December Newsletter Full

The Butterfly Press CCC MOPS NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 7

‘Twas the month before Christmas MOPS Leadership Team Coordinator M’Lisse Stone Creative Activities Leader Marcia Smith Creative Activities Asst./ Service Projects Rose Laeber Finance Leader Coco Gumacal Grandmop Elsie Anderson Discussion Group Leader Audrey Witteborg Hospitality / Care Team Caprice Inchalik Mentor Moms Cathy Davie Joan Evans Karen Jaeger Alice McKinley Janet Peterson Diane Rust Publicity Leader Courtney Phelps Social Activities/Special Events Leader Amy Broxham Speaker Coordinator Deanna McDaniel Table Leaders Brandi Brooks Janet Horel Deanna McDaniel Tamara Plummer Doria Wallentine Tiffany Wolin

'Twas the month before Christmas And in "Any" town, Moms of preschoolers (MOPS) were bustling around; Making their plans for the Season to come And hoping and praying they'd get everything done. They sigh and begin their kitchen brigade As they don aprons and get all the sweet treats made. Next on the list any MOPS-mom will relate Is the great number of child-friendly crafts using paper plates. Buoyed by the knowledge that Granny and Gramps will smile They prepare preschool crafts to traverse the miles. Crafts that trace each little sweetie's appendage And that require minimal cutting (thus avoiding blood and bandage) These MOPS-moms are armed with a mission They want to begin their own family traditions. So they listen to other moms share what they do And they evaluate what could work for them too. With great hopes for a most meaningful Season MOPS and children sing carols, read books and share THE reason. As MOPS moms know And yearn to impart Christmas isn't Christmas without Christ in one's heart. It is true that the season Brings much fun and joy. And laughter and merriment, To each girl and boy. But Christian Mothers' hearts continually share The message of God's love to their children everywhere. In the Christmas miracle God's plan was shown As the tiny Christ-child to the world was made known. "Dear Father, draw us nearer to you as we pray, And thank you for the gift of Christmas Day. Please accept our offerings at the manger so bare And bless our little children as we lead them there." By Sandy Ceniseros MOPS of First Baptist Church

ISSUE 4

DECEMBER 2007

Today’s Quote “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14

Mark Your Calendar! (Reminder: only one meeting in December) The Child Star Musical Sun., Dec. 23rd 9 & 10:45am Mon., Dec. 24th 4 & 6:00pm A light-hearted mini-musical at CCC Candlelight Christmas Eve Service here at CCC Mon., Dec. 24th 11:00pm January MOPS Meetings: Tuesday, January 8, 9:15am “HOMEmade” ~ Craft Day Tuesday, January 22, 9:15am “Overwhelmed to Organized in 30 Days” with Speaker Lee Mahla

In This Issue Birthdays/Special Announcements . . . Page 2 Our Neighborhood (Community Events) . . Page 2 Where to go to see Christmas Lights . . Page 2 From the Kitchen (Holiday Treats!) . . . . . Page 3 Christmas Traditions (Your Answers) . . . Page 4 ‘Twas the night before Christmas . . . . . Page 4 MOPPETS Corner (Fun Holiday Crafts) . . . Page 5 Calendar, Classifieds & Contact Info. . . Page 6 “The Christmas Story“ (The Truth) . . . . . Page 6 Miscellaneous Announcements . . . . . . . .Page 6

HOME IMPROVEMENT HERALD

Welcome Home Little One

RECENT RENOVATIONS!

NEARING COMPLETION DATES!

The Ehtesham & Gage homes have increased by

The following moms are awaiting additions to their homes: Deanna McDaniel - 1/4/08, Amy Horel - 2/25, Heather Scherber - 3/20

two feet each!

EARLY DEVELOPMENT STAGES! Jackie Ehtesham and family were blessed with a baby boy on Nov. 22nd. Rico Darius measured 8 lbs. 15oz. and 21”!

Let us know if “home improvement” plans are in the works for you!

Where to go to see the best lights!

Stephanie Gage and family were blessed with a baby girl on Dec. 6th. Baby Ainsley measured over 7lbs. & 20”!

Dovewood Court Parade of Lights in Orangevale and the Live Nativity across the street at Christ the King Lutheran Church! You can’t take it all in by car (tho’ driving is warmer), so park and treat your family to a wonderful stroll around Dovewood and then the Nativity production across the street! Bring hot chocolate in travel mugs and a holiday treat or just some graham crackers and your kids will be extra happy. Bundle up!!! The earlier you view Dovewood, the better - it is open 5:30-10pm, Dec. 2-25 Go down Madison Ave. toward O’vale, cross over Pershing & then turn left on Walnut (not a light) & park on Walnut or in the Christ the King Lutheran Church parking lot. Live Nativity is Dec. 14, 15 & 16 only at 7, 7:45 or 8:30pm. (just a suggestion: bring canned food for Dovewood Food for Families canned food drive) Many also trek up to Roseville to see the spectacular light displays in Stanford Ranch. There are huge displays of lights about 3 blocks around just behind the Stanford Ranch Bel Air. Take 80 to 65 and exit right at Stanford Ranch. Turn left on Sunset and then right on Pebble Creek. Unfortunately, the Carmichael “Holiday House” will not be running this year. More about that: www.lightupxmas.com. For more suggestions, check out http://cbs13.com/12daves.

Congratulations!

Our Neighborhood Live Outdoor Nativity: 12/14, 15 & 16 Christ the King Lutheran Church on Walnut, Orangevale 7:00, 7:45 & 8:30pm See the planet Mars: 12/15 Placer Nature Centers Stars, Auburn $6 all ages 5-7pm 530878-6053 for reservations placernaturecenter.org Make a scented sachet: 12/15 Discovery Museum’s Science & Space Center $3-$5 museum admission 575-3941 www.thediscovery.org Indian Museum Free Day: 12/18-20 Maidu Historic Site Rsvl. 774-5934 Free Holiday Concert: 12/19 Performed by American River College Orchestra at Mission Oaks Community Center, Cmcl. 972-0336 www.morpd.com

Learn about opossums: 12/22 Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael $4 parking 489-4918

Helen Chun (12/1) Marcia Smith (12/3) Heather Donelson (12/4) Tina Pierce (12/25) Jesus(12/25) Jesus

Fairytale own FREE Admission: 12/24 264-5233 www.fairytaletown.org Magic Show at Library: 12/27 Rancho Cordova Library 264-2920 www.saclibrary.org Make Tissue Butterflies: 12/29 Discovery Museums Science & Space Center, 575-3941 www.thediscovery.org Explore habitat at river’s edge: 12/30 Effie Yeaw Nature Center 489-4918 Source for events: Sacramento Parents’ Monthly

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From the Kitchen Two Minute Microwave Fudge INGREDIENTS: 1 lb powdered sugar ½ cup cocoa ¼ tsp salt 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) ¼ cup milk 1 Tbsp vanilla ½ cup butter

Yummy Cut Out Cookies INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 cup butter (do not substitute) 1 egg ½ tsp vanilla ½ tsp almond extract 2 ½ cups flour (all purpose) 1 tsp cream of tartar

For Frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar 1/3 cup butter 1 ½ tsp almond extract

Candy Cane Cookies INGREDIENTS: ¾ cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp peppermint extract ½ tsp vanilla extract 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Red food coloring DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 375º. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and beat well. Stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. Gradually mix in the flour. Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring and leave the other half plain. Roll out a tablespoon of red dough and a tablespoon of plain until they are each 6 to 8 inches long. Twist them into a candy cane, pinching the ends. Repeat. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not brown. Makes about 25.

DIRECTIONS: Stir sugar, cocoa and salt together in a 1 ½ qt casserole. Make a well in center and add milk and butter. Cook 2 minutes (or until butter is melted) on high. Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Add nuts and vanilla; stir and pour into a 6 X 10” pan or dish. Chill 1 hour then cut into squares.

DIRECTIONS: Mix the sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and almond extract. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll out to desired thickness and cut into shapes. Bake at 350º for 6 to 10 minutes. The thickness determines the baking time. Frost when cooled.

Salty Sweet Pretzels INGREDIENTS: Hershey’s Kisses & Hershey’s Hugs Bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels, M&Ms candies DIRECTIONS: Heat the oven to 170º. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss or Hug. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from oven and quickly press an M&M candy into the center of each Kiss/Hug. Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.

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Twas the night before Christmas (Mom’s version) Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds, while visions of N-64 and Barbie, flipped through their heads. The dad was snoring in front of the TV, with a Half constructed bicycle propped on his knee. So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?" With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, she descended the stairs, and saw the old man. He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug, "Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug." "Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake." "Your gift was especially difficult to make." "Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone." "Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone." "A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?" "Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat." Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin, same hair, same eyes, same double chin. "She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy, watch The Young & The Restless." "Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!" "I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!" From the room above, the youngest did fret. "Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet." The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart." "Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part." The clone changed the small one and hummed her tune, as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon. "You're the best mommy ever. I really love you." The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you, too." The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal." That's my child's LOVE she is trying to steal." Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear, only one loving mother is needed here." The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed. "Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head. I sometimes forget, it won't be very long, when they'll be too old for my cradle and song." The clock on the mantle began to chime. Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time." With the clone by his side Santa said "Goodnight. Merry Christmas, dear Mom, You will be all right." Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about. Especially at times during the Holiday season, when all we seem to do is clean and bake and shop and and and and ....You get the picture, I'm sure. So stop for a moment and hug that little one so special, whether he/she is 2 months or 22 years, or even older than that. For they are the Gift that God gave us in life... and what a gift to be treasured, far above any other! Merry Christmas to all!

Favorite Christmas Traditions “We make a gingerbread house each year and they get better and more elaborate with practice. :) We always end up playing with the icing and trying not to eat all the candy!” - Rose Laeber “My favorite tradition that my husband and I have started is that we go to Apple Hill every year and get our Christmas tree with our kids and have our family picture taken usually with the tree and that's our Christmas card picture.” - Marcia Smith “For Christmas, we do a Happy Birthday Jesus cake. The family loves it even my friend from Texas says "I can't wait for some more Jesus cake" (unfortunately she moved back to Texas so now she can't have any with us). Also, we always go look at lights throughout Roseville/Rocklin as well as Dove Court. And we LOVE going to Nevada City for their Ol' Time Christmas, however, this year, we are passing due to too much walking for me so I am a little sad but we will pick it back up next year with the newest member of our family.” - Deanna McDaniel “Every year we each add an ornament to our Christmas tree with something meaningful from throughout the year. For example, this year we added a fishing ornament, because Carter caught his first fish with dad. Paul added a picture of our family. I added my mini ceramic teapot from this past MOPS Tea and Treasures in March 2007. It is so special to reminisce as we place our ornaments on the tree each year and realize how blessed we are. We also sing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas morning.” - Becky Moos “Our family traditions begin with going to Apple Hill to get our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. We begin a devotional reading of the Birth of Christ and put a small gift under the tree beginning Dec 1st for each child. We give coats and other items to those less fortunate than ourselves and make gingerbread cookies and a gingerbread house. Merry Christmas!” - Doria Wallentine “We always celebrate Sabrina’s birthday and the next weekend we put up the tree. All the kids have a special person that they shop for. I also try to donate coats and clothes to those less fortunate than us.” - Julie Jones “It doesn’t really feel like Christmastime until we get our tree - so we start with that. Egg Nog, Christmas Music and just a little bit of frustration with the Christmas Lights and we’re on our way to decorating our tree as a family. We love to talk about the ornaments and the memories attached to them as we’re decorating. The kids always seem to be in awe (again) that we’re bringing a real live tree IN to the house. That’s my fave, but I also love going to view the lights at Dovewood Court and the Live Nativity play with hot chocolate, mittens & scarves. We read “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve and “The Story of Jesus” on Christmas morning.” - Courtney Phelps “Our family tradition is to have a birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Day. We have had the party in the morning with a cinnamon roll cake, candles, singing, etc. Or we have an ice cream cake after dinner with candles, singing, etc. What we GIVE Jesus for His birthday present, is our heart, mind, body, and soul.” - Lisalee Egbert

By Karen Spiegler

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C O R N The Legend of the Candy Cane Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make a candy that symbolized the true meaning of Christmas Jesus. The hard candy was shaped like a “J” to represent Jesus’ name. The color white stands for the pureness of Jesus. The color red represents the blood Jesus shed for us.

Moving Up in MOPPETS As you know, January is the only time during the MOPS year that your child may move up to an older group. This will take place in our first January meeting. Children wishing to be in the 3 year old program must be 3 AND potty trained completely. If your child turned 3 this fall and is fully potty trained, you can expect her to move up in January. The children from infants to age 2 will continue to move within the nursery as is developmentally appropriate.

Festive Photo www.familyfun.com

1. For each card, measure and cut a 9- by 4inch piece of card stock and fold it in half. Starting at the fold, draw a simple ornament shape, tracing around the jar lid to create the round portion. Cut out the ornament, going through both layers but leaving the fold intact. 2. Open up the cutout and lay a 9-inch length of string or cording across the crease, as shown.

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Christmas Crew Craft Supplies: Cardboard tissue tubes, construction paper, scissors, craft glue 1. Begin by wrapping each cardboard tube with a 4- by 6-inch paper rectangle, choosing an appropriate base color for each character. Glue the paper in place. 2. To make faces for the angel, Santa, soldier and elf, cut 3-inch-wide circles out of orange or pink paper, and glue them onto the tubes. 3. For facial features, cut small circles for eyes and noses, mini rectangles for eyebrows and crescent shapes for mouths and moustaches. Roll a tiny orange cone for the snowman's nose, then make four small snips around the cone's base and glue the tabs to his face. For Santa's beard, glue on layers of 1-inchwide white paper circles. 4. To make a tall, pointed hat for Santa or the elf, wrap a 2- by 5-inch paper rectangle around the tube top and glue the overlapped edges together.

Pinch the top of the hat closed and trim with a paper pompom. Add a brow band in a contrasting color. For the snowman's and soldier's hats, start by rolling and gluing a 2by 5-inch paper rectangle into a cylinder. Make small slits along one end and fold the tabs in toward the center of the cylinder. Glue a 2 ½-inch circle on top of the tabs. Trim. 5. Finish with distinguishing details for each figure. Frame the angel's face with yellow curls and a lacy collar. Add a halo and wings. Complete Santa's uniform with a broad black belt and buckle. Decorate the soldier with golden epaulets, coat lapels, and buttons. Fringe the ends of a 1- by 7inch rectangle for the snowman's scarf. Glue on pointed elf ears and feet, and top off the reindeer with antlers and ears.

Some children were asked, “What does Christmas mean to you?” “Christmas Tree, Candy Canes, Santa Claus, and putting Rainbow Ornaments on the Tree.” Carter Moos (almost 3) “Get the light on, put those on (pointed at ornaments) and baby, actually the star...” Hannah Phelps (3)

“Presents, ornaments, lights, trees…” Why do we celebrate Christmas? “because baby Jesus died on the cross, that’s why we celebrate to remember, and Jesus’ birthday.” Daven Brooks (4) “It’s kind of like a special birthday because it’s Jesus’ birthday and Christmas is presents and Santa Claus and our family being together when it’s Christmas...” Nathan Phelps (6)

3. Apply glue to the paper just below it, refold the paper, and tie the string ends together to form a hanging loop. 4. Cut a square from the shiny paper to fold over the top of the ornament, using craft scissors for decorative edges, if you like. Stick it in place with glue dots. Decorate the outside with glitter glue or stickers, then glue a photo, trimmed to fit, inside the card.

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DECEMBER 2007 Sun 30

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Sat 1 Helen Chun’s Birthday!

New Year’s Eve

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24 Child Star 25 Tina Pierce’s 26

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Marcia Smith’s Birthday!

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Heather Donelson’s Birthday!

11 MOPS Meeting! 9:15-11:30am

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9 & 10:45am CCC Services: Ken Medema

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9 & 10:45am CCC Services: Child Star Musical

Musical 4 & 6pm Candlelight 11pm

Birthday! Jesus’ Birthday!

Christmas Eve

Christmas

The Christmas Story Luke 2:4-14 King James Version

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MOPS CLASSIFIEDS

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a maner; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

FREE Crib! Excellent cond., nat. wood, flat slat. Call Susan 248-9191

“I just want to say a big thank you to all of you MOPS who contacted me (or tried to contact me) after my shoulder injury. I greatly appreciate those of you that brought food over, volunteered to help, or just called to see how I was doing. It meant alot to me and my husband and we were truly blessed because of the outpouring of support. Thank you again!” Vickie Turnquist

Stay Connected!! If you haven’t already done so, please join our CCC MOPS Email group - Simply send a blank email to: [email protected].

Do you have Friends or Family who are interested in joining our MOPS group? We currently have 6 openings and would love to have them join us! If you happened upon this Newsletter and are interested in joining MOPS, please do! MOPS meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 9:15-11:30am September-May For questions regarding CCC MOPS, Call M’Lisse Stone. 916-489-0602 www.CCCMOPS.com For questions regarding MOPPETS, Call Julie Jones. 916-729-7106 For anything Newsletter related, Email [email protected] For Women’s Ministry, Call Jana Michaelsen. 916-344-2382 Christ Community Church 5025 Manzanita Ave. Carmichael, CA 95608

Christ Community Church

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