Friday's Meeting

Hi Ladies,

Can you believe that Christmas is almost here? Where did 2009 go?

I just wanted to remind you of our final meeting of the year, this Friday. Remember to bring a wrapped ornament to exchange (Hobby Lobby still has some good ones left for 50% off). We always have a lot of fun with the exchange, just ask Vicki :-)

We would also ask that you bring three signed Christmas cards for the MOPPETS teachers to thank them for all they do for us. We want to make sure that each teacher is acknowledged.

We also have a special gift just for you!

See you Friday!

Wendy

Santa Fundraiser Success

Thanks to everyone that participated in our Santa fundraiser. It was a success for our group and we are already planning to do it again next year. We got lots of good photos and the smiles of happy kiddos was priceless. Thanks again!!!

Evening With Santa

Reminders For Our Next Meeting

1) GCN's Women's Ministries has asked us to decorate one of the church's Christmas trees. If you have an ornament that you would like to donate, please bring it to the next meeting. I would also like to personalize the tree by adding pictures of us and our precious preschoolers. Please email me a picture of you and your kids, or bring it to the next meeting, and I will do the rest. Also, if you would like to help decorate the tree/church for Christmas, please join us on Wednesday, December 2, at 7pm.

2) In preparation for Bethlehem Village, GCN is collecting the cardboard rolls from used paper towel and toilet paper rolls. If you have any, please bring them to our next meeting.

3) For our next meeting's craft, we will be making photo clocks. Becky has asked that we bring 12 1x1 inch photos of our kids. If you are like me and only keep the digital images and would like to save some money by not printing 12 different photos, I'm here to help. I can crop the images and put them all on one 4x6, so you only have to print one photo. I can either email you back the 4x6 or I can print it for you and bring it to the meeting. If you would like my help with this, please get your photos to me no later than Wednesday.

4) If you are paying your dues by the payment plan option, please bring your $30 checks for the second half of this semester.

Mom's Night Out

Don't forget that we have out monthly Mom's night out planned for this Thursday at Cheri's house. We have a Thanksgiving potluck feast planned and we hope that you will be able to join us. This will be a fun time for us to spent together, share holiday traditions, socialize, and count our many belssings of the year. When you RSVP please include your favorite Thanksgiving dish you will be bringing as your potluck item. Hope to see you all on Thursday.

Notes From Today's Meeting

It was great to see you all this morning. We had some new faces and some adorable baby boys to ooh and ahh over. For those of you unable to make the meeting, you were greatly missed!

Here are some notes from our meeting:

1) Every year, MOPS Intl. partners with Samaritan's Purse for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child delivers millions of gift-filled shoe boxes to needy children around the world. Start gathering boxes and supplies to fill your shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. Collection week is Nov. 16-23 (boxes will be due at our Nov. 20th meeting). Click HERE for more information on Operation Christmas Child

2) This Sunday, Oct 18th at 2:30, GCN will be sponsoring a baby shower for Lauran George, who has visited our group before. The shower will be at Sara Mardock's home.

3) Oct 24th is our Family Outing to Sweet Berry Farm. For more information and directions, please visit their website:

4) Oct 29th, is our next Mom's Night Out. If you ever wanted to learn how to sew, Becky will show you how. We will be making tote bags. BYOSM (Bring your own sewing machine)! We will meet at 7:30 at GCN. Be watching for more information from Becky.

5) Our next MOPS meeting is in 3 weeks, on Nov. 6. Our speaker will be giving a presentation on crock-pot meals, just in time for the nice fall weather. Please bring a favorite crock-pot recipe to share.

I think that's all for now. I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Blessings!

Wendy

Don't forget, meeting on Friday

Just wanted to remind you all of our next MOPS meeting this Friday. Our topic will be 'Building a Community of Friends.' We have a fun meeting planned, so I hope to see you all there. Please remember to bring some colored pencils and markers for our craft.

Fall Playdate

Wow, did it actually feel like Fall at the park today ow what?? This morning's playdate was a little chilly, but the kids enjoyed getting to run and play in cool crisp air. What a fun morning at the park. Smiles of happiness!

Notes from today's meeting

We had a fun meeting this morning. For those of you unable to attend, you were greatly missed! Here are a few announcements you may be interested in:

1) Playdate! Since many of us have kids in preschool, we decided to have two playdates so more moms and kids could join in the fun. We will be meeting at the University Oaks playground by Mighty Fine Burgers and IKEA, on Wednesday, Oct 7, and Thursday, Oct 8 at 10am. Weather alternate is the play area inside the IKEA Restaurant. Hope to see you there!

2) Our next MOPS Meeting is Oct 16. Our topic will be Building a Community of Friends. Please bring any colored markers or pencils you may have for our craft.

3) Family Fun! Bring the whole family out for a fun filled day at Sweet Berry Farms Fall Fun Harvest on Saturday, Oct 24.

4) Mom's Night Out! Oct 29, 7pm at GCN. Ever wanted to learn how to sew? Becky will be showing us how to make totes or fun Halloween candy bags. Bring your own sewing machine.

5) Congratulations go out to Clint and Shelby Lavender on the birth of their son, Harrison Dustin. He was born this morning at 7:30, weighing in at 7lbs, 7oz. Shelby is at St. Davids in Round Rock, room 108 and will be there for a few days due to the c-section.

6) Happy Birthday! Shelby Lavender Oct. 4, Sara Mardock Oct 6, Edith Duarte Oct 15 and Vicki Henderson Oct 18.

7) Our very own Becky Howard will be participating in an art show on Friday, Oct 9 from 7-9 at Hill Country Bible Church, 600 CR 151, GT 78625.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

See you next week!

Wendy

GCN MOPS: How to Avoid Getting Sick this Fall

I hope you have all had a great week. I can't believe it's already the end of September, can you? Although I am ready for the cooler weather. With the cooler weather, however, comes cold and flu season, which as we all know, is especially bad this year. Our guest speakers this Friday are Drs. Natalie Osborn and Ryan Osborne of Osborne Family Chiropractic. They will be giving us some helpful hints on how to keep ourselves and our kiddos healthy and strong.

If you have not paid your dues, please remember to bring your checkbooks. For those of you who have paid, you have been registered with MOPS Intl. Please let us know if you have not received a confirmation email from them. We want to make sure you are getting all of your benefits.

I'm not sure if you all have seen the Garage Sale Table. If you have any gently used clothing or toys that you think might benefit the moms in our group, please feel free to donate them to our Garage Sale. The cost of each item is whatever you think the item is worth, consider it a donation to our MOPS group. If you are unable to afford a donation at this time, that's ok. Take what you need.

I have also put some old MomSense magazines and CD/DVDs from past MOPS Conventions out for you all to see. If you are interested in borrowing any of these items, feel free. Just let me know which ones you are taking.

I hope you have all been able to stay healthy so far and I look forward to seeing you on Friday!

Wendy

Tylenol Recall

Tylenol recalls some children's medications. Liquid products pulled for possible contamination of inactive ingredient, click here to read more.

AMAZING

"O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? declares the LORD. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel." Jeremiah 18:6

Today our MOPS meeting was truly amazing! We had the honor to have Rachel Norris, The Pottery Lady, as our guest speaker and as I sit here typing this post this evening, I am still amazed and touched by her testimony and talents. She is AMAZING and her message was so powerful. I am so grateful that our group had the opportunity to hear her speak and to be touch by God's word. I can wait to see what God has in store for our MOPS group this year as well as what He has in store for each and everyone of our lives.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The Whole World In His Hands

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Please join us this Friday for our next MOPS meeting at 9:30. Our special guest speaker is Rachel Norris. She will be sharing her testimony while spinning pottery, it's an amazing presentation you won't want to miss!

Please remember to bring your checkbooks as dues are now due. If you need a scholarship, please fill out a scholarship application online. This fee helps cover the costs of our MOPPETS program (curriculum, crafts, snacks, etc.), guest speakers, craft supplies, curriculum, publicity, door prizes and more and we cannot continue our meetings without these funds. Please mail your checks, made out to GCN MOPS, to our Finance Coordinator, Edith Duarte at 1851 Paradise Ridge Dr., Round Rock TX 78665.

I hope you have all had a chance to read your GCN MOPS Handbook that was in the welcome packet you received at our first meeting. For those who were unable to attend the first meeting, we ask that at the beginning of the year of MOPS, moms with children in the MOPPETS program contribute a large package of one snack item for sharing amongst the children throughout the MOPS semester. Suggested snack items include graham crackers, goldfish, Ritz bits, or animal crackers. Please do not donate items that may include peanuts as they can trigger allergic reactions.

Please try to arrive by 9:15 to get your kids dropped off in MOPPETS so we can start our meeting promptly at 9:30. We only have two hours together so we want to make the most out of it! Please let me know if you have any questions.

See you Friday!

Pet Clinic

Highland Park Elementary School is holding a Pet Vaccination Clinic as a fundraiser for the Physical Education program.

-It will be held Tuesday, September 15th from 5-7 p.m.

-Rabies for dogs and cats: $5
Complete yearly set: $20
John Y. Tarton, DVM
Call for additional info: Lana Tarlton 238-1093

Pick Up Your Feet For Parkinson's

Since there are several walker/runners in our group, please check out this 5k. The Sun City Running Club is joining forces with Team Fox, in honor of one of their members John(Turner's Stepdad) who has Parkinson's. If you don't want to run you can still make a donation for the cause by clicking here . You will need to click on support a member, and enter John Carchedi. If you have any questions please Emily Jones.

Things Happening Around Town This Weekend

Just wanted to get a list of some things going on around town this weekend in case you are looking for something to do...

• Sat. 9/12 from 8a-1p there is a children's resale event taking place at Austin Sports Center, hosted by AMOM. For more info click HERE
• Sat 9/12 - Teravista is having their community-wide garage sale
  
• Sept. 11-12 - Up the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive and Chuckwagon cook-off at San Gabriel Park, Georgetown. For more info click HERE

Story Time Playdate

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day Weekend! I just wanted to remind you about our play date tomorrow. Please join us for Story time at the Round Rock Library at 10:30.

Also, the Ladies of GCN are starting a new bible study tomorrow night, September 9^th, 7:00-8:00 p.m., with child care provided. The six-week study is entitled “Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed – A Study of David,” presented by three women, representing three generations, Priscilla Shirer, Kay Arthur & Beth Moore. Priscilla will teach two sessions on David as a young man – his anointing and ours, Beth will teach on David in his mid-life transformation, and Kay will teach on David facing the final third of his life and God’s redemption as the mark of His children. Optional and available will be workbooks that follow this series with daily Bible study at a cost of $13.00 (checks can be made payable to GCN).

Notes for our 1st MOPS Meeting

We had a great meeting this morning. It was great to see everyone returning from last year and the new faces as well. For those of you who were unable to make it, we missed you!

Here are some notes from today's meeting:

1) Dues are now due. If you need a scholarship, please fill out a online at scholarship application. I only received two checks today. This fee helps cover the costs of our MOPPETS program (curriculum, crafts, snacks, etc.), guest speakers, craft supplies, curriculum, publicity, door prizes and more and we cannot continue our meetings without these funds. Please mail your checks, made out to GCN MOPS, to our Finance Coordinator, Edith Duarte at 1851 Paradise Ridge Dr., Round Rock TX 78665.

2) Happy Birthday: Dana Akers (8/10), Sunnie Vick (8/22), Corrie Schrader (9/16)
Happy Anniversary: Corrie Schrader (8/5), Sarah Collier, Sarah Brown and Dana Akers (all 8/7), Vicki Henderson (9/2), Sunnie Vick (9/19)
Births: Traynor Collier 8/19, 7lbs, 11oz, 18.5in; Oliver Hughes 8/20, 7lbs, 6oz, 18in. Congratulations Sarah and Laura!
Pregnancies: Shelby Lavender (due Oct 2), Becky Howard (due Dec)

3) We will be having a playdate on Wednesday, Sept 9 at 10:30. We will be meeting at the Round Rock Library for Story Time. Come join us!

4) GCN is starting a new Women's Bible Study next Wednesday, September 9^th, 7:00-8:00 p.m., with child care provided. The six-week study is entitled “Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed – A Study of David,” presented by three women, representing three generations, Priscilla Shirer, Kay Arthur & Beth Moore. Priscilla will teach two sessions on David as a young man – his anointing and ours, Beth will teach on David in his mid-life transformation, and Kay will teach on David facing the final third of his life and God’s redemption as the mark of His children. Optional and available will be workbooks that follow this series with daily Bible study at a cost of $13.00 (checks can be made payable to GCN).

5) Pick Up Your Feet for Parkinson's 5K on Oct 4. If you are a runner, come support Emily's boyfriends step-dad, John Carchedi as he fights this horrible disease and continues running in spite of it. Click here for more info

6) Our next meeting is Friday, Sept 18 at 9:30. Our special guest speaker is Rachel Norris. She will be sharing her testimony while spinning pottery, it's an amazing presentation you won't want to miss.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at our next meeting. Please try to arrive by 9:15 to get your kids dropped off in MOPPETS so we can start our meeting promptly at 9:30. We only have two hours together so we want to make the most out of it! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you soon!

Wendy

1st MOPS Meeting of 2009

Just wanted to send a reminder for our first MOPS meeting of the year this Friday at 9:30 at GCN. We are so excited about the changes we have made for this coming year. It's going to be awesome! Our topic for this meeting is BRIDGING PLANET ME AND PLANET MOM. We will have an easy craft and fun activity to get to know each other. The Steering team will be providing breakfast, so come hungry!

MOPPETS drop-off begins at 9:15. Check out the MOPPETS section of for additional information regarding our MOPPETS program. Brenda, our MOPPETS Coordinator, has a few requests:

1) Please fill out the attached MOPPETS Registration form (one for each child attending MOPPETS) and bring it with you to the first meeting and give to your child's teacher.

2) Reply to this email with any allergies your child may have. This information will be put on your child's permanent nametag.

Please remember to bring your checkbooks as membership dues are now due: $60 for the semester, $100 for the full year (a $20 discount), or $30 for payment plan. This way we can register you for MOPS International and get your benefits coming to you ASAP. If you need a scholarship, please apply online here.

Affiliate members can mail checks (made out to GCN MOPS) to our Finance Coordinator, Edith Duarte at 1851 Paradise Ridge Dr., Round Rock TX 78665. Make sure you put MOPS Affiliate Membership in the memo section. Cost is $5 per semester, if you wish to be registered for MOPS International Membership as well, please add $23.95 to your initial payment.

Hope you all have a great week and I'm looking forward to seeing you all on Friday!

Wendy Mery

GCN MOPS Coordinator

Just click on the picture and you can print the MOPPETTS form.

New Texas Driving Laws

Just a reminder that these new laws go into effect today:

• For the first time, everyone in a vehicle will need to wear a seat belt, not just those in the front seat or younger than 15.
• Drivers also must secure children younger than 8 in car safety seats, not just those 4 and younger
• And, talking on a cell phone while driving in a school zone will no longer be allowed.

Brushy Creek Playdate

On Wednesday September, 2nd there will be a GCN MOPS playdate held at Brushy Creek Sprinkler Park. We will meet up at 10 am. Pack a lunch and bring your sunscreen. Hope to see you there!!!

Brushy Creek Sprinkler Park

3300 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, Texas

New Bundles of Joy!!!

Thank Heaven For Little Boys!!!!

Congratulations to the following MOPS Mommies

Sarah Collier

Traynor Dale-Pierce Collier was born on August 19, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and 18.5 inches long.

Laura Pitmanon

Oliver Preston (Pitman) Hughes was born on August 20, weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and 18 inches long

We are so happy and excited to meet the newest members of your family. Congratulations!!!

Interested In MOPS, Come Join Us

Come Join us!!!

What

Informational Playdate

When

Fri Aug 28 10am – Fri Aug 28 12pm

20090828T100000/20090828T120000

Where

Georgetown Church of the Nazarene Playground

Description

Come learn about GCN MOPS and have some fun at the same time.  

Baby Collier will be arriving soon

Just got a note from Sarah today and she is still pregnant and they plan to induce on the 19th if this little guy doesn't decide to arrive before then. Please pray for a quick and safe delivery.

Get Connected

We are gearing up for the Fall 2009/Spring 2010 MOPS year and we are hoping that you will join us. MOPS is designed to nurture EVERY mother with children from infancy through Kindergarten. Members come from all walks of life, but share one desire to be great moms!!!

Do You Need

• A place to come—just as you are—and unwind, while your children are cared for in the MOPPETS program

• Someone to talk to and confide in, who understands your daily struggles

• Encouragement, inspiration, and guidance during this crazy, yet critical stage of motherhood

• Information that is practical and relevant to the life of a mother

Join us!!!
MOPS meets 1st&3rd Fridays of each month(September-May) from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
For more information contact:
Wendy Mery
(512)-310-7194
info@gcnmops.org