VUMC MOPS September 2009 •Together on Planet Mom
Our Coordinators and church liaison posed for a quick snapshot: Joie Fried, Michelle Andrews, and Corrie Nibarger.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Growing up I loathed that 60 minute ticking on Sunday nights -it just meant the weekend was over and school was around the corner. With each new season -- I have many things that pop up and remind me of memories past -- last night walking and hearing the COC marching band at a football game, those "cooler" nights which remind us fall is drawing near and yes, that 60 minute ticking. But now those things hold whole new meanings for me..... As our kids return to school and we try our hardest to get into some sort of routine, what reminders do you
have or see that we have moved into a new season with our children? This new year for me finds myself praying -- praying for the health, happiness and safety of my kids, my husband, my dear friends and family, the new MOPS year which we have prepared for and is finally here and for you my MOPS sister - I have prayed for each one of you this summer - that you will feel welcomed into that MOPS room on September 15th and will know you are in the right place. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "He shall direct thy paths..." The Lord directed you here today, and for that we praise God!
“Where two or three come together… there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20
-Joie and Corrie What’s in this issue?? Getting to know the steering team September and October Event Calendars Exciting information about our fund-raiser and much more!
The leadership girls had a great time getting to know each other at our dessert mixer. This is the team that will make your MOPS experience amazing!!!
September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter
Who are the Steering girls?? Their interests, hobbies and tastes may vary, but the women leading your VUMC MOPS group this year all have one thing in common: a love for their children, motherhood and their MOPS sisters. Here's a look at each of the women on your MOPS 2009-2010 Leadership Team, the go-to gals if you have questions about MOPS or anything else: Corrie Nibarger, MOPS co-coordinator Corrie met her husband, Michael, through mutual friends at a Dodger game. They'll celebrate 13 years of marriage on Nov. 23, and have three children: Reagan, 7; Griffin, 5; and baby Colton. Corrie was born on July 5 in Torrance, and has lived in Chatsworth, West Hills, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and now Stevenson Ranch. Her hobbies include Cardio Barre, running marathons, scrapbooking, reading and volunteering. Corrie lists her favorite TV shows as Law and Order, Ugly Betty, CSI and Criminal Minds. Her favorite local places to take the kids are the park, the Fillmore Fish Hatchery, the zoo, Disneyland and Starbucks. Corrie fulfilled her childhood career dream of becoming a traveling businesswoman, when she spent time as a traveling marketing executive. Corrie said that if she had one day to herself, she would spend it “praying that my kids grow up healthy, safe, happy and fulfilled.” Joie Fried, MOPS co-coordinator Joie met her husband, Adam, in college, and on May 20, they'll celebrate their 10th anniversary. They have three boys, Logan, 6; Peyton, almost 5; and baby Corbin. Page 2
Joie was born in the San Fernando Valley on Nov. 13, and has lived in Van Nuys, Singapore, Northridge, Saugus and Valencia. Joie enjoys keeping in touch with her friends. She's a self-described “TV junkie” and loves watching CSI NY, Desperate Housewives, Criminal Minds, Heroes, Lost, Big Brother and Brothers and Sisters. As for music, her favorite CD is “probably one of my Blink-182 ones, but ABBA Gold runs a tight second.” Her favorite types of food include Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Chinese and Mexican, and her favorite restaurants include Kisho, Ruth's Chris, PF Chang's, Masa's Sushi and Kabuki. Joie wanted to be a doctor and a mommy when she was a child – she fulfilled one of those goals!
The Steering Gals: Coordinator—Corrie Nibarger Service-- Myra Gibson Hospitality—Lucy Beasley Coordinator—Joie Fried Membership—Amy Young Communication—Heather Ippolito Finance—Wendy Pohl Craft Queen—Sabina Kosek Not-picture Kari Dahlquist, head Mentor Mom, and Michelle Jones, Prayer and Care. September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter
Lucy Beasley, Hospitality Leader Lucy, born on Oct. 23 in Lewistown, Pa., has one adopted daughter, 2-year-old Melissa, with her husband Bob. Lucy met Bob when he was dating one of her roommates; they'll be married 18 years Nov. 14. Lucy's lived all over the United States: Pennsylvania; Tucson, Arizona; Stuart, West Palm Beach and St. Augustine, Florida; and, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Winnetka, Sylmar and Valencia in California. Lucy enjoys watching tennis and writing, and she'd like to learn more about scrapbooking. Her favorite food is pasta, favorite restaurant is Sicily's, and her favorite book is the Bible. When she was a child, Lucy hoped to become a doctor. Instead, she worked as a legal secretary before staying home with her daughter. Wendy Pohl, Finance Leader Wendy met her husband, Chris, at a country western bar in Thousand Oaks: “He swung me off my feet 12 years ago and we still love to dance together – twostep, East Coast and West Coast swing!” she says. They've been married seven years as of Aug. 9, and have three children: Hunter, 6; Kaden, 3 ½, and Ashlynn, almost 2. Wendy was born on Dec. 15 in Panorama City and has spent her whole life in the Santa Clarita Valley – in fact, her parents have lived in the same house for 50 years, and all four of her sisters live in Santa Clarita. Wendy's hobbies include photography, traveling, RVing, boating, shopping and dancing, and her favorite TV shows are Friends, Dancing With the Stars, Grey's Anatomy and American Idol. Her favorite music comes from Kenny Chesney and George Strait, and her Page 2
favorite book is the Bible. Wendy hoped to be an actress, model and/or marine biologist when she was a girl, and wound up becoming “a very blessed stay-athome mother.” Amy Young, Membership Leader Amy was born on Nov. 11 in Templeton, Calif., and has two children: Kara age 6 and Grant age 3. She met her husband Brently at a fraternity party, and they celebrated their ninth anniversary Aug. 5. Amy has lived in Paso Robles, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Northridge, Saugus and Valencia. She enjoys reading, running, scrapbooking and her kids, and her favorite TV shows are Survivor, Big Brother, The Mentalist and Royal Pains. Her favorite music artist is Brad Paisley, and she loves reading books by Nora Roberts. Her favorite cuisine is Mexican, and her favorite restaurant is La Cocina. As a child, Amy hoped to be a pediatrician; she later became the assistant manager at a bank before staying home with her children. Sabina Kosek, Craft Queen When Sabina was young she wanted to be a clown; when she grew up, she ended up being a “clown mom that can laugh” to Jack, 9, and Claire, 5. Sabina was born on Jan. 23 in Oakland, and met her husband Mark “the night I left for Greece with another guy.” She's lived in San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, San Diego and Santa Clarita. Her hobbies include talking, laughing and running, and her favorite TV shows are Two-and-a-Half Men and September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter
anything Leno. Her favorite food is pie, and her favorite spots to eat are Harris Ranch and the Cheesecake Factory. She enjoys taking her kids to the Getty museum. Heather Ippolito, Communications Leader Heather and Ron have been together since high school, when he was the student body president and she was a smitten freshman at orientation. “I followed him around after him for a bit and he asked me to the Homecoming Dance,” Heather said. “Our first date was Oct. 26, 1991, and we've pretty much been together ever since.” Heather has one daughter, 2-year-old Liliana, or Libi. Born on Nov. 5 in Van Nuys, she's lived in Van Nuys, Denver and Canyon Country. She grew up wanting to be a singer or doctor, and ended up being a teacher who loves to sing. Heather's hobbies include scrapbooking and card-making, Disney travel, blogging and musical theater. Her favorite TV show is Glee, and milk chocolate makes her day. Heather has a collection of memorabilia from Dopey, of Snow White fame, that could fill a museum. Heather's top suggested places to take the kids are Disneyland, Kidspace and Bob Baker Marionettes. Myra Gibson, Service Leader Born in Anaheim on Sept. 27, Myra met her husband Mathew through a coworker at the animal hospital. They'll celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary on Nov. 5, and have two children, 5-yearold David, and Jenna, 3. Myra enjoys reading, snow- and waterskiing, and on TV she likes watching Lost, Eureka and One Life to Live. Besides Santa Clarita, Myra has lived in Tustin, Orange, Riverside, Bakersfield and New York City. When she was younger, Page 2
she enjoyed going on cross-country motor home trips. Now, she likes taking her kids to Chuck E. Cheese, the mall, the library and Sky City Bounce House. She wanted to be a veterinarian when she was a child, and became a registered veterinary technician. Kari Dahlquist, Mentor Mom leader Kari was born Jan. 14 in Detroit and has lived in Michigan, Arizona and California. She and her husband Eric will have been married 15 years in October, and they have two sons, William, 10, and Andrew, 7. Kari's favorite TV shows include Top Chef, Project Runway, Grey's Anatomy and 24, and her favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. Her favorite foods are Mexican and Italian, and she likes taking her boys bowling. Kari said she “used to be a night owl, but I've had to become a morning person out of necessity since my kids are up at 6:30 a.m.!” Michelle Jones, Prayer and Care Leader Born in Washington, D.C, Michelle met her husband, Damian, when they both were interns at CBS News in Washington. They've been married 14 years and have four children: Quinton, 9; 7-year-old twins Ashley and Sydney; and Landon, born over the summer. Michelle, whose birthday is Feb. 3, said her hobbies include walking, music, journaling and scrapbooking. Her favorite book is the Bible, her favorite TV show is American Idol, and Kenny Chesney is her favorite music artist. Michelle's favorite food is Italian or sushi, and her favorite restaurant is Maru Sushi, with her husband. Michelle has lived in Maryland (she was 1987 Maryland Miss TEEN!), Ohio and California. Her ideal day would include a morning walk, reading, lunch with friends and a pedicure. September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter
Some fun facts: three of our leaders chose ABBA Gold as their favorite (or close-secondfavorite) CD (Corrie, Sabina and Joie), and three named their jeans as their favorite item of clothing (Wendy, Amy, Joie.)
On behalf of Valencia United Methodist Church, I would like to welcome you to a new year of MOPS. We are so glad that you are here. It is our vision to be a community of faith where lives are continuously transformed through Jesus Christ. We strive to live that out through our Core Values: Invite, Nurture, Send. It is our prayer that being a part of this MOPS group will help you as a mother, and as a woman, to be who God has called you to be. There are many opportunities to get involved here at VUMC...for you and your whole family. We invite you to join us for Worship on Sunday mornings at 9:00 (a more traditional time of Worship) or at 10:30 (contemporary Worship). Childcare and classes for kids are offered during both hours. Many of our Small Groups are just getting started, and there are some other exciting events happening soon. Please check out our website: www.umcv.org for more information about who we are, and for details about more of our ministries. I look forward to this new year of MOPS. If I can ever be of any help please feel free to contact me in the office: mandrews@umcv.org, or 284-1866 x106. Michelle Andrews Director of Christian Education Ask the Mentor Moms: Each month we will be asking our Mentor Moms for their best tips and tricks. This month we asked….
“What are your favorite back-to-school tips or traditions?” I'd put a note or card in my daughter's backpack wishing her a good day. I'd give her notes/cards throughout the year. When she was older, she asked if I'd still do this, so I guess it has been meaningful to her. In fact, she has some of these inspirational cards on her bulletin board, and she's 22 years old.— Carol Yacoobian, Europe Table As soon as school starts create a place in your home where your children can do their homework. For my family, it is the island. I have a snack ready for the kids when they get home and they immediately sit down and start on their homework. Now that they are 13 and 11, it is a beautiful thing.... It has now become a habit and I have them close by me and each other. If they have forgotten any material at school we have time to nip it in the bud. You can do your homework (sign papers, go through their backpacks, etc.) while they are doing theirs. And, they have learned the virtue... "work before play." The best thing is..... homework is done when everyone is in a great mood and not when you are exhausted after a practice or class and right before bed.—Belinda Taylor, Antarctica Table Page 2
September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter
Antiquities—our exciting fund-raiser We can’t stop the growth of a child, but Antiquities can capture the memory for a lifetime. MOPS of Valencia will have a photographer on location at the Valencia United Methodist Church, on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 to photograph your child(ren). Purchase a coupon for $10.00 and you will receive a beautiful 10x13 SepiaToned portrait of your children. This is a $69.95 value that you are receiving for $10.00!! Only one coupon can be purchased per family. The portrait is for children 16 years and younger. The children will dress up in old-fashioned clothing (provided by Antiquities) and have their picture taken. About three weeks after the portrait is taken, you will pickup your 10x13 portrait from VUMC. At that time, you can determine if you want to purchase an Antiquities package containing additional pictures of various sizes. All photos will be back in time for Christmas!! Who can sell coupons? Anyone! Every person who sells 15 coupons or more will receive a $149.95 portrait package FREE! MOPS moms will need to sell coupons (photo sessions) then bring all coupons stubs that are sold to our MOPS meetings… Who can I sell coupons to? You can sell them to parents with children (newborn through age 16). Sell to coworkers, family, friends, neighbors, etc. The prints will make great Christmas gifts for grandparents, family, and friends!! What is the deadline for selling coupons? Tuesday, Oct. 13 Is this 10x13 offer a children's promotion only? YES, the coupon is good only for children up to age 16, no adults. However, if a parent, grandparent, friend, relative would like to be in additional poses for the package, Antiquities is happy to do so upon request. No 10x13 coupon may be sold for these extra poses. Who gets what part of the coupon? The person who purchases a coupon gets the top stub as a reminder. The person selling the coupon collects the money and fills out the bottom portion of the coupon. Do you take check or cash? YES, we will take cash or check. Please make checks payable to “MOPS of VUMC”. What should the kids wear on the day of the portrait session? Kids should wear clothing that will be easy to change into and out of. The Antiquities style portraits have kids in bare feet. Does the parent have to be present? YES, children will be photographed only if a parent or legal guardian is present during the photography session. Are there any restrictions? The 10x13 portrait print is a limited offer and is limited to one per family per household. Children will be photographed only if a parent or legal guardian is present during the photo session. No subject may appear in more than one 10x13 offer. Can someone purchase more than one coupon? The 10x13 portrait print is a limited offer and is limited to one per family per household. Can children be photographed without a parent being present? For the coupon special, children must be photographed with parent present during the photo session. May a 10x13 coupon be purchased for a group of grandchildren? Only if the children have not appeared in any other 10x13 coupon special. However, the group pose may be added to any package. When will the portraits be back ready for viewing and purchase? Pictures will be back in time for Christmas.
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September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter
Missing your MOPS friends between meetings? MOPS of VUMC is alive and well on the Internet! Check out our blog and Facebook page to stay up-to-date on activities, last-minute play dates and prayer requests. To find us on Facebook, type “MOPS of VUMC” in the Facebook search bar. Join the group and you can post messages in several discussion categories. On the marketplace board, moms can post about their homebased businesses or about items they'd like to sell. Other sections allow you to post your prayer requests, or check out the fun, local things to do with your family. Facebook also is a great way to connect with other MOPS moms – more than 60 of us are already members of the group. Find the MOPS blog at vumcmops.blogspot.com. Past newsletters are posted, and more fun stuff. Bookmark it!
WHAT ABOUT BREAKFAST??? When you are a mom of a little one, life is great when you can sit down with dear friends and have a great meal. For many of us moms, breakfast at MOPS is one of the highlights of the meeting!! Each meeting two tables provide the meal for the entire group. One table is responsible for the hot dishes, and the other is responsible for the cold dishes. Here are a few examples of items that have been served in the past: Hot Egg Dishes -- egg casseroles, scrambled eggs, quiche Hot Non-Egg Dishes -- potato casserole, oatmeal, French toast Cold Dishes -- bagels, breads, fruit, granola, yogurt, juice, creamer for coffee Sign-up sheets will be placed at your table the week before it is your table's turn to bring breakfast. Please remember each dish/item should serve 10-12 moms so you may need to double up your recipes!!!
SPECIAL SEPTEMBER DATES: Mommy Birthdays: 1—Christine Davis 17—Claudine Toon 27—Myra Gibson Anniversaries: 2—Lisa and Matthew Suriano 4—Nichole and Dan Klawer 7—Lisa and Stace Howard 14—Regina and Drew Weaver 18—Stacy and Christian Herb 21—Sabina and Mark Kosek 23—Debbie and Charlie Messman 23—Tricia and Duffy Woodland 27—Nicole and Drew McCreery Page 2
Moppet Birthdays: 3—Peyton Lane 8—Jordan Lange 8—Kate Monney 9—David Woodland 12—Caleb Atmali 12—Hailey Jones 17—Brianna Haban 19—Elyz Katz 22—Peyton Fried 24—Olivia Gore 30—Kayla Wood
September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter
THE INS AND OUTS OF MEAL SUPPORT Just out of the hospital? Baby is crying? You’re tired and hubby is doing his best to hold the fort down while you are on the mend… Dinner? What’s that? Then the doorbell rings at 5 p.m. -- the cavalry has arrived with a hot dinner for your family. Several nights a week, for the next week or two, dinners are brought to your house at whatever time you usually eat dinner. They are full meals, including food for the kids. With all the meals you receive you generally are covered with leftovers for lunches. If you're unsure of what to give, a spaghetti and meatballs dinner with a salad is simple and filling. Or, some moms choose to pick up takeout, or a grocery store rotisserie chicken with a couple of side dishes. Providing meal support is one of the tangible ways we MOPS moms help each other when needs arise. With the arrival of a new baby, or medical emergency of another type, MOPS moms are blessed beyond measure when their fellow moms supply a meal. Look on your clipboard to sign up for meal support. HOW TO PLANT A GARDEN First you plant three rows of Peas: 1. Peas of mind 2. Peas of heart 3. Peas of soul Then you plant three rows of squash: 1. Squash gossip 2. Squash indifference 3. Squash complaining Then you plant three rows of lettuce: 1. Lettuce be faithful 2. Lettuce be kind 3. Lettuce be patient Last you plant three rows of Turnips: 1. Turnip for church 2. Turnip on time 3. Turnip with a smile Author Unknown Submitted by Lucy Beasley, Hospitality Chair
Moppet Curriculum September 15Lesson: Story of Creation Bible Story: The Beginning Craft: Fun with Apples Page 2
September 29Lesson: Day/Night Bible Story: Psalm 118:24 – This is the day that the Lord Has Made…. Craft: Sun September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter
MOPS Meeting Schedule We thought you might like to know what to expect at our meetings this year, so here is a rundown of the general schedule of events. 8:30 a.m.—Moppet rooms are open and ready to accept your children. Coffee is hot and your girlfriends are in the MOPS room ready to chat. Don’t forget to grab your nametag and a raffle ticket before you head in to grab coffee. 9:00 a.m.—The meeting begins with a devotional from Michelle Andrews and a morning prayer from Michelle Jones. We always join hands in a circle around the room, don’t worry if you come in during this time—just grab a hand and join us. 9:05 a.m.—Breakfast!!!! This is many Moms favorite part of the meeting. Grab your plate and head over to the tables to dish up yummy casseroles, fruit, and baked goods. Return to your table to eat and chat with your table-mates. During breakfast you will notice a slide-show on the large screen at the front of the room. Take a few moments to look at all of the announcements and photos from our events as they cycle past. This is also a great time to check out the clipboard on your table. The clipboards are where we put sign-ups and information for field trips, volunteer opportunities, and other special activities. 9:35 a.m.—Corrie and Joie will take the stage with some exciting announcements. You might want to have your calendar handy as they will share information about upcoming events and activities. 9:55 a.m.—Listen up for a transitional song. This is a tune chosen by a member of the leadership team and it’s the signal to clean-up your breakfast items and prepare for the program portion of our meeting. 10 a.m.—No two meetings are exactly the same, but this is the “meat” of our meeting. During this time we might hear an inspirational speaker, participate in a craft, give back to the community with a service project, or chat with a panel of experts. Please give our speakers your full attention and silence cell phones. 10:55 a.m.—We re-group for a final prayer before we continue with our Mommy duties. Before you leave please help your table leader tidy up the table—the Moppet rooms will be open until 11:30 to give you a chance to help us clean our meeting room. If you have to leave the meeting room early, please be respectful of others and do so quietly.
September 15 Meeting: Theme: Blast Off – Stepping out of our Comfort Zone Bible Verse: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Speaker: Pastor John Shaver
September 29 Meeting: Theme: The ‘Hood’ in Motherhood Bible Verse: “For where two or three come together ... there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 Speaker: Mentor Mom Testimonial at table
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September 2009 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MOPS VUMC Chapter