"Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:10

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Things Going On Around Town

Friday, September 24 through Sunday, October 31 - Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

The timeless fairy tale is told with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm, and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, it was remade in 1997 starring Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. This Enchanted Edition is based on the 1997 teleplay. The hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits.

Where: Georgetown Palace Theatre 810 Austin Ave. Georgetown, Tx.

When: 7:30 PM (Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm * Sun. 2pm)

Who: All ages

How: visit www.georgetownpalace.com to buy tickets.

Cost:Prices:
General: $24
Senior(55+): $22
Student(16+)/Active Duty Military (with ID): $14
Children(15 or younger): $10

For more info: 512-869-7469

Saturday, September 25 - National Hunting and Fishing Day

Adults and kids will enjoy this wonderful day of preserving our heritage of the outdoors. Meet local outdoor organizations and get information on outdoor activites. Come and fish, meet professional anglers, and enjoy canoe and kayak lessons. The day will feature archery, casting skills, Texas Parks & Wildlife exhibits, Operation Game Thief Exhibits, Texas Youth Hunting Program information, Round Rock Parks & Recreation information, Kids Outdoor Zone Youth Ministry information and more.

Where: Old Settlers Park 3300 Palm Valley Blvd. Round Rock, TX. 78665

When: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Just show up

Cost: Free

For more info: For more information, please contact Roger Heaney, (512) 341-3361.

Saturday, September 25 - Cedar Park Farm to Market

The market will include fresh and some organic produce, such products as honey, beef, shrimp, pork and eggs will be available; activities for children, such as butter making, live music and workshops that encourage healthy or green living, such as how to grow vegetables; live music; Saturdays rain or shine

Where: At Lakeline Mall behind Sears and Dillard's on the southwest side of the property.

When: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Every Saturday year round)

Who: All ages

How: Just show up

Cost: Free

For more info: Contact: 512-363-5700 or visit www.cedarparkfarmersmarket.com

Saturday, September 25 through Sunday, October 31 - The Princess & The Pea

Based on the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre presents a new adaptation. The Queen insists her son, Prince Thomas, marry a real princess who above all else, must be Responsible, Smart and Sensitive –never mind if he actually likes her! Yet, the Super-hero loving Prince has plans of his own and with the help of Darla, the Royal Cat, sets things in motion to live happily ever after – his way! This humorous adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic highlights the value of honesty and is perfect for ages 3-10. Come see how the story ends in the Kingdom of Happily Ever After!

Where: Scottish Rite Children's Theatre 207 W. 18th Street Austin, TX 78701

When: 10:00 AM (Various show times & dates (check website))

Who: Ages 3 & up

How: Purchase tickets at http://www.scottishritechildrenstheatre.org/shows/index.php

Cost: Adult $10, Child $8, Infant under 1 $4

For more info: www.SRCT.org

Saturday, September 25 through Friday, February 18 - Wells Fargo First Saturdays at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

The Museum offers free admission to the exhibits from 2 - 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month with Wells Fargo First Saturdays. Visitors can also take advantage of the monthly thematic TEXplorations Family Story Time from 2 - 4 p.m. on First Saturdays. Just as the free summer concert series Music Under the Star offers thousands the chance to experience the Story of Texas for free, Wells Fargo First Saturdays is another step in the ongoing effort to reach out to Texas residents who might not be able to afford the educational opportunities the Museum offers.

Where: The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum 1800 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX.

When: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (First Saturday of each month)

Who: All ages

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: visit www.thestoryoftexas.com

Saturday, September 25 - Pigtails and Crewcuts 1st Anniversary Party

We are turning one...Please come join in on our fun! Balloon animals, face painting, prizes and giveaways all day long and free hair paint for all haircuts!

Where: Pigtails and Crewcuts 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd. #D-135 Cedar Park

When: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Just show up

Cost: Free

For more info: 512-259-4353 www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

Sunday, September 26 - Silly Bandz Trading Day!

Bring your friends to Kaleidoscope Toys to Show, Collect and Trade your Silly Bandz. Purchase 2 packs of Silly Bandz and receive a 3rd pack FREE! Come decorate your own personal Silly Bandz Keeper.

Where: Kaleidoscope Toys 1601 IH S. 35 Round Rock, TX. 78664

When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Who: All ages!

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: 512-388-5048

Tuesday, September 28 - Chick-fil-A Family Nights (Round Rock)

Come out and enjoy the Family Nights every Tuesday! Each week, Chick-fil-A will have a different activity, craft, or entertainment to offer. This location also offers a buy one adult entree and receive a free kid's meal on Family Night!

Where: Chick-fil-A 13201 Ranch Road 620 N Austin, TX 78717

When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Every Tuesday!)

Who: All ages!

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: 512-258-0441 (address is Austin but it's basically Round Rock)

Tuesday, September 28 - Chick-fil-A (Cedar Park)

Bring the family out to enjoy fun activities for the kids on Family Night at Chick-fil-A!

Where: Chick-fil-A 1325 E. Whitestone Blvd. Cedar Park, TX 78613

When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Every Tuesday!)

Who: All ages!

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: 512-260-9777 This location does not offer the free kid's meal with purchase of adult entree!

This Week's Calendar:


September 22nd through September 30th

Wednesday, September 22 through Wednesday, October 20 - Rockin' Readers

This fun program will include stories, crafts, or other activities, wih a different theme each week.

Where: Round Rock Public Library - room A 216 E. Main St. Round Rock, TX. 78664

When: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Wednesdays)

Who: Ages 7 & up

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: Contact: Janette Johnston 512-218-7005 www.roundrocktexas.gov/library

Thursday, September 23 through Friday, September 24 - Alamo Drafthouse BABY DAY!

The Alamo Drafthouse understands that it is hard for new parents to get out for an evening on the town. That is why we proudly offer Baby Day, for the first showing of any of our films, on Tuesday afternoons. Infants are welcome to these shows, and of course, are allowed in for free. For our baby day shows, we keep the lights up a bit, and the sound down a bit, so your little one never has to know they even went to the movies! Take some time for yourself, pack up the kids, and head out to the Alamo Drafthouse for some much needed entertainment!

Where: Alamo Lake Creek 13729 Research Blvd. Austin, Tx. 78750

When: 11:00 AM (Show times vary. Call for Baby Day showtimes!)

Who: Parents with babies

How: Purchase tickets by calling or at Alamo Lake Creek.

Cost: $7 per ticket. 6 & under are free.

For more info: General Info: 512-219-5408 Showtime Info: 512-219-8135 www.drafthouse.com

Saturday, September 25 - Mamma Jamma Ride

We're gearing up for the 2010 Ride and want YOU there! Register to ride today. Be sure to tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors - EVERYONE - about this Ride and invite them to join you. Breast cancer affects all of us and it is going to take all of us to make sure we reach our goal to provide the care and services our neighbors coping with breast cancer need 365 days a year. We need you!

Where: Reunion Ranch 850 CR 255 Georgetown, TX 78628

When: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Who: All ages!

How: Register at www.mammajammaride.org

Cost: Raise money to ride.

For more info: www.mammajammaride.org

Saturday, September 25 - Hairy Man 5K Run

Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District is excited to host the Hairy Man 5K, a family friendly 3.1 mile fun run/walk. The race will be held on the Williamson County Regional Trail near Great Oaks Drive and Brushy Creek (also known as 'Hairy Man') Road.

Where: Great Oaks Drive and Brushy Creek (also known as 'Hairy Man') Road. Round Rock, TX

When: 8:00 AM

Who: All ages!

How: Register as an individual or as a family!
Click here to register

Cost: $45 for Family $20 for Individual

For more info: For more details, please contact Betsy Schultz at b.schultz@bcmud.org

Saturday, September 25 - Early Childhood Vision Screening

The Registered Optician’s Association of Texas (ROATx) statewide community service program partners with the Lions Club to offer free Vision Screenings to Round Rock area children. Screening is done with equipment supplied by PediaVision. On average, a screening will take less than 2 minutes and is done without ever touching the child. When caught by the age of 4 and referred to the proper specialist, there is an approximate 98 percent cure rate.

Where: Texas Baptist Children's Home 1101 North Mays Round Rock, Texas 78664

When: 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Who: Ages 1 to 4

How: Just show up. No appt. necessary.

Cost: Free

For more info: For more information, please contact Sam Johnson, (512) 657-2020.

Saturday, September 25 - Home Depot Kids Workshop

The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.

The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

Where: All Home Depot Locations

When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Offered on the FIRST Saturday of each month!)

Who: Ages 5 - 12

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: www.homedepot.com

Saturday, September 25 - Back-to-School Martial Arts Workshops

Premier Martial Arts, Round Rock will hold free back-to-school martial arts workshops every Saturday at 10 a.m. throughout September. Sept. 4-11 will be a kid safe seminar. All participants will also receive a coupon for a free Martial Arts Birthday party.

Where: 1200 E. Palm Valley Round Rock, TX

When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Who: children

How: Call to register at 512-745-5551.

Cost: Free!

For more info: visit www.roundrockmartialarts.com or call 512-745-5551

Saturday, September 25 - Lowe's Build and Grow

From project basics to giving your child the opportunity to say, "I built it!", our Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Attend a Free Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic this summer and receive a coupon for a Free Junior Frosty from Wendy's!

Where: Lowe's All locations!

When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Every Saturday at 10am)

Who: Ages 3 & up

How: Sign up online at www.lowesbuildandgrow.com

Cost: Free!

For more info: www.lowesbuildandgrow.com

Saturday, September 25 - 16th Annual Hairy Man Festival

The 16th annual event offers a full day of food, arts and crafts, children's activities, special performances and live music. The festival ends with the Hairiest Man Contest judged by local community leaders. Sponsored by The Brushy Creek Women's Association and the Brushy Creek MUD, this year's festival proceeds benefit Samaritan Health Ministries.

Where: Cat Hollow Park 8600 O'Conner Drive Round Rock, TX

When: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Who: All ages!

How: Just show up!

Cost: Admission to the festival is two non-perishable food items or $2 per person to go to local food banks.

For more info: 512-255-7871 ext. 218 www.bcmud.org

Sunday, September 26 - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church's annual Fiesta

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Pflugerville will host its annual fiesta. The event will include live music and entertainment, game and food booths and a silent and live auction.

Where: St. Elizabeth Catholic Church 1520 N. Railroad Ave. Pflugerville

When: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Just show up

Cost: Free

Tuesday, September 28 - Spanish Bilingual Storytime

This program features a lively combination of stories, finger-plays, and songs. Both English and Spanish languages are featured.

Where: Round Rock Public Library 216 E. Main St. Round Rock, TX. 78664

When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Every Tuesday morning)

Who: Ages 3 and up

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: Contact: Virginia Hadley 512-218-3279 www.roundrocktexas.gov/library

Tuesday, September 28 - Family Nights at Chick-fil-A (Pflugerville)

Bring your family in to Chick-fil-A for dinner and an evening of fun for the kids! Each Tuesday will have different activities, crafts and entertainment for the family.

Where: Chick-fil-A 18617 Limestone Commercial Dr.
Pflugerville, TX 78660

When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Every Tuesday!)

Who: All ages

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: 512-251-4422

Wednesday, September 29 - Pet Vaccination Clinic

Dr. John Tarlton, MD will host a Pet Vaccination Clinic at Bluebonnet Elementary.

Where: Bluebonnet Elementary School 1010 Chisholm Valley Dr. Round Rock, TX

When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Who: Dogs & cats.

How: Just show up

Cost:Dogs and Cats
Rabies: - $5
Complete yearly vaccinations - $20 Round Rock Animal Control will offer microchipping - $10 and city tags - $5 spayed/neutered and $10 unsterilized.

For more info: For more information, please contact Lana Tarlton, (512) 238-1093.

Thursday, September 30 - Pet Vaccination Clinic

Dr. John Tarlton, MD will host a Pet Vaccination Clinic from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 at Hopewell Middle School.

Where: Hopewell Middle School 1535 Gulf Way Round Rock, TX

When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Who: Dogs & cats.

How: Just show up

Cost:Dogs and Cats
Rabies: - $5
Complete yearly vaccinations - $20

For more info: For more information, please contact Lana Tarlton, (512) 238-1093.

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Teen Scene:


September 23rd through September 27th

Thursday, September 23 - Shaylah Dame Skate Park

Check out this awesome 14,000 sq.ft. skate park in Round Rock! There is a bowl and street component. This is YOUR park. Please respect it and keep it clean. Destruction of the park, fences, and other park amenities is unlawful and will result in closure of the skate park.
Please dispose of your trash in the trash receptacles provided; if litter continues to be left on the ground around the skate park, the Parks & Recreation Dept. will close the park to the public.
Electricity to the lights is available from 6 a.m. - 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Where: 1600 Gattis School Road behind the Clay Madsen Recreation Center in Round Rock.

When: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Open daily, year round!)

Who: All ages

How: Just show up

Cost: Free!

For more info: www.roundrocktexas.gov or call the Parks & Recreation Department at 512-218-5540.

Thursday, September 23 - Live Music at Star Co. Coffee and Cafe

Thursdays - Jazz 7-10PM Fridays - Blues and Rock, 7-10PM First Thursdays - Open mic jam sessions

Where: Star Co. Coffee and Cafe 114 E. Main St., Round Rock, TX.

When: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Every Thursday and Friday)

Who: Families/teens

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

For more info: 512-401-3811

Saturday, September 25 - Teen Book Club

The group will be discussing Suzanne Crowley's "The Stolen One." Pick up the book in advance at the library.

Where: Cedar Park Public Library 550 Discovery Blvd. Cedar Park

When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Who: The Teen Book Club is open to all teens ages 10–17.

How: Just show up

Cost: Free

For more info: 401-5600

Saturday, September 25 - Teen Anime Club

Anime Club is a monthly meeting of anime/manga enthusiasts with Sarah.

Where: Cedar Park Public Library 600 North Bell Blvd. Cedar Park, TX 78613

When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Check date!)

Who: Teens

How: Just show up

Cost: Free

For more info: Call 512-401-5638 for more details.

Saturday, September 25 - Bluegrass Festival

The Fifth Annual Suddenlink Bluegrass Festival promises free live music and performances by Twangzilla, the Boxcar Preachers and the Toy Hearts. Picnics and leashed pets are welcome. Concessions will be available. Alcohol and glass are prohibited.

Where: Robin Bledsoe Park 601 S. Bagdad Road Leander

When: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Just show up

Cost: Free

For more info: 528-9909 www.leandertx.gov

Sunday, September 26 - Salsa Lessons

Taught by Sandra Moro Sleeper Of Street Salsa. All levels welcome!

Where: Ruta Maya Coffee House 3601 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX.

When: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Same time every Sunday)

Who: Teens/adults

How: Just show up!

Cost: $5.00 First lesson, $7.00 Returning students

For more info: 512-707-9637 www.rutamaya.net


Monday, September 27 - Festival of Bands

Leander ISD high school bands will perform during the 10th Annual LISD Festival of Bands. The performances include highlights of each high school's field competition shows and two concert selections from each of the district's seven middle school bands. Proceeds benefit LISD fine art students with financial aid to participate in core programs.

Where: A.C. Bible Stadium. 3301 S. Bagdad Rd. Leander, TX 78641

When: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Purchase tickets at the gate.

Cost: $5 for adults; $3 for students; 4 and under free.

For more info: 570-0028

Plan Ahead:


October 1st through December 11th

Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 3 - Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine

You're Invited to Thomas & Friends "Day Out with Thomas" Celebration Tour 2010! Celebration includes a 25 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine, meeting Sir Topham Hatt, storytelling, live music, build with Mega Blocks and much more!

Where: Burnet Community Center 401 East Jackson Street Burnet, TX.

When: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Who: All ages!

How: For tickets and information, visit www.ticketweb.com/dowt or call 866-468-7630. Tickets went on sale Friday April 16, 2010 so hurry before they sell out!

Cost: Tickets are $18 per passenger. Tickets are required for guests ages 2 and up.

For more info: www.austinsteamtrain.org

Friday, October 1 through Saturday, October 2 - 78th Annual St. Elias Mediterranean Festival

Mark your calendar now for one of Austin’s most beloved, delicious, and fun-filled festivals—the St. Elias Mediterranean Festival. This year’s festival will be the 78th annual edition of this event, named one of Central Texas' Top 10 Food Festivals by the Austin Chronicle. We'll have Food, Wine, Cocktails, Music, Dancing, children's activities, and more!

Where: St. Elias Orthodox Church 408 E. 11th St. (between trinity and Red River) Austin, TX

When: 6:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Tickets on sale at all Twin Liquors Locations

Cost: $5

For more info: http://www.mediterraneanfestival.org/

Saturday, October 2 - Harvest Fest 5K & Family Fun Run

The WBC Opportunities Meals on Wheels program serving all of Williamson and Burnet Counties will hold a Harvest Fest 5K and Family Fun Run. The 5K course includes a half mile fun run for kids. The 5K chip-timed event course is a scenic route by the San Gabriel River and the hike and bike trail.

Where: San Gabriel Park I-35 and University Ave. 400 E. Morrow St. Georgetown, TX

When: 8:00 AM

Who: All ages that are able to participate.

How: Register at http://www.active.com/running/georgetown-tx/harvestfest-5k-run-2010

Cost: $12 - $35

For more info: For more information, please contact Linda Gusnowski, (512) 431-2500.

Saturday, October 2 - Bow Wow Reading to Dogs

Bow Wow Reading to Dogs is Austin Dog Alliance’s program designed to help below grade level readers improve their skills. The program improves children's reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog. Bow Wow Reading dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owners/handlers as a team, going to schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for children.

Where: Round Rock Public Library (Meeting Room A and in the Gallery area of the Library.) 216 E. Main Street
Round Rock, TX 78664

When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month.)

Who: School aged children who are reading below grade level.

How: There will be two teams consisting of a dog and a handler. Reading slots are 10 minutes per child. Sessions are free, but pre-registration for the reading slots is required.

Cost: Free!

For more info: If you would like more information about this program, or to schedule a reading slot, please call Virginia Hadley at 512-218-3279 or e-mail. Sign-up sheets will be located at the Children's Desk.

Saturday, October 16 - Texas Stars 2010 - 2011 Home Opener

Bring the family out for an evening of fun and excitement with the Texas Stars Hockey Team! They will be playing against the San Antonio Rampage.

Where: Cedar Park Center 2100 Avenue of the Stars Cedar Park, TX 78613

When: 7:00 PM

Who: All ages!

How: Order tickets at www.texasstarshockey.com

Cost: $10 - $50

For more info: www.cedarparkcenter.com

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Saturday, December 11 - Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!

Yo GABBA GABBA! Live! "There's A Party In My City!

Where: Cedar Park Center 2100 Avenue of the Stars Cedar Park, TX 78613

When: 2:00 PM (Also at 5pm)

Who: All ages.

How: Order tickets at www.cedarparkcenter.com

Cost: Ticket prices $39.00 and $29.00 plus additional fees.

Story Corner!


Local Library and Bookstore Storytimes!

We try to be as up-to-date with our information as possible, but it never hurts to call ahead to verify details or unexpected cancellations! *Round Rock Library will be closed Oct. 8*

This list is for libraries and stores which hold regular story times and are located in the Round Rock and Cedar Park area.

Round Rock Public Library

221 East Main Street, Round Rock, TX. 78664

Phone (512) 218-5400

www.roundrocktexas.gov

Babytime at the Library:

A program for babies and their parent or caregiver which encourages language development ...

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Austin Museum Day

Austin Museums are having free admission and MANY special events on Sunday, September 19. Click on the link below to see if anything looks fun for your family and plan a great family outing!


http://www.austinmuseums.org/index/museumday/

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Sept 17th Next MOPS Meeting

Hi Ladies,

This is just a reminder that this Friday is a MOPS Friday. I have been looking forward to the next meeting since our last meeting. Bonnie Sivertson will be our guest speaker and trust me, she is a speaker you will not want to miss. She is simply AWESOME!! We have another fun-filled Friday morning planned and I hope that you all can join us!!

Agenda

9:30-10:00 Opening Prayer

Eat & Fellowship

Recognitions & Sharing Time

10:00- Edith Duarte-Brown Bag(This is a fun little get to know ya/tell all) Edith will fill a brown bag full of items that describe her.

10:05-10:35 Guest Speaker-Bonnie Sivertson- Spiritual Sculpting-God Isn’t Finished With Us Yet

10:35-10:45 Small Group Time (15 minutes)

Discussion Questions

Joys & Concerns

10:45 Craft-Dry Erase Boards**These are so cute**

11:20 Announcements/Reminders

11:25 Closing Prayer/Blessing

11:30 Pick up Kids

Don’t Forget Dues Are Due At This Meeting

Dues- Please bring your checkbooks or cash to our next meeting on the 17th. Edith will be ready to start collecting your membership dues.

Annual membership for GCN MOPS is $100, or $60 per semester or meetings without your children in tow, your fees are discounted to $80 per year or $50 per semester. This fee helps cover the costs of our MOPPETS program (curriculum, crafts, snacks, etc.), guest speakers, craft supplies, curriculum, publicity, door prizes and more. The fee also includes your MOPS International Membership. Scholarships and payment plans are available and will remain confidential. If you are in need of a scholarship or payment plan for membership dues, please contact me if you have not already applied on line or already spoken with me.

MOPPETS

· If you have not filled out a MOPPETS registration, please let me know and I will email you one. This allows Mrs. Brenda, our MOPPETS Coordinator, to register your child into the MOPPETS program, be aware of any allergies, or any special needs. Thanks!!

Mom Tip

Okay, I also have a Mom tip to share and I even attached pics!! After our last meeting, I was inspired by Dr. G to start by slowly changing our eating habits. My kids love fruit and we always have it on hand, but sometimes it ends up spoiling because (A) I either forget about it in the bottom of the fridge or ( B) it is easier to reach for something in the pantry than to prepare the fruit. So, I remedy my problem by buying these plastic reusable containers and as soon as I get home from the grocery store, I cut up individual serving sizes of fruit and veggies and put them on the shelf where the kids can reach them. The kids love them!! Since I have been doing this, I’ve noticed we are all consuming lots more fruits and veggies. Ken is taking them for lunch and I find myself snacking on more fruit and veggies throughout the day. As the containers get empty, I wash and refill them. I love this system!!! I also went to the bulk section at the grocery store and I made my own snack bag. WOW, by making your own, you get way more snack bags, you can control what goes into your snack bag, and it is cheaper than buying the prepackaged stuff. I also put these in the panty where the kids can reach them and because we made them together, they seem more interested in eating them. BTW, date pieces and walnuts are excellent together! Here’s what I am keeping in my containers if you are interested, I mainly try to buy fruit that is in season and on sale. Happy snacking!!

In The Fridge

Berry mix (blue berries, raspberries, black berries)

Strawberries & grapes mixed

Strawberries by themselves

Grapes by themselves

Cucumbers

Red bell pepper strips

Carrots

Mini salads

Black olives

Green olives

Watermelon

Celery sticks

In the Pantry

Shelled sunflower seeds

Walnut and date pieces

Cranberry nut mix

Almonds

Pumpkin seeds


Love & Blessings!

Cheri

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

1st Meeting Notes

I hope everyone is having a blessed week and enjoyed a nice long holiday weekend. I just wanted to send out a few notes from our last meeting since we shared so much information during our 1st meeting. First, I just have to say that it was so great seeing so many new and returning faces. For those of you who could not attend, we MISSED seeing you and I hope that we see you at our next meeting!! We had a great 1st meeting and I am so thrilled that our MOPS year is underway. We have a fantastic year planned!!

· We have an opening on Steering. If anyone is interested in taking on the Hospitality position, please let me know. We would love for you to join us on steering and I will be more than happy to discuss the responsibilities with you.

· We are also in need of DGL’s(Discussion Group Leaders) for each table. If you are interested in becoming the DGL for your table, please email me. I will go over the job description and responsibilities. In a nut shell, you would be the facilitator for your table during the table discussion question time and you would have various responsibilities such as reminding table members of food rotation, planned activities and etc. I will be more than happy to discuss this position with you in detail if you are interested in becoming a DGL. I am praying for volunteers, so if you are feeling the need to sever in this capacity, please come see meJ

· Meal Sign ups- I will be setting up 2 care calendars for food delivery. One will be for our very own Maria who is expecting a baby boy this month. There are some food allergies so once I have all of the details I will get this organized and ready to send as soon as I get word that their newest addition has arrived.

The other care calendar will be for a young mother named Michelle that has been battling cancer. We have been praying for Michelle for sometime through our Women’s Minstery at church. I got an update about a week or so ago and I was just crushed when I read it. Michelle so badly wanted to be able to see her son, Reid off on his 1st day of school, but was unable to do so due to a suppressed immune system from chemo and also the fact that she was hospitalized due to some complications. Also in that same email, we were informed that her husband would be losing his job come Sept 1st. I just wanted to be able to help this family out during their time of need and I offered to set up a meal calendar through the GCN MOPS GROUP and they graciously accepted. Michelle’s Mom told me that Michelle was very involved in her MOPS group before her diagnosis years ago. I would love for us to pull together and help this former MOPS Mom and her family out. More detail to come on this…

**Also, just wanted to say that participation in the care meal calendar is not mandatory, so only sign up if you can volunteer in this area**

· I have also gotten a couple of emails concerning contact information on our guest speaker, Dr Gerad. He provided a wealth of information to our group last week. Here is a link to their website http://focusedonyouchiropractic.com/ I will also post a copy of his presentation in our MOPS forum on our website as soon as we have it.

· Sept 12th, MOPS Sunday at GCN. We will have a MOPS table set up in the foyer, will give a small MOPS presentation during the 1st & 2nd service and there will be a love offering collected that will benefit the GCN MOPS Group.

· Next MOPS Meeting is Sept 17th

· MNO’s will be hosted at my house on Sept 23rd. An evite with more info will be sent out to all of you

· Bethlehem Village-Cheri Alderman, our Mentor Mom will be discussing Bethlehem Village in more detail with our group on November 5th, but planning is already underway and they are looking for volunteers. If you are interested in getting a jump start on volunteering, please click on the attached link, www.mysignup.com/gcnazbv to review volunteer opportunities.

· Dues- Please bring your checkbooks or cash to our next meeting on the 17th. Edith will be ready to start collecting your membership dues.

o Annual membership for GCN MOPS is $100, or $60 per semester or if you are attending the meetings without your children in tow, your fees are discounted to $80 per year or $50 per semester. This fee helps cover the costs of our MOPPETS program (curriculum, crafts, snacks, etc.), guest speakers, craft supplies, curriculum, publicity, door prizes and more. The fee also includes your MOPS International Membership, which consists of the following:

      • MomSense magazine
      • Mom-E-Mail
      • MOPS logo “Friends don’t let friends mother alone!” reusable shopping bag
      • MOPS bumper sticker
      • No Mom Alone 2-in-1 frame magnet
      • MOPS bag tag that can be used on luggage, diaper bags or even your gym bag!

Scholarships and payment plans are available and will remain confidential. If you are in need of a scholarship or payment plan for membership dues, please contact me if you have not already applied on line or already spoken with me.

· Also keep Susan Malone, The PJ Program lady in your prayers. I recently found out that her Father, who battled a brain tumor earlier this year, passed away on Sunday. Please lift this dear family up in your prayers.

Thanks ladies for an awesome 1st meeting. I look forward to seeing you all soon!!!

Love & Blessings,

Cheri