ICYMI (In case you missed it): Connie Grigsby

If you weren't able to attend the meeting, here are some highlights from speaker Connie Grigsby and her talk on marriage.

-"Blast off and re-entry:" Make it a point to see husband off to work in the morning, and greet him in the evening.
-Don't be determined to win; prioritize the relationship over the issue.
-Respect him more or better. Don't consider if he is "loving" you well enough. Don't withhold respect.
-Don't have discussions in front of the children.
-Forgive freely. If you live in your history, God can't take you to your destiny.
-Spend more time with God, so you're not as dependent on your husband to meet your needs.
-Your husband does not determine your self worth, Jesus does that.
-Let him be a guy (and don't criticize how he compartmentalizes his life).
-Ask for what you need.
-Be "for" your husband.
-Appreciate him more (it's never lost on him).
-Be the one to get back on track.
-Respect him in the bedroom.

Connie's suggested reading list:
Two Sides of Love by Gary Smalley and John Trent
Motivating your Man God's Way by Dr. Emerson & Sarah Eggerichs
Women are like Spaghetti, Men are like Waffles by Bill Farrel
Idol Lies by Dee Brestin
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Torn Asunder by David M. Carder and R. Duncan Jaenicke
Wounded Heart by Dan B. Allender
Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
Politically Incorrect Wife by Nancy Cobb and Connie Grigsby
Becoming the Woman of his Dreams by Sharon Jaynes

Meet Katie and Margie!

Introducing the 1/3 MOPS Coordinator, Katie Wheat, and the 1/3 MOPS Teaching Mentor, Margie Alford!

 

Katie with husband, Zach, and sons Micah and Landon.

How many years have you been involved in MOPS? 

I have been in MOPS for 5 years.

If there was a day that was filled with all sorts of your favorite things, what would that day look like? 

I would wake up around 8 just because I want to (not because a child was screaming...). I would do bible study, with a cup of coffee. Then I would go to coffee with a friend (lots of coffee...) and go shopping at H&M. I would then take hours to get ready and go to a fancy dinner with my husband and take a walk around the Old Market. ( Oh and the day would be kidless... : )).

Why did you choose to be in MOPS Leadership?  

I was so honored when Beth (the previous coordinator) asked me to be the new coordinator. I felt scared because details don't always come easily to me, but I knew that God had called me and that I wanted to be used by him. I am excited to see how he will work through me , and it is really only because of him if anything goes well! 

What is your favorite verse?  

My favorite verse is Psalm 90:14: Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

 Margie with husband Ken, sons Greg and Paul (with fiancee Megan), and daughter Laura (with husband Brian). Not pictured: yellow labs Cody and Riley.

How many years have you been involved in MOPS?

This will be my 5th year as a mops mentor.

If there was a day that was filled with all sorts of your favorite things, what would that day look like?

A good movie, beautiful weather to sit out on the patio, a couple of hours in the morning to sit at the coffee shop and read the paper, make my monthly run to Marshalls and TJ Maxx…

Why did you choose to be a Teaching Mentor?

I am on staff at CCC and I was looking for a ministry that I could be involved in as a volunteer. It has been a good fit for me. I absolutely love filling my life with "young" friends. It fills me up.

What is your favorite verse?

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Meet Anne and Jen!

Introducing the 2/4 MOPS Coordinator, Anne Greve, and the 2/4 MOPS Teaching Mentor, Jen Smith!

Anne with son Brodie, daughters Abi and Chloe, and husband, Mike

How many years have you been involved in MOPS? 
This is my 7th year @ CCC Mops and I LOVE it!

If there was a day that was filled with all sorts of your favorite things, what would that day look like?  

I would be enjoying the beach on a sunny day with my family, there would be lots of good food and coffee :) Maybe throw in a shopping trip and dinner with my husband and our close friends!

  

Why did you choose to be in MOPS leadership? 

I feel honored and blessed to have been asked to serve in Mops. I love mom's, they are near and dear to my heart. Being a mom is sometimes the toughest job and yet one of the most important...we are shaping the future generation. Mops international says it best: "better moms make a better world!" And I couldn't agree more!

What is your favorite verse?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

Jen with sons Cooper and Colton, daughter Chloe and husband, Brian

  

If there were a day that was filled with all sorts of your favorite things, what would that day look like?

My favorite day would definitely start by sleeping in!  You never get too old to want to sleep in! After getting up and around, I would enjoy a hot tea (or creamer with a little coffee mixed in) while spending some time in the Word and praying.  Then I would read my favorite magazines and catch up on the latest headlines via social media.  The day would consist of a massage, meeting up with a few friends for lunch and possible a little shopping.  When evening rolls around, a dinner date with Brian at one of our favorite restaurants would be perfect followed by some family time with the kids after that!

How many years have you been involved in MOPS?  Why did you choose to be a Mentor Mom/Teaching Mentor?

I actually think that I have MOPS blood running through my veins! I started MOPS in the fall of 1999.  I started as a MOPS Mom and then took on different leadership roles…DGL, DGL Coordinator, Co-coordinator and Coordinator.  I graduated from MOPS when Colton went to first grade.  After taking 3 years off, I was asked to come back as a mentor.  There was no question in my mind that I wanted to return back to MOPS. MOPS was a life-saving group for me. When we first moved to Omaha, I knew no one. My husband was traveling and I was home with a 1 year old. I NEEDED this group...for friendship, support, encouragement, and affirmation. This is where I grew as a mom, wife and friend. I met so many women who are sitll some of my very best friends!

What is your favorite verse?

For many years I have suffered from depression & anxiety.  There are so many verses that I love but this one really speaks to me on a daily basis...Psalms 4: 1, 3b, 8
 
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!  You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 

The Lord hears when I call to Him. 

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone O Lord, make me to dwell in safety. 

 

Meet Anne's Table!

Here's Anne then and now!

Anne is in 1/3 MOPS and this is her 2nd year as a DGL.  She has 2 kids.

Do you have any Easter traditions?

As for any holiday, I just try to be with family. Growing up we went to sunrise service, the pancake feed, and hunted down our Easter baskets (a tradition that my Dad carried on until we were married). For my kids, I just like to bring the whole family together--grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc--go to church and worship God, eat together, and hopefully play outside a little. Also, the weeks leading up to Easter, Eli and I like to hide those brightly-colored plastic eggs around the house and find them. He likes to play that game over and over and over again. 
 
For Eli's first Easter, I woke up in the middle of the night with a great idea--I would make a onesie for his first Easter outfit. So, while the world was still dark, I got my sharpies out and a white onesie and got to work creating this beautiful He Is Risen shirt for Eli. Only after I spent an hour on it did I realize it stunk! I threw it in the wash quick, but even by morning, it still reeked of Permanent Marker. I had Eli in it long enough to snap a picture but was so afraid I would make him high for Easter, I quickly took it off and stowed it away for a keepsake. 
 This year, for Lena, I think I'll worry a little less about a cute outfit. Like I said, it's all about bringing family together and making memories while celebrating the huge fact that our whole lives as Christians changed because of what Jesus chose to do on Easter Morn.  

Meet her table!

not pictured: Katie

Each person was asked this question:

Where is the best place to take your kids in the summer?

DGL-ANNE: We utilize all the free programs that the library puts on--so many fun, interactive activities.  Also, spray ground parks around Omaha.

MENTOR MOM-SHALLY

BECKY: Grandma's pool

KRISTIN: Splash pad- 120th and Center(ish), different parks around Omaha, Fontanelle Forest

SHELLI-Splash parks, zoo, mall play area if it's too hot. 

KATIE: The splash park off of 156th and Maple

SARAH: Fontanelle Forest-outdoor/nature playground-Awesome!

AMANDA

Thanks for sharing your table with us, Anne!

Instead of one dinner recipe, I will do three fun ways to eat 3 different vegetables.  ~Anne
 
1) Kale Chips  I do mine on the stove top. Wash kale lettuce leaves and then strip the leaves off the stalk. Scatter them in a skillet and drizzle a good amount of olive oil (or grapeseed oil or small bits of butter (the real stuff) if you prefer) on top. Then add your seasoning. I like salt and pepper, which makes them like salty chips. Garlic salt is also really good. Be generous with the salt and pepper! Cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes until the leaves get crispy. In the end, you have a great side dish that fulfills your craving for a salty snack. 
Note: you can also bake them in the oven to get them crunchier, just be careful because they burn faster. Also, pat dry your leaves after washing them, as baking them wet can leave them soggy.
 
2) Sweet Potato Bites.If you haven't jumped on the sweet potato train, you're missing out. Or, if you only taste them at Thanksgiving under the weight of marshmallow and butter, you are missing out!  I like my sweet potatoes many ways: baked with apples and topped with honey and butter, steamed in the oven as a whole sweet potato, and also mixed with other veggies. But my favorite way is to bake them with Italian seasoning.  (SO QUICK and EASY!)
First, peel and dice the sweet potato and scatter on parchment paper (if you have it). Then, drizzle with olive oil (or grapeseed oil, which in this case I prefer) and then add a generous dose of garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Bake at 400 for 20-30 minutes, depending on how big the pieces are and also if you like burnt ends. I love the burnt pieces of sweet potatoes, which to me, taste like burnt marshmallows.  This side dish, to me, has a pizza quality and maybe satisfies that craving for you as well!
 
3) Cauliflower Popcorn First, wash and cut into bite-sized pieces. Then, drizzle with olive oil and shake some salt on. Bake at 400 for 20 or 30 minutes and you will have a great substitute for popcorn. Makes a great side dish or a yummy snack.
With cauliflower, you can also cut lengthwise so it has a flat surface and then place on the grill after adding seasoning. 
 
The trick with adding more vegetables in your meals is playing with the spices. Don't be afraid to experiment!
 
Note: In case you are worried about adding too much salt in your diet: if you start to eliminate processed foods (anything that comes in cans, boxes, etc), it's amazing how much sodium intake that frees up. 

Meet Natalie's Table!

Here's Natalie then and now!

Natalie is in 2/4 MOPS and this is her first year as a DGL.  She has 4 kids.

Tell us about your messiest mom moment.

My messiest moment lasted much longer than just a moment. My biggest mess began when we were moving - in transition from St. Louis to Omaha. We had 3 kids (a 4 yr old and 1 yr old twins - BOYS!!)  Ben had started his new job w/ the Creighton Bluejays August 1st, and I was alone with 3 toddlers trying to parent and show our home on a moment's notice. I finally decided I couldn't take it anymore, and I packed our van full with 3 kids, 3 car seats, a double stroller, two seasons worth of clothes, house papers and our entire filing system, toys and whatever else that fit. We lived with gracious families across the state moving every week attempting to preserve relationships and maintain a sense of stability for kids, without being disowned. Who in their right mind takes on a homeless, anxious  mother of 3 crazies, (aka the St. Louis McNair 3 ring circus), who has then just found out she is pregnant??? Yep, jackpot BABY!...1 of the maybe 4 nights total that I saw my husband in 3 1/2 months!

Well 3 1/2 months went by, some 75 home viewings later, several trips across the state to view potential homes, a handful (at most) of a few hours (at most) visits with dad, a vandalized car during one of the four attempts to see Dad, a trip to the ER with my son who had blue lips and couldn't breathe! (Me either!) in the added bonus of an OUTSIDE network location, we finally moved into our home only to find out that my husband got called into work the day we were to move in...and then it snowed that first week.

Two weeks later we took in a house guest in our basement (which truly to this day is one of, if not, our greatest family blessing - we love you Bryce (and now Rachel;)!). I proceeded to search for doctors and a dentist for kids, a preschool, an OB for me (grumpy, frazzled and pregnant me!) a church home, oh and friends, anyone?? (Who wants to be friends with a mom who is already SEVERELY outnumbered by her kids AND pregnant with another??) All of this needing to be done at the start of a long winter and a 7 days a week, plus evenings and travel, basketball season.  Overwhelming? Yes.  Lonely? You bet.  Vulnerable and Messy? Absolutely.  But I look back and so tenderly and sincerely THANK GOD for MY MESS!!! To know that if it hadn't been so messy I would not have been broken.  And now I see so much beauty in the messiness of motherhood.  I see mothers (YOU), as BEAUTIFUL.  I have learned and now know that my mess, your mess, is right where God does His best work. I am forever changed because of my mess.  And though I still stubbornly resist upfront, I welcome messy...because I know beautiful is in the making. 

Meet her table!

not pictured: Jen

Each person was asked this question:

If time, money, and responsibilities were not a factor, what is one place you would like to visit? Why?

DGL-NATALIE: Switzerland, Austria, Canada--All 3 intrigue me with God's beauty and creation.  Also, I would love to go to a third world country to serve!!

MENTOR MOM-HEATHER: China--to spend as much time as we could in country for my daughter.  She is from China and I would love to take my family and see where she spent her first two years. 

STEPHANIE: Italy--My husband lived there for 5 years growing up and I would love to experience the country with him. 

JEN: Bora Bora--clear water, soft sand, over-water bungalows.  I'd even bring my kids and a nanny. :)

MEREDITH: Alaska--It would be a fun adventure. My husband and I want to go to hike, see bears and fish for salmon. 

JOCIE: Paris, France or anywhere secluded, really. 

JOY: Philippines--My parents and siblings live there and that's where I'm from! :)

JEN: I'd take our family to an African safari, so we could see all the zoo animals we love up close. 

Thanks for sharing your table with us, Natalie!

Chicken Pot Pie by Natalie

1 box Pillsbury Pie Shells
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup light sour cream
1 bag frozen mixed veggies-cooked
3-4 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
salt, pepper, Cavender's Seasoning, Mrs. Dash-to taste

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients and season to taste.
2. Put one pie shell in pan and fill with mixture.  Top with other pie shell.
3. Cover with foil and freeze.

To Serve:
1. Thaw in refrigerator.
2. Bake at 375º for 45 minutes or until browned (Cover crust after first 15-20 minutes of baking). Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Meet Tonya's Table!

Here's Tonya then and now!

Tonya is in 1/3 MOPS and this is her first year as a DGL.  She has two kids.

Do you have any funny stories from motherhood? (Besides delivering a baby on the side of the road!!)

Oh my, tons.  Poop in the tub, pee on the floor, crayons on the wall. My son (4 1/2) learned to pee outside on the farm.  So one day I heard the front door open and I take off to see what he was doing.  He was in the front yard, pants down, peeing away.  I debated between laughing out loud and yelling at him to "get inside." Thankfully no neighbors were outside.

Meet her table!

Each person was asked this question:

What are some qualities that you admire in someone?

DGL-TONYA: Loyal, sweet, nonjudgmental, makes you feel comfortables, Godly

MENTOR MOM-SUSAN: I admire girls that have a compassionate and caring heart.  Some who can love another person in need. 

CARRIE: I love warm, friendly people! I love to have sweet, thoughtful friends in my life. 

COURTNEY: Honesty, integrity, sense of humor, self-actualization

JAIMEE: Honesty, good morals and values, kindness, compassion, ability to laugh at themselves, and being positive even when times are tough. 

ALYSSA: Honesty, trustworthy, fun-loving, kind-hearted

SHANNON: Honesty, loyal, someone who is there when you need them and knows that you need them without being told. 

MELISSA-honesty, being real, a never ceasing thirst and quest for knowledge, people who follow through, people who effectively balance work and home, those with an active lifestyle, people with passion--about life and what they do/believe

KELLI: Honesty, integrity.  Someone who can just be themselves.  

Thanks for sharing your table with us, Tonya!

Peach Cobbler Coffee Cake by Tonya

1 c butter softened 

1 c sugar

2 eggs 

3 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 c sour cream

1 can (21 oz) peach pie filling

1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches drained

Topping: 

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 c quick cooking oats

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cut cold butter cubed

In large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Beat just until combined. Pour half of batter into a greased 13x9 in pan. Combine pie filling and peaches, spread over batter. Drop remaining batter by tablespoonfuls over filling. For topping, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.

Meet Brenda's Table!

Here's Brenda then and now!

Brenda is in 2/4 MOPS and this is her third year as a DGL.  She has three kids.

Do you have any funny stories from motherhood?

When we go camping sometimes we are a little lax on bathroom etiquette and allow our little boys to go potty behind a tree. Especially when they were newly potty trained and we had to remind them to go often. Who wants to trek to the outhouse half a mile away, right?  Such was the case on a camping trip with five other families a couple of years ago when one of our boys decided he had to go. He ran up to a tree a little way from our campsite, but where everyone could see him, and proceeded to pee on the tree. We thought it was pretty funny until he turned around and dropped trou. Before we could stop him he was squatting down to do his other business. Horrified, we quickly found something for him to wipe with and then cleaned up his mess. After a little embarrassment and a few laughs we explained to our boys that there are some times that you have to make the trek to the outhouse.

Meet her table!

not pictured: Kelsy and Becca

Each person was asked this question:

If you could be any TV mom for a day, who would it be?

BRENDA: Caroline Ingalls because I'd love to be a pioneer for a day.

MENTOR MOM-DEBI: Carol Brady because she always stayed calm in the chaos.

BRIANNE: Carol Brady

DEBBIE: Caroline Ingalls

ANNE: Clair Huxtable from the Cosby's

BECCA: Carol Brady...because she has Alice!

HOLLY: Lorelai Gilmore

KELSY

Thanks for sharing your table with us, Brenda!

Chocolate Truffle Cookies with Sea Salt

by Brenda

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (8 oz.) Ghirardelli® 60% Cacao Baking Chips, for melting into the cookie dough

1/3 cup Ghirardelli® 60% Cacao Baking Chips, for mixing into the prepared cookie dough

¼ cup all purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 eggs

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons coarse sea salt

Preparation

In a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter until smooth. Turn off the stove and let chocolate sit over warm water.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt and mix to combine. 

In another bowl, mix together sugar and eggs, combine thoroughly with a whisk and slowly add the warm chocolate mixture. Stir to combine.

Add vanilla extract and mix. Stir in flour mixture. Cool for a few minutes (if batter is warm, chocolate chips will melt). Stir in chocolate chips. Chill for 10-15 minutes.

Pre-heat oven to 350º. Scoop rounded tablespoons of batter and place on baking tray. Sprinkle each cookie lightly with a pinch of sea salt. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 7-8 minutes until the outside looks slightly cracked.

Be very careful not to over bake cookies because they will continue to bake as they cool once removed from the oven. Cookies should be soft and gooey in the center.

For a chunky and different twist add one of the following:
     o ¾ cup toasted pecans or pistachios
     o ¼ cup chopped candied ginger
     o 1/3 cup sweetened coconut 

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chocolate-Truffle-Cookies-with-Sea-Salt-368131