daily diaper - Cross Community Mops

Maranatha Mops
D AILY D IAPER
ISSUE 1 • SEPT 2010
Mothering is a balance of art
and science. It combines all
of who we are to shape
healthy, resilient kids.
Mothering is so complex it
requires both sides of our
brain – not to mention our
hands and feet, eyes and
ears, mouth and (sniff, sniff)
unfortunately, sometimes
even our noses!
A very warm welcome!
There's the scientific side of
mothering where we develop
a hypothesis based on certain
principles, test that hypothesis
in real-time, consider the
results and decide what
parts worked and what parts
didn't. We keep refining our
hypotheses until we find
what works for us.
MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers.
MOPS International exists to meet the needs of
every mom - urban, suburban and rural moms,
stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single
and married moms - moms with different
lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the
very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes
that the years from infancy through kindergarten
are foundational in a mother-child relationship
and are filled with unique needs.
Intertwined with the scientific,
mothering requires an
artistry that shades with our
personality, colors with our
unique gifts, and blends past
and current experiences.
MOPS helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups that provide
a caring atmosphere for today’s mother of young
children. MOPS also encourages and supports
moms through resources such as books and articles which are available through their website at
www.mops.org.
We are excited to start off another exciting year
here at Maranatha Mops. There are many wonderful speakers and activities planned for all of
you. We hope you enjoy all that we have
planned for you!
– Your Steering Committee
Our Mission...
today’s
agenda
Overall Topic:
Introducing this
year’s theme:
MOMOLOGY
Announcements
Even there your hand will
guide me, your right hand
will hold me fast.
Game
Craft:
Making Name Tags
Skit
Mentor Moment
Discussion Time
Final Announcements
Next Meeting:
09-22
What’s your personality profile?
Psalm 139:10
PLEASE READ:
One of our goals at MOPS is to give moms a much needed break. We want MOPS
to be a morning where you can spend quality time with other moms and have a few moments to recharge
and refuel. In order to accomplish this, we ask that all moms use the excellent child care that we provide. We
realize that there may be times when it is necessary for you to have your baby in the room. Nursing infants are
generally not a distraction. However, for the sake of the moms at your table, if you must have your child in
the room, please sit in the back of the room while the speaker is speaking. Thank you for your cooperation.
"Better Moms Make a Better World"
Mom Minute
THE IMPORTANCE OF OTHER MOMMY FRIENDS
How I discovered that making friends is easier when you have babies in common.
When my son, Austin, was born, I became a full-time stay-at-home mom
overnight. Although it was 100 percent my choice (and the best decision I
ever made), it was the biggest life change I had ever faced.
The initial isolation of new motherhood is crushing. Not only had I given
up a job I loved, but I was suddenly incompatible with my childless friends
just when I needed friends most. They didn’t get what it was like to
shower with the bathroom door open, one eye on a screaming 1-month-old
in his bouncy seat. Nor could they comprehend how frustrating it is to have
only a newborn for conversation.
I took Austin for daily trips to the drugstore, buying one thing at a time
so I would have an excuse to return — and chat with the cashier, who
was also a mom — the next day. I strolled Austin through the park. But
seeing groups of mothers picnicking on the grass, I felt like the loneliest
mom in town.
Then one afternoon I ran into Nicole, a neighbor who, unbeknownst to me,
had a baby girl Austin’s age. She suggested we go to the park sometime.
“I’d love to!” I replied. “I’m always around, just give me a call.” My desperation must have been obvious because she invited me to a weekly mothers’ luncheon in the area. I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
On the day of the lunch I was determined to make a good impression. I
dressed in the nicest clothes I had (of those that fit) and made an extra
effort to apply my mascara with a steady hand. I even dressed Austin in
his prized Baby Dior onesie. My husband eyed us as he left for work and
snickered, “Do you two have a hot date?” Despite his sarcasm, I knew he
was also desperate for someone to befriend me so I’d stop calling him at
work 12 times a day.
When I arrived at the restaurant, the sea of strange faces was initially intimidating. But soon I overheard the woman across from me talking about
c-sections. My ears perked up. I leaned across the table and made my move. “I
had a c-section, too,” I said, praying that something more than silence would
follow. She replied, “It wasn’t so bad, right? By the way, I’m Caryn.”
Soon we were chatting about sleep deprivation and our in-laws as if we’d been
friends for years. Motherhood, I realized, is the mother of all icebreakers. The
women I envied in the park had most likely started off just like me.
Over the next few weeks I planned play dates with other mothers, who brought
along acquaintances, and soon I had plenty of mommy pals. Over time some
returned to work, others moved away, and our group shrunk to what it is today
— a tightly knit circle of women who, more than two years later, are some of
my closest friends.
These days, I also get together with my childless friends again. We laugh over
jokes from as far back as high school. But there will always be a special place
in my heart for the women with whom I share motherhood. They’ve been privy
to the most precious moments of my life — the ones with my son. They’ve
watched me act silly with him, change him, comfort him. And they’re a constant
understanding ear as I tackle the hardest and most rewarding job of my life.
By Stacey Stapleton
A SSii m
A
m pp ll ee IIdd eeaa .... .. ..
Marshmallow as Cupcake Frosting
A clever way to repurpose an everyday item.
Try this sweet, no-icing-necessary method. When your cupcakes have about three minutes left to bake, pull out the tin and place one marshmallow on top of each cupcake.
Return the tin to the oven for the remaining time (or until the marshmallows are slightly
melted but still fluffy).
"Better Moms Make a Better World"
Book Corner....
Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping
Great Kids By: Shelly Radic
Mothering is part art, part science, and always a work in progress! Created with
the next generation of mothers in mind, Momology is a delightful collaboration of celebration and information to help readers be the unique mothers God created them to be. With access to 36 years of
research-based ministry at MOPS, Momology shares the four core elements of successful mothering using
a variety of voices: parenting and relationship experts, peer-to-peer advice, and the respected team of
MOPS International. With lively contemporary design, fresh perspectives and cutting edge research,
Momology seeks to make better moms make a better world.
Available at www.mops.org
Featuring...
A Steering Member
BIRTHDAYS
9/9
9/10
9/11
9/17
9/20
9/20
9/29
Victoria Berardesco
Heidi Collins
Lee O’Donnell
Stacy Bauer
Heather Canning
Tammy Charlton
MaryAnna Caton
A fellow mom that make these meetings happen.
Kristen Stephens has been in MOPS for
about 4 years. This is her second full year as MOPPETS
Coordinator. Kristen truly enjoys being a part of the MOPPETS
program knowing that her time and efforts are a huge part
of the moms being able to relax and know that their
children are in good hands. She looks forward to seeing
faces from MOPS and MOPPETS last year as well as new
ones. Her 2 daughters, Lily (3) and Claire(2) really enjoy
the MOPPETS program because they get to do crafts, coloring and playing. Feel free to talk to Kristen about any
questions or concerns you may have about MOPPETS.
Husband/How long married: Brian Stephens for 7 years!
Somethings you may not know about me.... Played Division
I golf for 4 years in college and almost went pro. Also,
right after I got married, my husband and I were in a
band and lived in an RV for a year while traveling around
the country playing music.
We attend Maranatha church and I sing on the
Worship Team.
Hometown- Grew up in Southampton, NY (Long Island)
Lived in Florida- 2 1/2 years
Business Endeavors- SimplyFun Consultant (Business
encouraging Learning Through Play and Family Time)
Also, is the Lesson Plans Editor for CraftGossip.com
Thing I miss most before being a Mom - Going out
to dinner often
Thing I love the most about being a Mom - Watching
my husband and children playing and make-believing
in the living room at night
@
WEBSITES TO
CHECK OUT...
www.maranathamops.com –
Our MOPS Group website
www.mops.org –
MOPS International website
www.pbgfl.com –
Palm Beach Gardens Activities & Events
www.pbclibrary.org –
Palm Beach County Library/Story Times
Prayer & Promise
www.nesting.com –
Organizing your family’s daily life
But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will run and not grow weary. They will
walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT
www.crown.org –
Biblical financial principles
Dear God, There are days when being a mom is the greatest feeling in the world! When my baby
reaches for me and says, “Mama,” my heart melts! But then there are days when the laundry
seems like an endless pile, the dishes always need washing, and my kids have colds—again!
That’s when I feel really overwhelmed and wonder if I can really do this job.
Lord, I know I can come to you and ask for strength, for you have promised to give it to me.
So please help me on those days when I am not sure I can make it through—and thank you for
the good days when my heart melts with love for my precious blessings. Amen
Source: Crystal Bowman, Mentor
www.familyactivityguide.com –
Local Family Fun Resource
www.sittercity.com –
Finding local babysitters
www.southfloridadines.com –
Great Savings on Restaurants
"Better Moms Make a Better World"
2010 -2011
STEERING:
Gretchen Cristantiello, Coordinator
U P C OM IN G E VE N T S
U P C OM IN G
E VE NT S
MOPS Next Meeting • Wednesday, September 22nd, 9:30am
★ Table 1 will provide the food. ★
coordinator@maranathamops.com
Lillian Bentley, Mentor
mentor@maranathamops.com
Michele Zimmerman, Finance
finance@maranathamops.com
Ginny Bissonnette, Hospitality
hospitality@maranathamops.com
Rachael Kerns, Discussion Groups
groups@maranathamops.com
Jo Swift, Publicity
publicity@maranathamops.com
Dawn Rofrano, Creative Activities
crafts@maranathamops.com
Kristen Stephens, Moppets
moppets@maranathamops.com
EMAIL POLICY:
NOT FOR SOLICITATION
OR ADVERTISING
22
MOPS PLAY DATE • A Latte Fun • Monday, Oct. 11th • 10:00 to 12:30
Cost is $10 per child. It includes lunch and beverage. Parents are free. Everyone needs socks.
It surely will be lots of fun. Sign up today!
Contact: Ginny Bissonnette – 407-970-4901 • ginnette@gmail.com
Location: Downtown at the Gardens
11
SEPTEMBER SAFARI NIGHTS
Friday, September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2010 ~ 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Discounted admission rates
Come and see your furry friends in a whole new light when the zoo comes alive on these special
nights! Join us for food, family fun and furry friends every Friday night for the “wildest” time anywhere! During these evenings we offer live entertainment, children’s games and crafts in our
Nature Workshops, special up-close animal encounters, interactive wildlife shows, complimentary
carousel rides, and delicious menu options from the Tropics Café. This is the best place to be on a
Friday night with your friends and family. Come and see what all the commotion is about!
Safari Night Nightly Fees (includes admission and access to all shows)
Members: Adults: $6.95 • Children (3-12): Free • Children Under 3 Free
Non-Members: Adults: $9.95 • Children (3-12): $5.95 • Children Under 3: Free
3, 10, 17, 24
J O I N U S F O R W O R S H I P AT M A R A N AT H A
Sundays at 9:00 and 10:45am - Sunday morning worship celebrations feature a blend of contemporary and more traditional
Church at the Beach, Sunday, 7:00am Palm Beach Shores Community Center, Singer Island. If you enjoy the outdoors and a
laid-back atmosphere, Church at Beach is a great worship option for you.
Maranatha MOPS Sponsors:
Maranatha Church
Chick-fil-A at The Gardens
Thomas Rofrano, DC
Mommyconnectcards.com
Susan Fonger's Musikgarten
Esther Center
Laurie Hodges, Realtor
Diana Moore, ACN independent rep
Hard Exercise Works, PBG
Coastal Pools & Services
Please see www.maranathamops.org for links to our sponsors websites
www.maranathamops.com
For more information
on becoming a
MOPS sponsor, contact
Michele Zimmerman
at (561) 644-2253
All MOPS Mom’s
get a special rate
of $50