Operation Christmas Child 2014

What ended up like this.....

Started out like this.....

We were able to pack over 50 boxes of toys, art supplies, toiletries, and treats with the help of the Moms pictured and several more. 

A big thank you to those of you who donated to the gifts, helped to pack them, or will pray for the children who are to receive them. 

Also, plan to join us next year if you can, it was a lot of fun!

Meeting the Moms: Kate Poles

1. How long have you been attending MOPS?

I joined MOPS in September 2013.

2.If you had a 25th hour in your day without your children present, what would you do (aside from napping)?

I would finally start making photo albums with all of our family pictures. I keep saying I will start a book soon, but still haven't gotten around to it.

3.What you have found to be the best "product" (toy, food, etc) for kids?

Although it is not a kids product, my cordless hand vacuum is great for cleaning up messes without having to pull out the big vacuum. In terms of kids products, my favorites are the second-hand clothes, toys, and gear that I have found at yard sales and consignments sales and shops! I love a good deal!

4.What is the best parenting advice you ever received?

Everyone always says to enjoy the time right now when John is little because it goes by so quickly. I definitely agree...I can't believe how fast 1.5 years have gone already! During the past few months, I feel like I have learned to enjoy even the smallest things every day that John is learning to do because I realize how quickly he is growing up.

5. What has been the hardest thing about parenting for you? What have you enjoyed the most?

The hardest thing for me has been learning to accept that not every day and not every aspect of parenting will go exactly the way I plan it. I get frustrated at times when I plan the day around a nap that doesn't happen or when I read about and try out ways to help your child with ____ and they don't work for John right away. The best part about parenting is watching John explore the world around him and get so excited about learning new things.

6. Favorite fill in the blank (food, place, song, book, movie, etc).

Favorite foods: whole wheat bread, homemade ice cream from a farm stand or ice cream shop, and homemade desserts, especially ones with chocolate!

7. Any recommendations on Boston area kid-friendly places?

There are so many places I enjoy going with John in the Boston area. I love walking on a nice day at Wollaston Beach, Pope John Paul II Park or Castle Island. We also frequently reserve museum passes at the library for discounted or free admission to local attractions like the Franklin Park Zoo, New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and the Children's Museum. John enjoys seeing the animals at local farms like Hornstra in Norwell. Storytimes and music programs at local libraries are also great, even when we are out of town. This summer my husband and I also spent many weekend days biking with John. Some of our favorite family-friendly trails include the Minuteman Bikeway (Arlington to Bedford), the Cape Cod Rail Trail (starting in Dennis), and the East Bay Bike Path (starting in Bristol, RI).

8. Anything else you might like us to know?

Before John was born I taught fourth grade for nine years. Although I miss teaching some days, I love teaching John new things now that I am at home. My husband and I spent a lot of our free time traveling in Europe before John was born. Right now we are enjoying local trips in New England and exploring the cities and parks in our own country. Someday we hope to visit all 50 states! We also hope to return to some of our favorite places here and abroad with John.

Meeting the Moms: Meghan Crabb

1. How long have you been attending MOPS?

About four years, I think. Katie Gonzalez introduced me to the group shortly after I had Phoenix. It's been challenging for me to get as involved as I'd really like to, because I share a car with my husband who is a travelling salesman, but when I am able to make it to things I always have a great time & enjoy the company :-) My kids both LOVE going to MOPS and playing with their friends!

2.If you had a 25th hour in your day without your children present, what would you do (aside from napping)?

I would hang out with my husband, go out and do something fun with him!

3.What you have found to be the best "product" (toy, food, etc) for kids?

Moby Wrap, for sure. I love the thing. It's only useful for a short amount of time but it is a LIFESAVER during those few months.

4.What is the best parenting advice you ever received?

To turn off the TV. (Thanks Jessi!!) ... My TV Free days are the best thing that's ever happened to our family. I'm so, so, so thankful for Jessi's presentation last year and the effect that it's had on our family life!!!

5. What has been the hardest thing about parenting for you? What have you enjoyed the most?

The hardest part is staying calm. It's so easy to get frantic, busy, distracted, upset, and even angry about things that in the long run aren't really all that important. I have a hard time slowing down and enjoying the moment.

My favorite part about parenting is simply the fulfillment that comes from laying down your life for another person (people). It is truly the most satisfying thing in the world to know at the end of every day that I have done the absolute best I can (most days...) to give my children everything they need to thrive and grow into awesome adults. I love watching them grow up...My heart is just so FULL!

6. Any recommendations on Boston area kid-friendly places?

That new play structure at Faxon Park is pretty awesome... it's local and easy to get to. Also the Braintree Splash Pad.

Of course, nothing beats a day on the Common in the summertime. :-)

Meeting the Moms: Sheby Rajiv

 

1. How long have you been attending MOPS?

Its been 2 years now.

2.If you had a 25th hour in your day without your children present, what would you do (aside from napping)?

I would contact my friends whom I haven't heard from in a while -either call them or at least send them an email.

 

3.What you have found to be the best "product" (toy, food, etc) for kids?

Haven't come across any particular product as being exceptional.

Both my children love to play with empty big card board boxes- they use this as pretend house, shop, play pen,school.... and what not....after they play with it we fold it and keep it under the couch.

 

4.What is the best parenting advice you ever received?

Kids will be okay even if they skip/do not eat one meal properly. ( I used to be paranoid about my kids and their eating until my husband gave me this advice).
 

5. What has been the hardest thing about parenting for you? What have you enjoyed the most?

I guess the hardest thing is to be patient with my kids. It is easy to get angry but it is important to be patient with kids and at times i have found this difficult.

 

I really enjoy doing crafts with them including large (1000 piece) jigsaw puzzles.

6. Favorite fill in the blank (food, place, song, book, movie, etc).

food....I really enjoy Mexican food...which is my new favorite food.

song.... change my heart oh lord.

book.. Good Morning Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn

movie.... Top Gun (maybe because Tom Cruise is in it)

 

7. Any recommendations on Boston area kid-friendly places?

Boston Bowl at Hanover- have free bowling for kids in the summer with coupons.Kids enjoyed it and it is a fun activity.

8. Anything else you might like us to know?

I recently found out that I have a hidden talent in making jewelry. This is something that I really enjoy and have started selling some of my handiwork.

Meeting the Moms: Kristen Clancy

Hopefully many of you got to know Kristen a little better at our speed friending event last week. Here are a few more facts about her and her girls:

1. How long have you been attending MOPS?

I joined in January of 2011, my girls were just 17 mths. and 2 mths. and I had barely left the house on my own since the youngest was born. My neighbor made me go and I have been a member ever since.

2.If you had a 25th hour in your day without your children present, what would you do (aside from napping)?

It depends on the season. Now with the fall weather here I would get a grande vanilla latte from Starbucks, light the fire place in our living room, wrap myself in a blanket and watch a good movie with my husband!

3.What you have found to be the best "product" (toy, food, etc) for kids?

There are so many great products on the market. If you asked my kids they would say LEGOs. However, what has made my life easier are the Summer Sleep Sacks. I used them with all three of my girls from birth, the older two until they were really rolling and moving in the crib. It may be my luck that I have good sleepers but all of my girls have been sleeping a minimum of 7 hours, straight through the night, starting at 8 weeks.

4.What is the best parenting advice you ever received?

Enjoy it! We all hear it and when you are in the thick of it it seems hard to enjoy it! It is hard enough to make it through a day. My first two girls are 15 months apart, we truly just survived each day but now with Gemma I'm trying to slow down time and enjoy the little moments.

5. What has been the hardest thing about parenting for you? What have you enjoyed the most?

I have a type "A" personality so now that my girls want to do it their way and deviate from my carefully thought-out plan, I am having a tough time. However, with this age also comes their ability to communicate more easily and with purpose. I love to hear them talk about their day, their friends, their ideas, how they tell a story and how they view the world. (Just as long as all this talking is not happening after 8 pm)!

6. Favorite fill in the blank (food, place, song, book, movie, etc).

The beach, particularly Coast Guard Beach in Eastham. It may be the nostalgia from growing up and spending my summers there but I find it completely tranquil!

7. Any recommendations on Boston area kid-friendly places?

Home Depot and Lowes....

Yes, I know, ODD! But my girls love going to the building programs that they have monthly and bi-monthly respectively. The programs are free and it is a great activity to do with Moms, Dads, Grandparents, etc. For me, it is also teaching my girls that they can do anything boys can.

8. Anything else you might like us to know?

I am originally from the Midwest, growing up in a town 30 miles northwest of Chicago. I spent my summers with my aunt and uncle on the Cape and fell in love. When I was in my early 20's I had the opportunity to live and work in London and when I returned to the US I knew at some point I would move to Boston. Right after my husband and I got engaged he accepted a job out here and we moved knowing only each other. That was an adventure! It was not until 3.5 years later that I joined MOPS - however, many of my closest friends have been or are current members here at MOPS of Quincy. MOPS has helped me to see and feel my worth as more than "just a mom" but as a wife, friend, daughter, sister and woman.

Meeting the Moms: Tiffany L

At our next MOPS Meeting on October 9th, we will have the opportunity to get to know each other better by sitting down one one one with "speed friending"! In case you don't get paired up with Tiffany during that time, here is a little more about her....

 

1. How long have you been attending MOPS?

 

 I have been attending Quincy MOPS for a year and a half now. Before that, I had another super awesome MOPS group for 3 years in PA.

 

2.If you had a 25th hour in your day without your children present, what would you do (aside from napping)?

 

Read. In all honesty, probably really light chick-lit because I have a hard time following anything too complex these days. I would love a well rested 25th hour to read some classic literature!
 

3.What you have found to be the best "product" (toy, food, etc) for kids?

 

Minivan. We were die hard "NO MINIVANers." But with baby # 3, we broke down. Love that thing!
 

4.What is the best parenting advice you ever received?

 

I can't think of anything specific. I actually love parenting advice and soak it up like a sponge! And I even enjoy all of the unsolicited advice I get from strangers. Apparently something about seeing me and my brood in public screams "HELP ME NOW!"
 

5. What has been the hardest thing about parenting for you? What have you enjoyed the most?

 

Hardest thing: It was hard for me to come to terms with the fact that my strengths and gifts aren't the same as those of my children. Accepting that can be tricky for me. Best thing: The snuggles.
 

6. Favorite fill in the blank (food, place, song, book, movie, etc).

 

Favorite foods: Cheeseburgers and Nutella. Not together, of course.
 

7. Any recommendations on Boston area kid-friendly places?

 

We just did the Fly-In breakfast in Hanson (on the recommendation of another MOPS Mom) and wow, did we love it! http://www.eaa279.org/279breakfast/breakfast.htm
 

8. Anything else you might like us to know?

 

I met three of my best friends through MOPS and I am excited to build real relationships with more moms. No pressure or anything ;-).

Meeting the Moms: Jessi Killilea

During our first meeting Elyse led us in a great ice breaker activity. Throughout the year we will be featuring profiles on our Moms to help us continue to get to know each other better. We would love to include you! First off, meet Jessi and her twin boys.

1. How long have you been attending MOPS? 

I've been attending MOPS for a year. I started attending Sept 2013

2.If you had a 25th hour in your day without your children present, what would you do (aside from napping)? 

I would love to go kayaking. I got a kayak the summer before my boys were born, and I haven't found time to use it since. Living so close to the beach, it would be great to find time to use it again.

3.What you have found to be the best "product" for kids? 

Best product is a hard one, my boys enjoying playing with recycled materials: boxes, containers, empty bottles. Product I'd recommend to a new mom would probably be my stroller: city select with an extra seat (twins).

4.What is the best parenting advice you ever received? 

Read "The Sleep Easy Solution." Best book on sleep for any child 5 months to 5yrs. My twins have slept through the night since 8 months old, 12 hours!

5. What has been the hardest thing about parenting for you? What have you enjoyed the most? 

Hardest thing would be the long days with little adult conversation. The one thing I enjoy most is watching my boys imagination unfold, they are insanely creative!

6. Favorite fill in the blank (food, place, song, book, movie, etc). 

That's a hard one. I feel like so much of me has changed over the past two years. Favorite place would be anywhere near water, and I love going into Boston.

7. Any recommendations on Boston area kid-friendly places? 

We love going on the train to the Boston Common (Park Street).

8. Anything else you might like us to know? 

I love to travel. I'm hoping that we can find more times during the year to travel with the boys. Before children, my husband and I visited Ireland and Mexico, and I've spent time in England and Europe.

The Start of Something Brave

First Fall Meeting: September 11th at 9:30

Fort Square Presbyterian Church

16 Pleasant Street

Quincy MA

2nd and 4th Thursdays

9:30-11:30 a.m.

$50 for the whole year.

First three meetings are free!

Final 2014 Summer Play Date: Watson Park

Our final Quincy MOPS summer play date of 2014 took place at Watson Park.

On the Braintree/Quincy line it was an ideal location for many.

A relatively hidden South Shore gem, it includes a splash pad, playground and nature trail by a beach-- all for free!

There was some shade for snacking and opportunity for conversation, while the kids delighted in the water and the sun.

MOPS of Quincy Summer 2014

                                                   

Several Quincy play dates have taken place this summer.

Kate offered up her backyard in mid-July for the younger set.

It is a wonderful shady spot that features a variety of play structures and toys which Kate and her husband have aquired with their yard sale and side of the road searching skills.

She provided a delicious fruit salad which appealed to both the Moms and the kiddos. Several of the children had never been to the childcare program at MOPS, but will be attending in September, so it gave them a chance to interact with new playmates for the coming year.

 

              

A few blocks away on the same day, Darcy featured a fun and messy outdoor arts project for slightly older kids.

  

At the end of July it was a beautiful day to be at the beach when MOPS held a play date at Caddy Park, the playground located right across from the ocean on Quincy Shore Drive. About a quarter of the current MOPS membership turned out, and some new Moms expressed interest in joining.

If you weren't able to make any of these, there is still one more play date happening on August 20th from 9:30-11:30 at Watson Park on Gordon Road off of Quincy Avenue in Braintree. The park features a splash pad to add to the fun.

Invite a friend who has never been to MOPS or come on your own to make or deepen friendships with other Moms.

If you aren't able to come on August 20th we look forward to seeing you on September 11th at 9:30 for the MOPS fall kick off at Fort Square Church, 16 Pleasant Street, Quincy. 

Thanks to Jessi Killilea and Ashley Lynch-Mahoney for providing the pictures for this post!

How you used to spend Summer

I won't ask you to close your eyes (since you're reading) but try this with me....

Remember back to a summer before you had kids....

Now remember further back to a summer before it occurred to you that someday you would no longer be a kid.... 

What was the best thing about that summer? 

Is it something that you could recreate for your kids? 

I would guess that it was something pretty simple and inexpensive. 

My favorite thing about summer as a child was spending time in the woods that bordered my backyard. I spent many hours wading in the creeks that ran through them, and alternating between seeking shade from the tree branches and climbing up in them.

Many of us are raising our families in places where we need to do more to get to the woods than open the back door. In fact some of us usually get in a car before we play outside.

Our daughter is at the age where she still considers dirt and sand food groups, but we have done our best to spend lots of time outside this summer. 

When we do get outdoors, we try to physically take a few steps back, so that she can decide if the shovel is for digging this time or if instead it is a hat. We try to let her experience the texture of the sand squeezed between her fingers even if it means we sometimes wait too long and end up sweeping our fingers through a mouth filled with grit. 

Her summers will be different from how mine were in some ways, but I want to offer her the slowness and space necessary to create those imaginary worlds in which I spent my summers.

What might your children remember as the best thing about this summer?

What will have been the highlight for you? Is it similar to what it used to be?

Use the comments section to leave ideas for other moms to use for the remainder of the summer.

Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry

At our most recent meeting, we looked at the role that Hurry plays in our life. Our fast-paced lifestyle is doing more than just causing us stress; it is affecting our children in numerous ways!

We closed with a blog post and wanted to post it here for those who may have missed the meeting.

"The Day I Stopped Saying 'Hurry Up'"

Since then, I stumbled across a Christian Mom Blog who wrote about the same topic and wanted to share that link. It is amazing how many people are becoming aware of what we miss when we hurry about.

What Slowing Down Teaches You That Rushing Never Will

So as we get ready for the busy end of the school year, and a busy summer after that, remember to slow down. Even if it is just a little bit, let's make the time to notice our children, delight in their joy and even get a chance to experience some of our own joy!