tile coasters+MOPS

Yesterday was our last official MOPS meeting of the year.  {insert sad face} I have really enjoyed being a part of a MOPS group.  One of my friends started our group two years ago and it really grew this year.  I was really impressed with the great guest speakers that took the time out of their busy schedules to come speak to our group.  Ashley Goertemiller {who's a fellow military wife} came all the way from KY to talk to us about her Behavior Boosters program, which I loved!  We also had Elizabeth Laing Thompson and Geri Laing  {they are a mother daughter duo} who have written several parenting books between them come and speak to our group.  I highly recommend their book, The Tender Years: Parenting Preschoolers.  And just a few weeks ago we had a professional organizer, Kaitie Bryant {you know I was all over that} come and share some tips with our group on staying organized.


We also did some really fun crafts/projects which I am thankful for.  The first MOPS group I ever attended was when we lived in WA and I was pregnant with Noah.  The crafts we did were not up my alley at all.  They were so horrible I would literally come home and immediately throw them into the trash can.  So you can see why I get so excited about the fun projects my current MOPS group does.  We make things that I actually love and want to use!  You may remember the bandana aprons we made a while back.  At our meeting yesterday we made tile coasters.  

We used this tutorial for our coasters in case anyone is interested.  All you need are some fun printed napkins, tiles from the home improvement store, a small foam brush, and modge podge glue.  The tutorial called for using cork on the back to protect your table or surface but we used little felt circles {the ones you would put under furniture to protect your floors}.  One felt circle in each corner on the bottom side of your tile will do the trick. 


I chose a black and white printed napkin for my coasters and I really like how they turned out.  I peeled off the top layer of the napkin and only used that layer so the white portion was really see through and sort of blended into the khaki tile.  I made two each of the designs you see below.  

Although I love the crafts, the great speakers, the awesome brunchy foods, and the two hours we are kid free that is not why I go to MOPS.  The BEST part about MOPS is getting to spend time in fellowship with other woman who share my same faith.  I can't tell you how many days we talked about something specific at MOPS that I really need to hear that day.  My MOPS group has been such an encouragement to me and I look forward to next August when we kick off another year!  


p.s. If you are interested in finding a MOPS group in your area you can do so here.

Read more...

Felt Catch-All

Every day when Hubby dear gets home from work he empties out his pockets.  Unfortunately, he usually puts his keys on the kitchen counter, his phone on the dining room table, and his wallet on the dresser, etc.  Do you see where this is going?  And then about an hour later he'll say, "Have you seen my phone?"  Of course I always know where his stuff is but I would prefer that he keep track of his own pocket contents!!


Enter the Catch-All.  

Last week at MOPS we each made a Felt Catch-All.  Finally Hubs has a place to put all of his "stuff" when he walks in the door!!  

Apparently I choose animal print for all of my MOPS crafts.  Remember the new sew bandana apron I made last month?  I think I like to let my wild side show through in my crafts!! 

I am linking this project to DIY day and Get your craft on.

Read more...

no sew bandana apron

Last week at MOPS we made bandana aprons for our craft.  You can see the tutorial  from Under the Sycamore here. I think they turned out pretty cute!  I chose a green bandana and black and white zebra ribbon for mine.  This apron was sooo easy to make.

{Note to self: Must clean mirror!!}

Here's part of my MOPS group modeling their cute aprons.

Read more...

Ask and you shall receive

So remember how the other day I was whining mentioning the fact that there were no MOPS in my area? Later that day I decided to email one of my friends to ask her if she by any chance knew of any MOP's in the area.

I was tickled pink to get her reply. 

Her church is actually in the process of starting a MOPS that will start this fall. And it's only 14.18 miles from my doorstep.

I have been praying for a while that God would provide a way for me meet other women in the area. Specifically other mommas that have babes the same age as my little one.  In the past week he has opened several doors that would meet my need. I'm beyond excited.

Read more...

Baffled

I don't quite understand. There are no MOPS groups that meet within 15 miles from where we live. The closest group is about 27 miles away. Although that may not sound too far it will take longer than that to get there and back. And I am NOT going to drive 30 minutes to meet with a new friend during the week should I meet any.  I am not trying to be mean, just realistic.

In WA ( keep in mind it's a highly UN-churched area) I had ten MOPS groups that met with in ten miles or less from our house.  I could have walked to the one I attended.  It's so weird to be back in the bible belt and surrounded by churches but to have no MOPS groups. There was a group that met 15 minutes from here but they disbanded the week we moved back. Great timing on both of our parts.  :(

So in lieu of MOPS this year I am looking for a womens bible study at a local church to attend during the day. I have found one I am interested in and will go to there welcome brunch in a few weeks. Maybe this will be my new MOPS and an opportunity to meet other ladies in my community.

Read more...