Good morning ladies!


Hope you are all having a great week!

Just wanted to remind you that we have a MOPS meeting this Thursday at 6:00 PM.


Here’s the lineup for our meeting:

• Meal – Potassium Princesses

• Setup – Magnesium Mamas

• Greeters – Hydrogen Honeys

• Devotion or Ice Breaker – Cindy Mulder

• ‘Real Moms… Real Jesus’ – Discuss Chapter 6

• Creative Activity – Decorate Christmas Bubble Lights

• Cleanup – Carbon Cuties





Hope to see you then!



Blessings,



Krystal

MOPS Meeting Reminder - December 9th!

Good morning ladies!

Just wanted to remind you that we have a MOPS meeting tonight at 6:00 PM.


Here’s the lineup for our meeting:

• Meal – Magnesium Mamas

• Setup – Hydrogen Honeys

• Greeters – Carbon Cuties

• Devotion or Ice Breaker – Carrie Wacker

• Speaker – Sheila Anzlovar ~ Speaking on Kids and their Emotions!

• Creative Activity – Follow up on Crochet

• Cleanup – Potassium Princesses

Hope to see you then!



Blessings,

Krystal

Do you have a life skill or hobby you'd like to share?

Good evening ladies!  Do you have a life skill or hobby you'd like to share with the rest of the group?  We've had such a great time learning to make gift bows and how to crochet so far this year.  What else would you ladies like to learn how to do?  We've got a spot available on January 13th and would love for one of our very own moms to share a skill or hobby (but we'll welcome anyone to share a valuable skill).  This could be card making, cake decorating, meal planning, scrapbooking, photography, vacation planning, budgeting etc.  The possibilities are endless!

Please drop me an e-mail if you or someone you know would be interested in sharing!

Video Clip of Jon Holsten

Jon Holsten will be at FSBC on Thursday, November 11th.  Doors will open at 6:00 PM and he will begin speaking at 6:30 PM.

Here's a great video clip of our guest speaker this week!  This will give you an idea of what Jon will be speaking about.  Remember to bring your spouse, parenting partner, grandparents, childcare providers, etc!

'The Swimsuit Lesson' is coming to Yuma, CO!

As a life-long child protection advocate, Jon Holsten is an internationally recognized speaker and children's book author. A veteran police sergeant and child sex crimes investigator in Fort Collins, Colorado, Jon has investigated and helped successfully prosecute dozens of child sexual abuse cases.

His experiences on the front lines of law enforcement have led Jon to seek new ways to protect children from predators. His research and passion led him to create the wildly popular children's book: The Swimsuit Lesson. Beautifully written and illustrated, The Swimsuit Lesson helps parents talk to their young children about privacy, modesty, and those who might do them harm. The book has been featured on ABC's Good Morning America, numerous local media outlets and even caught the attention of the Oprah Winfrey Show. Jon has written articles on child sexual abuse and prevention for Focus on the Family, Children's Ministry Magazine, and other publications. In addition to his international speaking audiences, he has become a very popular speaker for local MOPS (Mothers' of Pre-Schoolers) groups.

Through his writing and speaking, Jon demonstrates his passion for helping parents protect their children from predators. A doting dad himself, Jon and his wife, Ceri, have six children of their own and make their home in Fort Collins, Colorado.

You can read more about Jon and his story at http://www.theswimsuitlesson.com/.

MOPS Meeting Reminder - October 28th

Just wanted to remind you that we have a MOPS meeting this Thursday at 6:00 PM.



Here’s the lineup for our meeting:

• Meal – Potassium Princesses (Potato Bar)

• Setup – Magnesium Mama’s

• Greeters – Hydrogen Honeys

• Devotion or Ice Breaker – Lori Pieper

• Book Study – ‘Real Mom’s… Real Jesus’ Chapters 3 and 4

• Creative Activity – Decorate Glass Plates

• Cleanup – Carbon Cuties
Some questions to ponder for our book study on Thursday night…

• When you hear the words “compassionate and tender” who comes to your mind and why?

• Be thinking about a piece of trivia about yourself that you can share with your discussion group!



Also, please remember that the cost per meeting is only $2.50. This is all we’re collecting to cover the cost of the childcare, speakers, hospitality, etc. Please make sure your account is kept current so that we can keep the cost of the meetings as low as possible!



Looking forward to seeing you Thursday! Please let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding our meetings!

Home Economics - October 14, 2010

What a wonderful meeting we had on October 14, 2010. Heather Henricks was our guest speaker and she spoke on Home Economics. Here’s a summary of her presentation.


If you recall the first thing Heather asked us to do was look at each and say ‘You are not the expert’ and then she also had us look to each other and say ‘I am not the expert either.’ She wanted us to understand that she was not an expert at home economics but would like to share some things that have been working for her and her family!

Before we review some tips and tricks Heather shared with us, I wanted to take a minute and note the ‘God moment’ we all experienced that night! Rachael Drullinger shared a wonderful devotion from Proverbs 31:10-31 which talks about the virtuous women (defined as a woman of strength, efficiency and ability). Heather also shared that Proverbs 31 was also the inspiration of her presentation. It was so neat to see how God used this passage for extra emphasis this evening!

Thanks Rachael for sharing with us!

Thanks Heather, you were such a blessing!

Now, back to some things Heather shared with us… Heather reminded us that even though our stages of life will change the desire to maintain and manage our home will not. Here’s a simple question as we got started, ‘Did you feel good about your home today?’

I loved the correlation Heather made between our home and a corporation and as moms; we are the CEO of our home! As the CEO we have several things to manage:

1. Chores

    a. Laundry

        i. Doing it means wash, dry, fold AND put away!

       ii. Get your kids involved. Kids older than 3 should be able to help.

      iii. On a side note I (Krystal) have gotten my 17 month old to help by putting his dirty clothes in the hamper and putting some of the folded things away. It tends to take a little longer, but he loves to help.

      iv. I’ve (Krystal) also utilized the delayed timer on my dryer. Before I leave for work in the morning I put a load of laundry in and have it set to finish before I get home. Once I get home, I put it in the dryer and then by the time supper is done the kids and I can fold and put it away! This has been a huge time saver for us!!!

  b. Cleaning Bathrooms

      i. Complete task once a week

      ii. Send your kids to clean one bathroom while you clean the other. Make it a game and set a timer!

     iii. Don’t over work the bathroom; just spend about 15 minutes cleaning!

     iv. Consider cleaning the bathroom while your kids are in the bath tub since you have to be in there anyway!

  c. Doing the dishes

      i. Do the dishes every night! This makes for a much better beginning to the next day!

      ii. Get your kids involved!

      iii. Paper plates are not a sin! Use them!!!

  d. Cleaning Floors

      i. Schedule to complete twice a week and don’t stress out about the times in between!

See below for the picture of a sample of charting your home tasks and don’t forget to schedule your time off!

Thanks Amy for assisting Heather!

Take some time to layout your schedule of duties and your time off!

2. Paperwork

    a. Here’s a motto – only handle paperwork once.

    b. Sign it, file it… take care of it right away

    c. Have a place for all paperwork to prevent the horrible piles!

3. Daily Clutter

    a. Daily clutter needs to be taken care of EVERY DAY

    b. One thing that works for Heather is having a basket for each kid. She puts things in their basket and then once a week the kids are responsible for putting these items away. Great for homes where the kids’ bedrooms are downstairs or upstairs!

    c. Make sure to do a sweep through your home before lunch and before bed.

    d. Prepare backpacks (or diaper bags for working moms) before bed.

    e. Gift to yourself is having a clean home and ready for the next day!



And above all make sure to schedule yourself a break!

‘She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness’

Proverbs 31:27

Thanks to both Rachael and Heather for sharing with us!

Stay tuned for a posting of a video of our life lesson on bow making!

Blessings,

Krystal

Meeting Reminder for Thursday, October 14th

Just a reminder that we have a MOPS meeting Thursday, October 14th at 6:00 PM. 

Our theme for October is 'Home Economics.'  Home Economics is the science and art of home management.  It includes the study of diet, budgeting, childcare, textiles, and other subjects concerned with running a home!

Our verse for October is from 1 Timothy 5:14 ~ 'I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.'

Join us Thursday as Heather Henricks speaks on Home Economics!  Our very own Rachael Drullinger is also going to teach us how to make gift bows for our life skill.  You don't want to miss this exciting meeting!

Here's the lineup for our group duties as well:

Meal - Magnesium Mamas
Setup - Hydrogen Honeys
Greeters - Carbon Cuties
Cleanup - Potassium Princesses

Hope to see you Thursday!

Blessings,

Krystal

Our First Meeting of 2010

We had such a great time introducing the Momology theme at our September 9th meeting!  It was so much fun seeing the 'mini reunion' between both the moms and the kids, lots of hugs and chatting to go around!

We had such a wonderful time getting to know each other!  We shared what state we were born in, how many kids we have and what brought us to the area!

Our special little angels enjoying some good food & fun!

Our wonderful actresses Amy & Julie introducing the Momology theme.  Is motherhood an art or science for you?  Great job ladies... you were able to make us laugh and show us the different ways we 'mother' too :)

Another wonderful MOPPETS worker!  Thanks Donna for helping with the nursery!

Thanks Joanne for blessing these moms by helping with the kiddos!

We also enjoyed making our new name tags for our Creative Activity! 

And making journal's to use with our Bible Study 'Real Moms... Real Jesus'.

So great to be together again and welcoming new moms to our special MOPS group!

Join us as we introduce 'Momology ~ The Art & Science of Mothering'

The time has come... it's time to begin the 2010-2011 MOPS Year.  Join us Thursday,

September 9 at 6:00 PM at First Southern Baptist Church, 1101 S Albany, Yuma, CO.

Is MOPS for you?

If you are a mom who...

*  Is pregnant or has a child newborn thru kindergarten

*  Desires to make new friends

*  Wants to share the challenges and joys of motherhood

*  Is looking for opportunities for personal growth through trusted resources

*  Enjoys giving back to the community

Then YES! MOPS is for you!

The MOPS International Registration fee of $23.95 is still FREE to the first additional 5 moms to register!  This registration fee includes:  MomSense Magazine, Mom E-mail's, MOPS Bumper Sticker, 'No Mom Alone' 2-in-1 frame magnet, MOPS Bag Tag, and MOPS Reusable Shopping Bag!

Our meeting fee is $2.50 per meeting and helps cover the cost of our speakers,

decorations, food, creative activities and more!

What about childcare?

FREE Childcare is available!

MOPPETS is a fun and loving childcare program designed to provide a safe place with dependable caregivers.  There's playtime, Bible stories, singing, crafts, games and snacks!  MOPPETS is more than just 'childcare' it's a program your children will enjoy, so you can enjoy MOPS!!!

Please e-mail Krystal Ballah (krystal.ballah@gmail.com) with questions!

We hope to see you Thursday!

Jill Savage is Coming to Yuma, CO

That's right, you read the title of this article correctly! 

Jill Savage will be coming to Yuma, CO on May 12, 2011 so mark your calendars now because you don't want to miss this event!  Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about motherhood. She is the author of six books including Professionalizing Motherhood , Is There Really Sex After Kids?, My Heart’s At Home, Real Moms, Real Jesus and her newest release, Living With Less So Your Family Has More. A mother of five and grandmother to one, Jill speaks to thousands of women each year about their value as a wife and mother. Featured on Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman magazine, and Family Life Today, Jill is the founder and director of Hearts at Home, an organization that encourages and educates moms. The Savages make their home in Normal, IL.

Check out http://www.jillsavage.org/2007/12/who-is-jill-savage.html to read more about Jill or visit http://www.heartsathome.org/ to read more about the Hearts at Home organization.

In the months leading up to having Jill Savage speak during a MOPS meeting we will be going through one of her books 'Real Moms...Real Jesus.' 

What does Jesus know about the peanut-butter-and-jelly life of a mom? Plenty! Jill Savage, founder and director of Hearts at Home, introduces the real Jesus to real moms. In chapters that examine key behaviors and decisions Jesus made during His life on earth, Jill brings those lessons right down to the laundry-filled, sticky-fingered days every mother knows.

Between the chapters are interactive vignettes that turn the concept of the book back around. If the meat of the content is looking at Jesus' life on earth and understanding how to apply that in our everyday lives, these perspective vignettes are brief, refreshing glimpses starting with our own messy, busy lives. Jill continually reminds the reader that Jesus is not an unattainable deity, but a Friend who understands.

How will this work within our meetings?

So, for each month we will have a guest speaker share with our group for the first meeting of the month and then the second meeting of the month we will go through one or two chapters of this wonderful book!  And then we'll wrap up the book by listening to Jill Savage speak (LIVE IN YUMA, CO) to moms in our group as well as invite other MOPS groups in surrounding communities and other moms within our community and surrounding communities!

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Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS at FSBC

First Southern Baptist Church of Yuma is hosting the always popular Vacation Bible School this month – from 6-8:30 pm, July 18-22 at the First Southern Baptist Church on Albany Street in Yuma. The week-long event is for all children ages 3 years through the sixth grade. This year, FSBC wants area youth to join them for five nights on Saddle Ridge Ranch – which will be Roundin’ Up Questions, and Driving Home Answers about God and His relationship to each of his children. Experienced ranch hands will be leadin’ their cow pokes through fellowship, snacks from the Big Sky Grill and fun ranchin’ games and activities. A Chuck Wagon welcome is also available for parents dropping their kids off for the nightly event. The Family Fun night begins at 6 pm on Friday, July 23, and will include a Chuck Wagon Dinner and Western Show. Best of all, Vacation Bible School is free. With questions, or to inquire of transportation, call the church at 970-848-5656.

Do you have a life skill or hobby you'd like to share?

MOPS ~ a way for Moms to help other Moms!  Hello my fellow MOPS Moms & Friends!  Do you have a life skill or hobby you'd like to share with other moms?  This could include scrapbooking, meal planning, planning a vacation on a budget, cake decorating, photography, quilting, organizing, stamp art, recycling, how to share devotions with your kids and many others! 

Your leadership team is working on some changes for the 2010-2011 MOPS year.  One of the changes is we'll be alternating creative activities with a demonstration of a life skill or hobby and we would love to have our very own moms share a life skill or hobby they've enjoyed. 

Please e-mail yumamops@gmail.com  by July 31st if you're interested in sharing your life skill or hobby with the entire group! 

Leadership Planning Retreat

6 of the Yuma FSBC MOPS Leadership team went on a planning retreat this weekend!  This time was spent planning, preparing and praying over the 2010-2011 MOPS Year. 

We also enjoyed some time bonding with each other!

Front Row Left to Right:  Julie, Anne & Amy

Back Row Left to Right:  Krystal, Carrie & Stacey

Stay tuned for additional information about about this MOPS Year, including information on meeting format, discussion groups, introduction of a Bible Study and there is even some hints of a couple author's coming to speak to our group!  Join us for the 'Momology - the Art & Science of Mothering!' 

2010-2011 MOPS Theme

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) at the Yuma First Southern Baptist Church strives to meet the needs of every mother who has children ages birth through kindergarten. MOPS recognizes that these years are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs. MOPS provides an open, caring and accepting atmosphere where women come together to share in this important season of life. It 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 Int'l 2010-2011 Theme
MOPS invites you to join in the learning process as together we explore Momology: The Art and Science of Mothering.

Mothering is both 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! 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.

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 International (our parent organization) has identified four essential elements for successful outcomes with our kids:


Core is about knowing and growing ourselves. Understanding and working with our unique temperament, experiences, and emotions in a way that develops resilience. Research clearly shows that a mom with a strong, resilient core is more likely to raise a child with a strong, resilient core.

Finesse is about honing practical mothering skills—intentionally carrying out our daily responsibilities in ways that encourage growth and resilience in our kids.

Circle is about building relationships with neighbors, care-givers, extended family and, most importantly, with our husbands or for single moms, with a parenting partner.

Grandscape is about engaging with God and his unique purpose for our lives. Both secular and Christian research identifies faith in God as an essential element for successful mothering.

Anywhere we go, God sees, knows, and guides. So we can lead — and love — knowing God will get us through all the hard spots, all our decisions, all our roles, all our times we can’t hold open our eyelids and the times we’re bursting with joy. God’s hand guides us as we guide our children. As we study Momology together...

2009-2010 Recap

Welcome to the Yuma FSBC MOPS Blog.  This is a place where you can stay up to date on happenings, read our monthly newsletters and enjoy recaps of our events!  We hope you enjoy one of our new ways of keeping you informed!

Here's a video that shows a recap of our 2009-2010 MOPS Year.  Stay tuned for some exciting information about the 2010-2011 MOPS Year as we explore the theme of 'Momology - the Art and Science of Mothering.'