The Grand Forks chapter for Mothers of Preschoolers, or MOPS, collected gently-used bras for the nonprofit Free the Girls, which gives trafficking survivors an opportunity to "build their own business selling second-hand clothing". Can you imagine, your gently used undergarment could help provide access to food or education for a woman half-way across the world!

We were overwhelmed by the support from our group and our entire community! If you didn't have a chance to participate during the October bra drive, but are still interested in supporting the cause, please visit our Free The Girls page to donate 

Want more information about the project and the organization?  Check out what the Grand Forks Herald and WDAZ TV had to say. 

MOPS is a grassroots movement that believes moms are world influencers.

We also believe that incubating hearts and giving just-because-hugs can change the course of history. That’s why we connect moms all over the world to a community of women, in their own neighborhoods, who meet together to laugh, cry and embrace the journey of motherhood. MOPS groups are rallying women to be more honest, to feel more equipped and to find our identity by journeying along side one another.

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, and by preschoolers we mean kiddos from birth through kindergarten. We know it's a little confusing so let's just stick with "MOPS."

We are moms, and we believe that better moms make a better world.

Grand Forks, ND MOPS has a new home at Grace Baptist Church! We welcome you to join us for our monthly meetings the second Thursday of each month, 9am-11am (childcare is full for the 2015-2016 school year but there is always room for more moms!). MOPS also organizes monthly  play-dates for moms & kids along with monthly Moms Night Out evenings (MNO). Please visit the Grand Forks, ND MOPS  facebook page to stay informed of upcoming events.  Questions, contact us at mopsgrandforks@gmail.com

April Calendar

Thursday, April 11 - MOPS Meeting 

@ Faith Evangelical Free Church (1400 24th Ave S)
9:00-11:00am (registration starts at 8:45am)
LET'S PLAY! - SPRING SOCIAL
Are you ready to get your game on? The Let's Play - Spring Social is all about having fun, playing games, and winning prizes. The featured games will be Minute to Win It and The Price is Right. As always, childcare as well as a delicious spread of food will be provided!

 

Thursday, April 18 - Play date 

9:00-11:00am Play Stations @ Faith
There will be several play stations set up such as music, exercise, story time and snack time. Children will rotate around to each station for a fun morning!

 Tuesday, April 23 - Mom's Night Out  

7:30-9:30pm Apps & Answers @ Erica Weisser's house 
This will be a great opportunity to enjoy some good food and good company. The steering team will also be answering any questions you may have about MOPS. There are both steering team positions and discussion group leader openings for next year, so if you're interested in knowing more about these, this will be a great chance to ask questions.

   

Wednesday, April 24 - Splashers play date 

9:00am-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!).

March Calendar

Wednesday, March 6 - Splashers play date 

9:00am-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!).

 

Thursday, March 14 - MOPS Meeting

 @ Faith Evangelical Free Church (1400 24th Ave S)
9:00-11:00am (registration starts at 8:45am)
Topic ~ Diving Deeper: Taking a Step of Faith
Keri Erickson (sister of our own Steering Team member, Sarah Homme) will be sharing about the adoption process she and her family have been going through and how we all can follow God’s calling in our lives. Keri lives in Bismarck with her husband and two small children.
*Brunch & childcare provided! 

Tuesday, March 19 - Mom's Night Out  

7:00-9:30pm Dinner @ Fuji 
If you haven't been to Fuji yet, you won't want to miss it, and if you have been there, you will most likely look forward to going again! This is not just dinner, it's a dining experience. Arrive at 7pm to have a drink and socialize. Our reservation at one of the grills will be set for 7:30pm.
*Please indicate on our FB page by Sunday evening (March 17) if you will be attending so we have an accurate number for the reservation.

 

Thursday, March 28 - Play date 

10:00-11:00am Fire Station Tour
The East Grand Forks Fire Station (located between the EGF Library and Blue Moose) will have a short presentation for our children and also give them a tour of the fire station and fire trucks! You are welcome to join us at the EGF Burger King after the tour for snack/lunch and play time.

February Calendar

Wednesday, February 6 - Splashers play date 

9:00am-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!).

 

Thursday, February 14 - MOPS Meeting

 @ Faith Evangelical Free Church (1400 24th Ave S)
9:00-11:00am (registration starts at 8:45am)
Topic ~ Taking the Plunge: Deepening the Friend Relationship
Speed Dating--Friend Style and Chocolate Truffle making!
*Brunch & childcare provided! 

Tuesday, February 19 - Mom's Night Out 

7:30-9:30pm Pinterest Night
Location: TBD
This will be a fun chance to socialize and share your favorite craft, recipe, decorating, or organizational ideas. Just like Pinterest, but in-person!

 

Thursday, February 28 - Play date 

9:00-11:00am Bowling @ Liberty Lanes
Liberty Lanes in East Grand Forks has graciously opened their doors for our children to enjoy a morning of bowling. Cost will be $3.50/child. This includes shoes and two hours of bowling. MOPS will also be providing a snack!

January Calendar

Thursday, January 10 - MOPS Meeting

 @ Faith Evangelical Free Church (1400 24th Ave S)
9:00-11:00am (registration starts at 8:45am)
Topic ~ Skinny Dipping: Getting to Know YOU
Fun & interactive personality assessment and speaker!
*Brunch & childcare provided! 

Tuesday, January 15 - Mom's Night Out 

7:30-9:30pm White Elephant Gift Exchange 
Location: TBD
After the dust from all the excitement of Christmas has now cleared, do you have a nice gift that you don't need? Maybe you already have one or received two of the same thing. This is your chance to re-gift it! If you don't have anything like this, you can buy a gift, but please keep price under $5. We are thinking of nice gifts, not gag gifts. There will also be refreshments and fellowship to enjoy!

 

Monday, January 21 - Splashers play date 

9:00am-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!).

 

Thursday, January 24 - Play date 

9:00-11:00am @ Pizza Ranch
This is a great opportunity to let your kids be the chef! Pizza Ranch is graciously opening their doors to us and letting our children experiment in the kitchen. There will also be a large room set up with coloring materials. **You must be there promptly at 9am (or early!) if your kids want to make their own pizza!** If you can't make it that early, you are still welcome to come and color and order pizza for lunch, but only those who are there at 9am will have the needed time to make and bake pizzas.

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.