Time to stop...and smell the cookies.

ATTENTION: Christmas is ONLY 9 days away, I repeat 9 days away! So that means if you haven't gotten all your cookies baked, Christmas shopping done, or not quite have been following that advent calendar that you psych yourself up every year by saying you'll do..... then you better start...uh soon.


But somehow we tend to still overdo it every year? The "It" I'm  focused on is other things not that is not related to Jesus' birth. We know this beautiful gift is top priority, but why do we sometimes feel like we haven't done enough to bring our families together and celebrate the TRUE reason? I have struggled with setting my priorities straight each year because I think I need to do everything in order to get into the true Christmas Spirit, but I only end up exhausted and frustrated because I can't find enough hours in the day to:


* Christmas Shop - Thank You Amazon! Yes, there are some gifts I still have to travel to the store and buy.
* Bake Cookies - I wish I was Suzie Homemaker. I'm not a great at baking. I admit it.
* Advent
*Jesse Tree
*Remind kids of why we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ
*Preparing for Christmas Plays
*Put up the Christmas Tree
* Decorate the Christmas Tree
* Keeping animals away from the Christmas tree
*Remind kids of why we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ
*Black Friday Shop - WHOOO!
*Watch all those Christmas Movies
*Wrap those Christmas presents
*Children's Christmas Play
*Hold a Christmas Party
*FIND those hard to find gifts for someone who has literally everything. AKA: My Father.
*Remind kids of why we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ.
*Oh.....I missed the last 4 days of advent. Catch up.
* Go back out shopping because you forgot that one person you knew you wanted to buy for.
*Visit family alllllll.day.long.
or
entertain family alllll.day.long.
*Make your final decision on your meal and execute it, perfectly, but not without exhaustion.


If December is overwhelming and you just can't prioritize, organize, and just aren't a planner. Let me suggest three things that have been a blessing this year and have both my girls (Hannah 4, Reese, 2) excited about the coming days and what our plans are for tomorrow and the days leading up to the birth of God's son.




1. TRUTH is in the TINSEL



My Review: This wonderful ebook for $4.99 has a very easy to do craft activity each day for you and your kids to do. She also links scripture and even has a section where you "Talk" with the kids while you do the craft. It's downloadable at the link above. She outlines the materials you need beforehand so you will no have to hunt down something that seems impossible to find. A PLUS? Most materials are laying around your house! I printed the whole book and put it in a binder. When are you finished with your crafts and advent, just store it away until next November.


2.  Nativity Magent Wooden Advent Calendar by Kurt Adler

 Most wooden advent calendars can be pricey. You have to be willing to invest at least $25+ into them. This one is from Kurt Adlers collection and it's my favorite. The magnets can be stored inside each day (not enough though for all 25 days so you can space them out). I put a magnet, scripture and about every other day I add a sweet hershey kiss as a treat while we are reading!   If you don't have an advent calendar yet, just wait until after Christmas to get them on discount!


A Felt Jesse Tree - Thank you Pinterest! I love to do anything with felt. It's easy to use for kids, pretty indestructible and easy for kids to play with.



Remember mom's, relax and enjoy the Christmas season with your family and kids. It's not too late for you to save Christmas in your house! Enjoy family dinners together and talk about why Christmas is so important. Start your own traditions that you can continue with every year. You can even explain why we give gifts. Being giving, loving, and thankful this Christmas will be the ultimate gift you give to your family. 

We here at MOPS & Beyond want to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas!

I must sign off with this. One of my favorite Christmas movies clip.

Many Blessings, Lynnette

Operation Christmas Child

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

OCC is the world’s largest Christmas project, brings joy and hope to needy children around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. 

ZCC will once again be collecting shoeboxes for OCC this year!  Our goal is to collect 300 shoeboxes!!!  Now is a GREAT time to start purchasing gift items!   Some gift ideas are:

TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

Boxes are separated by boy/girl and ages 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14.

Please contact Sarah Tevis with any questions!!!

Apps

We talked about some GREAT apps at our last meeting - many of these you can get on your iPad or smartphone...many are FREE or really inexpensive!  

*Expensify (free) - makes expense reports a snap. Import charges from a credit card or bank account, and when you take a picture of receipts they automatically become part of your report!
*Groupon (free) - check out local and national deals from A to Z!
*iFood (1.99) - Kraft Kitchens does an amazing job giving you simple, delicious recipes with what you have on hand! (Check out www.kraftkitchens.com for this software too if you don't have a tablet/phone)
*Style Rx with Cinton Kelly ($2.99) - What Not To Wear's guru can finally dress you. This app teaches you how to measure your body and after 24 hours gives you ideas what is best for your body type. Excellent tool and my personal favorite!
*PBS Kids & Sprout (free) - Amazing apps for your kids to watch, play, and create!

New Apps are coming out every day and most of them are FREE! Check out the Top Charts to see what's hot and new. I suggest scoping out all the free games for your kids. The ones that cost money are usually not any better.

Post below any Apps that are your favorite!

Art Classes

Beginning next week, Jill Seigworth will be starting an open "Art Hour" in the new studio area at Cool Beans.  There will be one type of medium out each week to work with and explore.  This is open to all ages, 2 and up, and registration is not required.  It is something you can do once, or come every week.  The regular weekly classes for the younger children are still a better deal (and you get to hang-out with other parents). But for those of you who can't make it for the sessions, or have older children, it's a nice alternative.

 

The time is Saturdays, from 11:15-12:15.

The cost is $8/week for children ages 2-5 and $10/week for ages 6 and above (adults are welcome too!)

 

 

 

Items Needed for A Woman's Concern

• gently used or new maternity clothes
• diaper bags
• diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5)
• wipes
• nursing pads
• nursing tanks tops, all sizes (from Target)
• Onsies (all size, including 18-24 months)
• Baby Thermometers
• Gift cards to Target, Walmart, Giant, Wegmans
• Gift bags, tissue paper
• body wash
• feminine hygiene products
• Dreft (baby laundry detergent)
• diaper rash ointment
• baby lotion/wash/oil/powder
• toliet paper
• paper towels
• windex
• paper plates, cups, napkins

All items can be dropped off at any MOPS meeting, at the church office at Zion Community Church, or at the clinic at 423 South Pugh Street, State College, PA 16801

MOPS & Beyond Bake Sale for Dana's Hope

On Sunday, September 18 from Noon to 9 PM, Happy Valley Mini-Golf (1890 South Atherton Street - State College, Pa 16801, www.happyvalleyminigolf.com – 814-466-6840) is hosting a fundraiser to raise funds for Dana's Hope.

Dana Hardy is a local wife and mother of 2 who despite extensive medical care, medications and life saving devices is experiencing heart failure and is in need of a heart transplant in order to survive.  Dana is currently under the care of the University of Pennsylvania’s Heart Transplant Team in Philadelphia, where she is officially listed on the transplant list.  See her whole story and latest updates of her journey at Danashope.org

MOPS & Beyond has been contacted to run a Bake Sale.  Laurinda Benner (LJTCE@engr.psu.edu) will be at the event to sell the items.  And from YOU, we need bake goods!

From you, we need - 

• items can be home-made or store bought
• individually wrapped items priced (suggested pricing starting at $.25 and raise by $.25 please)
• items need to be dropped off at Zion Community Church by Sunday, September 18 at noon (If you would like to drop off items at the event, please contact Laurinda to arrange drop off).

Tips on what to make, how to wrap, and price items:

• Bake-sale veterans agree that chocolate-chip cookies and Rice Krispies Treats are the best sellers, followed by brownies, blondies, cupcakes, and breads. 
• Cookies can be sold three to a bag ($.25 to $.50) or by the dozen ($2 to 3), breads by the slice ($25. to $.50) or the loaf ($2). Cakes and pies are most profitable when sold whole ($3 to $5). (Steer clear of pies, like lemon meringue, that can spoil if they sit out.)
• If the sale is before a holiday, decorate goods with a theme. 
• Be sure to identify key ingredients for people with food allergies. If your items is nut-free, gluten-free, or vegan treats, please label them so.  

Thanks for considering helps this cause!

Contact Sarah Tevis (sarahtevis@gmail,com; 383-9975) if any questions.  For drop off at the event or you can help Laurinda at the event, contact her at LJTCE@engr.psu.edu.

Laura Booz - Beth Moore Bible Study

Good Morning Ladies! I hope your Labor Day weekend was fun!

Laura Booz is hosting a Beth Moore Bible Study in her home this fall. You may know her already from her ever popular site 10 Million Miles Please contact her if you're interested!

What: Beth Moore's Believe God

Where: Laura Booz's house (135 Meadow Ln., Centre Hall, PA 16828)

When: Tuesday evenings 7 - 9, beginning September 13

Cost: $15 for member book

Contact Laura to register (814-364-1763) or laura@laurabooz.com