescue unit, meeting with surviving members of the WOW staff, those blessed to have not been at work that morning. Cringing to this day when a plane flies overhead.

I didn’t know God on September 11, 2001 and it wasn’t until several years later that I accepted His grace. What I do know is that living in NYC that day changed me forever and in many ways, defines the person I am today. I believe the experience, the memories in all their vivid and horrific detail, paved a path for me, a path to God, a path to a family and a path to a life lived as fully as I can, never forgetting. ***

“Mentor’s Favorite Things…”

“One of my favorite things to do is pick up (and eat!) the fresh, house-made chips and salsa from Jacobo's Authentic Mexican Grocery on 24th & Q St. They are addictive, and definitely worth the drive! I have a number of friends and neighbors who have caught on, so now if one of us is making a "Jacobo's run", we are usually picking up orders for the group! If you go, keep in mind they are closed Mondays, and only take cash!” - Laura Weber (2/4 Mentor)

“One of my favorite family vacations was when we loaded up our 5 kids into a motor home and drove them out to California to see the ocean.  At the time our kids were ages 3-13 and we joked that it was our "Griswold Family Vacation", but it was one of most memorable and fun vacations we have ever taken.  My husband and I decided that we would not have an itinerary for this trip, but that we would drive until we were ready to stop and when we got to California, we would find a beach and park ourselves for awhile.  What a treat to be able to put our watches and schedules away and just enjoy one another.  One night, we parked our "traveling home" in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Colorado and made pancakes and eggs for dinner.  After dinner, we played a fun game of football in the parking lot.  My kids still think that is hilarious and we laugh as we cherish the memory.  We saw and experienced so much of the countryside during that trip, stopping in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico before arriving in California.  It filled my "mother's heart" then and continues to bless me today as I remember the sweetness my family shared together during that adventure.” – Christine Burkland (2/4 Mentor)

Time Out To Cook
No-Bake Energy Bites (Elizabeth Perkinson 2/4)
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup honey
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

***Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. Taken from http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-bake-energy-bites-recipe.html

Game Stats

SPRING is the favorite season of 20% of our moms!

What is the most LOVING thing you have ever done? (in your own words)

·        Staying at home with my kids (even quitting a job I love to do so)

·        BEARING CHILDREN!!

·        To love unconditionally when it is hard to love

·        Followed my husbands dreams and work desires

·        Served others in the name of Jesus

·        Continuing to breastfeed each one of my babies even though it was extremely painful to me, but knowing it was beneficial to their health

·        Getting my college group from church to purchase weeks worth of household products for a family who lost their 45 year old mom

·        Giving grace to my kids even when I don’t feel like it

·        Letting my husband take a 4 day trip to Washington for a downhill skateboarding event

·        Cleaning my husband’s closet

·        Added to our family through adoption – but one of our biggest blessings too

·        Became a foster parent

·        Married my high school sweetheart

·        Breastfeeding and pumping to feed my triplets, holding and rocking my babies when they wake in the night

·        Walked with my husband through cancer

·        Forgiving and forgetting

·        Holding my child while they throw up on me

·        Went back to work after my son was born even though I didn’t want to

·        Being a nanny to triplets

·        Continuing to be bold on a daily basis for my children

·        Giving selflessly to my kids everyday

·        Completely remolded a room in our house for my husband as a surprise

·        Taking care of my mother-in-law while she was going through chemo

·        Sharing God’s love with children through the children’s ministries at CCC

·        Found Jesus

·        Redoing my parents basement when they were on vacation

·        Staying home with my brother when he had surgery

·        Family teaching for 6 years

·        Planning my Mom’s 60^th birthday party

·        Celebrating my family members

·        Launching my children to be adults (because I cried when they left home)

·        Taking care of my uncle

·        Cared for sick parents and in-laws as they became very ill and prepared to die

·        Tell my kids and my husband that I love them

·        Putting motherhood before work, friends and a social life

·        Having sleepless nights of all night studying and nursing my child to get up the next day and do it again

·        Taking care of my sister and my mom, to some degree, after my dad left us when I was 7

·        Moved across the country so my husband could get his dream job

·        Giving…giving…giving…

·        Buying a stroller for a friend who was really struggling with a lot of things, not just financially

·        Loving on a friend and choosing to forgive them even though I got hurt badly

·        Giving things up

·        Donating money to the poor at Christmas and eating with the homeless we find on the street

·        Continuing to discipline my 15 year old when it would be easier to give in

·        Washing poop and boogers and getting spit up on

·        Supporting my husband in his quest for public office

·        Spend time in the hospital with a friend’s husband when she had surgery

·        Taking care of my sister’s kids when she is out of town

·        Having 3 daughters who I love and adore above all other (except God and my husband) and loving them unconditionally regardless of their behavior

·        Made a “heritage album” of my husband’s 100 year old grandma and gave it to his mom

·        Staying out of family and friend drama

·        Driving 8 hours to Denver for the weekend to help my daughter with her 2 boys

·        Took my girls to the east coast to visit my husband’s family

·        Mowed the lawn when my husband had a busy week

·        Affirm someone’s worth

·        Getting up every 30-45 minutes with a sick child all night long and reminding her it was OK and I was not mad but loved her

·        I hope all I do is done lovingly!

The Christ Community Church MOPS Facebook page has 124 followers!! Are you one? Join in and see updates and engage on Facebook with your MOPS friends between meetings:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christ-Community-Church-MOPS/125998760779919

Be A Team Player!

Have any interest in helping with Compass Ministries after school program? Contact Jenny Berg at jennyb@cccomaha.org to see how you can be more involved.

Go Play Around Town

(Websites: http://www.momsofomaha.com/, http://vacation.visitomaha.com/, http://www.visitnebraska.org/)

First Friday Family Date Night at Omaha Children's Museum!  The Museum will be open till 8 pm on Friday, April 6th.  This month's theme is "Star Wars."

"Bunny Brunch" at the Maple St. YMCA on April 6th!    Have brunch with the Easter Bunny, and enjoy a story and craft, too.  From 9:30-10:30.  Please pre-register.

Easter Bunny & Spring Storytimes at Shadow Lake Towne Center, April 6-7!  The Easter Bunny will be roaming Main Street with honorary bunny ears for the kids.  Peeps the Storyteller will perform, too.  Bring a camera for photos with the Easter Bunny.

"Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type" at the Rose Theater!  This musical theater production runs from March 30 to April 15.  Recommended for kids ages 4 and up.

Announcements!!

ONLY TWO MEETINGS LEFT FOR EACH GROUP! SEE BELOW!!!

April 20^th(1/3) & 27^th(2/4): Marilyn Amstutz/Janice Cummings on Intentional Parenting 

***APRIL 27^TH - Bunco Game Night!!! Our final Night Owl! 6:30-9:30pm in the MOPS room (EC188). Snacks: 1/3 sweet & 2/4 salty

May 4^th(1/3) & 11^th(2/4): Last meeting…Celebration morning!

Prayer hotline:  Have a prayer need? Please send it to: prayer4mops@gmail.com

MOPPETS

Thank you for serving your 2 days in MOPPETS! It is VITAL that you show up on your assigned days so we can continue to provide a quality program for our children. If you have a conflict, please switch with another MOPS mom and contact our Childcare Coordinator, Michelle Brewer (michelleb@cccomaha.org), ASAP of the change. Please refer to your directory or your DGL for contact info. When you arrive at the church, check the posting by the nursery check-in table to find where you have been assigned to help. Thank you for your cooperation! This months assignments are listed below:

April 11^th -  1/3 Steering (9-11:30)
Chris Berkey
Wendy Sewell
Kim Sorenson
Lauri Quiner

April 18^th – 2/4 Steering (9-11:45)

Lindsey Bitter

Deana Loibl

Jennifer Doetzler

April 20^th – 1/3 Meeting (8:45-11:30)

Cassie Cowles

Meredith Ehrnberg

Jen Rauscher

Kara Clemens

Mary Cavell

Kathleen Russell

April 27^th – 2/4 Meeting (8:45-11:30)
Tracy Krelle
Whitney Julian
Shannon Swaney
Alicia Kurzenberger
Marlene Cameron
Jennifer Chambers
Shannon Hoegh
Amanda Kirkpatrick
Sarah Steenhoek

May 2^nd – 2/4 Steering (9-11:45)

Amy McEnroe

Natalie McNair

Stephanie Heinauer

Mary Cavell

May 4^th – 1/3 Meeting (8:45-11:30)

Kathleen Russell

Angie Timm

Sharilyn Toney

Liz Fogle

Michelle Shaughnessey

Leigh Dunn

Sarah Bouman

Shauna McCoy

May 11^th – 2/4 Meeting (8:45-11:30)
Kylie Shada
Martha Elvir
Shauna LeGrande
Stacy Meyer
Kristin Goolsby
Michelle Kazor
Kelli Hasenjager
Kim Sorenson