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.