Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Indian Creek MOPS Steering Team!

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to himand was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. - Luke 2:4-20

My Favorite Things: Gifts to Recieve

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.

Just in time for the holidays, this month's feature:

What is your favorite gift to receive?

• Restaurant gift cards - Melony S.
• Gift card - Alisha D.
• Starbucks gift card - Ashley C.
• Anything handmade/thoughtful - Jessica F.
• Spa gift cards - Jane H.
• Love - Stephanie H.
• Gift cards - Emily H.
• Clothes - Katie H.
• Pedicure - Heather J.
• Thoughtful item or clothes - Stephanie L.
• Gift card or clothes - Alicia P.
• Hobby Lobby gift cards - Lindsay R.
• Food - Amy S.
• Gift cards, accessories - Raychel V.
• Scarves, jewelry - Laura W.
• Hugs and kisses from my kids - Kelly R.
• Books! - Erin B.
• Anything thoughtful - Karla T.
• Pampering and shopping money - Julie K.
• Gift cards - Jennifer P.
• Movie night gift card - Angela A.
• Gift cards - Sara B.
• Jewelry or running related gifts - Sara K.
• Anything KU - Carrie M.
• Jewelry - Nicki F.
• Gator stuff, Starbucks gift cards- Jessi C.
• Jewelry, gadgets, homemade stuff (from my kids), gift cards - Sarah L.
• Starbucks gift cards or girly accessories (scarves, earrings, etc.) - Nicole P.
• Coffee mugs - Just kidding! - Lou Ann C.
• Real hot sauce! The kind that makes you tear up with one smell. My faves are Sudden Death, Widow, and The Bomb! - Rachael K.

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

Featured Article: Memory Keepers

Memory Keepers
By Sara K.

As I looked around the family room I grew up in, staring at empty plates on tables with half eaten delights and wrapping paper littering the corners of the room I thought about the big clean up job that lay ahead for my mother and I. I had the opportunity to spend Christmas this year at my parents' house with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. As the holidays drew near, my mom got weekly calls of relatives from different states that would be making making the trip home for the holiday. Over 40 people filled the house for about five hours of fellowship. I helped my mom prep for the big crowd, maintained appetizer trays during the day, and now looked at what was going to be a couple of hours of clean up but I grinned thinking of how much fun it was to see everyone.

I know each of you had a similar experience, spending a lot of time prepping for Christmas, putting up a tree, making cookies, and other holiday treats, mailing Christmas cards, entertaining and yes a lot of cleaning. Whether it was dishes, wrapping paper, or getting ready to entertain guests, the holidays can create a lot of work and stress to moms. I watched my mom on Christmas hug everyone as they entered her home, smile at each person and thank them for coming and it struck me, she has created this tradition as her mom did before her. She opens her home to our family even though it takes a lot of work because we mom are the "Memory Keepers" for our family. We are the ones to help make the memories our children will grow up with and equate with the holidays. We do this because as moms we want to make everyone smile; we want to make fond memories for our children, relatives, and friends to remember. This is why we may stay up all night wrapping presents or putting toys together so we can see the joy in our children's eyes when they find that special gift waiting for them. While many of the preparations go unnoticed, know that you are creating these memories for your family. These fun memories which may seem like so much work at the time can make a lasting impact in your child's mind. My kids were so excited to see their cousins, and my Aunt Michelle, who had traveled with her family from Michigan, took pictures of the chaos, so she could remember the moment. 

As a mom I feel like I'm constantly being torn in a few different directions and never have enough hours in the day, but when I look back at the pictures I see how fast they are growing up. I realize how important these memories are to make, memories that make our family unique. Even the little things like making forts in the family room, I have started to photograph because they are memories. 

Before we left my parents' house to make the trip back to Kansas City, I made sure I gave my mom a big hug and thanked her for all of the wonderful memories she has created for our family. I am looking forward to what memories we will make as a family in 2014.

Originally published in the January 2014 MOPS newsletter.

What Your MOPPET is Learning: December

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 2012-13 year.  

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

All kids in the 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.

Your children will be performing a Christmas program at the first December meeting so start practicing those songs at home!  And don't forget your camera!

Here is a peek at the curriculum for the month:

December- Patience

Song of the month- "Away in a Manger" and other songs you choose to sing during the Mom's Brunch

12/4-Lesson- God is good and makes good things.

Story- Christmas Story1 Thessalonians 5:14 be patient with everyone.

Verse- 1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the lord for he is good.

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