Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip
PREP TIME
10 Min
COOK TIME
20 Min
READY IN
40 Min
1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 (8 ounce) bottle ranch dressing
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (12 ounce) bottle Red Hot sauce
1 (16 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until juices run clear, about 4 minutes per side. Remove to a cutting board to cool completely. Use a fork to shred the meat into strands.
Pour the ranch dressing, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and Hot sauce into a bowl and mix until combined. Add the shredded chicken and mix well. Spread the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbling, about 10 minutes.

Black Friday

Are you going shopping? I long to say no way, but before I know it, I will need something silly--milk, or bread--and out I will go. But no Christmas shopping for me, today, unless it is the in-my-pajamas internet version.

My mom has a hard time with Christmas shopping now that her children are grown and married. We buy what we need and, oftentimes want, unregulated by parental authority and pre-planning (I don't know how many times I have told Abigail that Christmas is coming and she doesn't need anymore toys right now).

My mother-in-law has requested that she receive nothing this year. We may make a donation in their names somewhere, while not nothing, she doesn't have to find a place for anything or wear something she isn't fond of.

Do you find Christmas shopping difficult? How are you handling it this year? Now that the full swing of things is on, how do you intend to stay sane?

(Is this a good time to remind you that December 9th is our next MOPS meeting and we will be having an auction then.)

Happy Thanksgiving
( I know a turkey is traditional, but God made this and isn't He who we're thanking?)

Stuffing

Bread and Celery Stuffing
PREP TIME
20 Min
COOK TIME
40 Min

1 (1 pound) loaf sliced bread
3/4 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth

DIRECTIONS
Let bread slices air dry for 1 to 2 hours, then cut into cubes.
In a deep pan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion and celery until soft. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in bread cubes until evenly coated. Moisten with chicken broth; mix well.
Chill, and use as a stuffing for turkey, or bake in a buttered casserole dish at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes.

Food for thought! & right in time for the Holidays.

"Let your dishes help tell your story"


When Rob & I married, I was told that I just had to register for China! I wasn't given a real reason, just that it was a "must" for brides to do. Not really expecting to actually acquire the beautiful, very expensive, a la carte pieced dinnerware that I picked with that little black scanner gun, I did. Much to my surprise, we did receive china, all of it! Apparently, it does fall under the "must have" inventory for more than I expected.
Well for many years, my beautiful china sat perfectly placed in a wondrous crafted china cabinet, where it was on display for all & ready for that "just right," "special" occasion. Just as it should be, right?!
After the birth of our first son, Ethan, and approaching the weekend of his first Birthday & Thanksgiving, we were given the honors of having our first traditional family Holiday meal in our first home. I was thrilled! I thought to myself, this is it! This is the "just right, so very special" moment that I have been waiting for! The china comes out today!
My husband was nervous for me...he knew the reserve I had placed on my china. The table was just about set....one more plate to go. Me, the new mother that I was, thought, why not let Ethan help....he has been so patient. "Ethan, would you like to help mommy with the last plate?!" His eyes beamed with joy..."Yes!" they said.."of course I want to help!" Ethan placed his tiny fingers upon the plate with mine and as we ever so gently attempt to place the plate on the table, Ethan could not resist his brute toddler force and newly found strength...the plate goes tumbling, crashing the the floor!
I Scream!... ETHAN!
Are you hurt?... Don't Move!
I pick Ethan up and squeeze him so tightly. All the while, turning around to see a smiling husband in the doorway. He smiles because he knows what has just happened. In the midst, I didn't even realize that it was one of my good "china" plates that laid in broken glass upon the floor.
It was motherhood that freed me from my "china" days. Don't get me wrong, I still love my China...I never replaced that plate. That year someone gave Ethan a "Baby's 1st Christmas" Collectors Plate, and that entered my China Collection to replace the one we broke together, to remind me of that day. And there are other imperfections that have happened since, and they too have stories attached to them.
So this Holiday, remember the good China is for the "just right" occasions, they happen more than you think though! And the good China is for "special" guests, but look around though, you have special guests everyday! Who is more special than yourself & your family?! Don't be afraid this Holiday to free those "special" dishes or "good" china because with each chip, comes a wonderful story of your life!

Happy Holidays!
~ Julia Joseph

Grateful

The week of Thanksgiving. Is every one feeling grateful or stressed out? Me,

We're on vacation.
At my parents.
In West Virginia (not far but it is home.)
The men are hunting.
My sister, Mom and I are together.
Doing something unnecessary, but relaxing.

Other than wishing for a more powerful shower, what don't I have to be thankful for? (Oh yeah and I get two turkey dinners this week--score!)

THANK YOU! (My Surgery)

Thank You

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers over the past months. I don't think that my words will ever do enough or reach far enough. It is amazing to think of how many individuals prayed for me and I may not ever know them, their name even. I can just thank them through our wonderful Lord and ask that they may be blessed as I am. I pray that for each of you as well, a blessing. Thank You!

As for my surgery, it went as well as it could possibly go! I went into surgery praying that God would hold my hand to ease my nerves and take my pain, and that he steady the surgeons hands so that what should be would be by His plan. Due to being in such pain for so long prior to surgery, the large amounts of pain medications I was on made for some difficulties for initial recovery. I awoke from surgery in a pain that is indescribable, a pain that opened my heart and still brings tears to my eyes as I think about it. To know that that pain can be felt, to know that there are some that feel greater pain, to know that some are not temporary...that battle may be just beginning. I know now that the Lord has given me a gift. A gift of understanding. Something that I will never forget. The surgery was a wonderful, blessed, success! The surgery took much longer than expected, but it was successfully done through a laproscopic & vaginal hysterectomy. I was able to keep my ovaries to help ward off menopause for a while!! I lost a good amount of blood, but a decision was made that with an existing infection already to battle, aiding me in producing the blood myself would be much safer than a transfusion. And my bladder damage was minimal. I am completely blessed! You see, for every possibility to come out with the best of results....well, that is a result. A result of everyone of you. Every person that took the time to lift my name in prayer. That is why, I can not even begin to create the words to say thank you that would fit my gratitude!
As for my home recovery, I am doing well. With the exception of a cold that caused some problems with coughing, sneezing, and low energy; I am coming along nicely. I was able to find very helpful and wonderful family members and friends to aid in my recover process! From taking on the amazing task of caring for our crazy little ones, bringing a delicious meal, cleaning up our home, to helping me recover in my mountain retreat. We could not have done anything without these loved ones. They know who they are, and I love you. Thank You.

I look forward to seeing everyone very soon!

May the Lord bless each of you!

~Julia

Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies
recipe yield 1 dozen
submitted by: Neely Bender

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Combine ingredients and drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
These are sooooo good and sooooo easy!

Issues

Abigail is turning three. She was a two-year old delight, most of the time. But the last month or so hints at looming meltdowns, control issues, and other power-grabbing tactics. Add to that the baby coming in a few months and I am not holding my breath on the potential for a good year three.

In an effort to arm myself to the teeth, and to win the most recent battle, I appeal to your collective wisdom.

We have completed the potty training, I think. Days without soiled underwear are promising. I just should have waited till now. No more relenting under pressure from grandmothers, now I have friends!

Alright, that was just a distracted side note. We are having serious bedtime issues!

We follow a bedtime routine--watch a video, wash and brush, pjs, discuss what we are thankful for, read a Bible story, pray, sing two songs (one per parent), bed. This used to work.

Then she started crawling out of her bed to play. We set the timer. When it goes off, she must stay in her bed. This worked for a couple of weeks. Twice she fell asleep on the floor before the timer went off.

Now she cries. Well, it is more like howling. Chris calls it the birthing of a cow. For a really long time. Like hours. Until we go to bed. Do you know how hard it is to watch Amazing Grace when your child is bellowing as if being stuck with sharp sticks. We are well into our second week of this.

• We have prayed and told the monsters to leave.
• We have brought fresh water.
• We have taken her to the bathroom multiple times.
• We have sat on her bed with her.
• We have tried to reason.
  
• We have threatened turning out all the lights. (I actually did this and she ran screaming from the room.)
• Last night we threatened a spanking. She kept crying, but at a more ignorable pitch and volume. She fell asleep in her closet. No, we didn't put her there.

Tonight is coming quickly. I hope you all are reading and you have insight. Help, please!

What People Do

I have a nasty tendency to critique things, especially people I love. It is easy for me to pick out what isn't done completely or to my standards or how their idiosyncrasies annoy me.Yet, when it comes right down to it, those closest to me really are wonderful people who bring me a great deal of joy. So today's task. . .be thankful, without qualification, for the people we share a home with.

Chris puts the dishes away and fills the dishwasher.
He doesn't make comment about when the dishes come out dirty because I won't rinse them.

Abigail is self-entertaining for a large part of the day.
She is a pleasant shopping buddy.

Chris can make Abigail quit crying because she can't come to our bed when I am about to lose my mind.
Abigail fell asleep this morning after coming to our bed and slept till 8:30.

When Chris fixes things, they are always done to the book.
Abigail can't be thankful for just one thing.
She doesn't have to think very hard at all to make her lists.

Chris thinks I'm a good cook.
He doesn't make me cook every night of the week.

Chicken Stuffed Shells

Chicken Stuffed Shells

PREP TIME
30 Min
COOK TIME
45 Min
READY IN
1 Hr 15 Min

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 egg
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce



DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Separate shells and let stand, so they are not touching, on waxed paper or foil.
In large skillet over medium heat, combine chicken, onion, egg and bread crumbs. Cook until chicken is no longer pink. Season with italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir in three-quarters of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar; cook until cheeses melt.
Fill shells with chicken mixture, using a tablespoon, and place in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Cover the shells with the tomato sauce and top with the reserved cheese. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly.

Great Night At Mops!

I am so excited about the number of moms we had tonite! It was just what I needed! I have had a long few days. Over the weekend, I had an accident that resulted in a sprained ankle, busted knee, and a sore body. Monday I stayed in the recliner and ate all day. This morning, I wondered if I was really up to going to Mops. I would have to wear an uncomfortable air cast, do my hair, and stop feeling sorry for myself. That was alot of work for me. So I decided to go anyway...

I pulled up and was the first one there. As I parked I saw Jen. We had a quick update of our lives and got to work. As we prepared for tonite, I realized how important it is that I be there. I needed to participate in the night that we prepare for all month. We email, meet, bounce ideas, etc. Alot of work. But most importantly, I realized that the friendships I have through the MOPS are the most important next to my family. As more moms entered, I felt the love that I have come to know with this group. I fit in! I am comfortable in my own skin with everyone.

Mops for me is more then a meeting once a month. It is friendships and support that I need to be a successful wife and mom. To see all us moms celebrating our moments and sharing is so encouraging and has helped change my long few days into a great enjoyable night.

See you next month!

Blessed

It is Monday. If you are anything like me a week of tasks, chores, and a to-do list loom before you. It darkens my whole day. I resent the hours till the fun of the weekend come. It is time to name my blessings, to lift the cloud of to-dos and find the little joys hidden in the chores we are beginning for yet another week of 2008.

Oreo Cookies--
because they were on sale
because they are yummy
because FruitLoops are not adequate nutrition for a pregnant woman
because they create the best crummy lipstick smiles on little ones

Toddler Beds--
are the perfect size for jumping off of
add adventure to ballerina twirls
make waltzing across a room more fun
create weariness that welcomes naps

Salt--
makes play dough
which means making plans,
needing rolling pins,
and cookie cutters

Naps--
create room for mom to be
give quiet space for reading, or writing
make banking bearable
settle wombs and awaken growing babies

Are you ever hit with Monday's mondayness? What do you to to shake the discontent? Where do you find your blessings?

Creamy Chicken Bake

Creamy Chicken Bake
SUBMITTED BY: Neely Bender

PREP TIME
10 Min
COOK TIME
30 Min
READY IN
40 Min

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (4.5 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS
Place the chicken in a 13x9x2-inch shallow baking dish. Mix the soup, milk, garlic powder and mushrooms in a medium bowl and pour over the chicken.
Mix the cheese and bread crumbs with the butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the soup mixture.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Place the chicken on a serving plate. Stir the sauce and serve with the chicken.
Tip: Serve with egg noodles or white rice and steamed broccoli

Comments, please!!!

I hope everyone is enjoying the recipes I have posted. Please give me feedback on what you think. If you have tried the recipes or have ways to change it whether it be for the better or just different, let us know. Any questions on what to make? Ask. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If you're looking for a new dish with certain ingredients, I'll try to help. Let's get active on our wonderful blog page that Sarah has so kindly made for us.

Coffee

Did you get your free Starbucks tall coffee today?

I did!

If you voted, you can!

So tell me are you. . .

• Watching the exit polls and wringing you hands?
• Planning a bash to watch the results come in tonight?
• Waiting to read the paper tomorrow?

Me? I'm waiting till tomorrow. And praying. It is hard though to pray less for my pick and more for God's will. Perhaps because the former requires only my understanding while the later requires faith that He is sovereign and He is always good.

I can't believe a month has gone by without an other post post expressing gratitude for the lives given us to live. I had visions of a date every 3rd, for every day a 3 appeared a space for thanksgiving. Perhaps then this month.

I am so easily annoyed by my family. Yes, it had to come out; I had to admit it: I do not always want to be the wife and mother of this little family. I have tried many different things to curb my annoyance and many different things have failed. And so on days when I am clenching my teeth and ordering my life with my shoulders pulled to my ears, I have found that taking a few minutes to wonder at my life, to bask in the in the people and joys given me, I find thankfulness even in the struggles. And everything starts to loosen.

I invite you today to take time, pause, and give voice to that which gives you joy. (And I would love it if you would share via the comment box.)

On my list today--

a beautiful sister married to a man worthy of her honor
a brother-in-law in love with my sister
little girls searching for dance partners
being close enough to my family to share the set-up and tear-down
being in the car with just my family-myself, husband, daughter
catching up and sleeping warm when he is able to join us
stuff and nothing: those words spoken softly between lovers while they slow dance

Best Laid Plans

The golden egg was passed. I made the announcement. Pregnant. Due date: April 11th. A prior C-section means a scheduled C-section a week ahead of time. Actual date: somewhere around the first of April. I hope my mom has her spring break then.

Chris and I were weeks away from having an approved home study when I found out I was pregnant. Our profile was done, waiting for the signature of the supervisor of our case worker. We were going to adopt and our list of restrictions was small. I thought we would be matched and have a baby before MOPS started this year.

We don't have successful pregnancies. In fact we have only a 25% success rate. So I waited in fear for seventeen weeks to officially become inactive in the adoption process. Today, I wrote the email. I attached the letter. And with the fear I thought I had overcome, I sent the message. My heart convinced that upon clicking the "send" button the baby growing in my womb would be no more. I want to run to the doctor, hear the heartbeat, be reassured, but with no symptoms other than fear and that darn send button, I will not give in.

And tiny nudges from a body yet unseen growing strong and drawing close call me to the assurance of faith. That a God who sends me in a different direction will prove Himself faithful, gracious, and kind.

Cooking

Pumpkin Dip
PREP TIME
15 Min
READY IN
15 Min
Original recipe yield 4 cups

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon frozen orange juice concentrate

DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Gradually mix in the pumpkin. Stir in the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and orange juice until smooth and well blended. Chill until serving. Serve with cinnamon graham crackers, gingersnaps, pretzels

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

INGREDIENTS
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 1/4 cups water
5 1/2 pounds pot roast
rough chop potatoes and vegetables of choice


DIRECTIONS
In a slow cooker, mix cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix and water. Place pot roast in slow cooker and coat with soup mixture. Add potatoes and vegetables.
Cook on High setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low setting for 8 to 9 hours.

Commentary

Do you ever feel like

you're a sports player
daily life is the playing field
and
the child is the play by play announcer?

Me:

I'm a Steeler
Target is my home field
and
Abigail is Myron Cope.
(For those not fortunate enough to grow up in Steeler territory, here's a taste of Myron Cope.)

My Commentary

Heard from the dressing room in head full of mucus volume--I see you naked, Mommy.

WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Riley can you put on your shoes please?
Why?!
Because we have to go pick your brothers up from school now.
WHy?!
Because it is time for them to leave school now.
WHY?!
School is over now.
WHY?!
The teachers want to go home for the day and your brothers want to play with you.
why?
because your fun.
why?
because you are a fun kid!!!
oh!
(mental sigh......finally!, that one didn't last long this time!)
Ok, climb into your seat for mommy.
why?
(a;lrkjWPOEHGBNIWUERBGIOWURBGIUWSNBGUOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Oh, the why stage!! I love it, but pray for twice as much patience as usual through it as well!! haha. Last night, I put my five year on "WHY duty" for thirty minutes just to give me a little break. I thought it was best to break in when Wil started to explain his theory of how the judicial system worked! But, I found myself in such a desperate state mentally! It just exhausts you after a while. And I am not a fan of just using the fix all "because I said so" phrase. I do use this when needed, but I, personally, feel that it is important to quench that thirst for knowledge at this age.....it just can be somewhat draining on mom at times!! Too bad they can't learn to read at this stage as well...that would be perfect!

Gratitude

There is a blog I read, Holy Experience. It is beautiful and uplifting. One of the projects that Ann, the author, has started is a gratitude community. The idea is to find the many thousands of things to be grateful for in ordinary days. It is wonderful to read and it puts things into perspective on those EBay days I have (because sometimes on those days I want to put my entire life on EBay).

What do you think? Would you like to start our own little Uniontown MOPS gratitude community? Maybe we could pick a few days of the month and try to fill our days with thanksgiving while doing the dishes.

Today is the 3rd, so I'm thinkin' I'll list three things I'm grateful for and you can join in the comments.

little girls still in pink pajamas cutting paper into confetti sized pieces
excitement over princess panties even when they get wet, wet, wet
new houses

EBay Days

That is what I call them. Those days when my child seems to know where my buttons are and takes great joy in jumping on said button all day long.

Would I ever do it? Not on your life!

She is mine--button jumping and all--and I would fight to the death to keep her. But it is also nice to have some kind of expression for the days when nothing seems to go right in mothering. Saying it out loud gives voice to my very real feelings of being at the end, and something in those words works its way to God's ears and somehow, someway diffuses the situation with some humor and always an encouraged heart.

What about you? What is your expression? And how does it work?

Quit

Moving in a week (or two). Husband hasn't decided on the exact date. Packing--boxes, tape, paper, empty bookcases and walls.

Dishes piled, yes piled, in the sink. Food stuck on. Soiled panties strewn wherever daughter has an accident and strips. Recycling spills from the containers designed to hold it. Folded laundry lounges on the coffee table. Another load wrinkles in the dryer and the underwear wait in a basket.

Flash cards. Books. Toys. Create an obstacle course throughout the house.

Still in my pajamas and little one without underwear.

I want to quit! Send in my two week notice. Retire somewhere with books and time and no one to intrude. Where I can drink a cup of tea without witness to the mess awaiting me when I am finished.

Ahh, but God whispers. All this is witness to life. Sometimes messy. At times overwhelming. But look at the little girl dancing without panties--just joy.

Maybe the lows are less about low and more about my vision.

Those hard days when nothing seems to get done regardless of how I work can bring condemnation

or

those hard days when nothing seems to get done regardless of how I work can give witness to the lives that are lived here in this home.

And that is reason to celebrate!

Uniontown Public Library Info

Hello Ladies! Our MOPS DAY OUT at the Uniontown Library on Tuesday, September 30th was awesome!! We had so much fun, oh & the kids did too!! We had a great time socializing, talking about the daily adventures, and even meeting soon to be new mops moms!! I am leaving the Library's information listed below in case anyone would like to take advantage of their wonderful programs in the future. I will look forward to running into you all there throughout the year!!



Uniontown Library is located downtown Uniontown
24 Jefferson Street
724.437.1165
http://www.uniontownlib.org/

The Uniontown Library has a Childrens Library on the second floor designated just for our little ones! They will be supplied with an endless supply of books to quench their thirst for knowledge, educational toys galore, games, & a craft of the day to complete and take home!! Throughout the year, the Children's Librarians host many activities such as; story times, game nights, family craft nights, among many others...all free of charge & all are welcome! If you are residing inside the Uniontown limits, you will be able to obtain a Library Card without charge and take home as many books you can carry!! If outside uniontown, a very small fee of $30.00 will get you a Library Card for a full year! (You do not need a Library Card to enjoy other Library features mentioned above, this fee is to check out books only.)



As always... if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me anytime ~Julia Joseph

Hello Everyone!

Thanks Sarah for getting be on, after the third attempt! Yeah!



My week. . .

With my 4 year old going on 13 and my 2 1/2 year old going on 18, it's been a trying few days for me!

Sleepless nights, temper that is out of control, attitudes that are not good, and new frustrations seem to be waiting around every corner! That's just me! Not my kids - ha!

This morning God reminded me in His humorous way - to not forget to laugh!

Being very chilly this morning (not sure about all of you, but when I don't sleep well, I'm extra cold!) I cranked up the heat and Ethan and I sat on the floor by the vent and ate Trix. After filling his bowl and my hand, I sat the box of Trix up on the counter above his head. The box didn't appear to set just right, but of course I ignored it. That box did not like being ignored and before I knew it, fell over and Trix proceeded to rain down all over Ethan! (Did I mention a BRAND NEW just opened box! There is NO 5 second rule in a house with 1 dog and 3 cats - sorry. YUCK!) In the midst of Ethan having a baffled look of "What just happened mommy?!" and the dog racing to stake her claim, and my frustration trying to return at full force, I could only laugh and laugh and laugh. It felt good! You know what, it's contagious! Ethan started laughing too! Then Brenna had to see what was up and well "Ms. Clean" felt the need to point out the mess (that's for another blog!) but after a few seconds began to laugh too! All was well and fun again. . .well for about an hour anyway. . .then well. . .never mind, I'm think of that hour . . .oh that hour . . .love that hour!

Mom's Grace

So, I've been thinking and I was remembering the Bingo game we played last week with "unshaven legs" as an entry. We all laughed with some relief when we found out how many people marked it off. How often do we give ourselves the same grace the ladies at our tables did when we admitted to having unshaven legs? Or how often is it a relief when we find out one of our friends hides her dirty dishes in the oven, too? Maybe, just maybe, part of the fun of this year at MOPS will be finding freedom in our imperfection and finding the grace spilling from other moms into those very insecure parts of our lives. How encouraging to think of practicing the gift of grace for an entire school year!

Weekend Plans

What does everyone have planned for a possibly soggy weekend?
Tomorrow we're going to the Cars, Crafts, and Kids Festival at the American Legion. It runs from 11-4ish with the kid's activities from 1-3.
Anything else interesting going on in the area?

Getting Started

Wow, I can't believe where the summer went so quickly. I remember being kid and feeling like July and August just drug on and on. Now I have a child, I can't remember July or August.

But with the end of summer comes MOPS time again and just as I may lament the end of summer, I am excited for all the things the fall is bringing. Our carnival theme sounds like so much fun and the ideas it has spawned are countless. The talk of monthly fair style food or the soaring highs and plunging lows of the motherhood-roller-coaster (anyone else hide your dirty dishes in the oven before a play date) has me alternately drooling and chuckling. Mostly though I am excited about the ladies that come to MOPS. I love the camaraderie, the shared joys and struggles, the fun we young moms have together.

And that is what this blog is for. A way to continue those conversations and keep in touch with one another between meetings. You can come here to read about whatever is going on in the minds of our authors (any takers), check out upcoming events--right now it is a list but I will figure out the calendar, I will, and find your fellow MOPS moms on the web or at work. You won't find unkind or inappropriate language or comments, pictures of your children without your express permission, or anything more identifying than your first name and email address.

So join in.

It's easy! Just add your email to the subscription box and all the posts will come to your inbox. If there is something especially interesting click on the title to come to the blog and leave a comment by clicking on the "Comments" link at the end of the post.