"Origins" Puts the "O" in MOPS

All I can say about this morning's meeting is...WOW! There was so much going on at today's gathering and it was a beautiful sight to see. Origins came out to give much needed facials and hand massages, as well as to sell their fabulous products for 25% off. It was a mom's dream.

Mary Baffes ran the craft table for the photo necklaces we'll be selling at Ladies' Night Out. These crafts turned out so beautifully and it was a blast to sit and make them. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting and cracking jokes with other moms at the table - it was a great fellowship time. Thanks, Mary for all your hard work!

Ladies, we have a LOT going on right now at MOPS and one of the best ways to get your information is the MOPS Newsletter. Our Publicity Coordinator, Saleama Ruvalcaba put together a stellar newsletter this month and if you didn't get to pick one up, please view it online here. Her editor's note was really worth the short time it takes to read as it reminds us how to slow down and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. There is also a plethora of information on upcoming events, playdates, mentor moms and much more - so please check it out! You can also find details for upcoming events to the right of this post.

If you ever want to announce something to MOPS, or you need to get word out about your business, an event you'd like to publicize, or you just have a photo you'd like to share with the group, please email me (Kristy Roblee) at binx18@aol.com. I'd be happy to post it here on the blog.

My friends, enjoy looking at the photos from today. I feel that relaxation was truly God's gift to us this morning. Have a wonderful weekend!

Krys and Charis are serious about this necklace project...

There's Mary giving instructions on how to put the project together. Mary, did you even take the time to print out instructions? :)

Mentor mom Cindi peruses the goods.

Here are some of our beautiful MOPS writing thank you notes to our Moppet volunteers.

It's discussion time at the discussion table...all eyes are on Mentor mom Alice as she shares her wisdom...

Can anyone say YUMMY?!

I think Isabelle and Pauline are ready to go!

Look at those happy faces!

We had an overflowing Bless Me table today.

Maribeth looks like she's taking some of it with her...I don't blame her...

Jayme's is going to get me for this, but I just love this photo. Jayme, aren't you supposed to be relaxing? :)

This was a serious craft. It took total concentration.

I love the feet in the air.

Buy, buy, buy!

Melissa might also not like me for this, but this shows the pampering in full effect!

Again, note the happy faces:)

Jan Morris Brings MOPS a New Perspective on Parenting

Although I wasn't able to stay for the whole discussion, I've heard Jan Morris speak on the topic of parenting several times. Let's just say, I'm sure there were a lot of "ooooohs" and "aaaaaahs" in the crowd during her talk. She highlights several key factors in why we parent the way we parent. She also gives us helpful tools in how to handle ourselves just a little better in those all-too-familiar frustrating moments as parents. Thank you, Jan, for giving us a little insight into ourselves and for your gentle, encouraging words - MOPS have a tough, but wonderfully rewarding job, don't we?

I've included a few photos from our meeting on Friday, so please have a look if you missed out!

NEXT MEETING:

Friday, November 20

SPA DAY!

-Remember to come without makeup on and be ready for pampering. Don't forget that Origin products will also be on sale.

-Bring a 7/8" x 7/8" photo for the necklace project.

-Bring $$ for the opportunity drawing.

-Bring $$ for gift cards on sale.

Byron Walls Speaks: Are Our "Walls" Safe?

MOPS had a fantastic meeting Friday with food, friends and most of all, laughter. Byron Walls has been speaking with wit and humor on the subject of crime safety for 20 years. Prior to starting California Crimefight in 1996, Byron was the Director of Citizens Against Crime in Portland, Oregon, where he and his speakers spoke to over 20,000 people a year. He is a member of the National Criminal Justice Association and, in 1995, served on the Governor's Task Force on Workplace Violence for the State of Washington.

Byron is also a professional comedian, actor and songwriter. (His songs have been recorded by Andy Williams, Emmy Lou Harris and Ronnie Milsap, among others.) It was an honor and a privilege to hear him speak on the topic of crime prevention. I think most of our sides were hurting from laughing so hard! Thank you, Byron! If you'd like more information on Byron and his organization, just click here.

I've included some photos from the meeting, so just enjoy perusing at your leisure, ladies. Also, I've updated some very important event information on the right side, so please check that out as well. Have a wonderful week!

One of our newest Moppets!

Krys and Nora, having a chat over the Bless Me table.

Food, glorious food!

Debbie and Mentor Mom Joanne.

Happy faces: Jen, Jayme and Karyn.

More smiles! Gretchen and Susan.

Mentor Mom Diane, DGL Mara and Ana:)

We welcome our newest Mentor Mom, Lee! (On left)

Hilarious and informative "California Crimefight" speaker, Byron Walls.

I think it's "safe" to say that many of us were ready to buy his products. His talk was very eye opening!

There is Connie, volunteering on Sunday at the Sally Foster table.

Thanks to Connie, Angie and Jen for helping us out yesterday. It was such a help!

A Most Successful Playdate

Well, I think it's safe to say that we had a very successful first playdate of the Fall semester! So many moms and tots showed up to play and everyone had a wonderful time. There were people in the pool, the spa, on the trampoline, decorating cookies, painting, coloring and eating (of course!). I hope we have this great of a turn out at every playdate this year as it was wonderful getting to know new friends and their Moppets.

If you missed out, you need not worry - we'll have information for the next playdate soon! Also, please check out the additional events I've added on the right. We have some important stuff on there.

Reminders for the meeting this week:

1) Don't forget to bring pictures of your child to put on the display board!

2) If you'd like to include a family photo in the holiday newsletter, please email them to Saleama at saleamam@yahoo.com. (They do not need to be holiday photos.)

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the pictures. See you this Friday! (Note: I've omitted full names in order to protect the privacy of everyone.)

Our first guest has arrived!

Chaos on the trampoline.

He's got his lunch!

Our newest Moppet!

Moms just chit chatting...we're so good at that.

Dane's thinking, "I want that."

Cookie time!

Leilla's getting her feet wet in the spa - some relaxation is in the works!

Here are a couple of our token fishies of the day!

"I get the trampoline to myself!"

Look at this beautiful artwork.

That is a HAPPY face.

Mary's a kid magnet:)

Just chillin' with mom.

Nothin' says Fall like an apple tree, right?

She's ready to rock and roll!

This is Mike, one of our trusty lifeguards:)

Time to munch on some greens.

Look at that cookie!

A good start!

The directions said to draw yourself with your favorite animal - she did it perfectly!

Dane's a stacking fiend!

The party was coming to an end...

I'm pooped!

Look at those eyes. She's having a great time!

Jen - the watchful mom at the deep end:)