Page 1 I had a professor in col- lege once who said, "Kids are like wet cement. As parents, we get to put our fingerprints all over them and shape them. But the older they be- come, the drier --and harder to form--the ce- ment grows." Psychologist Sigmund Freud agreed. He be- lieved that a child's ba- sic character is devel- oped by the age of five. I don't know about you, but that philosophy makes me a bit nervous for my preschoolers. With that in mind, we have practiced the fol- lowing ideas to develop positive character in fun ways that easily fit into the fabric of our daily life. Marble Jar: Set up an empty jar with a bowl of marbles beside it. Choose a quality that you want to positively reward for the week and explain to your kids that every time you "catch" some- one displaying that qual- ity, they get to add two marbles to the jar. When the jar is full, the whole family gets a special treat Build a Tower: Set up some blocks on the kitchen counter in a pile (Large Legos work fan- tastically). Talk about how the words we speak can either build up or tear down other people. During the day, for every encouraging word spoken, have the speaker add a block to the tower Fridge Art: Put a big piece of white butcher paper on an empty side of your refrigerator. Choose a quality that you would like to work on that week in your home. Tape some markers be- side the paper and chal- lenge your kids to notice when someone in the family displays that character trait. Have them draw pictures of the positive actions per- formed on the paper to create a collage. Fruit that Lasts: Place a large bowl of fruit on the table one morning. Talk about the fruits of right living found in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23). The fruits in this passage are: love, joy, peace, pa- tience, kindness, good- ness, gentleness, faith- fulness and self-control. Have each child create a pretend story about someone who showed one of the positive fruits, then let him/her choose a fruit from the bowl to enjoy after breakfast. Actions Speak Louder than Words: As someone once said, "Be the type of person you want your children to become." So, you mothers of "wet cement" children, perse- vere. Keep shaping the clay of your children's hearts with intention and passion and consistency, because every day the cement is getting a little bit drier Wet Cement September 2010 Inside this Issue: Wet Cement~ 1 Penny Pinching~ 2 Steering Team~ 3 MOPS PM Sponsors~ 3 Moment of Science~ 4 Kids in the Kitchen~ 4 5 Minutes for Mom~ 5 Crafts for Kids~ 5 Small Group Leaders~ 5 Mentor Minute~ 6 Love & Logic Corner~ 6 Classifieds~ 7 Mouths of Moppets~ 8 Prayer & Care~ 9 Celebrations~ 9 Mommy Knows~ 10 Pregnancy Health~ 11 What to Expect~ 12 Next Meeting Next Meeting Next Meeting Next Meeting Sept . 14th @ Sept . 14th @ Sept . 14th @ Sept . 14th @ 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
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Transcript
Page 1
I had a professor in col-
lege once who said, "Kids
are like wet cement. As
parents, we get to put
our fingerprints all over
them and shape them.
But the older they be-
come, the drier --and
harder to form--the ce-
ment grows."
Psychologist Sigmund
Freud agreed. He be-
lieved that a child's ba-
sic character is devel-
oped by the age of five.
I don't know about you,
but that philosophy
makes me a bit nervous
for my preschoolers.
With that in mind, we
have practiced the fol-
lowing ideas to develop
positive character in fun
ways that easily fit into
the fabric of our daily
life.
Marble Jar: Set up an empty jar with a bowl of
marbles beside it.
Choose a quality that you
want to positively reward
for the week and explain
to your kids that every
time you "catch" some-
one displaying that qual-
ity, they get to add two
marbles to the jar. When
the jar is full, the whole
family gets a special
treat
Build a Tower: Set up some blocks on the
kitchen counter in a pile
(Large Legos work fan-
tastically). Talk about
how the words we speak
can either build up or
tear down other people.
During the day, for every
encouraging word spoken,
have the speaker add a
block to the tower
Fridge Art: Put a big piece of white butcher
paper on an empty side
of your refrigerator.
Choose a quality that you
would like to work on
that week in your home.
Tape some markers be-
side the paper and chal-
lenge your kids to notice
when someone in the
family displays that
character trait. Have
them draw pictures of
the positive actions per-
formed on the paper to
create a collage.
Fruit that Lasts: Place a large bowl of
fruit on the table one
morning. Talk about the
fruits of right living
found in the Bible
(Galatians 5:22-23). The
fruits in this passage
are: love, joy, peace, pa-
tience, kindness, good-
ness, gentleness, faith-
fulness and self-control.
Have each child create a
pretend story about
someone who showed one
of the positive fruits,
then let him/her choose
a fruit from the bowl to
enjoy after breakfast.
Actions Speak
Louder than Words: As someone once said,
"Be the type of person
you want your children to
become."
So, you mothers of "wet
cement" children, perse-
vere. Keep shaping the
clay of your children's
hearts with intention and
passion and consistency,
because every day the
cement is getting a little
bit drier
Wet Cement
September 2010
Inside this Issue:
Wet Cement~ 1
Penny Pinching~ 2
Steering Team~ 3
MOPS PM Sponsors~ 3
Moment of Science~ 4
Kids in the Kitchen~ 4
5 Minutes for Mom~ 5
Crafts for Kids~ 5
Small Group Leaders~ 5
Mentor Minute~ 6
Love & Logic Corner~ 6
Classifieds~ 7
Mouths of Moppets~ 8
Prayer & Care~ 9
Celebrations~ 9
Mommy Knows~ 10
Pregnancy Health~ 11
What to Expect~ 12
Next Meeting Next Meeting Next Meeting Next Meeting
Visit us online to view past newsletters, registration in-
formation, calendar with upcoming dates, and an up to
date directory.
www.bransonmops.com
Gold and Platinum Sponsors Check out our website for more information about these
sponsors:
Page 4
A Moment of ScienceA Moment of ScienceA Moment of ScienceA Moment of Science
Fruit Loop Rainbow Mobile Introduce the colors of the rainbow by using the pneumonic Roy G. Biv and make a mobile.
Concepts Gained from Engaging in Recipe Activities with your Toddler
*Reinforces Math Concepts such as quantity (how many cups of milk or flour, or number of eggs, how
many cookies?
*Introduces Measurement (how much is a cup, a teaspoon?)
*Helps to Develop Sequencing Skills...which step comes first, second, or third.
*Introducing Reading Readiness Skills (Read from top to bottom, left to right)
Kids in the Kitchen Kids in the Kitchen Kids in the Kitchen Kids in the Kitchen Recipes for Kids
Materials:
*Fruit Loop Cereal
*1 Dixie or Thick White Paper
Plate
*1 thin wire hanger or ribbon
to hang finished rainbow
*Tacky Craft Glue (Elmer's
will not hold well)
*Colored Tissue Paper
1. Cut white paper plate in half or a little bigger than half.
2. If you plan to hang your rainbow using a ribbon. Punch two hol. es in the top of the plate and string the rib-
bon through and tie.
3. Place Fruit Loops in bowl and have your child sort colors into another small container or small dish. We
sorted one color at a time.
4. Start on the outer rim with the red Fruit Loops. Put Glue on the rim of the plate in a very thick line.
5. Have your child line up the red Fruit Loops onto the glue.
6. Make another thick line of glue inside of the red for the orange row.
7. Continue until you reach the purple and let dry for a few hours.
8. Glue any loose Fruit Loops. We had about two that needed additional glue. Let dry.
8. Cut tissue into strips.
9. Turn rainbow over and place a line of glue across the bottom. We just used Elmer's for this.
10. Have your child place tissue along the back. Add a second layer of tissue if you wish.
11. Let dry. Bend the hanger by pulling the bottom downwards to form an oval. Using the other half of the
plate, shape the hangar to it the back under the rim. It doesn't need to be perfect just relatively flat. Bend
and cut with wire cutters.
12. Tape to the back of finished rainbow.
Page 5
2010-2011
Small Group Leaders
Small Group Coordinator:
Stacy McNeil 417.336.1111
Small Group Leaders:
Angie Smith 417.443.6050
Larene Thrash 417.348.1911
Maryann Riveros 417.336.8706
Kim Matthews 417.230.6409
Tami Guerin 417.880.7370
Sarah Matthews 417.334.58.12
Sara DeLawder 417.230.2811
Cara Conway 417.331.3001
Lori Larimore 417.337.5747
Adriane Stauffer 417.294.1321
Your small group leaders are here
for you, here to guide you, pray
for you, and help you feel welcome
to our group. If you have any
questions or need please don’t
hesitate to ask your small group
leader or another steering team
member! We want NO MOM
LEFT ALONE!
5 minutes for Moms5 minutes for Moms5 minutes for Moms5 minutes for Moms
Crafts for KidsCrafts for KidsCrafts for KidsCrafts for Kids
Do we really have 5 minutes? I would love to give you a list
of things that we should do to relieve stress but we all know
those things…..take a warm bath, exercise, read a book, etc.
How many of us really have time for those things. Try the
things in this column with your kid to help relieve your
stress.
Stress Reliever Strawberry Smoothie
Strawberries are good source of vitamins and nutritional value. These
are things that stress can deprive us of and drinking fruit smoothies
containing strawberries can help replenish us and keep us healthy.
Ingredients
-2 1/2 cups strawberries
-1/2 cup strawberry nectar
-1 pitted peach
-1 cup low-fat plain yogurt or strawberry yogurt if you don’t have
the nectar.
-2 cups ice
Not got a lot of time for crafts at your house. How about
these quick and easy ideas for letting the kids have some
fun.
*Fun foam door hangers pre cut out shapes that even
young children can make, takes about 5 to 10 minutes max
and their finished.
*Laminated Place mats Cut out pictures from Sunday pa-
per (what ever theme is of interest to my toddler at the
time). Make up a batch of finger paint. Allow him to create
a collage with finger paint, cut out images. Finally, laminate
artwork and you have a custom place mat.
If you have more time to spend on crafts check out the
website below for tons of ideas:
http://www.craftbits.com/kids-crafts
Page 6
Mentor MinuteMentor MinuteMentor MinuteMentor Minute Psalms 139:10 ...even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
As we look to this year's verse for MOPS, we can see God's hand in our lives. We have strength for today and hope for tomorrow through Him. But allow me to show you God's plan for you as a Mother. He shows you the pattern you should follow in raising or rearing, if you prefer, your children. You are instructed to take their hand for their protection. Your babies are to be taught that when you speak they should listen because you care. Guide your little ones with love, that means be sure there are more fun times than harsh times. Remember you are not their best friend, you are their parent who is fun to be with but you have lines of discipline for their own good. As you develop them you are holding on fast to their hand and showing them the way for a safe productive life. The best way while you are holding on is to show them by your actions. Lead them with your actions. Believe me, they notice everything you say and do, no matter how young they are. Finally, look to the Lord for your guidance. Read His word, attend church with fellow believers and most of all pray.
Love & Logic Corner Do your friends, neighbors, relatives, or coworkers have rude kids? I've always been
amazed at how many of us know others who've allowed their kids to become snotty. Of
course, rudely behaved kids never live under our roofs. But, just in case you run into
someone with a politeness-challenged youngster, here are some tips you can share.
Remember that it's okay to be old-fashioned. There was a time in our country when parents expected their children to say "please" and "thank you." There was a time when they had to ask, "May I please be excused," before they left the dinner table. There was even a time when most youngsters were not allowed to interrupt conversations between adults, were expected to hold doors open for adults, and believed that adults went first.
Limit television viewing in your home. Television has pretty much ruined our society. (How's that for blatant political incorrectness?)
Model a humble attitude. Too frequently, kids in our society grow up around people who are far more interested in winning than serving others. Parents who model humility, respect and politeness toward others are far more likely to raise kids who do the same.
Place character over achievement. Many kids are allowed to slide in the area of politeness because they are viewed as so incredibly gifted by their parents and other adults in their lives. Wise parents remember that the world is filled with incredibly talented people who've failed miserably because they are jerks.
For more Love and Logic Help check out their website: http://loveandlogic.com/
Page 7
Classifieds…….I want…….I have…...I Need E-mail DeAnna Sheets if you have something you would like to place in the Classifieds. “I
needs” will be kept confidential and not published. DeAnna will help find someone who can help
"As a mother comforts her child, so I will com-fort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusa-
lem."
~~Isaiah 66:13~~
Page 8
Out of the Mouths of MoppetsOut of the Mouths of MoppetsOut of the Mouths of MoppetsOut of the Mouths of Moppets Kids say the funniest things. If you have something funny that your child has said
e-mail it do DeAnna @ [email protected] include the child’s first name and age.
We were sitting down to a spaghetti din-
ner last night when my 5 year old po-
litely said, "Please pass me the Papajohns Cheese, mommy." So Cute! Good example
of how they don't always hear things we
say the way we intended to say it.
(Parmesan Cheese)
Note from the EditorNote from the EditorNote from the EditorNote from the Editor
I asked my son today what
was the best part about his
school day and he said, "Going home." Colsen age 6
There is a little girl in our Learning Center who was so excited to
tell me that she and her Daddy had went on a special dinner date. I
asked her what they did and she said "We went shopping and had a delicious dinner" I asked her where she went to eat and she re-sponded "Red Lobster" ...I said "Oh my that is a yummy place to eat,
What did you have there?"...she threw her hands on her hips and
said with a "miss thing" attitude, "Duh! Ms Cara, RED...LOBSTER!!!!" We are still laughing at this little ones ability to communicate!! She
is only 3 years old...
Welcome to a new year of MOPS! This is my third year as a member of MOPS, and I can’t begin to tell you what a wonderful experience it has been so far. I’ve met wonderful friends, been a part of some fun outings, and become a better mom than I ever thought I could be. That may be due to the sanity-saving 2 and half hours of kidless conversation I look forward to every month in our meetings, but I’ll take it!
I may be the editor of this newsletter, but I certainly can’t do this alone! Look through this issue for ways you can contribute to your MOPS newsletter. Most months, we’ll have ―Out of the Mouths of MOPPETS. This is for those crazy things your kids or other kids say to you. We’ll also have a ―Kids in the Kitchen, one of your favorite recipes that the kids can help and –Crafts for Kids. Don’t leave me hanging! I need your submissions to make this newsletter all about us. This newsletter is specifically for—and about—our MOPS group. If you would like to contribute articles or pictures, please e-mail me at [email protected]. I’ll try to include as many as I can throughout the MOPS year.
Thanks, and enjoy!
DeAnna Sheets
Page 9
Congratulations! Birth Announcements
*Mary Blackwood welcomed a sweet
baby girl named Rosie Elizabeth Black-
wood on May 4th!
*Tara Kempf welcomed a precious baby
girl named Brooke Harleigh Kempf on
May 17th!
*Mesa Mitchell welcomed a sweet baby
girl named Lundyn Kay on June 3rd!
*Stacy Cummings welcomed a beautiful
baby girl named Lauren Rylie Cummings
on July 12th!
*Michelle Bailey welcomed a handsome
baby boy named Gavin Jeffrey
on August 14th!
*Jordan Miller welcomed a
bouncing baby boy named Jaxon
Mikel Miller on August 30th! Don’t forget to pray for all the preg-
nant mommies and mommies wanting to
be pregnant!
Prayer & Care Hello Wonderful Ladies!
My name is April Mulnik and I am honored to serve as your Prayer and Care Coordinator this year! First of all,
my desire is for you to know that I am here for you anytime, day or night. Whether you just need someone to
pray with you individually or you would like for all of our prayer warrior mommies to join you in prayer, please
contact me. I will get an e-mail out to our women as soon as I possibly can. Also, please e-mail or call me with
updates and praises, too! It is so encouraging to hear what God is doing in others’ lives! The other side to this
great ministry is being able to provide our moms with meals at times of need. We are blessed with an amazing
group of caring, servant-minded women who are always ready to help out their friends.
All prayer requests, praises and updates are sent via e-mail, from me. If you are not currently receiving these e-
mails and would like to, please let me know! If you would be willing to serve on the prayer and care committee
by preparing meals, babysitting or cleaning for mom’s in need, please fill out a TLC card or e-mail me. It’s be-
cause of you that this ministry is so successful!
Thank you so much for allowing me to serve you in this way! You have already blessed me by what
amazing ladies you all are! I look forward to praying with and for you this year!
Is that blob of mac and cheese just right—or more than your child’s fair share? It’s actually not complicated to figure out—and you don’t need to weigh or measure a thing, says childhood
obesity expert and pediatrician Sarah Hampl, M.D. The answer is right in your child’s hand: A child-size portion of meat is about
what would fit in your guy’s palm. For whole –grain carbs, such as brown rice
or pasta, a serving is roughly the size of his fist—a measurement that also applies to fruits, veggies, and dairy products such as yogurt. A serving of
cheese is about thumb-sized, and for munching on snack foods, think a
handful. ―The great thing about this system is that it works no matter what your child’s age—because his hand grows as he, and his appetite, does. So you don’t have to memorize portions,” Dr. Hampl notes.
Learning to Like the Good Stuff From Parenting Magazine
Expert tricks that really work -- even with super-picky eaters -- from The Sneaky Chef Missy Chase Lapine, a Parenting Mom Squad member:
Don't make a big deal about it. Don't make a big deal about it. Don't make a big deal about it. Don't make a big deal about it. If you announce "We're going to try something new tonight," your child will
just translate that as "This is going to be disgusting; prepare to hate it." Instead, just set the plate down and let your kid explore it for herself.
Make it fun.Make it fun.Make it fun.Make it fun. You've seen the cute pics: pancakes topped with smiley fruit faces, grilled cheese served in
cookie-cutter shapes. Taking the time now and then to make healthy foods kid-friendly -- even just adding ketchup or making up a clever name ("magic beans," "power peas") -- is always a winner. So is anything dunkable: Offer a little warmed, oozy peanut butter or yogurt to dip her fruit into, or some ranch dressing to go with steamed vegetables.
Work with her. Work with her. Work with her. Work with her. Incorporate the healthy stuff into dishes you know your child likes. If she loves pizza, try adding
pineapple. Got a muffin fan? Make a batch with blueberries or grated zucchini or carrots. Chicken-nugget chomper? Bake them with whole-grain bread crumbs.
Talk it up. Talk it up. Talk it up. Talk it up. A kid couldn't care less about cholesterol or heart disease, but he will take notice if you tell him that
doughnut won't give him enough energy to climb the jungle gym or keep up with his friend in the swimming pool.
Eat it yourselfEat it yourselfEat it yourselfEat it yourself.... If you won't touch anything green, why should they? But if they see you enjoying a big salad or
a fish dish, they just may come around (well, eventually).
Page 11
Staying Healthy With Pregnancy ExerciseStaying Healthy With Pregnancy ExerciseStaying Healthy With Pregnancy ExerciseStaying Healthy With Pregnancy Exercise
As always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Article taken from: http://www.pregnancy-articles.com
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time in woman’s life. A baby growing inside of you can feel like a miracle; and it can also
make you feel a little off your game. If you’re a person who is used to being physically active pregnancy can be a bit of
an adjustment. Or perhaps you are someone who has recently committed to a diet and exercise plan to help foster a
healthy pregnancy. Either way, pregnancy exercise is well within the limits of a healthy pregnancy and something that
can help you feel in control of your body a little more as you make
this incredible journey.
First and foremost, pregnancy exercise at any fitness level is only meant for those women who are experiencing healthy,
uneventful pregnancies. Further, regardless of what pregnancy ex-
ercise you want to try – at any time during your pregnancy – you
should always check with your doctor beforehand.
Generally during the first trimester, women are permitted
to continue with an exercise program that has already been estab-
lished. This does not mean that now that you are pregnant you
should start running every day if you haven’t been running up until
this point. Do not engage in new exercise – this is not the time. But if you are feeling well, are not experiencing any
bleeding, and have been given approval from your doctor, it is safe to continue with your previous exercise routine. You
may find, however, that as pregnancy exercise, this previously simple routine has become more difficult. Fatigue, upset
stomach, and a myriad of other early pregnancy symptoms may hinder your physical performance.
Walking during the first trimester – and throughout pregnancy – can be a wonderful pregnancy exercise. It gets your
heart pumping without putting unnecessary strain on your joints.
During the second trimester, when you begin to feel well again, your energy level may suddenly increase. With
the blessing of your doctor, you may want to engage in more strenuous activity. Again, it completely depends on your
level of health and the advice of your doctor.
No matter what pregnancy exercise you do engage in, you should always pay close attention
to your pulse rate to be sure you are not over-exerting yourself. Be sure to drink plenty of
water – more than you may be accustomed to drinking – to protect yourself against dehydra-
tion.
The third trimester can continue as the second but an ever-expanding belly may prevent you from accomplishing some pregnancy exercise. Adjust your expectations as your
situation continues to change and check in with your doctor every step of the way. Remem-
ber that has your due date nears you need to be vigilant to signs of labor. Use care with
pregnancy exercise at this time.
Branson PM MOPS would like to thank
Inspired Creations by Sara DeLawder for sup-plying birthday gifts for this month’s birthday
girls! Contact Sara today @ 417-230-2811.
Page 12
DeAnna Sheets
Publicity
234 Wilshire Drive
Hollister, MO 65672
Branson PM MOPS
What to Expect at the Sept. Meeting
• Meet and get to know your small group!
• Play some getting to know you games
• Refreshments (Finger Foods) Provided by: Steering Team
• Sign up for Secret Sister and Prayer & Care (optional)
• Directory Pictures
• Purchase T-Shirts (Old t-shirts on sale for $5 for long and $3 for short)