Monday, December 15, 2008

Dear Santa

Hope all you moms are enjoying your holidays. Looking forward to joining together for fellowship again at our first meeting of the Spring Semester on Friday, January 23. Also, remember our Moms Night Out on Thursday, January 10 at El Sombrero's at 6. In the meantime, here's a funny email I received:

Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the pediatrician's office more than my own doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out -- over several Christmases.

Since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles; and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years, so now - -
*** Here are my Christmas wishes ***

* I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (-in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

* I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

* If you're hauling big-ticket items this year, I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

* On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

* I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, 'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

* If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

*If you don't mind, I could also use a few miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

*It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing, and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his red crayon back. Have a safe trip Santa, and remember to leave your wet boots by the door, and come in and dry off, so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours always with love and appreciation,
a Mom

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Adventures in Mothering underway

Our year of discussing the Adventures in Mothering is officially underway. I hope those of you that joined us for our first meeting would agree it was a great time. We enjoyed catching up after a busy summer. The group had an opportunity to meet the 2008-09 steering team, make some nifty bags and hear about the year ahead.










Another 12 moms joined us Monday night for MOMS Night OUT at Gusben's in Cornelia on Tuesday evening. It was a great time. Our next event is a Family Night Out at Zanzo's in Clarkesville on Monday, Oct. 27 at 6 pm.

Don't forget our next meeting Friday, Oct. 10 at 9:30...bring your decorated nametags!

If you missed the first meeting, you are still welcome to join us! We look forward to adding new moms throughout the year. Phone numbers and email are listed to the right.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Wednesday Whirl - Issue 1

Welcome to your first edition of the Wednesday Whirl. This electronic newsletter will get you geared up for each MOPS meeting. Our first meeting is this Friday, Sept. 19! Hope to see you there!

Hi, MOPS MOMS! Here's your Wednesday Whirl.

Wednesday Whirlyour e-Mail connection to Habersham MOPS

Don’t Forget our first meeting this Friday, Sept. 19 @ 9:30 AM

Arrive early to get your MOPPET settled in and get your name in our on-time prize drawing. As always, a tasty breakfast awaits.

Go Ahead & Mark your calendar for Monday, Sept. 23. Moms Night Out…Listen For Details at our meeting!

Your meeting checklist:
New/Updated MOPS Registration FormMoppets Registration Form & current Shot RecordSemester/ Yearly Fees (if not already paid)Your Smiling Face…pics will be taken for our new directory!Be Early! We have lots of catching up to do!

Monday, September 8, 2008

First Meeting of the Year - Sept. 19

Our first meeting of the 2008-2009 year is just around the corner. We hope you can join us on Friday, Sept. 19 at Bethlehem Baptist Church for fun, food and fellowship as Mothers of Preschoolers get together to encourage one another. Our meetings begin at 9:30, so arrive early to drop off your MOPPET and enjoy a tasty breakfast.

Registration forms for MOPS and MOPPETS are available under the Forms heading to the right. We'll see you there!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Wrapping Up Summer

I know it sounds strange, but we are wrapping up our summer MOPS activities. We hope you have enjoyed the playdates and other events that were planned. Many of you joined us at Monkey Joe's last week, and we look forward to doing it again soon. In the meantime, please keep in mind the following activities:

FIP - This week @ Pitts Park @ 9:30 am
I know it's been hot, ladies, but we'll have water for all and snacks for the little ones. Please share this information with new moms who might be interested in joining MOPS.

FIP - August 15 @ Pitts Park @ 9:30 am
This one is after school starts back and will be our final FIP before our meetings kick off in September. Don't miss it. Bring your friends!

Unfortunately, the MOPS pool party has been cancelled. We were unable to reserve the Clarkesville Pool during non-public swim hours, as originally planned. We were unable to find an affordable alternative location. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Again, share information about MOPS with your friends and neighbors. We welcome new moms and are always looking for more MOPPETS workers. Thanks. See you Friday!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

FIP, Monkey Joe's & Blueberry Picking

Hey, Moms! Hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful summer.

FIP – this Friday, July 11 – Location Change – Pitts Park @ 9:30 a.m.
Don’t forget to join us this Friday for F.I.P. We’ll be meeting once again at Pitts Park in Clarkesville. Our two final FIPs will be July 25 & August 15, both at Pitts Park. In an effort to beat the heat, we’re starting our gatherings at 9:30 a.m. See you there!

Play date @ Monkey Joes on Tues, July 15 in Gainesville @ 10 a.m.
Playdate @ Monkey Joe’s in Gainesville on Tuesday, July 15 from 10 a.m. until they shut down or your kids do. Monkey Joe’s is located at 2283 Browns Bridge Road in Gainesville. They are giving Habersham MOPS a group rate pricing of $5 per child. They have a concession stand with food and other goodies. Your children will need to wear socks. Hope to see you there!
Please RSVP by Wednesday 7/9 @ 5 pm to missy@bramlettconsulting.com or call 706-778-0927. We'd like to get an idea of how many to expect. For more information about Monkey Joe’s, visit their website. If you are interested, a carpool/caravan will leave from Level Grove Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m. on the 15th. Our thanks to Missy Bramlett for coordinating the details of our blueberry outing!

Blueberry Picking @ Sidney Rolands Blueberries on Saturday, July 19 @ 9 a.m.

You and your family are invited to join us at Sidney Rolands Blueberries for a fun morning of blueberry picking. This is a great year for the berries. Bring a container to put your berries in (sand buckets work great for the kids). Also plan to bring a hat and/or sunscreen, a blanket and refreshments. Berries are $4 a gallon, if you can get that many in your bucket. We’ll plan to eat at the river behind The Roland House or on blankets in the blueberry patch if the river is too much for the little ones. There are a few shaded areas.

Directions: From Clarkesville, take 115 toward Cleveland. At four-way stop with Hwy 105 (Cannon Bridge Rd) turn RIGHT towards Helen. Go 2 miles, turn LEFT onto Riverbend. This turns into Smith Loop Road. After about 1.5 miles look for wooden sign on LEFT that says Sidney Rolands Blueberries, turn RIGHT onto Sidney Roland Rd (dirt road). Go down the road until you see Blueberry sign, turn RIGHT. Follow drive down, turn LEFT between blueberry rows, LEFT over little bridge, park in the grass and see all the blueberries!!!!
We’re trying to get a feel for how many families will be attending. If you plan to join the fun, please RSVP to Melissa Maughon at mepama@applebank.net Our thanks to Melissa Maughon for coordinating the details for our blueberry outing!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

The Latest on our Summer Events

Our summer calendar is now viewable via the link posted on the top right of our page. Here's some more information about our next event:

Playdate at Spray Grounds in Laurel Park (Gainesville) – Wed. July 2

Cost is $1.00 per child. The park opens at 10:00 am.

What to bring: Sunscreen, Plenty of drinks, lunch or snack, sunglasses, baby stroller with top, hats for everyone, water toys and towels.

For those who have not been to the park. There is no shade! The spray ground is fenced in, and there are benches and picnic tables inside the fenced area. Also, this is not a pool, so children do not need floaties. Water shoes are highly recommended, sometimes the ground may feel hot to tender feet. First persons there please hold a table or two for us. Next to the spray ground is a playground that sometimes has shade, and there are two covered picnic areas that may be used if not rented by another group.

Directions: From Clarkesville, Follow Hwy 115 W to Cleveland. Once in Cleveland, take Hwy 129 South toward Gainesville. Approx. 17.5 miles from Cleveland square to the turn off. Look for the brown park sign "Laurel Park" with arrow pointing left. You will turn left onto New Bridge Church Road. It looks like you are turning into the church parking lot. Turn onto the road, then 2nd right onto Old Cleveland Road. Follow signs to Laurel Park. (New Bridge Church is only half mile past the first bridge you drive over.)

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

FIP - Time & Location Change

Friday in the Park for this week June 27 has been changed to Mt. Airy Park at 9:30 a.m. This is a great park right off of Dicks Hill Parkway between the Town Hall and the Cornelia City Park.

We've elected to cancel our Cleveland Park date since Cleveland has a brand new MOPS group of their own. Please join us on Friday in Mt. Airy!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Details on Upcoming Summer Events

Playdate @ Unicoi Park on Wednesday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Recreation and swimming at Unicoi. There are a lot of steps going down to the lake. So pack and carry as little as possible. There is an unofficial drop-off area near the handicapped parking that can be used to carry things to the sandy beach, and you can bring a stroller that way. Afterwards, you will then need to move your car back up the hill. Parking is free on Wednesdays. What do you need at the beach: plenty of sunscreen, buckets and shovels, and beach toys. Pack plenty to drink and snack or lunch. Also, bring hats for everyone in the family. Picnic blanket and towels would be nice.

If you wish to attend the public presentation on "Snakes", it starts at 10 am at the Trading Post. So, BE THERE EARLY! The program is 30 minutes long with an additional 15 minutes to touch the snakes. To get to the Trading Post, you will pass the first entrance to the park, go over the bridge (crossing the lake) and make your first LEFT. Turning LEFT into the campground. Follow signs to the Trading Post. Afterwards, join us at the beach area.

Directions: From Clarkesville, take Hwy 17 to the end. Turn RIGHT onto Hwy 75, drive through Helen, pass Helen and 1/2 mile pass turn RIGHT onto Hwy 356.
Our thanks to Robyn Addison for gathering the details for our Unicoi trip!

Friday in the Park – Mt. Airy Park on Friday, June 27 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Join us for another fun morning of fellowship.

Blueberry Picking @ Sidney Rolands Blueberries on Saturday, July 19 @ 9 a.m.
You and your family are invited to join us at Sidney Rolands Blueberries for a fun morning of blueberry picking. This is a great year for the berries. Bring a container to put your berries in (sand buckets work great for the kids). Also plan to bring a hat and/or sunscreen, a blanket and refreshments. Berries are $4 a gallon, if you can get that many in your bucket. We’ll plan to eat at the river behind The Roland House or on blankets in the blueberry patch if the river is too much for the little ones. There are a few shaded areas.

Directions: From Clarkesville, take 115 toward Cleveland. At four-way stop with Hwy 105 (Cannon Bridge Rd) turn RIGHT towards Helen. Go 2 miles, turn LEFT onto Riverbend. This turns into Smith Loop Road. After about 1.5 miles look for wooden sign on LEFT that says Sidney Rolands Blueberries, turn RIGHT onto Sidney Roland Rd (dirt road). Go down the road until you see Blueberry sign, turn RIGHT. Follow drive down, turn LEFT between blueberry rows, LEFT over little bridge, park in the grass and see all the blueberries!!!!
Our thanks to Melissa Maughon for coordinating the details for our blueberry outing!

Other events: On Sunday, June 29 @ Habersham County Fairgrounds, Bethlehem Baptist Church will host a FREE Patriotic Celebration for the community. Free hotdogs, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, puppet shows and more. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Details on Spray Grounds trip to be announced very soon. Check our blog regularly! Hope you’re having a great summer!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Summer is Here, Moms!


Summer is definitely here and with its arrival has come some very warm temperatures. Today was our first official Friday in the Park (FIP) of the summer. Several moms and kids joined us at Pitts Park in Clarkesville for a wonderful morning. Thanks to Thursday's rain things were a little damp, but the temperatures were a little milder as well.

We'll be posting the Summer Calendar of events soon and posting information about upcoming events as details are finalized. Our summer includes some fun activities such as playdates, date nights and mom's night outs! So, check back often. In the meantime, be sure to contact us via email or phone (info to the right), if you have questions about MOPS. Have a great summer!






Moms catch up and cool off in the shade during FIP


Monday, June 9, 2008

Friday in the Park - THIS WEEK!


Join us for our first Friday in the Park this week at Pitts Park. We'll meet from 10 to 11 am on Friday, June 13. In the event of rain, our FIP will be cancelled.
If you can't join us this week, go ahead and mark your calendars for our upcoming FIPs:

Friday, June 27 - 10 am @ Cleveland Park
Friday, July 11 - 9:30 am @ Cornelia City Park
Friday, July 25 - 9:30 am @ Demorest Park

Can't wait to see you there. We'll have cool drinks and lots of information about our upcoming MOPS year. You'll also have an opportunity to meet lots of our MOPS moms. Both members and non-members are welcomed.

MOPS is a group for mothers of preschoolers birth to kindergarten. We gather monthly during the school year for encouragement, fellowship and spirtual enrichment. We'd love to have you join us! For more information, contact Merideth Shaw at (706) 754-8273.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Tea, Treasures & First FIP


The final MOPS meeting of the year was held on Friday, May 9th. The meeting was titled “Tea & Treasures” in which each table decorated their table with their own china and tea services. Throughout the meeting several moms shared “treasured memories” they will be taking away from this wonderful year of MOPS. Moms were treated to a lunch of tea sandwiches made by the BBC WMU members, mini cheesecakes, cheese straws and butter mints. Musical sensation, Missy Bramlett delivered a smashing performance of “If you want me to” by Ginny Owens. A slideshow presented by the steering team highlighted MOPS memories of the past year. It was sad to say goodbye to moms who are moving away, but we are already excitedly looking forward to what God has in store for our upcoming MOPS year!


Our first Friday in the Park (FIP) was held May 16th at Level Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia. It was a wonderful day for gathering together for fun, food and fellowship. Don't forget our summer FIPs kick off on June 13 at Pitts Park in Clarkesville. Join us at 10 am. New moms or non-MOPS members are welcome. We look forward to a wonderful summer!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Relax & Recharge

Last Friday's Spa Day at MOPS was one to remember. With delicious spa-themed snacks and a morning of beauty secrets, it was a great time. The fondue was flowing and so was laughter as we slathered our feet in silky smoothness and covered our lips in some chalky white substance...all in the name of beauty!

Each mom was transported to a relaxing beachside scene courtesy of our miraculous eye treatments and the soothing sounds of waves. Everyone could just feel the sand beneath their feet...or maybe that was a plastic bag wiggling between my toes! Moms waved goodbye with silky smooth hands that had been treated to a parafin wax dip. What a morning!


Above all, we were reminded that when we are in desperate need of a recharge, we need only turn to the source of ultimate peace...our heavenly Father. What a joy it is to be reminded he cares for us even in our most frazzled states. So, next time the house is a wreck, dinner is burning and your kids are covered in chocolate pudding...remember God loves MOMS!


Don't forget to join us for our final official meeting of the MOPS year on Friday, May 9. We'll be having a MOPS Tea Party! You won't want to miss it.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Swap 'Till You Drop

As the MOPS year draws to a close each meeting is a frenzy of activity and excitement, and April's first meeting was no different. MOPS moms participated in a Clothes Swap. All interested moms brought gently used clothing, shoes and other accessories and sorted them by sizes. After a great devotional and time of brainstorming for next year, all moms started "shopping" the swapped items. Many moms enjoyed being able to trade in for some new fashions for spring and summer and others scoured the maternity tables for much needed items. All remaining clothing and accessories were donated to the Circle of Hope thrift store. Circle of Hope is a local agency that provides temporary shelter, crisis intervention and comprehensive support services for victims of domestic violence.

This week's devotional was a viewing of The Invisible Woman, a sketch/testimony performed by Nicole Johnson at the Women of Faith conferences, that affirms women in their often unseen daily chores for their families. Invisibility is often inflicted upon mothers. By the nature of our job our faces disappear and our work is anonymous. We become hands, lifting and wiping, cooking and cleaning, but also building and shaping. Johnson reminds mothers that we are not invisible to God, the one we ultimately are to serve. If you missed it, you can view Johnson's sketch here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0&feature=related

Friday, February 22, 2008

INK Museum Play Date, Gainesville

Monday, February 18th, Habersham MOPS had a play date at the INK museum in Gainesville! Due to the holiday, school-age children of MOPS were able to come along also! Here are some photo highlights of the day's visit! If you have any photos that you would like to have posted, email them to Erin.






Saturday, January 26, 2008

When & Where does MOPS meet?

Habersham MOPS meets twice monthly during the school year, typically the first and third Fridays of each month. Our meetings take place at Level Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia, Ga. from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Fall semester runs from September to December; and Spring semester from January to May. During the summer we typically arrange monthly playdates or other special events.

For directions to Level Grove Baptist Church, visit the church website. Upcoming meeting dates and other events are posted in the right hand sidebar.

What will I do with my children?

While moms enjoy refreshments, guest speakers, crafts and conversation with other moms, your little ones are being cared for in a loving environment right in the same building. The MOPPETS ministry is not just 2 hours of free babysitting. Children are divided into age appropriate groups and enjoy bible stories, games, crafts, singing and other activities.

If you are ever needed for any reason, a MOPPET worker will come and get you. Infants up to 6 months old are permitted to join mom in the meeting area.

What happens at a MOPS meeting?

MOPS meetings include fun, food & friends. Our hope is that you'll relax and enjoy your time with other moms while you get a break from feeding someone else, changing diapers and those treacherous mountains of laundry!

A typical MOPS meeting goes a little like this:
  • Drop off your Moppets
  • Register & eat breakfast
  • Welcome & Announcements
  • Guest Speaker or Craft Project
  • Discussion Groups
  • Pick up those precious bundles all refreshed!

Sometimes there is a speaker and other times a craft or activity, but always support for those glamorous and not so glamorous moments of motherhood!

What is MOPS?

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers and is an international organization which serves to encourage, equip, and help women become the best moms that they can be! Women who are expecting or have children ages birth through Kindergarten are invited to join MOPS!

MOPS is all about:
  • celebrating motherhood (the good, the bad & the ugly!)
  • meeting needs
  • making connections
  • experiencing God's love through relationships & resources
MOPS is designed for all mothers of preschoolers (conception through Kindergarten) and is coordinated by a Steering Team consisting of MOPS moms! Your preschooler will find an open, caring atmosphere and you'll find the same! At MOPS the specific needs of today's preschool mothers are met.

At MOPS you will share in small discussion groups where women interact, encourage and learn from one another. You'll encounter a comfortable setting for social and spiritual enrichment for both you and your child(ren).

If you want to join us, please contact our coordinator for more information on our next meeting or special event. Contact information can be found on the right sidebar.