Monday, October 27, 2014

My best thinking...

It all started..... okay, so it just started. Here I am eating one of my famous bed time snacks - single serve microwave brownies! They are so delicious, easy to make and wholesome (in that the ingredients are real foods).

But, it bothers me that every time I go to make one I have to pull up the recipe on my phone or laptop because I can't quite remember if it's 2 T of cocoa or 2 T flour. Or is it 4T sugar or water. And it all has to fit in this mug. Then it hit me, like a ton of brownies (betcha thought I was going to say bricks, didn't you?)

What if I were to write the recipe on that fancy, dancy mugs I made at Mops on Day 1? Mine has yet to make it back to a meeting and it would serve me way better as my go-to single serve brownie cup than a water or coffee cup at mops. And, since it already has my initial on it, my family will know to keep their paws off my awesome dessert cup for one.

So, if you're looking to give your mug a real purpose in your life, join me in writing the following recipe on its other (way better) side.

Microwave single serve brownie
2 T butter or coconut oil, melted
2 T water
A few shakes of vanilla extract
A dash of salt
Whisk!
4T sugar
4T flour
2T unsweetened cocoa
Nuts optional
Stir
Microwave 60-90 seconds
Top with ice cream.

That's it! I'm out of awesome ideas. For tonight anyways. You're welcome.

Did I mention the brownies are delicious and easy? And that the typical American household has these ingredients on hand always? Shouldn't have to. You trust me, right. Now go make a brownie!

Monday, October 20, 2014

MOPS Halloween Craft Time!



Did you make these with us last year?  If you did, inevitably, your kiddos were WAY excited to pull these out on October 1st....or you never put them away last year because they were so STINKING CUTE!

Well, it's that time of year again- time for our MOPS Halloween Craft meeting (along with the usual coffee, food, and laughs)!

Come join us this Thursday, October 23rd at 9:30am (9:15 if you need to drop littles off in their own designated areas).  We'll have a new craft and maybe be able to do a couple of the "favorite crafts" from meetings past.  (You are going to AUSTRALIA!!!!  Any other Oprah fans out there?)

Hope to see you there, and feel free to bring fall or Halloween treats to share...or just wanted you have on hand.

Be there or be...curious about what we make. ;)




*** In all the fall festivities, remember that we are still collecting for Operation Christmas Child. ---

- Non-liquid Hygiene products like toothbrushes, paste, combs, bars of soap, wash clothes, and hair ties.
- Socks
- Toys like stuffed animals/dolls, deflated balls, small puzzles, jump ropes, finger puppets, sticker books, sunglasses, etc.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Challenge (if you choose to accept): Unplug!

I've needed an outlet for awhile. And, this Erin Mops blogging site thing has UN-leashed a beast... (apologies in advance)


We've all heard about Breast Cancer Awareness this month. Some of us crunchier folks are participating in or have heard of "Unprocessed October" and I'm sure there's a whole slew of other things gaining awareness this month. But - what if you need something more personal to bring into focus this month? What if I were to tell you there is? YOU!!

I am guilty of Facebook scrolling (or trolling depending on the day). For some of you it's Pinterest. Others it's HSN or 11 o'clock Ellen or {shudder} Days of Our Lives (is this still on?)

And while I believe it is incredibly important to have "me-time", I also know that I'm wasting some valuable entertainment time on intangible things. I mean, I have the most fascinating form of entertainment right in front of me very own eyes. My KIDS!

I know what you're thinking....I've been with these monsters ALL DAY LONG! But, that's just it for me. I'm with my kids a considerable amount of time but I'm not interacting with them at all. In fact, right now, we're all snuggled up in my bed with the two girls watching Lalaloopsy, the baby is sleeping and I'm blogging. But, we are together. That's important. But, it's also beautiful outside. And, there are adventures we could be on. And memories to be made. No one ever remembers a great day of TV.

I guess what I'm saying is, unplug from technology. Pick a day or hours of operation (or should I say "hours of un-operation") and unplug. Give your kids your UN-divided attention. The attention they deserve. Don't check your phone notifications. Not even once.

I am so guilty of walking past my phone TOO MANY TIMES just to see if I've missed a notification. Of an email that I'm going to delete. Or of a Facebook "like" or "comment" notification. Or alas a text message that is never an emergency. I mean, if it is really important the person contacting me will call, right? But, all these things can wait. My kids are going to grow up faster than I want them to. And, they're not going to want to play with  mommy... Or snuggle (though, secretly, I hope they never grow out of this). These are just two of the comments I've heard since having my newest child.

So, MOMS, I encourage you to be intentional about spending a bit of QT with your kids. You won't regret it. UNPLUG from whatever it is that you are filling your idle time. Who's with me? Let's get intentional, intentional (to the tune of "Let's get physical")

Oh, and while we're at it....let's not forget our spouses either. Again, guilty. Once the door to my kids' bedroom is shut, my husband heads for the kitchen to grab a snack to share and I start scrolling. What if I just put my phone down and talked to him about his day? Or we picked a show to watch together (without the aid of a phone during commercials)? Or played a hand of cards? Just think how much more connected we'd feel by morning...or 5 minutes after the lights go out - holla! but not too loud, the kids are sleeping.


I mean, what's so important on Facebook anyways? Sure, it's a way to keep up with family and friends. But, for the most part, it's filled up with ads, people's soy latte selfies and the latest social media news frenzy. If I really want to see what my sister in Colorado is doing, I'd seek out her personal page and get updated. But instead, I'm scrolling until I hit the oldest piece of newsfeed I've seen. Lame. Got. to. stop.

So, here I am. A mom on a mission. To be more intentional with my family. Are you a victim too? Want in on this challenge? Well, here's the catch....it's never-ending. It starts now and doesn't stop until your children are grown and you're dead. You can join for free any time. But don't wait too long or else you may miss out on opportunities. Start today.

This sales pitch is in no way affiliated with MOPS International or Erin Presbyterian MOPS or Erin Presbyterian Church. It is simply one mom's strive to thrive!

Gotta run - the baby is awake and Lalaloopsy is ending. Time to play.

Take a BREAK: Mom's Night Out!


Who could use a Night Out? I sure could! And with Fall Break on the horizon, all I can see is "BREAK". Mom's need a break too and what better time to take one than on an evening when we've been with the kids all day! SO - without further adieu - how about we capitalize on tired, ready for bed kids (make it easier on the husbands) and grab some grub together (since we will have been chasing after kids all day at the farm and not getting to chitty chat)!

Who: Moms Everywhere! (that's you!, and that mom peeping over your shoulder - she's invited too)
What: Mom's Night Out
When: Tuesday, October 14th, 2014 at 6:30p
Where: Tupelo Honey on Market Square (BREAKfast served all day, and also alcohol)
Why: Do we really need a reason?

https://tupelohoneycafe.com/knoxville/menu

**Free Parking at Locust Street Garage after 6pm and just two blocks from restaurant
**If you'll RSVP, I'll plan to arrive a bit early to get on any Tuesday night waiting list.
**Feel free to stay in what you were wearing to the farm - I think the plaid/denim/boots looks is in this fall - simply grab a scarf and voila! you're dressed for the evening :)
**While bringing children is discouraged, I know some people (ahem, me!) who will have one in tow. Permissible, but discouraged. Use discretion and spouses to maximize your enjoyment factor!

See you there!

ps. If you haven't had their biscuits with blueberry preserves, you're truly missing out!

Let's go to the Farm, y'all!

Grab your denim and boots and plan to join us at Oakes Farm (http://oakesfarm.com/) in Corryton. Oakes Farms is equipped with a whole day's worth of entertainment for all ages of children (and adults!!!). From the huge bounce pillow (don't forget your socks!) to the peddle tractors to the slides to the petting zoo (bring quarters for feed) - your family is sure to have a fun-filled day! There are concessions but brown bag lunches are welcome. Plenty to see and do and even a gift shop for those early stocking stuffers or hard to buy for people in your life. So, come join us on Tuesday, October 14th at 12p. Bring a lunch if you like and invite your friends. We'll meet at the slides!

Address:
8240 Corryton Road
Corryton, TN 37721

Admissions:
Adults ages 11 & up: $10.95
Children ages 3 - 10: $8.95

Add a pumpkin for $5
(Discount in the Knox County School Coupon Book for up to 19 - bring cash and I'd be glad to purchase together with my coupon)

Side Notes:
I don't believe socks are required but your children will likely return over and over again to the bounce pillow, or at least mine did and sweaty, sticky feet aren't conducive to a safe bounce. Also, slip on shoes are a bonus because of those return trips - tying laces every time gets to be a hassle. Depending on weather, dress in layers. Your children will definitely not get chilly with all the romping around.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Bring Your CAMERA, Bring Your Questions- Thurs, Oct 9th




If you are on this blog, then you probably have kids; and aren't each of our kids THE cutest thing EVER?! Well, we all want to remember our littles in all their messy face, missing tooth, first day of school glory.  Do you ever wonder how to get the best pictures possible?

If you do, MOPS this Thursday (October 9th) is the place for you!  We will have a professional photographer (and mom of several) who will be our speaker.  We are very fortunate to hostTracie Ancelet who will be answering questions and teaching us some of her "street smarts."  

BRING YOUR CAMERA, bring a friend, bring any pictures you've taken that didn't turn out and you don't know why, and bring any questions you have about taking frame-worthy pictures. 



P.S. None of the above pictures are mine.  I'll be bringing my camera on Thursday, getting tips from Tracie, and taking pictures this amazing starting on Friday. ;)



Oh, and we'll be collecting hygiene items for Operation Christmas Child boxes.  These include washclothes, toothpaste/brushes, bars of soap, combs, etc.  If you can, stop by the Dollar Store and pick up some stuff to donate.

And while you are out, pick up some snacks to bring and share!

Stay tuned for details about our annual fall trip to a pumpkin patch!