February 2012

Game On: The Adventures of Potty Training

Heidi with sons (Bowen, Carter) and husband Jason

By Heidi Hackel (1/3 Mom)

Potty training has begun in the Hackel household.  I THOUGHT I was fully prepared.  I did a month of research on what method to use, talked to several friends who have all been through it, and had all the right underwear.  My husband and I had numerous discussions on what to call #1 and #2 (we decided on “empty your tank” and “big potty”).  I even had two potty chairs so we could see which one my son, Carter, preferred.  But nothing prepared me for trying to coerce a 2 ½ year old strong willed child to simply relieve himself on a potty.  Sanity and patience quickly went out the window, as did trying to avoid ever getting pee on my carpet. 

As expected, there were some accidents the first few days, but he was getting the hang of #1.  By day three I was determined to catch him having a “big potty”.  I knew he had to go, so I slipped the potty chair under him in the living room while he was playing cars at the coffee table. A few minutes later there is a precious nugget, of what I would consider at this point to be gold, sitting in the bottom of the potty chair.  Whoo hoo, we are on the home stretch!!!  According to all my sources, once they poop in the potty one time they get it.  But not my son.  The next day he is walking around on his tippy toes saying, “It hurts mommy, it hurts”, and holding his bottom.  After an hour of coaxing by both me and my hubby, he gets a little something out.  The next few days it’s all downhill.  Because he won’t go, it’s hurting.  But because he’s hurting, he won’t go. 

In a flash of what I thought was brilliance, I told Jason to pretend to go in his potty chair using a fun size Snickers as a prop.  He pulled off an amazing pretend potty, if Carter hadn't recognized what it was from the one time he'd had a Snickers at Halloween.  He got very excited that, "Daddy pottied candy!", and tried to reach in and grab it.  But my sweet husband was still going with it.  They went to the big potty, dumped it in, and flushed it.  Carter proceeded to wave and say, "Bye candy".  Well, so much for that idea….

The next two days involved rubber gloves, glycerin suppositories, Mirilax, and eventually just putting a diaper back on him so he could get the “big potty” out before putting him back into his undies so I could try to preserve the progress we’d made with getting the pee in the potty.  This process is still going.  I never thought I would have a website titled Getting your Child to Poop on the Potty bookmarked, but I do.  (And no, I will not be pinning it to my Pinterest account.)

But I have learned a few things through this process.  To be thankful for a healthy child, who’s only problem is that he is literally anal retentive.  To persevere and stick to what we started.   To do what I know my child needs at the moment, despite what the books tell you to do or not to do.  And to enjoy these times when they are small enough to let you be in the bathroom with them, cheering on a poop. Ahh, I hear my little potty trainee waking up from his nap.  Time to go “empty the tank”. ***

“Mentor’s Favorite Things…”

“One of my favorite things I have done was to have a date with each of my children.  We have 5 kids and both my husband and I wanted to make sure they each felt loved and special.  The fun is in exploring what your child really likes to do when there is no one else around. One of my children loved the pet store.  We would go and just spend an hour looking at the fish, turtles, birds, snakes etc until they got tired of looking.  We had the best “one on one” conversations there.  Another child loved to hike, another loved lunch out just the two of us.  The point is to find whatever their little heart desires and spend time getting to know them.  It is the best investment you could ever make and the dividends will return ten-fold.  Priceless!” – Kristi Barth (1/3 Mentor)

“One of my favorite things I did for my husband Dave was give him a surprise party for his 37th birthday.  I had about 10 couples hiding out in our little barn after dinner on a Friday night.  They made a big sound, Dave thought it was our horse, and he went to the barn to see what was going on.  They were all in there and when he turned on the light they all yelled surprise!  I think I had more fun than he did surprising him.”  – Linda Bishop (2/4 Mentor)

Time Out To Cook (From Kari College 2/4 - via insidebrucrewlife.blogspot.com)

Salted Caramel Mocha Brownie Cups

1 brownie mix (for a 9x13 pan)

4 tsp. instant coffee

1/4 c. hot water

1/2 c. oil

3 eggs

caramel kisses

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dissolve the coffee in the water. Mix the brownie mix, coffee water, oil and eggs until just moistened. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 - 3/4 full. Bake 18-24 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs on it. Cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then press a caramel kiss into the center point first. Cool 5 more minutes. Carefully remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Frost with Salted Caramel Butter Cream. Drizzle with extra caramel. Makes 15 brownie cups.

Salted Caramel Butter Cream

1 c. butter

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. caramel ice cream topping

1 tsp. sea salt

4 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. milk

*Stir the sea salt into the caramel topping and set aside. Cream the butter and vanilla for 3 -4 minutes. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar. It will be very thick. Pour in the caramel and beat again. If you feel like it is too thick, you can always add a tsp. of milk. Just make sure to whip it in completely. You might have a little bit of frosting left over, but after one bite of it, you will be digging in with a spoon.

Game Stats

When asked which you would rather receive as a gift, chocolate or flowers:

63% Flowers, 32% Chocolate (4 voted both and 2 voted neither!)

The Christ Community Church MOPS Facebook page has 119 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!

Like to bake cookies with your kids and teach them about giving at the same time? Join a Valentine’s blessing to families by baking 2 dozen cookies and delivering them to Christ Community Church by February 5^th. Contact janafayemurphy@gmail.com with any questions.

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://vacation.visitomaha.com/, http://www.visitnebraska.org/, www.MomsOfOmaha.com)

Kid's Meal Deals - Selected Restaurants  Check this link for free or discounted kid's meals offered by more than 20 area restaurants.

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center's "Mud Pies" program for children 5 and under.  Available Monday & Tues. mornings until May 20th; starts again Sept. 8th. Cost is $2 per child for members; $3 for non-members.  Adults admitted free. restaurants.

Baby Maestro 10804 Prairie Hills Drive Omaha  (402) 614-0068
Baby Maestro offers fun music & movement classes for children 6 weeks to 5 years old.  Parents or caregivers attend with their children.  Instruction is informal; children participate as they choose to do at their development level.  Class size is 7 - 12 children.  Attend a free class to check it out.

Boys Town Student Art Show. January 01, 2012 - May 31, 2012. Boys Town youth put their best artistic efforts on display at the Hall of History. This show features a variety of artwork from residents of all ages. Recurring daily. Venue: Boys Town. Address: Hall of History, 14057 Flanagan Blvd, Boys Town NE. Times: 10am-4pm. Phone: (402) 498-1186. Admission: Free. http://www.boystown.org

Celebrate Black History on Stamps. January 01, 2012 - March 03, 2012. View stamps of famous Black Americans on display at the Leon Myers Stamp Center, located in the Boys Town Visitors Center. Recurring daily. Venue: Boys Town. Address: Leon Myers Stamp Center, 13628 Flanagan Blvd. Times: Mon-Fri/8am-5pm; Sat/9am-4pm; Sun/11am-4pm. Phone: (402) 498-1141. Admission: Free. http://www.boystown.org

The Adventures of Nate the Great! February 03, 2012 - February 19, 2012. Nate is a mighty detective capable of solving even the most complicated mysteries. When Annie loses a painting of her dog, she calls on him. Taking into consideration the details of her work, he tracks down the most unexpected culprit. Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday. Venue: The Rose Theater. Address: 2001 Farnam St. Times: Fri/7pm; Sat/2 & 7pm; Sun/2pm. Phone: (402) 345-4849. Admission: $16 or FREE with Membership. http://www.rosetheater.org

Announcements!!

February 3(1/3) & 10(2/4): Couponing and Glass Etching

            (Bring your own glasses, dish or bowl or use one we will provide!)

February 17(1/3) & 24(2/4): Mom Panel!!!!

February 17!!! MOPS & POPS: A Magical Evening! 6:30-9:30pm in the Christ Community Church Student Center (junior high room) $12/couple. Purchase tickets at next meeting.

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:

February 1 - Steering (9-11:45)  
Sarah Bouman
Jody Hemmingson
Cheri Schnack
Courtney Hinze

February 3 - 1/3 Meeting (8:45-11:30)
Heidi Green
Brenda Boggs
Nicole Deprez
Erika Barber
Chelsea Little
Jennifer Riser

Kristi Langford

February 8 – 1/3 Steering (9-11:30)
Jessica Beck
Christa Cottam
Emily Banks
Jenny Reid

February 10 – 2/4 Meeting (8:45-11:30)  

Courtney Scott
Shelley Williams

Michelle Desmet
Amanda Derby
Jenifer Burchfiel
Cindy Francis
Louise Pedersen

February 17 - 1/3 Meeting (8:45-11:30)
Holly Gillespie
Tami Tran
Carolyn Smith
Stacey Morgan
Haley Abenchuchan
Kirstin Brummels
Kelley Greening

February 24 - 2/4 Meeting  (8:45-11:30)
Tiffani Herfordt
Susan Harris
Cindy Francis
Whitney Julian
Wendy Sewell
Amanda Peters
Jennifer Vidmar

February 29 - Steering (9-11:45)
Christina Ingraham
Joy Gregory
Meredith Ehrenberg 

 

January 2012

Anne with husband Adam and son Elijah

Game On: It’s Okay
By Anne Backer (1/3 Mom)

 

Let me start by saying, it’s okay to take a minute to sit and read this. Heck, throw your feet up on the coffee table, after pushing aside the accumulating dishes and to-do lists littering the table top, and really immerse yourself in this blog. Push away the nagging thought that you should be doing something else, something important, and build a dam against the flood of guilt that threatens to overtake you, because it is okay to do this for yourself.

Recently, I was sitting around with a bunch of lovely moms, who had all left their little ones at home with dad for the night, and we got around to saying how weird it was to not be doing anything. When one mom stood up to check on dinner, I swear, a few us stood up automatically as if we had been conditioned for so long to fix dinner, set the table, pick up the toys, feed the child, etc., that we really didn’t know that we could, in fact, just sit.

We laughed over the fact that we felt funny not to be doing something, and it occurred to me that even though it is good to stay busy, be helpful, and meet our kids’ needs, it is also okay to sit down and relax, read a book, step over a pile of toys while pretending they are not there, or to let someone else feed the baby or wash the dishes.

Mothers sometimes feel the stress of the world on their shoulders, and I say, it’s okay to politely reach over, take that ball of stress resting heavily on you, and throw it off once in a while. When you have a baby, you hear whispers of the adage, ‘don’t forget to take time for yourself,' and in the back of your mind you’re thinking, yeah, right, and when do I do that?

But I say, it only happens when you allow yourself to be okay with not being super-mom. Ask for help when you feel that ball of stress start to tingle at the top of your spine, remind yourself that you need a life, too, outside of changing dirty diapers and running a car pool service, and above all, do not let guilt keep you from reading this blog, getting out of the house for a couple hours, taking up a new hobby, or sitting down while your husband or your kids check on dinner.

Because a healthy you can run a lot longer than a worn-down, weary version of yourself. We need to teach our children that being busy, busy, busy isn’t the picture of success, but instead, it is leading a meaningful life. I challenge you today to think of a hobby you have been secretly dreaming of (mine would be to learn how to dance, like jazz, tap, or ballet), and do it! Ask your hubby to babysit for the night, grab a sitter, or trade nights with another mom, and take up that new hobby.

And I promise you, it is okay to do that. ***

“Mentor’s Favorite Things…”

“My favorite thing I ever did was go whitewater rafting in Colorado down the Royal Gorge.  It was terrifying, and my husband got thrown out of the raft in the first hour, but it was so fun! I hope to go many more times in my life! – Shally Luzum (1/3 Mentor)

“Looking back, one of my favorite things that I’m glad I did as a woman is sit with a man I didn’t know from church whose wife was having surgery.  At a ladies Sunday school class meeting one night our leader ask if anyone could sit with Mavis’s husband (she was a mentor for our class) while she was having surgery. I hardly knew Mavis I was fairly new to the class. Seeing that no one was going to volunteer, I did, which if you know me is a little out of my comfort zone. I mean what am I to talk about with this older man that I don’t know. Anyway that day came and it wasn’t as scary as I thought; I think it was comforting for him to have someone with him to help pass the time. Many years passed and I was amazed that he continued remember that day. It is rewarding not only for us to help out someone in need but we don’t know how much it may mean to the person we help. I now realize that it wasn’t about me and my fears but about a person that needed someone to care. There are times when someone may need a smile, a hug, a kind word, or a caring person just to listen, let us be those people.”  – Jan Ohlsson (2/4 Mentor)

Time Out To Cook (Following recipes from the kitchen of Katie Ebers, 2/4 Hospitality)

Breakfast Before Casserole (*make the day before serving)
1 lb. spicy sausage
6 eggs
2 c. milk
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
2-3 slices bread (cubed)
1 c. grated cheddar cheese

*Saute sausage. Drain. Beat eggs with milk, salt & mustard. Layer bread cubes, sausage and cheese in a greased 9x13 pan. Pour egg mixture on top. Refrigerate over night. Bake @ 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Beat 2 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla.

Mix in 2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking powder.
Grease and flour angel food pan. Put in 1/2 batter and 1/2 topping.
Put in other 1/2 of batter and remaining topping. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
*Topping:  3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional), 5 TBSP. brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Game Stats

Winter is the LEAST favorite season of the year according to our survey. Only 1 person circled winter as the favorite, so all the rest of you hang in there and enjoy the quality time inside!

BOLDNESS IS… (in the words of our ladies)

·        Doing something out of your comfort zone (#1 response)

·        Brave, courageous, confidence, strength, daring…

·        Being brave to take a stand

·        Overcoming your fear, doing what scares you

·        Trusting God, being the face of God to everyone I meet

·        Taking a risk, stepping out in faith

·        Being carefree, letting go and having fun

·        Doing something crazy or that says “wow!”

·        Speaking your mind

·        Doing something unexpected

·        Acting outside of the “box”

·        Doing something despite of what others think

·        Putting yourself “out there”

·        ...is hard to do, but important

·        Taking charge and not being stepped on

·        Going where no man has gone before

·        Trusting your inner feelings or what your heart tells you to do

·        Standing up for someone when they can’t stand up for themselves

·        Being confident and humble at the same time

·        Caring enough about others to speak the truth to them

·        Saying what is on your mind even when people don’t want to hear it

·        Doing something when you are really unsure of the outcome

·        Standing up for what you believe, in a graceful and confident manner

·        Standing up for something regardless the cost

·        Doing something out of the ordinary without reservation

·        Stepping out on the ledge to do something or meet someone new

·        Not being afraid to be yourself and try new things

·        Doing what your heart tells you or what is right, even when it isn’t easy

The Christ Community Church MOPS Facebook page has 117 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!

!!!Book Drive!!! If you still had books for Compass Ministries that you were unable to bring to our December meeting, please bring them and they will be passed along to Comapss. Thank you ladies for all of the books that were given!

Go Play Around Town

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

KiDS Body Shop (Papillion, NE) If you're like me, you worry about how your kids are going to get enough exercise once the cold weather hits. From November through February, I'm always searching for fun ways for kids to get some vigorous exercise in indoor settings. Did you know that KiDS Body Shop offers activities that are available to the general public? For more details, click here: http://www.kidsbodyshop.com/
 
Besides gymnastics and swimming opportunities, KiDS Body Shop also provides several additional activities which are open to the public. Open Gym Open Gym is a time when you and your children can come enjoy our gym outside of class. Open Gyms are held on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:00 PM through May 15th 2012.

Indoor Ice Skating Rinks:

Mid-America Center Ice Arena:

http://www.midamericacenter.com/aren...formation.aspx

Motto McLean Ice Arena in Hitchcock Park:

http://www.cityofomaha.org/parks/par...ties/ice-rinks

Moylan Ice Plex: http://moylaniceplex.com/

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks:

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Ice Skating Rink:

http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/parks/...tmactivity.asp

University of Nebraksa Medical Center Ice Skating Rink:

http://www.unmc.edu/services/bus-fin...ss/skating.htm  

Dundee Neighborhood Ice Skating Rink: Free. Happy Hollow Blvd. and Underwood Ave. At your own risk, daylight only, no skate rental or restrooms.

Announcements!!

January 13(2/4): Nancy Davies on Discipline
January 20(1/3): Lisa Brown on her "Favorite Things"
January 27(2/4): Jenifer Conkright (Lighter Side of Life)

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 Heidi Harner(2/4) or Shantel Crellin(1/3) 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:

January 4 - 2/4 Steering (8:45-11:45)
Anne Bauer
Chelsea Little
Amy McEnroe
Molly Asher
   

January 11 – 1/3 Steering (9-11:30)
Tiffani Herfordt
Tracy Krelle
Julie Richard
Shannon Swaney

January 13 – 2/4 Meeting (8:45-11:30)

Kimberly Sorensen
Lauri Quiner
Alicia Kurzenberger
Marlene Cameron
Jennifer Chambers
Martha Elvir

January 20 - 1/3  Meeting (8:45-11:30)
Leigh Dunn
Kelley Greening
Yolanda Hardesty 
Emily Gorab
Mary Cavell
Kara Clemens
Heidi Green

January 27 – 2/4 Meeting (8:45-11:30)
Shauna LeGrande
Stacy Meyer
Kristin Goolsby
Michelle Kazor
Shannon Hoegh
Alexa Margary

December 2011

Game On: Jingle Bells & Egg Rolls

By Leigh Dunn (2/4 Mom)

One Christmas Eve years ago, my brother, sisters, and I excitedly ran up the stairs in our home after a candlelight service. We usually had a yummy soup supper and were allowed to open one Christmas gift. There was no soup, however…through all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, my mom hadn’t gotten around to making supper that year for some reason. We all piled back into our minivan (AKA “Tetanus” due to the massive amount of rust donning the vehicle) and rode around Omaha looking for a restaurant open on Christmas Eve. Lo and behold, the only place open was a Chinese restaurant.



Years later, going out to Chinese food on Christmas Eve became a tradition in my family. We also watched the infamous “It’s a Wonderful Life” and wept when George Bailey realized his life wasn’t all that bad. We dumped out our Christmas stockings first on Christmas morning, before presents were opened. We enjoyed warm orange cinnamon rolls drenched with icing for Christmas breakfast.

After I got married, however, and when little kiddos came into our home, traditions became a bit more “flexible.” We were able to create our own holiday traditions and keep a few from our childhoods. Now we watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” while the kids are sleeping and I’m wrapping last-minute gifts. The Chinese food is a hit-and-miss in this household, as each year seems a bit different, depending on the age of kids, times of meals, etc. I’m learning our traditions may change from time to time.  Sometimes, I’m a little saddened about the nostalgia and child-like awe and wonder I had as a kid.

But when I see my 2 1/2 year old son put his arm around his 1 year old baby sister, while “teaching” her about the stockings and pointing out ornaments and characters in the nativity scene, I’m able to experience that child-like awe and wonder in a whole new way.  Experiencing Christmas as a Mommy and not a kiddo is a blessing beyond measure.

Traditions may come and go. Kids grow up, and things change. But don’t be surprised if the Dunn’s are having some almond chicken and crab rangoon this Christmas Eve. ***

“Mentor’s Favorite Things…”

“My favorite thing to do everyday is take a bath before bed.  I've been doing this every night since the kids were babies (now 23 & 20).  It's my time away from everything and everyone and I spend it meditating and praying to God about what's on my heart.  When the kids were little, I'd wait until they were in bed and then I'd take a 15 minute spa break for myself.  My favorite bath product is Shower Smoothie from Ulta,  You can use if for shampoo (never have), shower gel, or bubble bath.  It comes in a lot of great flavors.  As a mother and wife, we need time for ourselves and that's hard to find sometimes.  I've found that just 15-20 minutes by myself every night reduces the stress and worry from the day.  Also as an added bonus it's nice to go to bed feeling fresh and smelling good.”  - Susan Friesen (1/3 Mentor)

“My favorite time is “anything I don’t have to plan.” As moms, it seems like we plan everything on every day for everyone.  I love to do things where I can just show up and not have to plan out anything, pack anything, or arrange anything.  This means that my husband would pick the day (usually after talking to me about what is on the family calendar first), then he would call the babysitter (I would leave her number by the phone and a post it note) if needed, or arrange the car pool for the older children (with a little guidance), plan dinner for the children (even if it is frozen pizza) and pick the place to take me. It is awesome to go anywhere when you don’t have to plan a thing!  We would celebrate Valentine’s Weekend by getting together with friends and have a pot luck dinner.  Then we would play the newlywed game.  It was always a lot of fun.  A few times, Greg and I would win the “25 point question” because it usually asked something like this… name your wife’s favorite vacation, favorite date, favorite time, etc.  Greg always knew that my favorite anything was anywhere or anything that I did not have to plan.  So if your husband asks you what you want to do?  Just say anything I don’t have to plan! Then relax, have fun and go with what he decides!”  – Patty Cassalia (2/4 Mentor)

Time Out To Cook

Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze (from Jenifer Conkright and shecooks.org website)

            Cake:

            15 ounce can pumpkin (not the mix or pie filling)

            1/3 cup apple juice

            2 large eggs

            2 tablespoons vegetable oil

            2 teaspoons vanilla extract

            2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

            1 box yellow cake mix

           

            Streusel:

            6 tablespoons butter, melted

            3/4 cup brown sugar

            3/4 cup all-purpose flour

            1 teaspoon cinnamon

            3/4 cup chopped pecans

           

            Glaze:

            1/2 cup brown sugar

            1/4 cup heavy cream

            1/4 cup pure maple syrup

*Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine all cake ingredients except the cake mix with a wire whisk. Once the mixture is well combined, stir in the cake mix. Pour batter into prepared pan. In a separate bowl, combine all streusel ingredients except the nuts. Once combined, stir in the nuts. Crumble with your fingers and evenly distribute over the cake. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. To make the glaze, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is thick (about 3-5 minutes). With a large carving fork or skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake and set aside for 30 minutes before serving. This cake is extremely moist and just as delicious the next day (if there is any left!).

Game Stats

Need some holiday reading material? Many of our lovely MOPS moms have their own blogs and have shared the addresses for us. If you have your own blog that you would like to share that didn’t show up on the list, please add it in the comments at the end of this entry. Click on the links below to get to know a new mom and stay connected over the holidays. Thanks for sharing!

1/3 Moms with blogs

Susan Harris: www.notexactlysusiehomemaker.blogspot.com

Gina Hosteter: www.makeroomforjoy.com

Julie Richard: www.andyandjulierichard.blogspot.com

Laura Farrington: www.thefarringonfamily.blogspot.com

Amanda Derby: www.jaderby.blogspot.com

Shae Dalke: www.faithjourneytovietnam.blogspot.com

Tracy Krelle: www.krelles.blogspot.com

2/4 Moms with blogs

Christina Ingraham: www.ingrahaminfo.blogspot.com

Leigh Dunn: www.jasonandleigh.blogspot.com

Becky Sessions: www.sbsessions.blogspot.com

Jennifer Dotzler: www.jandjdotzler.blogspot.com

Emily Dugger: www.babydugger.blogspot.com

Becca Sutton: www.randomhoughtsbybecca.blogspot.com

Kelley Greening: www.daily-sips.blogspot.com

Jana Murphy: www.smpancakes.blogspot.com

Jennifer Riser: www.mrsrizzer.blogspot.com

Kari College: www.keepingupwiththecolleges.blogspot.com

The Christ Community Church MOPS Facebook page has 117 followers. Are you one? Click to join in and see updates and engage on Facebook with your MOPS friends between meetings!

Be A Team Player!

!!!Book Drive!!! We are going to be collecting our books for Compass Ministries for a Christmas project at the December meetings. If you have any gently used books around your home that you would like to share to help start a library for these kiddos, please bring them on the 2^nd(1/3) or 9^th(2/4). This is for K-6^th grade reading level and you can view the Amazon.com wish list to get some ideas or even purchase books. Search for “Compass” and put Omaha, NE in the location field. Encourage your kiddos to pass along some books to other kiddos who don’t have access to the library.

1/3 ladies only!! You will be gathering leftover Halloween candy on December 2^nd. Here are the details: Have leftover Halloween candy that you don’t know what to do with? Compass Ministries uses bags of candy in their after school program year round and could use any you would have to share. Bring any individually wrapped pieces you have to share in snack sized baggies on December 2^nd and there will be a few minutes to bag them during the meeting. Thanks!

Go Play Around Town

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

Morning In Bethlehem Saturday, December 10th at Christ Community Church from 10:30am-12:30pm. Free! (A small wrapped gift to the AAA Pregnancy Center is suggested as a donation). Your children will experience an interactive walk through the Biblical setting of Christmas.

Christmas at Union Station 
Durham Western Heritage Museum, 801 South 10th St. Omaha (402) 444-5071

Dickens in the Market - Victorian Christmas 
The Old Market, Omaha 10th to 13th Sts., Harney to Jackson Sts.

Each Christmas season, Omaha's Old Market becomes a Victorian-Era holiday marketplace.  Festive decorations, carolers in Victorian dress, and horse-drawn carriage rides add Dickensian cheer to the festive season each Saturday and Sunday.

Holiday Lights Gene Leahy Mall 12th & Farnam Omaha

A million lights decorate the trees at the Mall from Thanksgiving to early January.

Holiday Wildlights Henry Doorly Zoo - 3701 South 10th St. Omaha

Wander through the Omaha Zoo's winter wonderland. Glimpse at the glittering lights on the trees and bushes, and catch sight of the moving animal images. Make a holiday craft in Santa's Workshop, visit the Touch Tank in the Scott Aquarium and have a snack from Durham's TreeTops Restaurant.

 

Indoor Ice Skating Rinks:

Mid-America Center Ice Arena:

http://www.midamericacenter.com/aren...formation.aspx

Motto McLean Ice Arena in Hitchcock Park:

http://www.cityofomaha.org/parks/par...ties/ice-rinks

Moylan Ice Plex: http://moylaniceplex.com/

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks:

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Ice Skating Rink:

http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/parks/...tmactivity.asp

University of Nebraksa Medical Center Ice Skating Rink:

http://www.unmc.edu/services/bus-fin...ss/skating.htm  

ConAgra Foods Ice Skating Rink (Holiday Season Only):

http://www.holidaylightsfestival.org/icerink.html

Dundee Neighborhood Ice Skating Rink: Free. Happy Hollow Blvd. and Underwood Ave. At your own risk, daylight only, no skate rental or restrooms.

Announcements!!

December 2(1/3) & 9(2/4): Come and enjoy the Christmas season with an extended creative activity!

**See you in January! There will be no meetings at the end of December. Enjoy the holidays!

Pictorial Directory is here!!! Our directory is completed and available online as a password protected PDF file. This includes a birthday list and Discussion Group list. If you would like a printed version, you can take the PDF to a Kinkos and have it printed. When you click on this link, it will take you to the document and you will need to enter the password that you received via email. Enjoy browsing over the lovely faces of our MOPS ladies!!!

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 Heidi Harner(2/4) or Shantel Crellin(1/3) 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:

December 2 - 1/3  Meeting
Stacey Morgan
Haley Abenchuchan
Kirstin Brummels
Becky Lachin
Christin Schroeder
Tami Tran
Jackie Ryba
Jen Rauscher

December 9 - 2/4 Meeting
Katie Wheat
Laura Farington
Kim Porter
Kelli Hasenjager
Gina Hostetler
Paola Lee
Anne Backer