So, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about! Alert! Alert! There's a new baby in town and it's one of our own.
Oh, I know, you've already met the handsome little dude that is Brady! But, I've dropped the ball and not gotten a meal calendar up and running and feel terrible! But, nevertheless, the family has been eating and could still use some help from all of us! That's what we're here for after all - a supportive fellowship of women, right?!
So, if you're interested and feeling guilty like myself - sign up with the following link. Name: Kaplan, password: 8636
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=ELAH4637&welcome=1
Monday, December 15, 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Cookies, Nativities, and Storytimes
For those of you who came to our meeting/Christmas party, it was great to see you yesterday. We missed those who couldn't be there and hope to see you back soon.
A little follow up on some things we discussed:
REMINDER: Cookie exchange at Julie's is a week from today on December 19th at 7pm. Come for some sweet treats, good laughs, and all around holiday cheer. Hope to see you there! Email if you need directions.
Nativity: Here is a description of the Knoxville Nativity in case you are interested in going.
Nativity Pageant of Knoxville
The Nativity Pageant, a professionally directed drama, combines a cast of over 90, moving narration, realistic sets, authentic costumes, and live animals to create a beautiful and powerful presentation of the Christmas story. Music at the Nativity Pageant is provided by a 200 voice choir, accompanied by a 20-member orchestra. This 3 day event is held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Admission is free.
500 Howard Baker Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
The Nativity Pageant, a professionally directed drama, combines a cast of over 90, moving narration, realistic sets, authentic costumes, and live animals to create a beautiful and powerful presentation of the Christmas story. Music at the Nativity Pageant is provided by a 200 voice choir, accompanied by a 20-member orchestra. This 3 day event is held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Admission is free.
500 Howard Baker Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Dates, times, and more info: http://www.knoxvillenativity.com/
Also, for those new to the area, here are some resources about story times, libraries, and ice skating downtown.
Oh, and if anyone wants to go to a Walk Through Bethlehem, look for Mary and Baby Jesus. You'll recognize them. Church Street United Methodist anytime between 1pm and 6pm this Sunday, Dec 14th. http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/3345/walk-through-bethlehem
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Operation Christmas Child- Fill a Box, Fill Your Heart
Do you ever look at your child/children and are overwhelmed with gratitude and joy? (yes, this is easier after they have napped and are super cuddly.) Do you ever sit around the table (or a fast food restaurant) and are so thankful that your kid(s) can eat as much as they want? Do we sometimes take it for granted that our little ones will gifts for Christmas?
Sometimes the only response to being given so much is to give back or provide a few hours of service. SO, I encourage you to come to MOPS this Thursday, November 13th at 9:30am* to fill your heart as you pack boxes for less fortunate children around the world. If you aren't familiar with Operation Christmas Child, feel free to peruse these sites:
What OCC Means to Moms
Operation Christmas Child
If you haven't come to this special event before, you will come away blessed and looking forward to OCC next year.
If you HAVE come before, you will come away blessed and looking forward to OCC next year.
These small shoeboxes filled with goodies and love will provide good new and great joy to precious children around the world. Come be a part of it. All are welcome, and feel free to bring a friend, relative, or neighbor. (MOPS usual childcare will be available in-house to care for your darlings if you choose/want it.)
*We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall of Erin Presbyterian to wrap and fill boxes. Park near the main stone entrance of the church and look for the open/cracked doors to the Fellowship Hall. Just follow the sound of Christmas music. Oh, and as always, feel free to bring your kids, snacks, whatever.
(Notes: We've already collected most of the items that will be packed into the boxes; however, feel free to raid your house for toys, balls, card games that can be added to the boxes. Also, your kids can get involved by drawing pictures to include with the goodies. Additionally, boxes cost $7 to ship, so MOPS will gladly accept any donations from anyone wanting to contribute financially.)
Sometimes the only response to being given so much is to give back or provide a few hours of service. SO, I encourage you to come to MOPS this Thursday, November 13th at 9:30am* to fill your heart as you pack boxes for less fortunate children around the world. If you aren't familiar with Operation Christmas Child, feel free to peruse these sites:
What OCC Means to Moms
Operation Christmas Child
If you haven't come to this special event before, you will come away blessed and looking forward to OCC next year.
If you HAVE come before, you will come away blessed and looking forward to OCC next year.
These small shoeboxes filled with goodies and love will provide good new and great joy to precious children around the world. Come be a part of it. All are welcome, and feel free to bring a friend, relative, or neighbor. (MOPS usual childcare will be available in-house to care for your darlings if you choose/want it.)
*We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall of Erin Presbyterian to wrap and fill boxes. Park near the main stone entrance of the church and look for the open/cracked doors to the Fellowship Hall. Just follow the sound of Christmas music. Oh, and as always, feel free to bring your kids, snacks, whatever.
(Notes: We've already collected most of the items that will be packed into the boxes; however, feel free to raid your house for toys, balls, card games that can be added to the boxes. Also, your kids can get involved by drawing pictures to include with the goodies. Additionally, boxes cost $7 to ship, so MOPS will gladly accept any donations from anyone wanting to contribute financially.)
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.
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!
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