• Austin Ridge MOPS
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Contact us
  • Moppets
  • Shop Friendly
  • About
    • A Typical Meeting
    • MOPS International
    • Steering Team
    • Where and When
Austin Ridge MOPS

Monthly Archives: November 2013

Meeting recap 11.21.13 – 5 things your mother-in-law wants you to know, with Marilyn Ingram

Posted on November 26, 2013 by ridgemops

by Dianaslider inlaws

From Marilyn Ingram who has a mother-in-law and is a mother-in-law.

The first place to go for relationship tips is the Bible.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

John 13:34

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:18

Five things your mother-in-law wants you to know. Compiled from Marilyn’s interviews with real, actual mother-in-laws.

Let’s accept each other and things as they are
– acceptance to the core
– things to accept:
– where everyone lives, near or far
– our families are different, no right or wrong, no comparison or competition
– respect

Let’s assume the best of each other
– limit unsolicited advice
– keep things in perspective

Let’s talk and learn to communicate
– find the best way to stay in touch
– boundaries – asking permission, husband and wife need to be united front
– be positive – say things you appreciate about each other
– ask for help
– magic phrase “You might be right.” – affirms the other person without agreeing

Let’s get to know each other woman-to-woman
– listen
– understanding where each other is coming from helps understand reactions
– learn her favorites
– pursue relationships with your husband’s siblings

Let’s make prayer part of our relationship
– praying for your marriage
– praying for understanding and self-control

What is lacking in a relationship is not what defines it.

Posted in Meetings 2013-14, speakers | Leave a comment |

Meeting recap 11.7.13 – Messy and memorable with Mickey Holtzman

Posted on November 15, 2013 by ridgemops

by Diana

The always-inspiring Mickey Holtzman was back with her “Messy and Memorable” tips for playing with your kids. She emphasized the importance of engaging as many senses as possible with activities. Sensory experiences are tied to memory.

Like who can forget starting with a hand dance?

IMG_6779

Then there was the bubbling bottle project – just oil, water, food coloring and alka seltzer. What fearless volunteers we had!

IMG_6817

IMG_6860

Or poking a water bottle with an ice pick (I’m pretty sure this is the first time we’ve ever had an ice pick at MOPS) to make a water fountain.

IMG_6847

Other activity suggestions from Mickey:

  • flashlight walks
  • dish towel chicken
  • decorate rocks
  • Gak – cornstarch, water, food coloring (in bathtub for easy cleanup)
  • hammer golf tees into styrofoam with a wooden spoon
  • play in shaving cream or cool whip
  • bubble solution – 1 part Dawn, 3 parts water
  • spaceship – decorate big box, wrap everything in foil including the kids for a space suit
  • silly string

She had a table up front with lots of other fun stuff.

IMG_6765

And words to remember

IMG_6865

And keep your sense of humor! Check back for more posts with tips from Mickey on having fun with your kiddos.

Posted in crafts with children, Meetings 2013-14, mothering, speakers | Leave a comment |

Operation Christmas Child: Tips from the front lines

Posted on November 15, 2013 by ridgemops

by Diana

At the next meeting, we’ll be putting together our Operation Christmas Child boxes. MOPS International is proud to partner with Operation Christmas Child, and every year MOPS moms assemble hundreds of boxes.

In our own Ridge MOPS group, Brittany Hyde has been a part of this ministry on the front lines. In 2008, she traveled to Africa and saw the impact of the boxes first-hand. I asked her to share some of her experience with us.

IMG_1259

Describe your trip.

Brittany: I was on a month long mission trip in Rwanda. One of the things I did was deliver hundreds of the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes to a large school in the city. The children put on a performance for us that was filled with singing and dancing and prayer. Afterwards we brought out the boxes and handed them out according to the gender and age.

IMG_1519

What was a memorable moment?

Brittany: Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces. When the boxes started coming out they were jumping up and down and yelling with such joy. They could not have been more grateful to receive a gift.

IMG_1607

What are your personal tips for those putting boxes together?

Brittany: Most of the kids did not know what the majority of the items were in the boxes. Since these are put together during the Christmas season many people fill the boxes with items with Santa Claus on them. These kids are living in extreme poverty and do not know who Santa is and it is not easy trying to explain who he is when they ask. They also do not know how to play with certain toys that to us are simple, such as silly putty. So the more basic the item and toy the better for them. Something they would automatically know what to do with, such as a toothbrush, stuffed toy, or a ball. Any type of high tech item or obscure toy is not recommended as the kids get confused and move on to the next thing. Also these boxes are going to sub-tropical climates in the spring or summer time, usually in Africa, so winter clothes (gloves, scarves) are not necessary as it never gets cold enough for the kids to use them.
Some good recommendations include: Socks, t-shirts, sunglasses, hats, hygiene items, school supplies (including manual pencil sharpeners), jump rope, balls, toy trucks or dolls.

IMG_1509

Anything else to add?

Brittany: Think simple. Remember these are kids that have never seen a cartoon, been to Disneyland or a shopping mall. They do not know what most toy items are and they have never had a Christmas like we do in the U.S. So they do not understand our traditions. While the Santa item may be cute to you, the child receiving it may disregard it because they have no idea what to do with it. I’ve even seen some younger kids be scared of images of a big “white” Santa. I had to show a little girl how to use chap stick, that’s how removed these kids are from what we know.
I would not pack anything that requires batteries since there are restrictions with shipping batteries now and once the batteries die in the toy, they do not have access to more. Also candy isn’t great because tooth decay is a problem and sugar adds to that as well as it lowers their immune systems. Also no toy guns or knives, glass items, liquids or vitamin supplements. It’s also nice when people include a personal note and picture. The kids like seeing photos of the person that packed their box, but its not necessary.

How neat to get a first-hand account of the Operation Christmas Child impact! Keep these tips in mind as you’re shopping for our boxes, and contact your table leader if you have any questions. 

Posted in crafts with children, faith, holidays | Leave a comment |

Bunco night is a fundraising win

Posted on November 12, 2013 by ridgemops


bunco4edited

On October 29th, over 100 ladies spent an evening of fun at our second annual Beach Blanket Bunco Night. There was a silent auction, snacks, prizes and lots of dice-rolling.

All the fun was for a purpose – raising money for childcare workers for the Moppets program during our MOPS meetings. And it was a success! We want to thank the generous local businesses who donated items for the silent auction and helped make a huge impact on our MOPS year.

 

Alaskan Dry Goods Co., Jennifer Darby
Amy’s Ice Cream
Armstrong Music School
Ausin Dental Spa, Dr. Mark Sweeney
Austin Aquarium
Austin Duck Tours
Austin Eats
Austin Omni Southpark Hotel
Austin Steam Train
Austin Toros
Austin Vision Center
Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary
Balance Dance Studios
Bethany Webb, Creative Yogini
Betty Lash
Blue Elephant
Camp Gladiator
Capital City Comedy Club
Capital Cruises
Chaparral Ice
Chick-fil-A Lake Travis, Darryl Zavodny
Cinemark Southpark Meadows
Contigo

bunco5edited

Daily Juice
Dave & Busters
Debbie Dziem
Driskill Hotel
Edit by Lauren Wardrobe Styling, Lauren LeFevre
Embellish
Emler Swim School
Enchanted Springs Ranch
Everygirl Skincare
Flat Creek Vineyards
Flipnastics
Hall Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center
Handana, Katie Niemeyer
Hat Creek Burger Co.
Heartsong Music
Hill Country Event Rentals
Hoppin House
House Wine
i9 Sports
 

bunco6edited

Jack & Adam’s Bicycle Shop

Jumping Puddles
Katoj Personalized Jewelery
Kendra Scott
Laura Robinson
Lauren LeFevre
Let Kelly
Liz James Designs
Lone Star Riverboat
Long Center
Made in the Shade Blinds & More
Mary Kay Cosmetics, Regan Danforth House
Mary Trocino, Simple Solutions
Massage Harmony
McGrath Cosmetics
Mighty Fine Burgers
Mirror Mirror
Mom’s Best Friend
Moonshine
Morgan Nelson, Rodan & Fields

bunco7edited

P Terry’s Burger Stand
Paggi House
Painting with a Twist
PAIYH Dance Studios
Pandora
Paper Concierge
Princess Parties & More
Pure Barre Austin
Pure Life Chiro
Rudy’s
Russel Korman Fine Jewelry & Watches
Shannon Lafayette Photography
Stella Says Go
Studio Mama B
Synergy Dance Studio
Tetra Fitness
Texas Honeyham
The League Kitchen & Tavern
The Pretty Peacock
The Story Company
Thirty-One Gifts, Cynthia White
Tiff’s Treats
Tomasik Family Dental
Urban Betty
Z-Tejas

 

If you didn’t win something from one of these great companies, please give them your business! We are so thankful for their support of MOPS with their generous donations. We also had themed gift baskets with items contributed by our MOPS tables.

We are thankful for everyone who came to Bunco Night and bid on our fantastic items. Your support means so much, and we are thrilled to be able to provide an excellent Moppets crew to lead our kiddos while we’re at MOPS.

Posted in events, fundraising | 1 Comment |

Photography fundraiser tomorrow – Spots available

Posted on November 8, 2013 by ridgemops

Good news! If you didn’t get the chance to sign up for our photography mini-shoot fundraiser, some spots opened up. Email Shelly at shelly.tufts@gmail.com for the opportunity to get your family Christmas card-ready. Saturday, November 9 – more information below…

Fall Photography Fundraiser Flyer

Posted in fundraising | Leave a comment |

Soundtrack for the storms

Posted on November 5, 2013 by ridgemops

 

by Dianaplaylist graphic

At the last MOPS meeting, we heard about preparing for the unexpected. When the trials do come, a positive soundtrack can make a difference to encourage the spirit. Jennifer Young provided a playlist of her favorite uplifting songs for tough times.

  • “Overcomer” Mandisa
  • “This is the Stuff” Francesca Battistelli
  • “Hurricane” Natalie Grant
  • “Blessings” Laura Story
  • “Lead Me” Sanctus Real
  • “Redeemed” Big Daddy Weave
  • “Hello, My Name is” Matthew West
  • “Stronger” Hillsong Live
  • “Praise You in the Storm” Casting Crowns

Check these out when you need a boost!

Posted in faith, speakers | 1 Comment |

Subscribe

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent posts

  • MOPS Theme for 2016-2017
  • EASTER crafts to explain RESURRECTION to your toddler
  • Mentor Mom Moment: Reading to your kids and developing character
  • Jan 21 Meeting Recap: S.H.A.P.E. Up and Thrive
  • Jan 7 Meeting Recap: A Year of Peace
  • Dec 3 Meeting Recap: Christmas Traditions
  • Nov 5 Meeting Recap: Building a Flourishing Mind (Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns Through Prayer)

MOPS Meetings

September 1
September 15
October 6
October 20
November 3
November 17
December 1
January 5
January 19
February 2
February 23
March 3
March 23
April 6
April 20

Search this site

Pages

  • Austin Ridge MOPS
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Contact us
  • Moppets
  • Shop Friendly
  • About
    • A Typical Meeting
    • MOPS International
    • Steering Team
    • Where and When

Archives

  • September 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • June 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • May 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011

Categories

  • activities (6)
  • adoption (1)
  • Be You Bravely (2)
  • Beautiful Mess (7)
  • book review (2)
  • crafts with children (9)
  • decorating (4)
  • events (6)
  • faith (21)
  • fashion (2)
  • Fierce Flourishing (11)
  • fundraising (4)
  • health (5)
  • holidays (8)
  • hospitality (5)
  • Meetings 2013-14 (15)
  • meetings 2014-15 (2)
  • Meetings 2015-16 (9)
  • mentor mom (2)
  • mom highlight (4)
  • moppets (1)
  • mops to go (3)
  • mothering (11)
  • recipes (5)
  • speakers (21)
  • Uncategorized (14)

WordPress

  • Log in
  • WordPress

CyberChimps WordPress Themes

© Austin Ridge Mops