Wednesday, November 24, 2010

December Playdate: Kids Christmas Extravaganza

Join us on Wednesday, December 1 at 10:00AM for our December Playdate at Derwood Bible Church (address in the sidebar).

We'll be celebrating Christmas with crafts, cookies, books, songs and more.  Cost is $2.00/child (fee only applies to children old enough to participate).   It'll be lots of fun with all your favorite MOPS friends.

Sign up below if you haven't signed up already!


Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Photography 101

I have had a few people ask for the powerpoint presentation for the photography talk last week.  It was too large to email.  So, I have uploaded it here on the blog.  I had to make it a smaller file to upload.  So, it isn't completely clear when viewed fullscreen.  Just thought I would warn you.  I hope this is helpful :) Also, if you had any questions about your camera or photography, I am happy to help.  Obviously I don't know everything.  But, I will do my best to answer your questions :)Photography101

Monday, November 15, 2010

November Mom's Night Out: Holiday Wreath Making

The holidays are around the corner and we're going to get you ready with a night of holiday wreath making.

The November Mom's Night Out is Monday, November 22 at 7:30PM at Derwood Bible Church (address in sidebar).

Come with a plate of goodies to share and leave with a fully completed, beautiful holiday wreath to hang in your home or on your door.

Two options of wreaths are available (both will be beautiful, but vary in the amount of flowers):
$15 wreath - 24" wreath with full flowers 
$10 wreath - 24" wreath with fewer flowers

If you're not interested in wreath making, you're welcome to come and just enjoy a snack and some great conversation.

If you have not already signed up, please fill in the form below

See you Monday!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Photography Resources

I'm sorry we ran out of time to talk about editing and resources at Today's meeting.  There are tons and tons and tons (did I mention? there are tons!) of resources online.  But, I wanted to share just a few of my favorites here online.

How to use your camera:

I recommended getting your camera manual out today and figuring out what all those buttons are for and what your camera can do.  Another option for some people might be a Field Guide.  Many cameras have an entire book written about them.  They are basically the same as a manual, but much more colorful and helpful.  So, do a quick search on amazon to see if your camera might have a digital field guide.







TAKING PICTURES:
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson gives a lot more detailed explanation of the exposure triangle.  If you are interested in understanding how to use the setting on your camera, then I highly recommend this book.  And I have seen lots of other photographers that recommend it as well. (You can probably find it at the library for free.)











Anything by Scott Kelby is usually a fun and easy read.  In The Digital Photography Book he explains how to do a lot of things that professionals do without being too technical.  It is full of tips rather than an entire book about photography theory.  Check out the product description on amazon to get a better idea (just click on the picture).  But, I enjoyed it a lot and found it really helpful.












This website is a huge place for resources.  It has tons of articles, tips and tutorials about photography, camera gear and post processing.  It even has forums that allow you to post pictures and get feedback.  It's great!









Flickr is a great resource for photographers.  You can use it to find other photographers, get ideas/inspiration, and even constructive criticism.  In order to get the most out of it though is to join groups.  When you start commenting on other peoples' pictures, then you will start getting comments on yours.  You can search for groups that have the same camera you have or the interests you have.  For example, you can find a "Nikon D80" group and a "Children's Portraits" group.



Ok, so this one is awesome.  Creative live provides lots of FREE classes on photography (and other things) if you watch them live.  If you are unable to see them live, then you have to pay to view them.  So, if your schedule permits you to, you will have the chance to view some really cool things.  For example, next weekend, if you tune in, you get the chance to follow a professional children's photographer around to see how she runs her business from taking the pictures, interacting with the kids, to editing her pictures.  It is a 3 day workshop.  This may not interest you specifically, but you can look through their course catalog and see what is available.



EDITTING SOFTWARES:
Here are the softwares that I mentioned briefly today.
 Picnik is a free website that allows you to upload a picture to their site and edit it there.  It gives you a lot of basic options if you do not want to download any software to your computer.  There is also an opportunity to upgrade for about $25 a year to access even more features.

 If you have a mac, then you can easily use iPhoto.  It is a great way to organize your pictures, do some basic edits and share easily through facebook, emails, twitter, etc.

This is what I used for a long time.  It is a free software from google.  You can do a lot of stuff on it like straighten pictures, remove red eyes, make collages, add words and even do some retouching (to remove food from your child's face).  It is also very easy to share your pictures from this program.

 I really do not know anything about Gimp.  But, I have heard that it has similar features to photoshop.  And may give you a little more control over your editing.  So, like I said, I don't know anything about it, but you might want to check it out.  (sorry that wasn't very helpful)


Photoshop can do amazing things.  But, it is probably way more than you need for just editing your family pictures.  But, if you are wanting to get professional looking pictures, then you will need photoshop.  Look for the student discount or even photoshop elements which are both much cheaper.  























PHOTOSHOP EDITTING:
 If you have photoshop, then you know that it isn't an easy piece of software to just sit down and figure out.  So, I would recommend this book by Scott Kelby, The Adobe Photoshop CS4 Book.  (Or if you have a different version, you should get the one for your version.) Once again, it is by Scott Kelby, so it is easy reading. He gives a lot of step by step tutorials to help you do things in Photoshop.  I still use it as a great reference book.  
























This is a blog that gives great tutorials for photoshop and photoshop elements.  She also has tutorials for blogger.  

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

November Playdate: Operation Christmas Child


November 17th and empty Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes have joined forces to become our our next playdate and a special opportunity to serve side by side with our children. 

Each year Samaritan's Purse, a international relief organization, collects and distributes Christmas shoeboxes filled with goodies for needy children around the world.  Read more about Samaritan's Purse here.

This year you and your child(ren) have an opportunity to be a part of bringing joy to a child across the globe.  Here's how:

1.  Decide to pack a shoebox or two (we'll provide the box!).
2.  Select the type of child you would like to prepare a shoebox(es) for:
           1.  Boy or Girl
           2.  Age range:  2-4 or 5-9 or 10-14
3.  Purchase goodies for the shoebox.  Here are some ideas: 
                                  TOYS (small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, 
                                   jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with 
                                   extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
                                  SCHOOL SUPPLIES (pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers,
                                   stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and
                                    picture books, etc.
                                   HYGIENE ITEMS (toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic
                                    bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
                                   OTHER (Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum,
                                     T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches,
                                     flashlights (with extra batteries)Come to the November 17 playdate at DBC.
DO NOT INCLUDE:  Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

***Click here for a handy dandy printable from Samaritans Purse with everything you need to know about packing a shoebox.***

4.  Bring your goodies to DBC on November 17** at 10AM and fill up a shoebox.
5.  Don't forget $7.00/box for shipping.  You can put it directly in your box OR donate online and track your shoebox!
6.  Don't forget to pray for your shoebox recipient(s).

We will provide:  shoeboxes, labels (click on clipart and scroll to find the labels), direction for packing the boxes, coloring sheets (click on clipart and scroll to find the coloring sheet)for inside the boxes, rubberbands for the outside of the boxes, and a snack for all box packers!

**If you cannot attend the November 17 playdate, you can bring your box to the November 10th meeting.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Sigh....A Giveaway


The demands on a mom of preschoolers can feel so great that sometimes it's hard to face our children with joy.

Not to add to your list, but pop over here (without sighing) and read a short article about serving those we love with a good attitude.  You'll be glad you did!

After you've read the article, leave a tip in the comments below about how you keep from sighing as you stoop to serve your little ones.  One (or more) commenter will be selected at random to win a prize at our next MOPS meeting (October 27).

Giveaway ends October 26th at 10PM, so enter your comment before then.  One comment entry per mom.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

This is What MOPS is About!

Here's a message from one of our fellow MOPS members.  

Hi Derwood MOPS,
 
During the past couple of weeks I have been recovering from a difficult surgery. During my recovery I was showered with the generosity of moms from Derwood MOPS. I just wanted everyone who contributed a meal to know that I truly appreciate the energy and care that went into providing the meals and what a difference it has made to my recovery. The food was delicious and plentiful. I enjoyed seeing the familiar faces. Thank you again for making time to take care of me and my family.
 
The surgery was a success and I am feeling better. I am hoping to make it to this Friday's Mom's Night Out.
 
Thank you again for your hospitality.
Blessings,
Leslie

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Games, Games, Games


Grab your bag and your game face and join us for our Friday, October 22nd, Mom's Night out.  We'll be enjoying a game night at Courtney's house (details on address and phone can be found in the directory, by emailing derwoodmops, or via our reminder email a few days before the event).

The festivities begin at 7:30PM. 

Besides good luck, you'll want to bring the following to share:  a game or two (or you'll be stuck playing with Trisha's potato heads) and some goodies for snacking. 

We'll play and chat until the last mom drops or until Courtney kicks us out of her house.  See you there!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Butler's Orchard

We had a blast at Butler's Orchard on Wednesday!  The weather was a little chilly.  But, there was still a lot of fun to be had.  If you were able to attend our playdate, we would love to see your pictures!  Pick 2-3 and we will add them to the blog.  Just email them to derwoodmops@gmail.com.  
  

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

October Playdate: Pumpkin Harvest Days


Our first MOPS Playdate is Wednesday, October 6 at 10:00AM.

We will meet at Butler's Orchard for their annual Pumpkin Harvest Days.  Activities include:

A Jump in the Hayloft Barn
Exploring the Straw Maze
Visiting Barnyard Buddies
Taking a tractor-driven Hayride
Playing at the Learning Station
Coasting down a Giant Slide
Picking a Pumpkin in the Pumpkin Patch

*Each person selects ONE head-size pumpkin and two crisp apples to take home.

Cost: $6.50/child or adult (infants under 12 months free). Please bring cash for payment to the playdate.

Location: Butlers Orchard, 22200 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD

Please sign-up by Tuesday, October 5 (complete the form below or sign up at the frist MOPS Meeting).

For more information visit Butler's Orchard Events Page and scroll down to the Pumpkin Harvest Days Flyer and FAQ.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Meet Abigail - MOPPETS

What is your name? Abigail Brown
What is your husband's name and how long have you been married?  David Brown  Married approx. 1 1/2 years
Children and ages-  Caleb 11 months

What are some of your hobbies/interests or something we should know about you and your family?  My family enjoys outdoor activities.  I love to scrap-book, read and spend time with my family.  

If you could have any super power, what would it be?  To Fly

Coke or Pepsi?  Coke
PC or Mac?  PC
Pajamas or Comfy Clothes?  Comfy Clothes
Stick or Roll-on Deodorant?  Stick
Rare, Medium or Well Done?  Medium
Car, Van or SUV?  SUV
Bookmarks or Doggy Ear?  Bookmarks
White or Wheat?  Wheat
Bath or Shower?  Shower
Dog or Cat?  Cat
Early Bird or Night Owl?  Night Owl
TV or Internet?  TV
Left or Right Handed?  Right Handed
Milk or Dark Chocolate?  Dark Chocolate
Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune?  Price is Right
Coffee or Tea?  Tea
Waffles or Pancakes?  Pancakes
Paper, Plastic or Reusable?  Reusable
Jeans or Khakis?  Jeans
Spend Time or Receive Gifts?  Spend Time
Comedy or Drama?  Drama
Sweet or Salty?  Sweet
Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall?  Fall
Math, Science, English or Arts?  Science
Chinese or Mexican?  Chinese

Meet Kristin - Discussion Groups

What is your name? Kristin Cooper
What is your husband's name and how long have you been married? Dave, 7 years


Children and ages- Jacob (3), Levi (1)


What are some of your hobbies/interests or something we should know about you and your family?  I love to cook and bake, read, go on walks, hikes, take pictures, talk on the phone, travel.  

If you could have any super power, what would it be?  Be invisible... I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall sometimes!

Coke or Pepsi?  Pepsi
PC or Mac?  Mac
Pajamas or Comfy Clothes?  Comfy Clothes
Stick or Roll-on Deodorant?  Stick
Rare, Medium or Well Done?  Medium-Well!
Car, Van or SUV?  Van
Bookmarks or Doggy Ear?  Bookmarks (or memorize the page #...I could NEVER dog ear!!!!)
White or Wheat?  Wheat bread...white pasta
Bath or Shower?  Bubble Baths
Dog or Cat?  Dog
Early Bird or Night Owl?  Night Owl
TV or Internet?  Both... Facebook and HGTV
Left or Right Handed?  Left
Milk or Dark Chocolate?  Milk
Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune?  Wheel of Fortune- I'm pretty good at it too!
Coffee or Tea?  Tea
Waffles or Pancakes?  Pancakes
Paper, Plastic or Reusable?  Paper
Jeans or Khakis?  Khakis
Spend Time or Receive Gifts?  Gifts
Comedy or Drama?  Comedy
Sweet or Salty?  Sweet
Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall?  Spring and Fall
Math, Science, English or Arts?  Science
Chinese or Mexican?  Mexican ~ OLE!~

Meet Nancy - MOPPETS

What is your name? Nancy Aman
What is your husband's name and how long have you been married? James, 20 years
Children and ages- Josh (16), Tim (14), Beth (12)

What are some of your hobbies/interests or something we should know about you and your family?  Scrapbooking

If you could have any super power, what would it be?  Ability to fly


Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
PC or Mac?  PC
Pajamas or Comfy Clothes?  Comfy Clothes
Stick or Roll-on Deodorant?  Stick
Rare, Medium or Well Done? Rare
Car, Van or SUV?  Van
Bookmarks or Doggy Ear?  Bookmarks
White or Wheat?  Wheat
Bath or Shower?  Shower
Dog or Cat?  Both!
Early Bird or Night Owl?  Night Owl
TV or Internet?  Internet
Left or Right Handed?  Right Handed
Milk or Dark Chocolate?  Dark
Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune?  Price is Right
Coffee or Tea?  Coffee
Waffles or Pancakes?  Pancakes
Paper, Plastic or Reusable?  Reusable
Jeans or Khakis?  Khakis
Spend Time or Receive Gifts?  Receive Gifts
Comedy or Drama?  Drama
Sweet or Salty?  Sweet
Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall?  Fall
Math, Science, English or Arts?  English
Chinese or Mexican?  Chinese

Monday, September 20, 2010

Meet Naomi - Publicity

What is your name? Naomi Glenn
What is your husband's name and how long have you been married? Andrew, 6 years


Children and ages- Madeline Ann - 2 1/2 and Oliver Joel - 10 Months

What are some of your hobbies/interests or something we should know about you and your family?  Photography and blogging

 If you could have any super power, what would it be?  I would want to be able to wiggle my nose and have the house be clean.


Coke or Pepsi? Coke
PC or Mac? Mac
Pajamas or Comfy Clothes? Whatever's clean.
Stick or Roll-on Deodorant?  stick
Rare, Medium or Well Done?  medium
Car, Van or SUV? van
Bookmarks or Doggy Ear? doggy ear
White or Wheat? wheat - trying to convince my husband
Bath or Shower? shower
Dog or Cat? dog
Early Bird or Night Owl?  night owl
TV or Internet?  internet
Left or Right Handed?  right
Milk or Dark Chocolate?  dark
Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune?  Wheel of Fortune
Coffee or Tea?  sweet tea from Chick-Fil-A
Waffles or Pancakes?  pancakes
Paper, Plastic or Reusable? plastic
Jeans or Khakis?  jeans
Spend Time or Receive Gifts?  spend time
Comedy or Drama? comedy
Sweet or Salty?  sweet
Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall?  fall
Math, Science, English or Arts?  math and science
Chinese or Mexican?  Chinese

Meet Janneth - Registration

What is your name?  Janneth Marcelo aka Joyful J
What is your husband's name and how long have you been married?  Rowland, 9 awesome years!

Children and ages-
Rowland "RJ"- almost 6
Rebecca Joy - 4
Jessica Grace - 5

What are some of your hobbies/interests or something we should know about you and your family?  dancing, reading, music, traveling, collecting small souvenirs from our travels.  We are Filipino and love to share our heritage.  (I used to teach and perform Native Filipino folk dances.)

If you could have any super power, what would it be?  To be in more than one place at once!


Coke or Pepsi?  Coke  (but I really prefer lemonade or iced tea!)
PC or Mac?  PC
Pajamas or Comfy Clothes?  comfy clothes
Stick or Roll-on Deodorant? gel
Rare, Medium or Well Done?  medium
Car, Van or SUV?  van
Bookmarks or Doggy Ear?  doggy ear
White or Wheat?  wheat (and multi-grain)
Bath or Shower?  shower
Dog or Cat?  dog
Early Bird or Night Owl?  night owl  (It's 3am as I do this!)
TV or Internet?  internet
Left or Right Handed?  right
Milk or Dark Chocolate?  milk, although I find myself drawn to the dark side! ;)
Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune?  Price is Right
Coffee or Tea? both!
Waffles or Pancakes?  waffles with PB, bananas and syrup!
Paper, Plastic or Reusable?  reusable
Jeans or Khakis?  jeans
Spend Time or Receive Gifts?  both (I like to collect small remembrances of time spent with people)
Comedy or Drama?  comedy
Sweet or Salty?  both (I love trail mix)
Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall?  summer
Math, Science, English or Arts?  math and science engi-nerd all the way!
Chinese or Mexican?  both!  (Filipino food and culture have Spanish and Chinese influences!)

Meet Lauren - Discussion Groups

What is your name? Lauren


What is your husband's name and how long have you been married?  Brad, six years this December


Children and ages-
Jillian (4), Faith (2), Anna (5 months)

What are some of your hobbies/interests or something we should know about you and your family?  My wonderful hubby is a full-time PhD student right now and in that journey I have become a bargain hunter!! Its a blast (especially to coupon/ garage sale) and I don't think there is any going back for me; I am a life-long convert!  I also LOVE to read! Most of all I enjoy making memories with my family. We always have little adventures together.  I praise God for the many blessings he has given me! 

If you could have any super power, what would it be?  My super power would be "place transportation".  I would be able to travel (with Brad and our three girls) to see family and friends like it was a walk across the street (with no expense of time, money, or metal detectors at the airport)!!!

Coke or Pepsi?  Coke
PC or Mac?  Mac :-)  Brad would be so proud!
Pajamas or Comfy Clothes?  Comfy Clothes
Stick or Roll-on Deodorant?  Stick
Rare, Medium or Well Done?  Medium
Car, Van or SUV?  Van
Bookmarks or Doggy Ear?  Definitely Bookmarks (or it can even be a random piece of paper, I do not like it when people doggy ear their pages!!!)
White or Wheat?  Wheat
Bath or Shower?  Bath
Dog or Cat?  Dog
Early Bird or Night Owl?  Early Bird (not by choice)
TV or Internet?  Internet
Left or Right Handed?  Right Handed
Milk or Dark Chocolate?  Dark Chocolate
Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune?  Price is Right - I love guessing prices, but I honestly can't remember the last time I watched it!
Coffee or Tea?  Neither
Waffles or Pancakes?  Homemade Waffles (not Eggos)
Paper, Plastic or Reusable?  I want to be reusable but I think I am probably more plastic
Jeans or Khakis?  Jeans 
Spend Time or Receive Gifts?  Those are both of my primary love languages!
Comedy or Drama?  Romantic Comedy
Sweet or Salty?  Sweet
Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall?  Fall
Math, Science, English or Arts?  English & Arts
Chinese or Mexican?  Chinese

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Meet Courtney - Creative Activities

What is your name? Courtney Christensen
What is your husband's name and how long have you been married?  Dan - married 5 years this September!


Children and ages-  
Cayden, 2  
Baby Boy #2, due in December!

What are some of your hobbies/interests or something we should know about you and your family?  Reading, photography, playing games, just spending lots of time with my family!

If you could have any super power, what would it be?  I'd love to just be able to "beam" myself (and bring others along!) anywhere in the world!  It would be so fun to travel to lots of places without the time and hassle of flying/driving/etc.  And how cool would it be to think "I'd like real Italian for dinner!" and a minute later be sitting at a restaurant in Italy?  That's definitely my super power of choice!

Coke or Pepsi?  Coke
PC or Mac?  PC...probably because I've never tried a Mac.  Perhaps I don't know what I'm really  missing!
Pajamas or Comfy Clothes?  Comfy Clothes
Stick or Roll-on Deodorant?  Stick
Rare, Medium or Well Done?  Medium
Car, Van or SUV?  SUV
Bookmarks or Doggy Ear?  Doggy-Ear
White or Wheat?  Wheat
Bath or Shower?  Shower
Dog or Cat?  Dog
Early Bird or Night Owl?  Early Bird
TV or Internet?  Internet - we gave up cable a few years ago and it's been such a time and money saver!  Though I am now addicted to hulu.com to get my cable show fix.  :)
Left or Right Handed?  Right
Milk or Dark Chocolate?  Milk
Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune?  Price is Right, especially for grocery items - I have a knack for remembering prices of food at every store so I know a good deal when I see it!
Coffee or Tea?  Coffee
Waffles or Pancakes?  Pancakes, especially with blueberries...every Saturday morning is blueberry pancake morning at my house!
Paper, Plastic or Reusable?  Paper - they become my recycling bags!
Jeans or Khakis?  Jeans
Spend Time or Receive Gifts?  Quality Time!
Comedy or Drama?  Ooh this is a tough choice - I like both!  Depends on my mood.  I probably lean a little more towards drama, if I had to pick.  
Sweet or Salty?  Sweet
Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall?  Fall - especially when the leaves change colors and the air gets nice and crisp.  My favorite!
Math, Science, English or Arts?  English
Chinese or Mexican?  Chinese

Meet Hillary - Creative Activities

What is your name? Hillary Lancaster
What is your husband's name and how long have you been married? Alex, 11 years

Children and ages- Ty (5) and Chase (2)

What are some of your hobbies/interests or something we should know about you and your family?  Hanging out with friends, aerobics, reading, fishing, finding deals!/bargains :)

If you could have any super power, what would it be?  Invisibility


Coke or Pepsi?  Definitely Coke Zero
PC or Mac?  PC
Pajamas or Comfy Clothes?  PJ's
Stick or Roll-on Deodorant? Stick
Rare, Medium or Well Done? Well Done
Car, Van or SUV? Van :( (really SUV)
Bookmarks or Doggy Ear?  Book Marks
White or Wheat?  Wheat
Bath or Shower?  Shower
Dog or Cat?  Neither
Early Bird or Night Owl?  Early Bird
TV or Internet?  Internet
Left or Right Handed?  Right
Milk or Dark Chocolate?  Dark
Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune?  PIR
Coffee or Tea?  Coffee!
Waffles or Pancakes? Waffles
Paper, Plastic or Reusable?  Paper
Jeans or Khakis?  Jeans!
Spend Time or Receive Gifts?  Time
Comedy or Drama?  Drama
Sweet or Salty?  Both!
Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall?  Spring
Math, Science, English or Arts?  Arts
Chinese or Mexican?  Mexican