Join your fellow mamas for the last 2012 playgroup at North Creek Presbyterian Church in the fellowship room from 10-11:30AM.
Come and relax!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
December Mom of the Month, Meet Judi...
Meet Judi, our Mom of the Month! She is a mentor and truly an inspiration! Thanks Judi for being a mentor mom at MOPS!
Tell us about yourself and your family.
My immediate family includes my husband, Dave (aka “Grandpa” Dave), our daughters, Kris and Suzi, their husbands, Steve & Mike, and our 3 amazing grandchildren: Jacob (9), Marshet (6), and Grace (5). I also have a mom, brother, and sister who live on Whidbey Island, and then my newly discovered family in Minnesota which consists of 4 sisters and 3 brothers.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
My immediate family includes my husband, Dave (aka “Grandpa” Dave), our daughters, Kris and Suzi, their husbands, Steve & Mike, and our 3 amazing grandchildren: Jacob (9), Marshet (6), and Grace (5). I also have a mom, brother, and sister who live on Whidbey Island, and then my newly discovered family in Minnesota which consists of 4 sisters and 3 brothers.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions with your family?
Now that our children have their own families to create traditions with, Dave and I have established some of our own: Going to a movie, out to eat, and church on Christmas Eve, stockings from “Santa”, and spending time with our daughters and grandkids on Christmas Eve. We also often rent a cabin in the Lake Wenatchee area for a few days after Christmas with our daughter Suzi and her family.
What is a good piece of advice for mothers of young children to remember?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff”. Spending time with your children is the most significant thing you can do. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely be less attentive to my house, chores, etc, and more focused on having fun with my 2 daughters.
What keeps a marriage strong through the years?
Humor, respect, and spending “couple” time together.
What is your proudest accomplishment as a woman, mother, and wife?
Raising 2 strong daughters that are happy and pursuing their dreams.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tried and Good Recipes for Cold Weather
I love to cook and bake. It seems that this type of weather makes me want to drink lattes and eat pumpkin bread all day. I just want to cozy up under a blanket and sit with my hot beverage... ha, that does not happen very often with two tots running around and jumping on me!
What do you do so that you can cook dinner with a child/children hanging on your legs? I would love your ideas and I will post to our blog! I have been making use of television and play-dough. That seems to help. During the summer, I would put a bunch of cups and bubbly water in some buckets and put the girls outside to play. Now that it is chilly, I am looking for ideas to keep tots occupied other than the famous television. Any ideas to share?
Here are some recipes I have tried recently that were successful:
A yummy crowd pleaser for the holidays, Paula Deen's Carrot Souffle. Only need to use half the butter and sugar.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/carrot-souffle-recipe/index.html
Nigella's Greek Lamb Stew, good for the family and leftovers for a few nights! I served over mashed potatoes instead of pasta and it was yummy. Feta a must!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/greek-lamb-stew-recipe/index.html
Betty Crocker's Biscuits, I use butter instead of shortening and add shredded cheese.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/baking-powder-biscuits/e70c261e-066e-434d-8176-6721805a8031
What do you do so that you can cook dinner with a child/children hanging on your legs? I would love your ideas and I will post to our blog! I have been making use of television and play-dough. That seems to help. During the summer, I would put a bunch of cups and bubbly water in some buckets and put the girls outside to play. Now that it is chilly, I am looking for ideas to keep tots occupied other than the famous television. Any ideas to share?
Here are some recipes I have tried recently that were successful:
A yummy crowd pleaser for the holidays, Paula Deen's Carrot Souffle. Only need to use half the butter and sugar.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/carrot-souffle-recipe/index.html
Nigella's Greek Lamb Stew, good for the family and leftovers for a few nights! I served over mashed potatoes instead of pasta and it was yummy. Feta a must!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/greek-lamb-stew-recipe/index.html
Betty Crocker's Biscuits, I use butter instead of shortening and add shredded cheese.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/baking-powder-biscuits/e70c261e-066e-434d-8176-6721805a8031
Reminder MNO TONIGHT at Brooke Yule's House!
Let's chat and hang out! Starts at 6:45pm. Come to Brooke's house for some fun and a break with your fellow mamas!
See our MOPS directory for Brooke's address. Here is her phone number: 206-795-1504. I don't want to post her address on the blog for her privacy's sake.
Come and enjoy!
See our MOPS directory for Brooke's address. Here is her phone number: 206-795-1504. I don't want to post her address on the blog for her privacy's sake.
Come and enjoy!
Monday, November 12, 2012
MOPPETS update: NCPC family had case of lice, nursery cleaned
Molly Pankow wants us to know that one of our church families has a case of lice so NCPC has cleaned the nursery, 2’s room and Godly play as a precaution. The outbreak was this past week, it was just one person, and they did not seem to contract it at church. At this time, we do not believe any on our MOPPETs have been exposed. The link below is to the NCPC Nursery blog for more information on lice. No need to worry, just letting everyone know.
http://ncpcnursery.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-word-about-lice.html
http://ncpcnursery.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-word-about-lice.html
Monday, November 5, 2012
Mill Creek Library Storytime
Mill Creek Library has an awesome story hour for toddlers. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30am. Just heard from the librarian they will be adding a Monday 9:30am story hour in January!
Link to their calendar:
http://host5.evanced.info/sno_isle/evanced/eventcalendar.asp?EventType=ALL&Lib=13&df=list
Link to their calendar:
http://host5.evanced.info/sno_isle/evanced/eventcalendar.asp?EventType=ALL&Lib=13&df=list
Let's Make Friends!
This is a reminder that this week you will have the opportunity to sign up for the opportunity to be on an email list with our MOPS moms who want to get together during the week for playdates and outings. If you are looking to make friends within our group, this is a great opportunity!
You, and your fellow moms can send out emails during the week inviting other moms to join you for outings and playdates. Also, if you just feel like meeting up at the end of a long day for a cup of tea, you can email your fellow mamas and see who would like to join you!
You, and your fellow moms can send out emails during the week inviting other moms to join you for outings and playdates. Also, if you just feel like meeting up at the end of a long day for a cup of tea, you can email your fellow mamas and see who would like to join you!
Friday, October 26, 2012
November Mom of the Month, Meet Dottie
Dottie is a special mentor mom in our group. She sits in the front table on the left side of the room. Her smile and gentle demeanor are not unnoticed, we are thankful to have her in our group.
Here are the questions I asked. She gave me a paper with her answers in beautiful cursive, I wish you could see her writing! I hope you enjoy her insight as she is a woman of wisdom, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Tell us about yourself: I have three wonderful children. My son and his family live in San Diego. My two daughters and their families live close to me in Washington. I have two grandsons and two granddaughters and one little great-grandson. They are all very attentive and good to me. Lots of love is a good thing. I had my wonderful husband for fifty-six years.
What grounds you? Actually, what grounds me, is being able to talk to my Savior anytime I want. I know He hears me and I really give Him an earful with my conversational prayer. I know he hears. What a comfort.
What are some things you enjoy doing? I love to dabble in watercolor painting of cards-a few pictures. I also like to paint bird houses. I am not allowed on a ladder anymore, so no more painting my bathroom or kitchen.
Looking back and knowing what you know now, what is the best advice you received as a mother? The best advice given to me was, be sure your children know you are a parent and they are your children. Always show interest in them and their interests. Try to remember, God doesn't put a parent on earth to win a popularity contest. You are their teacher, so teach them well. Of course, all of this advice should be covered with tons of love, kindness, understanding and forgiveness. Never leave out patience!
What makes a marriage last? Never lose your ability to be romantic. I think that's very important. Laugh a lot together and be ready to cry together, when the time comes. Find enjoyment in all you do, with the kids or without them. These are the memories you will have later. Listen to each other so you can learn and understand what your feelings are doing, inside of you or your spouse. When you have no adequate words, just a little hug or gentle touch of a hand, can say a lot more than you know. Most important, be happy, funny and most of all ROMANTIC!
Thank you Dottie!
Here are the questions I asked. She gave me a paper with her answers in beautiful cursive, I wish you could see her writing! I hope you enjoy her insight as she is a woman of wisdom, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Tell us about yourself: I have three wonderful children. My son and his family live in San Diego. My two daughters and their families live close to me in Washington. I have two grandsons and two granddaughters and one little great-grandson. They are all very attentive and good to me. Lots of love is a good thing. I had my wonderful husband for fifty-six years.
What grounds you? Actually, what grounds me, is being able to talk to my Savior anytime I want. I know He hears me and I really give Him an earful with my conversational prayer. I know he hears. What a comfort.
What are some things you enjoy doing? I love to dabble in watercolor painting of cards-a few pictures. I also like to paint bird houses. I am not allowed on a ladder anymore, so no more painting my bathroom or kitchen.
Looking back and knowing what you know now, what is the best advice you received as a mother? The best advice given to me was, be sure your children know you are a parent and they are your children. Always show interest in them and their interests. Try to remember, God doesn't put a parent on earth to win a popularity contest. You are their teacher, so teach them well. Of course, all of this advice should be covered with tons of love, kindness, understanding and forgiveness. Never leave out patience!
What makes a marriage last? Never lose your ability to be romantic. I think that's very important. Laugh a lot together and be ready to cry together, when the time comes. Find enjoyment in all you do, with the kids or without them. These are the memories you will have later. Listen to each other so you can learn and understand what your feelings are doing, inside of you or your spouse. When you have no adequate words, just a little hug or gentle touch of a hand, can say a lot more than you know. Most important, be happy, funny and most of all ROMANTIC!
Thank you Dottie!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Pork Roast... Easy and delish!!!
Tender Pork Roast in the Slow Cooker
http://www.food.com/recipe/tender-pork-roast-in-the-slow-cooker-334014
- 1 (3
lb) boneless pork roast
- 1 (8
ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cuplow sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cupbrown sugar
- 2 teaspoonsground
mustard
Cut roast in half; place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F-170 degrees F. Remove roast to a serving platter and keep warm. If desired, skim fat from pan juices and thicken for gravy.
Yummy Butternut Squash Soup
Ina Garten’s Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and Curry
Condiments (www.foodnetwork.com)
- 3 to 4 pounds butternut
squash,
peeled and seeded
- 2 yellow onions
- 2 McIntosh
apples,
peeled and cored
- 3 tablespoons
good olive oil
- Kosher salt and
freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 4 cups
chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 1/2 teaspoon
good curry powder
Condiments for serving (I use one, some, or none!):
Scallions, white and green parts, trimmed and sliced diagonally
Roasted salted
cashews, toasted and chopped
Diced banana
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut the butternut squash, onions, and apples into 1-inch cubes. Place them on a sheet pan and toss them with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Divide the squash mixture between 2 sheet pans and spread in a single layer. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, tossing occasionally, until very tender.
Meanwhile, heat the chicken stock to a simmer. When the vegetables are done, put them through a food mill fitted with the medium blade. (Alternatively, you can place the roasted vegetables in batches in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add some of the chicken stock and coarsely puree.) When all of the vegetables are processed, place them in a large pot and add enough chicken stock to make a thick soup. Add the curry powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Taste for seasonings to be sure there's enough salt and pepper to bring out the curry flavor. Reheat and serve hot with condiments either on the side or on top of each serving.
**I roast other veggies and put in the soup- add any flavors you like!
My Favorite Pulled Pork in the Crockpot
Williams Sonoma Pulled Pork Recipe... 30
minutes hands on time
Ingredients:
Canola or corn oil, 3 tablespoons
Boneless pork shoulder, 4 lbs cut into 3 equal pieces
Yellow onion, 1 finely chopped
Cider vinegar, 3/4 cup
Tomato ketchup, 3/4 cup
Brown sugar, 1/3 cup firmly packed
Light Molasses, 1/4 cup (dark or light)
Red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon
Dry mustard, 1 teaspoon
Salt and ground pepper
Soft sandwich rolls, split and toasted for serving (I use ciabatta rolls)
Directions:
1) Brown the pork
In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the pork pieces and brown well on all sides, about 12 minutes total. Transfer pork to slow cooker.
2) Make the sauce and cook the pork
Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon fat from the frying pan and return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape up the browned bits on the pan bottom. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, just until the mixture begins to bubble. Pour over the pork in crockpot. Cover and cook on the high-heat setting for 4-5 hours or the low heat setting for 8-10 hours. The pork should be very tender. Check time based on your slow cooker, some take less time.
3) Shred the pork and serve
Transfer the pork pieces to a platter. Using a pair of forks, shred each piece of pork, removing and discarding any large pieces of fat. Skim off the excess fat from the surface of the sauce and return the pulled pork to the sauce. Stir together to combine. Serve the pork and sauce atop sandwich rolls. Best when provolone cheese is broiled on rolls. ENJOY!
Serve with potato salad, cold slaw, mashed potatoes, or sweet potato fries.
Ingredients:
Canola or corn oil, 3 tablespoons
Boneless pork shoulder, 4 lbs cut into 3 equal pieces
Yellow onion, 1 finely chopped
Cider vinegar, 3/4 cup
Tomato ketchup, 3/4 cup
Brown sugar, 1/3 cup firmly packed
Light Molasses, 1/4 cup (dark or light)
Red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon
Dry mustard, 1 teaspoon
Salt and ground pepper
Soft sandwich rolls, split and toasted for serving (I use ciabatta rolls)
Directions:
1) Brown the pork
In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the pork pieces and brown well on all sides, about 12 minutes total. Transfer pork to slow cooker.
2) Make the sauce and cook the pork
Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon fat from the frying pan and return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape up the browned bits on the pan bottom. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, just until the mixture begins to bubble. Pour over the pork in crockpot. Cover and cook on the high-heat setting for 4-5 hours or the low heat setting for 8-10 hours. The pork should be very tender. Check time based on your slow cooker, some take less time.
3) Shred the pork and serve
Transfer the pork pieces to a platter. Using a pair of forks, shred each piece of pork, removing and discarding any large pieces of fat. Skim off the excess fat from the surface of the sauce and return the pulled pork to the sauce. Stir together to combine. Serve the pork and sauce atop sandwich rolls. Best when provolone cheese is broiled on rolls. ENJOY!
Serve with potato salad, cold slaw, mashed potatoes, or sweet potato fries.
You Are Invited to... Playgroups!
NCPC Morning Open Playgroup
Are you at home on Thursdays with
little ones looking for something to do? Join us in the Fellowship Hall at North Creek Presbyterian Church on the 1st and 3rd
Thursdays of each month from 10:00-11:30am for a drop in playgroup for kids
6 years and under and their parents or caregivers. We will have different play
stations, a craft area, snacks, coffee, and a short group time at the end. The
adults can chat while the children play. It is free and open to anyone so pass
on the information to your friends!
Advent
Lutheran Church PlaygroupTiny Tykes Play Group”. Meets
the 1st Wednesday of each
month from 10:00- 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. Free playgroup, a chance for moms and children
to connect. Church Address: 4306 132nd
Street SE, Mill Creek, WA 98012
Welcome to Your Blog
To my fellow MOPS mamas-
My name is Melissa, I will be your North Creek Presbyterian Church MOPS blogger for 2012-2013. I am another mama like you, trying to navigate this adventure (obstacle course??) called motherhood! I am new to Mill Creek. Prior to living in Mill Creek, we lived in Seattle. Despite it being a 20 minute move, it feels like we have moved a world away just heading up I-5! Prior to living in Seattle for a year, we lived in South Carolina for a year. We were living in Seattle prior to South Carolina but we were moved temporarily for my husband's job. Phew! Lots of moving in the past few years!
I look forward to a new year in a new place and welcome new friends. I look forward to making memories and hopefully finding friendship that will last through the years as our children grow. For those of you returning to MOPS, welcome! I hope you enjoy reconnecting and making new friends.
This blog is a an opportunity for you feel connected to North Creek Presbyterian Church MOPS. Feel free to send me those stand-by recipes, playgroups and events happening around the area.
We do not know what life will bring our families in 2012-2013. We are in this together! It takes a lot to get to MOPS- timing breakfast, dressing children, dressing ourselves, finding keys, juggling bags and little ones to the car… and then running back in the house for sippy cups and whatever else didn’t make it the first trip. We are on this adventure together. It is my hope that this can be a place where we can... sit down… relax... share, listen, and grow in our faith and friendships...
My name is Melissa, I will be your North Creek Presbyterian Church MOPS blogger for 2012-2013. I am another mama like you, trying to navigate this adventure (obstacle course??) called motherhood! I am new to Mill Creek. Prior to living in Mill Creek, we lived in Seattle. Despite it being a 20 minute move, it feels like we have moved a world away just heading up I-5! Prior to living in Seattle for a year, we lived in South Carolina for a year. We were living in Seattle prior to South Carolina but we were moved temporarily for my husband's job. Phew! Lots of moving in the past few years!
I look forward to a new year in a new place and welcome new friends. I look forward to making memories and hopefully finding friendship that will last through the years as our children grow. For those of you returning to MOPS, welcome! I hope you enjoy reconnecting and making new friends.
This blog is a an opportunity for you feel connected to North Creek Presbyterian Church MOPS. Feel free to send me those stand-by recipes, playgroups and events happening around the area.
We do not know what life will bring our families in 2012-2013. We are in this together! It takes a lot to get to MOPS- timing breakfast, dressing children, dressing ourselves, finding keys, juggling bags and little ones to the car… and then running back in the house for sippy cups and whatever else didn’t make it the first trip. We are on this adventure together. It is my hope that this can be a place where we can... sit down… relax... share, listen, and grow in our faith and friendships...
Lots of love, Melissa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)