Year End Picnic This Thursday

Hello ladies!

Hope you're all geared up for the really warm weather to come this week!

I wanted to send you a quick reminder that we'll be meeting this Thursday, May 27th at the play area in the Village Park in Sussex for our end of year picnic. We'll play from 10am until nap time, pack a lunch for yourself and your kiddos, and we will provide dessert for everyone (I'm thinking popsicles and other ice cream type novelties). If you're planning to be there, can you reply to this email (or send me an email at amygruetz@hotmail.com) to let me know? It'll help with the food purchasing if I know approximate numbers...

Please note our summer schedule in the previous post. We hope you'll be able to join us for the playdates and moms' nights out that we'll be doing throughout the summer. We're working on details re: next year's program, and hope to have more info to you after our steering team meeting mid-June.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Amy Gruetzmacher

2010 Summer MOPS Events Calendar

Even though we don’t have monthly meetings through the summer, we still have some fun things planned. We hope you can join us and please BRING FRIENDS! We will send out reminder emails as the events get closer, but here is a heads up for what we have planned this summer, be sure to mark your calendars!


May
~Thursday May 27th – Year End Park Playdate
10am @ The Village Park in Sussex W224N6196 Weaver Dr
Pack a picnic lunch and come join us for some fun!
We will provide dessert for everyone


June
~Thursday June 24th –Mom’s Night Out
8:30pm- @ The Cheesecake Factory
Get the kids in bed and come out for some much needed mommy
fellowship and yummy cheesecake!

July
~Thursday July 15th – Rainbow Park Playdate
10am @ Rainbow Park- 700 S. 119th Street, West Allis
This park has a wading pool and is a sand playground so pack your
sand & water stuff and come join us.

August
~Friday August 6th – Park Playdate
10am @ Frame Park- 1240 Frame Park Dr, Waukesha
Join us for another fun day at the park as summer winds down!

Please contact Brianne Haust (262)613-2239 or bredalu82@gmail.com if you have any questions.

LAST MOPS MEETING - TUESDAY, MAY 11th @ 9:15am

Hi Ladies ~

I hope you're having a great week! I'm using this rainy day to get caught up on some housework, hope you are able to do something fun today!!

We're really excited about our last MOPS meeting of the year - this coming Tuesday, May 11th. As always, arrive anytime after 9am, early bird prizes will be drawn for anyone here by 9:15. We're planning a day for you to be able to relax and enjoy the company of the friends you've made this year in MOPS. We'll also have a freshly made breakfast feast (kinda like last year), so don't eat before you come!! We'll be doing video and board games, have a manicure/pedicure station, and also are going to be doing a really cool craft! We'll also take some time to do a year-end survey, talk about next year's MOPS and recognize the ladies that have worked so hard to make this year's MOPS really great!

With all that said, here's where the homework comes in...
In order for the craft to really be the best it can be, it'll be really helpful for you if you have a little time to think about it in advance. Gretchen has posted on our group's blog (http://springcreekmops.blogspot.com) a series of pictures to help you see what we'll be doing. If you have time to think on it in advance, and even print out some words to use, it'll probably make it fit better within your home and will make it go more quickly too! (For those of you still intimidated by the "blog" thing, I'm attaching the blog post at the end of this email, so you can also just read through it on this email.)

We also received a really nice thank you card from the ladies at Bethany Christian Services for collecting mother's day gift baskets for their birthmoms. The banquet is tomorrow and they're looking forward to using the great stuff that you ladies brought. Thanks so much for really pitching in and making that service project something significant in the lives of these really special women!

And last of all...have a happy Mother's Day on Sunday!! But know that the celebration won't be over on Sunday...our kiddos have an especially neat surprise for you on Tuesday, we can't wait for you to see it! As always, if you have any questions, send me an email or give me a call.

Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Thankful to be a MOPS mom,

Amy Gruetzmacher
SCC MOPS Co-coordinator
amygruetz@hotmail.com
414.791.3512

Get Your Craft On...

Hello Mamas! It's your MOPS Craft Coordinator here... Gretchen. I'm so excited about our craft on Tuesday I wanted to give you a little sneak peak and a little homework! I know, right??? MOPS homework?!? I promise it won't be that bad. Just stick with me. :)

So, for our craft this month we'll be making our own antique wooden signs like this one...

I'm sure you've all seen these before. They say things like Laundry, Antiques, or Coffee. Very cute... very vintage.

Now, on the homework. The first thing that you need to do is decide what you would like to write on your sign. It should probably be something short, just a few words or less. Second, you'll have the option to create a Word document with your chosen phrase. You can pick the font and size just make sure that it will fit on our 6" x 19" boards. Just print it out and bring it to our meeting. If you're overwhelmed at the thought of homework... have no fear. We'll have some ideas for you and extra copies for you to trace. Just please still come. :)

Okay... I'm a visual person so here is a quick tutorial for you. Hopefully this will help get your creative juices flowing.

Supplies: We have everything you need...

Steps:

Once you have your supplies you'll have to decide how you want to make your letters - stencils, freehand or tracing. I've found that I like tracing my letters the best. You have endless possibilities and you can really personalize the fonts and sizes.

Trace ladies... trace! The wood is soft enough that the marks will show through.

After your letters are all traced you can begin painting... steady hands!

After you've carefully painted your letters it's time to mess it all up and give it a nice vintage look. If your arm gets tired you can borrow your husbands sander when you get home.

Finally... the finishing touch.

And voila'! Your personalized art is ready to hang proudly in your home.

Love & Logic Series

Pewaukee Lake Elementary Presents:

Becoming a Love and Logic Parent®

Independent Facilitator: Carin Quinones, MSW

Would you like to feel more confident as a parent or caregiver?
Would you like to have more fun parenting?
Would you like to feel more relaxed at the end of the day?
Would you like raise responsible kids without breaking a sweat?

Presenting a 6 session series designed to give you
practical skills that can be used immediately!

Thursday evenings beginning May 6, 2010
6:00pm-8:00pm

$30.00 per person/$45.00 per couple
Payment collected at first session &
checks should be made payable to Pewaukee Lake Elementary

Location:
Pewaukee Lake Elementary
436 Lake Street
Pewaukee, WI 53072

All parents welcome! Teachers too!
This series is designed for parents/caregivers with kids of all ages!!

Please register with the facilitator:
Carin Quinones
414-550-9541
cqquinones@att.net

Love & Logic Series

Pewaukee Lake Elementary Presents:

Becoming a Love and Logic Parent®

Independent Facilitator: Carin Quinones, MSW

Would you like to feel more confident as a parent or caregiver?
Would you like to have more fun parenting?
Would you like to feel more relaxed at the end of the day?
Would you like raise responsible kids without breaking a sweat?

Presenting a 6 session series designed to give you
practical skills that can be used immediately!

Thursday evenings beginning May 6, 2010
6:00pm-8:00pm

$30.00 per person/$45.00 per couple
Payment collected at first session &
checks should be made payable to Pewaukee Lake Elementary

Location:
Pewaukee Lake Elementary
436 Lake Street
Pewaukee, WI 53072

All parents welcome! Teachers too!
This series is designed for parents/caregivers with kids of all ages!!

Please register with the facilitator:
Carin Quinones
414-550-9541
cqquinones@att.net

MOPS Playdate at the Zoo

Hi ladies!
Just a reminder that this Friday is our MOPS playdate at the Milwaukee County Zoo. We will meet by the penguins at 9:30!
Hope to see you there!

REMINDER FOR OUR NEXT MOPS MEETING

At our last MOPS meeting, for those that weren't there, a representative from Bethany Christian Services was there and spoke about Bethany and the services it offers concerning adoption and pregnancy. MOPS has decided to do a service project to help
recognize birth moms and the great sacrifice they have made in giving their children up for adoption. We want to assemble 40 care packages to donate. Each small group discussed who is bringing what so please touch base with your DGL and bring your items to our April meeting.

Some sample items include:
body lotion
body wash
body spray
lip balm
journals
bible
inspirational book
jewelry
candy
gift cards for groceries, gas, Walmart, etc.
Anything that would help these birth moms to feel pampered and appreciated. Feel free to bring extra items to perhaps add to other bags. Thank you!

Easter Traditions

For Easter, we make orange pie.
Here's the story behind it: The year we got engaged, we had a lively discussion with my parents about fruit pies and we all agreed that oranges were sadly left out of the whole fruit pie scene and wondered why. So, my mom and I baked no less than 4 pies that weekend, trying to figure out the best recipe for orange pie. We used navel oranges, mandarin oranges, jello and cool whip pies, etc. and had a lot of fun doing it! So every year for Easter, Eric & I have orange pie. It's our own little family tradition and it's just a fun thing! :)
Amy Gruetzmacher


As a little girl, I remember listening to a favorite Easter record on the "Handy Boys blue record player". I was blessed with memories from extended family of coloring dozens upon dozens of Easter eggs with my cousins, many of which we hand selected from my Grandparent's chicken coup.
We are now starting some traditions with our little ones, including coloring eggs and learning favorite hymns. What a wonderful time of year. He is risen; He is risen indeed!!!
Summer Forness

Easter egg coloring and finding our hidden Easter baskets Sunday morning were always traditions growing up. We plan on continuing the tradition in our house. We have added sharing the Easter story with the little ones and lots of singing!
Jessica DeGraff

Digital Scavenger Hunt on Mar 18, at 07:00PM

Hey Ladies!

I hope you all can join us for this month's Mom's Night Out. We really have a fun night planned for you!

We are all going to meet at the church at 7:00 and then head out for a digital scavenger hunt. If you have not done one of these before, they are SO much fun! We are planning on leaving Church around 7:15pm and returning around 8:30ish to enjoy some yummy desserts!

Please bring $5 for dessert

Hope you can make it and PLEASE feel free to invite friends! Just let me know how many are coming so we can plan accordingly! :)

You can RSVP on the following link:
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=CUNOICJOVKPISJMCCNJU&inviteId=MKMAAYOVROEJURMLMEUB&showPreview=false&x=698741866

MOPS Meeting Tuesday, March 9th

Hi MOPS ladies!

It seems hard to believe, but our next MOPS meeting is almost here! Our meeting this month will be tomorrow -- Tuesday, March 9th, from 9:15-11:15 am. The childcare rooms are open by 9 am, so come early, drop the kids off, and relax! We're looking forward to seeing YOU tomorrow! Our special speakers will be Eleta and another special guest from Bethany Christian Services. They will be sharing about a different side of 'planet mom' than what most of us have experienced. I think this will truly bless your heart, and we'll have an opportunity to help some of these moms with a service project in the next month! So please plan to come and see what it's all about!

We've also got some fun stuff going on our blog (http://springcreekmops.blogspot.com), be sure to check it out!

Also, just a reminder for those of you with kids ages 2 and up, due to steady increase in attendance, we will be dividing the kids into 3 rooms instead of only 2. So that means that 2 year olds, 3 year olds and 4-5 year olds will each have their own rooms. We'll have signs up on Tuesday, and most of you are familiar with these rooms, as your kids are there on Sundays, but if you have any questions, please ask!

As always, I know we'll have great food (the mentor moms are on for this month!!) and amazing fellowship...I'm looking forward to seeing each of you tomorrow!

Sincerely,
Amy Gruetzmacher
MOPS Co-coordinator
414.791.3512
amygruetz@hotmail.com

Giggles and Grins

Take a look at Summer's video of her precious Micah. Copy and paste the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=301664143059

What Do You Love About Being A Mom?

I can be a kid again!
Debra Bender

*Snuggles
*Wrestling and tickles to hear their giggles
*Hugs and kisses
*"You're the best Mommy ever!"
*Yummy smell after baths
Jamie Poelzer

A better understanding of exactly how our dear Lord loves us unconditionally! In addition to those unlimited hugs, kisses and "I love yous!".
Jessica DeGraff

Seeing everything as if for the first time through the eyes of my children. The wonderment is amazing and so is the unconditional love.
Deanna Braman

The light of joy in my little one's eyes when they are doing right things and having fun. Sarah and Micah playing and giggling together. Snuggle time in PJ's. Chasing Micah while crawling at top speed around the living room. Wondering how little boys instinctively know what sound a truck makes. Reading to Sarah. Listening to Bible songs sung from Sarah's car seat. And, of course, hugs.
Summer Forness

Braving the Slide

Jesus Loves Me Song

A First Haircut

Bob the Builder Song

Airplane Clip

March Contest

Alright ladies! We have a contest for you! We're looking for your family's funniest home videos to post on the blog. Send them to me at:

la_reina_jp@yahoo.com

Not only will the ladies that submit their videos receive a prize, but also the ladies who comment on their favorite one!

So let's get crackin' ladies,! The deadline is one week from today at our March meeting!
Thank you in advance for contributing!

Hot Tips - Coupons

Okay, I have a hot tip for all you couponista's out there (and those of you motivated to start with this after last Thursday's meeting) -- Pick N Save is doubling up to 10 coupons ($1 or less) this coming Wednesday, March 3rd (usually they only do 5) for every $25 order you have. So if you're interested in trying it out, this Wednesday might be a good day to start!

Just FYI.
:)
Amy

February Meeting Handouts

Use the following links for Thursday meeting's handouts:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ARvfM1yNG6f2ZGdwMmJyNGdfMTRjNmpyMmN2&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ARvfM1yNG6f2ZGdwMmJyNGdfMGM0ZGpoY3c5&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ARvfM1yNG6f2ZGdwMmJyNGdfM2M2dGRua2M1&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ARvfM1yNG6f2ZGdwMmJyNGdfMmNwOW1obWQy&hl=en

"Why I Love Being On A Budget" Handout

Why I Love Being On A Budget!
By: Amy Gruetzmacher

I. Amy’s story
II. Managing our money as parents

*You cannot learn what you have not already mastered.

What the Bible says about debt:
* Proverbs 6:1-5
* Proverbs 21:5

Baby steps (Dave Ramsey style…)
1. $1000.00 in an Emergency Fund

2. Pay off all debt utilizing the “debt snowball” principle

3. 3-6 months expenses in savings

4. Invest 15% of all household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement

5. College funding

6. Pay off home early

7. Build wealth!

Bottom line: Spend less than you make.


III. Teaching money management to our children
* Our responsibility as parents is to teach our children to be wise stewards with their money.
Parents Magazine, August 2007 – “Show Them the Money”

Lessons to teach your children:

1. Money Takes work

2. Shop carefully

3. Stick to a budget

4. Cards are for convenience

5. It’s smart to save

6. God commands us to give.

February Meeting Recap and Pics

What a great meeting we had on Thursday! LOADS of information on money management, shopping tips and the world of coupons. If you missed the meeting, links to the handouts are on their way. Thank you ladies for taking the time out to join us! See you at the March meeting!

February MOPS Meeting THIS THURSDAY!

Hi MOPS Moms!

I just wanted to remind you that our rescheduled meeting for February is this coming Thursday, February 25th, from 7-9 pm at Spring Creek Church. We'll be talking about budgeting, using coupons to save money, and give you some great freezer meal recipe ideas! As a reminder, there will NOT be childcare available for this meeting, but as always nursing infants are welcome to come along with you.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Amy Gruetzmacher
SCC MOPS Co-coordinator
414.791.3512

February MOPS Meeting RESCHEDULED

Hello Moms!
We are going to reschedule our February meeting for the EVENING of February 25th, from 7-9pm. We were originally going to do a 'Mom's Night Out' that night and make some freezer meals together on that evening, which was going to require an additional cost. What we decided to do instead is hold our regular meeting at night, for those who are able to attend, and we'll combine our normal food (we'll do dessert and snacky stuff), fellowship and fun with the topics planned for our meeting (budgeting, saving $$ with coupons) and add in some great freezer meal recipes and tips. We will not actually cook any meals that night (so no additional costs), but we'll give you the tools to do some great freezer meals at home!

We're really excited about this meeting format, because there are many moms in our group who can't make it during the day, and we'd love to have you come and check us out at night! As we look to next year, this might be something we can incorporate into our MOPS program, so we'd like to see what the interest level is in evening meetings. I know that for some of our regular morning ladies, evening just doesn't work well. But if there is any way to make it, we'd love to have you!

So, here's the bottom line:
February MOPS Meeting has been rescheduled for
Thursday, February 25th, 7-9 pm, Rooms 152/153
Cost: Regular meeting fee of $7 or FREE if this is your 1st meeting!

Unfortunately, we cannot provide childcare for this meeting. As always, you are welcome to bring nursing infants in to the meeting with you.

Thanks, and hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Amy Gruetzmacher
SCC MOPS Co-coordinator
414.791.3512

TODAY'S MEETING IS CANCELLED

Well, ladies ~

After looking at the weather outside, seeing the poor condition of the roads and how many accidents there already are, and knowing that it's likely to get worse before it gets better, we have decided to cancel our meeting for today. :( It was a really hard decision, because we had so many fun things in store for you, but we feel that for everyone's safety, it is best.

SO, we'll regroup, and you'll receive new info. as to the 'new & improved' plan for February in the next few days.

So sorry about this, enjoy the day off with your little ones -- hunker down and stay safe!!

Sincerely,
Amy Gruetzmacher

ATTENTION MOMS!!!

ATTENTION MOMS: With the threat of 10-14' of snow and school cancellations for tomorrow, it is possible that we may have to cancel or postpone our February MOPS meeting scheduled for tomorrow. We'll see what happens with the weather, it's so hard to predict if the meteorologists will be right. I will email the group by 7:30am tomorrow (Tuesday) if we are going to cancel. However, whatever we choose to do as a group, please know that keeping your family safe is our first priority. We'll keep you posted.

Thanks!
Amy

MOPS Directory

Hello Moms!
I'm going to update the MOPS photo directory for the February meeting. If you would like to update any of your information, i.e. new address, phone, e-mail, baby, etc. please e-mail it to me at lstruebing@wi.rr.com by Friday, Feb. 5.

Thanks!
Laura

Big Backyard Pictures

Casey and Caleb in a car race ; )

Amy and her precious boy Isaac say "Cheese!"

MOPS Moms hanging out while the kiddos have some fun.

Big Backyard Playdate This Friday!

Hey Everyone,

Looking forward to the playdate this Friday and just wanted to send out a reminder email!

Just a few notes:
~Friday January 22nd, meet at 9:30am at The Big Backyard. Address is: 2857 S. 160th Street New Berlin, WI 53151
~They are a socks only facility, this includes children and adults. They recommend socks with grips on the bottom for kids.
~Every child needs to have a signed waiver to play. Follow the link to the website where you can print this off and bring it with you to save some time on Friday.
~When you get there just make sure to let them know that you are with the MOPS group and you will get the $5 price per child over the age of 1.
~Friday is $1.50 hot dog day if you are interested you can stay for lunch. No carry-in food or beverages are allowed with the exception of those having special dietary needs/restrictions. (this does not include bottles/sippy cups)

So far we have about 20 kids. If you signed up and will not be able to make it, please let me know. And if you did not sign up, don't worry you can still come! You can let me know you are coming or just show up the morning of.

See you there!

~Brianne
262-613-2239

ANNOUNCEMENT: HELP NEEDED

A volunteer is still needed to help with our kids MOPPETS program for the months of April and May. Responsibilities include placing volunteers in rooms, helping with gym time, and preparing snacks. This can be a paid position ($25/meeting). Please contact Amy Gruetzmacher if interested.

Mod Podge

Hi MOPS Moms!
I hope you had a great time with your decoupaged boxes today. Be careful. I've found so many things lying around the house that have become victim to my Mod Podge. Luckily it's a very easy and inexpensive craft. For those of you who would like to try more or are in need of some inspiration these are a few of my favorite ideas I've come across.

http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2008/09/dresser-makeover.html

http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/

http://www.marthastewart.com/decoupage

If you weren't at today's meeting and you would like your craft supplies let me know and I will bring them to the next meeting. Otherwise if I don't hear from you I will be returning the extra supplies.

Thanks so much for coming today and being so creative! Fun Fun!!!
In Him,
Gretchen Weis
gretchenweis@gmail.com

New Year's Goals

My New Year's goal is to have Jessica kick my butt with exercising my way to a healthier me!
Also, trying to maintain a better balance of playing with my boys and being ok with letting my house go a bit...which is hard being a neat freak!
Jamie Poelzer

My goal for 2010 is to wake up at 6am three days a week to get in my weight training and devotions before the kids wake up.
Jessica DeGraff

1. Read through the Bible
2. Run a half marathon
3. Find creative ways to reduce monthly spending costs
Ruth Sohre

Learn to make good homemade bread. I already practiced three times with Ciabatta! Yum!!!
Anna Herman

1. Eat more chocolate
2. Be more content
3. Have more date nights
Gretchen Weis

To not have a baby in 2010! Ha! Ha! Ha! ; )
Brianne Haust

Organize my house. No clutter!!!
Debra Bender

Winter Fun

The Poelzer boys having winter fun!

MOPS Meeting Tuesday, January 12th

Hi ladies ~

Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year's -- I know in our household, this week threw us right back into the daily grind of crazy, normal life! I'm very much looking forward to seeing each of you this next Tuesday, January 12th, as we continue our MOPS year with the first meeting of 2010!

I think you'll really enjoy the things we have planned for you! We will spend a significant amount of time doing a craft for this meeting, but we will also have a short speaker on organization (like organizing your day-to-day stuff, calendars, schedules, etc.) and as always, we'll have an early bird prize, as well as food and fun to spare!

Hope you can join us for a couple of hours starting at 9:15am (nurseries are open by 9am) on Tuesday January 12th! Any questions, let me know!

Thanks,
Amy Gruetzmacher