MOPS newsletter

• • • Twinkle Times • • •
A publication of the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu MOPS

Coordinators Corner

Dear MOPS mom,

Welcome to our First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu MOPS group! We are so happy that you have decided to join us for the 2005-2006 year! We have exciting things planned and are looking forward to sharing them with you!

We are gearing up for a great year beginning September 12, from 9-11:00 am. We will meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, with the exception of December and March, when we will only meet the 2nd Monday. We have designed a fun morning, with you in mind!

Our theme this year is "Twinkle: Shine Like Stars in the Universe", based on Philippians 2:15. Our speakers will focus on subjects that are applicable to your life right now, from time management, learning to treat our bodies right and "Keeping the fun in your marriage!" You will be assigned to a discussion group with ten to twelve other moms and a group leader. Remaining in the same group for the year gives moms a chance to get to know each other and build relationships. Your discussion group leader will be your personal MOPS contact throughout the year should you have any questions or needs.

We are so pleased that you are joining us!

Coordinator's Corner...
Twinkle Times

REFLECTIONS ON "TWINKLING"
By Kathryn Muller

Recently, I read a library book to my two girls titled, "Twinkle, Little Lightning Bug, Twinkle." It was a Sesame Street Book, in which Big Bird captured a lightning bug and showed it off to all his friends. Each time he showed it to a new friend, he ordered the lightning bug to twinkle. Each time the lightning bug's twinkle was a little smaller, until it didn't twinkle anymore and just sat huddled in the bottom of the glass jar. It wasn't until one of his friends pointed this out to him, that Big Bird realized the lightning bug wasn't happy and wouldn't twinkle again until he was free.

It struck me as I heard about this year's MOPS theme, that as mothers we often become very like this little lightning bug. We feel trapped by our role as wives and mothers. Each demand that is placed on us by our husbands, children, and even ourselves, causes us to "twinkle" a little less. Our spirit grows dimmer and we eventually end up losing sight of our twinkle completely.

For me, attending MOPS is a twinkle-reviver. I get some "ME" time and I walk out of each meeting wanting to be a better mother and a better person. I find immense strength in the knowledge that I am not alone in my struggles and that I'm not the only one experiencing them! I feel freer after each meeting and stronger in my faith.

So, my challenge to you is to look at each demand (request) made on you as a chance to twinkle. Model the behavior that you want your children to see and incorporate in their own lives: volunteering, charity, consideration, patience and gentleness, interest in others, etc.

Oh, and don't forget to twinkle for yourself, too!

"Sick Day Decisions"

Remember the Golden Rule when your child is sick. Please do not bring a child to MOPS who:
Has a temp of 100 degrees or higher
Has vomited within the last 24 hours
Has a runny nose with green or yellow mucus, unless related to allergies
Has had severe diarrhea within the last 24 hours
Has been exposed to a contagious such as chicken pox, measles, strep throat, fifth disease, etc.

Thank you for helping to make MOPPETS a safer place to be!

Register for MOPS to MOM Connection
MOPS at First Prez has an annual registration fee of $20 that goes directly to MOPS International. This fee helps to cover the general costs of running the organization and provides the following benefits to you:

MOMSense Magazine: Six times a year, MOMSense provides practical information and inspiration especially for mothers of preschoolers.
MOM-E-MAIL : These short, weekly e-mails of encouragement meet moms right where
they are in mothering.
MOPS to Mom Benefit Box :
BabyFaith DVD - GOD MADE ME
This DVD includes a baby's version of the Creation Story, as described in Genesis, the very first book of the Bible. Your baby will begin to understand the important words, "God Made You!"
and "God Loves You!"
Just Give Me a Little Piece of Quiet
Have you ever wished you could soak in the tub - without sitting on your toddler's rubber ducky? This book might be the next best thing. Step off the mommy treadmill for a little while, get outside your wipe-a-nose workday, and let fellow mom Lorilee Craker help you out.
Mini-MOMSense Magazine
This 16-page Mini-MOMSense Magazine will introduce you to MOPS and the 2005-2006 MOPS Theme - Twinkle: Shine Like Stars in the Universe.
Five-Star Family Magnet
Put a picture of your family in this fun magnet and show everyone that your family is a Five-Star Family with the qualities described in Carol Kuykendall's new Book Five-Star Families (Love, Fun, Loyalty, Growth, and Faith)!
MOPS to Mom Connection Membership Card
All new plastic membership card that you can carry in your wallet!

If you have any questions, please ask a Steering Team member.

Fall 2005 MOPS at First Prez Schedule

Sept. 12: "Twinkle: Shine like Stars in the Universe"
Introduction to the MOPS year and theme, Twinkle. What makes you a star?
Sept. 26: "How Bright is Your Light?"
This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine... We all know this great song about letting our light shine, but just what kind of light are you?
Oct. 10: "Star Light, Star Bright...Learning to Treat Your Body Right"
Panel of doctors featuring an OBGYN, General Practitioner and a Pediatric Nurse will be on hand for questions and instruction on general health for 5 Star Families!
Oct 24: "Go Light Your World"
Operation Christmas Child-Craft Day
Shoe Box presents will be packaged and sent to children living in desperate situations around the world. Bring joy this Christmas to a child in need.
**Bring 10 new items to package into Christmas boxes for children
Nov 14: "Thank Your Lucky Stars"
This holiday season come and reflect with us on all that we have to be thankful for. We will exchange favorite holiday recipes and family traditions and make a holiday candle craft that will light up our homes this holiday season!
Nov. 28: "Be a Shooting Star"
Learn tips on how to get the best photos of your children.
Dec. 12: "Star of Bethlehem"
Join us for our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange and Holiday Craft extravaganza. Please bring 2 dozen cookies to swap as well as a brunch item
Christmas Break

2005 MOPS Steering Committee

Coordinator-Siana Hunt 734-4373
sianahunt@hawaii.rr.com
Co-Coordinator-Christine Duplissey
456-1188
christine_duplissey@yahoo.com
Mentors-Tyne Cody 235-2956
buffalo5c@netscape.com
Carole Hickerson
jimhickerson@hawaii.rr.com
Hospitality-Karen Delaney 373-5377
karendelaney@hawaii.rr.com
Group Discussion Leader-Liza Wacker
394-0331
wackera2@yahoo.com
Finance-Jenne Snell 396-8750
montyjenne@hawaii.rr.com
Creativity/Crafts-Suzie Neufeldt 988-1217
robnsuz@hawaii.rr.com
Newsletter-Kathryn Muller 423-7267
bkmuller@hawaii.rr.com
_______________________________
If you are interested in serving on our Steering Team or would like to nominate someone for a position please email Siana.

General Meeting Information
Time: 8:50 am - 11 am
Please arrive promptly and have your child enrolled in MOPPETS prior to the meeting start time.

Dates: Second and Fourth Monday of the month; September to May, excluding holidays. Call to confirm dates.

Cost: $5 /meeting
Please contact a steering member if there is a need for financial help. We have a scholarship program and no mom is ever turned away.
The meeting fee helps to cover the following expenses:
Childcare
Crafts
Supplies
MOPPETS snacks and crafts

A MOPS meeting format typically includes:
Socializing
Speaker or Craft Activity
Discussion

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with my kids, and make them so happy, just as they did. I want to pay back all the joy they've provided,
returning each deed. Oh, they'll be so excited. When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.
I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues,
and bounce on the furniture wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets, and oh, how they'll shout.
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.

When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head, and when that is done I'll hide under the bed.
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.

When they cook dinner and call me to meals,
I'll not eat my green beans or salads congealed.
I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
and when they get angry, run fast as I'm able.
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.

I'll sit close to the TV, thru the channels I'll click, I'll cross both my eyes to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud until the end of the day.
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.

And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh, and thank God in prayer and then close my eyes, and my kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
and say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping.
- Author Unknown

Our main way of emailing information regarding upcoming MOPS meetings, playdays, special events and other news related to MOPS will be through our yahoo groups account. Please email christine_duplissey@yahoo.com to join. You will be sent a profile request to join the MOPS at First Prez yahoo group. If you don't have a yahoo ID you can sign up at www.yahoo.com in order to post messages on our yahoo group.

Download your MOPS registration form today.