Snow, Snow, and More Snow

It is that time of year again and the snow has fallen a couple of times already with today being the first snow day. It's not even November or Halloween yet, crazy. I, personally, would love to stay in my pj's and sit by a warm fire sipping hot chocolate. However, with kids this is not always possible so here are some ideas from Family Fun that will keep your kids busy and entertained (besides watching tv or movies all day long). I started my search for "snow" here. The results...more than 150 games, crafts, recipes, and articles related to snow. Here are a few. There are many more that I could have included.

Birdseed Snow Angles- This activity may be best after the snow stops and of course, you do need to have birdseed. Probably best for older children.

Snow Pudding- Warning, this recipe does require you to refrigerate it for a couple of hours.

Homemade Snow Dough- Most likely, you have all of the ingredients for this fun activity in your pantry. So, if it is too cold to head outside and make snowmen or the snow is too dry, why not make miniature snowmen inside.

Build Your Own Snowman Printable- All you have to do is print from your computer, then cut and paste the facial expressions, hats and hands, and clothes. If that is to much, then print the scene and have your child(ren) add features to the snowman using crayons or markers.

Paper Snowflakes- I remember making these all the time as a child, and I grew up in the south where it hardly ever snowed. So simple. All you need is a piece of paper and a pair of scissors.

Simple tips for living

Simple tips for living. Otherwise known as Living Simply. Megan Kreitzberg has written an excellent blog on how she applies living simply to her busy life as a wife, mother of a one year old, and owner of Bloom Interiors. You can find her blog post at http://kreitzbergfamily.blogspot.com/2009/10/living-simply.html. Megan shares tips on monthly meal planning, using a chore/household chart, keeping a rotating goodwill bag, rising early, and learning from others. Megan's tips are practical and easy to implement. Thanks Megan.

How do you live simply?

Announcements for 10-27-09

1.0 Questions about check in procedures? Please see last meetings announcements located on the blog, for more details.

2.0 November 24^th meeting – If you have school aged children, will they be attending MOPS with you this meeting? We need to get an accurate head count, so that we have enough MOPPETS workers.

3.0 Dues are due this meeting – October 27

4.0 Fundraiser – Trunk or Treating – this Friday night, 10/30 baked good donations are needed for the night, pre packaged/wrapped and ready to sell. Drop off at the church this Friday night.  The event itself is from 6:30-8:30pm.

5.0 Please continue to check our blog as it is updated often throughout the week. If you would like to add an event to the blog, contact Michelle Klepper – fccmops.wordpress.com

6.0 H1N1 – Please stay home if you think your child might be sick!

7.0 Children may be dropped off beginning at 9:15 in their assigned classrooms. Please do not drop them off elsewhere. Also, make sure all items are labeled with your child’s name.

8.0 Food Thank You - Planet Laundry and Planet Clean-up

9.0 Food Next Meeting – Planet Feed Me and Planet Hugs and Kisses

10.0 Next meeting – November 10^th – Paula Valenta – Sex and Intimacy

11.0 Spare change drive – Today we will draw for the Nepali necklace. Remember, for each $1 in change you put in your table's jar, you will be entered into a drawing for a Nepali necklace the last meeting of that month.

12.0 Picture directories are available… copies should be at each table.

October Featured Business Ad

Project Glean

Looking for something to do with the family this weekend? How about participating in Project Glean.

Project Glean is a great way to serve in the community while bonding with family and friends and ideal for kids of all ages. It runs Saturdays, Sept 12 - Oct 31. Through a special partnership with local farmers in Denver, Brighton and Wellington, volunteers arrive at the farms and harvest Colorado-grown produce. The bounty is then donated to COMPA Ministries where everything is distributed to area hunger relief agencies through COMPA’s Farm Market program. For more information, visit www.compa.org.

Thanks to Colorado Parent for information on Project Glean.

Monster Cupcake

Next Friday, October 30, is Trunk or Treat at Foothills Community Church and our MOPS group will have a booth. We are asking all MOPS' moms to donate individually wrapped baked goods. In case you are in need of alternatives to cookies and rice krispy treats, I ran across this fun cupcake idea today at http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-recipes/halloween-cakes-cupcakes/sweet-monster-cupcakes-683517/. So if you have a talent for cupcake decorating or are up for a challenge (even though it looks pretty easy), why not try this Monster Cupcake. They would make a great addition to this years Trunk or Treat event.

October All MOPS activity

Planet MeltDown will be hosting this months all MOPS activity.

When: Saturday, October 24th, 6:30 pm-9 pm

Where: Fitness Center

What: A Game Night

Instructions: Bring your favorite game and an appetizer or dessert.

Open House

OPEN HOUSE - Jefferson Academy Elementary Charter School will have an open house on Wednesday November 11 at 6:30 pm. This event, hosted by Mr. Munier, JA Elementary School Principal, will be an orientation for parents that are interested in enrolling their children at JA. Our current families are also welcomed to attend if interested. Childcare will not be provided. Please make other arrangements for your children.

Also, if you have something that you would like added to the blog, please email it to michelleklepper@gmail.com.

Halloween Candy

This Halloween don't let yourself or your child(ren) be caught off guard by an allergic reaction. A sweet and sticky thank you to Stephanie Ours for finding this amazing, very comprehensive site on Halloween candy. Here is an excerpt from the Sure Foods Living's article.

The gluten-free allergen-free Halloween candy list is here! It’s that time of year again — the decorations are starting to appear, the scary costumes are peering out of store windows, and my children are already excited and talking about the candy they get to eat. Halloween is coming, but don’t get spooked! I have made things easy for you again this year with a list of Halloween candy available, both mainstream and specialty, and their gluten-free and allergen-free status.

Each candy shows if it contains wheat/gluten, milk (dairy), soy, egg, nuts, or peanuts (6 of the top 8 allergens — fish and shellfish are not present in any of the candies on this list.)Note: I do not include coconut as a tree nut. Please, as always, double check ingredients and also check with the child’s parents before giving them any candy or allowing them to eat anything! I will not be held liable for any accident occurring due to the use of this list. It is meant as a guide only.

Click here to read the entire article.

School Panel

Tuesday, four school choice representatives took time out of their busy schedules to come and answer questions about the school choice they represent to our MOPS group. The four school choices present were charter, public, homeschool, and private.

Public School Representative- Matt Flores mdflores@jeffco.k12.co.us

Public Charter School Representative- Tim Matlick tmatlick@wwacademy.org

Private School Representative- Terrie Thaler Terrie.Thaler@fca-schools.org

Home School Representative- Amy McLean btmclean@juno.com

School Panel Discussion Questions

Click here to the listen to the panel discussion.

Favorite Shirts

Now that it is time for all of us to start wearing long sleeves, what do you do with your child(ren)'s favorite t-shirt? Here are two quick and easy items you can make.

Pillow

1- Cut two squares or rectangles the exact same size. One from the front of the shirt and one from the back. 2- Next, lay the pieces on top of one another (right sides facing). 3- Sew all sides except for one. 4- Turn the pillow right side out and fill with t-shirt scraps, filler, or anything that would make the pillow full and soft. Lastly, whip stitch the open side to close.

Tote Bag/Purse (idea source: Martha Stewart & Parents magazine)

1- Lay the shirt out flat. 2- Cut off the sleeves, neck, and the bottom. 3- Turn inside out and sew bottom together. 4- Stitch around the edges of the sleeves and neck for reinforcement. 4- Turn right side out and you're done.

Simple Bread Recipes

This time of year, I love to make breads. I'm not sure what it is. Maybe the fall weather or the smell that warms your kitchen. Below you will find a recipe for Pumpkin Bread, Zucchini Bread, and Jewish Apple Cake (which I think is like a bread). I have been told that the recipe for the Jewish Apple Cake originated from the 2nd generation MOPS group.

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread (from Allrecipes.com submitted by Megan Kreitzberg)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree


• 4 eggs


• 1 cup vegetable oil


• 2/3 cup water


• 3 cups white sugar


• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour


• 2 teaspoons baking soda


• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt


• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg


• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves


• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.


2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.


3. Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Zucchini Harvest Bread (modified and submitted by Jill Morian)

3 c. all-purpose flour (1/2 whole wheat and 1/2 regular)
1 1/2 c. sugar (Splenda)
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 c. butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1 Tbsp vanilla
2 c. unpeeled, shredded zucchini
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  In large mixer bowl, combine all ingredients except zucchini and walnuts.  Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed ( 2 to 3 min.)  By hand, stir in zucchini and nuts.  Spread into 2 greased 8" x 4" loaf pans.  Bake for 50 to 65 min. or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool 10 minutes and remove from pans.  Cool completely.

Jewish Apple Cake (submitted by Fay Klepper and Michele Steven- 2nd Gen. MOPS)

In bowl slice 5 large apples, thicker than for a pie - (Jonathan are best but don't use delicious)  sprinkle with:

2 tsp. cinnamon set aside & mix:
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
4 unbeaten eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder

Mix in mixer until sugar is dissolved, at least 5 min.  Into greased tube pan spoon
1/3 batter,  then 1/3 apples & repeat 2 more times ending with apples.  Pour on any apple juice.

Bake 1 1/2 hrs. at 350.  Let stand in pan 30-45 min. before removing.  Make one day ahead of time to ensure best flavor.

Lunch anyone??

Here is an easy way to participate in FCC MOPS' ongoing fundraiser. Every second Tuesday of the month, CiCi's Pizza at 5740 W 88th Ave, Westminster,  will share a percentage of the total sales (receipts that are turned in) with our MOPS group. So, tomorrow after MOPS, head to CiCi's Pizza with your table or other MOPS friends. Make sure to turn your receipt into the counter  so that your purchase will be included.

The Great Pumpkin

I'll leave it up to Linus and the rest of the gang to decide whether or not The Great Pumpkin exists, but I do know that today is a great day to go to the pumpkin patch in search of your or your child(ren)'s "great" pumpkin. If you are wondering where to go, the Denver Post has done the research for you. They have compiled a long list of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, petting zoos, and hay rides all throughout the Denver metro area. Here is the link http://www.denverpost.com/coloradosunday/ci_4421368. Make sure to bring along your camera. I'm positive you will be able to get some terrific pics and maybe find the great pumpkin too.

Announcements for 10-13-09

1.0 In order for our finance and newcomer gals to get into the meeting, in a timely manner, they will be sitting at the check-in table until 9:40 am. If you arrive later than 9:40 am., please sign the late sign-in sheet. Don't forget, everyone needs to check in each meeting.

Remember-There is a new finance policy this year.

2.0 Dues will be due at the next meeting on October 27.

3.0 The next fundraiser will be Trunk or Treating on October 30 at Foothills Community Church. FCC MOPS will have a refreshment booth with coffee, hot chocolate, and baked goods for a donation. Each MOPS mom is asked to donate baked goods individually wrapped for the booth. Moms are also needed to man the booth.

4.0 Blog/Facebook- We have a blog, http://fccmops.wordpress.com. We also have facebook page, Foothills MOPS. Become a fan.

5.0 H1N1 flier. Due to the number of pregnant moms in our MOPS group, we will be sending children and moms home this cold and flu season if any sign of the H1N1 virus or any cold flu symptom exists.

6.0 MOPPETS- Children may be dropped off beginning at 9:15 am in their assigned classrooms. Please do not drop them off elsewhere. Also, make sure all items are labeled with your child's name.

7.0 Food sign up will look differently after this meeting. Planet Noisy and Planet Forgetful are responsible for bringing food to the next meeting on October 27.

8.0 Deedee Woodman will be speaking October 27 on The Importance of Friendships.

9.0 Win a beautiful, one of a kind, handmade necklace! Every time you donate $1.00 of spare change, you will be given a ticket that enters you to win.

10.0 Girls Night Out!! This month Planet Meltdown is hosting our all MOPS event. Oct 24th at the Fitness Center from 6:30 - 9pm.  Bring a game and dessert or appetizer to share.

MOPPETS Sick Policy/ H1N1 precautions

Here at FCC MOPS, we want to make sure that everyone remains healthy. Therefore, by registering our child(ren) for MOPPETS you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by the following sick policy. A sick child will not have a good time and risks infecting other children and adults. Our sick policy benefits everyone and will help to keep us all well. Children who show signs of illness cannot be accepted in the nursery or preschool rooms. Please do not bring your child if he/she shows any of the following symptoms with 48 hours prior to attending MOPS.

Because of H1N1, MOPPETS workers will be following the Jefferson County Health Department Guidelines for accepting children into the infant nursery and preschool rooms. Please follow the guidelines below so that your child does not have to be turned away.

The Jefferson County Health Department advises that students should remain home from school when these symptoms are present:
•   Fever (greater that 100º F) and or:
o   Chills
o   Cough
o   Sore throat
o   Runny or stuffy nose
o   Body aches
o   Headaches
o   Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea

2.  When is it okay to send your child back to school?

Keep your child home from school or day care for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone.  Their fever should be gone without taking a fever-reducing medicine such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.

Cara Jakab 9-8-09

Cara Jakab grew up in a family who sang together. Her three sisters and parents toured for fourteen summers and recorded three albums at the Bill Gaither Studio in Indiana.

Cara has been married to the love of her life for sixteen years. They have two boys (10 and 5 years old) and are currently in the process of adopting two children from Haiti. Before having children and becoming a stay at home mom, Cara taught for six years.

Cara is very familiar with MOPS. She has been involved in MOPS for nine years. Four of those years, she was a Council Coordinator. As a Council Coordinator, Cara volunteered to mentor twenty MOPS groups. Presently, Cara speaks at MOPS groups twice a month.

Cara's passion is to engage with Jesus, her husband, children, and today with...YOU!

Click here to listen to Cara Jakab.

Peace Amidst the Pressure

Peace Amidst the Pressure Discussion Questions