The Mom Connection

The Blog Returns!

2011-01-04T22:56:00.006-05:00

We had a GREAT fall
semester!

Lots of fun at our meetings, wonderful outings with our kids and some really terrific mom's nights out.

We're looking forward to our Spring semester and hope you'll join us!

Please call First United Methodist Church (766-4611) and ask for information about our group or email us at themomconnection@gmail.com

April Meeting

2010-04-07T21:52:00.005-04:00

Our meeting will be held this Friday, April 9th at 9:15am in the fellowship hall.

We are blessed to have Lucretia Browning as our speaker!

Lucretia is the associate pastor at First Church. She's wise, warm and wonderful and you won't want to miss this meeting!

March Outing: Playdate at Molly and Matthew's House!

2010-03-24T11:32:00.003-04:00

Lisa has very generously offered to host a playdate at her house this Friday, March 26th from 10am-whenever. She is going to provide sloppy joes and mac and cheese for lunch and has asked people to bring sides like we did last time. Please be sure that whatever you bring is PEANUT-FREE.

We will also be having an Easter Egg Scramble in her yard (weather permitting) so bring a bag or basket to collect eggs! If you are able, please consider making a donation of 1 or 2 dollars to help offset the cost of the candy. Donations can be given to Becky.

If you did not receive a copy of the member list please email themomconnection@gmail.com for Lisa's address.

March Meeting!

2010-03-10T21:59:00.005-05:00

Our March meeting will be held this Friday, March 12th @ 9:15 am.

We will be working on Health Kits for Mission Central.

Mission Central was able to send $250,000 in aid kits in the days and weeks after the earthquake in Haiti. We will be verifying kits that have been donated to make sure they are complete/correct. You do not have to bring items for the kits, but if you wish to make a donation, this is a list of the items included in a Health Kit:

hand towels (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels)
washcloths
combs (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
toothbrushes (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

Looking forward to seeing you on Friday!

February Outing: Swimming at West Shore YMCA

2010-02-21T22:06:00.004-05:00

When: Friday, February 26th 10:00-12:00

Where: West Shore YMCA

410 Fallowfield Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011-4900

Cost: $7 for adults, $4 for kids

This month's outing will be to the pool of the West Shore YMCA! If you have not been there, the Y has a great indoor "sprayground" which is wonderful for small children.

Because we will be considered guests of Becky, we will need a final count by Thursday. If you have not already RSVP'd to Becky, please email us at theconnectedmom@gmail.com

We will meet in the lobby at 10:00 on Friday morning.

Looking forward to seeing you Friday!

I'll be the VERY pale one in the black bathing suit! :)

February Meeting

2010-02-11T21:18:00.003-05:00

Our meeting for tomorrow, February 12th has been canceled due to Mechanicsburg being delayed.

Instead of our regularly scheduled meeting however, we will have Romp and Stomp in the gym from 10:00-11:30 am.

Need a break from being snowed in? Come run around the gym!

Hope to see you there!

January Outing: Sing and Play at The Grantham Church

2010-01-19T11:31:00.005-05:00

Hello Ladies! Our January outing will be held this Friday, January 22nd.
We will meet at the Grantham Brethren in Christ Church for their Sing and Play.
Click here for directions.
Sing and Play has two sessions per morning. We will meet for the 10:30 session.

Many of our members have taken their children to Sing and Play before and report that it's a great time! I've included some additional information from The Grantham Church Website below:

Six different play centers
Singing Circle with songs and activities
Friends
Space to move around

Please note: This is an indoor play setting for walking toddlers through pre-kindergarteners; adults will be expected to supervise and play with the children they bring.

Fridays from 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM & 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM,
Winter Session: January 15-March 19
Cost: $1 per session per family

Pre-schoolers and their favorite adult play partners are invited to the Fellowship Hall on Friday mornings for 45 minutes of fun!

WINTER WEATHER: If the Mechanicsburg School District has a delay or cancels
due to inclement weather, Sing & Play will NOT be held.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Friday!

Romp and Stomp

2010-01-14T21:49:00.002-05:00

Romp and Stomp an open gym time for preschool age kids from 9:30-11:00am at First United Methodist. It's a great way for kids to expend some energy during these cold, cooped-up months!

Romp and Stomp is held on the following Fridays: January 15th, January 29th, February 5th, March 5th and March 19th.

All are welcome!

How DO I spend my time?

2010-01-08T15:49:00.006-05:00

It was good to see everyone who ventured out in the snow this morning! And thank you to everyone who brought food- everything was delicious! I have located the "Hot Dish" list, but I may "lose" it again next month so that we get more yummy treats!

We missed those of you who couldn't make it, and we hope to see you soon!

Our January outing will be on Friday, January 22nd. We are finalizing details, and will be sure to get those out to the group soon.

Thanks to Becky for organizing our discussion this morning. I am encouraged to see that I am not the only one who feels like my "pie" is a bit lopsided some days. I am also encouraged to know that how we live is more important than what we do. The verse Becky read reminds us that God knows (and loves!) our hearts and wants us to live with intention.

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. (Ephesians 5: 15-17, The Message)

It is my prayer as we start 2010 (read: twenty-ten!), that each of us may know God's love for us and model that love for our children, our husbands, and all that we meet, in all the "peices of the pie" that make up our lives.

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Snow Cancellation Policy

2010-01-07T22:04:00.005-05:00

In the event of inclement weather, The Mom Connection will follow the Mechanicsburg School District.

If Mechanicsbug is delayed or canceled, The Mom Connection will not meet.

January Meeting

2010-01-05T23:16:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder that our January Meeting will be held this Friday, January 8th @ 9:15 am in the Fellowship Hall (downstairs where we have been the last two months.)

Looking forward to seeing everyone and spending some time unwinding and chatting after the busy holiday season. We'll have some small group discussion time (remember the "Popcorn Questions from last year?), some devotional time and as always, some delicious food!

Childcare will be provided.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday!

If you are new to the group and would like more information, please email us at themomconnection@gmail.com

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T23:19:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The Mom Connection Visits The Curiosity Connection!

2009-12-18T22:27:00.006-05:00

Thanks to everyone who made it out today!
We missed everyone who wasn't able to join us, but don't worry- we had a TON of fun and will plan to visit again!

A Christmas Recommendation from Holly

2009-12-12T13:42:00.002-05:00

Holly very enthusiastically recommends The Very First Noel as a great Christmas movie for kids (and adults!).

A Night in Bethlehem

2009-12-11T15:36:00.004-05:00

When: Sunday, December 13, 2009
4 pm- 7 pm
Where: First United Methodist

From the First Church Website:

“Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.” Luke 2:10

Sunday December 13 plan to travel back in time to ancient Bethlehem. Bethlehem gates are open from 4-7 p.m.

Come taste, see, and smell, what daily life was like when Jesus was born. Hear what is happening in the city from the townspeople, merchants, Roman soldiers, and the census taker. In the ancient marketplace, you will find shops and activities for all ages as you interact with the people of Bethlehem – so bring the whole family.

Follow the star with the shepherds and discover the great joy in the stable. Hear from Simeon, Anna, and three Wise Men about what a special baby means to them.

If the smells of the marketplace make you hungry, stop and eat. A mission meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup will be available throughout the evening. Proceeds will benefit First Church youth missions. While you eat learn about several missions on display. You’ll want to support the alternative gift giving ideas and ways you can make a difference in the lives of someone else today.

Invite your friends and neighbors to come and experience a Night in Bethlehem. All are welcome!

Please Join Us!

December Outing: Curiosity Connection

2009-12-06T15:03:00.006-05:00

Please join us Friday, December 18th @ 10:00 am
at the Curiosity Connection at the

Pennsylvania State Museum.

Watch for emails about possible carpooling. If you are not on our email list, but are interested in coming to this event, please send us an email at themomconnection@gmail.com

Mom's Night Out at the Crimson Frog!

2009-12-06T14:52:00.006-05:00

In this busy time of year it's easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of life. In an effort to be sure that we're taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season, we will be meeting for a Mom's night out at the

Crimson Frog Coffee House
Thursday, December 17th at 7:00pm

Please try to join us for a relaxing evening of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and chatter. We look forward to seeing you there!

December Meeting: Let's Party!

2009-12-06T14:30:00.004-05:00

Our December meeting will be held Friday, December 11th @ 9:15 am.
We will be meeting in the Fellowship Hall (downstairs where we met last month).

As in past years, our December meeting will be a Christmas party! Be sure to join us for delicious food (I've heard rumors of chocolate fondue!), great fellowship and a lot of fun!

Please bring a wrapped gift ($5 limit) for our gift swap. We've always had a lot of fun trying to guess what is in each package!

As always, childcare will be provided.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Christmas Gift Idea

2009-11-26T00:19:00.002-05:00

Ever since Nate was born I have been talking about keeping a journal, but something about all those blank journal pages staring at me were so daunting... I kept telling my friend Angelique that I wished I would write down just one thing a day that Nate did or said. But I just never got around to doing it.

In October, Angelique and I were in a little store in Philly when we stumbled upon this journal. It's a 5 year journal designed for the writer to journal just one line a day! Each page in the journal represents one day of the year (Jan 1, Jan 2, etc.) and each page has a space for 5 one-line entries to made in 5 consecutive years.

It's perfect! I keep it by my bedside and each night I write down one thing that Nate did or said that day that was new, or cute, or just simply made my heart happy. It's been so easy to keep up with because it's just one line!

This would be a great gift for any mom, dad, or even an older child. Even if they can't write yet, they can tell you what the best part of their day was and you can help them write it down. I think this would also be a wonderful way to keep track of "God Moments" that happen throughout our days.

The One Line A Day Journal is available at Amazon.

Submitted by Amy

Tip of the Week: Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

2009-11-24T22:30:00.003-05:00

Easy Peeled Hard Boiled Eggs

1. Bring Refrigerated Eggs to Room Temperature

2. Bring Pan of Water to Vigorous Boil

3. Add Eggs w/spoon to avoid cracking

4. Boil Vigorously for 15-20 minutes

5. Drain the Hot Water

6. Shake the Eggs in the pan until they crack

7. Add Cold Tap Water immediately after cracking the eggs and peel away easily.

Submitted by Gwen

Buttercream Icing Recipe and Cupcake Directions

2009-11-18T23:07:00.005-05:00

Buttercream Icing

1 cup solid vegetable shortening

1 tsp. flavorings (vanilla, almond or butter or combination)

1 pound Confectioners sugar

3 Tbsp. water or milk

Beat shortening on low speed until smooth. Add flavorings and milk or water. Beat on low speed until smooth. Add confectioners sugar (1 cup at a time). Beat on low speed until smooth. Try not to use a high speed-you'll get a huge mess in the kitchen!!

This recipe makes a medium consistency icing which is good for decorating (like the pull-out grass and turkeys).

If you need to ice a cake or cupcakes, add one more Tbsp of water or milk to the above recipe to make a thin consistency icing. Always ice your cake/cupcakes in thin consistency!! Medium consistency would be hard to spread and you would end up tearing up your cake.

Printable Directions for Pumpkin Patch Batch Cupcakes

Printable Directions for Our Fine Feathered Friend Cupcakes

Printable Directions for Falling Snowflakes Cupcakes

Move Over Martha Stewart!

2009-11-14T22:39:00.008-05:00

The cutest little decorator!

Just for Butts

2009-11-08T20:42:00.002-05:00

Aubrey does not like shopping with me anymore. Well, it's more I don't like shopping with her. She loves to go but thinks the stores are for running around and knocking things over. The other day I absolutely had to run some errands and had no choice but to take the kids. So I told her if she was good I would get her a surprise.

Now, I am not the kind of Mommy that bribes her every time we go in the store (not that I object to it if you have the money, but I'd be broke! j/k) but this day I decided because I had to get somethings done I would bribe her.

Well we got done with our shopping, out last stop was Babies R Us and she really did need new underwear. (she just finished potty training YEAH) I told her she could pick any undies she wanted as her surprise. So she picked the Ariel ones and we headed towards the check out. Well then the tears came and the quiet sobbing. I asked her what's wrong? So she says to me, " Mommy, undies aren't a surprise. They're just for butts."

Submitted by Becky

November Meeting: Cupcakes with Holly!

2009-10-27T21:55:00.000-04:00

Ready. Set. Decorate!

At our November meeting, our very own Holly Wales will be showing us how to decorate cupcakes! We will provide the supplies, but be sure to bring a container along to take home about 4 cupcakes!

The meeting will be held on Friday, November 13th @ 9:15 am. We will meet in the church kitchen, which is located in the basement (use the steps directly outside of our usual meeting area). As always, childcare will be provided.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Some More Pumpkin Fun!

2009-10-26T22:25:00.001-04:00

Our Visit to Punkin Point Farm!

2009-10-25T14:48:00.002-04:00

Thanks Mrs. Vensel for a great time!

Punkin Point Farm Outing!

2009-10-07T21:26:00.007-04:00

When: Friday, October 23, 2009 10:00 am
Where: Punkin Point Farm
825 York Road, Carlisle, PA 17015

(Printable Directions Here)

Punkin Point Farm is owned by First Church's very own Vensel family. Kim Vensel has very graciously invited us for morning of fall fun!

We'll have snacks and juice for the kids, coffee and tea for the moms. Kim will read a story and will show us lots of fun things you find on a farm in the fall, making connections to how beautiful and marvelous God's creation is!

We will also have a chance to pet and feed the chickens!

Bring your cameras, it's a wonderful place to get great fall shots of your children!

October Meeting

2009-09-24T12:23:00.007-04:00

Our October Meeting will be held on Friday, October 9th at 9:15 am.
Childcare will be provided.

Pastor Mike Minnix will be speaking about Halloween. He will talk about the history of Hallows Eve and All Saints Day, and how to communicate to children so that they understand that even though costumes, ghosts, goblins and candy is what they see, there is something of richer and deeper meaning to celebrate!

Remember to print and fill out a Child Information Sheet to help our childcare providers better know your children!

Child Information Sheet

2009-09-23T21:45:00.003-04:00

Child Information Sheet

Hi Ladies!

Clicking on the link above will open a PDF file of the Child Information Sheet. Please complete one and either print it and bring it to our next meeting, or email a completed form to themomconnection@gmail.com

The form will give our childcare workers some hints, tips and useful information about our kiddos.

Thanks!

Adventure Zone Playground Outing

2009-09-12T19:49:00.007-04:00

When: Friday, September 25, 2009 11:00 am
Where: Adventure Zone Playground
1775 Lambs Gap Rd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

From the Adventure Zone website: Adventure Zone Playground is an accessible playground that allows all children, regardless of their ability, to play side by side.

From personal experience, this is a really cool playground and good for even small children. The playground has a poured surface floor instead of wood chips, so even crawlers can enjoy. It is completely enclosed by fencing which makes keeping track of multiples a bit easier too!

The park has a large pavilion, so feel free to pack a picnic lunch for you and your kids! We look forward to seeing you there!

The Upcoming Events Section has been fixed.

2009-09-12T17:40:00.002-04:00

All dates and times in the Upcoming Events Section have been fixed! As always, questions about upcoming events can be directed to themomconnection@gmail.com.

Our First Meeting!

2009-09-12T17:18:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our first meeting yesterday! It was wonderful to see everyone again, and awesome to see some new faces!

Just some reminders, semester dues will be $25.oo and checks can be made payable to FUMC.

Becky will be sending out a survey through the listserve prior to our next meeting. It's purpose is to let the child care providers know a little bit more about your children. You can print it out and bring it to the next meeting, or email it back to us at themomconnection@gmail.com.

Again, thanks for coming out! We're really looking forward to a year of fun and friendship!

A Problem With the Upcoming Events Section

2009-09-03T11:44:00.002-04:00

Hello Ladies!

Just wanted to let you know that we are experiencing some problems with the calendar/Upcoming Events section of the website (on the right). For some reason, the dates/times are not showing up correctly some of the time. We're working on this problem, but wanted to make sure that everyone is aware.

To clarify our first meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 9:15 am.

If you have questions about the dates or times of any listed events, please email us at themomconnection@blogspot.com!

Welcome to The Mom Connection!

2009-09-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

Welcome Moms!

We are pleased to announce the creation of The Mom Connection at First United Methodist in Mechanicsburg. This group, formerly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), was created as a faith-based support group for mothers of young children (infants through early elementary).

The Mom Connection will meet on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. The second Friday is our monthly meeting, held in the church library. Our meeting format will be similar to past years. Throughout the year we will have speakers, discussions, games, service events and always fellowship, food and fun! Childcare is provided. The fourth Friday of each month will be an outing with our children.

Our first meeting of the 2009-2010 year will be held on Friday, September 11th at 9:15 am. We are looking forward to a fun year and hope to see you there!