January 27 Meeting - Game Day

Last week we had a fun social day where we played board games (Sentenced and Apples to Apples, specifically). It was a great way to spend a few hours with friends.

Things we learned:

1. Some of us are pretty competitive. I won't mention names, but you know who you are!

2. Some of us are pretty good at making disjointed sentences seem plausible...others are not. :)

3. We will miss our friend Katie S., as she is moving back to England. However, she is returning home and is looking forward to it, so cheerio, Katie! Best of luck. It was terrific having you at MOPS.

January 13th Meeting - Financially Responsible Kids

Our 2011 spring semester is off and running! At our January 13th meeting we had the privilege of having a financial planner - a member of New Life and a father of two girls - speak to us about raising financially responsible children. He emphasized that, as Christians, we have the great responsibility to teach our children how to approach money management in accordance with God's word, not just the latest financial trends.

Key Take-Aways:

1. Raising financial responsible children starts with responsible parents. Get your own finances in order to set the best example for your children.

2. The power of the compounding dollar. In a nutshell, putting a little money aside early on will net you greater savings in the long run that saving more money for more years later on. There is a financial formula that can give you specifics, but teaching your older children about this is very important.

3. Give your children opportunities to earn, manage and grow money early in their life. Geared for their specific age(s), teaching them about money - and allowing them to fail, which they certainly will - prepares them to handle larger amounts of money as young adults. Our speaker's daughters have savings and investment accounts and even have the opportunity to borrow on credit from their dad (at a high interest rate, no less). They are only in late elementary school. Think of how prepared they'll be when they go off to college or start their first job!

5. If you have to choose between funding your own retirement, or your child's college fund, choose your retirement. There are many options when it comes to paying for college, but there is only one way to fund your retirement: save money now. See #2 above.

It's Been a Long Time....

Yikes! I haven't posted a single thing since I've been the Coordinator. Tsk. Tsk. :)

With this in mind, I'll start by providing an update on what's been happening this year:

Our fall semester is always a short one due to the holidays, but we made good use of our time together with interesting speakers (Spiritual Gifts, Once-A-Month Cooking, Secrets to a Stress-Free Life/Nutrition) and a new format. We brought back our devotional and spend quality time each week discussing our spiritual lives with each other. I've really enjoyed getting to know fellow MOPS moms in a more personal way, not to mention all the practical advice I've collected, as a result.

In addition to our regular speakers, we had our first Day of Service where we gave a little back to our community. This year we chose to support KidsLink Downrange, a MOPS sponsored charity that provides holiday card packages to military children with parent(s) stationed overseas. We had a fun time creating cards and preparing the packages.

Next semester will be here before we know it, so please put our meeting dates in your calendar. They will be posted soon on the right.

As usual, if you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please email us at mopslakeview@hotmail.com. I've made a goal to post more frequently, so visit us again soon!

MOPS is out for Summer

Hey everyone,
I know I haven't posted in a while..life has been busy. MOPS Lakeview is on break for the summer! We'll join back in September for our regular meetings.
In the mean time, we'll have a playdate the last Thursday of each month June-August. Be on the lookout for details!
Thanks & God bless!

Children & Nutrition - 2/11

Good day, ladies!

I hope everyone was prepared for all the snow we recieved last night. I must admit it's nice to look out my window and see a pretty, white world.

Just wanted to let you know that we have MOPS this Thursday! We have a guest speaker joining us from Swedish Covenant Hospital. One of their professional dieticians will be coming to speak with us about Children & Nutrition - and I'm sure several key items about nutrition for us moms as well.

I'm looking forward to hearing what she has to say on the topic.

That's it for now. We'll see everyone Thursday morning. God bless and have a great day!

Welcome to the New Year!

Welcome to 2010 and a new semester at MOPS!

We begin our regular meetings this Thursday, Jan. 14th. Same place, same time. (New Life Lakeview @ 9:30am)

This week we have Justin (one of our fabulous mommas) speaking to us on organizing all the paper clutter we have around our homes. I definately need to hear this topic.

I hope everyone had a fantastic holidays. We've missed seeing everyone. (I can't believe it's been over a month since our last MOPS meeting!)

Stay warm, stay healthy, and God bless you!

MOPS Christmas Party

Hello Ladies!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to let everyone know what's going on with our Christmas Party next Thursday, the 10th.

We will be having a Christmas Gift Exchange. Bring a gift valued between $5-$10 (no gag gifts, please). We will draw numbers and have a "stealing limit" on the gifts...so don't become too attached to what you get ;o)

We will also have a Cookie Exchange! This is optional, but if you don't bring cookies, you probably won't get any to take home :o) We ask that anyone wanting to participate bring 3 dozen cookies. **Please don't wrap or package cookies as we will be dividing them up onto trays to send home with you. If you aren't a baker or just don't have time in the end...store bought cookies are welcomed in the exchange.

Other than the Gift & Cookie Exchange, plan on enjoying some time chatting and snacking with the other mommas. Feel free to invite friends along for the fun!

Look forward to seeing everyone next week! God bless and have a great rest of your week!

Car Seat Safety - contact information

This posting is long over due. My apologies.

Some ladies were asking for the contact information for the speaker we had come to our last meeting.

So, here it is:
Wanda Vazquez
773-481-1967 (office)
wvazquez2562@hotmail.com
occupantprotection@sbcglobal.net

She also recommended checking out www.buckleupillinois.org for helpful tips and resources

Hosting a Formal Dinner

Hello Mommas!

It's time for MOPS this Thursday, the 19th. (I honestly cannot believe it's almost a week from Thanksgiving!!! Yikes!) Time flies when you're busy :o)

We have the joy of our MOPS Mentor - Robbie - talking to us and sharing her wisdom about something dear to my heart...and stomach; Holiday Meal Planning. Or simply planning, preparing and hosting a formal dinner.

I love to cook and have people over for dinner. Some ladies find this intimidating, especially with small children "in the way". We hope that what Robbie shares will be helpful and ease your mind when it comes to cooking and hosting stress.

Be on the lookout for information about our Final Meeting this Semester! December 10th will be our Christmas party at MOPS and we have some fun things planned.

Give Thanks and God bless you all!

Car Seat Safety

Hello Ladies!

We're breaking away from our normal 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month during November due to the upcoming holidays.

Our November meeting are the 5th (This Thursday) and the 19th.

This week we have Commander Joe Miranda of the Chicago Fire Department coming to speak with us about car seat safety and proper installation.

It should be an informative presentation and beneficial for everyone regardless of what stage or age your children are.

We look forward to seeing everyone this Thursday! Remember, doors open at 9am and we'll try to begin as close to 9:30 as possible to accomodate our speaker's schedule.

Thanks and God bless!

November MOPS Newsletter

Hi everyone!

So you might have noticed that the October MOPS newsletter did not come together. Jen and I were both traveling and dealing with family issues, so we were unable to get it together this month! So sorry.

But we're back on track for November! The deadline for articles is Monday, October 26th. We need two MOPS members to volunteer to each contribute an article (150-250 words) for the November issue. The theme: Thankfulness and Gratitude.

If you would like to contribute, please email Meghan at mepremohopkins[at]gmail[dot]com.

Children's Items Swap

Just a quick reminder that our next MOPS meeting on the 22nd will be a Children's Item Swap.

If you have gently used clothing, toys, beds, etc. you can bring them to New Life Lakeview and drop them off during the week from 9am-3pm (Mon-Fri). Otherwise, you can bring them the day of the swap.

Along with the item swap, we will also have some MOPS moms and MOPS graduates showcasing their creative talents. Heather will have Tori's Bitty Bows represented and available for sale, Dani Schurman will have slings and wraps... And More!!!

If you know of anyone outside of the group that would like to attend the swap, invite them along! Even if they aren't a mother of a preschooler. All are welcome to this event!

Look forward to seeing you there!
God bless!

Self Defense & Children's Items Swap

Hello October!

Is it me or does it come sooner and faster each year?

It's time for MOPS again this week!

This Thursday, October 8th, we will have a self-defense instructor come and show us some moves and give us tips on how we can better protect ourselves and our families. Should be fun!
**DRESS Comfortably***

Our 2nd meeting in October will be on the 22nd. We will be having a children's clothing/items swap. So bring all the random items you have but no longer want or need and pick up some new-to-you ones! You can bring items to this week's meeting and we'll begin to sort and organize them.

Look forward to seeing everyone Thursday! God bless!

Raising Children in a Christian Home

Welcome to Fall!

We are blessed to have Elisabeth App come speak to us this Thursday, Sept. 24th. Elisabeth is a woman of God, mother of many, pastor's wife and a great speaker. I am excited to hear what she has to say to encourage us as we raise our children.

I'll keep my post short this time.

Come join us on Thursday at New Life Lakeview - 2958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60618. Doors open at 9am!

God bless each of you!

We're Back!

Hello Mommas!

MOPS is back in season! We kick off our fall semester on Thursday, September 10th!

I am excited to see everyone and begin a new season together!

Our first meeting of the semester will be a "welcome back!" brunch. We'll share some yummy food and get to know the team that is helping coordinate the year.

Doors will open at 9am and we'll begin the meeting promptly at 9:30am. Please enter through the Wellington Avenue side doors. (signs will be posted)

God bless and I hope you have a chance to enjoy this wonderful weather!

August 13 - Holstein Park

Hello Mommas!

This summer has just flown by! I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer and been able to enjoy the sun and cooler summer days.

Our last summer playdate will be on Thursday, August 13th. We will be playing at the park! Join us beginning at 10am at Holstein Park (2200 N Oakley).

In the event it rains, we will have some play time in the gym at New Life Lincoln Park (1110 W Lill, Chicago, IL 60614).

Regular meetings start back in September, so be on the lookout for our new Fall Calendar in a few days!

God bless and have a great day!

July 9th @ Whealan Pool - 11am

Hello Mommas & Friends!

This Thursday we are heading to the pool!

We will be meeting at The Pool at Caldwell Woods (6200 W Devon Ave, Niles, IL).

The pool opens beginning at 11am, so that's when we will gather. There is a small fee per person for admission into the pool ($5 per adult, $3 kids 4-12, 3 and under are FREE).

If you are planning on coming, great! I, Erin, will have my cell phone on me ** 765-404-4139 ** if you need to find us or help getting there. Feel free to invite friends along, mommas and non-mommas alike.

The forecast currently looks clear on Thursday, but in the event of rain, we will meet at New Life Lincoln Park to let the kids play and run in the gymnasium. (1110 W Lill, Chicago, IL 60614). I will send out an e-mail Thursday morning if it is looking like we will be at Lincoln Park instead of the pool.

Look forward to seeing everyone! God bless!

PowerPlay!!!

Hello Mommas! I wanted to let you know about an awesome event happening at New Life Lakeview next week (2958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60618). Our Summer Children's Outreach (formerly known to most of us as Vacation Bible School) will be next week, Monday through Thursday - June 22-25th.

The name of the game, PowerPlay! This is a sports themed program for children ages preschool to 6th grade (roughly ages 2 to 12). Sign-in begins at 6pm and the program is from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Through the fun of play and sports we hope to share the gospel and God's word with our children.

PowerPlay will end with a bang! On Thursday night we encourage parents to come join the fun for a block party in front of the church building. There will be games, activities, and more all centered around what the children have learned during their time at PowerPlay.

We want to encourage you to enroll your children online at: www.powerplay.rsvpbook.com
Or, you can register your children when you arrive for the program.

If you have any questions, or would like even more information, please contact EJ Lyon and she will happy to answer and help you with anything you have to throw at her. :o) Her e-mail is ejl@newlifechicago.org or you can call the church office to reach her at 773-388-0637

God bless and I hope you're all enjoying your summer!

Summer Playdates

Hello everyone!

It's finally here...summer in Chicago! MOPS is on break until the fall, but we have a few playdates for everyone to get together during the summer. You can check out our summer playdates on the calendar or visit the blog again in the next couple of weeks to get more details about the events.

If you can't make it to the playdates, but still want to get together with some of the other moms at MOPS feel free! If you don't have their e-mail or phone number, send me an e-mail and I will pass along our Summer Contact Sheet so you can reach them or find other people in your neighborhood.

Have a great summer and we'll look forward to seeing you in the fall if not at the next playdate!
God bless!

Calendar

I added a calendar of our summer playdates! It is located at the bottom of this blog. If you have a "MOPS"-related event or an event you think our MOPS group would be interested in, and you'd like me to include it on the calendar, please email me! mepremohopkins{at}gmail{dot}com