CCC MOPS NEWSLETTER VOLUME 7 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2007

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

The Butterfly Press

‘Twas the month before Christmas ‘Twas the month before Christmas ‘Twas the month before Christmas ‘Twas the month before Christmas

'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 pa-per 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 every-where. 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

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

Today’s Quote

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill

toward men!” Luke 2:14

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

2

Welcome Home

Little One

Jackie Ehtesham and family were blessed with a baby boy on Nov. 22nd. Rico Darius

measured 8 lbs. 15oz. and 21”!

Stephanie Gage and family were blessed with a baby girl on Dec. 6th. Baby Ainsley measured

over 7lbs. & 20”!

Congratulations!

HOME IMPROVEMENT HERALD

RECENT RENOVATIONS! The Ehtesham & Gage homes have increased by two feet each!

EARLY DEVELOPMENT STAGES!

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

Helen Chun (12/1) Marcia Smith (12/3)

Heather Donelson (12/4) Tina Pierce (12/25)

JesusJesusJesusJesus(12/25)

Where to go to see the best lights!

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.

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

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 530-

878-6053 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

Our Neighborhood

Learn about opossums: 12/22

Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850

San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael

$4 parking 489-4918

Fairytale own FREE Admis-

sion: 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 Sci-

ence & 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

3

From the Kitchen

Two Minute Microwave Fudge

DIRECTIONS:

Stir sugar, cocoa and salt together in a 1 ½ qt cas-serole. 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.

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

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 cup butter (do not substi-tute) 1 egg ½ tsp vanilla ½ tsp almond extract 2 ½ cups flour (all purpose) 1 tsp cream of tartar

DIRECTIONS:

Mix the sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and almond ex-tract. 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.

Yummy Cut Out Cookies

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

INGREDIENTS:

Hershey’s Kisses & Hershey’s Hugs Bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels, M&Ms candies

Salty Sweet Pretzels

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.

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 pepper-mint and vanilla extracts. Gradually mix in the flour. Di-vide the dough in half. Color one half with red food color-ing 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.

4

“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, be-cause 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 orna-ments 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

Favorite Favorite Favorite Favorite Christmas TraditionsChristmas TraditionsChristmas TraditionsChristmas Traditions

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! By Karen Spiegler

5

Christmas Crew Craft

C O R N e R

Moving Up in MOPPETSMoving Up in MOPPETSMoving Up in MOPPETSMoving Up in MOPPETS

As you know, January is the only time dur-

ing the MOPS year that your child may

move up to an older group. This will take

place in our first January meeting. Chil-

dren wishing to be in the 3 year old pro-

gram must be 3 AND potty trained com-pletely. 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.

Supplies: Cardboard tissue tubes, construction paper, scissors, craft glue

Pinch the top of the hat closed and trim with a paper pom-pom. Add a brow band in a contrasting color. For the snow-man's and soldier's

hats, start by rolling and gluing a 2- by 5-inch paper rectangle into a cylin-der. 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 7-inch rectangle for the snowman's scarf. Glue on pointed elf ears and feet, and top off the reindeer with antlers and ears.

1. Begin by wrapping each cardboard tube with a 4- by 6-inch pa-per rectangle, choosing an appropriate base color for each charac-ter. 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 or-ange 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-inch-wide white paper circles.

4. To make a tall, pointed hat for Santa or the elf, wrap a 2- by 5-inch paper rec-tangle around the tube top and glue the overlapped edges together. Festive Photo

www.familyfun.com

1. For each card, meas-ure and cut a 9- by 4-inch 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.

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.

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.

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)

“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 sup-port. Thank you again!” Vickie Turnquist

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

30 31 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

MOPS Meeting!

9:15-11:30am

Tina Pierce’s Birthday!

Jesus’ Birthday! Christmas

6

Helen Chun’s Birthday!

DECEMBER 2007

Stay Connected!! If you haven’t already done so, please join our CCC MOPS Email group - Simply send a blank email to: cccmopsconnected-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Heather

Donelson’s Birthday!

Marcia Smith’s Birthday!

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 courtney.phelps@sbcglobal.net

For Women’s Ministry, Call Jana Michaelsen. 916-344-2382

Christ Community Church 5025 Manzanita Ave.

Carmichael, CA 95608

Christ Community Church

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!

Child Star Musical 4 & 6pm Candlelight 11pm

Christmas Eve

New Year’s Eve

9 & 10:45am CCC Services: Ken Medema

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

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

4 And Joseph also went up from Gali-lee, 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)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished

that she should be delivered. 7 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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

MOPS

CLASSIFIEDS

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