Monday, February 21, 2011
MNO for January
Check out the fun we had at Project night working on our scrapbooking, crocheting, bowmaking, etc.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Powerful MomEMail from MOPS International
Stuck On You
By Meko Kapchinsky, mom of one
About two years ago I managed to give myself five successive concussions over the course of a year and a half. Consequently, between all the medication and head trauma, I had morphed into a drooling (literally), socially inept individual. Hands down, the toughest thing to deal with was my inability to care for my beloved Sophia. My two-year-old daughter couldn’t grasp why Mommy was sleeping the bulk of the day, instead of spending time with her doing crafts, baking, or playing tag. My mom, who cared for Sophia while I mended, tried explaining why I was M.I.A., but to no avail. Sophia desperately wanted to connect with me. I too, mourned the loss of our previous level of interaction, until I figured out that a drooling mom is still a mom.
Working as a team with my husband and mom, I instituted a ritual that allowed Sophia and I to spend quality time together. After my mom and husband fed Sophia dinner and brushed her teeth, they brought her into my bed and we would take silly pictures on my phone camera. In between goofy grins, giggling fits, and sticking out our tongues at the camera, Sophia had a chance to reconnect.
Two years later and concussion free, Sophia and I still take silly pictures together. It’s become “our thing”, our glue as a mother and daughter duo. While that year and a half was tough, I am so thankful for the lessons it taught me about cementing the bond between mother and child.
Dear God, thank you for the bond you’ve created between my child and me. Help me find ways to continue to strengthen it, regardless of my circumstances.
By Meko Kapchinsky, mom of one
About two years ago I managed to give myself five successive concussions over the course of a year and a half. Consequently, between all the medication and head trauma, I had morphed into a drooling (literally), socially inept individual. Hands down, the toughest thing to deal with was my inability to care for my beloved Sophia. My two-year-old daughter couldn’t grasp why Mommy was sleeping the bulk of the day, instead of spending time with her doing crafts, baking, or playing tag. My mom, who cared for Sophia while I mended, tried explaining why I was M.I.A., but to no avail. Sophia desperately wanted to connect with me. I too, mourned the loss of our previous level of interaction, until I figured out that a drooling mom is still a mom.
"I am so thankful
for the lessons it taught me
about cementing the bond
between mother and child."
Working as a team with my husband and mom, I instituted a ritual that allowed Sophia and I to spend quality time together. After my mom and husband fed Sophia dinner and brushed her teeth, they brought her into my bed and we would take silly pictures on my phone camera. In between goofy grins, giggling fits, and sticking out our tongues at the camera, Sophia had a chance to reconnect.
Two years later and concussion free, Sophia and I still take silly pictures together. It’s become “our thing”, our glue as a mother and daughter duo. While that year and a half was tough, I am so thankful for the lessons it taught me about cementing the bond between mother and child.
Dear God, thank you for the bond you’ve created between my child and me. Help me find ways to continue to strengthen it, regardless of my circumstances.
Friday, February 11, 2011
A great email from MOPS International
You’re Not Alone
By Christa Hogan, mom of two
After a particularly long, sleepless night, I decided I’d earned a latte. I dropped my oldest son off at preschool and headed to Starbucks with the baby. But as soon as I pulled into the drive-through line and placed my order, he woke up and started to cry. I knew he was fed and clean, but he wouldn’t stop crying no matter what I tried. My car was blocked in the drive-through line, and I had no choice but to wait it out.
"I was still exhausted.
But I was no longer alone"
Hormonal, exhausted, frazzled and leaking breast milk, I finally pulled up to the window for my latte after what felt like an eternity. I was fighting back tears as the barista at the window handed me my drink. But when I tried to pay he shook his head.
“The lady ahead of you in line already paid for your order,” he explained. “She said, ‘From one mom to another.’ ”
I felt a wave of relief. The baby was still crying. I was still leaking. I was still exhausted. But I was no longer alone. I was reminded that I was part of a larger, sometimes anonymous, community of moms doing their best for their kids. I don’t remember if the baby stopped crying before I drove all the way home, but I do remember how good that latte tasted.
Dear God, you designed us for community. Teach me to both receive and contribute to making the most of mine.
By Christa Hogan, mom of two
After a particularly long, sleepless night, I decided I’d earned a latte. I dropped my oldest son off at preschool and headed to Starbucks with the baby. But as soon as I pulled into the drive-through line and placed my order, he woke up and started to cry. I knew he was fed and clean, but he wouldn’t stop crying no matter what I tried. My car was blocked in the drive-through line, and I had no choice but to wait it out.
"I was still exhausted.
But I was no longer alone"
Hormonal, exhausted, frazzled and leaking breast milk, I finally pulled up to the window for my latte after what felt like an eternity. I was fighting back tears as the barista at the window handed me my drink. But when I tried to pay he shook his head.
“The lady ahead of you in line already paid for your order,” he explained. “She said, ‘From one mom to another.’ ”
I felt a wave of relief. The baby was still crying. I was still leaking. I was still exhausted. But I was no longer alone. I was reminded that I was part of a larger, sometimes anonymous, community of moms doing their best for their kids. I don’t remember if the baby stopped crying before I drove all the way home, but I do remember how good that latte tasted.
Dear God, you designed us for community. Teach me to both receive and contribute to making the most of mine.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Learning some more on parenting
Parenting Tip
Teach Children How to Listen
A very important skill that children will need as adults is the ability to listen. Listening isn't easy. Most people would rather talk. Children interrupt, yell, and talk over each other, often resulting in misunderstanding. Teaching children how to listen can be a way to help them become less selfish.
One mom told how she taught her children to listen. "I use this technique whenever my boys are in conflict over a toy. I sit them down with the toy on the table and say, 'You can play with the toy as soon as you both agree on a plan.' I encourage them each to share an idea and listen to the other's idea.
I teach them about compromise, working together, and sharing, but I let them work it out. Sometimes they'll both be stubborn and I'll have them stay there until they can agree on a plan. I coach them along when they need it. They must always report back to me before continuing to play, providing an opportunity for me to affirm unselfishness and cooperation."
It can be fun to teach a five-year-old how to persuade a two-year-old, or help two eight-year-olds negotiate a solution. Conflict is turned into cooperation through listening.
I (Scott) like to joke with children, "Do you know why God made lips for your mouth but not for your ears?" or, "Why do you think God gave you one mouth and two ears? It's because God wants you to quiet your mouth sometimes, so you can listen."
James 1:19 gives children very practical advice. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." As a parent, you have many opportunities to teach this valuable skill.
What are some ways you've been able to teach your children to listen to each other?
Teach Children How to Listen
A very important skill that children will need as adults is the ability to listen. Listening isn't easy. Most people would rather talk. Children interrupt, yell, and talk over each other, often resulting in misunderstanding. Teaching children how to listen can be a way to help them become less selfish.
One mom told how she taught her children to listen. "I use this technique whenever my boys are in conflict over a toy. I sit them down with the toy on the table and say, 'You can play with the toy as soon as you both agree on a plan.' I encourage them each to share an idea and listen to the other's idea.
I teach them about compromise, working together, and sharing, but I let them work it out. Sometimes they'll both be stubborn and I'll have them stay there until they can agree on a plan. I coach them along when they need it. They must always report back to me before continuing to play, providing an opportunity for me to affirm unselfishness and cooperation."
It can be fun to teach a five-year-old how to persuade a two-year-old, or help two eight-year-olds negotiate a solution. Conflict is turned into cooperation through listening.
I (Scott) like to joke with children, "Do you know why God made lips for your mouth but not for your ears?" or, "Why do you think God gave you one mouth and two ears? It's because God wants you to quiet your mouth sometimes, so you can listen."
James 1:19 gives children very practical advice. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." As a parent, you have many opportunities to teach this valuable skill.
What are some ways you've been able to teach your children to listen to each other?
MOPS International Email
SOS
By Holly Rowlette
Sometimes it is hard to ask for help, isn’t it? As strong women, we want to be super moms. We want to look like we have it all together and can do it all. Work, volunteer, clean house, cook dinner, organize play dates, manage the house. And when challenges come (sick child, deployment, money gets tight, loss of a job, childcare falls apart) we resist asking for help and even refuse friendly offers. We still want to have it all together and act like we can persevere.
I learned this lesson a few years ago when a friend offered to watch my kids. I kindly declined. She reminded me that I would be robbing my kids of a fun time with her kids, robbing her of the blessing of helping me and robbing myself of some much-needed down time. And she was exactly right. From that moment on, I have been less fearful of what others will think if I ask for help.
This week, let your friend be the blessing. Let her bring you a meal, watch your kids, drop off some groceries or help you fold laundry. Say it with me … “I’m a mom and I can’t do it all!” Say it again if you need to.
Dear God, teach me to accept help and to be willing to reciprocate as needed. Use me to teach my children about the joys of giving and receiving.
By Holly Rowlette
Sometimes it is hard to ask for help, isn’t it? As strong women, we want to be super moms. We want to look like we have it all together and can do it all. Work, volunteer, clean house, cook dinner, organize play dates, manage the house. And when challenges come (sick child, deployment, money gets tight, loss of a job, childcare falls apart) we resist asking for help and even refuse friendly offers. We still want to have it all together and act like we can persevere.
"I’m a mom
and I can’t do it all!"
I learned this lesson a few years ago when a friend offered to watch my kids. I kindly declined. She reminded me that I would be robbing my kids of a fun time with her kids, robbing her of the blessing of helping me and robbing myself of some much-needed down time. And she was exactly right. From that moment on, I have been less fearful of what others will think if I ask for help.
This week, let your friend be the blessing. Let her bring you a meal, watch your kids, drop off some groceries or help you fold laundry. Say it with me … “I’m a mom and I can’t do it all!” Say it again if you need to.
Dear God, teach me to accept help and to be willing to reciprocate as needed. Use me to teach my children about the joys of giving and receiving.
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