Meeting Recap - September 12, 2013

So if you noticed an unusual amount of happy mommies around town today it wasn't a coincidence, it was the first MOPS meeting day of 2013-2014!  We began our meeting by hearing from our Coordinator, Lauren Byrne. Lauren talked about our theme for this year, "A Beautiful Mess: Embrace Your Story". She explained that "beautiful messes" are what our lives are all about right now as moms to young children.  We go from chaotic mess one moment to teary-eyed wonder at the beauty of it all, and it is all a part of the wonderful story of our lives.  Lauren encouraged us to not rush to judgment of the other moms we see; often we assume "she" has it all when we really don't know what is going on behind those four walls of her home.  While we may do things differently (different ways to potty train, different bedtimes, different discipline methods) in so many ways we are the same.  We all raised our right hands and promised to not judge one another, but to be understanding and accepting of other moms.

We then heard from Nancy Ryalls, the coordinator of Women's and Children's Ministries at First Baptist.  She welcomed us to MOPS and told us some important points to remember about childcare for MOPS:  Drop off begins at 9:15am.  Don't forget to bring a snack for your child, and also remember to label items so they won't get confused with another Moppett's things.  Also, please remember to contact your table leader and Cynthia Pistulka (cynthia_pistulka@embarqmail.com) if your child will not be at Moppetts.  Thank you Nancy and Cynthia for all of your hard work! 

We were then introduced to the members of our Leadership Team for this year.  Cari Brown and Allison Bird are in charge of publicity; this includes the newsletter, blog, and our facebook group.  Elizabeth Killian is our go-to registration person.  Megan Stephens works tirelessly as our Table Leader Coordinator to keep your table leaders in line.  Michelle Cox Coordinates our wise and wonderful Mentoring Moms. Sweet Wendy Frady is our prayer and care person (don't forget her, she will get your meals arranged after you have a new baby!). Wendy also noted that there is a confidential prayer request box labeled, "Live Laugh Love" where you may submit any and all prayer needs.  You probably met Amy Vesser and Gina Langford at the front door; they are all about hospitality! Amber Young will be leading our monthly craft nights this year (so we can finally use those sewing machines we got for Christmas six years ago and craft in peace and quiet). Laurie Burke is our Creative Activities Coordinator and "crafty" should be her middle name (she totally rocked those centerpieces!). Finally we have Connie Horan who will be working on Service Projects and outside activities.  Also serving on leadership this year are your table leaders, which include Katie Smith, Connie Horan, Melissa Ragland, Megan Carey, Mere Curs, Allison Bird, and Marianne Tolley. 

Next we had a few announcements: 

• If you are on facebook and would like to be a part of our Cville MOPS private facebook group, please click here and request to join.  We use facebook to make some announcements, post items of interest, schedule play dates, etc. 
• If you or someone you know would be willing to donate breastmilk, please contact Amber Young (mrsamberyoung_at_gmail_dot_com). They can be located pretty much anywhere, near or far; Amber will coordinate shipping or picking it up.  Also, if you are in need of donor milk, Amber can help!  Her daughter has needed donor milk for a year and Amber has been blessed to receive thousands of ounces of donated breast milk. 
• Our first Mom's Night Out will be held on Saturday, October 5th, at the ACAC Downtown from 5-7:15pm.  There will be free childcare in the Kidzone, including pizza, and plenty of hors d'hoeurves for the moms on the rooftop pool deck.  While there you can tour the facility, take a Pilates class, or socialize with other MOPS moms.  This event is also to kick off a ACAC trial membership opportunity for our MOPS group in October.  Contact Connie Horan (connie_dot_horan_at_gmail_dot_com) with questions; sign up for childcare will be passed around at our Sept. 26th meeting. 
• We still have slots for the Free Kindermusik Class on Monday, Sept. 16th at 9:45 or 10:45. Children from newborn to 5 years old can attend with a parent/caretaker. The 45 minute class is held in a private room at Bounce-n-Play. Please contact Connie Horan to reserve a spot!
• Our MOPS Fall Family Festival will be on Saturday, October 26th at Greenfield Family Farm in Ruckersville from 3-6 pm.  Cost is free for under 2 and $6 per person.  Children will receive a pumpkin, and there are hayrides, a corn maze, and farm animals.  Feel free to bring a picnic or purchase concession-type food at the farm.  Look for the sign-up sheet at an upcoming meeting.
• Have an item in new to gently used condition but you don't need/want it?  Pass it on to your fellow MOPS mom!  Our pass it on table is alive and well this year; be sure to bring your unwanted "stuff" and keep an eye out for all of the cool "stuff" other people leave there. 

Our door prizes today were some of Lauren Byrne's favorite things!  The cute bag, Starbucks gift card, shiny coffee cup, and guaranteed super-smooth shaving gear were won by Melissa from the Alice in Wonderland table.  Trish K., Leah W., and Megan S. each won one of Lauren's favorite books.  Congrats ladies! 

Next we watched a wonderfully funny video of "Kid President"; an "Open Letter to All Moms".  Click here to watch it, and prepare to laugh!

Finally we did a simple yet super cute craft with Laurie Burke.  We used some colorful duck tape to decorate a pen!  This would make an awesome little gift for a neighbor, teacher, or friend.  Thanks Laurie!

We had a wonderful first MOPS Meeting. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make it happen!  We look forward to seeing you on September 26th.