Saturday, November 26, 2011

Mom's Night Out Christmas Celebration


Set your sights on Christmas lights
and hot chocolate ‘round the tree!

Please join us for a night of fun
at our Mom's Night Out
Christmas Celebration!

Friday, December 2nd
7:00 in the evening
The Home of Trisha Pull
(direction to follow)

Please bring a wrapped $10.00 gift certificate
to your favorite place
& a dessert to share.


Christmas Play Date - Wednesday, November 30th

Join us on Wednesday, November 30th at 10:00AM for our Christmas Playdate at Derwood Bible Church (address in the sidebar).

We'll be celebrating Christmas with a story time, crafts, snacks, playdough, songs and more.  Cost is $3.00/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!


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

November Playdate 2011: Operation Christmas Child


November 16th 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 16** 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!  If you donate online, you need to do this BEFORE you come on November 16th.  They will give you a printable label to affix to your box that will allow you to track the box to its final destination.
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 16 playdate, you can bring your box to the November 9th meeting or get your box to Trisha by November 16th.

Friday, October 28, 2011

November Mom's Night Out: TOMORROW at 7:30!!







UPDATE: Based on the surveys we will be meeting tomorrow night, Thursday, November 3rd at 7:30PM at Derwood Bible Church. If you signed up to sew, we have already purchased the fabric and other supplies that you will need. Please plan on bringing a snack to share, scissors, and an iron. Even if you aren't learning to sew we would still love to see you for Mom's Night Out! Please come and join us for an evening of fun.   


What: A chance to get together with other moms to learn how to sew, snack, chat, & have fun. 
When: Thursday, November 3rd @ TBD (either 7 or 7:30)
Where: Derwood Bible Church
Cost: $5.00, this will be used to purchase a yard of fabric for you to use or take home and other supplies (if you sign up you are committing to the evening and the fee.)
What to bring: A favorite food item to share, good scissors (if you have them), an iron, a sewing machine if you have one. 


Whether you are interested in sewing or not please come on out and enjoy a hot beverage, a little dessert and a fun time with other moms. We will have additional tables set up if people are interested in scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, or some other craftiness!


Please sign up by FRIDAY, October 28 at 11:59PM! 

Sunday, October 16, 2011

October Playdate - Butler's Orchard

This Wednesday, October 19 at 9:45AM we will meet at Butler's Orchard for their annual Pumpkin Harvest Days. 


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


Admission fee includes:
  • One head-size pumpkin & 2 crisp apples to take home
  • 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
Location: Butler's Orchard, 22200 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD

Please sign-up by Tuesday, October 18 (if you have NOT already signed up during one of our previous MOPS meetings).

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

Monday, August 8, 2011

September Mom's Night Out: Freezer Cooking

Please read the details of freezer cooking below, VERY carefully, before you sign up (at the bottom of this post). I hope LOTS of ladies will be able to join us for a fun and productive night!

What Is It?
A chance to get together with other moms for an evening of fun with the intention of filling our freezers with delicious, homemade meals for our families, thereby reducing the dinntertime-induced stress that is so common among moms of preschoolers.

Time, Date & Place
Wednesday, September 14 at 7:00PM
Derwood Bible Church, lower level

Meals (recipes here):
It's not a perfect list, but we have tried to choose a variety of kid-friendly meals to accomodate the wide variety of families we represent. Every meal will not fit every family, we hope there are a few things that your family will love.

Chicken Supreme (cheesey chicken and macaroni dish)
Chicken Enchiladas - a mild, creamy enchilada dish with chicken, cheese and spices
French Toast Casserole - a nice casserole that can be served topped with fresh fruit for breakfast or dinner
Manicotti - shells stuffed with cheese and covered with sauce
Meatloaf - delicious comfort food with a mixture of ground beef and ground turkey

**If you are a gluten free family, please email me. We may be able to work together to make some simple substitutions on some of the meals to allow you to participate.

Meal Selection:
Each mom can select up to 10 meals. Any combination, up to 10 meals, of the 5 designated meals (above) is acceptable. You do not have to have ten meals and you do not have to choose every meal on the list.

All of the following options would be acceptable:
2 chix supreme, 2 enchiladas, 2 french toast, 2 manicotti, 2 meatloaf
OR
2 chicken supreme, 1 enchilada, 1 french toast, 3 meatloaf
OR
1 chix supreme, 1 chix enchilada, 1 french toast, 1 manicotti, 1 meatloaf
OR
3 chicken supreme, 1 french toast
OR
Any collection of available meals, up to ten, is acceptable.

To read through the recipes for each meal, click here.

Cost:
Below is a list of approximate costs/meal. The estimates below are based on the cost and availability of groceries at the time of writing, and include all food, disposable pans, foil, labels and all other needed supplies. The cost for actual meals may vary based on the cost of groceries at the time of purchase. We will do our best to meet or beat the prices listed below and you will only be charged the price paid for groceries. Final meal costs will be published once calculated after purchasing groceries. Each mom will be expected to pay for her chosen meals in full at freezer cooking.

Approximate cost per meal (includes foil, disposable 9x13 pans and all ingredients) is as follows:
Chicken Supreme - $9.36 ((a full 9x13 – 2 meals for my family of 5 (2 adults, 3 preschoolers)
Chicken Enchiladas - $11.39 (a full 9x13 – 2 meals for my family of 5 (2 adults, 3 preschoolers)
French Toast Casserole - $4.49 (a full 9x13 – 2 meals for my family of 5 (2 adults, 3 preschoolers)
Manicotti $11.45 - (a full 9x13 – 2 meals for my family of 5 (2 adults, 3 preschoolers)
Meatloaf - $7.00 (usually 1 meal for my family of 5 (2 adults, 3 preschoolers) with 1-2 pieces leftover

Mom Responsibility:
Each mom participating is responsible for the following:
1. Choosing and entering meal preferences for your family (up to 10 total) on the blog form by September 1, 2011. Grocery lists are created from the meal sign ups, once you sign up for meals, you are committed to freezer cooking and your meal order cannot be changed.

2. Selecting one area to help in: Prep work (prepping food, printing labels, food transport, etc.), Set-Up (arriving early at the church to set up stations and tables, some food transport possible), Clean Up (Cleaning up at the end of the evening). Expect to spend 1-2 hours in your chosen area. Time will vary based on how many moms are participating.

3. Arriving ON TIME, the evening of freezer cooking and participating in meal prep for the ENTIRE evening (2-3 hours), regardless of number of meals your family will receive.

4. Full payment for selected meals on the evening of freezer cooking.

5. Clearing your freezer before hand to make room for your meals.

6. Flexible, cheerful attitude.

Other items to note:
1. If you sign up, you are committed to freezer cooking. This means we are purchasing food based on your sign up and counting on your help to complete the cooking. Please only sign up if you truly intend to participate.

2. A general overview: We will have five stations. One for each meal. Each participating mom will be assigned to a station for the evening where they will help to prepare all of that particular meal for the moms present. Example: Judy is assigned to the “Meatloaf Table.” All night she works with a team of other moms chatting, laughing, while carefully preparing and packaging 25 delicious meatloaves. At the end of the evening, Judy collects all of her meals (not just meatloaf) and heads home tired, but happy to fill her freezer and enjoy many nights of reduced dinner-hour induced stress. While you won’t get the opportunity to prepare every meal, we do have recipes available for your future use/reference.

3. After September 1st (final day to sign up), I will use the collected data to make grocery lists, assign tasks and coordinate our night of cooking. I will be in contact with you about what to expect before/during/after freezer cooking on the 14th of September.

4. Even if you’re skeptical, you should try it! Choose just a meal or two.  It’ll be fun, easy, and you might find you really like the idea of ready made food in the freezer.


Freezer Cooking Recipes

Below you will find a list of recipes we will be using for freezer cooking.  Peruse them, use them, enjoy them!

Chicken Supreme
2 c. cooked chicken, cut or shredded into pieces (approx. 1.5 lbs.)
3 c. uncooked macaroni (I think 3-4 cups is better)
2 can cream of chix soup
2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 T. butter, melted
3 cups grated cheddar
2 cups milk

Combine all ingredients in bowl and pour into 9x13 pan. Refrigerate overnight or freeze. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Meatloaf
1 slice white bread (I usually sub 1/4 c. to 1/2 c. bread crumbs)
2 T milk
1/2 cup ketchup, divided
2 lbs ground meat (I like 1/2 turkey, 1/2 beef, but anything will work)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley (can sub the dried, but I think the fresh makes a difference worth the trouble)
1 T. dijon mustard
1 tsp. dried basil
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 large eggs

Combine all ingredients (except for 1/4 c. of ketchup) and shape into a 9x5-inch loaf.
To freeze: wrap in foil or ziploc and freeze.
To bake after freezing: Thaw. Top with ketchup. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Chicken Enchiladas
2 lbs. chicken, cooked and cubed or shredded
4 tsp. cumin
3 tsp. chili powder
3 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
16 oz. sour cream
2 cups cheese
1 cup cheese for topping

Combine all ingredients(except cheese for topping). Place in tortilla and roll up.
For freezing: Place seam side down in ziploc bag. When ready to eat, remove from freezer, thaw and remove from bag. Place in 9x13 pan seam side down. Pour enchilada sauce on top. Top with 1 cup cheese. Cover with foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and tortillas are warmed through.

French Toast Casserole
1 loaf Crusty Sourdough Or French Bread
8 whole Eggs
2 cups Whole Milk
½ cups Whipping (heavy) Cream
¾ cups Sugar
2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
Topping
½ cups All-purpose Flour
½ cups Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
¼ teaspoons Salt
1 stick Cold Butter, Cut Into Pieces
Fresh Fruit (optional)

Grease 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter. Tear bread into chunks (or cut into cubes) and evenly distribute in the pan. Mix together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour evenly over bread. Cover tightly and store in the fridge several hours or overnight.

In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add nutmeg if desired. Add butter pieces and but into the dry mixture until mixture resembles fine pebbles. Store in a Ziploc in the fridge.

When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle crumb mixture over the top. (If you’re using fruit, sprinkle on before the crumb mixture.) Bake for 45 minutes for a softer, more bread pudding texture. Bake 1 hour or more for a firmer, less liquid texture.

Scoop out individual portions. Optional: Top with butter and drizzle with maple syrup.

Manicotti
Spaghetti Sauce (32 oz.)
Canned diced tomatoes (14 oz)
2 Garlic cloves, minced
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1.5 cup ricotta cheese
5 T. grated parmesan cheese
3 egg whites
3/8 cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 pkg. manicotti, uncooked
1 Cup Water

Combine spaghetti sauce, tomates and garlic; set aside. Combine cheeses, egg whites, parsley and basil. Stuff UNCOOKED shells using a smal spatula or knive. Fill bottom of a 9x13 pan with 2 cups tomato mixture. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce, side by side. Cover shells with remaining sauce.
To cook: Thaw completely. Add 1 cup water to top of pan. Bake in 450 oven for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

June Playdate: Tiny Tots at Glen Echo


Join us for our June Playdate at Glen Echo Park on Wednesday, June 15, 10:00AM for a Tiny Tots performance of Kooky Kreatures by puppetmaster Bob Brown (pictured above).  Learn more about Tiny Tots and The Puppet Company here.

If you would like to attend the show, you will need to make no-obligation reservations with The Puppet Company NOW!  If you decide not to attend the puppet show (even the morning of), you will not be charged for your tickets.  To book your tickets, call 301-634-5380.  Cost:  $5.00/person (includes moms and babies of any age).  If you opt not to make reservations, you can still come the morning of and see if there are available tickets.

Not interested in the puppet show?  Glen Echo Park also has a wonderful playground and carousel.  Meet us at 10:30AM at the playground (free) or at 11:00AM for a carousel ride ($1.25/person including babies and moms).  Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch at the nearby picnic tables.

While we will skip our time at the playground if it's raining, we will attend the puppet show and carousel, rain or shine.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

May Playdate: Gaithersburg City Hall "Train" Park


All Aboard!  We're headed to the train park for our first MOPS Summer Playdate! 

Join us Wednesday, May 25 at 10:00AM for a morning of fun at the Gaithersburg City Hall Park (Griffith Park) located at 29 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD.

Come explore both playgrounds on site and enjoy climbing aboard a real train car.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy lunch with all your MOPS friends.

Raindate:  Thursday, June 2 at 10:00am

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

MOPS Bible Study: Me, Myself & Lies


Join us for some summer fun with a MOPS Bible Study.

Book: 
Me, Myself & Lies by Jennifer Rothschild

Cost: 
$15.00/book, $6.00/week childcare (each mom must pay for childcare every week of the study, even if you are not in attendance, because we've got to pay our workers every week, no matter how many moms come on a given week)

Please do not allow money to keep you from Bible Study.  If money is a concern, please talk to Trisha.  Scholarships are available.

Place:
Meeting at DBC, childcare provided.

Dates: 
Wednesday, June 22, 10:00AM 
Wednesday, June 29, 10:00AM   
Wednesday, July 6, 10:00AM   
Wednesday, July 13, 10:00AM  
Wednesday, July 20, 10:00AM
Wednesday, July 27, 10:00AM 
Wednesday, August 3, 10:00AM  
Wednesday, August 10, 10:00AM  

Mom's Night Out - Banana Split Night!


Leave the kids and hubby at home and join us for a night of ice cream.

When:  Thursday, May 19 at 7:00PM (or anytime after)
Where:  Bruster's Ice Cream in Gaithersburg. 
              Address: 18519 N Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
             Website: http://www.brusters.com/
The Deal:   Thursday nights are 1/2 price banana split nights (if you bring your own banana) at Bruster's. We'll make it extra easy and MOPS will bring the bananas for you!  If you're craving a banana split, we'll give you the banana and you can get it for just half the regular price!

See you then. 

Raindate:  Thursday, May 26th, 7PM.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

MOPS Playdate: Easter Edition


Join us for a morning of MOPS fun as we celebrate Easter!

Date:  Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Time:  10:00AM
Place:  Derwood Bible Church
Cost:  $2.00/child

We will enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt, snack, story and other simple activities.  Come, be a part of the fun!

If you haven't already signed up to attend, please fill in the form below.

See you there!

Friday, March 4, 2011

A Giveaway: Chaos


With four kids under foot at our house, needing something from the moment they awake to the moment they sleep, life can be chaotic. It's not just our house, either.  The friends I talk to, with any number of kids of any age, report chaos in their home on a regular basis.

When I stumbled upon this article this week I could really relate.  I hope you will, too.

Click on over to incourage, read the artilce, and come back and leave a comment answering these questions:

What’s chaotic in your life right now? How are you able to dealing with it?

Everyone who leaves a comment before Tuesday, March 8 at 10PM, will be entered to win a prize at our next meeting.  Winners will be chosen at random and announced at the March 9 meeting.  Must be present at the meeting to win.

Good Luck!

Monday, February 28, 2011

March Playdate: St. Patty's Day Walk


Register NOW for our March Playdate!

What:  St. Patty's Day Walk & Scavenger Hunt.
 Have some St. Patrick’s Day fun following the giant green leprechaun footsteps through the garden. He’s left some clues to help you through - to find where he’s going is all up to you! Along the way if it’s a nice day, leprechaun helpers will trick you into some healthy activities, all good fun in the sun, of course!
Date:  Thursday, March 17
Time:  We'll meet at 10:15AM at the Visitors Center, and start our walk, guided by Brookside Gardens staff at 10:30AM. 
Place:  Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton, MD.
Cost:  $3.00/child ages 2-6 (no charge for infants, moms or older kids)

Special Note:  Older and younger kids are welcome to attend and walk with us, they just won't be eligible for the provided snack (you can bring your own snack from home) or craft.  If you have kids that aren't yet two or older than six, come and join us for the morning free of charge (no need to register, just show up).

Want to go?  Sign up below to reserve your spot.  We have reservations for 23 children (ages 2-6) available.  Please plan to bring your money to the March 9 meeting to confirm your reservation.

 

Monday, February 7, 2011

February Playdate: Get Out & Run!


We're on the Run!   

On Monday, February 14th, we'll trek over to the Discovery Sports Center for a morning of play.  Bring your kids' ride on toys, games and balls and let them loose in the climate-controlled 54,000 square feet of turf to run, play and burn off pent up energy.  Cost is $2.00/child (ages 1-10).  All others are free.

We'll meet at 10AM and play until noon (that's when they close) or until the kids are worn out (is this possible?), whichever comes first. 

The address is 18031 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD  20841.

For more information, you can visit their website here.

Any interested parties may feast on lunch at the Germantown Chick-fil-A afterward.

Catch you then!


Sunday, January 30, 2011

February Mom's Night Out: Pottery Painting


Join us THIS Friday, February 4 at 7PM at Color Me Mine, Rockville for our next Mom's Night Out. 

Cost:  most pottery pieces range from $5.00-$35.00.  Friday's special is NO studio fee.  This means you'll only pay for piece you paint!

Join us at 7PM (or anytime after) for an evening of fun.  If you plan to attend, PLEASE sign up below.   If we have ten MOPS moms painting,  Color Me Mine will stay open until 9PM for us to have adequate time to finish our pieces. 

For any nightowls among us, we may grab a coffee or ice cream at a nearby establishment after the painting is complete.

Friday, January 21, 2011

2011 Derwood MOPS Events

Happy 2011! 

Welcome to the new year.  We've got some great events and activities in store for the coming months and we've updated the Events page to give you an idea of what's coming.  Be sure to pop on over, check out what we've got planned this winter/spring and mark them on the family calendar.  You won't want to miss a single one. 

More information and blog posts coming soon regarding individual events.