Tuesday, April 22: Why Hide the Mess?

So, if you haven't caught on by now, the theme for MOPS this year is "A Beautiful Mess." We've had both serious and fun discussions about the beautiful, crazy, messy micro-world we live in with our little families. As we wind down the year, we wanted to bring in a very special guest to help us remember how very important it is to reach out and connect with other moms who are "in season" with you. Motherhood is not a solo endeavor, nor was it ever meant to be. Please join us and share your story, no matter how messy it may be. 

MEETING TOPIC: Why Hide the Mess?

WHEN: Tuesday, 2/25 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Fellowship Hall at Calvary Bible Church (3245 Kalmia Ave., Boulder, CO 80301)

FOOD will be provided by Jen Bishop's table (thank you!)

Back by popular demand, Robbie Iobst will give a special talk entitled, "Why Hide the Mess? A Call to Vulnerability and Community Among Moms." My main take-away from her talk last year was "Safety Fourth." I can't wait to learn more from this passionate follower of Jesus who seeks to live a life of Joy Dancing! If you haven't already done so, I would encourage you to sign up for her weekly devotionals, which she affectionately calls "Joyvotions." 

Before her talk, though, come prepared to play a fun game: "Two Truths and a Lie." This fun game is great for big groups, so we'll play elimination rounds based on others' ability to detect which of three statements you share is bogus. 

See you on Tuesday!
Sheryl

Tuesday, April 15: Play date at the Denver Zoo!

Weather permitting, we'll hit the zoo this coming Tuesday for our monthly play date. Pack your hats and sunscreen, and maybe a picnic lunch, and join us for some fun walking around with the kiddos. There are plenty of new arrivals to scope out, so there should be something for everyone!

WHAT: Denver Zoo

WHEN: Tuesday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: 2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO 80205
** Meet near the giraffe statues at the entrance **

COST: Adults: $15; Children 3-11: $10; Children under 3 are FREE
** If cost is an issue, please let us know! Many moms have annual memberships and can get you in for free.
** Also, for a limited time, you can find coupons to the Zoo at participating Wendy's restaurants.

R.S.V.P. to Allie Franklin: alliemfranklin@yahoo.com

Susan Cawley's Granola Recipe

Our Mentor Moms are the best, and here's one more reason to prove it. Susan Cawley whipped up a batch of her favorite homemade granola for our most recent MOPS meeting. Some of you (ok, it was me) were asking for the recipe, and she has graciously provided it for all of us! She swears that the maple syrup is the key ingredient here.

GRANOLA

~Susan Cawley

4 cups rolled oats  (not 1 minute) 

½ cup sunflower or sesame seeds or chopped nuts  (I usually use whole nuts) 

A little coconut and/or wheat germ

Salt

¼ cup honey

2 Tbsp maple syrup

¼ c corn or canola oil

2 tsp vanilla

Pour wet ingredients over dry in baking pan.  Bake at 325 degrees  for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Add raisins and/or cranberries after cooking.

Note:  It is less messy if you put the oil into a glass measuring cup, then add the honey.  

Enjoy!!  

Saturday, May 10: Women's Retreat at Calvary

Ladies, I want to remind everyone about the information that Theresa Sherard shared with us at our most recent MOPS meeting. Calvary Bible Church will host a Women's Retreat on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boulder campus. "Beautiful" will feature Shari Braendel, a sought after women's Christian speaker, for a day centered around taking good care of ourselves, dressing fashionably, and radiating our inner beauty! 

Bring your daughters (age 13 & up), sisters, mothers, friends! Lunch is included. 

"The King is enthralled by your inner beauty." (Psalm 45:11) 

Sign up at calvarybible.com/rsvp.

Tuesday, April 8: Having a Mess-Free Vacation

Spring has sprung, and that means my favorite season is right around the corner: camping season, that is! Have you had the chance to take a camping trip with your family, to immerse your children in all of God's wonderous creation? 

I can still remember when I purchased my first "official" camping book after high school. We didn't camp much growing up, but the few times we did go were more than enough to spark my interest. Those first few times weren't always easy, but I learned a lot, and I have continued to learn to make the most of my time outdoors and in campgrounds now that I have a family in tow. 

For example, keeping a little potty chair inside the tent/camper for the kids is great for those cold mornings when you don't want to go outside *just yet.* I also leave out snacks and quiet activities for my early risers so that I can catch even a few minutes' more shut-eye before taking on the day. We always pack a short 2x4 and a rope, you know, in case there's a tree around that would be perfect for swinging from. And, I keep a bucket of water sitting in the sun to make quick work out of cleaning dirty feet and hands before going inside. 

Even if camping isn't on your agenda this year, no doubt the longer, warmer days have you thinking about summer vacation and traveling of some sort (staycations included!). If so, you're in the right frame of mind to join us at our next MOPS meeting. 

MEETING TOPIC: Having a Mess-Free Vacation

WHEN: Tuesday, 2/25 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall at Calvary Bible Church (3245 Kalmia Ave., Boulder, CO 80301)
FOOD will be provided by Destiny's table (thank you!)

Our special guest speaker will be Laura Perdew, a Boulder mom and author of the book, Kids on the Move! Colorado. She will help us sort through the messy details of traveling with our children. We will then break out into groups in order to share our travel plans as well as tips and tricks for ensuring that our journeys are just as enjoyable as the destination. 

Discussion topics include:

* What trips do you have planned in the near future?
* What problems do you foresee?
* How can you be proactive to minimize common trip issues?
* How can you turn a trip into a vacation for you and your trip mates?
* What was the best trip you ever took?
* Do you have any trips you take annually?
* Where would you like to go someday?

We will pair this talk/discussion with a fun craft, felt flowers similar to the darling bouquets that have adorned our tables this year. 

See you on Tuesday!
Sheryl