Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Featured Article: Invest in a Relationship

Invest in a Relationship
Motherhood is a wonderful and exciting stage in life but becoming a mom was a big adjustment for me.  I now had another person that solely relied on me to take care of all of his needs.  I also quit my job to stay home with my newborn son which meant my life changed drastically overnight in a number of ways.  Even after the initial adjustment to motherhood there was something else that left me feeling lost, unsettled, and a bit isolated.  At the end of the day, my baby was fed and rested, the errands were done, the house was picked up, and the laundry was as done as laundry can get, so why in the world did I feel like something was missing?
After the birth of my 2nd child I realized that although I loved being a mom and our house had fallen into a comfortable daily rhythm, there was still something missing in my life.  Close relationships with other women and a connection with other moms!  Not just acquaintances, but  true friends that understood my situation and could relate to what I was going through at that moment.  Someone I could be myself with and know I was accepted, without judgement, for who I was.  I knew I wasn’t going to make any friends without any effort and time invested.  So how does a person go about finding other people to spend time with?
I discovered all moms are going through the same thing and have common interests, problems, and situations. I needed to surround myself with other mothers in my daily life and reach out to them in an intentional and accepting way.  To do this, I had to set aside any fear of rejection and open myself up to people.  I started attending a MOPS group, talking to the other moms at preschool, hosting play dates, and reaching out to moms who were alone in a group setting.
In time, I connected with other mothers and those investments turned into long lasting relationships.  These ladies have become my support group.  We pray for each other, take care of each other’s children, and are involved in each other’s lives.  It is worth the effort and time that I have invested in these women’s lives and they have made a difference in mine.
My only regret is that I didn’t reach out to other women sooner.  There are so many moms out there that feel isolated and alone just like I did.  What type of impact could having a friend mean for a woman walking through this rewarding and exhausting stage of motherhood?  I encourage you to reach out now.  “Though one may be overpowered,  two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:11-13 (NIV). Don’t waste any more time because we are far stronger as moms and women when we stick together.

By Sarah Lyons

Saturday, January 25, 2014

My Favorite Things: Places to Shop

Want to try a new restaurant but not sure where to go?
Are you pregnant and not sure what baby products you really need?
Are you unsure of what to cook on a busy weeknight?

What better place to turn than your fellow MOPS moms for ideas?

Our new feature My Favorite Things - will give you some ideas of where to start.
Each month we will feature a different question and recommendations will be listed by other MOPS moms in the group.

This month's feature:
What is your favorite place to shop?

  • Ann Taylor, Banana Republic - Sara K.
  • Ross- Carrie M.
  • Nordstrom - Nicki F.
  • Ross!- Jessi C.
  • Target, Half Price Books - Sarah L.
  • Target, Express - Nicole P.
  • Target - Just kidding! - Lou Ann C.
  • Christmas time at Hobby Lobby - Rachael K.

Want to contribute your ideas for our blog or newsletter? Check your MOPS folder for the My Favorite Things feature!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

MOPS Cook: Spinach Artichoke Dip



Looking for a dip recipe for the next big game?
Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1/2 (10 oz.) package frozen spinach (thawed, drained, and coarsely chopped)
1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts (drained and coarsely chopped)
4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic (grated)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
A few dashes of Tabasco Sauce (optional)

Mix everything and pour into a baking dish.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until bubbling and golden brown on top, about 20-40 minutes and serve with chips or crackers.

Thanks Closet Cooking!  Find more recipes from Closet Cooking here: http://www.closetcooking.com/

To submit your favorite recipe, email us at indiancreekmops@gmail.com

Thursday, January 2, 2014

What is Your MOPPET Learning: January

While we are enjoying some time with other mothers, the kids are busy in their classes as well. 

Each month we will post a sneak peak at the MOPPETS curriculum for the 2013-14 year.  

This year the kids will be studying the Heroes of the Bible curriculum which has been a favorite in the past.

All kids in the Monkeys, Otters, Lions, Ostrich, and Giraffe classes will participate in a Bible lesson, craft, game, music, play time, short video related to the Bible lesson, (such as VeggieTales) and snack.

Here is a peek at the curriculum for the month:

January- Elijah and Noah
1/7-Lesson- Elijah knew our God is the only true God
      Story- Elijah and the prophets of Baal
      Verse- Psalm 136:4

  1/21-Lesson-Noah builds an ark
Story- Noah builds an ark
       Verse- Genesis 9:13
       Song- The Lord will Keep his Promises


             Noah's Arky Arky

For a list of the entire MOPPETS Curriculum for the year please check out the "About MOPPETS" tab.