June 2012

Introducing Christine Burklund: 2/4 Teaching Mentor!

We are thrilled to be inviting Christine Burklund to the 2/4 Steering Team, to the benefit of the whole Christ Community Church MOPS family! She will join Jenifer Conkright as they plunge into the partnership role of Teaching Mentors for another great year of MOPS in 2012-2013. Read ahead and get to know a little bit about this fabulous woman. Thanks Christine! 

MOPS:  Tell us a bit about yourself personally and introduce us to the Burklunds!
CHRISTINE:  I have been a stay-at-home mom for the last 18 years. I love Jesus, coffee and books. Love, love, love to read (especially with a cup of coffee in my hand).  I have been married to my best friend, Dale, for 21 years. We have 5 children ranging in age from 18-8. My favorite day of the week is Wednesdays...if you want to know why, you can ask me some time!  :)

MOPS:  If you had a day to yourself what would you fill it with (you can’t say your husband and kids!)?
CHRISTINE:  That is easy. I would make a nice cup of coffee and start my day out with reading, reading, reading. Then I would love a nice walk with a dear friend followed by dinner at Charlestons.

MOPS:  Is there a most embarrassing Mom moment you would be willing to share with us?
CHRISTINE:  A few years back, we took our kids on a trip to California. As we were driving up Highway 1, my husband pulled over so we could look at a beautiful stretch of ocean. We got out of the car and my whole family, from my husband down to my 3-year-old, proceeded to climb down some rocks to stand right near the ocean. As I began to follow them down, they all started telling me not to come down, that it was too dangerous for me. "What?!", I thought. "My 3-year-old climbed down those rocks. Surely, I can too!" Much to my family's dismay, I began my way down. Of course, I completely crashed and burned...falling and bouncing my way down to the ocean. When I reached the bottom, they all came rushing to me trying ( unsuccessfully) to contain their rolling laughter at what they just witnessed. Fortunately, only my pride was hurt, but my kids (and husband) still laugh about it to this day.

MOPS:  Do you have any words of wisdom for moms who are in the midst of the preschool years?  
CHRISTINE:  Remember that by investing in teaching and training your little ones you are making a difference in the world. Your work and words with them matter! Also, remember to take time for yourself and do NOT feel guilty about doing so. It is good for you therefore good for your kiddos to take care of yourself.

MOPS:  What are you looking forward to about being the Teaching Mentor for 2/4?
CHRISTINE:  I am most looking forward to deepening the relationships that I got to start building during this last year of being a MOPS mentor mom, as well as building new relationships.

MOPS:  What was a highlight from this past year as a Mentor Mom?
CHRISTINE:  Oh, most definitely getting to know the beautiful women at my table. A close second was getting to hold and cuddle with their precious babies!!!

There is plenty of opportunity to get to know Christine more during MOPS. The 2012-2013 MOPS year will begin in September. If you are planning to join us in the fall and haven't registered yet, please contact Shanna today at shannabeachy@gmail.com. Enjoy those lovely long days of summer!