Cookie Exchange

This week at MOPS was our annual cookie exchange!  It was a very relaxed morning as we spent the first half of the meeting having breakfast as a big group and the second half exchanging cookies we all had brought in.  For the cookie exchange, each person who wanted to participate was asked to bring in 8 dozen cookies to share.  Although it is a lot of cookies to bake, taking home a beautiful cookie tray with so many different kinds of cookies is a wonderful thing!  I posted all the recipes that I received at the bottom of this blog in case you want to try something new!

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We also had asked people to bring in Christmas books that they use with their children to share the gospel during this time of year, so I have included pictures of some of those as well in case you are interested!

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Press Cookies

Allison W.

2 cups unsalted butter

1 cup white sugar

5 cups all-purpose flour

2 egg yolks

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Cream together the butter and sugar. Add egg yolks and vanilla. Add sifted flour one half at a time.

Put dough into a cookie press and press into desired shapes.

Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Do Not Brown.

 

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Magical Peanut Butter Cookies

Justine N.

1 C peanut butter, creamy or crunchy

1 1/3 C sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet.

In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir well. Roll the dough into balls about the size of a walnut. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. With a fork, dipped in sugar to prevent sticking, press a crisscross design on each cookie. Bake for 12-15 min. remove from the oven, and sprinkle the cookies with some of the remaining sugar if desired. Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Make about dozen cookies

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Old Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Justine N.

2 1/2 C All purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 C softened butter (1stick)

1 1/2 C granulated sugar

1 C solid packed pumpkin

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze:
2 C sifted powdered sugar

3 Tablespoons milk

1 Tablespoon melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Combine the first 6 ingredients. Cream the butter and sugar in mixer, then add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Beat until light and creamy. Mix in dry ingredients until well-blended. Place small mounds of dough on greased cookie sheet and bake 15-20 min.  Makes 5 doz. small cookies.

 

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Italian Christmas Cookies

Sharon M.

1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 carton (15 oz.) ricotta cheese

2 t. vanilla

4 cups flour

1 t. salt

1 t. baking soda

Frosting:

1/4 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

4 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 t. vanilla

4 T. milk

Sprinkles

Cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Beat in ricotta and vanilla. Combine flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. For frosting, cream butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add enough milk until frosting reaches spreading consistency (I sometimes need a little more than 4 T.). Frost cooled cookies and immediately decorate with sprinkles. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 dozen.

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Cake Cookies

 Julia S.

1 box cake mix (amazing w/ lemon cake)

1 tub cool whip

1 egg

powdered sugar

Combine first three ingredients. Drop small balls in powdered sugar and roll till coated. Place on sprayed cookie sheet. Bake 350 deg. for 8-12 min until crackly.

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White Chocolate Oatmeal Peppermint Cookies

Adrienne R.

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups uncooked regular oats

2 cups (12oz) white chocolate chips

1/2 - 3/4 cup crushed candy canes (about 6)

Beat butter at medium speed with electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Combine flour, baking soda, & salt,. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in oats, chocolate chips and peppermint. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 3 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: about 5 dozen (varies by size of cookie)

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Big Batch Ginger Snap Cookies

Laura W.

2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. margarine, softened

1/2 c. molasses

2 eggs

4 1/2 c. flour

3 tsp. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

2 t. cinnamon

1 t. cloves

1 t. ginger

1/2 t. nutmeg

Sugar

In a large bowl, beat sugar, margarine, molasses and eggs until light and fluffy. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt and 4 spices. Mix well. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes, until set. (Cookies will puff up and flatten during baking.) Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Store tightly covered at room temperature or up to 6 months in freezer. Makes about 10 dozen cookies.

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Oatmeal Butterscotch Bars

Deb Z.

1 1/4 cups unsifted flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups Old-Fashioned Quaker oats

1 (11 ounce) package Nestle Toll House butterscotch-flavored morsels (about 2 cups)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.  Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.  Gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in oats and morsels.  Drop by rounded Tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies, 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies.  Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, remove to wire racks to cool completely.  Pan Cookie Variation: Grease 15x10-inch jelly-roll pan.  Prepare dough as above. Spread in prepared pan.Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

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Spritz Pressed Cookies

Carrie S.

2 1/4 Cups of Flour

3/4 Cups of Sugar

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of Baking Powder

1 cup of butter

1 Large egg

1 teaspoon of Vanilla

Turn Oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients together (add food color if you want to make Christmas trees or hearts for Valentines day etc.)  Fill press and press out all kinds of fun cookies  Cook for 10-12 mins depending on how your oven runs. Can also roll into small balls and press Hershey Kiss into the middle.

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Holiday Gingersnaps

Carrie S.

2 1/3 cups of Flour

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 salt

2 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup molasses

Cinnamon Sugar:

1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets  Combine flour, spices, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar and egg at medium speed 2 minutes, until fluffy. Add molasses; beat 1 minute. Slowly add flour mixture; beat to combine.  Using a rounded teaspoon for each cookie (make sure it just covers the teaspoon, to much batter will cause all the cookies to run into themselves), roll dough into balls, then roll each in cinnamon sugar and place on baking sheets.  Bake 10 minutes, or until cookies are golden and crisp. Cool 1 minute, then transfer to wire racks to finish cooling.  Yield 5 doz.

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Rocky Road Candy Cups

Mindy E.

1 2/3 cups peanut butter and milk Chocolate chips (11 oz pkg)

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 cup crispy rice cereal

1 cup miniature marshmallow

¾ cup chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts

Microwave: pb and chocolate chips in a large glass bowl at 30 second intervals until melted.  Stir in 2 tbsp pb until well blended.  Stir in rice cereal, marshmallows and chipped peanuts.  Spoon mixture evenly into miniature paper candy cups.  Chill 1 hour until firm.

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Peg H.'s Shortbread Cookies

made by Marg F.

1 c. sugar

1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. butter

1 c. oil

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. soda

5 1/2 c. flour

Cream sugars and butter. Add eggs; stir in oil and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients and blend. Chill. Form into balls. Flatten with bottom of water glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees approximately 10 minutes.

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Fast and Easy Peppermint Bark

Lisa F.

Chocolate: Crush 3 reg. size candy canes (I used a hand chopper) and put aside. I used 12 oz. of semi sweet choc. chips, melt in a bowl for 90 sec, stir and do every 30 sec. until melted. Add 1/2 tsp. peppermint flavoring. Pour out onto a cookie sheet covered w/ wax paper. Sprinkle candy canes on and press down w/ hands lightly. Put in freezer 5 min. Break apart and store in refrigerator - makes 30 - 36 pieces or so.

White choc. - Do same way but use white choc chips or white coating chocolate. I increased to 1 tsp. peppermint flavoring. Swirl in some red or green food coloring when putting it on the cookie sheet if desired.

**Note - I made some w/ red and green sprinkles and jimmies instead of the crushed candy canes on top. Going to gives as gifts and thought would be more colorful. Fast, pretty and taste good too - kids liked them and liked crushing the candy canes/adding sprinkles.  Can add almonds or cranberries as well.

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Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies

Sarah K.

1 1/4 cups butter (no substitutes) softened

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

32 round thin chocolate covered mint patties (like York peppermint patties, the small ones)

Frosting:

1 bag mint choc chips

1 Tbsp. corn syrup (optional)

1 Tbsp. butter

1 Tbsp. water (if too thick, can add more)

In a mixing bowl cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture, beating until well combined. Drop by teaspoonfuls two inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes or until puffy and tops are cracked (don't overbake). Invert half of the cookies onto wire racks. Immediately place a mint pattie on each, then top with remaining cookie. Press lightly to seal. Cool completely and then frost.  Yield - 32 sandwich cookies.

Christmas Show & Tell

This morning at MOPS, we shared some of our favorite holiday traditions that make Christmas such a special day in our homes.  Some of the favorite past-times include:

~waiting at the top of the steps until everyone is ready to come down
~taking a picture with everyone waiting at the top of the steps
~reading and/or reciting the Christmas story found in Luke 2
~opening Advent calendars throughout the month of Nov (Diana's advent calendar is pictured below)
~buying kid-friendly nativity scenes
~baking cookies together and take them around to friends and neighbors
~opening a special present Christmas Eve
~making photo ornaments with your kids
~reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' together
~visiting live nativity scenes like the one at Merrymead Farms (Dec 19&20)

***Both the wooden advent calendar above as well as the muscial plush nativity scene that Sarah K brought in can be found at Catholic Supply.

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Here are also a few pictures from our last meeting where we made the magnet nativity scenes for our kids!

The Truth Project

Beginning in January, 2010, Covenant will be hosting another study on Focus on the Family's "Truth Project".  The purpose of the Truth Project is to help you develop a Christian worldview in 12 different areas including science, history, and philosophy.  The study is also designed to promote unity among believers as you discuss important ideas and how we should relate to the world we are living in. 

This past Wednesday at MOPS, Dave R. came to present some of the core principles of the Truth Project to us and encourage people to join the study.  He focused on the fact that a Biblical worldview is critical to raising children and that we need to be very aware of where our worldview is coming from because it is what forms our beliefs. 

Here are some specifics for the study starting in January:

13 weekly sessions beginning on Friday, Jan 8, 2010

8th grade minimum age

Location with EITHER be(depending on childcare needs):

~Covenant from 6:30-8:30 with pizza dinner & childcare

~OR at Peterson's from 7-9PM with dessert (no childcare)

To sign-up, call Covenant 215-256-1007

For more info:

~Dave Reich 215-256-0475

~The Truth Project

~Focus on the Family 1

~Focus on the Family 2

"Houston We Have a Problem!" - Toddler Issues

This morning's MOPS meeting was based on dealing with troubles we face as moms with our children and how we can better handle certain situations.  To help us work through some specifics, we invited 3 veteran moms from our church - Stephanie G., Cindy C., and Tammie B.,  who have successfully made it through the baby/toddler years as well as 2 moms from our MOPS group - Allison W. and Diana M., who are in the thick of it right now. 

We gave our group of panel moms several questions to think through before coming to our meeting this morning including:

~Did any of you have very willful children and how did you deal with the stubbornness/temper tantrums/screaming/hitting? Did you find your methods to have positive results and would you do the same thing over again?
~Any helpful hints on potty training - (things that worked for you, getting kids to do #2 on the potty, nighttime training, etc.)?
~How did you deal with sharing in your home (mostly between siblings)? Did you have specific goals or rules that you found helpful when kids were having playtimes?

And here are some of the nuggets of wisdom we were given:
~Deal with willful children NOW and stick to it even though it is exhausting because you will reap the rewards years from now.
~Encourage and praise good things your children do (sharing toys, not whining, etc.) instead of just noticing and disciplining bad behaviour. 
~Pick you battles and think before you speak - but once you draw a line, do not back down!
~When your children are a little older, think about creating an "appeal" process in which they may, with a pleasant tone, give you new information to think about to reconsider your decision. 
~If you are having trouble getting along well with one of your children, try to find fun things that you can do together with that child to create happy memories as a foundation for your relationship. 
~When times are hard it is easy to compare yourself or your child with other moms and kids - beware of that and don't let yourself fall prey to it!
~Whatever you are going through, you are NOT alone in your motherhood journey and someday you will miss these days when your kids are little, so try - even when it's extremely hard, to enjoy every moment! 

Thank you to our wonderful panel - you were all very helpful and so encouraging to us moms!

Sept Playdate

Here are a few pictures from a playdate at Allison's back at the end of September:

Don't Forget!

Here are a few dates coming up to keep in mind:

~Oct 16 -  10AM Hayride at Merrymead Farms.  Contact Diane G. for more info.
~Oct 22 - 10:15AM Hayride at Freddy Hill Farms.  Contact Diane G. for more info.
  Oct 24 - 9-12AM Mommy Market at North Wales Elementary School.  $1 admission.
~Oct 28 - 9:30-11:30AM Playdate at Allison W.'s.
~Nov 13 - 8-11PM Crafting with Company at Covenant. 
~Nov 16-23 Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week (drop off boxes at Covenant)


We also are going to try to finish our service painting project in the Early Education rooms and if you can help us paint that would be great!  Here are a list of Sunday dates (almost every date is the 3rd Sun of the month except Dec) that we will be at Covenant at 6PM to paint:
10-18
11-15
12-6 (3rd Sun is too close to Christmas!)
1-17
2-21
3-21
4-18
Come if and when you can!

Humility & Forgiveness

Last Wednesday in our MOPS meeting, we watched a DVD that focused on humility and forgiveness and how we impact others around us.  The speaker talked a lot about the importance of community and that we participate in so many unique communities every day that are filled with all kinds of different relationships (MOPS, church, soccer, neighborhood, doctor office, etc.).  She also emphasized the need for us to be humble and forgiving when we are relating to other people because communities are so vital to us as human beings.

We then discussed in our groups the example of Jesus as a humble servant and what kind of amazing forgiveness He showed to us on the cross.  Are we quick to let go of minor issues or do we hold onto and simmer allowing relationships to be destroyed?  Are we willing to forgive people that have offended us like Christ has forgiven us?  Are we willing to humble ourselves and bear with other people's inadequacies and failures remembering that we also are grave sinners in need of a Saviour?

MOPS 2009!

Welcome back from summer everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful and refreshing summer and are ready to start up another MOPS year! Here are a few dates to keep in mind:

~Wed, Sept 16 ~ 9-11AM 1st MOPS meeting!

~Mon, Sept 14 - Sat, Sept 19 ~ Clothing Exchange at Covenant Church 9-4 M-F, 9-2 S and also open 6-8 PM T/R. Bring clothing/take clothing - all for FREE!!!

~Fri, Sept 25 ~ Apple Picking at Peace Valley Winery (more details to come)

~Wed, Sept 30 ~ 9:30 - 11:30 Playdate at Allison's - 215-412-2774 for directions/info.

~Fri, Oct 9 ~ 8-11PM Crafting with Company at Covenant Church

Menlo Carousel!

This past July, MOPS hosted a "bring your own dinner" family night at the Perkasie Carousel in Menlo Park. We had a fantastic turnout with lots of "regulars" to MOPS as well as lots of friends and family that don't normally attend our meetings. We would love to repeat this event next summer, so if you missed it this time - you'll hopefully get a second chance! Here are a bunch of pictures from the night...

MOPS Summer Activities

Here is a list of events that our MOPS group is hosting this summer...feel free to come to one or all...and bring friends along!!!

June 3 (Wed) 9:30-11:30AM Park Playdate at Branchwood. From church parking lot, turn left onto 63 and almost immediate right onto Morwood Rd. At stop sign, turn left to continue on Morwood and after about 1 ½ miles turn left onto Camp Rd (there are orange detour signs but that is the correct road – the park is before the roadwork). If you get the to fork on Morwood – you went too far.
**In case of rain – House Playdate at Lorraine R’s house. Lorraine’s phone is 215-256-0475 if you have any questions.

June 5 (Fri) 10AM Elmwood Zoo Fieldtrip. Rates are $7:75 (ages 2-12) and $10.75 (ages 13-64). If we have a group of more than 15 over age 2, the group rate is $6.75 but we all need to pay at the same time so we will meet at 10AM at the front entrance of the zoo. If you can’t make it until later – that’s fine too!

June 10 (Wed) 10AM Strawberry Picking at R&J Farm. From church parking lot, turn right onto 63, left onto 113, right onto Allentown Rd and R&J will be on your left a little ways down Allentown Rd.

**Raindate – Thurs, June 11 at 10AM.

June 17 (Wed) 9:30-11:30AM House Playdate at Laura W’s house. Laura’s phone is 610-287-2535 if you have any questions.

July 1 (Wed) 9:30-11:30AM Park Playdate at Plains Mennonite Church located on corner of 63 & Orvilla Rd. This church has a big park with an enclosed fence and is also very shady so we figured we’d give it a try!
**In case of rain – House playdate at Allison W’s house. Allison’s phone is 215-412-2774 if you have any questions.

July 15 (Wed) 9:30-11:30AM House Playdate at Julia S’s house. Julia’s phone is 215-362-9495 if you have any questions.

Aug 5 (Wed) 9:30-11:30AM Park Playdate at Branchwood (see June 3 above for directions).
**In case of rain – House playdate at Allison W’s house. Allison’s phone is 215-412-2774 if you have any questions.

Aug 19 (Wed) 9:30-11:30AM House Playdate at Lisa F’s house. Lisa’s phone is 215-234-8339 if you have any questions.

Summer Boredom??? Not Anymore...

This past week at MOPS we all gave suggestions of things (mostly free or cheap) to occupy our kids' (and our!) time this summer...here's what I got...

~Free Regal movies! Regal Cinemas show FREE selected G & PG movies that start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday on a first-come, first-serve basis (seating is limited to theatre capacity).

~Harleysville Duck Pond - near Harleysville Hotel & Subway (500 block of Main St (Rt 63)), kids can catch fish very easily, little bike path around pond for scooters/bikes. Kids under 13 do NOT need a fishing license (and neither do you as long as you are not really fishing).

~"Fish for Free" days - Sat. May 23 & Sun. June 7.

~dancingmeatballs.com - link to fun, free family events in the Philadelphia area. You can sign up on their website to receive weekly listings.

~Nancy's Cut Flowers - turn left onto 63 out of church parking lot and right onto Morwood Rd at Vernfield Market. Nancy's flower place is on the left right before the first stop sign.

~Sunflower Farm - follow above directions to Nancy's, turn left at stop sign to continue on Morwood and the farm stand will be on your left about 1/2 mile down the road.

~Perkiomen Trail - nice entrance by Spring Mt. Ski Resort with little park near-by

~Upper Schuylkill Valley Park - In one visit to the Park's Wildlife Center you can see Foxes, Deer, Raccoon, Wolves, Rabbits, Hawks, Owls, Turkeys, Pheasants and an assortment of farm animals -all for FREE!

~Trexlertown Zoo - not free, but another zoo to go to that is not as far as Philly

~Manderach Memorial Playground - Castle park off Ziegler Rd in Limerick, PA

~Kid's Castle in Doylestown - Castle park off Wells Rd in Doylestown, PA

~North Wales Castle Park - on Rt. 63 past Merck, across from police station, turn right in front of the pool

~check out your local libraries for all different activities/book clubs they may offer

~Septa train rides from Lansdale to Doylestown (under age 5 ride for free), several parks near train station in Doylestown (ask Debbie B for more info) or visit the Doylestown library.

~Michener Art Museum - Jim Henson & Muppets exhibit to show there this summer

~Crayola Factory - not free and a far drive as it's in Easton, but from what I've heard - it's well worth the trip

~visit Ikea and let your kids climb around the kids section or go to "Smalltown" while you shop (age/height requirements) and eat at their super cheap cafe.

~Peace Valley Park - located off 313/New Galena Rd in Doylestown. 6 mile bike trail around the lake as well as a nature center that offers classes and hiking trails. The park also has several playgrounds and bbq placespavilions to use for picnics.

~Perkiomen Watershed - offers summer classes for kids

~Camp Menolan - outside Quakertown, offers camp opportunites and more

~Saucen Valley Promenade - shopping for the moms and outside water area for kids to run through

~Captain Nemo's Aquarium - East Norriton, huge fish store with shark aquarium

~PA Steamers - take your kids to check out miniature trains!

~Sundae School - little icecream store in Hilltown and kids get a free mini train ride

~Merrymead Farm - Valley Forge Rd. in Lansdale, see farm animals, get ice cream, 3:30-6pm is milking time that kids can watch

~Freddy Hill Farm - Rt 63, Lansdale - little "zoo" kids can walk around, ice cream, mini golf, etc.

~Willow Creek Orchards - Collegeville, PA - pick your own all kinds of fruits/veggies, they also have a story-time (check with Deb Z.) but I couldn't find any info about it

~Plains Mennonite Church - fenced-in shaded park, located on Orvilla Rd in Hatfield

~Perkasie - park on 2nd street has free (or $1/child - not sure) shaded baby pool in a park, open daily 11-3, M-F from June 20 - Sept 7 (check with Sarah K for more details)

~Perkasie Carousel - $.35/ride, located at Menlo Park, Perkasie -3rd & Park St. Only open the following dates:

-Mon, May 26 11-5PM

-Sun, June 15 12-5PM

-Sun, July 6 12-8PM (Community Day, raindate July 13)

-Sun, July 27 12-5PM

-Sun, Aug 17 12-5PM

-Sun, Sept 7 12-5PM

-Sun, Oct 5 12-5PM (**Fall Festival in the park - tons of crafters plus petting zoo & pony rides!!!)

-Sat, Dec 6 12-5PM

***Let me know if I missed anything or recorded any info incorrectly!!!***

MOPS & POPS!

This past Friday night we tried our first ever date night and we had a really good turnout! The theme for the night was "dinner & a movie", and so we had pizza, salad, popcorn and candy for everyone to eat while watching the movie "Fireproof". The proceeds for this event all went to Covenant's Youth Group, who graciously watched all our kids while the rest of us enjoyed a night out (thank you!!!).

"Mommy Time" at Allison's

Last Thursday morning Allison hosted another wonderful playdate at her house, although we all agreed that it actually is more for the moms than the kids! We don't really have a ton of time at our MOPS meetings to catch up with each other, so a whole 2 hours of talking over coffee is great! The kids also have a great time running up and down the steps trying to figure out if they'd rather play or eat snacks:)

Debbie and Deb talking it up with little Daniel

Maggie trying her hardest to get to the plates of snacks!

Jake apparently would rather play in the toybox than with the toys themselves! But he looks pretty happy so that's really all that counts:)

Allison's Banana Bread

3 or 4 ripe (very ripe) bananas
1 cup sugar
1 egg

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup melter butter or margarine

1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. Beat the bananas and add the rest of the ingredients. Pour into buttered loaf pan. (Can be done in a 9x13, too, if you want more of a snack cake). Bake for 1 hour. (If 9x13, 45 miutes)

***Helpful hint: if you have the ripe bananas but no time to bake, peel them and throw them in a baggie in the freezer. When you have time to bake, simply thaw a little and start baking.

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***Also, there will be another playdate at Allison's on Wed, May 13 from 9:30 - 11:30. If it is a nice day, plan to be outside. They have a creek and it is muddy sometimes, so wear play clothes! If anyone has a bike they want to bring, please do...Allison is in a cul de sac and the kids can safely ride around (she does have a few ride-on toys and bikes as well, plus lots of outside toys for kids so don't feel you have to bring anything).

The Station

At our meeting last Wednesday, the theme was The Station. Marg was our speaker and she shared with us that if we view our lives as a train ride it seems we spend most of our time looking out the window, trying to see how far it is to the next station. We look forward to arriving there, thinking it will be so much better than the ride we are on. In the same way with our daily lives, we want the excitement of what lies ahead (or we just want to get past the hard times in order to get to the better times), but in doing this we don't enjoy our current situation and circumstances like we should.

She pointed out that we need to even enjoy the bad times. James 1:2-3 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." God can use the difficult trial to mold us or mature us so that we will be more like Jesus Christ our Savior.

Marg ended her talk by reading an essay titled The Station by Robert J. Hastings. You can click here to view the essay.

Then for our craft, we designed and made earrings, using all sorts of different beads. Very fun!

Lilies of the Field

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt 6:28-34.

The above passage was the premise for our MOPS meeting yesterday morning as the steering committee put on a fashion show for the rest of the group. As women in the Lord, our inner beauty is truly what is most important and what will leave a lasting legacy behind us. However, as we reflect Christ to the world, there is truth to reflecting in a beautiful, yet modest, manner that we are true princesses of our King. That being said, some of the specific "tips" that were shared included:

~Perfect your posture

~Accentuate the positive

~Make acessories work for you

~Lengthen your silhouette

~Wear trends that flatter

~Choose clothes that fit

~Wear colors, prints, and fabrics that slim

As good as you may look, however, the truth of the matter is that...

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Prov. 31:30

Easter Egg Hunt & MORE!

A few announcements of upcoming events to mark on your calendars:

1) Easter Egg Hunt - Friday, April 10th (Good Friday) at 10AM. Lorraine Reich has offered to host an Easter egg hunt at her house and the morning will consist of Lorraine reading an Easter story, the egg hunt, and snacks. Bathrooms will be available but the morning will be spent outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Also please bring your own baskets for your kids to stash their eggs. Lorraine's address is:

937 Masters Way

Harleysville, PA 19438

215-256-0475

*For those of you who may not know Lorraine, she and her family are members of Covenant and although she has not be able to make it to MOPS this year, she has been a regular member in previous years.

2) Crafting with Company - The next craft night will be held on Friday, April 17th from 8-11pm at Covenant. Debbie B will be hosting and Julia will be doing some jewelry demonstrations for anyone interested. BYOB - Bring your own beads - choose colors, sizes, textures you like and Julia has the rest to come up with bracelets, necklaces, etc. She will show us how to use different tools and provide tips in making your own jewelry. If you have no interest in jewelry making - come anyway and have a girls night out!!! Light refreshments and coffee provided but no babysitting so leave the kids at home!

3) Playdate at Allison's - Thursday, April 23rd from 9:30 - 11:30. Snacks for both moms and kids provided, just come and have a morning out with other moms. No need to RSVP, just come! Allison's address is:

415 Shipwrighter Way

Lansdale, PA 19446

215-412-2774

4) MOPS and POPS - $10 Dinner and movie date night with babysitting 6-9pm on Friday, May 1st at Covenant. This is open to our MOPS group as well as our church (invite friends!) and all the money will be donated to the youth group, who will be providing the childcare during the evening. Appetizers, salad, pizza and popcorn provided and we will be watching the movie 'Fireproof'. No good excuses not to come!! If you are interested, please RSVP by Friday, April 25th to one of the steering members or contact Laura B at lbarbadoro@yahoo.com.

5) Clothing Exchange - May 8-16 at Covenant. Save up unused clothing to donate and make sure to come check for anything you may be able to use!

Mishmosh

This morning's MOPS meeting was a combination of two totally different topics since we were playing catch up from 2 snow days this past winter. The first on the agenda was our "Love Tunnel" theme with Peg and Poke sharing a wonderful testimony of their marriage throughout all of their years together. Peg and Poke first met when they were both part of a youth project (from different churches) to help paint a church in western PA. Poke is convinced she was drawn to his 1955 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop Coupe (who wouldn't be right?!) but Peg insists there was more than that;)

Some of their words of wisdom included...
~"You are not alone - couples today face the same problems that have always plagued marriages (i.e. financial difficulties, concern for you children, etc.)"
~"Don't be afraid to seek professional help from a counselor, pastor or hospital if needed"
~"God provides for exactly what we need when we need it"
~"Face problems together with God at the center and your marriage will grow by leaps and bounds"
~"Show your children unconditional love and make sure they know they can ALWAYS come home"

Thank you so much Peg and Poke for your willingess to share your lives with us- we were all very encouraged and inspired by your excellent example of a Godly marriage!

But that was not all, oh no that was not all (anyone else have Cat in the Hat memorized?), we then continued with our "Fun Foods" craft and made sandwich and fruit kebabs to take home for our little MOPPETS to have for lunch! They were very cute and it was great to have something ready for the kids when we got home. Here are a few pictures:

Everyone working hard on their projects!

The finished product...some people also used cookie cutters for the cheese and cucumbers which made theirs even cuter!