December Calendar

Sunday, December 2 - Mom's Night Out

7:30-9:30pm @ Danna Jones' House (719 Barley Ct, GF)
Cookie Exchange

 

Tuesday, December 4 - Play date 

9:00-10:00am @ Santa's Village (Lincoln Golf Course Clubhouse)
Create crafts, play games, read a book with the elves or Mrs. Claus, listen to cheerful holiday music, drink some cocoa and have a cookie, too. There is just so very much to do! Oh, and don't forget the beautiful trees. See over thirty adorned trees, each one in a different theme!
ADMISSION: Please bring a non-perishable food item, new toy or cash donation per person. All proceeds will be donated to the local food shelf, toys for tots and those who need it most in our community.

 

Wednesday, December 5 - Splashers play date 

10:00am-1:00pm @ Canad Inn Water Park
Now that winter is upon us, this is a great opportunity to get the kids out of the house to burn some energy!! Please come and bring husbands and friends if you would like. Hours are 9am-1pm, but you can come and go whenever you want. MOPS will have two cabanas reserved, and the concession stand will be open after 11am. You must mention that you are part of the MOPS group to receive the DISCOUNT PRICE of $6/person for ages 4 and up (children under 4 are free!).

 

Thursday, December 13 - MOPS Meeting

 @ Faith Evangelical Free Church (1400 24th Ave S)
9:00-11:00am (registration starts at 8:45am)
Topic ~ High Dive: Resolving to Take the Leap
As we head into holiday and resolution season, we're going to get a jump start! Five moms from our group will be sharing short stories & tips for making meaningful and lasting resolution for 2013!
*Brunch & childcare provided! 

Thursday, December 27 - Splashers play date 

10:00am-1:00pm @ Canad Inn Water Park
Come and go whenever you want/need. MOPS will have two cabanas reserved, and the concession stand will be open after 11am. You must mention that you are part of the MOPS group to receive the DISCOUNT PRICE of $6/person for ages 4 and up (children under 4 are free!).

 

Purse Preview!

BABY #1

Hand crochet blanket

Baby hat

Hand made dog

Little cutie pack of diapers

Value: $100

Minimum Bid: $40

MASSAGE PURSE

Renewed Hope Chiropractic and Massage Gift Certificate: 60 minutes

BeautiControl Brand: Margarita Bath Salts, Instant Manicure, Lip Scrub

Value: $ 152

Minimum Bid: $50

DATE NIGHT #1

Ground Round Gift Certificates for 1 Appetizer, 1 Entree, and 1 Dessert

2 Movie Passes at River Cinema 15

Moonlight Path Bath and Body Works lotion

Massager

Clinque Bonus bags

Value: $50

Minimum Bid: $25

PHOTOGRAPHY

JCPenney Photo Studio Gift Certificate: $50

Cherry Berry Gift Certificates: 4 coupons for 3 oz ice cream

Mary Kay Timewise Line: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen

Mary Kay Night Restore cream

Mary Kay Firming Eye cream

Mary Kay Thinking of You perfume

Value: $100

Minimum Bid: $35

FOR THE LOVE

For the Love of Cooking (cookbook)

Truffles

Jenny @ Ultimate Look Gift Certificate: for $25 with Jenny at Ultimate Look

Lia Sophia Earrings, small pink squares

Value: $75

Minimum Bid: $30

EVENING ON THE TOWN

Jules topaz and crystal necklace and earrings

Value: $ 110

Minimum Bid: $ 25

UND FAN

4 Tickets for UND Men’s Basketball game on January 19, 2013 (2 pm)

4 Tickets for UND Women’s Basketball game on February 9, 2013 (2 pm)

2 UND Tumblers

1 Women’s hat

Ground Round Gift Certificates: 2 adult entrees, 3 kids meals, 1 appetizer and 1 dessert

Value $125

Minimum Bid: $40

HEART AND SOUL

Heart and Soul Gift Certificate: Myofascial Release (Cathy Buettner at Achieve Therapy and Fitness)

Mary Kay Sun Screen, After Sun, and Subtle Tanning Lotion

Mary Kay Satin Hands Line

Mary Kay various body lotions (travel size)

Value: $100

Minimum Bid: $35

MERRY MAIDS

Merry Maids Gift Certificate: 2 hours with 2 people cleaning

Water bottle

Key chain flashlight

Spatula

Notepad/post-its

Broom and dustpan

Squeegee

Grease Solution

Soap Scum Solution

Multi-surface cleaner

Multi-surface cleaner (fragrance free)

Sponge

Value: $150

Minimum Bid: $50

PAMPERED CHEF

Peeler

Citrus peeler

Mojito drink mix

Lunch bag

Bottle opener

Bar board

Classic batter bowl (8 cup size)

Value $85.00

Minimum Bid: $25

THUMPER POND RESORT

Thumper Pond Gift Certificate: 1 night stay in a King or Queen Suite with 4 water park passes

The Otter Supper Club (at Thumper Pond) Gift Certificate: $15

Toothbrushes

Thirty-One Gifts Luggage Tag including nail file & compact

Value: $125

Minimum bid: $40

November Calendar

Thursday, November 8 - MOPS Meeting

 @ Faith Evangelical Free Church (1400 24th Ave S)
9:00-11:00am (registration starts at 8:45am)
Topic ~ Dive into Advent: Making Advent Wreaths
An Advent wreath is a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. We will be a wrapping a small symbol for your child to open each of the 25 days before Christmas, along with a short reading about the symbol. Then we will tie them to the wreaths. All those planning to attend should bring one quarter & two pennies!
*Brunch & childcare provided! 

Monday, November 12 - Mom's Night Out

PLUNGE INTO PURSES! SILENT AUCTION
6-8pm @ Country Inn & Suites (3101 South 42nd St, GF)
 

Thursday, November 29 - Play date 

10:30-11:30am @ Red River Valley Gymnastics Open Gym
$3/child for members & $4/child for non-members (0-12 months and adults are free!)

Plunge into Purses! Silent Auction

October Calendar

Thursday, October 11 - MOPS Meeting

 @ Faith Evangelical Free Church (1400 24th Ave S)
9:00-11:00am (registration starts at 8:45am)
Topic ~ Synchronized Swimming: Preventing, Maintaining and Goal Setting for Good Health
*Brunch & childcare provided! 

Monday, October 15 - Mom's Night Out

7:30pm @ Jill Hunt's House (3929 Cherry Street, GF)
Caramel Apple Dipping
 

Thursday, October 25 - Play date 

10:00am @ Nelson's Pumpkin Patch (near Emerado, ND/GF Air Force Base)
$3/child (infants free!) - this includes admission, hay ride & pumpkin to take home

October Meeting

When:

Thursday, October 11th, 9-11am (Registration starts at 8:45am)
      **Please RSVP on Facebook whether you can make it or not! This will greatly help us plan for childcare.

Where: 

Faith Evangelical Free Church, 1400 24th Ave S, Grand Forks

What to expect:

8:45-9:00am - Register/check-in & drop off your kiddos at childcare. The nursery for ages 0-24 months is upstairs, while the MOPPETS rooms are downstairs. REMINDER: There are early-bird door prizes!

9:00am - Brunch and visiting at tables. Yum Yum!

9:15am - Devotions/Announcements

9:30am - Synchronized Swimming: Preventing, Maintaining and Goal Setting for Good Health. We will be hearing from three guest speakers who have different areas of expertise. There will be a time for questions to follow the presentations.

10:45-10:55 - Wrap-up & dismiss to get children from childcare

P.S. MOPPETS will be plunging into Joy!

September Calendar

September 13 - MOPS Meeting

 @ Faith Evangelical Free Church (1400 24th Ave S)
9:00-11:00am (registration starts at 8:30am)
Topic: Getting Your Feet Wet: Introduction to MOPS
*Brunch & childcare provided! 

September 18 - Mom's Night Out

7:30pm @ Jess Brammer's House (530 7th Ave SE, EGF)
Kickoff Social
 

September 27 - Play date 

@ Sertoma Park (corner of 7th Ave S and 30th Street)
9:00-11:00am

September Meeting

Here we go--let's take the PLUNGE! Join us for the first meeting of the 2012-2013 MOPS year. Whether you're a seasoned MOPS member or this is your first time, we look forward to spending the morning with you!

When:

Thursday, September 13th, 9-11am (Registration starts at 8:30am)

Where: 

Faith Evangelical Free Church, 1400 24th Ave S, Grand Forks

What to expect:

8:30-9:00am - Register/check-in with Erica Weisser upstairs & then drop off your kiddos at childcare. The nursery for ages 0-24 months is upstairs, while the MOPPETS rooms are downstairs. REMINDER: There are early-bird door prizes!

9:00am - Brunch and visiting at tables. Yum Yum!

9:15am - Devotional

9:30am - Announcements

9:45am - Getting Your Feet Wet: Intro to MOPS
We will be going over what MOPS is all about, the theme for the year, what to expect at meetings, play dates, and mom's night out. We will also introduce the steering team and discussion group leaders.

10:30am - Table discussion time/activity

10:55am - Wrap-up & dismiss to get children from childcare

P.S. MOPPETS will be learning "All About Apples"!

Registration Time!

It's time to take the plunge and register for the 2012-2013 year of MOPS! Earlier today I sent out the cover letter and registration form via email to the list of members from last year and a few others who have expressed interest in joining this year. If you did not receive a registration form and would like to you have two options: check out our FB group and find the files I uploaded there or email me (danica.anderson15@hotmail.com) and I will send one to you. The cover letter gives details on cost and where to send completed registration forms. We would like to get as many registrations completed as possible before the first meeting on September 13th. Pre-registration helps us reserve a spot at a table for you and make the necessary arrangements for your children in the nursery and MOPPETS. See you there...

It's coming...

Hope you've been able to join us for some of our play dates this summer!  It's been fun to have time to keep up with friends, meet new people, and watch our children burn energy ;)

We're looking forward to our first meeting of the fall.  Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 13.  We'll meet at 9 am at Faith Evangelical Free Church.  Look for registration information in the next couple of weeks.

Happy Summer!

Summer Play Date Schedule

Summer 2012 Park Play Dates: 

Plan on joining us on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month this summer. 

We'll meet from 10:30-12:30 am.  Arrive when you wish, and stay as long as you can!

 

Dates are:

June 14--- University Park 

June 28-- Sertoma Park 

July 12-- Sherlock Park 

July 26-- University Park 

August 9-- Sertoma Park

August 23--Sherlock Park

Summer Parties :)

Hope you were able to join us for our May meeting!  We talked about all kinds of summer festivities.  If you'd like a handout of recipes and ideas, please feel free to message me at hunt16@msn.com.

Also, if you'd like to complete a year-end evaluation, we'd love to hear from you. Please message me, and I'll send you an electronic version to complete and return.

We're still looking for Discussion Group Leaders for the fall of 2012.  Let me know if you'd be interested!

The fashion show is over, but hopefully you were

inspired by what you saw!

We wanted to give you a little more “Springspiration” for this
season’s wardrobe, with 5 looks that are accessible, affordable, and on trend.

Each of these looks is complete with shoesand accessories,

but remember that these items can be used with many different
outfits so don’t let the total price tallies scare you off.

If you are working on smaller budget look for
some basic items and a statement piece or two with versatile accessories

that can dress up or dress down your look.
Check out some store-specific tips at the bottom!

Look 1
Every girl needs a simple weekender look and this fits the
bill for just over $90! Bright colors are all the rage right now,

so throw on a jade dress and grab a bright yellow
bag and you are good to go!

Look 2
Ringing in at $105, this works perfectly for a casual summer
day. Gold is making a comeback with these metallic earrings

and the espadrilles kick it up a notch!

Look 3
You’ve probably noticed the brightly colored skinny jeans
hanging on the rack in virtually every store these days. Don’t be shy, try on a pair!

These statement pieces are extremely versatile and can be dressed up or down

for any occasion. In this look, we’ve paired it with a whimsical
bird print blouse and nude pumps. Again we’ve added some gold accents,

and the orange shoulder bag pulls it all together.

The price tag on this one totals $165!

Look 4
As you saw in the last look, prints are in, and the bolder
the better. We’ve done this dress in two ways –

Add a little funk with cowboy boots and a thick brown belt,

or

Add a little spunk with some brightly colored flats, a
shimmery clutch and some peacock inspired jewelry.

Version one comes in at $113 and Version 2 is $101, but you
can snag both looks for $176.

Look 5
For an evening out with the girls, or a date night with your
man you need to get your glam on! A simple black pencil skirt is paired with

an on-trend peplum top and adorable pumps. The clutch brings out the color
of the tie on the waist and adding earrings and a ring with some bling class it
up! The final tally is $155.

If you are loving the looks but overwhelmed by the costs,
here are a few tips from a self-proclaimed cheapskate!

Target is a favorite of mine, and since I am already going
there for something most of the time, it’s easy to browse through

their racks if I’m in need of something.

Their clearance racks are pretty well organized and they have a mark down schedule.

Women’s Clothing on Tuesdays,

Health and Beauty items on Wednesdays

and Shoes on Thursdays,

so if you are watching a clearance item, keep this in mind!

Getting a Target Card can get you 5% off your purchase, but don’t go down that road

unless you have the discipline to pay off entire balance each month. http://www.mommysavers.com/2011/01/deals-at-target-clearance/

Kohl’s often has coupons in their ad for % off purchases.

These are coupons worth clipping! They also have “Kohl’s Cash”
in which you purchase items during an eligible period to earn “cash” that can
be used toward a purchase during a redemption period.

A Kohl’s card gives you access to extra discounts 12 times a year,

but it’s never a good choice if you carry a balance.

Old Navy is one of my favorite stores of all.

They also offer “Super Cash” which is the same idea as “Kohl’s Cash”.

By joining their mailing list, you receive many emailed coupons and alerts of store specials. Always take the time to complete their online survey,

it is worth the discount and helps them out as well.

Their clearance racks are a little overwhelming,

but if you can buck up and forage through it,

you can get some steals!

Also, if you sign up for an Old Navy card, you receive 10% off every Tuesday

and earn reward cash for every purchase!

Once again, do not sign up if you won’t be paying it off in full each month.

Happy shopping!

[Thanks to Sarah Homme and Sheena Collins for compiling and formatting these ideas!]

Open Steering Team Positions

Steering Team Positions available for next year:

Nursery Coordinator

Call and arrange child care volunteers for each monthly meeting. There are 9 meetings in the MOPS year. Offers encouragement and support to nursery workers, and coordinates snacks for children.

MOPPETS Preschool

- Coordinates and recruits teachers and helpers for each room

- Plans activities for each MOPPETS classroom

- Purchases craft supplies for MOPPETS

- Coordinates snacks for MOPPETS

Publicity

- Creatively publicizes MOPS meetings and events using our established website, Facebook page, and monthly newsletter.

Hospitality

- Creates a welcoming and attractive atmosphere for each meeting.

- Coordinates set up and clean up of food and decorations at each meeting

- Implements theme on tables throughout room

- Coordinates door prizes, birthday recognition, and new baby celebrations

- Coordinates annual spring tea in April

Note: Each of these positions are part of the Steering Team. Members of the Steering Team are responsible for attending monthly Steering Team meetings (on the first Thursday with childcare provided), and helping with table set up prior to each monthly meeting. Please talk to a current Steering Team member or email me (hunt16@msn.com) if you’re interested.

MOPS April Events

Monthly Meeting:

Spring Tea/Fashion Show

Thursday, April 12 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Location: Faith Free Evangelical Free Church

We welcome you to see featured fashions from True Colors, Adley Anne’s, Lillian’s, and Glamorous Re-Runs. Enjoy brunch, door prizes, and visiting. Also, we’ll be inspired by three fantastic speakers. You won’t want to miss out. Please take time to RSVP either to Sona or to Facebook, and invite a friend!

Moppets...

Will be looking at the parable of the lily, doing an egg craft, and having other spring fun!

Play date

Mondays at Splashers:

Monday, April 16 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm

1000 South 42nd Street, Grand Forks, ND

Please join us at Splashers. They have offered us two cabanas, and have said food will be available for purchase, especially as lunch time nears.

As before, the cost is $6 per person 4 years and above. Under 4 are welcome, and free. If you have questions, please be in touch. To answer a previous question, husbands are welcome, if you are so lucky as to have one available to help you! ;)

The other date will be:

May 14

The set up and cost will be the same each time, so if you can't come in April, perhaps another date will work for you.

Please feel free to share this invite with others. I'll post invites for future dates about two weeks out from each date.

Mom’s Night Out

Tuesday, April 24, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

The Garage (2314 Library Circle) across from

Faith Evangelical Free Church

We’d like to invite you to come as you are

(and when you can!). We’ll be having some

casual snacks, relaxed visiting, and you’re

welcome to bring a project to work on or a

game you wish someone would play with you.

But, if you just want to visit, just bring yourself.

If you have a favorite appetizer, snack or

dessert you’d love to bring, please let us know.

Hope to see you there!

MOPS March Events

Don't spend the month snuggled up, come join us for some inspiration ;) Spring really is coming...

March MOPS Meeting: Simplifying Home Organization

Thursday, March 8, from 9 am-11 am at Faith Evangelical Free Church

Please join us as we discuss some ways to keep hearth and home running a little bit more smoothly. We'll be hearing from our own Jennifer Thorson who blogs at http://www.thepurposefulmom.com/ in case you want to preview her expertise!

Our meeting will include break-out sessions at each table to generate and share tools and sympathy ;)

We look forward to a time of encouragement, as we look at how being purposeful in our homes gives us more time for our relationships with Christ, our husbands, and our children... and, maybe even a few minutes to savor a cup of coffee too!

Hope you're able to come!

Mom’s Night Out: 
Sunday, March 11, 2012



5:00pm until 7:30pm

American Indian Center, 315 Princeton, Stop 8274 on the UND Campus, Grand Forks, ND

We're excited to offer an Italian Cooking Class with Jeff Slivkoff. Jeff is a former bistro owner, who now shares his expertise on a smaller scale. The class will be held on Sunday, March 11 from 5 pm-730 pm at the American Indian Student Services Building on the UND campus (address above). The menu will include an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Here is a sample: Chef’s Tasting Menu | 11 March 2012 Pizza: Pizza Margherita, Pizza Napoli, another option possible Bruschetta: Roasted Bread rubbed with Garlic and topped with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Tiramisu Veloce: Classic Italian dessert Ladyfingers and Mascarpone Cheese Caffe con crema: Espresso and Cream The cost will be $25 per person if paid by 3/8 and will rise to $30 per person on 3/9. We need have a minimum of 7 paid RSVPs, and the class will be full at 20 people. The cost will cover both instruction and the delicious meal. Please both RSVP by emailing me hunt16@msn.com (for our count), and send your check to Jeff Slivkoff at 501 Reeves Drive, Grand Forks, ND, 58201. If you want to plan to attend with friends, and mail several checks together, feel free ;) If you have questions, please let us know. Mondays at Splashers: Monday March 12 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm Please join us at Splashers. They have offered us two cabanas, and have said food will be available for purchase, especially as lunch time nears. As before, the cost is $6 per person 4 years and above. Under 4 are welcome, and free. If you have questions, please be in touch. To answer a previous question, husbands are welcome, if you are so lucky as to have one available to help you! ;) The other dates will be: April 16 May 14 The set up and cost will be the same each time, so if you can't come in March, perhaps another date will work for you. Please feel free to share this invite with others. I'll post invites for future dates about two weeks out from each date. Thanks! ____________________________________________________________________________________ March Play date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 9am-11 am at Faith Evangelical Free Church Our Circuit of Fun will include: 1. Kid Fit (taught by Heather Boudreaux) for kids three and older 2. Baby Boot Camp (taught by Dori Hardee) for mama-centered fitness utilizing baby/non-walker. Older kids can do the fitness portions. Please bring your baby carrier. 3. Story time 4. Craft table 5. Move and Groove (taught by Lysa (Music Therapist) good for all ages to sing, dance, and play instruments. 6. Others may be added. Each station on the circuit will be about 20 minutes, and you'll have the opportunity to try out three with a mid-session snack and bathroom break. The same classes will be repeated in each session. Our stations will be spread out among the rooms downstairs at Faith where MOPPETS generally meets. There should be an opportunity for kids (and mamas) of all ages and interests. Thanks so much to all the experts who have been willing to share their skills for this event! Please be in touch with questions.

Three February Events!

February Events:

Thursday, February 9:

Please join us for our February meeting. Natalie is going to teach us to make the funky cool coffee mug protectors seen in the picture. No one appreciates an attractive, hot drink as much as people who live in North Dakota, right?

Mentor mom, Deb Todhunter, is going to give us some giggles with her entertainment, and there will be the usual delicious brunch, visiting, and children's activities at Moppets.

If you have questions, please let us know. Hope to see you there!

Monday, February 20: Mom’s Night Out

We have an adventure planned for our February Mom's Night Out: A Progressive Dinner!

Join us for all or part, and choose your own options for food and drink. Sharing will be welcome. We've selected three restaurants on the East Grand Forks Boardwalk, so we can walk between them. We'll also be easy to find.

We'll meet at 7:30 at Mama Maria's, and if you're running behind, just message me, and I'll update you on where we are!

Appetizers: Mama Maria's (Italian)

211 DeMers Avenue (inside the mall with River Cinema)

Main Dish: The Drunken Noodle (Asian)

415 2^nd Street NW

Dessert: The Blue Moose

507 2nd Street NW

(Divine dessert menu, we promise... )

Thursday, February 23: February Playdate

First Seasons Community Center (Purpur Arena)

1122 7^th Avenue South

Come in out of the ice and snow! Please join us for our February play date at the indoor playground at Purpur.

Cost will be $2 for children 2 and older. We’ll provide light snacks, and there are also concession-style snacks and drinks available for purchase. You might find the popcorn irresistible! Please plan to pay with cash or check.

If you haven't been to Purpur, there's something for everyone... A large space for running, basketball hoops of several sizes, a ball pit for little ones, and climbing tunnels and slides.

Mom's Night Out: January 16

Mom's Night Out:

Monday, January 16

Faith Evangelical Free Church

Please join us as we hear the amazingly talented Teri Nelson talk about home decor on a budget.

She'll be showing techniques, sharing ideas, and giving away the items she makes as door prizes. Light refreshments and good conversation also available ;)

If you have questions or need more information, please be in touch at 719.641.0267 or hunt16@msn.com

Also remember this weekend you can play for free at the Y. See the post below for schedule and details!

January Meeting: Thursday, January 12

Please join us:

January 12, 2012

at Faith Evangelical Free Church

1400 24th Avenue South

Grand Forks, ND

from 9-11 am

*Children's programming & nursery provided

(If you have questions or need directions, contact me at hunt16@msn.com/ 719.641.0267)

Based on your responses to the December survey questions, we've set up a panel of fabulous ladies to talk about the topics you were interested in. Among these are:

Spiritual Disciplines
Maintaining a good relationship with spouse
Emotional Management

It should be an engaging way to start the new year!