Welcome to MOPS Lake Grove Presbyterian Church

 

We are  happy to welcome you, a mother of a preschooler (infant through kindergarten), to MOPS at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church. During your time here you will find encouragement, support, relevant teaching, and opportunities to develop relationships with other women who are in your same season of life. We are confident that if you become more involved in our MOPS group you will be better equipped to face the challenges that motherhood has to offer.

Our website is packed with all sorts of great information and links to other sites to help us all be the Moms that God created us to be.  

To learn about who we are, where we meet, registration fees and our host church, visit our ABOUT section. 

Want to get in on the action?  Visit our CALENDAR, including a new section as of June ’09 “Out and About in Portland”. 

Stuck at home with a sick kiddo and still want to stay connected? Click on CONNECT and visit one of our very own MOPS mom’s Mommy blogs or log-in to the MEMBERS ONLY section (for ’09-’10 registered moms only) and look around. 

What every it is you need, there is something here for everyone.

As your MOPS Steering Team, it is our goal to facilitate and create a MOPS experience that meets your unique needs. If at any time you have comments, suggestions, or concerns, please talk with one of us. We are here to help you!  You can also e-mail us at MOPS@lakegrovepres.com

Sarah, Susan, Julie, Jennifer, Heather, Jan and Joyce! 

Take our poll!

Summer Fun Time!

Join us this summer as we move our Thursday meetings outdoors!  It’s a little something we like to call “Fun in the Sun Days.”  It’s every Thursday all summer long at various parks around Portland.

Check out our location for this week below or visit our calendar of events for upcoming spots.  Hope to see y’all there!

When:  Thursday July 2: 10:00 AM to 12:00 or so. 

Where: The San Diego Zoo (just seeing if your paying attention) It’s really The Oreon Zoo (www.oregonzoo.org) 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR.  We will meet at the gate at 10:00 A.M. and go from there.  Lots of the MOPS moms have extra passes so if the cost is keeping you from coming, give Sarah a call. 

The Oregon Zoo is home to animals from all corners of the world, including Asian elephants, Peruvian penguins and Arctic polar bears. From the mist-filled Africa Rain Forest to the majestic Great Northwest exhibits, the zoo encourages visitors to understand and experience the natural world. Committed to conservation of endangered species and their habitats—both locally and around the globe—the zoo is a center for wildlife preservation and field research. A summer concert series, seasonal events and the zoo railway help this popular Oregon attraction draw more than one million visitors each year.

View Larger Map

Spring into the Green by Leanne Sype

Energy saving light bulbs, electric cars, reusable grocery bags, organic food….it seems “going green” is the way to go these days. Keeping our families and environment safe from dangerous materials and hazardous waste is a lot of work and sometimes a tad expensive, but when it comes to our household cleaning products the Oregon Center for Environmental Health has some quick tips and easy recipes. Here are some safety facts to remember when considering a switch from conventional cleaners to green cleaners:

1) Household cleaners are considered “Hazardous Household Waste” and must be disposed of as such. You CANNOT just throw old cleaners in the garbage can. You can either use up what you have remaining or you can contact Metro Recycling Information (503) 234-3000 or www.oregonmetro.gov/recycling.

2) There are no governmental regulations on which chemicals and how much chemical goes into cleaners. Companies are only required to state labels on their products such as “Poison” (the most toxic) and “Caution” (slightly toxic). Some cleaners may not have a label if they are considered “non-toxic”, but still may be dangerous. Be sure to check the ingredients list for harmful chemicals.

3) Harmful/Dangerous chemicals to look for in your cleaning products: Ammonia, Petroleum Solvents, Thalates (found in fragrances), Chlorine, Phosphates.

4) Whether using a conventional cleaning product or a green cleaner, always clean in a well ventilated area.

Many of the ingredients found in the following recipes can be found in your traditional grocery store, such as white vinegar and baking soda. For other ingredients such as liquid castile soap, soap flakes, washing soda and essential oils, visit Fred Meyer or health food stores. Of course as busy moms, many of us don’t feel like we have time to make all our own cleaners. For some less toxic and more earth friendly ready-made alternatives try some of the brands below. You may be able to find them in the health/natural food section of your grocery store. ~ Bi-O-Kleen ~ Planet ~ Citra-Solv ~ Seventh Generation ~ Earth Friendly Products ~ SoapWorks ~ ECOS OR you can try these options which can be found in the regular cleaning aisle of your grocery store: ~ FantastiK Herbal Mist All Purpose Cleaner ~ Bon Ami cleanser ~ Murphy’s Oil Wood Soap ~ Pure Citrus natural citrus cleaner

Click here for Green Cleaners Recipe you can make at home.

Community House Baby Shower!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our baby shower for Community House at our April 16^th meeting. We had a wonderful time eating good food, playing shower games, and making stamped onesies for the babies at Community House.

 We also heard a fabulous talk from the organization’s director Chris Jensen. Chris started her ministry in caring for young, unwed mothers 22 years ago in her own home. Over time Chris learned the ins and outs of the court system, the state rules and regulations, and the realities of drug addiction and abuse in pregnant youth. But most importantly, her heart grew a fondness for these young mothers-to-be that far outweighed her education on system legalities. In addition to Chris’ three biological children, she and her husband have six adopted children who were all mothers in their home.

 Chris became the director of Community House two years ago. It is a supportive and educational haven for young moms to learn healthy independence. The girls come to the house during pregnancy and stay for about six months post partum. During this time they receive counseling and a wealth of education in parenting, relationships, communication, budgeting, and even cooking and menu-planning. Community House also provides a class on adoption and presents it as a parenting plan option for the girls.

 Community House offers a mentorship program and is always looking for experienced moms to become mentors for the resident mothers. In addition, the organization is grateful for donations in baby needs such as clothes, diapers, thermometers, and infant Tylenol. But, the moms at Community House also have needs:

• Over the counter medicine (Tylenol, Thera-flu, Cold meds.)
• Kotex
• Laundry Detergent and bleach
• Breast pumps and/or breast pump parts like tubing
• Maternity Clothes
• Black Pants and black shoes (for job interview purposes)
• Bras (Sports and Maternity)

All donations can be dropped at Community House anytime. For more information about Community House, how to become a mentor, or donation needs visit www.everycommunity.org.

Resurrection Cookies

For a list of great Easter books for kids, click here!

These cookies are a wonderful way to share the resurrection story with our children. They are made the evening before celebrating the Resurrection, and are cooked in a warm oven overnight so they will be ready on Easter morning.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees (this is important–don’t wait until you are half done with the recipe!)

 INGREDIENTS

3 egg whites

1 cup whole pecans

1 tsp. Vinegar

a pinch of salt

1 cup sugar

Zip Lock Baggie

A wooden spoon

Some tape

Bible

 DIRECTIONS

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

 Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

 Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

 Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

 So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

 Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

 Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

 On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.

___________________________________________________________

 

Household Budgeting by Rosie Titterington

A great big thank you to Rosie Titterington for presenting famiy budgeting. For more information or help, Rosie can be contacted rtitteri@gmail.com 

 Rosie’s background comes from the Dave Ramsey system, she has helped other couples and from former teacher and tutors.

 WHAT A BUDGET IS NOT Keeping track of what you spend just to avoid overdrafts. It’s not about balancing your checkbook or about being thrifty and bargain-hunting. There doesn’t always have to be deprivation, or punishment associated with budgeting and it IS NOT a way to control your spouse.

 A BUDGET IS A PLAN for spending by telling your money what to do instead of watching (or wondering) where it goes. It is spouses understanding/agreeing upon the plan and making a commitment to follow the plan! It also is a system or plan that can be revised when necessary

 WHY BOTHER you ask? Well, it may just save your marriage. It can help align priorities with spending to help you reach goals faster. Often times there can be less worry, stress, and guilt surrounding money issues and it is a great way to help your children understand the role money plays in all of our lives.  Having a budget can take you from carefully watching to consciously planning

HOW DO YOU START?

Step 1: Hold a committee meeting (aka – budget planning time, but stick with the term “committee meeting” – it’s disarming!) every month with your spouse. At this meeting, set up your budget for the upcoming month. If someone wants to change the budget mid-month, hold another meeting. You can used the attached example spreadsheet “Example Monthly Budget” or contact Rosie at rtitteri@gmail.com for help.

 Step 2: Adhere to the following Budget Committee Rules (from Dave Ramsey) - 

NERD RULES (the detailed oriented one, the one who started a savings account before he/she could read) 

• Make the budget draft beforehand. Then, bring it into the meeting, have your say, and shut up!
• This is a meeting, not a weekend summit. You’ve only got the free spirit’s attention for about 17 minutes.
• You have to let the free spirit mess with your budget! Gasp!

FREE SPIRIT RULES (the less detailed one, someone who might be able to tell you they spent about $20 but couldn’t tell you the exact amount).

• You must come to the meeting!
• You have to talk in the meeting. This means mature input.
• You need to change something on the nerd’s budget draft.
• You can never again say, “Whatever you want to do, honey.”

 Step 3: Make sure your budget is balances. That means that every penny that comes in is allocated to go somewhere. You can have broad categories like “savings” or really specific ones like “savings for college” or savings for new boat.” Just make sure that you each have some blow money (money you can spend on whatever you’d like) and a slush fund for those unpredictable expenses that will come up.

 Step 4: Use only cash and you will end up spending 12 – 18% less then if you used credit cards. Label one envelope for each budget category like groceries or clothing and fill each envelope with only the agreed upon amount of money. Once the money from the envelope is gone, it’s gone. You’ll have to wait until next month to fill it up again.

Advantages of using Cash ONLY – It will helps you stick to your budget. You spend less overall. Your kids watch and learn. These benefits ADDED TOGETHER make cash envelopes a superior system. 

Sexy Like A Chicken by Leanne Sype

Advice from our relationship panel from our Feb. 5 meeting

Oh yes. As moms of preschoolers many of us have felt, at one time or another, about as sexy as the chicken we put in the oven for dinner! Of course with that image, let alone that feeling, it’s no surprise if the intimate closeness we feel with our significant others has died to a glowing ember from the burning flame it once was. Thanks to our Mentor Mom Panel who spoke to us on February 5, there is hope that fire will burn again.

From guidance on relationships between mothers and daughters, to thoughts about connecting with one child more than another, to advice about friendships, our Mentor Mom Panel offered an array of experiences, encouragement, and suggestions on several topics. But no topic sparked greater discussion than that of the relationship with our husbands! Specifically how to keep the romance and emotional connection alive in the midst of runny noses, potty training, and constant interruption of little ones needing attention.

In order to ignite romance you must first reconnect with your husband. Time must be set aside each day where you can sit face to face and check in with each other about the day. Beth Fisher recommended that this be done before the kids’ evening routines of bath and bedtime, otherwise the energy expended taking care of the kids leaves both parents too tired to connect. Try designating fifteen minutes of table talk after dinner while the children play or watch TV. Mary Jane Sawai and Barbara O’Malley both suggested simple physical affection, such as a shoulder rub or a good kiss—not the quick “drive by” kiss when you are in a hurry or busy— can really help initiate a closer connection. Also, bring flirting back into the relationship as advised by Karen Lewis. Flirt with each other while doing the dishes or making dinner or folding laundry. Adding some sense of humor to the every-day-ness can help reignite a connection too. Of course, sometimes it is hard to set aside time each day if schedules don’t line up or your husband is traveling. The solution is to put it on the calendar. And you will need more than few minutes here and there in the day to connect, so schedule in stretches of alone time.

There was a definite consensus among our panel that another important part of connection is to have understanding for your spouse. Jan Schmidt reminded us that guys have stressors outside of family life that they deal with everyday. It is easy to forget when he walks in the door that he too worked all day. Showing appreciation for what he does and expressing admiration of his talents is an integral part of keeping connected with him. Just picking up a little something he likes at the store or sending him a note during the day lets him know he’s appreciated. And that great kiss at the end of the day probably wouldn’t hurt either!

All this advice on reconnection should lead you into the romance you seek. But how can you feel romantic when physically you feel sexy like a chicken? Our mentor moms simply said to redefine sexy. Magazines and movies put extremely high and unrealistic expectations on what sexy looks like as well as what good mothering looks like, but our panel emphasized two important insights. First, nothing in real life is like the movies. Your husband married you for who you are and as long as you stay true to that, he will find you appealing. Second, most husbands find mothering attractive. When your husband witnesses you in the act of motherhood it attracts him. Just as you find your husband’s talents admirable and attractive, so does he find your skills and abilities in mothering.

Finally, “believe when your husband says your sexy!” says Joyce Mason. It’s easy not to believe him when you feel disheveled, but he really does find you sexy. And there is no need to always read books about how to be more intimate with your husband because, says Carol Stewart, “intimacy is unique to you and your husband. You can’t find it in a book.” The bottom line is to trust and have faith in what you and your husband share together. The romance and connection are still there, you just have to work a little harder to get to it. This is just one season you are living, and as Beth Fisher reminded us, this too shall pass. Your preschooler will be older before you know it, and it won’t be long before you start feeling sexy like a woman again!

Check this out…

For some fun ideas on bringing romance back into the forefront Joyce Mason recommended The Husband Project by Kathi Lipp; she is a Christian author and national speaker. Visit her website at thehusbandproject.org