Tuesday, December 9, 2014

December Play Date


Christmas Carnival

December 17th
10 am to 12 pm

DBC main Building


Come ready to have some fun!  We will be making crafts, enjoying face paining, eating a yummy snack, and many other activities!  There will be a cost of $2 per child.  You only need to pay for children who are old enough to eat a snack and make a craft (about 12 months and over).

Please consider helping out for our playdate, as this is a big celebration!!  



Click on this link to RSVP by Dec 14th:  http://goo.gl/forms/rv2X5wsQyB

Thanks & we look forward to seeing you soon!
Joan & Kari 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

December Special Event

Craft Activity
December 3rd 
9:30 am - 11:30 am

DBC Old Building 
Rooms 5, 6, & 7


Come join us for a morning of fun crafting!  Jen & Kory have planned a great morning of craft activities for both mothers and children.  A fantastic time is guaranteed to be had! 

Please bring a magazine for the adult craft & $2 to help contribute to the children's craft.

Thanks to Jen & Kory for organizing this event!

Joan & Kari 


December MNO

Christmas Ornament Exchange
December 2nd
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Kari Allen's Home
18202 Dark Star Way
Boyds, MD 20841
(757) 515 - 5743 



Come join us as we bring in the Holiday Season with a festive ornament exchange!  A light snack and hot drinks will be served.  Yet, if you'd like to bring a treat to share please feel free.  

 Please bring a wrapped ornament ($5 or less) to be exchanged with the other ladies. 

We look forward to a relaxing evening of fun & fellowship!

Joan & Kari 



Tuesday, October 28, 2014

November Play Date


Operation Christmas Child

November 19th
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

DBC Old Building Sanctuary



On Wednesday, November 19th, we have the special opportunity to serve side by side with our children as we prepare shoeboxes.  These shoeboxes will then be distributed to needy children around the globe through an international relief organization called Samaritan's Purse.  (Read more about Samaritan's Purse here.

What a wonderful way to help our children think of others during this busy holiday season!!  Please see below on how to be prepared & feel free to pack as many boxes as you would like!



Our Job: 

1.  We will provide labels, directions for packing the boxes, coloring sheets for inside the boxes, & a small craft for the children to complete.

2.  We will have a snack for all box packers! 

If you’d like, bring along a blanket as we will be sitting on the floor to pack our boxes.

Your Job: 

1.  Decide to pack a shoebox (the plastic containers from the dollar store work great!).

2.  Select the type of child you would like to prepare a shoebox(es) for: 


  •  Boy or Girl
  •  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) 
  • 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

4. Bring your goodies to DBC on November 19th 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 19th.  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).


***Click here for everything you need to know about packing a shoebox.***

Thursday, October 23, 2014

November MNO - BYO Craft Night!

Do you have a craft or scrapbook that's just been gathering dust in a corner?

Do you want to get a jump start on a cute craft for the holidays without worrying about your little ones finding the scissors, yarn, glitter, or glue?

Then join us on Thursday, November 6th at 7:30pm in the old church building at Derwood Bible Church for a fun, low key night of crafting!  Our very own Rian Ryan has offered to give crochet lessons for anyone interested as well.

We will provide drinks, please feel free to bring a snack to share along with whatever craft you'd like to work on!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

October Mom's Night Out:

Pumpkin Carving with a Drill
October 14th
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
DBC Main Building
Bring your own Pumpkin!
Drinks & a light snack will be provided.

Come join us for an evening guaranteed to be a smash!

If you are looking for a pumpkin carving project that's easy, a little different, and super cute, pumpkin drilling is for you!  
You can place these outside and light them with candles or glow sticks.  Please be sure to bring a pumpkin (they are currently super cheap at Aldi) & if you can - a drill & bits to share.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Joan & Kari
RESCHEDULED October Playdate: 

Butler's Orchard Pumpkin Harvest Days

October 29th
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
(Please arrive around 10:45 am to collect money & receive wrist bands.)



Cost: $7.00/person over 12 months

Butler's Orchard
22200 Davis Mill Road
Germantown, MD 20876
www.butlersorchard.com/pumkin-harvest-days/
301-428-0444

This event is such a blast!  Your children will thoroughly enjoy all the activities Butler's has to offer (see below).  We will meet in the grassy parking area at 10:45 am, collect money, get our wrist bands, & head off for some fun.  Around 12:30 pm we will meet under the shaded trees for a picnic if you would like to pack a lunch. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Kari & Joan
757-515-5743
Please call if you can't find us. :) 

Activities include:
  • Explore the Straw Maze
  • Jump in the Hayloft
  • Visit the Barnyard Buddies
  • Take a tractor-driven Hayride
  • Coast down our Giant Slides
  • Pick a pumpkin in the Pumpkin Patch
Everyone will take home their own head-sized pumpkin, two crisp apples, and “The Pumpkin Post” – a facts and fun worksheet about their day on the farm.


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

MOPPETS


Name: Jen Etzel
Husband: Blase
Child: Hannah (2)

This is my second year attending MOPs and my first year serving on the Steering Team! I have been married to my husband for 5 years this fall and our daughter is 2 years old. I stay home with our daughter during the daytime and work with young adult and adult individuals with special needs on weekends and during evenings, as a private consultant and trainer of daily living skills and transition planning. I strive to find a balance between my part time work and my relationship with my family, and am blessed to have a husband who will race home from work to switch with me and support my dream to be both a stay at home mom and a working mom. I live most days in the chaos of finding the balance of it all, while trying to kiss and snuggle my toddler as much as I possibly can (if I can catch her!)

I love sharing my journey of motherhood alongside the girlfriends and mentors I have found here at Derwood MOPs. Before finding this group of outstanding women (thanks to my awesome neighbors!) I was missing a huge piece of the spiritual and emotional support that I have now gained from this group. I am excited to connect with the women attending this year and support their children in MOPPETS. My own daughter struggled last year in the transition away from me during meetings and I hope to help each child (as well as my own!) grow and become excited to learn and play with new and old friends.

Hospitality


Name: Megan Dickens
Husband: John Ross
Kids: Graham (2), Lincoln (7 months)

Welcome to all of the MOPS moms!  My name is Megan Dickens and this is my third year being involved with this wonderful, supportive group of women. I am looking forward to this upcoming year! This will be my second year on the Steering Team as the Hospitality Chair. 

I have been involved with several hospitality type roles in the past and look forward to bringing my experience and knowledge to Derwood MOPS again this year!

I am originally from Ohio and my husband is from Alabama. We met while we were in school at Western Kentucky University. We moved to the DMV shortly after college and shortly after we got married for my husbands job with the federal government. We just celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary this past July. We have lived in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and are now in Germantown. We have two very handsome little boys, Graham, age 2 1/2 and Lincoln, age 7 months. I am very fortunate to be a SAHM with a part-time job out of the home. If you haven't checked out Lillybee U you should! :) I have been working in the shoe industry for the past 6 years. 

When we found out we were pregnant with our first I knew that I needed to quickly find a group of women that were just like me, A MOM! My older sister had talked to me about how much she loved her group in Colorado and so I set forth to find one in our area. It also just so happened that our neighbor was in Derwood MOPS and mentioned it to me as well. I quickly reached out while I was pregnant and joined shortly after. I can honestly say that I made the best decision to join Derwood MOPS. I have been able to forge friendships and further my relationship with God. My wish for all of you this year is that you find exactly what you are looking for in MOPS. Whether that be 2 hours of quiet time, a lasting friendship, a few play-dates, a mom's night out at the Melting Pot, or most importantly a space where you can grow, flourish, and nourish your relationship with God. Here's to an awesome year at Derwood MOPS!


Let's FLOURISH! 

Table Leader


Name: Sarah Newens
Husband: Andy
Kids: Evalyn (3), Ethan (8 months)

I joined MOPS when Ev was a newborn, and this is my first year on the Steering Team as a Table Leader!  As my children get older, I’m realizing that parenting is not for the faint of heart; and it is all the more we need God’s grace in our lives.  When I’m not with my husband and children, I work part time to help create safer products for consumers.  (Keep those laundry packets away from your children!)

I live right around the corner from Derwood Bible Church, and while I don’t promise a perfect home, I promise an open home, an open heart, and a cup of tea.

Table Leader


Name: Joy Ahlman
Husband: Mark
Kids: Devric, River, Kelvin


This will be my 8th year in MOPS!!! I have been involved as either a table leader or on steering for the past six years. Being a table leader is very important to me - I want to be sure my group of moms know that they have someone who cares for them during this amazing and stressful time in our lives! 

Table Leader



Name: Sarah Zuber
Husband: Stephen
Kids: Anna Belle (7), Simeon (5), Gracie (9 months)


I first joined MOPS in Louisiana after returning from living overseas and was immediately hooked! After moving to Maryland a year ago, one of the first things I did was search for a MOPS group. It is a joy for me to be a table leader this year. I love the sense of community and connection we have as MOPS moms, and I look forward to getting to know the ladies at my table on a deeper level this year.

Table Leader


Name: Lucy Silva
Husband: Matt
Kids: Amelia & Isabel

My husband Matt and I have lived in Derwood for 3 years with our two little girls. While we have lived in the DC area for several years now, Matt is originally from California, and I am an Army brat.

I am an RN, and up until last year when my second baby was born, worked as a recovery room nurse at Georgetown. I absolutely loved it, but with a growing family and my husband pursuing a new career path, I felt like I should take a step back for a time to let things settle out.

That said, as grateful as I am for this transition in our family life, it has not come without serious struggle. My second was born last September and I joined MOPS in November. I found it to be a huge source of encouragement and rest in a time during which I found to be emotionally unsettling, to say the least! Giving up my job (which I really enjoyed!) to come home, while I believed it was the best decision for us, forced me to restructure my week around 2 very unpredictable kiddos (aren't they all!) Coming from a very structured work environment, that was really hard!! MOPS played an important role in getting me through this transition and connecting me with other moms who were going through similar or other equally difficult struggles.

I'm honored to join the Steering Team this year and serve in whatever ways I can. I hope and pray that we can all laugh, be encouraged, and find grace for growth as we journey together down this somewhat bumpy road called parenting!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Co-Coordinator


Name: Rian Ryan
Husband: Phil
Kids: Ferris (6), Dax (3), Lorelei (1)

Rian has been in MOPS since January of 2010. She served 3 years as a MOPPETS coordinator and this is her third year as Co-Coordinator for the group. Rian has been married to her husband Phil for 9 super-awesome years and they have been blessed with three energetic and funny kids. When Rian had her first child she was drawn to ministry for moms with young kids. She has a passion for encouraging moms during this time in life when it goes from blissful to "are-you-freaking-kidding-me?!?!" at the drop of a hat... or the throwing of a cup. Rian is (desperately) looking forward to growing as a woman and a mother with this year's MOPS group.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Coordinator


Name: Robin Purdy
Husband: Jason
Kids: Elijah (5), Kenzie (3), Addie (1), and baby boy due in November

I have been married to my best friend Jason for 7 years. We have been blessed with 3 crazy kids who we wildly love and another one on the way! This year I am thankful to have the joy of co-coordinating with Rian again. I was able to serve on a ST in North Carolina several years back and ever since I joined MOPS I found a great need for moms of little ones to come together for the purpose of encouragement, support, and prayer. My family has traveled extensively and lived overseas, so I have seen firsthand the great need for community that we as mothers desire but the loneliness that can often accompany these years. Since joining Derwood MOPS 2 years ago I have been blessed to meet incredible moms who are just like me in the trenches of raising little people, and I look forward to meeting many more this year!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

September Mom's Night Out!


Join us at the Melting Pot in Gaithersburg as we kick off another year of MOPS!

We'll meet at 7:30pm on September 30th.  Please bring $10 to cover your portion of the fondue and tip (drinks not included).  This is always a great evening of delicious chocolate and getting to know each other better, we hope you can join us!

Please RSVP in the comments by Friday, September 26th, so that we can confirm our reservation with the restaurant.

See you there!
Joan & Kari

Saturday, August 30, 2014




September Playdate

2014-2015 MEET & GREET
September 17th
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Woodley Gardens Park
900 Nelson St
Rockville, MD 20850

Come join us as we start off our new MOPS year! We are excited to welcome new members and reconnect with old.  Please come ready to play on the shaded playscape and make a new friend.  Light snacks will be served, but feel free to pack a lunch for your crew.  

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

August Playdate: Germantown Splash Park!


 

Germantown Splash Park Playdate
 

When: Wednesday, August 20th at 10:00am
Address:  18056 Central Park Circle
    Boyds, MD 20841
Cost:  $4 per person (under age 2 is free!)

**Bring your bathing suit, sunscreen, and a snack/lunch.

Comment below if you plan on joining us!

Monday, July 28, 2014

August's MNO - CANCELLED

This MNO has been cancelled.  Please keep checking the blog for information about next month's fun!

Join us on Monday, August 11th at 8pm for our next mom's night out - bowling at Bowlmor in Rockville! They are currently running a couple of specials, so please check out their website and print out your coupon of choice before arriving!

Please leave a comment if you plan to come so I know who to look for - thank you!

Joan

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

July Playdate: Little Tots at the Rio



Come join us at the Rio in Gaithersburg for Little Tots "Under the Sea", next Wednesday, July 30th. Here are the details:


Where: Washingtonian Rio, Gaithersburg, MD (inside the Rio Atrium, right in front of the movie theatre)

When: Wednesday, July 30th at 10:30am **let's meet at 10:15/10:20am because it can get pretty busy and we want good seats!

If you are new to MOPS this upcoming year and you do not know anyone, you can look for me!  I'll be wearing a bright pink shirt with a bright pink bracelet on my wrist.  I'll also include my phone number, in case you can't find me for some reason (see email for my number).

Looking forward to meeting some of you and seeing some old friends as well!

Meaghan Trout


Monday, June 30, 2014

July MNO - Game night at DBC!

Please join us at 7:30pm on Monday, July 7th for our next mom's night out!  We have a game night scheduled at DBC in the old building's sanctuary.  Bring a game and a snack to share; drinks will be provided.

Hope to see many of you there!

Joan

PS - Please leave a comment if you can come so I know who to expect!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

June MNO - Fun at the Washingtonian!



Join us 7:30pm Wednesday, June 25th, at the 16 Handles in the Washingtonian Center.  We'll grab fro-yo and possibly a movie as well depending on showtimes!  Please RSVP below so I know who to look for.  Hope to see you there!

Joan & Meaghan

Friday, June 13, 2014

Park & Picnic Playdate!!

 
 
 
Playdate this Wednesday, June 18th at 10am!!  We are going to Wheaton Regional Park in Silver Spring.  Let's meet at the shaded kiddie playground and if we'd like to move to the area where the carousel and train ride are, we can walk over there together. So instead of parking at the main lot off Shorefield Road, you are going to park at the lot off of Shorefield COURT.  If you look at the park on Google maps, you can get an idea before you head down there!

Tickets for the train and carousel cost $1.75 each (one ticket = one ride).  Kids under 2 ride free! 

Bring a lunch along with you!  Looks like it will be pretty warm so remember your sunscreen, sunhats, and water!
 

Monday, May 12, 2014

May Mom's Night Out - Ice Cream!



Join us at Bruster's in Gaithersburg on Thursday, May 22nd at 7:30pm for ice cream without the kids!
If you bring your own banana you'll get 1/2 off a banana split!

Hope to see you there!


(Bruster's is located at 18519 N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg, in the same plaza as Great Beginnings)

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

May Playdate: Park & Picnic!




We will be meeting at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg next Thursday, May 8th at 10:30am for a little outside fun!  Meet us at the playground...we can then go to a pavilion to eat some lunch OR we can just go picnic style on the ground ;)  Remember to bring a lunch for yourself and the kiddos!

Here is the address:
506 S Frederick Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877


Looking forward to enjoying some warm, dry weather together!!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Freezer Cooking MNO

Registration for this MNO is now closed.

Due to a couple of complications with our original MNO date of April 21st, we have moved the freezer cooking mom's night out to Friday, May 2nd.

Here's an opportunity to stock your freezer with some crockpot meals just in time for summer - no need to run the oven or stovetop!  These recipes are courtesy of our freezer cooking focus group.

Please use the form below to sign up no later than Friday, April 25th.  Please keep in mind that you are committing to be there and to pay for your meals!  Recipes may be found here. Also, we have several ladies in our group expecting summer babies.  If you are willing to give a few dollars towards making some extra meals for them we would greatly appreciate it - please email us and let us know.

Who: You!
What: Assembling crockpot-ready meals for your freezer
Where: Derwood Bible Church, new building's auditorium
When: Friday, May 2nd at 7:30pm
Other details: Be prepared to do a little prep work before assembling the meals - an apron might be good to have!  Also, it would be a big help for several people to bring cup & spoon measures and large bowls to aid in setting up each meal's ingredients.

Hope to see many of you there!
Joan & Meaghan

Freezer Cooking Recipes

Below are the recipes for the upcoming Mom's Night Out.

Sausage & Peppers
  • 4 chicken sausages sliced
  • 1 handful green peppers
  • 2 handful multi-colored pepers
  • 1 handful onion
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Splash of EVOO
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic salt

Mix together in bag. Cook for 5 hours on low. Serve with pasta. Can be cooked in a skillet.

BBQ Chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 handful green peppers
  • 1 handful multi-colored peppers
  • 1 handful onion
  • 3 chopped red potatoes (big pieces)
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt

Mix together in bag. Cook for 4 hours on low. Serve with rice.

No-Peeking Peking Chicken
  • 3-4 lbs whole chicken breasts
  • salt and pepper
  • 3/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cups soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. ginger
  • 1/4 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 bag frozen corn kernels
  • 1 bag frozen snow pea pods
  • 1 red pepper chopped

Mix all of the ingredients for each recipe together and divide evenly into two, 1 gallon sized freezer bags per recipe. Seal, and freeze. On the day of, thaw the bag on the counter for about 30 minutes, dump into the crockpot, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Roast and Vegetables
  • 2 lb chuck roast, cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large onion cut into 8ths
  • 1 bag baby carrots
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery or onion salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, DO NOT DRAIN
  • 2 cans condensed tomato soup
  • 2 beef boullion cubes, softened
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes
  • 1 can whole kernel corn, DRAINED
  • 6-8 small red potatoes, cubed

Mix all of the ingredients for each recipe together and divide evenly into two, 1 gallon sized freezer bags per recipe. Seal, and freeze. On the day of, thaw the bag on the counter for about 30 minutes, dump into the crockpot, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.