MNO

Ladies, I am really looking forward to some adult time at our MOPS meeting this Thursday!

I have another important (read: Mom's Night Out!) date to put on your calendars: December 16 at 7 pm. Julie has graciously opened her home to host our annual cookie exchange. Bring two to three dozen cookies (homemade or store bought) and a container for taking cookies home. Even if you don't bring cookies, please come. There will be appetizers and drinks, and we want to see you! (Location info will be provided at our meeting.)

Hope your week is going well. See you Thursday!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Because it's not quite Thanksgiving, but I saw Christmas stuff at the mall before Halloween... 😳

Our next MOPS meeting is a Christmas party and gift exchange. Bring a nice gift, a funny gift, or regift something you're just never going to use. We'll play the gift exchange game and have some time to hang out and talk. Feel free to bring a breakfast item to share.

When: Thursday, December 8 @ 9:30 am
Where: Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd. Knoxville 37919

I hope you all enjoy yummy food and family time tomorrow!

Operation Christmas Child

Next week is our annual Operation Christmas Child meeting. We will help Erin Presbyterian in their efforts with OCC by packing boxes. If you would like to contribute items to boxes, they are still in need of the following things:

Toothpaste
Pencil Sharpeners
Hair Ties
Notepads
Coloring Books
Crayons

Other typical items people donate to OCC include washcloths, toothbrushes, socks, combs/brushes, pencils, pens, and small toys or stuffed animals. Please feel free to bring any of these if you want to or if you have been collecting them to donate!

When: Thursday, November 10, 9:30-11:30
Where: Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd. Knoxville 37919 

Looking forward to seeing you!

Just a little note

A big thank you to Ceri for planning our Safety Day! My little one may have been scared to get too close to the fire truck, but he was pretty impressed. 😊

It was wonderful to see some new faces and we certainly hope you'll return for a more "normal" meeting! I'll be posting some more information about our upcoming Operation Christmas Child meeting to pack boxes soon. For now, I just wanted to pop in and let anyone who doesn't yet know that in addition to this blog, we have a private Facebook page, KnoxMops at Erin Pres. If you have an account, please click the link and join us there! KnoxMops at Erin Pres

Child Safety Day

Exciting things are coming to our meeting next week! Your kiddos can explore a fire truck and police cruiser and listen to a presentation from the American Red Cross. There will also be a fire safety demonstration with a real house!

Childcare will be available for children under three. As always, feel free to bring a snack to share. Bring friends!

**Important Info for Members**
If you have not yet registered for the Erin Presbyterian MOPS group through the MOPS International website, please do so. You can register online by clicking here or you can bring cash or check to the meeting. The MOPS International fee is $24.95.
If you have paid your membership fees, please know that there are dues specific to our group. It is $10/member if you are using childcare and $5/member if you are not using childcare. (NOT per child, per member. There has been some confusion there!) Scholarships are available. If you would like to know more about them, please ask our coordinator Jodi B. We want everyone to come!

Pumpkin Fun!

Next week, in lieu of a regular MOPS meeting, we will be visiting a pumpkin patch. We hope you are able to join us! Everyone is welcome, as most schools in the area are on fall break.

When: October 13 at 12 pm
Where: Oakes Farm, located at 8240 Corryton Rd, Corryton, TN
Cost: $10.95 ages 11 and up
          $8.95 ages 3-10
          2 and under are free
          Add a pumpkin for $5.50

The cost includes a hay ride and a play area. 

Autumn is in the air

I don't know about you, but I am ready for some fall weather! My family is waiting for it to cool down so we can plan hikes and bonfires. I'm also hoping my child doesn't grow out of all the cooler weather clothes I bought before the temperatures drop enough to actually wear them!

This week is a craft meeting at MOPS. Our craft coordinator is going to show us how to make really cute fabric pumpkins to decorate our homes. Maybe it'll help usher in some more autumn-like weather, too?? (I am hoping so!) As always, there will be breakfast and coffee. Feel free to bring food to share; otherwise, look forward to hanging out and crafting.

When: Thursday, September 22, 9:30-11:30
Where: Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd. Knoxville 37919

Can't wait to see you!

First Meeting of the Year!

Our first meeting is almost here!! We hope to see you this Thursday as we kick off the new year of MOPS. Erin Presbyterian's Pastor Stuart will be speaking and a fun craft will follow. Come enjoy some breakfast, chat with old and new friends, and get creative.

When: Thursday, September 8, 9:30-11:30
Where: Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd. Knoxville 37919

Remember that you are always welcome to bring breakfast items to share, but are certainly not expected to! Can't wait to see you all!

Join Us for a New Year of MOPS

We are so excited for a new year of MOPS! Open to all moms with infants through kindergartners (and expectant moms-to-be!), MOPS is a place to connect with other moms. This year's theme is We Are The Starry Eyed, and we have interesting speakers, fun crafts, and plenty of coffee planned for the year!

MOPS meets the second and fourth Thursday each month from 9:30-11:30. Breakfast, coffee, and childcare are available. The membership fee is $30/semester, and an additional $5 for childcare.

Bring your kids and join us at our open house play date on August 25 to learn more.

When: Thursday, August 25th at 10 am
Where: Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd., Knoxville 37919
What: meet area moms, learn about MOPS, let your kids play, enter to win a door prize, and be crafty if you are so inclined!

If you know you want to join and would like to register online, click here.

We look forward to seeing you!

Taking OUR animals to see REAL animals!

Do you feel like your house is a zoo? Tossing food to your "animals" and constantly being amazed at the oddities of them and their behavior? Well, let's take our little animals to Zoo Knoxville to see some real animals.  Our kids can run around, be loud, act crazy, get wet...and they may feel like they've found their long lost homes.

https://www.zooknoxville.org

My boys and I will be getting there right as they open at 9:30am on Monday, August 1st, and we will be wearing our water clothes (and sunscreen!) just in case they last long enough to do the splash pad at the zoo.  Bring snacks, drinks, spouses, grandparents, friends, etc.  Come when you want, leave when you want.  Really laid back.

WHO: YOU!
WHAT: MOPS at the ZOO
WHEN: Monday, August 1st
WHERE: Zoo Knoxville (address and directions on link above)
WHY: Because we are all feeling like zoo keepers by late summer!

Hope to see you there! If not, hope you are doing well and hope to see you soon!

Last Art Open House of the Summer!

Hi ladies! If you and the kiddos are looking for something to do AND beat the heat, head on over to the very cool Art Open House at Messiah Lutheran. It is this Thursday, July 28, from 9:00 am-11:30 am. You and your littles are welcome to drop in between those times and unleash your creative side. Messiah Lutheran is located at 6900 Kingston Pike, across the street from PF Changs and Brazerios.

There are a couple different stations to choose from, with coloring always being an option.  It is a FREE event (yay!) and there is no pressure to become a Lutheran. This is the last Art Open House of the summer! If you have any questions, contact Dawn K.

MNO - Ice Cream!

In case you missed it, tonight there will be an Ice Cream Social at Jodi Bacon's house (well technically itll be at her mom's) AND you're all invited.

We're going to be mixing up sundaes, cold stone style! What a great excuse for a Mom's Night Out!

I'll be sharing a few of Pampered Chefs products that make this even a cinch as I gain confidence and exposure to my new business.



Join us!
Who? You!
When? Tonight at 7p
Where? off Merchants, text Jodi (602)696-5474
Why? Because ice cream is delicious and MNO's are needed!

Mama Need a NIGHT OUT!

So, summer is in full swing....and that means we Mamas need a break!

I know that schedules are all over the place, but let's just pick a date.  If this doesn't work for you personally, hopefully we'll do a couple MNO this summer.

Date: this Saturday night- June 11th
Time: 7pm
Place: Tomato Head in Bearden (a little bit of everything- healthy, vegetarian options, pizza, wine)
http://thetomatohead.com

Some of us have been in the midst of potty training, some have gone away from little ones for the first time, some have weaned their little one, some have kids starting Kindergarten, some have a hubby who is starting a new job, some have been on cool vacations, some are celebrating summer birthdays, and some are mourning the death of a chicken.
Come catch up and let's share life together over bread, wine, and a good time.

Reply to blog, call, text, or email me if you plan to come and I'll try to have a reservation.

Art Open House at Messiah

So, if you (or your kids) like arts and crafts but DON'T like planning it, buying all the supplies, and then  taking more time to clean it up than the time spent on the actual craft...then we have the solution for you.

Messiah Lutheran Church hosts an Art Open House during June and July. The sweet members of the church welcome young and old to come participate in art/crafts.  The have it all planned out, set up, and they walk you and the kids through the projects.  All free of charge! In the past, some of the projects have included clay, homemade paper, ink blot art, and using recycled materials to paint.  Just bring your kids (maybe wearing messy clothing) and an open mind. Oh, and many of us MOPS mamas hang out on the playground or in the classrooms afterwards, so bring a sack lunch and sunscreen if you wish.

Info to put into your calendar:

Messiah Lutheran Church  6900 Kingston Pike
(This is a stone's throw away from the Bearden Public Library and Erin Pres. Just park near the big oak trees and enter through glass doors there.)
Between 9am - noon drop in style.  Get there when you want and leave when you want.
Dates:
Thursday, June 2nd
Thursday, June 16th
Thursday, June 30th
Thursday, July 14th
Thursday, July 28th

Hope to see you there!!!

Oh, and as with all our MOPS events, feel free to be friendly and invite others.  I hear that this place is a great for picking up potential MOPS moms and friends.  ;)

FREE Bowling for Kids and MOPS announcement

Howdy Mamas!

So, my husband actually sent me this with the subject, "Your MOPS group might want this." He is either an honorary MOPS member or he just knows how much we all like FREE stuff. ;)

Any who, here is a link, but the run down is that kids can bowl for FREE this summer UP TO TWO GAMES EACH DAY.  Sorry for the CAPS YELLING- I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!

Free bowling info and other things

And FYI- Do you remember Leigh Ann (our last speaker who talked about parenting styles) and her friendly and bright mom, Beverly? Well, Beverly has agreed to be our mentor mom for this upcoming MOPS year! Yay! We are so excited to have Beverly (and hopefully Leigh Ann) join us in the fall  and get to know her better.

Cheers to summer! Playdates! Splash pads! Story Times! And just staying in pjs- kids, you, or both!

Free Treats and Tea at McAlister's!

Hey all! Hope your summer is off to a good start or about to be!

Apparently, this is Guest Appreciation Week at McAlister's.  OK!

Here is the link...

McAlister's Guest Appreciation Week

But if you are too lazy/busy/hurried to look at it, here is the rundown...

Tues, May 17- Treat Tuesday- Free cookie with purchase of an entree

Wed, May 18- Kids Day- Kids eat free all day with entree purchase

Thurs, May 19- Thirsty Thurs- Free 32 oz tea  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

Fri, May 20- Fundraiser Friday- portion of all sales goes to Second Harvest Food Bank


Enjoy and hope to see you all soon!

A little this, a little that...

Howdy!

A couple random things to brighten up your rainy Tuesday....

1. What could brighten your week more than MOPS this Thursday, April 14th?!

2. Rumor has it that kids eat FREE at IHOP between now and Thursday.  Ok, I just called to confirm this, and it is TRUE.  Breakfast for dinner tonight that I don't need to make or clean up afterwards? Yes please.

3. Here is a link to TONS of wonderful festivals in Knoxville this spring/summer.  I can personally attest that the Children's, Rossini, Dragon Boat, and Dogwood Festivals are definitely worth the family outing. Knoxville Festivals 2016

4.UT Infant Language and Perception is doing a study and looking for any moms with young children who want to participate. You'll have a reserved parking spot right next to the door, be greeted by a grad student, and go in for a quick study in which your baby will look at words and hear sounds. Then you'll leave with a cute free T-shirt and know that you helped some grads to do their research. Email if you are interested: cdrg.utk.edu
And here is a flier with more info:
                                    (sorry for the poor image quality.Technology is not my friend today.)

Last but not least, apparently, this is National Library Week.  Thank a librarian and tell them thanks for letting you slide on late charges. ;)

Hope to see you at MOPS on Thursday!

MOPs this week!

Hey there mamas! Although you can't count on the crazy East Tennessee weather, you can count on MOPs. We are meeting this Thursday (April 14) from 9:30 to 11:30 at Erin Presbyterian Church. A child psychologist will be speaking to us about different personalities and ways to better parent our kids and their different personalities. If you are using our childcare, please come a little early to get your child settled so we can begin on time! Feel free to bring friends and snacks; both are always welcome :)

Mom's Night Out!

Ladies,

Come join me on April 22nd at 630p, where the drinks are on me and the company is key!

My neighbor friend, Isabel is just getting started with her new Wine At Home business and needs some practice. I will not be pressuring anyone to buy but would love to help her while sharing my love for the grapes!

Please visit the link below to RSVP by the 20th. See you there!

You're invited to Wine Tasting with Ceri: http://evite.me/aM1GVd64yx

MNO!

Before Spring Break and the Easter holiday, mama needs a break! What better way to accomplish a little down time and a lot of laughter than to join up with the Erin Pres MOPs group. We will be meeting at Cru in Turkey Creek tomorrow (Friday, March 11) at 7:00 pm. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Dawn at knoxmops at gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Good Morning! Just a reminder that we have a MOPS meeting this Thursday, February 25 from 9:30-11:30. Spring is right around the corner and I always get a little too spend happy buying plants, flowers, spring decorations, Easter candy, etc.  This week's speaker, Heather Cockrum, is going to help make our wallets a little happier by showing us some ways to cut those costs and becoming smarter shoppers.

From Heather:

"Interested in learning how to save money without ever clipping a coupon?  Want to save on almost every online purchase through one extra click of the mouse?  Tired of paying too much money for too few groceries, which, in all honesty, may not even last you the week without another quick trip or two to fill in the gaps?  If so, come and learn how to be a smart shopper! You may be ready to jump in full force, or you may have no spare time (but no spare money either) and, if truth be told, want to save using the least amount of time and energy as possible. Either way, I can help you!  This class will provide a general overview of smart shopping techniques, touching on topics such as basic couponing, price matching, saving on online purchases, and pinpointing key sites that will tell you exactly where the best deals are."

Here is just some of what Heather has gotten for free!

Please try to arrive and be settled by 9:30, so that we can start promptly. Hope to see you there!

MOPS meeting this week!

We have a MOPS meeting this week (Thursday, February 11) from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. If you are using childcare, please come a few minutes early to get your child settled either in the nursery or the big kid room. This week we will be doing a devotion and craft. And of course, fellowshipping and snacking!

Just a couple of reminders:
-Dues are due for this semester-$30 or $35 (depending on if you use childcare or not). These funds go into our coffers (not MOPS International) and help pay for our childcare workers, craft supplies, etc.
-Inclement weather policy-IF Knox County Schools are closed, we will NOT be having MOPS. We will try to reschedule and we love you all, but it is not worth possible harm to get together ;)
-A coordinator is still needed for our Egg Hunt on Good Friday. Please (please!) contact Dawn at knoxmops@gmail dot com (or talk to me at the meeting) if you are able/willing to help out.

New friends and snacks are always welcome at our meetings, so please feel free to bring both! Hopefully, we will see you Thursday.

Thanks and resource for help...

"I've learned...sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand." 

(from the handout today and originally from Andy Rooney)

It was great to see those of you who were at MOPS today, and THANK YOU again to Doris for sharing truth, encouragement, love....and a couple challenges.  

If you ever want advice from someone who has gone before you, feel free to email Doris privately.  It's like free counseling from the comfort of your own computer! :)  Here is her email address: darsiejeane@yahoo.com  She would love to be a resource for you.

Mark your calendar for our next meeting- Thursday, January 28th at 9:30am.  We'll be doing a craft, discussion questions....and it will be our annual CocoaMotion Buffett!  You will not want to miss it. You will not be disappointed. (And if you are just a die hard coffee addict and discriminate against chocolate, we can probably arrange a cup of joe too.)

If possible, bring your spring dues ($30 if you do not use childcare and $35 if you do use childcare). 

Also, RSVP for the evite to Wine and Unwind.  (Thanks for SH for offering to host this pre-Vday night out!)

And just to leave you with a couple other nuggets of wisdom from today: Be the bigger person, practice restraint, and smile. :)

Speaking of nuggets...anyone want to pick up CFA and have a playdate next week after MLK? Meet at Erin maybe?