Paint Night

Mornings together for breakfast, a stirring topic, and great conversation are the mainstay of MOPS, but every so often we have an evening out!

This time we created hopeful encouragements to Spring at Paint Night.

Pick up a copy of "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed, so that you can join us for book club, which will be our next MOPS night out in May!

In This House We Will Giggle

Recently a fellow Mom let us know about an upcoming Saturday morning conference 

through the Mops of Quincy Facebook page. Eight of us (plus a MOPS Grandma!) were able to spend the morning in Norwell to receive some encouragement from Courtney DeFeo.

As a mom in the throes of parenting, Courtney believes that instilling virtues in children starts with laughter, not lectures. That perspective propelled her to write "In this House we will Giggle", in which she offers motivating reflections, real-life stories, and inventive ways to cultivate virtues.  Each chapter focuses on one virtue with insights into how this plays out in real life and activity ideas. 

In addition to recommending the book, we wanted to share an idea from each virtue to get you started and perhaps thinking about how some of these might work for your family. Here are some of her practical and fun ideas for empowering our kids to become responsible, humble, patient, loving, joyful and generous adults!

Responsibility:

When it's time to clean up, set a timer and make it a game.

Humility:

After a friend or sibling does something big, transfer jealousy to praise by encouraging them to make a congratulations card.

Patience:

Provide them with a choice between a small treat now and a larger treat for later that is hidden in a bag.

Love:

Remind children that they are uniquely made and loved by writing a specific post it love note for their lunch bag or bathroom mirror.

Joy:

Make dance parties a regular part of your routine.

Generosity:

Teach them to distribute gift cards anonymously to a friend or neighbor who needs help or encouragement.

In addition to the book, Courtney also has a blog at: http://courtneydefeo.com/blog

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.