Shopping Day

Hello everyone!

I loved the "For Better or For Worse" comic this week. A woman was bragging about how she had all her decorations up, cookies baked, cards mailed, shopping done, etc -- making the other woman feel awful. At the end of the strip she bursts out laughing and says, "Just kidding!" and they hug and cry.

So, for those of us who are NOT done (and honestly, will probably NEVER be done) M4M is hosting a "shopping day" this Wednesday. Drop your little ones off in the nursery and go finish your shopping/baking/decorating/whatever. Just don't forget to come back and get them by 11:15 AM at the very latest. For those of you who are not finished with your sewing project, Carol has offered to host a sewing session at the same time. So, if you want to finish your bag, bring your supplies and head downstairs for some expert help. Those of you who are hyper-organized or just burned out on the whole shopping experience, I'm sure there are other moms who would love to get together to chat over a cup of cocoa or coffee. No snacks or coffee are provided this week... so if you are hanging out downstairs to sew or chat, BYOS (bring your own snacks).

That's it for M4M for the holidays... We will begin meeting in January with a new schedule loaded with speakers, crafts, games, small group time and service projects. I can't wait! See you soon!

Wednesday's Activity

Hi everyone!

Wow, I've really dropped the ball this week on keeping everyone informed!

Tomorrow we will be making a special teacher's appreciation gifts. Each craft should cost five dollars or less. We will be filling Christmas mugs with either Starbucks coffee beans and a coffee scoop OR peppermint-dipped marshmallows for hot chocolate. The goal was for everyone to email Erika David with the number of gifts that they wanted to make... but I imagine it's too late for that. We will just have to see how many supplies we have available tomorrow and play it by ear.
If you don't want to make a craft, please come and socialize. It's been awhile since we've been able to sit and chat together, and this should be a great opportunity to "catch-up."

Next week (Dec. 9) we will be helping wrap gift boxes for Christmas Compassion. If this is your first year participating in this project, we take empty cardboard boxes and wrap them, leaving the tops open. Other volunteers will come in behind us and fill them with food for hungry families in our neighborhood. This is a great project and we always have a lot of fun.
See you tomorrow morning!

Weekly Update for Nov. 18, 2009

Good morning and Happy Monday!

After having last week off, I'm sure that many of us are itching to get back to M4M! This week we have a special guest, Beth Lambright, who is going to share with us about Holiday Traditions. This should be a fun day and I'm looking forward to it.

Next week (Nov. 25) we will not be meeting so that you can prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be meeting again on Dec. 2nd to make some special gifts for the teachers in your lives.

Smile Time (I found this on the internet. It sounds like a cruel prank, but it still made me laugh. Can you picture this happening in YOUR family?)

Pregnant Turkey
One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister that she needed something from the store.

When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen,and inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.

When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.

With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry.

It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!

Weekly Update for Nov. 11, 2009

Just a reminder, there is no M4M this week due to the Veteran's Day Holiday. We'll see you next week (11/18) when we will be welcoming a guest speaker, Beth Lambright. She will be sharing some great holiday traditions ideas with us. See you then!

Weekly Smile Time! :)

In these weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I always notice how my kids come home excited about learning stories from America's earliest days. Here are some American history jokes that you can share with them.

How is a healthy person like the United States?
They both have good constitutions!

What kind of tea did the American colonists thirst for?
Liberty!

What was General Washington's favorite tree?
The infantry!

What protest by a group of dogs occurred in 1773?
The Boston Flea Party!

What happened as a result of the Stamp Act?
The Americans licked the British!

Did you hear about the cartoonist in the Continental Army?
He was a Yankee doodler!

Why did Paul Revere ride his horse from Boston to Lexington?
Because the horse was too heavy to carry!

What would you get if you crossed a patriot with a small curly-haired dog?
Yankee Poodle!

Did you hear the one about the Liberty Bell?
Yeah, it cracked me up!

What did one flag say to the other flag?
Nothing. It just waved!

What dance was very popular in 1776?
Indepen-dance!

Weekly Update for November 4, 2009

Hello everyone!

We're going to have such fun at M4M this week! We're going on a group field trip to learn some great self-defense strategies from Jack Burright. His studio is located at 961 Scenic Drive NW. You might want to go to http://www.mapquest.com to print some driving directions for yourself. Jack will be starting our lesson at 9:45 sharp, so please try to be there a little early. Some of our moms will be meeting at WCC to carpool. Remember to wear comfortable, movable clothes and be ready to have a good time.

Next week (Nov. 11) there will be NO Mornings for Moms because of the Veterans Day Holiday. We will meet up again on Wednesday, November 18 when our special guest Beth Lambright will be talking to us about Holiday Traditions.

Have a great week and we'll see you Wednesday!

Weekly Update for Oct. 14, 2009

Good morning everyone!

I'm starting to get worried messages from various people about our supply list for this week's sewing project. For those of you who have misplaced it or never received one, I'm going to post it below.

For the next two weeks at M4M, we will be doing a fun sewing project. I can't believe I just used the words "fun" and "sewing" in the same sentence -- but everyone keeps assuring me that it's going to be fun, so I will just have to have faith and remember that we're all in it together!

If you have them, please bring:

Sewing Machines
Power strips
Measuring tools
Patience and a sense of humour.

Okay, I added the last bit. :)

Here's what you need to make the Criss-cross bag:
1 yd. main fabric
1 yd. lining
1/2 yard of a contrasting fabric to make the bias binding
Matching thread
Loaded bobbin (if you know what this is...otherwise just bring your thread).
Pins
Optional embillishment for outside
Measuring tools.
Remember to avoid one-way fabric prints.

*** If you do not want to sew... please come anyway and bring along some type of project to work on. We will have plenty of time to chat and catch up with one another. Almost all of us are beginning (or near-beginning) sewers, so don't be frightened by a lack of skill. So, try the sewing project or bring along some other craft, but just come!

Weekly Update for Oct. 7, 2009

I hope to see all of you at Mornings for Moms tomorrow (Oct. 7) as we welcome a special guest speaker. Penelope Youngfeather, a vision therapist with Eyecare Associates in Eugene, is coming to share with us about how our children's vision can affect their learning abilities. She will let us know symptoms of vision problems and how to help our kids learn better. Both myself and another mom from our group have had children diagnosed with eye teaming problems even though they passed countless "eye screening" tests with 20/20 results. If these problems can be caught at a young age, they can often be corrected preventing learning problems in the future.

Next week (October 14), we will be starting our craft sewing project with guest Carol Webber. This will be a two-week project for beginning sewers. There will be plenty of help for those of us that struggle to sew a straight seam. If you have a sewing machine, please bring it along. If you would rather not sew, pack up another craft project or simple task and bring it with you. We'll have so much fun laughing and chatting together -- don't miss out. If you haven't picked up a supply list, make sure to come this week and get that.

See you tomorrow!

Karen

Smile Time!

Dinner Prayer

The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, Johnny, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?"

"No sir," Little Johnny replies, "I don't have to, my mom is a good cook!"

A Child's Perspective on Marriage

When my daughter was about four years old, she still had a hard time grasping the concept of marriage. So, I got out our wedding album, thinking visual images would help, and explained the entire service to her.

Once finished, I asked if she had any questions, and she replied, "Oh. I see. Is that when Mommy came to work for us, Daddy?"

Weekly Update for Sept. 30, 2009

This coming week (September 30) you will be gathering in your small groups to discuss Chapter One of the Mommy Diaries. It was a fun chapter full of heartwarming and humorous stories about motherhood. Just tuck the book in your purse and take it along as you run your errands. (Erika may have to take a few picture frames and unmentionables out in order to make space in her purse, right?) When you have a few moments between doctor's appointments or while the little ones are sleeping in their carseats, read a story or two. Even if you don't finish your chapter, please come next week. Your small group still wants to see you!

Next week (October 7) we will be having a special guest speaker. Penelope Youngfeather from Lifetime Eyecare in Eugene will be sharing with us about how our kid's vision can affect their learning abilities. Many of these vision problems go undiagnosed, but show up as reading struggles and behavior issues in school. Penelope will tell us the signs and symptoms to watch for and what can be done to help.

We've also received an update on our friend Deanna Pitcher. If you remember, she was a guest speaker at the beginning of last year and really connected with our group. We were saddened to learn of her cancer diagnosis and have been praying for her. Even though the situation seemed grim just a few months ago, Deanna reports that her recent CT was great and that she is now cancer-free! Her doctor said that "Chemo and God did their thing." Isn't that an amazing praise report? Thanks to Erika David for passing along that information.

Have a great week, everyone! I know I will... See you soon!

Karen

Smile Time!

A Mother's Dictionary
• Bottle feeding: An opportunity for Daddy to get up at 2 am too.
• Defense: What you'd better have around de yard if you're going to let the children play outside.
• Drooling: How teething babies wash their chins.
• Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
• Family planning: The art of spacing your children the proper distance apart to keep you on the edge of financial disaster
• Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.
• Full name: What you call your child when you're mad at him.
• Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.
• Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
• Impregnable: A woman whose memory of labor is still vivid.
• Independent: How we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.
• Look out: What it's too late for your child to do by the time you scream it.
• Prenatal: When your life was still somewhat your own.
• Prepared childbirth: A contradiction in terms.
• Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
• Show off: A child who is more talented than yours.
• Sterilize: What you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it.
• Storeroom: The distance required between the supermarket aisles so that children in shopping carts can't quite reach anything.
• Temper tantrums: What you should keep to a minimum so as to not upset the children.
• Top bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
• Two-minute warning: When the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.
• Verbal: Able to whine in words
• Whodunit: None of the kids that live in your house.
• Whoops: An exclamation that translates roughly into "get a sponge."

Weekly Update for Sept. 16, 2009

Happy Monday to you and welcome to all of our new members! We're very excited to get started on this new year of Mornings for Moms. If you are new to our group, we send out this weekly email newsletter to remind you about what's coming up for the next couple of weeks and let you know about any special announcements or information that you might interest you. You can also find this information on our Mornings for Moms blog located at http://www.mornings4moms@blogspot.com.


This coming week at M4M we will be hosting a special guest speaker, Rosemary West, who will be talking with us about household chemicals and children's health. I am very excited to hear what she has to say. I've always been a bit nervous about chemical cleaners and look forward to learning what's safe to use and what's not. Remember, we will start announcements at 9:30 sharp, so make sure to get kids settled in the nursery and have "chatting" done by that time. We also want to have enough time to hear everything Rosemary has to say to us, so we will try to remember to keep our questions and comments until the end of her talk. We've gotten a little relaxed about that in recent years, but we want to remember to show our guest speakers every courtesy.

Next week (September 23) we will begin breaking up into our small groups. We will use this week to get to know our groups better. More info on this soon!

See you Wednesday!

Karen

Smile Time!
Some children's letters to God:
Dear God, Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones, why don't you just keep the ones you got now? Love, Jane.
Dear God: I think about you sometimes, even when I am not praying. Elliott.
Dear God: Thank you for the baby brother, but what I really prayed for was a puppy. Jane.
Dear God: Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works for my brother. Larry.
Dear God, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church. Is that okay? Neil.
Dear God: I think the stapler is one of your greatest inventions. Ruth M.
Dear God: In bible times did they really talk that fancy? Jennifer
Dear God: I bet it is very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There's only four people in my family and I can never do it. Nan.
Dear God: If we come back as something, please don't let me be Jennifer Horton because I hate her. Denise.
Dear God: We read Thomas Edison made light. But in Sunday school they said you did it. I bet he stoled your idea. Sincerely, Donna.
Dear God: If you give me a genie lamp like Alladin, I will give you anything you want except my money or my chess set. Raphael.

Back to School PARTY!

Well, the big day is coming... and I'm NOT talking about the first day of school! Wednesday, September 9th is the first meeting of Mornings for Moms for 2009/10. We're excited to welcome everyone back (and some of you for the first time!) with a "The Kids are back in school" party. So, load up your backpacks (diaper bags), grab your friends and show up at Willamette Community Church at 9:15 this Wednesday. Childcare drop-off is upstairs in the nursery.

We will begin gathering at 9:15 and will start promptly at 9:30 am. We'll have plenty of time for fun, snacks, games and general getting-to-know-each-other time before picking up our kiddos at 11:15 am. Just wait until you find out all the fun activities we have planned for this year!

A quick reminder: our registration fee is $45 dollars for the year ($15/term), childcare donations are a suggested $2 per kid and our book is $10. So, bring your checkbook. Now, with that said... If money is tight we want you to come anyway. Pay what you can. If you can pay extra, other moms who are struggling would appreciate it. We have faith that God will work it all out.

Welcome back everyone!
Karen

Weekly Smile Time (Just in time for Back-to-school).

Math Class
The math teacher saw that Daphne wasn't paying attention in class. She called on her and said, 'Daphne! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?'
Daphne quickly replied, 'ABC, CBS, HBO and the Cartoon Network!

Science Class
Mrs. Mollard had been giving her second-grade students a lesson in science.
She had explained about magnets and showed how they would pick up nails and other bits of iron. Now it was question time, and Mrs. Mollard asked, 'My name begins with the letter "M" and I pick up things. What am I?'
Tim, a little boy in the front row proudly said, 'You're a mother!'

History Class
Mr. Harris, the 3rd grade teacher asked, 'George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Iris, do you know why his father didn't punish him?'
Iris replied, 'Because George still had the axe in his hand?'

Ready for Some Sanity Time?

It's TIME! Time to send those kids back to school, right???

We're getting ready to start our 2009-10 year of Mornings for Moms on Wednesday, September 9th. Start talking to your friends and neighbors and invite them to our kickoff party. Remember, we start gathering at 9:15 and start announcements at 9:30. We pick up kids at 11:15. That's two hours of sanity time! We will be meeting in the basement (Fellowship Hall) of Willamette Community Church/Albany Christian School. Children can be dropped off in the nursery on the main level.

We have a great fall schedule planned -- a new book to enjoy together, a fun two-week craft project and speakers discussing household chemicals, vision & learning, self-defense and establishing holiday traditions. Erika will continue sharing devotional thoughts and scriptures with us as we remember that during these crazy motherhood moments, Christ is our strength.

One thing that we need to warn everyone about, we will be raising the fee for M4M this year. We hate having to do it, but it is the first time we've raised fees since we started the group. We want to let you know now in case you need to start budgeting. The fees for 09/10 will be $45 for the year (or $15/term). The book will cost $10. With that said, we do not want anyone to skip out simply for financial reasons. Please come, regardless of your ability to pay.

See you soon!
Karen

Summer Park Schedule

Summer is here! Mornings for Moms continues throughout the summer months by meeting in local parks. We meet Wednesdays at 11:00 AM and stay until we (or the kids) are tired.

Here is our official park schedule:

June 17, 24 Lexington Park (Lexington St SE and 21st)

July 1, 8, (not 15th*), 22, 29 Periwinkle Park, near Periwinkle School

Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26 Takena Park (1210 Takena Ave) (wading pool opens at 12 pm). One of these August dates might be changed so that we can do a field trip to the fire station at Gibson Hill Park in North Albany. Check back here or watch the email updates for more information.

Important Info:

This is a great time for moms to gather and chat while the kids play. We meet Wednesdays at 11:00 am, weather permitting. Pack a lunch, lawn chairs and blankets. Don't forget your sunscreen! Feel free to invite friends and neighbors who might like to join our group.

*On July 15th, Barbara will be hosting a pool party at her home. Watch the emails and blog posts for more information.

Bring swimsuits and towels to enjoy Takena's wading pool during the month of August.

Weekly Update for May 20, 2009

Hi everybody!

We are in the homestretch now... Only a few more weeks of school. Are you ready for the summer? Looking forward to it or dreading it? I have distinctly mixed feelings, that's for sure.

This week at M4M, we will be having one last small group day out for the year. If you do not know where your small group is meeting, make sure to call your group leader and find out! I know Amber's group is meeting at the Beanery and Shannon's is meeting at Rhythms and Brews. The rumor on Facebook is suggesting that Bethany's group is meeting at Carol Webber's house. Gotta' love Facebook for gleaning info! I'm sure some groups will meet at the church and carpool to their locations. Don't forget to leave your cell number with the nursery staff when you drop off your kiddos.

Next week, M4M alum Martha Pynch will be joining us. She's a great speaker and I'm looking forward to hearing from her. Angela's group will be providing snacks.

Don't forget our year-end party on June 3rd. It sounds like we're doing an eighties prom. That sounds like a hoot! If you still have old prom dresses, go dig them out of storage and bring them so we can laugh together! We'll talk about this more next week.

See you Wednesday!
Karen

Smile Time! Okay, this isn't a joke OR a funny story. But it still made me smile... What a great God we have! I haven't checked all of these references for accuracy, but I hope to sit down in my quiet time this week and read through these verses. Maybe you will, too!

You Say-God Says Bible Verses
You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Weekly Update for May 13, 2009

Hi everybody!

I'm sorry this is so late... it's been a nutty week.

Tomorrow (May 13) at M4M, we will be having a very special guest speaker. Pam Weygandt (AKA Mrs. Pam) will be speaking to our group. She is a former pre-school teacher, much beloved, and has wonderful ideas to share with us. Do not miss this!!! She is super-special and I can't wait to her from her. Amber's group is providing snacks.

Next Wednesday (May 20) will be a small group day out. At the end of our meeting tomorrow, we will spend a few minutes in our small groups and you can discuss what activity you guys would like to do. I imagine the group leaders have been thinking of some fun outings for you. We have some new faces in our group, let's make sure they get connected with a small group leader.

After that we only have two more meetings until the summer! Can you believe it? It's time to start stocking up on sunblock and signing up for summer camps, right?

See you tomorrow morning!
Karen

Smile Time! I got this in the e-mail box for mother's day. I hope you enjoy it.

Somebody said...

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after having a baby.
That somebody doesn't know that once you are a mother, "normal" is history.

Somebody said that being a mother is boring.
That somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.

Somebody said that if you're a "good mother" your child will "turn out good."
That somebody thinks a child comes with instructions and a guarantee.

Somebody said "good mothers" never raise their voices.
That somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.

Somebody said that you don't need an education to be a mother.
That somebody never helped a fourth-grader with her math.

Somebody said that a mother could find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in books.
That somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said that you cannot love the fifth child as much as you love the first.
That somebody doesn't have five children.

Somebody said that the hardest part of being a mother is the labor and delivery.
That somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten.

...Or on a plane headed for military boot camp.

Somebody said a mother could do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back.
That somebody never organized four giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said that a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married.
That somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heart-strings.

Somebody said that a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home.
That somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said that your mother knows that you love her, so you don't need to tell her.
That somebody isn't a mother.

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

Weekly Update for May 9, 2009

Happy Monday to you, Happy Monday to you... (and as Leiah would say, "yada, yada, yada").

This week (May 6) at M4M, we will be venturing outside our little walls to bless another organization, Mid-Valley Fellowship. Learn more about Mid-Valley Fellowship at their website.) We will be helping them set up for a luncheon that they are hosting for area pastors. You can drop your kids off at the nursery and either walk or carpool to the Flinn Building. It is located at 201 1st Avenue West, near Frogs & Pollywog's and Sunnypatch. Feel free to just meet us there if you don't have kiddos in tow. And for those of you that have been skipping breakfast to eat all the yummy snacks at M4M on Wednesdays... no one is bringing snacks this week, so be warned!

Next week (May 13) our very own Pam Weygandt will be speaking to us. For those of you that don't know Pam, she is a retired pre-school teacher from ACS and an absolutely delightful person! Do not miss this special treat. She hasn't given us a definite topic or title, but when I last spoke with her, she was leaning towards talking about fun activities to do with your kids. She has a heart for children and I can't wait to hear from her. Snacks will be provided by Amber's group. Special note: We need a volunteer (or two) to help with the older kids this week. Ong will not be available, so we're hoping someone else will step up. Thanks!

Also, for those of you that have the printed schedule of activities and are perhaps a little confused... We switched around two days' activities. May 6 (this Weds) we are doing our service project for Mid-Valley Fellowship and in two weeks (May 20) we will be having our small group day out. Sorry about the confusion and you may want to change that on your calendars. Or just pay attention to the emails.

See you Wednesday at our service project!
Karen

Smile Time! (Thanks Angela for sending this to me).

Smiling at the Storm
A little girl walked to and from school, daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning.

The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she feared the electrical storm might harm her child.

Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. As she did, she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning the child stopped, looked up and smiled.

Another and another flash of lightning followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.

When the mother's car drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called to her, "What are you doing?"

The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture."

Weekly Update for April 29

Hi everybody!

This week at M4M we are hosting our 2nd annual Ladies Tea. If you can make it a few minutes early to help set up the food and greet our special guests, that would be wonderful! I hope everyone got a chance to sign up for snacks. I believe Erika is in the process of sending out reminders.

Next week we will be doing a special service project. We will be helping Mid-Valley Fellowship setup for their pastor's lunch. We will need lots of hands to help decorate, organize food and basically make the place look great! This is happening at the Flinn block with is over by Sunnypatch and Frogs and Pollywogs. You can either meet us there at the normal time or carpool (or walk) from WCC. M4M childcare will be available as normal, just leave a cell number where you can be reached. This will be a fun event for us and a huge blessing to this wonderful organization, so let's all make a point of being there!

See you Wednesday!
Karen

Smile Time!

Signs of a Frustrated Mom
1. Your children know how to read HTML code but can't operate a vacuum cleaner.
2. Your children tell you that you said "yes" and you don't even remember the question.
3. You go to the grocery store and find yourself having a good time.
4. Your husband asks how your day went and you rate it on a scale of 1-10 repeats of "stop that!" or "no!".
5. You can't remember the last time you didn't have to share your drink.
6. You mistakenly tell the kids it's "sanity" time when you meant to say "bed" time.
7. The laundry seems to have taken on an evil nature and you begin to feel that it's out to get you.
8. You dread hearing the phone ring because it's a sure sign there's about to be trouble amongst the children.
9. It's finally your turn on the computer and "Touched by an Angel" is just coming on.
10. You go to sleep with "I'm bored" or "I'm hungry" still ringing in your ears.

Weekly Update for April 15

Happy Tuesday everybody!

Crack open those books, ladies, because tomorrow we are discussing chapter 10: Future Kingdoms in Distant Lands. Try to find some spare minutes in your day to read the chapter so we can have a good discussion tomorrow. Of course, as always, don't skip the meeting if you haven't found time to read. We want you there, regardless! Otherwise, who would eat all the great snacks that Bethany's group is bringing? (Hint, hint).

Next week (April 22) we will be having a very special activity. I don't know what it is... but I'm sure it will be great! I'll let you know more when someone clues me in. That's the hazard of being gone for a week, I guess. Snacks will be provided by Mindi's group.

Our second annual Ladies Tea Party is coming up quickly (April 29), so start thinking what kind of special treats you might like to bring and see Erika David this Wednesday.

See you tomorrow!
Karen

Smile Time!

A young man came home with a terribly unsatisfactory report card in January.

"Oh dear," said his mother, "What is the trouble?"

"There isn't any trouble," said the boy. "You know, yourself, things always get marked down after the holidays."

Weekly Update for April 8, 2009

Hi everyone!

This week at M4M's we are going to have some fun...it’s a game day! Hooray! Shannon's group will be providing snacks.

Don't forget to check in on our M4M blog to see pictures from our meetings and events. http://www.mornings4moms.blogspot.com. If you are interested in finding out what Karen has been up to while she was away at her writers conference...check out her blog http://www.cannotbeshaken.blogspot.com/

See you Weds,
Bethany

Karen always does such a great job at finding something funny to end with, so I hope this is up to par!

"White Hair"
One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

Weekly Update for April 1, 2009

Hi everyone!

This week at M4M, we will be discussing chapter nine: What Cool Queen Moms Know that We Don't. It sounds like a fun chapter, so I'd better go find my book and get busy! Erika's group will be providing snacks.

We're still trying to confirm next week's activities (April 8), so we will let you know by the beginning of next week. We do know that Shannon's group will be bringing snacks.

Smile Time! :) I can't remember if I've used this one before, but it's a good one! Sorry about the man-bashing at the end. I almost clipped that off, but decided to let it stand with just a disclaimer -- I didn't write it!

To Be 6 Again...A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday.
"I'd like to be six again", she replied, still looking in the mirror.
On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day!
He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.
Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&Ms. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again??"Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. "I meant my dress size, you dumb bell!"The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he is gonna get it wrong.

Craft Weds

Pamela brought some cute crafts for us to work on last Weds. It was fun to sit around and chat with everyone. I am just realizing how much I enjoy each person in our group! I always feel like I am with a friend. So here are a few pictures to enjoy...

The next shot just makes me laugh....I guess she wasn't in the mood for pictures. :)

Weekly Update for Mar. 18, 2009

Good Morning and a Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you Irish lasses out there.

This week at M4M we are going to have craft day. We'll be doing two simple crafts, a "fruit of the spirit" bracelet and a beaded bookmark. It should be a fun time to socialize as we keep our hands busy! Angela's small group is providing the snacks.

Next week is Spring Break -- so don't show up!

The week after (April 1) will be the beginning of a new term, and during our first session we will be discussing Chapter 9: What Cool Queen Moms Know That We Don't. I love this title, so I can't wait to dig into this chapter. Snacks will be provided by Erika's small group.

We have some great speakers and activities planned for the Spring term and we will be printing up the new schedule and getting it out to you pretty soon.

Have a great day everyone! I'll see you tomorrow!

Karen

Smile Time

My kids have been asking me about St. Patrick's Day, so instead of scouring the internet today for a joke, I decided to research the holiday. I hope it makes you smile anyway! I loved learning the story behind the shamrock and the fact that in Ireland they make a point of praying for missionaries on this holiday. Read on...

About St. Patrick: [copied from www.St-Patricks-Day.com].

Many folk ask the question 'Why is the Shamrock the National Flower of Ireland ?' The reason is that St. Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagans. Saint Patrick is believed to have been born in the late fourth century, and is often confused with Palladius, a bishop who was sent by Pope Celestine in 431 to be the first bishop to the Irish believers in Christ.

Saint Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Most of what is known about him comes from his two works, the Confessio, a spiritual autobiography, and his Epistola, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians. Saint Patrick described himself as a "most humble-minded man, pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker for having chosen him as the instrument whereby multitudes who had worshipped idols and unclean things had become the people of God."
Saint Patrick is most known for driving the snakes from Ireland. It is true there are no snakes in Ireland, but there probably never have been - the island was separated from the rest of the continent at the end of the Ice Age. As in many old pagan religions, serpent symbols were common and often worshipped. Driving the snakes from Ireland was probably symbolic of putting an end to that pagan practice. While not the first to bring Christianity to Ireland, it is Patrick who is said to have encountered the Druids at Tara and abolished their pagan rites. The story holds that he converted the warrior chiefs and princes, baptizing them and thousands of their subjects in the "Holy Wells" that still bear this name.

Why Saint Patrick's Day?
Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.

Check out Karen's Blog

I hope no one minds if I do a little self-promoting! As many of you know, I'm working on a writing career and part of what I need to do in order to sell my work to publishers is to establish a "following" and start creating interest in my book before it is even published. So I have created a writer's blog, where I will be posting tidbits about my book, devotional thoughts, sample chapters and other such stuff. If you are interested in reading more from me other than my weekly newsletters for M4M, please check out my blog at http://www.cannotbeshaken.blogspot.com/. My book is called Shaken and is historical fiction for the Christian market. It was written with teen and preteen girls in mind. Thanks for taking a peek and I hope you enjoy the new blog. Please include comments with anything you like/dislike about the blog! I can always use advice.

Thanks!

Karen

Weekly Update for Mar. 11, 2009

Good afternoon, everyone! Wasn't the snow amazing? But I'm ready for some 70 degree weather, how about you?

This week at M4M, we will be discussing chapter 8: "Threat From Other Kingdoms." So, if you get a free moment, take a look at the chapter so we can have lively discussion! If you are swamped and don't get to it... come anyway! Don't let a little non-reading guilt make you miss out on a fun time. Amber's group will be providing snacks, so come hungry.

Next week (March 18) we will be doing a craft event and we will talk more about that on Wednesday, plus I'll have an update in next week's email. Snacks will be provided by Angela's group.

See you Wednesday!
Karen

Smile Time
MOSES AND THE RED SEA
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. "Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea , he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."

"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his Mother asked. "Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much
practice, he could barely get past the first line.

On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up
to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."

Organization~Wednesday, March 4th

If you weren't able to make it to Mornings for Mom's yesterday, this will be a quick run down for you.

Erika shared a little story from "Feathers from My Nest" (~Beth Moore) about carpooling. Hopefully Erika will be joining us soon in posting some of her thoughts on the blog. If you don't have that book, check it out. My mom got one for my sisters and I on mothers day last year and it is a sweet book. I know Erika has recommended it before too.

Peggy Hoeker was our guest speaker this week. She gave us some great tips on controlling clutter and organization. I absolutely LOVED that she sang to us. I am very much a "domestic by birth" woman as well, and I really enjoyed listening to her ideas.

I definitely want to start cleaning up my desk...as I type I am looking at 2 piles of papers, a stack of cds, about 15 misc cords, a watch, some sunglasses, sunscreen(?) and about 50 other tiny little things. (Maybe, if I get brave, I will post a before and after picture!) We tend to pile the mail right in front of the keyboard (in an effort to make sure we put it away) well, it doesn't work. Because when the pile gets to high to type, we just move it to the chair! And sit on it! Don't laugh...I am serious! We are animals...I might as well share a picture now that I have admitted that little piece of information.

Okay...so after loading my laundry basket, (which is my cleaning and organizing tool of choice) it is looking so much better. Now I just need to sort through it. I guess I had better sort through the one I filled a few weeks ago that is sitting next to my bed with a blanket sitting over it so it looks pretty. *gasp*

Wow, so much better! Now for the best part of this post....I am still in my bathrobe. Nope, I have not showered, dressed, or gotten ready for the day by any means, other than drinking my coffee! How is this for being real?!

*edit...I told my poor husband about the post and he is so embaressed! Thank goodness, it doesn't seem that many people are reading the blog so far! ;)*

Weekly Update for Mar. 4, 2009

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Tomorrow at M4M we will have a special guest joining us. Peggy Hoeker came and spoke with us last year in her official capacity as an agent of the OSU extension office. This year she's going to come "as herself." That frees her to share wisdom from her own life and about her faith. Those who heard her last year agree she is a special lady and we are looking forward to hearing from her again! Mindi's group will be providing snacks.

Next week, (March 11) we will be discussing chapter 8: Threats from Other Kingdoms. Snacks will be provided by Amber's group.

Have a great week and don't forget to check out our blog for photos from the bowling trip! http://www.mornings4moms.blogspot.com.

Karen

Smile Time!

Understanding Marriage

The child was a typical four-year-old girl -- cute, inquisitive, bright as a new penny. When she expressed difficulty in grasping the concept of marriage, her father decided to pull out his wedding photo album, thinking visual images would help. One page after another, he pointed out the bride arriving at the church, the entrance, the wedding ceremony, the recessional, the reception, etc. "Now do you understand?" he asked. "I think so," she said, "is that when mommy came to work for us?"

Bowling Day

Today we had a chance to meet at Lake Shore Lanes to bowl! It was a lot of fun...I did terribly, but still fun! I think we have quite a few "pros" amongst us! I will apologize in advance for the terrible picture quality! (I was using my small camera!)

Angela is a total pro!!

Look at September and I in perfect unison....its like a fine ballet! :)

Amanda is a great bowler too! She bowls so daintily. (Is that a word?)