Dryden MOPS

Git-R-Done... Again

2012-01-05T07:41:00.000-05:00

Craft: Git-R-Done Stations

Description: Like last year, we will take a break from our regularly scheduled MOPS format and spend our MOPS meeting time focus on getting those little things done that we just never seen to have time for, like cleaning out your purse, making a meal plan and grocery list, or just plain catching up with friends.

We will also be freezer paper stenciling again (follow the link for more info), so if you want, bring a shirt or a bag or really anything fabric to fancy up.

Team: Steering Team Members

Seeing Stars

2011-12-21T22:22:00.000-05:00

Craft:German Paper Stars

Credits: Craft Ideas Froebel Star
German Star Video Tutorial at With a Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart
Supplies: double-sided 12x12 scrapbook paper cut into 3/4" strips, paraffin wax, ornament hanger
Time: 30 minutes
Description: We'll be making these folded paper German Stars (aka Moravian Stars or Froebel Stars). It takes a bit of practice to get the folding down, but my four-years-old daughter can do with a little help from mom. These make great gift toppers, wreath adornments, or of course, ornaments for your tree.
Presenter:

Card Making for All Occasions

2011-11-29T22:47:00.000-05:00

Craft: Card Making for All Occasions

Credits: Much of my inspiration came from the gallery at Splitcoaststampers.
Supplies: Pre-cut card making kits, stamps, ink, glue, punches, etc.
Time: 30-35 minutes to stamp and assemble
Description: Using the pre-cut kits or ideas of your own, we'll be making cards for occasions throughout the year, birthdays, baby, Christmas, Spring (we didn't get around to these last year), thank you, etc.

2011-11-28T16:53:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Here comes Christmas.... right around the corner.

This Wednesday, November 30th, we have a special MOPS meeting (special because it's on the 5th Wednesday as opposed to the 4th). All are welcome, please come and join us!

Once again, we have an extra meeting:

Wednesday, November 30th
@Dryden Presbyterian
9am-11am

Giving Thanks

2011-11-09T20:58:00.000-05:00

Craft: Paper Cornucopia of Thanks
Credits: flipflops & applesauce (head over there for a pic)
Supplies: double-sided scrapbook paper, glue, large scallop punch, little flower punch, popsicle sticks
Time: 20 minutes
Description: Cut the paper into two 6" squares. Roll one sheet into a cone shape and tape along the edge. Punch the large scallop out of the other square, cut down some of the scallops and curl for a flower shape. Tape flower to the cone. If desired, glue small flowers to the popsicle sticks and put popsicle sticks inside your cone. Throughout November write things you are thankful for on the popsicle sticks and read them on Thanksgiving.

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Packing

2011-10-24T11:53:00.000-04:00

Craft: Packing Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes

Credits: Operation Christmas Child, Pack a Shoe Box
Description: At our meeting this Wednesday, we'll be packing Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. We'll have plastic boxes for you to pack at our meeting or to take home and return at our November 9th meeting. If you would like to pack at our meeting this week, please bring 10 of one item to pack in the boxes. We'll determine age and gender when we see what we have, but we'll plan on half boy and half girl, some in the 2-4yo range and some in the 5-9yo range. Anything you can bring to help with our boxes would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some ideas:
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.)

If you would like, you can even bring some Christmas wrapping paper to line the boxes. We'll have note paper available for you to write a note to the child receiving the box. You might want to bring a picture to include too. See you Wednesday!

2011-09-27T10:05:00.002-04:00

MOPS Mom's Night Out Fall Events!

October 2 Treat Time!- Grab a drink or a bite to eat as we kick back, chat and relax.
Location: Dunkin Donuts, Dryden
Time: 7pm-8:30pm

November 5 Movie Night!
Location: TBA (we'll send out an email- posting this online seems like a bad idea!)
Time: 7pm-9:30pm

December 3 Treat Time!- Grab a drink or a bite to eat as we kick back, chat and relax.
Location: Dryden Community Cafe
Time: 9am-10am

Pumpkin Picking Fun Event!

2011-09-20T14:26:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope you will join the rest of the Finger Lakes Area on
October 10 at 10 AM for the 2nd MOPS Finger Lakes Pumpkin Picking at
Grisamore Farms.

The cost is $3 a person, children and adults.

Please RSVP back to your MOPS Coordinator by Oct 1st!

Hope to see you all there!

Molly Denis~Community Networker

MOPPETS Reminders...

2011-09-13T11:56:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is our first MOPS meeting of the year. I am the new MOPPETS Coordinator, so I wanted to remind you of a few things....

Drop off your child(ren) in the appropriate MOPPETS room. Mini MOPPETS (infant - 2 years)will be in the downstairs nursery. Maxi MOPPETS (2yrs-5yrs) will be in the upstairs classroom. If your child is 2 years old, please talk to me and we can decide which room they will be best in. (i.e. Does your 2 year old have an older sibling they would feel more comfortable with? We could put them in the Maxi MOPPETS room).

Please bring a drink for your son/daughter. You can pack a sippy cup, bottle or water bottle for your child. This will make snack time much easier for our hard-working volunteers (and hopefully less mess!)

Be sure to label everything you bring in for you child. This includes jackets, sweatshirts, diaper bags, backpacks, sippy cups, etc.

Each meeting MOPS will furnish a snack for your child. The Mini MOPPETS room will have dry cereal (Cheerios, etc) and the Maxi MOPPETS will have a granola bar, cheese/crackers, etc. If you would like to supply your own snack, feel free. Please let the MOPPETS volunteer know at drop off.

If you would like to furnish a snack, craft or fun activity for your child's room (birthday, special occasion) let me know!

Introduce yourself (and your child) to our volunteers. We want to make sure they feel appreciated for taking the time to help us become better Moms through MOPS. We could not have MOPS without them!

Thank you so much for making this a great year for Moms, our children and our volunteers.

Lacy

MOPPETS Leader

MOPS 2011-2012

2011-08-12T21:17:00.004-04:00

Come join us for our first MOPS meeting of the year!

September 14, 2011

9:00am to 11:00am

at the Dryden Presbyterian Church.

We are a small group of women who meet to share the journey of motherhood together. Stop by and say hello! We have lots more information on our website.

New Email and Mailing List

2011-06-22T16:00:00.003-04:00

We are doing some maintenance!

Please join our new mailing list by using the box in the sidebar.

Questions or just want to get in touch with us?

drydenmopsATgmail.com

Have a great summer!

Photo Contest Winners

2011-05-13T17:15:00.000-04:00

Black & White Winner: Jen

Silly Faces Winner: Monica

Mom's Life Winner: Darcy

Nature Winner: Sarah

Holidays Winner: Jen

Smiles Winner: Penelope

Unusual Perspective Winner: Penelope

Best in Show Runner-Up: Lacy

Best in Show Winner: Penelope

Thank you for all who entered and all who voted! We had a wonderful time seeing mom's in their element and hearing their stories on how they coaxed smiles out of their little ones.

MOPS Mom Photo Contest Tomorrow

2011-05-10T15:07:00.000-04:00

Here's a sneak peak:

Credits: Contest Rules
Description: At our MOPS meeting tomorrow we will be voting for our favorite pictures taken by you, our moms. There are prizes for first place in each category and a grand prize for the best in show. You won't want to miss it.

Make Your Own Play Dough

2011-05-04T14:08:00.000-04:00

Craft: Make Your Own Play Dough
Credits: Homemade Playdough Recipe, Homemade Playdough Recipe & Notes
Supplies: flour, water, salt, oil, cream or tartar, pices, food coloring, glitter or other "extras", medium sauce pan, wooden spoon
Time: 20 minutes
Description: Last week, Monica presented ideas on how to play with your kids using items you already have around the house. She even shared her play dough recipe using items you already have in the kitchen. Here is her recipe:
Combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup salt, 1 tbsp cooking oil, and 1 tbsp cream of tartar. Heat over medium heat until the playdough begins to pull away from the pan and "looks right". Let cool, then knead well. Add any spices, food coloring, glitter or other "extras" that you would like.
Presenter: Monica Van Fleet

Spring and Stamping

2011-04-11T09:34:00.000-04:00

Craft: Stamping and Creating Spring & Easter Cards
Credits: Garden Pot, More Inspiration from Splitcoast Stampers
Time: 5 minutes for demonstration, 20 minutes for stamping
Description: Spring-like weather I can't guarantee, but I can guarantee stamping at our next MOPS meeting. We'll be stamping cards in the Easter and Spring themes. Pick a kit that is pre-cut and ready for you to stamp and decorate.

Mama's Gonna Snap

2011-03-23T22:34:00.002-04:00

Photo Credit: Mary Janes & Galoshes Camera Poster

To get you excited about taking pictures after our photographer speaker, MOPS is hosting our first annual MOPS Mom Photo Contest.

Categories

Mom's Life (pictures with you in it or pictures of real life as a mom, messes and all)
Silly Faces/Funny (pictures that make you laugh)
Smiles/Portraits
Holidays
Nature/Landscapes
Unusual Perspective
Black & White

For some inspiration and to get you started snapping away, below are some sites or posts that I have found helpful. Please feel free to leave a comment with any others you find or any tips you have for taking great pictures.

General Photographing Tips
Our photographer speaker talked a little about depth of field (aka your subject in focus and the rest blurry). Here is a great post about how to get great fuzzy backgrounds from the CoffeeShop Blog. Other topics she covered were Apertures, Shutter Speed, ISO, and more ISO fun.

Mom's Life Photo Tips and Ideas
Put yourself in your photos. Here are some ideas and examples from Susan at iheartfaces.com. If you don't like the way you look in photos, Kristen shares a great tip at her blog the idea room.

When having YOUR picture taken, always remember to do 3 things.
1) Turn the hips
2) Pop the knee
3) Bend the arms

Straight on, the hips look so much wider than when I turn to the side. Also, to have a separation of the legs by lifting one heel and popping the knee, helps slim as well. Lastly, giving the arms something to do besides just hang there looks so much more relaxed.

Scroll to the bottom of this post to see before and after pictures of this in action. The difference is amazing.

Silly Faces/Funny
The Pioneer Woman's Funny series (group 5, photo five cracked me up) is a great place to start for inspiration, not that us mothers can't find lots of ways our little ones make us laugh. Let's see those silly faces - not just of children; moms, let's see those silly faces.

Smiles/Portraits
Amy gives us some ideas on creative ways to take portraits at home and here's twenty portraits for inspiration from the Pioneer Woman. To help keep those photo shoots fun, 5 Minutes for Mom has some great tips for a photo shoot.

Holidays
This category would be anything that has to do with a holiday. It could be pictures of people, pets, or just objects. Anything that says holiday to you. It could even be something like this:

Nature/Landscapes
Perhaps you are ready to be out in the (theoretical) sunshine now that Spring is on it's way (pretty please). Grab the kids, pack a snack, your camera and start shooting. Just Google Landscape Photography and you'll get tons of tips and great ideas. This post on 11 surefire landscape photography tips is a great place to start.

Unusual Perspective Inspiration
Some times moms just need a new point of view, Jim Richard tells us how to do that at National Geographic. The Pioneer Woman has two things you could try to get an unusual perspective.

Black & White Inspiration
Photos in black and white can be of anything and everything. I found a few good ideas at the Pioneer Woman's black & white photography contest and at iheartfaces' dramatic black & white contest. Black and white tends to add more drama. Switch your camera to b&w (or edit your photos) and see how dramatic you can be. (Need help with the drama, just ask the tantrum-prone three-years-old in your house.)

Rules
You can submit up to seven pictures, one per category. The pictures need to be taken by you. For those pictures that include you, they can be taken by dad (or kids). Please no professional photos. Your submissions can be photos that you took in the past. Email me your pictures by Wednesday, April 27th with the category for each photo submitted, a title and any notes you would like to add. Each photo will be printed 4"x6" matte finish and displayed at our May 11th meeting for voting. We will also be voting for the "Best in Show" and the winner will receive a small prize.

Happy Snapping!

Zipper Pulls with Ruth Stillwell

2011-03-23T13:25:00.000-04:00

Craft: Zipper Pulls
Credits: Ruth Stillwell
Supplies: Ribbon, Clasp, Wire, Bead Needles, Beads
Time: 15 minutes
Description: We'll be making decorative zipper pulls with ribbon and beads.
Guest Crafter: Ruth Stillwell

Hair Cutting Demo

2011-03-09T07:28:00.000-05:00

Craft: Tips on Child Hair Care and Cutting
Credits: Shear Visions Salon
Time: 25 minutes demonstration with two little volunteers
Description: Deana Madigan, owner of Shear Visions, will be demonstrating how to cut our little ones hair and giving advice on common childhood hair dilemmas, like gum, lice, and accidental hair cuts.

Freezer Paper Stenciling

2011-02-20T21:31:00.002-05:00

Make Stencils from Freezer Paper

Craft: Stenciling Shirts with Freezer Paper
Credits: Spray Paint Stencils, Flickr Freezer Paper Stencil Pool (Please note that I do not control the content of these images and not all images are kids appropriate.)
Supplies: freezer paper, images, shirts, fabric paint, sponge brushes, markers, hobby knifes, cardboard, paper plates, iron and ironing board
Time: 5 minutes instructions, 15 minutes cutting stencils, 10 minutes painting
Description: Want to personalize your wardrobe or update and hand-me-down outfit? Try freezer paper stenciling.
Presenter: Penelope

5 Love Languages

2011-02-08T20:29:00.002-05:00

Craft: 5 Love Languages Stations

Credits: 5 Love Languages, Physical Touch: Body Butter Bar, Acts of Service and Quality Time: Love Coupons, Words of Affirmation: Handwritten Cards, Gifts: Love Dice

Supplies: Physical Touch: beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, liquid measuring cup, ice cube trays, digital kitchen scale, plastic wrap, raffia, gift tags; Acts of Service and Quality Time: coupon pages, coupon book front and back; Words of Affirmation: cards and envelopes; Gifts: wooden blocks, Modge Podge, scrapbook paper, pens, paint brushes, gift bags, gift tags, raffia

Time: 35 minutes: 5 minuted demonstration, 30 minutes creating

Description: Each mom will craft items that show love based on the 5 love language of her husband or child(ren). For Physical Touch, she'll be making body butter lotion bars. For Acts of Service and Quality Time, she'll be giving her loved one a coupon book full of items for either acts of service or quality time. For Words of Affirmation, she'll be writing respect cards to her man (like previous years). Lastly, for Gifts, we'll be decoupaging love dice and packaging it up all pretty.

Boo-Boo Bunny

2011-01-26T13:13:00.002-05:00

Craft: Boo-Boo Bunny
Credits: Wash Rag Boo-Boo Bunny Craft
Supplies: Wash Clothe, Rubber Band, Pom-Poms, Googly Eyes, Ribbon, Craft Glue, Scissors
Time: 20 Minutes
Description:

If a boo boo has you feeling crummy,
Stick an ice cube in my tummy.
Hold it to your boo boo tight,
Soon everything will be all right!

Git-R-Done Stations

2011-01-10T20:52:00.000-05:00

Don't have enough time in the day to get all those little things done, like cleaning out your purse, making a meal plan and grocery list, catching up with friends? This week at MOPS, you'll have the opportunity to do just that. Instead of our usual schedule, you can spend this time in any or all of the five stations set up for you to use: Purse Clean Out Station, Time with Friends Station, Correspondence Station, Meal Planning Station, Ring Cleaning Station, Laundry Soap Station.

Craft: Homemade Laundry Soap
Credits: S.O.’s Powdered Laundry Soap, Making Your Own Liquid Laundry Detergent: A Detailed Visual Guide
Supplies: Fels Naptha Soap, Borax, Washing Soap
Description: In addition to our other stations, we'll be mixing up a batch of powdered laundry detergent using items you can find in the laundry aisle. Each load costs only pennies and takes only minutes to make.
Team: Steering Team Members

Marshmallows and Snowman Soup

2010-12-20T22:43:00.002-05:00

Craft: Marshmallows and Snowman Soup
Credits: Marshmallow Snowflakes, Homemade Marshmallow Recipe, Snowman Soup
Supplies: unflavored gelatin, sugar, light corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, vegetable-oil cooking spray, hot chocolate, chocolate kisses, marshmallows, candy canes, mugs, goody bags, white crinkle, gift tags, ribbon, 12"x17" rimmed cookie sheet, parchment paper, cookie cutters
Time: 30 minutes

Description: Christmas is almost here. Come to this "bonus" meeting to de-stress and make one last minute gift for you or someone special on your list.

When it’s so cold that

You holler and whoop.

It’s time to bring out

The Snowman Soup.

Pour the mix in a mug.

There’s little snowballs too

And some kisses mixed in

From the snowman to you.

Now add some hot water.

Use the cane to stir it.

Sip, enjoy and soon you’ll

Feel the warm winter spirit!

Life of Christ Ornaments

2010-12-08T08:14:00.002-05:00

Craft: Life of Christ Ornaments
Credits: special thanks to "folkie" who posted this idea on the MOPS forum
Supplies: Clear glass ornaments and items below

Life of Christ Ornament
Straw = Manger, his humble birth
Purple cloth = His royalty
White feather = Prince of peace
Nails = Cross, his death
Red ribbon = Sacrifice, his shed blood
White Rosette = Resurrection, his salvation

Time: 10-15 minutes
Description: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16
This ornament will be filled with items representing the life of Jesus, reminding us that the true reason for the season is the birth of our Savior.
Presenter: Penelope

Shoe Boxes (aka Operation Christmas Child)

2010-11-06T17:04:00.000-04:00

Dryden MOPS is participating in Operation Christmas Child. Help bring the joy of Christmas to children around the world! After all, the mission of OCC is:
To demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

If you missed our last meeting and the beautiful story of how a shoe box can impact a life, take a few minutes to see what a difference one shoe box can make. (I dare you to watch it without crying.)

While we may not know who is on the receiving end of the shoeboxes that we pack and send out, God knows and He will deliver it into the hands of a child who most needs your box.

How can you participate? Print off a step-by-step packing list here, pack your box and bring it to our MOPS meeting Wednesday, November 10th.

I encourage you to get your kids involved to help pack your box. Why not include a note about yourself or your child? Samaritan's Purse has a coloring sheet that you can print off to help a child around the world know how much you care.

Want to know more? Here are a few extra links:

How to Pack a Shoebox
The Journey of a Shoebox
Follow Your Shoebox
The Greatest Journey ~ discipleship program after the shoebox distribution

The question now is ~ what are you waiting for? Are you ready to make a difference in the life of a child?

Beaded Serving Utensil

2010-11-03T13:21:00.023-04:00

Craft: Beaded Serving Utensil

Pretend there is a cute picture of our example serving spoon made by Ruthann here

Credits: Christmas Serving Utensil, Yummy! Serving Utensil
Supplies: serving utensil, beads, wire, beading pliers
Time: 5 minutes presenting, 25 minutes working
Description: Add a little extra pizazz to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table service. At our next MOPS meeting next week, we will be beading serving spoons with our guest crafter. If you would prefer, bring your own serving utensil to decorate.
Presenter: Ruth Stillwell (aka Sarah's Mom)

Mommy Bling

2010-10-20T12:57:00.001-04:00

Craft: Glass Tile Necklace
Credits: The Idea Room: Glass Tile Pendants, Glass Pendant Necklaces Tutorial
Supplies: Glass Tiles, Bails, Ribbon Necklaces, Graphics or Pictures (to fit the size of glass tile), Diamond Glaze, E600 adhesive or Super Glue, Scissors, Wax Paper, Toothpicks, Paper Towels
Time: 5 minutes presenting, 25 minutes working
Description: Moms will create their very own one-of-a-kind jewelry masterpiece to keep or give away. Get a kick start on your Christmas crafting or keep this beautiful necklace for yourself.

2010-10-13T12:38:00.000-04:00

Hello MOPS!

“Support Our Fundraiser!"

Dryden MOPS is fundraising with Mabel's Labels,

a company with all types of labels that are colourful, indestructible,

easy-to-use and fun!

Iron-Ons, Stickies, Bag Tags, Allergy Alert labels & more! Personalize

your labels with names, nicknames, initials - whatever you choose. Cool

icons help even little ones identify their own belongings. Dishwasher,

microwave, laundry & kid tested! Dispatched within 24 hours!

Visit http://www.drydenmops.mabel.ca/ to place your order while helping our fundraiser!

Mabel's Labels- Our sticky labels and clothing labels, which are dishwasher, microwave

and laundry safe, are not only practical, but also designed to be very

special to each child. The labels are customized with a child’s name,

favourite mix of colours and an icon (animal, symbol, etc.). We have also

expanded our product line to include personalized stationery products, ID

wristbands and household labels.

Please send this out to everyone and anyone you know!!

Thanks,

Dryden MOPS

Coffee for a Friend

2010-10-06T16:10:00.001-04:00

Craft: Rubber Stamping and Decorating Coffee Cups
Credits: Coffee for a Friend by Kisamari
Supplies: styrofoam coffee cups, Expresso Yourself Stampin' Up stamps, ink, markers, ribbon, single serve coffee, MOPS business card, MOPS meeting magnet
Time: 5 minutes presenting, 30 minutes stamping
Description: Moms will be decorating and assembling a single serve coffee cup gift to give to a friend.
Presenter: Penelope Carpenter

Harvest Festival Fun

2010-10-02T22:55:00.006-04:00

Our MOPS families had such a great time at the Harvest Festival today playing together and enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

We tossed bean bags.

We fed the baby calf named Carson.

We ate lots of yummy food.

We painted pumpkins.

Mrs. Park painted our faces.

We made smiley and funny faces.

And we went on a hay ride.

We couldn't have asked for a better day to spend time laughing and playing with our friends.

Happy Autumn!

Farm Harvest Festival

2010-09-23T09:41:00.001-04:00

Please join us for our Farm Harvest Festival! There will be tractor hay rides, pumpkin painting, games, food, and more. Bring the whole family and come for all or part of the celebration. We hope to see you there!

If you haven't already received an invitation and would like to add your name to the guest list, click here.

Making Applesauce

2010-09-22T12:09:00.004-04:00

Special Craft Day: Wednesday, September 29 9am-11am at Dryden Presbyterian Church

Craft: Homemade Applesauce
Credits: How to Make Homemade Applesauce, Ball Home Canning Applesauce
Supplies: Apples (donated by Hollenbeck's Cider Mill), Lemon Juice, Sugar, Cinnamon, Jar Grabber, Jar Funnel, Large Pots, Ladles, Ball Jars (donated by Dryden Agway), Water Bath Canner, KitchenAid with the Sieve/Grinder Attachments
Time: About 2 hours from first apple cut to last jar from the canner
Description: Moms will make their own quart of applesauce from scratch. We'll cut, boil, and puree apples; add lemon juice and sugar to taste; and pour the yummy homemade applesauce into jars to be canned or enjoyed fresh. We'll be making extras to give to the MOPPETS teachers as thank you gifts in December.

Book Swap!

2010-09-19T20:37:00.002-04:00

This Wednesday we will be having special guest speaker- Librarian Diane Pamel.

We are also going to have a book swap.

Bring any book (or books, but not too many) to our meeting and go home with something new to you!

www.southworthlibrary.org

Welcome back!

2010-09-08T20:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome back Dryden MOPS! We had a great turnout at today's meeting and welcomed three new moms to our group.

Our steering team has some great plans for the year-- don't miss it!

Until next time....

Mom, I'm Bored Jar

2010-09-07T23:34:00.005-04:00

Craft: Mom, I'm Bored Jar
Credits: Preschool Rock Indoor Jar Activity

Supplies: Jar, List of Indoor Activities, "Mom, I'm Bored" Label, Ribbon or Raffia, Scissors
Time: 5 minutes presenting, 15 minutes working
Description: No matter what’s keeping you and your preschooler indoors – weather, your budget or simply no place to go – the indoor fun jar activity will help you transform an ordinary home into an extraordinary world of amusements, making around the house boredom obsolete. Moms will be filling jars full of fun and imaginative activities for your preschooler to choose from on “indoor” days.

2010 MOPS Year Preview

2010-09-01T00:56:00.007-04:00

We're so excited to begin a new MOPS year soon!
Here's a sneak peak at some of the crafts scheduled for this next year.

Playground Fun!

2010-08-23T08:20:00.002-04:00

Let's start off the MOPS semester with fun for everyone!

Dryden Elementary Playground Meetup Open House

Thursday September 2nd

6:30-7:30

Bring the whole family!

See you there!

From Your MOPS Steering Team

ps. our first meeting is September 8th!

Getting Ready for MOPS!

2010-08-05T15:41:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for MOPS?

Summer Time!

2010-07-01T10:18:00.005-04:00

Summer time is vacation time for MOPS moms!
Currently we are on our summer break and will resume meeting in September.
What are we doing this summer, you ask?
Well....
getting ready for next year.
meeting together in small playgroups.

going out for ice cream!
fundraising for next year (help! we need funds!).
seeing each other at local events.
and many many other things!

Do you want to hear about these things?

Make sure you are on our mailing list: http://www.drydenmops.org/MailingList.html

ps. Did you see us at Dairy Day?

Machine Sewing 101 and Rice Heat Bags

2010-05-10T17:03:00.001-04:00

Craft:Machine Sewing 101 and Rice Heat Bags

Credits: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=280

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/sewing-basics#slide_14

Supplies: sewing machine, thread, fabric, rice, scissors, funnels

Time: 10 minutes presenting 15 minutes working

Description: Learn basic sewing machine skills. Turn, fill, and sew closed your rice bag.

Bread Baking 101

2010-04-26T09:48:00.005-04:00

Craft: Life Essentials: Bread Baking 101
Credits:
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/
The best flour for baking, lots of baking supplies, lots of great recipes, check out their blog!

Supplies: flour, instant yeast, water, salt, sweetener, oil/butter

Time: 15 minutes bread making, 10 minutes talk

Description: Learn the first steps in making a simple loaf of bread by hand or with your stand mixer.

Presenter: Sarah

Recipe:
Amish White Bread
1 cup warm water
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil
3 cups flour*
one package or 2 teaspoons instant

Recipe:
Jesse's Wheat Bread
1 cup + 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or other sweetener)
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoons salt
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup bread flour (or all purpose)
2 tsp instant yeast

How To:
Dump in your wet ingredients. Dump in your dry. Mix with a wooden spoon till a ball forms. Place on a lightly floured clean surface. Knead! Rise till double. Lightly press down and form. Rise till double. Bake for approximately 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Bake to 190 degrees.

Jill's Greener Living and Greener Cleaning!

2010-04-26T09:23:00.004-04:00

Craft: Spring Cleaning the Greener Way: How to Detox Your Home and Body

Green Cleaning is Easier Than You Think!

All natural non-toxic cleansers….kids can help!: Thieves Cleanser, Lime Hollow Naturals, Others ((7^th Gen, Mrs. Meyers, Method(Target))

Mix: light, medium or heavy duty multipurpose Thieves Essential Oil Cleanser

Sources:
www.youngliving.com
www.organicajane.com

Lime Hollow Naturals: Handmade soaps and natural cleaning supplies
721 Lime Hollow Rd. Cortland, NY
phone: 607-662-4748 email: limehollownaturals@yahoo.com

Supplies: Thieves (www.youngliving.com)

Description: Jill gives us a great handout full of tips and tricks for nontoxic living! Then we all take home a bottle of all purpose Thieves-based cleaner.

Presenter: Jill B.

Bag Swap!

2010-02-17T14:11:00.005-05:00

Craft: Bag Swap!
Credits: Better Homes and Gardens January 2010
Supplies: Bring bags of any sort: purses, reusable shopping bags, lunch bags, gift bags, duffle bags, etc.

Description:

Bring up to 5 bags in good condition.
Hand them to me at the beginning of MOPS and I will in turn give you the same amount of tickets for shopping.
Shop for bags on display by using your ticket.
Claim* your new item once everyone has 'shopped.'
Take back your unwanted bags or they will be donated to the Salvation Army.

*If 2 or more people desire the same item we will draw names.

The Respect Valentine

2010-02-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

The Respect Valentine
Craft: The Respect Valentine
Credits: "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33
The Emerson's Love and Respect Site- check out the free movies!

Supplies: Paper and Pens
Time: 10 mintues discussion, 20 minutes writing
Description: Moms will write a 'valentine' to their husband, focusing on respect rather than love.
Team: Sarah
Example:
Presenter:

Nutrition for the new year

2010-01-25T20:58:00.008-05:00

Craft: Talk on Nutrition
Credits: Sarah and Nicole
Supplies: Information Sheet
Time: 30 minutes
Description: A short presentation on Nutrition for Moms

Please do check out all these great sites and articles:

Dark Side of Soy
Too Much Soy
Tompkins County Local Food and CSA
Superfoods RX
Mindless Eating

Paper Pumpkins

2009-09-21T15:00:00.004-04:00

Craft: Paper Pumpkin Decorations
Credits: Parents Magazine
Supplies: paper, scissors, glue sticks, pencil, ruler
Time: 20minutes
Description: easily assembled paper pumpkins you can make yourself or with your kids to decorate for fall.
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Toddler Activity Kits

2009-08-13T08:41:00.002-04:00

Craft: Creating Toddler Activity Kits
Credits:
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2008/06/toddler-activity-bags.html
Supplies: Ziploc plastic Gallon bags, balloons, crayons, small animals, felt activity, lace up, small book, kazoo, paper
Time: 25 minutes- if there is extra time moms can share tips on keeping kids busy in difficult situations
Description: Moms will make the felt activity and lace up, the rest just needs to be assembled.
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Simple Soap Making

2009-08-12T21:18:00.006-04:00

Craft: Simple Soap Making
Credits: Martha Stewart Encyclopedia of Crafts
Supplies: http://www.brambleberry.com/ or your local craft store
Time: 25 minutes
Description:
Each mom will take a yogurt container and write her name in marker on the side. The demonstrator will take pre-cut chunks of soap and honey and melt in microwave as per directions. Demonstrator will then pour soap into each moms yogurt container up to line drawn. Moms then can add things to their soaps like oatmeal, dried seeds, dried flowers. Possibly the moms will place their containers in an ice water tray to speed hardening. At this point the craft is finished, but the demonstrator can show how to remove soap, package soap, and different properties and ideas for soap making.
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Pedicure/Manicure Day

2009-05-25T14:30:00.002-04:00

Craft:Pedicure/Manicure
Credits:Sarah and the MOPS Steering Team
Supplies: dishpans, foot scrub, pumice sponges, towels, nail files, lotion, gloves, nail polish, kleenex or toe separators
Time: 60 minutes
Description:
pre-step: clip nails
1. Soak feet.
2. Scrub feet with foot scrub and with pumice sponge.
3. Dry feet (file if necessary) and lotion.
4. Paint Nails.
Team: Steering Team
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Not So Slippy Socks

2009-04-21T15:33:00.003-04:00

Craft: Non-slip Socks
Credits: http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2008/10/quick-craft-non-slip-socks.html
Supplies: fabric paint, cardboard, socks, scissors
Time: 30 minutes plus drying time
Description: Take your ordinary socks and paint the bottoms to give them a non-slip surface
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Journals

2009-04-21T15:32:00.002-04:00

Craft: Penlope's Journals
Credits: Penelope treated everyone to a craft involving journals.
Supplies:
Time:
Description:
Team:
Example:
Presenter:

Cupcake Crazy

2009-02-06T14:01:00.004-05:00

Craft: Cooking with Kids- Cupcakes!
Credits: Martha Stewart, books (TBA), your imagination!
Supplies: Cupcakes, Frosting, Food Colorings, Candies,
Time: 5 minutes brainstorming, 20 minutes decorating, 5 minutes cleanup
Description: Moms will learn fun ways to decorate cupcakes in novel ways, possibly taking many of these ideas back home to be a fun activity with the kids! Prebaked cupcakes will be available along with premade frosting and lots of candy garnishes. Printouts of inspiring pictures and books will be available for reference.
Team: Sarah and a volunteer (to help make all those cupcakes)
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Butterflies
Clowns
For Every Month!
Cupcakes Take the Cake!

The Respect Valentine

2009-01-06T09:53:00.005-05:00

Craft: The Respect Valentine
Credits: "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33
The Emerson's Love and Respect Site- check out the free movies!

Supplies: Paper and Pens
Time: 10 mintues discussion, 20 minutes writing
Description: Moms will write a 'valentine' to their husband, focusing on respect rather than love.
Team: Sarah
Example:
Presenter:

Memory Wire Bracelets

2009-01-06T09:21:00.008-05:00

Craft: Memory Wire Bracelets
Credits:http://www.jewelrysupply.com/index.php?main_page=1/proj_b316.html
Supplies: memory wire, round nose pliers, wire cutters, beads
Time: 30 minutes
Description: Moms will cut wire to size, curve end into loop, string beads, and then curve other end into loop to close.
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Quick Tips for Nutrition and Exercise

2009-01-04T14:00:00.003-05:00

Craft: Nutrition and Exercise
Credits: Sarah Dovi and Nicole Dovi
Supplies: Handouts
Time: 10 minutes exercise, 10 minutes nutrition, 10 minutes Q and A
Description: a presentation and interactive demonstration on helpful health and fitness for moms
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Resources:
http://www.nutritiondata.com/

Gift Tags and Toppers

2008-11-04T12:10:00.004-05:00

Craft: Gift Tags and Toppers
Credits: Sarah and Penelope and Martha , Martha
Supplies: paper, scissors, glue, ribbons, felt, glue guns, etc.
Time: 30 minutes
Description: Moms get to make gift tags and toppers of their choice.
Team: Sarah and Penelope
Example: Sarah and Penelope
Presenter: Sarah and Penelope

Gift Tag Faces
Recycled Gift Tags
Print Tags

Learn to Crochet: Scarf!

2008-09-30T22:09:00.003-04:00

Craft: Learn to crochet: Scarf!
Credits: Spiral
Supplies: crochet hooks, yarn, patterns
Time: 10 introduction and instruction, 20 to go for it, finish at home
Description: Introduction to crochet and beginning a first project: scarves
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah
You Tube Vids:

Chain Stitch

Single Crochet

Double Crochet

No-Bake Cookies and Green Your Kitchen I

2008-09-30T22:00:00.001-04:00

Craft: Cow Plops and Green your Kitchen presentation part 1
Credits: my mom and me
Supplies: baking supplies, possible dishcloth for everyone, green handouts, recipe cards
Time: 20 for cookies, 10 minutes for presentation
Description: make no bake cookies then presentation
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/No-Bake-Cookies-I/Detail.aspx
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1910,159163-224198,00.html

Fall Foliage Table Decorations and Nametags

2008-09-17T21:32:00.003-04:00

Craft: Fall Foliage Table Decorations
Credits: Martha Stewart
Supplies: Craft Felt, Templates, Scissors, Pencils
Time: 10-15 minutes
Description: Moms will trace template on felt then cut out up to 5 different leaves (depending on group size)
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Craft: Fall Foliage Nametags
Credits: Sarah
Supplies: Craft Felt, Templates, Hot Glue, Safety Pins, Puffy Paint or Fabric Marker, Scissors, Pencils
Time: 10 minutes
Description: Moms will trace small leaf templates on felt then cut out, hot glue together,

Crazy Crayons in Gift Boxes

2008-08-21T21:49:00.005-04:00

September 10, 2008

Craft: Back to School Crazy Crayons
Credits: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/crazy-crayons
Supplies: old crayons, containers for bits, spoons for bits, oven, muffins tins and heart tins
Time: 10 minutes to make crayons, 15-20 to bake, 5 to sort and wrap
Description: Take old crayons and melt them into big toddler crayons
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

Craft: Origami Gift Boxes
Credits: U-Handblog Origami Boxes
Supplies: heavy weight paper, 2 sheets per person, tissue paper, ribbon
Time: 15-20 minutes to fold, 5 to wrap
Description: Make gift boxes for crayons
Team: Sarah
Example: Sarah
Presenter: Sarah

ps. cut-outs!

Crafting Ideas

2008-07-20T16:48:00.002-04:00

There are several different genres of craft. My goal is to cover many different areas of craft and levels of skill.

Genres:
papercraft/Origami
scrapbooking
painting
beading/jewelry
knitting/crocheting
sewing
cooking
making
gardening/flowers
educational/life skills
Computer/Graphic Arts
Stamping

Types:
Toys
Personal "me" projects
Gifts
Kids
Activity based
Skill based