Moms and More

Spring 2011 Wrap-up and BIG NEWS!

2011-05-16T12:11:00.001-05:00

Our Spring Semester at Moms & More seemed so short, didn't it? But it was jam-packed with good friendships, great teaching, and excellent resources. I'm still applying what we learned from our teachers and our book, Stuck by Jennie Allen, when I feel like I've stopped relying on God to guide me on a daily basis... which happens way too often!

If you enjoyed Spring 2011 at Moms & More, then stay tuned. I promise you will love what's happening on Tuesday mornings at Fellowship Bible Church.

Moms & More has a new name, a new curriculum, and a whole new mission.

We are now bloom...Building a Legacy Out Of Motherhood.

Just because you attended Moms & More for a few years doesn't mean you have to move on! We have fresh, inspiring topics about motherhood, marriage, and our own spiritual growth as women.

You are welcome at bloom, whether you have a newborn or school-age children.

Childcare is still provided, and we're excited that we can now also accommodate home-schooled children and special-needs children.

We will begin registration for Fall 2011 in just a few weeks. We'll be sure to let everyone know as soon as registration opens, and it'll be really simple to register online. Please be sure to register so you can secure your spot for childcare.

Also, remember that anyone is welcome at bloom, whether they are a member at FBC or not. So tell all your mom friends, new neighbors, or gal you run into with your cart at Target (after you apologize, of course!) about bloom.

Also, be sure to find us on Facebook (search "bloom") and Twitter @bloomFBC.

Enjoy your summer!

Overwhelmed?

2011-02-23T10:03:00.001-06:00

We're studying our Overwhelmed Chapter of Stuck this week.

As I was driving home from a Kroger run this morning, this song came on KLove. I just grinned and thanked God because it describes how we can feel when life starts to overwhelm us. Take a listen...

Enjoy thanking God for the blessings of your life, and let's be sure to ask God what He would have us do with our time today.

Stuck - Lesson One

2011-01-26T09:14:00.000-06:00

We were so blessed to have Jennie Allen, the author of our study Stuck, as our speaker at Moms & More yesterday. Her message of hope was incredibly encouraging as we navigate through life wondering what to do with all our hidden "junk". God is so much bigger! And wasn't it so relieving to hear in small group time that other women are struggling with hidden junk in their own lives? Let's continue to be transparent and draw nearer to God and each other as we prepare for next week's discussion on Lesson One, called "Broken".

We apologize that we ran out of books yesterday. Another order has been placed, and everyone who wasn't able to get a book yesterday will be able to purchase one next Tuesday. In the meantime, we're providing you with a scanned version of the Introduction and Lesson One, so you can go forward in your study and be prepared for discussion next week.

Stuck_lesson 1_broken

Unfortunately, we found out that due to reasons dealing with Jennie's book publication, we will be unable to broadcast her talk on the website. We're so sorry to those of you who needed to miss yesterday.

Are you ready to get un-stuck? Boy, I sure am. See you next Tuesday!

Organizing Snippet Resources

2011-01-25T22:03:00.002-06:00

I truly hope you were inspired - not discouraged - by the Organizing Your Junk Drawer Snippet I presented today. My goal is to empower you to tackle little bits of chaos, because I know how out-of-control being a mom of little ones can feel. I'm right there in the trenches with you! Life doesn't always look perfect, but think about it this way: your home is the only place on this planet that can be a safe haven for you and your family. Any process that could take away just a little bit of stress will contribute to that end goal.

Imagine it's a typical Saturday afternoon, and you need to leave the house for a birthday party in 10 minutes, but the present isn't wrapped. Even worse, you have NO clue where your scissors and tape are. You are stressed. You may even snap at your child. Now, are you in the state of mind to enjoy that birthday party? No, you probably want to call the hostess and tell her everyone has a sudden stomach virus, stay home, lock yourself in the bathroom, and have a good cry.

But here's the flip side of that scenario: You have 10 minutes until you need to go, and you reach in your Junk Drawer in the kitchen to find scissors and tape right where they always live. You quickly wrap the gift, usher your kids out the door (kissing each one on the head on their way out), and arrive to the party 5 minutes early, in a great mood because you were successful!

This scene is real life. And you, in the midst of your real life, can experience the second option if you spend a couple of minutes right now to set yourself up for success.

Plus, making your home run a little more smoothly may actually encourage the rest of the family to join you in your efforts. Use language like:

"Where do these toys live?"
"Let's give these beautiful drawings a home!"
"Choose 3 toys out of this [bulging at the seams] toybox to give to children who don't have many toys."

I know you can do this. Just be willing to give it a try, be creative, be flexible, and be prepared to be a success!

By the way, you can find the Junk Drawer Organizer I used - and many other great organizational products - at any Target, WalMart, or Container Store. Look in the Kitchen Organization section, with the utensil drawer dividers, etc.

Click here for a listing of my favorite books and resources that I used in my Former Life as a Professional Organizer. And be sure to look under the Handouts tab to see the handout from the presentation.

Catch Up with Online Audio Recordings

2011-01-24T20:21:00.000-06:00

If you miss a week of Moms & More, you can stay caught up by clicking on the Fellowship Women's Ministry webpage and scrolling down a little bit to the Moms & More section. An audio recording of each Tuesday's teaching will be posted the following Thursday.

So now if you had to stay home with a sick kiddo, you won't feel left behind at Moms & More!

A Little Encouragement

2011-01-20T13:38:00.000-06:00

Cindy's talk on the importance of disciplining our kids was great, wasn't it? For those who missed it, we'll have the audio posted soon.

Until then, I have two questions for you.

Have you ever felt like being the perfect parent is impossible? Do you find yourself wanting a Parenting Vacation? Yes? Great - I'm not the only one!

Here are a couple of blog posts meant to encourage you today.

Parenting: The Joyful Impossibility
"It was eleven o’clock on a Sunday night, and I was pulling out of the grocery store parking lot exhausted and overwhelmed. After we had put our four children to bed, later than we had planned, Luella discovered that we had nothing in the house to pack for lunches the next day. With an attitude that couldn’t be described as joy, I got in the car and did the late-night food run. ..."
[click the link to read more]

Parenting: It's Never an Interruption
"Parenting is all about living by the principle of prepared spontaneity. You don’t really know what’s going to happen next. You don’t really know when you’ll have to enforce a command, intervene in an argument, confront a wrong, hold out for a better way, remind someone of a truth, call for forgiveness, lead someone to confession, point to Jesus, restore peace, hold someone accountable, explain a wisdom principle, give a hug of love, laugh in the face of adversity, help someone complete a task, mediate an argument, stop with someone and pray, assist someone to see his heart, or talk once again about what it means to live together in a community of love. ..."
[click the link to read more]

Enjoy your Snow Half-Day!

Moms and More Cancelled Tomorrow

2011-01-10T18:44:00.000-06:00

Moms & More will be cancelled tomorrow, Tuesday January 11th, due to inclement weather.

We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday!

Spring 2011 Childcare Information

2011-01-05T11:02:00.009-06:00

Moms and More is gearing up to return on Tuesday, January 11. That's less than a week away! We've been planning and preparing throughout the Christmas break, and we're just so excited to see what God has in store for each one of you this semester.

Our Childcare Director, Amy Moore, sent out an email recently regarding sign-up for Mom's Tyme. Here's what she says:

I want to first take this time to introduce myself, my name is Amy Moore and I am the new Child Care Director at Fellowship Bible Church. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work for you and your sweet children. As a mother of four, I understand what a blessing it is to have the opportunity to fellowship and study God's Word with other moms. We are excited that we have the privilege of taking care of your child while you do this.

I pray the Lord will bless you over this semester and minister to your hearts with this new study.

It's time to sign up for Mom's Tyme! Below is a link to the Mom's Tyme form and your options:

1. Follow the link below, fill out the form and email it back to me.

2. Print it off, fill it out and mail with payment to: FBC Child Care, P.O. Box 7123, Little Rock, AR 72223

3. Drop it off filled out, with payment on your first day back to Bible Study.

Mom's and More luncheon schedule is included in the link, check the last page.

To reserve your spot, payment must be received, so if you opt for the electronic option please be sure to drop off your payment on your first day back. We will have extra copies on hand if needed.

The Moms Tyme Form is available below, or use this link: http://freepdfhosting.com/f4c05591fa.pdf

I look forward to seeing you all next week. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Amy Moore
Director Child Care/Special Needs Coordinator
224-7171 or 412-5030
FBC Moms Tyme Info

If something has changed for you, and you won't be returning to Moms and More for this semester, please contact your small group leader or Ann Denny at FBC Women's Ministries (224-7171). We need to have an accurate headcount so that our Childcare Team can be most effective for you!

Pacifiers and Beanie-Baby-Sized Stuffed Animals

2010-11-08T09:50:00.000-06:00

In lieu of giving gifts to our leaders and group members (as has been done in the past), this year our leadership has decided to support an awesome ministry.

This past Tuesday, we heard from Linda, who is part of a group that regularly visits Hospital Esquela, a children’s hospital in Honduras. Her stories were gut-wrenching…moms who sleep on the concrete floor next to their sick babies’ cribs and don’t eat for days because they don’t have a penny to their name, a dad who had no way to carry his daughter’s body back to his hometown 8 hours away, and babies who have nothing to comfort them in a scary place. The pictures of those kids were heartbreaking.

Here’s how we’re going to help: Linda needs us to bring pacifiers and beanie-baby-sized stuffed animals to help soothe the babies. The pacifiers and stuffed animals can even be used, just be sure to boil the pacifiers. New paci’s and stuffed animals are great as well. Bring them with you on the morning of the brunch, and let’s make a difference in the lives of these little babies!

God's Pumpkin Patch Party

2010-10-25T08:45:00.000-05:00

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes off all the dirt you may have gotten from other pumpkins. Then He cuts the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Last, He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Join us this Friday 10/29 for a

God's Pumpkin Patch Party

at Kristen McConnell's House

15 Scarlet Maple Court

217-0475

10:00 am

Wear a festive costume (not required)

Bring a snack

Make a craft

Have fun!

We hope to see you there!

Further Resources for Chapter 5

2010-10-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

We didn't get to touch on this topic much during Cindy's talk, but here is some excellent information from Focus on the Family regarding combatting the sexualization of American girls.

Click here to read the article.

Money-Saving Ideas Handout

2010-10-10T11:10:00.000-05:00

In case you missed last Tuesday, you can find a copy of the "Been There, Done That" Money-Saving Ideas Handout on our Handouts Page.

Keep checking back to the Handouts Page. We'll post every handout from each week of Moms & More.

See you Tuesday!

News and Announcements

2010-10-07T11:02:00.000-05:00

Fall is full of activities at Fellowship Bible Church!

FBC has re-vamped their website to make it easier to navigate. You can find Upcoming Events by clicking on the Events tab in the lower center of the home page. Check it out now at fellowshiponline.com.

Here's a quick run-down of some upcoming events you won't want to miss:

Love and Respect Video Conference
Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9th

The Love and Respect Video Conference will unfold the basic principles to help adults experience the many blessings God intends for them. Attendees will learn how men and women are wonderfully, and differently made and the secret to cracking the communication code.

The Conference meets October 8 6:00-9:30pm and October 9 9:00-2:00pm. Childcare is available Saturday only. You must pre-register your children by calling 501-224-7171 ext. 1222

Alive After 5
Tuesday, October 19th, 5:55pm, in the Warehouse
"When Life Hands You Lemons" by Nancy Hamilton
Register online (click here!) for attendance and childcare
Childcare deadline is Tuesday, October 12th

Fellowship FamilyFest
Sunday, October 31, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Fellowship's North Parking Lot

For those of you looking for a fun, safe family activity on October 31st, the SageWorks congregation of Fellowship is putting together a family fest! They will share candy from the trunks of cars and create a number of game stations to entertain the children. Come in costume to make it festive, and we will end the evening with a dessert social and prizes for all the sages who have served.

Girls Gotta Get Out! Night with Carol Kent
Tuesday, November 16th 7-9:00pm, in the Warehouse

Join us for a very special edition of Alive After 5. Carol Kent is a popular international public speaker best known for being dynamic, humorous, encouraging, and biblical. She has been a keynote speaker at Women of Faith, Time Out for Women, and Heritage Keepers arena event and so many others. On this evening, Carol will be sharing with us an updated version of her incredible journey as she has walked through one of the hardest things a parent could ever imagine.

You will not want to miss this event, bring a friend and enjoy great food, an exciting speaker and a fun night out! Tickets available now for only $5. Childcare available by reservation only.

Catch Up On What You Missed!

2010-10-06T15:38:00.000-05:00

Has your kiddo ever woken up with a fever on a Tuesday morning? Or have you ever gone out of town, missing a Tuesday? If you're like me, you were probably totally bummed out wondering what you missed at Moms & More, right?

Take heart, ladies! Now you can listen to our Moms & More speakers online! They're available on the Fellowship Women site. Please note, CD's are also available in the FBC Bookstore.

For some details on upcoming Fellowship Women events you don't want to miss, click on the picture to the left, and keep clicking it to zoom in for the text.

Wanna Have Fun This Friday?

2010-10-04T07:56:00.001-05:00

Fun Friday at the St. Charles playground last Friday morning - great weather, great friends, and a static-y slide. Who could ask for more?

A Hair-Raising Good Time!

"PUPPY!!!!!"

Lovin' the Swings!

"Help! I'm stuck!"

If you want to have a Fun Friday this week, we're heading out to the Pumpkin Patch at Bo Brook Farms - come join us! This Tuesday during small group, your leader will be getting a head count of those who think they'll be going. Hope to see you there!

Ideas From KidzRAP For Serving

2010-09-29T13:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Karman from KidzRAP (Reaching All People) gave us some amazing ideas for serving alongside our children. We teach our kids by showing them what we want them to do. In order to raise kids who serve their community with love, we need to show them what that looks like!

Go to the Handouts Page of this blog to see KidzRAP's helpful listing of service projects in which we can include our children as young as 1 year old. Remember, her first and easiest suggestion was to prepare and take a meal to any new neighbors. Involve your kids by letting them come with you to meet your new neighbors and welcome them. For lots more ideas, look at the handout, located on the Handouts Page of this blog.

Thanks, Karman, for inspiring us to help instill loving service into our children!

Natasha's Practical Tips for Becoming a Keeper of Your Home

2010-09-25T06:20:00.000-05:00

1. Spend time with Jesus every day.
2. Put your husband before your children.
3. Develop a system for keeping the house clean.
4. Develop a menu each week.
5. Start teaching you children the word and truths of God from the very beginning.

Read much more in Natasha's full article on her blog:
http://keepinupwiththejoneses-natasha.blogspot.com/2010/09/entire-talk-way-too-long-for-blog.html

Keeping My Eyes Up

2010-09-16T08:42:00.000-05:00

Isn't it so easy to get bogged down in the everyday living of life?

Cleaning up the house, running countless errands, not to mention being "everything" to your kids, husband, and household pets (who are sometimes like little kids). It can all weigh heavy on my heart and mind.

When this happens to me (quite often and too easily, I might add), I find myself looking down at the ground. Literally. I don't make eye contact with people at the store. I don't look up at the blue sky to enjoy a beautiful day. I don't have a grateful heart. I'm merely surviving.

Ever been there?

Then this song is for you. Keep your eyes on the One whose love and mercy for each of us is incomprehendable. My eyes are looking up now. It's a beautiful day, by the way.

Our God is, a consuming fire,
A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom
Our God is, the only righteous judge,
Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God
A sacred refuge is Your Name
Your Kingdom is unshakable
With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own
None could comprehend, His love and His mercy
Our God is exalted on His throne
High above the heavens
Forever He’s worthy...

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You
So we can set our hearts on You
Lord we will set our hearts on You!

Written by Nathan and Christy Nockels
© 2009 worshiptogether.com Songs / sixsteps Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) (ASCAP)

Get Excited, People!

2010-09-13T09:58:00.000-05:00

Moms & More starts tomorrow morning! Woot woot!

Here are a few important reminders for you:

Bring your FBC barcode keytag to check in your child(ren). Check-in kiosks are available at the East (Warehouse) and South (near the playground) entrances. Childcare opens at 8:45.
Please bring your Childcare Emergency Information and Medical Release Form, your Mom's Tyme Sign-up Form, and payment for Mom's Tyme with you tomorrow morning. You may drop it off at the Childcare Desk across from the Warehouse Entrance.
Please check the Childcare Volunteer Rotation List for the date you will be asked to volunteer. Check-in at the Childcare Desk across from the Warehouse at 9:00am to see if you’re needed that morning. If you cannot be available on the morning you’re signed up, please ask someone to switch dates with you.
The book “For Women Only” will be available for purchase tomorrow morning if you haven’t already picked up your copy.
Come as you are and be ready to have a fantastic morning of fun, food, and fellowship.
Small Group Leaders will be stationed all over the campus to help you. Let them do all the work for you! They will be available to help you carry your bags from the parking lot to the building, help you check in, help you find the classrooms, hold your newborn (oh, the smell of a newborn!) while you get food, and the list goes on. They will help, help, help!

We'll see you tomorrow morning, Tuesday, September 14, at 9:00am!

Kicking Off The New Semester

2010-09-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

Welcome back, Moms!

I hope you enjoyed your summer. I can sum up my entire summer with one picture:

It was all about staying cool in the pool! I know many of you other moms felt the exact same way.

Well, I don't know about you, but I also enjoyed getting back into the routine of the new school year. There's something about new school supplies that gets me all worked up - and my daughter is only 15 months old. I just go out and buy a few new pens and pencils for the fun of it!

I'm also excited because Moms & More is starting back next Tuesday, Sept. 14th. This semester promises to be a fun-filled, refreshing time of fellowship, discussion, and food. Nourishment for your body AND your soul. Be there at 9:00am, or if you're anything like me, come on down and get your kiddos checked in a few minutes before 9:00 so you can relax and enjoy yourself. If you're sitting here thinking "getting there at 9:00 would be early for me", then no sweat! We'll be more than happy to see you whenever you get there.

There will be women available to help you check in, answer your questions, carry your diaper bags (or your kids), get you to the right rooms, and just generally figure it all out. Parking either in the East Lot (in front of the Warehouse entrance) or in the South Lot (near the playground) will help you be close to the Childcare Rooms and Check-in Kiosks.

Please remember to bring your Childcare Forms and hand them to the wonderful women at the Childcare Desk across from the Warehouse. If you will be signing up to use Moms Tyme, please also turn in your form and payment.

See you soon!
-Jen M

child care letters are coming soon!

2010-08-27T09:28:00.000-05:00

For those registered for Moms & More child care: A letter with more information will be mailed to you on the first of September.

2010-08-13T09:32:00.000-05:00

August 12, 2010

Dear Moms & More Member,

It has been so hot for so long that it is hard to imagine that fall is just around the corner! I hope your summer schedule has included room for fun with your family, but, believe it or not, it’s time to think about next month and mark your calendar for the start of the fall semester of Moms & More.

On behalf of our new leadership team, let me be the first to welcome you to this year’s Moms & More class at Fellowship. Throughout the summer we have been praying for you, as well as planning like crazy for Tuesdays this fall. Cindy Eoff will return as a teacher and we have added two new names to the teaching team: Cary Collins and Aronna Sorvillo. I have heard all of them speak recently and think you will be so blessed by having them on our team.

We will begin on Tuesday, September 14 at 9:00 A.M. in the Warehouse at our church, which is located at 1401 Kirk Road. Our curriculum for the fall is “For Women Only” by Shaunti Feldhahn, which explores the inner lives of men. The better relationship we have with the men in our lives, the better moms we will be! You will be buying the book only, and it is available for you at the CrossReference bookstore at Fellowship for below cost.

You can expect a call from your small group leader at the end of the month welcoming you to her group. She can answer any questions you may have regarding the class. Also, you will be receiving information this month regarding childcare. Be sure to watch for that and respond accordingly.

I look forward to meeting each of you. We can’t wait to see how God will work in each of our lives through our time together this fall. We want you to feel like your time on Tuesdays is one that equips you spiritually and practically, but also encourages you in your role as a mom. We want you to feel taken care of every Tuesday morning, because we know the energy it takes to take care of everyone else in your life the rest of the week. :) We are praying for you!

See you soon,

Kathryn Maack
Moms & More Ministry Leader

registration update

2010-08-13T09:31:00.000-05:00

Moms & More child care is now full.

Looking for a summer Bible study?

2010-06-07T16:07:00.000-05:00

Beth Moore's most recent study is

"Here and Now...There and Then"

A Lecture Series on Revelation

There are 11 DVD's that average 1:15 minutes in length.

Fellowship Women has purchased this study and will be

offering a time to view these videos during the summer on

Tuesdays at 10am

June 8 - August 17

The Station

in the Administration Building of

Fellowship Bible Church

There will be no childcare or organized small groups.

A workbook with weekly assignments is available

for purchase at Lifeway or Mardel bookstores.

Feel free to call the church with any questions: (501)224-7171

http://www.fellowshiponline.com/women

2010-06-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

Follow this link to register online for the fall semester Moms & More! We're looking forward to seeing you in September!

Your Unique Design

2010-03-31T20:17:00.000-05:00

http://youruniquedesign.com/

Visit this website to complete the $35 inventory. You'll receive a Personal Profile Report that will explain the core strengths of your personality, your talents and abilities in detail.

Taking the inventory is not a class requirement, it is just a helpful supplement to what we'll be studying over the the few weeks at Moms & More!

Getting messy in the kitchen...

2010-02-01T07:56:00.000-06:00

Jackie's daughter, Lainey, LOVED the new game her mom discovered last week. Allison's ideas were well-received in this household!

"We are having a wild Friday night at our house. How can
something so simple be so fun? She has been scooping and
dumping for at least 20 minutes!"

- Jackie

Developmentally Appropriate Tasks and Crafts for Toddlers

2010-01-30T19:47:00.000-06:00

For good sleep at night
and joy with the day
my soul thanks you God,
at rest and at play.

What Our Toddlers Can be Learning and Doing:
· Color recognition
· Sorting: shapes, sizes, colors
· Letter familiarization or usage
· Gross motor tasks: Running, kicking, jumping, etc.
· Fine motor tasks: Pouring, “spooning”, sorting, using various tools (shovels, silverware, chopsticks, etc.)
· Playing freely and in an unhurried environment
· Exploring indoors and outdoors
· Matching
· Examining pictures of friends, family, nature, geography with a curious eye and lots of questions!
· Discussing and examining human emotions (happy, sad, angry, scared, etc.)
· Hearing, seeing, touching, and talking about the Word of God
· Being taught how to help around the house
· Preparing a table for dinner
· Helping prepare, cook, and bake food with the supervision of an adult who is okay with messes!
· Being immersed in literature: you can never have too many books!
· Being introduced slowly and with loving supervision to the world – “Field Trips” to parks, the library, grocery store, the home of friends, school, church, and the like
· Prayer
· Picking up
· Making choices without having too many choices available
· Rest: “Without a doubt, as the family’s architects we can add a little more space and grace, a little less speed and clutter to our children’s daily lives.” Payne in “Simplicity Parenting”

“Pajama Preschool”
· Casual
· Rotate toys or swap toys with friends
· Make a space that is kid-friendly
· Make a space where messes are allowed
· Make a space that isn’t too overwhelming with too many choices
· Make time that is unhurried
· Make time that is unscheduled
· Allow for “flow”
· Pick up together

Getting Started:

Basic Supplies:
· Glue and glue sticks
· Child Safety scissors
· Assorted colors of Play-Doh, homemade play dough, or clay
· Watercolor paints and brushes
· Tempra or poster paints and brushes
· Stickers
· Puff balls, glitter, buttons, googly eyes, etc.
· Pipe cleaners
· Assorted colors of felt
· Craft sticks (popsicle sticks or similar)
· Washable markers, crayons, colored pencils
· Chalk
· Construction paper
· White paper or paper that can be reused for art projects
· Colored tissue paper

Basic Activities:
· Spooning: Bowls with dry rice, beans, or oatmeal are spooned into bowls
· Chopsticks: Child size chopsticks are used to pick up objects
· Pouring: Child size pitcher and cups
· Color sorting: Various options, one is the “Color Box”
· Spreading: Child size SAFE “knife” for spreading butter on bread
· Ziploc Book: Sew large bags together to make a book for displaying art
· Displaying work: Cover every surface of your house in your child’s art
· Movement: Child appropriate music for dance and play
· Walks: Explore nature together
· Story Time at your local library

Organizing Time:
· This is more challenging the more additional kids you have around!
· Empower your child to complete the task on their own using trial and error if needed – show them how to do something, practice it together, and then allow them to continue without hovering
· Try to create a space where the child won’t be interrupted by a sibling (yeah, right!)
· Aim for this time to be UNHURRIED

Suggested Resources:
Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne
Parents magazine
First Art: Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos by MaryAnn F. Kohl

Allison's Snippet Info

2010-01-30T18:47:00.000-06:00

Last Tuesday, Allison gave us all kinds of ideas that are

Developmentally Appropriate

Tasks and Crafts for Toddlers

Here's Allison's blog:

http://theyellowdesk.wordpress.com/

Check out these other links for more ideas!

http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/

http://wondertime.go.com/

http://forsmallhands.com/store/

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2010-01-18T15:16:00.000-06:00

2010-01-18T15:12:00.000-06:00

2010-01-18T15:10:00.000-06:00

2010-01-18T15:06:00.000-06:00

2010-01-18T15:03:00.000-06:00

2010-01-18T14:58:00.000-06:00

Inclement Weather Policy

2010-01-08T13:51:00.000-06:00

Moms & More will NOT meet if Little Rock School District is CLOSED.

Spring Semester Topic Calendar

2010-01-08T13:39:00.000-06:00

January

12 - Opening Day

19 - Why Your Child Needs Discipline

26 - Irresponsibility vs. Defiance

February

2 - Anger vs. Action

9 - Finding Balance in Discipline

16 - Discovering Where We Stand

23 - Compliant vs. Defiant

March

2 - Changing Discipline as Your Child Grows part I

9 - Changing Discipline as Your Child Grows part II

16 - Protecting the Spirit

23 - SPRING BREAK (no class)

30 - The Ultimate Priority

April

6 - Unique Design

13 - Unique Design

20 - Unique Design

27 - BRUNCH

Refreshment Schedule

2010-01-08T13:33:00.000-06:00

Listed by name of group leader:
January
12 - leaders
19 - Cindy
26 - Starr
February
2 - Bette
9 - Joan
16 - Ellen
23 - Judy
March
2 - Robbie
9 - Jeri
16 - Starr & Bette
23 - SPRING BREAK
30 - leaders
April
6 - Joan & Judy
13 - Robbie & Ellen
20 - Cindy & Jeri
27 - ALL (BRUNCH)

Small Group Luncheon Dates

2010-01-08T13:18:00.000-06:00

Listed by name of group leader:
Jan. 26 & Mar. 2
Bette & Judy

Feb. 2 & Mar. 30
Ellen & Starr

Feb. 16 & Mar. 30
Jeri & Joan

Feb. 23 & April 6
Robbie & Cindy

Jan. 19 & Mar. 16
Leaders

Welcome back!

2010-01-06T10:56:00.000-06:00

We are so excited to kick-off

our spring semester of Moms & More on

Tuesday, January 12!

The book we are studying will be available to purchase

on the first day of class. If you want to pick yours up earlier,

you can find them in the church bookstore. On Tuesday,

you'll be able to pick up a copy of the semester schedule,

a hand-out for the next week's study, and addendums to our

Moms & More cookbook! Those things will also be available

right here coming soon.....

Handprint Christmas Wreath

2009-12-07T06:20:00.002-06:00

by Morgan

Does your child know what a ‘wreath’ is? Many times we assume our children know vocabulary words, but they may not. I found that most of my first graders did not know what a wreath was, so I had to fix that!
We made these handprint wreathes every year in first grade to decorate our walls. Here are the directions.

1. Cut the middle circle out of a paper plate. (You won’t use the middle circle, but you will use the outside ring as the base for your wreath.)

2. Trace your child’s hand onto paper- whatever you have around the house- paper sacks, old Christmas cards, or magazine pages would even work! You will need about 6-10 handprints to fill up the wreath.

3. Glue the hands onto the paper plate ring, overlapping the hands a little as you go.

4. Add red berries (red paper/felt circles or buttons) and a pretty ribbon (paper or real ribbon) to complete your wreath!

Fabric Christmas Trees

2009-12-07T06:09:00.000-06:00

Visit this link to find out how to make these cute decorations!

http://thesmallobject.com/stenopad/wordpress/?p=822

Another poem for your "Velcro Glove" from Morgan!

2009-12-07T06:05:00.000-06:00

5 Little Christmas Trees
Finger Poem

5 little Christmas Trees
Standing all alone
Their hearts were very sad
'cause they hadn't found a home.
Then chop went the ax
And down fell a tree
And off it went with a happy family!

4 little Christmas Trees
Standing all alone
Their hears were very sad
‘cause they hadn’t found a home.
Then chop went the ax
And down fell a tree
And off it went with a happy family!

(continue from 3-1 Christmas Trees)

No little Christmas Trees
Standing all alone
Their hearts were very happy
'cause they all found a home!!!

Easy Hand Turkey

2009-11-24T11:50:00.000-06:00

Paint the thumb brown and each finger a different color.
Paint the palm brown.
Press open hand onto paper.
Use a finger print to create a gobbler.Add legs and beak.

Poem:
This isn't just a turkey,
As anyone can see.
I made it with my hand,
Which is part of me.
It comes with lots of love,
Especially to say,
I hope you have a very
Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Paper Sack Mini-Scrapbook

2009-11-24T11:47:00.000-06:00

Materials
-2 or 3 paper sacks
-hole punch
-Paper or magazine
-Ribbon
-Photographs
-glue stick or other adhesive

1. Fold two or three paper sacks in half to make a book.
2. Punch two or three holes along the fold.
3. To bind the book, run ribbon through each hole and tie.
4. Cut and glue pieces of paper to fit each ‘page’ creating a nice background. (scrapbook, cardstock, construction, newsprint, or magazine paper will work!)
5. Use adhesive to attach photographs to each page.
6. Fill the ‘open ended pages’ with a piece of cardstock or heavier paper and photo. Attach a ribbon to create a ‘pull’ or ‘tab’.
7. Add words, labels, or phrases to finish the book.

Morgan's Velcro Glove

2009-11-24T11:31:00.000-06:00

Make a Velcro glove to use all year round! Use hot glue or a few stitches to attach a piece of Velcro (the rough ‘hook’ side) to each finger tip. Use felt to make little turkeys for November, pumpkins for October, etc. The felt objects will stick to the Velcro finger tips for interactive play. You can use rhymes or stories, like the turkey poems or the 'Character Kids,' with your velcro glove. Emphasize the rhyming words and number words.

Materials:

glove
felt
velcro
hot glue gun

Materials
glove
felt
velcro
hot glue gun

Turkey Poems:

Five Little Turkeys
Five little turkeys by the barn door,
One waddled off. Then there were four.

Four little turkeys under the tree,
One waddled off. Then there were three.

Three little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off. Then there were two.

Two little turkeys in the morning sun,
One waddled off. Then there was one.

One little turkey- better run away!
Soon will come Thanksgiving Day!

Five Fat Turkeys Are We
Five fat turkeys are we.
We spent all night in a tree.
When the cook came around,
We couldn’t be found
And that's why we're here you see!

TURKEYS

A turkey in the barnyard,
A turkey in the hay,
Two turkeys hiding
On Thanksgiving Day.

The farmer catches one-
The fattest is the "winner"
He ends up
As Thanksgiving dinner!

Character Kids

Rudy Red- “This is Rudy Red (hold up your finger). He always runs to be at the front of the line. He always wants to sit in the front seat. He interrupts when others are talking. He never even says ‘please’ or ‘thank you’. I hope this ISN’T you. “
Greedy Green- “This is Greedy Green. He wants the biggest piece of candy. He does not like to share his toys. He won’t even get off the swing when he notices someone has been waiting for their turn. He gets upset when he doesn’t get his favorite color sticker or candy from a teacher. He always wants to be first. I hope this isn’t you.”
Pouty Purple- “This is Pouty Purple. She hardly ever smiles. When an adult asks her to pick up her toys or finish her work, she says she doesn’t want to. If she doesn’t get her way she whines and complains. I hope this isn’t you.”
Yelling Yellow- “This is Yelling Yellow. He doesn’t know how to talk softly. She yells in the hallway at school and in the car. When her parents or the teacher is talking, she will try to talk over them. I hope this isn’t you.”
Bully or Bossy Blue (depending on which type of behavior you want to prevent more:)- “This is Bully Blue. He picks on other kids. If someone looks different than him or doesn’t know the answer, he will make fun of them. He tries to scare little kids on the playground. When it’s time to play a game, Bully Blue will leave other kids out. I hope this isn’t you.” OR “This is Bossy Blue. She thinks she should get to be in charge all the time. When she is playing with other children, she tells them what to do the whole time. Bossy Blue will not let other children take a turn being the ‘teacher’ when they play school, or let her friends wear the best dress when playing dress up. I hope this isn’t you.”

As a teacher, I usually just used Smiling Sam as our ‘good’ guy, but here are some other characters you could introduce to your children as well.

Grateful Grey – “This is Grateful Grey. When he is given something he always says ‘thank you’ right away without even being told! He doesn’t care if he gets the biggest piece or his favorite color, because he is just thankful that he was given something. I hope this IS you.”
Honest Orange- “This is Honest Orange. She loves to tell the truth. Even if she does something wrong, she will still tell her parents what really happened. Her parents and teachers trust her because she never tells lies. I hope this is you.”
Smiling Sam (or Smiling Silver if you wanted to stick to the color theme)- “This is Smiling Sam. He has lots of friends because he is always nice to everyone. He uses his manners even when his parents aren’t with him. He lets others go first on the slide. He makes sure no one is left out during play time. When he is asked to clean his room or finish his homework, he does It the first time he is asked. I hope this is you!”

cookbook

2009-11-24T11:19:00.001-06:00

APPETIZERS, DIPS, & SNACKS

Chicken Dip
I have had this with bagel chips and Triskets, yummy!

1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese 1 carton (8-oz) sour cream
8-oz Colby jack cheese, shredded 2 lg cans cooked chicken
4 green onions, chopped ¼ t garlic powder
2 chicken bouillons, crushed 3 t almond slivers

Mix together and bake at 350 for 20-minutes or so (until hot and bubbly).

Jackie Kolstad

Fresh Salsa
1 lg can Hunt’s diced tomatoes, drained (or can use fresh tomatoes)
1 can lime and cilantro flavored Rotel
½ t minced garlic 1 t fresh cilantro
¼ t Tabasco 1 t lemon juice
Pinch of sugar

Put in blender and pulse a couple of times. We eat this at least once per week with organic Tostitos corn chips.
Joan Hearnsberger

Caramel Apple Fruit Dip
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese (room temperature) ¼ C sugar
1 C brown sugar 1 t vanilla
½ pkg of toffee chips or ½ C almond brickle (Heath brand) no chocolate coating
Apple slices

Mix cream cheese with both sugars and vanilla. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in toffee chips or almond brickle. Serve with apple slices.
Hannah: Trick with apples – cut up and store in pineapple juice – no taste difference.
Tara: Christy Greeson passed this recipe to me. The brickle isn’t always easy to find, but Wal-Mart had it last time I looked.
Tara Ross and Hannah Fulks

2

Ranch Snack Mix
Good to have around Thanksgiving and Super Bowl!

1 (16-oz) bottle Orville Redenbacher Butter flavored oil (below the microwave popcorn at store)
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch, dry
1 t dill
1 t garlic powder
5 boxes of your choice of snacks like: cheez-its, club sticks, pretzels, chexs/crispex, goldfish,
oyster crackers, cheerios, bagel chips.

Pour about half to ¾ of the bottle of oil in a bowl and stir in ranch mix and seasonings. Put all snacks in a garbage bag, mix up a little and drizzle in the oil/seasoning mixture, mixing thoroughly. Add more oil if needed. It’s better if it sits for a day--give the bag a few turns to keep it mixed well. Store in sealed container or zipper bags. Instead of ranch flavors, you can use taco seasoning with hot sauce. Jackie Kolstad

Baked Caramel Corn
2 C brown sugar 1 t baking soda
1 C butter 7 quarts popped corn
1/8 t cream of tartar
½ C light corn syrup

Combine the sugar, butter, cream of tartar and corn syrup in a pan and bring to a boil. Boil for 4—5 minutes; remove from heat. Stir in baking soda until well blended (mixture will foam). Pour over corn and toss to coat. Arrange on cookie sheets and bake at 200 for one hour, stirring every 15-minutes.
Connie Smith

Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Great appetizer! They are also wonderful for a luncheon or a snack.

2 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1 pkg Hidden Valley dressing mix
1 can small olives, chopped/drained 1 small jar pimentos
1 small can green chilies, chopped/drained 3 green onions, chopped
Flour Tortillas

Mix all ingredients together except for the tortillas. Spread the mixture onto a flour tortilla, generously covering it. Roll it up and hold it with a toothpick. (I cut off the ends to make them straight, because the filling doesn’t go to the end). Place in a pan and put in the refrigerator for several hours. 30 minutes before serving, take them out and slice them into ¾--inch slices.

Jeri Steinfeld
3

Zesty Salsa
This has a surprising flavor that is so fresh and cool in the summer.

1 small can chopped olives 1 small can chopped green chilies
4 green onions, chopped (just the white) 7—8 Roma tomatoes, chopped small
4—5 sprigs cilantro Zesty Italian dressing to taste
Frito scoops or other corn chips

Stir everything together except for the chips. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for full flavor; serve with the chips. Enjoy!

Jackie Kolstad

Enchilada Dip
This is a real crowd pleaser and yummy to munch on before dinner with guests! Prep time=15 minutes. Makes 16 small servings or 8 larger servings.

Olive oil for stir frying
8-oz of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 t onion salt
1 t garlic powder
1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 ½ C Kraft Mexicana-Style shredded cheese, divided
1 can (7-oz) green chilies, chopped and not drained
¼ t chili powder
Wheat thins, Triscuits, pita chips, or any other chip you like

Add a little olive oil to a pan and stir fry the chicken, adding onion salt and garlic powder. Chop it into small pieces. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheese, chilies, and chili powder. Mix until well-blended and stir in the chicken. Spread into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until dip is lightly browned and heated through. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup shredded cheese; let stand 10-minutes. Serve as a dip with crackers or chips.

Jeri Steinfeld

4

BREADS

Jiffy Broccoli Cornbread
2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread 1 medium onion, chopped
4 eggs, beaten 1 ½ sticks butter, melted
1 pkg (10-oz) broccoli, thawed, and drained 1 C cottage cheese

Combine all ingredients and put into a greased 9”x 13” pan. Bake 375 for 35-40 min.

Mary Kathryn Nelson

Mom’s Best Bread
2 pkgs yeast dissolved in ¼ C water 2 eggs
1 C evaporated milk 4 ½ C flour (more or less)
1 C lukewarm water
¾ C sugar
1 t salt
¾ C margarine or shortening

Dissolve the yeast in the ¼ cup lukewarm water. Mix the evaporated milk, water, sugar, salt, and margarine or shortening in a large bowl; add yeast mixture and the eggs. Beat with a rotary beater. Add flour gradually. Knead dough on a floured board. Cover. Put in refrigerator if you don’t want to use immediately. Let rise when needed and shape as desired. Bake 400 for 20- minutes, or until lightly browned.

Marion Rice

Herbed Rolls
1 stick butter 1 ½ t parsley flakes
½ t dill weed 1 t onion flakes
2 t parmesan cheese 1 pkg buttermilk canned biscuits

Melt butter in a 9-inch square pan. Mix herbs and cheese together and stir in butter. Let stand for 20—30 minutes. Cut biscuits into fourths. Swish each piece around in the mixture, coating all sides with the herb butter. Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Carolyn Stowers
5

Apple Butter Bread
3 eggs 2 t salt
1 ½ C sugar (can be part brown sugar) 2 t baking soda
3 C flour 1 t vanilla
1 ¼ C apple butter or applesauce ¾ C butter, melted
1 t allspice 3 apples, peeled and chopped
¼ C raisins and/or nuts

Blend all ingredients together and bake in two greased and floured loaf pans at 350 for
50- minutes.

Marion Rice

Olive Cheese Bread
This recipe comes from the website, The Pioneer Woman. This yummy dish definitely satisfies a pregnancy craving, but could be classified as chick food (with a green salad or soup), as an appetizer (cut into smaller bites), or as a side bread item with any dish. It is rich with flavor, but not too overwhelming. If you don’t like olives, you may think it is too strong. If you don’t like mayonnaise or butter in things, be encouraged because when baked, the cheese and olives “out-flavor” them.

6 oz green olives, cut coarsely 6 oz black olives, cut coarsely
¾ lb shredded Monterey Jack cheese 2 green onions, chopped
1 stick of butter, room temperature ½ C mayonnaise
1 large loaf of French bread

In a bowl, mix together the butter, mayonnaise, and cheese; add chopped olives and onions. Mix well. Cut French bread in half long ways. Spread the mixture evenly onto each loaf half. Bake at 325 for 25-minutes. Make sure cheese is melted nicely.

To freeze one loaf half, flash freeze it first. To flash freeze, put the uncovered olive cheese bread on a cookie sheet and put directly in the freezer for 20-minutes. This hardens the mixture just a bit so that it will not stick when you put the bread in a freezer bag. After
20-minutes, place it into a freezer bag and return it to the freezer for later use. I had to cut my bread in half to fit into a gallon size freezer Ziploc.

Also – can use the olive mixture as a dip with Ritz crackers, and serve as an appetizer.

Rebecca Lee

6

Zucchini Bread
1 C oil 2 C sugar
3 eggs, well beaten 3 t cinnamon
½ t baking powder 2 t soda
3 t vanilla 1 t salt
3 C flour
2 C zucchini, peeled, grated, and pressed into the measuring cup

Optional: add 1 T orange rind, ¾ C pineapple, crushed and drained.

Mix ingredients together well and bake in 2 greased and floured loaf pans at 350 for
one-hour.

Marion Rice

SOUPS

Crockpot White Chili
2—4 C cooked chicken, chopped 2 onions, chopped
2 ½ C chicken broth (canned or homemade) 1 (7-oz) can green chilies, chopped
1 (12-15 oz) can tomatillos or 1½ C green salsa 2 t cumin powder
2 t garlic powder 1 t oregano
3 C white beans, cooked or canned ¼ bunch cilantro, chopped (optional)
1 lb low-fat Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Throw everything in your Crockpot except the cilantro and cheese. Cook on high for about 3 hours or so; if you want it to cook all day put it on low, just make sure your Crockpot is filled up—if you have a big one, you may need to double the recipe.

Serve in nice big bowls, sprinkle with cilantro (if desired), and lots of grated cheese.

Jackie Kolstad

7-Can Soup
1 lb ground beef or turkey 2 cans tomato soup
1 can corn 1 can navy beans
1 can lima beans 1 can kidney beans
1 can purple hull peas Cornbread or tortillas

Brown meat in a skillet. Add canned soup, vegetables, and meat to a large pot and heat.
Serve with warm corn bread or tortillas.
Amy Peeples

7

Bean and Hominy Soup (from Southern Living’s Low-Fat Low-Calorie Recipes)
3 (15.8-oz) cans Great Northern beans 1 (15.5-oz) can hominy
1 (14.5-oz) can stewed tomatoes 1 (11.5-oz) can Campbell’s bean with bacon
1 (11-oz) can whole kernel corn 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes & green chilies
1 2/3 C water 3 T cilantro, chopped
1 t ground cumin 2 bay leaves
½ C shredded cheese

Do not drain any of the canned ingredients. Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven (big pot with lid,) except for the cheese. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer at least 30-minutes. Remove bay leaves. Ladle soup evenly into bowls; sprinkle with cheese.

Note: We don’t care for hominy, so I just substitute an additional can of corn. I don’t have cumin, so I omit and it still tastes good. I use mild Rotel for the diced tomatoes & green chilies. To store the fresh cilantro, refrigerate with stems in a small cup of water, with leaves trimmed off below the water line, and cover the portion not in the water with a plastic bag – will keep over a week this way in case you want to use it in another recipe.

Lari Moix

Most Yummy Chicken and Rice Soup
4 C chicken broth 2 C water
2 C cooked and diced chicken breasts
1 pkg quick-cooking long grain & wild rice (like Uncle Ben’s)
½ t salt ½ t pepper
¾ C flour ½ C butter
2 C heavy cream

In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth, water, and chicken. Bring just to boiling, then stir in rice, reserving seasoning packet. Cover and remove from heat. In a small bowl combine salt, pepper, and flour. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in contents of the seasoning packet until mixture is bubbly. Reduce heat to low, then stir in flour mixture by tablespoons to form a roux. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through, 10—15 minutes, stirring frequently.

Allison Herndon

8

Potato Soup
This is an easy, hearty meal for Fall. The thick consistency of the soup makes it easy for little ones to eat.

8 strips bacon ½ C minced onion
½ C celery, minced 2/3 C flour
6 C chicken broth 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 C heavy cream 1 C milk
2 C sour cream 1 t chopped fresh basil
1 t white pepper fresh chives, chopped
Cheddar cheese for garnish, grated

Cook bacon slowly over medium-low heat until crisp, taking care not to brown the fat. Set bacon aside, pour rendered fat in stockpot. Add onions and celery to the bacon fat and sauté until tender. Add flour and mix well. Add chicken stock and stir until all flour is dissolved. Continue to stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Add potatoes and let soup simmer until potatoes are tender (about 30-mintues). At this point you can use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes, if you prefer a less chunky soup. Add heavy cream, milk, sour cream, basil, and white pepper. Let simmer for another 10-minutes until soup is hot again. Crumble bacon strips and garnish each portion of soup with bacon, chives, and cheese.

Mandy Osborne

Taco Soup
This was my grandmother’s recipe. It freezes well and makes enough for 6 people.

1 lb ground beef or turkey 1 pkg Ranch seasoning
1 pkg taco seasoning 2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
2 cans pinto beans 2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 can Rotel 1 (16-oz) carton sour cream
Grated cheese Tortilla chips

Brown meat and drain; mix in seasoning packets. In a large pot add corn, beans, tomatoes, Rotel, and beef mixture. Let heat for a few minutes then add all the sour cream. Stir until sour cream is melted. Serve with cheese on top and chips.
Sarah Hedlund

9

Pork and Lentil Chili
I got this recipe online in 2003 after watching Chef George Hirsch cook this on TV. We love this “chili” as it is hearty, healthy, and yummy. It is very involved, because it has several steps and lots of ingredients, but it is worth it. I usually fix it about once/year with garlic bread. It makes a lot so you can freeze some of it.

1 lb pork tenderloin, cooked and sliced 1 lb lentils, washed
2 T olive oil 1 head caramelized garlic (recipe below)
½ sweet onion, chopped 1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini squash, chopped 2 t cumin
2 t oregano 2 t basil
Juice of one lime ¼ C tomato sauce
8—10 C vegetable or chicken broth 2 t Tabasco Chipotle Sauce
1 T fresh cilantro, chopped

Caramelized Garlic: (there are many recipes for this, but this is the simplest method I’ve found).
Cut the bottom/root end of a garlic head off so that the cloves are exposed. Keep the cloves in the tight outer covering. Drizzle olive oil on them. Bake in oven at 350 for 20 minutes. This softens the cloves. Pop the cloves out and they are ready to be used for the recipe.

Instructions: Rinse lentils in cool water and remove any small stones or twigs. Heat a large soup pot on medium heat. Add olive oil, onions, and garlic; cook for two minutes. Toss in celery, carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini and cook 2—3 minutes, stirring once or twice. Add cumin, oregano, basil followed by lime juice, tomato sauce and 8 cups of broth, Tabasco, and cilantro; bring this mixture to a boil. Add lentils and pork tenderloin; lower heat and simmer for 45-minutes or until the lentils are tender. Add extra broth if too dry – I usually use 10 cups.

Can serve with any or all of the following (I usually don’t use any as I forget after preparing all the other ingredients): chopped green onions, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, strips of tortillas, chopped tomatoes, guacamole, and pita triangles.

For veggie version – omit the pork tenderloin

For a spicy zesty version: top with sliced hot chorizo sausage

For a seafood version: top with shrimp

Rebecca Lee

10

Emeril’s Favorite Tortilla Soup
This is one of my favorites for the Fall season! I cook this just about every other week! I never fry my own tortilla chips. I just use Tostitos chips, but toss them in that yummy Creole seasoning! Never made the chipotle crema, either!

2 T olive oil 1 C chopped onions
2 t chopped garlic 1 ½ t salt
1 poblano pepper, pasilla, or green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 ½ t ground cumin ½ t ground coriander
1 T tomato paste 6 C chicken stock
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into ½-inch cubes
¼ C chopped fresh cilantro leaves 2 t fresh lime juice
2 C vegetable oil, for frying 6 stale corn tortillas, cut into ¼-inch strips
1 t Essence, recipe follows 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and chopped
Chipotle Crema, recipe follows

In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, heat the oil on medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, pepper, salt, cumin, and coriander and cook for 5-minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring for one minute. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20-minutes. Add the chicken and simmer for 5-minutes. Add the cilantro and lime juice, and stir well. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Heat the oil in a heavy pot or electric fryer to 350. Add the tortilla strips in batches and fry until golden and crisp, 1 ½--2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with the Essence.

Ladle the soup into 4 or 6 serving bowls. Garnish each serving with diced avocado, the fried tortilla strips, and the Chipotle Crema.

Emeril’s Essence Creole Seasoning:
1 ½ T paprika 2 T salt
2 T garlic powder 1 T black pepper
1 T onion powder 1 T cayenne pepper
1 T dried oregano 1 T dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly – yield: 2/3 Cup

Chipotle Crema:
½ C sour cream
1 t chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/8 t salt
In a bowl of a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients. Process on high speed until smooth. Serve with the soup – yield: ½ Cup

Melissa Rutledge

11

MAIN DISHES

Sloppy Joe Squares
1 lb lean ground beef 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
1 C water 1 (1.5-oz) pkg of slopping joe mix
1 t dried onion flakes 1 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 T milk 1 T sesame seeds (optional)
2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated reduced-fat crescent rolls

Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain and pat dry with paper towel. Wipe skillet clean. Return beef to skillet; stir in tomato sauce, water, sloppy joe mix, and dried onion flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 10-minutes, stirring occasionally.
Unroll 1 can crescent rolls into a lightly greased 13” x 9” baking dish. Press seams together to seal perforations. Spread beef mixture over dough; sprinkle with cheese. Unroll remaining can of rolls over cheese, pinching seams together to seal perforations. Brush dough with milk, and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Bake at 425 for 15-minutes or until golden brown.
Michelle Knowlton

Mexican Lasagna
Recipe courtesy of Rachel Ray

3 T extra-virgin olive oil 2 lbs ground chicken breast or turkey
2 T chili powder 2 t ground cumin
½ red onion, chopped 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained
1 C frozen corn kernels salt
1 C medium heat taco sauce or 1 (14-oz) can stewed or fire roasted tomatoes
8—10 spinach flour tortillas 2 scallions, finely chopped
2 ½ C shredded cheddar or shredded pepper jack

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 T olive oil and swirl to cover bottom of skillet. Add chicken and season with the chili powder, cumin, and red onion. Brown the meat, cooking for 5-minutes. Add taco sauce or tomatoes. Add black beans and corn. Heat the mixture through, 2—3 minutes, and then season with salt to your taste.
Coat a shallow baking dish with remaining olive oil, about 1 T. Cut tortillas in half or quarters to make them easy to layer. Build lasagna in layers of meat and beans, then tortillas, then cheese. Repeat: meat, tortilla, cheese again. Bake at 425 for 12—15 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbly. Top with the scallions and serve.

Jennifer McCalmont

12

Chicken Divan
This is a meal in itself. Maybe add some fruit or applesauce, to complete it.

4 C cooked chicken breasts, chopped 16-oz pkg broccoli, thawed and drained
2 cans cream of chicken soup 1 C mayonnaise
1 t lemon juice 2 C shredded cheddar cheese
2—3 slices of bread, buttered and cubed

Layer chicken pieces in a 9”x 13” pan. Top with the broccoli. Mix together the soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Spread that mixture over the broccoli and chicken. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of soup mixture, and cubed bread on top of cheese. Bake 350 for
30-minutes.
Trish Monnahan

Cream Cheese Chicken in the Crockpot
Serve over yellow (saffron) rice with a side of green beans and rolls.

4—6 chicken breasts 1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, cubed
1 pkg dry Italian seasoning 1 can chopped green chilies
1 C milk

Put chicken in Crockpot. Sprinkle with the seasoning then layer cream cheese, chilies, and end with the milk. Cook on low for 8-hours or high for 4—6 hours. Stir a few times throughout cooking time. This is more flavorful the longer you leave it in the Crockpot. Start with thawed chicken breasts for more flavor, but you can use frozen if you don’t have time to thaw them.
Emily Martin

Mexican Chicken
I serve this with a green salad and Texas toast. Easy recipe, serves 8—10.

6 chicken breast halves, cooked and diced (I like to cook them in a crock pot), reserve broth
1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can Rotel tomatoes (I use mild) 1 C milk
1 medium onion, chopped fine 1 large bag of Doritos
8-oz grated cheddar cheese

Mix together all ingredients except for the Doritos and the cheese. Crumble ½ large bag of Doritos and place on bottom of a large baking pan. Cover with 6—7 tablespoons of chicken broth that you have cooked your chicken in. Layer Doritos, chopped chicken and soup mixture. Spread cheese over top. Place in refrigerator, covered with foil, overnight, or at least several hours before baking. Bake 350 for one-hour.
Bette Calloway

13

Chicken Stackyuppy
This is a recipe from my mother-in-law. Our kids love it.

1 pkg chicken breasts 1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup salt and pepper to taste
Curry powder to taste (1-2 t) Rice
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, rice noodles, shredded cheese, raisins, peanuts, green onions

Boil chicken breasts in pot of water with a pinch of salt. Drain but reserve about ½ C chicken broth. Add soups, broth, salt/pepper, and curry. Warm it all up. Serve over rice and optional “stack-it-up” toppings.
Jenny McHam
Hong Kong Hamburgers
My mom made this recipe frequently when I was growing up and now my family loves them. Serve with rice and stir fried vegetables.

1 lb ground beef ½ t salt
1 egg, beaten hamburger buns or sliced Italian bread
Mix the beef, egg, and salt together and spread on the buns or bread. Broil in oven for 8-10 minutes or until centers are done.
Glaze:
¼ C pineapple juice from sliced pineapple 1/3 C brown sugar
2 t cornstarch 3 T red wine vinegar (or vinegar you have)
1 T soy sauce 1 T Worcestershire sauce
Stir ingredients in a sauce pan until the mixture boils and thickens. Brush glaze on burgers
For topping:
Can of pineapple slices, reserve juice for glaze 1 green pepper sliced

Add slice of pineapple and bell pepper on top of the glaze, and then add more glaze. Broil
2 more minutes or until toppings are tender.

Bette Calloway

Swiss Chicken Casserole
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (can dice or use whole)
6 slices Swiss cheese 1 can cream of chicken soup
¼ C milk ½ C butter, melted
1 pkg (8-oz) dry bread stuffing mix (I like the herb stuffing)

Arrange chicken on bottom of 9”x 13” greased baking dish. Place 1 slice of cheese on top of each one. Combine cream of chicken soup and milk in bowl and pour over the chicken. Sprinkle with stuffing mix. Pour melted butter on top and cover with foil. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
Mary Kathryn Nelson
14
Baked Ziti
1 lb dry ziti pasta 1 onion, chopped
1 lb ground beef or turkey 2 (26-oz) jars spaghetti sauce
6 slices provolone cheese 1 ½ C sour cream
6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese 2 T grated Parmesan cheese

Cook ziti until al dente, 8 minutes, and drain. Brown onion and ground meat over medium heat, add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15-minutes. In a greased 9”x 13” baking dish layer as follows: ½ of the ziti, provolone, sour cream, ½ of the sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese, remaining sauce mixture. Top with the Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30-minutes or until cheeses are melted.
Amy Peeples

Creamy Chicken-Rice Casserole
Weight Watchers Recipe, points per serving=8

1 ½ C fat free milk 2 T flour
¼ t salt ¼ t black pepper
1 C reduced fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 C third-less-fat cream cheese 3 C chopped cooked chicken breast
1 C light mayonnaise ¾ C chopped onion
1 (8-oz) can diced water chestnuts, drained 1 (10-oz) pkg chopped broccoli, thawed/drained
1 ¾ C cooked rice Crushed crackers

Combine milk, flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan over medium high heat, stirring with a whisk; bring to a boil. Cook one minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and add cheeses, stirring until smooth. Combine cheese sauce with chicken and remaining ingredients except for the crackers. Spoon mixture into a 9” x 13” baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle crushed crackers on top and spray with cooking spray so they won’t get too brown. Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes or until crackers are golden brown and casserole is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Yields 10 one-cup servings.
Stacie Calhoun

Spaghetti – Who needs Ragu?
1 lb ground beef 1 lg onion, chopped
½ bell pepper, chopped 1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce 1 t Williams chili powder
1 ½ T Italian seasoning 1 ½ T Worcestershire sauce
Salt/pepper to taste 1 t garlic salt
Spaghetti noodles (thin or angel hair) cooked and drained

Brown together the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper; drain. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the noodles, and cook slowly 1 ½--2 hours. Add cooked (angel hair or thin) spaghetti noodles.
Ann Denny
15

Mini Ham Sandwiches
½ C butter 2 T onion flakes
1 ½ t poppy seeds 1 ½ t dried mustard
1 t Worcestershire sauce 1 pkg dinner rolls (12)
1 ½ lbs thinly sliced ham or turkey 18-oz Swiss cheese slices

Heat the butter, onion flakes, poppy seeds, dried mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until butter is melted. Mix well. Slice rolls in halves. Put slice of ham or turkey and cheese inside. Arrange on a cookie sheet or two 9” x 13” pans in single layers. Pour butter mixture over all and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Courtney Vincent

Mom’s Roast
This was a staple for “after church lunch” as I was growing up. It’s super easy to do and is so nice to come home to; everything is cooked and ready. All you have to do is bake some rolls, and your meal is done. Enjoy!

Any cut of beef roast 1 pkg of Lipton onion soup mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 C water
Mini carrots potatoes cut in chunks

In a Crockpot, place the roast with all the ingredients on high for 5-6 hours or low for 9-10 hours. The meat will just fall apart, it’s delicious!
For gravy: Take roast out of drippings, and put drippings in a pan. Add a heaping tablespoon of cornstarch into a cup of cold water, mix well, and add to the drippings. Bring to a boil, stirring until thickened.

Courtney Head

Parmesan Chicken Tenders
This recipe is worth the messy preparation. It is a “go-to” dinner option and a guaranteed hit! Enjoy!

Chicken tenders 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, finely crushed
½ C parmesan cheese 1 C mayonnaise
½ Dijon mustard 1 t freshly ground pepper

In a shallow dish combine the crushed Ritz crackers and the parmesan cheese. In a separate shallow dish combine the mayonnaise, mustard, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the mayonnaise mix, and roll in the cracker mix. Bake at 350 for 30-minutes.

Rebekah Boone

16
Chicken Enchiladas
These are great with sour cream and a side of black beans. Kids and picky adults love them because they have no onions or tomatoes. J

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked 6—8 flour tortillas
1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can red enchilada sauce, divided use
1 enchilada seasoning packet 1 bag of shredded cheese, divided use

Quarter each cooked chicken breast and throw the pieces in a bowl. Use an electric mixer to shred the chicken. My uncle, a chef in South Carolina, taught me this trick to create the shredded chicken texture you get at Mexican restaurants.
In a large bowl, mix the chicken soup, ¾ of the enchilada sauce, ¾ of the cheese, and the packet of enchilada seasoning. Next, add the chicken to the sauce mixture. Fill each tortilla with a few spoonfuls of the chicken mixture and roll up burrito style. Place in a lightly greased casserole dish. Use the remaining enchilada sauce to pour over the top of the tortilla rolls. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 30-minutes.

Morgan Smith

Easy Chicken and Rice Dinner
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts oil for browning chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup 1 1/3 C water
¼ t paprika ¼ pepper
1 C instant rice, uncooked 2 C fresh or thawed broccoli

In a skillet, brown chicken in hot oil for 10 minutes. Set aside. Add soup, water, paprika, and pepper. Heat to a boil. Stir in rice and broccoli. Place browned chicken on rice mixture. Cover and cook over low heat (5-minutes) or until chicken is done.

Variations: You can cut the chicken up into chunks. You can also omit the broccoli and serve it as a side.
Alee Fairris
Gigi’s Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Makes 8-10 servings. Serve over rice

3 tubes of Ritz crackers, crushed 2 sticks of butter, melted
2 T poppy seeds 1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can milk 1 (8-oz) carton sour cream
1 whole chicken, boiled, deboned, and chopped

Combine cracker crumbs, butter, and poppy seeds. Reserve one-cup for the top. Press remainder into a 9” x 13” baking dish. In a bowl, mix soup, milk, sour cream, and chicken. Pour over the cracker mixture in the baking dish, and sprinkle the reserved cracker mixture over top. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
Courtney Vincent
17
Vegetable Pizza
2 (8-oz) pkg refrigerated crescent rolls 2 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 C sour cream 1 (1-oz) packet dry Ranch dressing mix
1 C broccoli 1 C shredded carrots
1 C chopped bell pepper 1 C chopped tomatoes
(or any other vegetable you like)

Roll out crescent roll dough onto a 9” x 13” baking sheet and pinch edges together to form a crust. Bake the crust at 375 for 12-minutes. Remove crust and cool for 15-minutes without removing it from the baking sheet. In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and Ranch mix. Spread mixture over the cooked crust. Sprinkle vegetables over crust. Chill for one hour. Slice and serve.
Adrienne Rhodes

Cream Taco
1 lb hamburger meat 1 lb brick chili
2 cans chili hot beans 1 can Rotel (only use ½ can)
1 lb Velveeta ½ pint whipping cream
Tortilla chips Lettuce/salad mixture
Italian dressing

Brown hamburger meat. Add brick chili and mix. Add beans and Rotel. In microwave heat Velveeta and whipping cream, mix until smooth. Add cheese sauce to meat mixture. On a plate, crumble tortilla chips; pour some cream taco over the chips; put already mixed salad and dressing on top.
Starr Boschetti

Chicken and Artichokes
Serve over dumpling noodles.

4 chicken breasts ½ C butter, divided use
salt/pepper/paprika 8-oz sliced mushrooms
2 T flour 2/3 C chicken broth
1 can artichokes dumpling noodles

In a skillet, brown the chicken in ¼ C butter. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Put in a 9” x 13” baking dish. In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms in the remaining ¼ C butter, sprinkle with flour and add the chicken broth, stirring. Gently stir in the artichokes, and pour entire mixture over the chicken. Bake at 375 for 45-minutes.

Jenny Malone

18

“Souper” Meat n Potato Pie
1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 lb ground beef
¼ C finely chopped onion 1 egg, slightly beaten
¼ C fine dry bread crumbs Dash pepper
¼ t salt 2 C mashed potatoes
¼ C shredded mild cheddar cheese 4 bacon slices (optional), cooked

Mix thoroughly ½ can of the soup, beef, onion, egg, bread crumbs, and seasoning. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake 350 for 25-minutes. Spoon off fat. Frost with potatoes, top with remaining soup and the cheese. Bake 10-minutes more until hot, garnish with bacon.
Judy McClendon

Poppy Seed Chicken
This is my family’s absolute favorite meal – especially my picky eaters! It’s great to take to other families as well. You can include cooked rice after the bottom layer of crackers if you prefer not to take the rice on the side. It’s easy to put together the night before, keep in the refrigerator & cook at dinner time. FYI – this doesn’t freeze well – the crackers get soggy.

4—6 chicken breasts (cooked & cut into small pieces
2 tubes of Ritz crackers, crushed 2 sticks of butter, melted
2 T poppy seeds 1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup 8-oz sour cream
Rice (served separately)

Combine the crackers, butter, and poppy seeds. Reserve one-cup for topping. Press into a 9” x 13” casserole dish. Mix soups, sour cream, and chicken. Pour over crumb crust. Sprinkle remaining crumbs on top. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Serve over rice.

Tara Ross

Pork Tenderloin with Marinade
1 pork tenderloin
½ C oil 1 clove garlic, minced
½ t rosemary ¼ t ginger
¼ C soy sauce ½ t dry mustard
¼ t black pepper 1 small onion, chopped

Mix all ingredients. Place pork tenderloin with marinade in a gallon size Ziploc bag. Marinate overnight or longer. Cook tenderloin on grill or bake at 350 for 45-minutes.

Jenny Malone

19

Teriyaki Chicken
This is delicious and SIMPLE, and can be made in 15-minutes! It’s great with corn soufflé and a veggie. It’s great warmed up the day after, also. Even white meat eaters love this, and it is inexpensive to serve to dinner guests.

1 large pkg chicken legs (10-12 legs) ½ C soy sauce
2 t vinegar 2 T water
¼ C sugar or 3—4 packets of sweetener 1 T cornstarch

Place the chicken legs in a large dish or baking pan – like 9” x 13”. Mix all the ingredients together, stirring well. Pour over the chicken evenly. Bake at 350 for one-hour. Midway through, I turn the chicken over, and baste with the sauce.

Jeri Steinfeld

Baked Chicken and Rice
Serves 2, but it’s easy to double

½ C butter 1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can of water 1 t onion flakes
1 t salt 1 C uncooked regular rice
pepper 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Melt butter. Add soup, water, onion, rice, salt and pepper, and put in a baking dish. Place chicken on top. Bake at 350, uncovered 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Kristen McConnell

Creamy Taco
This is my husband’s favorite meal, and is a tasty comfort food for sure!

2 lbs ground beef 2 lbs Velveeta
1 onion, chopped ½ pint whipping cream
1 can Rotel, drained 1 can of chili (with or without beans)
1 t cumin Tortilla chips
Shredded lettuce Tomatoes, chopped
Olives, sliced Sour cream
Salsa

In a Dutch oven, brown meat with the onion and drain. Add Velveeta in chunks along with the whipping cream, Rotel, and chili. Let it all melt together, and when heated through, ladle over chips and top with whichever items you like (lettuce/tomatoes/olives/sour cream/salsa, etc.).
Courtney Head
20

Chicken Spaghetti
Everyone loves this! I have a family full of picky eaters, so I don’t add celery, onions, or peppers. Leftovers are an easy thing to pack the next day for school lunches, because it is great hot or cold!

4—6 chicken breasts (cooked & finely chopped) 12-oz vermicelli or angel hair pasta (cooked)
1 T Accent flavor enhancer 2 T Lawry’s seasoned salt
3 T lemon juice 4 T oil
1 C chopped celery (optional) ½ C chopped green onions (optional)
1 small can chopped black olives, drained 1 small jar pimentos, drained
½ C chopped bell pepper (optional) 1 C mayonnaise
Dash garlic powder Dash salt
Dash pepper

In a large bowl, mix celery, onions, olives, bell pepper, pimentos and mayonnaise. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in pasta and chicken. In a separate small bowl, mix Accent, Lawry’s, lemon juice, and oil. Mix well, and add to large bowl. Ready to serve!

Tara Ross

Beef Tenderloin
While sitting in Les Madeline’s in Dallas nine-years ago with the Parkinson family, we were discussing how to cook a whole beef tenderloin (from Sam’s). A sweet grandmotherly type at the next table overheard us and shared her recipe with us (love this kind of lady) – this recipe works every time, no matter how big or small the beef tenderloin is. Don’t ask me how this recipe works, it just does!

One whole beef tenderloin whole peeled garlic cloves
Olive oil salt and pepper

Cut slits on both sides of the tenderloin and stuff with the garlic cloves. Rub all over with olive oil and then salt and pepper on both sides. Put in a cold oven and turn to 425 – yes, it will spit and make noise—ignore. When preheat light goes off, turn down to 350 and cook for 20-minutes. Take out and rest for 10-minutes. Ready to serve with pink center and well done on ends. Works every time, no matter how big or small the beef tenderloin is.

Ann Parkinson

21

Zucchini-Sausage Rice Casserole
1 ½ C uncooked rice 3 C water
1 ½ C sausage 3 zucchini (cubed)
1 small onion, chopped (green onion works, too) 2-3 cloves of garlic or 4 T garlic powder
1 ½ C shredded cheddar cheese 1 ½ C chopped tomato, or 1 can
1 t basil 1 t oregano
1 t paprika 1 t garlic salt

Cook rice in the water. In a large skillet, brown sausage and drain, then add zucchini, onion, and garlic. Sauté until tender. Add the tomatoes, rice, and half of the cheese. Stir until everything is mixed and tender. Place in casserole; add remaining cheese on top. Bake 350 for 20-minutes.
April Russum

Broiled Ginger Salmon
Wild fish is always better than farm raised for a variety of reasons. But for salmon, it’s critical. You don’t get the omega-3 fatty acids in farm raised that you do in wild salmon; you just get a fatty fish. That’s not why we eat salmon; we eat it for its omega-3 fatty acids! It’s a Super Food, but not when it’s farmed. Even canned is better than farmed (it’s always wild when it’s canned). And check this out: farmed salmon is dyed pink! It is gray otherwise. So, make sure you’ve got wild and not farmed salmon.

Serve with another super food, spinach! I like it lightly sautéed in a little olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper, yum! Add a sweet potato and you’re good to go!

1 C pineapple juice 1 T low-sodium soy sauce
2 t ginger root, peeled, and grated 1/8 t pepper
4 salmon filets, wild

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine all ingredients except for the salmon. Carefully add the salmon. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the meal. Preheat the broiler. Drain the salmon, reserving the marinade. Place salmon on a lightly greased broiler pan, and broil about 5-inches or more from heat source for about 8-13 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork. Remove from pan and keep warm.

Meanwhile, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a saucepan, and cook for about
3-minutes, until reduced. Pour over salmon and serve.

Jackie Kolstad

22
Taco Pasta Bowl
Makes 6 servings. This recipe easily doubles, but doesn’t fit in my skillet, so make in a large Dutch oven. Freezes really well.

½ lb ground beef such as ground round 1 (15-oz) can chili beans (not drained)
1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes 1 (2-oz) can chopped green chilies
1 (10-oz) can enchilada sauce 2 t chili powder
¾ t cumin ½ t garlic powder
3 C cooked pasta shells 1 C shredded Colby jack cheese
½ C shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat, stirring to crumble; drain. Stir in rest of ingredients except for the pasta shells and cheeses. Simmer 3-5 minutes. Add pasta to mixture and heat 3 minutes. Stir in cheeses until melted and well-blended. Serve in bowls.
Notes:
1) Substitute kidney beans for chili beans
2) Substitute can of Rotel for tomatoes and chilies (Kroger brand works well, too)
3) Use mild enchilada sauce
4) Use 1 t chili powder
5) Use 3 cups of quesadilla- style shredded cheese (or just whatever cheese I have on hand,
but not mozzarella).
Lari Moix
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR:
This is from the author of the book that we have been using this semester, Parenting is your Highest Calling. . . by Leslie Leyland Fields. This is her own recipe, developed for the Fields Wild Salmon label (canned red salmon). Leslie has had lots of good feedback from people who have tried this recipe. Her family commercial salmon fishes every summer. Makes 4—6 servings.
Leslie’s Healthy Salmon Fettuccine
1 can (14.75-oz) red salmon or 1 ½ C cooked salmon
¼ C margarine ½ C flour
5 C hot low-fat milk ¼ C sherry (optional)
¼ C sliced green onion 1 ½ t Dijon mustard
16-oz fettuccini pasta 2 T chopped parsley
1 ½ t dill weed black pepper to taste

Drain and flake the salmon. Set aside. Melt margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in flour. Cook, stirring constantly for 2—3 minutes. Whisk in milk and sherry. Cook, stirring frequently until thickened. Stir in flaked salmon and remaining ingredients except for the fettuccini and parsley. Cook 2—3 minutes, until heated through.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package direction (fresh pasta is best!). Drain pasta and place on serving platter. Spoon sauce over pasta and sprinkle with parsley.

Leslie Fields
23
SIDE DISHES & SALADS
Green Bean Bundles
This is an expected dish by my kids for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

3—4 cans whole green beans, drained 8—10 slices pepper bacon, cut in half
¾ stick butter, melted ½ C brown sugar
1/8 t garlic powder

Wrap ½ slice bacon around 6—8 beans, laying “bundles” side by side in a baking pan. Mix together over heat the melted butter, brown sugar, and garlic powder forming a syrup. Drizzle the syrup over the bean bundles. Bake 375 for 45-minutes, uncovered.

Trish Monnahan

Spicy Couscous and Vegetables
I got this recipe from the food network website. This side dish is healthy, quick, easy to make, and the delicious combined flavors gravitate you to a second serving or more. The dish gets cold quickly so I would put it together at the last minute to complete your meal. The original recipe called for 1 small eggplant, quartered and sliced which I did not include. Even though the title says, “spicy,” it is not spicy hot; it just has various spices in it. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Serves 4—6.

1 zucchini, quartered and the cut into slices 1 red bell pepper, diced
Olive oil to drizzle over veggies salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 ½ C couscous (I used one 10-oz box of Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Couscous)
½ t ground cumin seeds ½ t salt
2 C chicken stock (I used 2 chicken bouillon cubes) ½ t ginger
½ t paprika ¼ C orange juice
2 T olive oil 1 T roughly chopped parsley (I used dry)
2 T roughly chopped cilantro Juice of ½ lemon

Place cut vegetables on a baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place in oven at 375, and roast for about 10-minutes. Place uncooked couscous in a heat proof bowl and stir in the salt, cumin, ginger, paprika, and orange juice. Bring the chicken stock to a boil and pour over the couscous making sure it covers the couscous mixture completely. Cover with a plate or plastic wrap and leave for 5—10 minutes or until all the stock is absorbed. Stir in the parsley, cilantro, olive oil, and lemon juice (plus lemon zest if “zested”). Fluff the couscous with a fork and toss with roasted
vegetables. Serve immediately.
The original recipe called for grated lemon zest. Since my lemon was a bit old and hard, I did not use any zest, just more of the juice. The original recipe also called for 2 cups of vegetable stock instead of the chicken stock. I found that the chicken stock or chicken bouillon cubes worked out well because I serve this with Italian baked chicken.

Rebecca Lee
24
Corn Slaw
Serve as a side dish or as a dip with Fritos. Yield: 3-Cups.

½ C chopped green pepper 1 carrot, grated or chopped
¼-½ medium red onion, diced 2 (16-oz) cans whole kernel corn, drained
½ C mayonnaise 2 T white vinegar
1 t sugar ¼ t salt
¼-½ t black pepper 1 T prepared mustard
½ C sour cream

Combine green pepper, carrot, onion, and corn; set aside. Mix dressing ingredients of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, and sour cream. Add dressing to vegetables, stirring until well coated. Place in one-quart covered dish and refrigerate.

Notes: I used half a green pepper, light Hellman’s mayonnaise, Heinz stone ground mustard, and light Daisy sour cream. I’m not a black pepper fan, so I only used ¼ teaspoon. The first time I made this recipe, I chopped an entire red onion and froze the remainder. I then pulled it out of the freezer to use the next time, and the frozen onion held up well. I also used my hand-held chopper from Pampered Chef, which makes this recipe super easy and even kid-helper-friendly! They love using the chopper!

Lari Moix
Sweet Potato Fries
My 10-month-old daughter, Annette, loves these! They are easy to cut or mash for little ones. J

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into “French fry” slices
2 T olive oil
Creole or Cajun seasoning to taste

Put the sweet potatoes slices, oil, and seasoning into a bowl with a lid and shake. Pour out onto a cookie sheet and bake at 400 for 30-40 minutes.

Morgan Smith

Corn Soufflé
1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn (drained)
1 stick butter, melted 1 pkg cornbread mix

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into a 9” x 9” pan and bake at 350 for one-hour.

Jeri Steinfeld

25
Frozen Fruit Salad
Makes a nice, light dessert alternative or a sweet side dish, and if you choose to use strawberries, it makes it a pretty pink color. J

1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 4 T milk
6 T sugar 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
2 bananas, sliced 1 pint strawberries, sliced
2 peaches, sliced 1 pint cool whip
Dash of salt

Beat the cream cheese and add the milk and sugar, blending well. Add drained fruit and salt; fold in cool whip. Freeze.
Note: Can use any fruit you prefer, I personally like the combination above. You can also use low fat cream cheese or low fat cool whip and it’s just as good. I put it out on the counter to let it soften a little before serving. Otherwise it is too hard to slice.

Amber Smith
Spicy Black-Eyed Peas
½ lb bacon 3 (15-oz) cans black-eyed peas
2 C chopped onion 1 can Rotel
2 C chopped green pepper salt and pepper to taste
2 C chopped celery 1 lg can petite diced tomatoes
White vinegar to taste (optional)

Cook bacon until it has rendered the fat. Transfer bacon to a 6—8 quart pot. Sauté
the onion, green peppers, and celery in the bacon fat. Pour peas into the pot. Add the sautéed vegetables and tomatoes, Rotel, salt and pepper. Cook over medium low heat for 45-minutes, add a splash of vinegar (optional). Serve hot.

Ellen Hardin

Strawberry Surprise Salad
½ C margarine 3 T brown sugar
2 ½ C crushed pretzels 1 large pkg strawberry jello
2 C boiling water 3 (10-oz) pkg frozen strawberries, thawed
1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, softened ½ C sugar
1 C cool whip

Cream the margarine and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in pretzels. Pat into a 9” x 13” baking dish. Bake at 350 for 10-minutes. Set aside to cool.
Dissolve jello in boiling water. Stir in strawberries. Chill until slightly thickened.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; fold in cool whip. Spread over crust. Top with gelatin mixture. Chill until firm.

Susan Kella
26 Twice Baked Potatoes
So yummy with steak or ham.

1 (22-oz) pkg frozen mashed potatoes 4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 t garlic salt ½ C sour cream
Pepper to taste 1/8 C chopped chives
Grated cheddar cheese for topping Bacon pieces for topping

Prepare potatoes according to package. Stir in cream cheese, garlic salt, sour cream, chives, garlic salt, and pepper. Put mixture in a casserole pan or six lightly greased ramekins. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and top with bacon pieces. Bake at 350 for
20-minutes.

Trish Monnahan

Yellow Squash Casserole
4 C sliced yellow squash ½ C chopped onion
35 Ritz crackers, crushed 1 C shredded cheddar cheese
2 eggs, beaten ¾ C milk
¼ C butter, melted 1 t salt
pepper to taste 2 T butter

Place squash and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in a small amount of water. Cover and cook until squash is tender, about 5-minutes. Drain well and place in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, mix together the cracker crumbs and cheese. Stir half of the cracker mixture into the cooked squash and onions. In a small bowl, mix together eggs and milk, then add to the squash mixture. Stir in ¼ C melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Spread into a 9” x 13” baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cracker mixture, and dot with 2 tablespoons of butter. Bake at 400 for 25-minutes.

Connie Smith

Crunchy Romaine Toss
1 pkg ramen noodles, broken up (discard flavor packet)
1 C chopped pecans 4 T unsalted butter
1 bunch broccoli, chopped 4 green onions, chopped
2 bunches romaine lettuce
Sweet and Sour Dressing:
1 C oil ½ C wine vinegar
3 t soy sauce salt/pepper to taste

Brown noodles and pecans in butter (noodles take longer so start them first). Cool on paper towels. Combine lettuce, noodles, pecans, broccoli, and onions. Toss with dressing.

Susan Kella

27
Corn Casserole
Serves 8
½ C butter ½ C sugar
1 T flour ½ C evaporated milk
2 eggs, well beaten 1 ½ t baking powder
2 (12-oz) cans whole kernel corn, drained

Topping:
1 T butter, melted ¼ C sugar ½ t cinnamon

Heat ½ cup butter and ½ cup sugar in a medium sized saucepan until butter melts. Stir in the flour and blend well; remove pan from heat. Gradually stir in milk; add egg and baking powder and mix well. Fold in corn and put into a buttered 2-quart casserole.
Bake at 350 for 40-minutes or until a knife comes out clean when inserted near the center. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

Ellen Hardin

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Fall Spice Waffles
Great for all ages, and super healthy! Note: no sugar in them

1 ½ C flour 1 t baking powder
½ t salt ½ t cinnamon
1/8 t nutmeg 1/8 t cloves
2 eggs, separated 1 C milk
¼ C butter, melted 1/3 C grated carrots, apple, or zucchini

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and spices. In separate bowl, combine egg yolks, milk, and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Add carrots, apple, or zucchini (I used carrots because that’s what I had and they were delicious)! In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gently fold into batter. Bake in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown. Top as you wish, but I think they’re best with just a little dusting of powdered sugar.

Micaiah Slaton
28

MeeMee’s Breakfast Casserole
My grandmother made this for breakfast every time I visited her!

1 can crescent rolls 4 eggs
½ C milk 1 t salt
Pepper to taste 1 lb cooked sausage, bacon, or ham
1 C shredded cheddar cheese

Spray a 9” x 13” casserole dish with Pam. Spread rolls to cover the bottom of the dish, pinching edges together. Mix eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, and pour over the dough. Crumble meat on top, and then add cheese. Bake at 375 for 20-minutes.

Tara Ross

Easy Breakfast Casserole
1 can Pillsbury Grands biscuits 6 eggs
2 bags Jimmy Dean breakfast skillets Shredded sharp cheese

Spray a casserole dish. Line bottom of dish with biscuits and press out to make crust along sides and bottom. In a large skillet, scramble the eggs; add breakfast skillets; mix and stir until warm. Spread the egg mixture on top of biscuits and top with cheese. Bake 350 for 30-minutes.
Krysta Rupp

Baked Oatmeal
This makes a big pan so it can be refrigerated and used for several days. Just reheat in microwave or oven. My grandchildren LOVE it! Yield: 12-servings

1 C butter (can substitute applesauce) 1 ½ C sugar (or less)
4 eggs 6 C oats
4 t baking powder 1 t salt
1 t cinnamon 2 C milk
For topping: butter/brown sugar/milk

Combine all ingredients in the order listed. Pour into greased 9” x 13” pan. Bake 375 for
30-40 minutes until lightly browned. Can refrigerate overnight before baking. Serve topped with butter, brown sugar, and milk.
Joan Hearnsberger

29
Granola
I found this recipe online, and have made it several times with many variations. I usually do not have all of the ingredients, but I just mix together what I do have. One good variation has been to omit the cinnamon and add chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled. I don’t eat this in a bowl with milk, but as a yogurt topping or a snack.

8 C rolled oats 1 ½ C wheat germ
1 ½ C oat bran 1 C sunflower seeds
1 C finely chopped almonds 1 C finely chopped pecans
1 C finely chopped walnuts 1 ½ t salt
½ C brown sugar ¼ C maple syrup
¾ C honey ½ C vegetable oil (original recipe calls for 1 C)
1 T cinnamon 1 T vanilla
2 C raisins or sweetened dried cranberries (optional)

Line two large baking sheets with foil. Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, and walnuts in a large bowl. Stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets. Bake at 325 until crispy and toasted, about 20-minutes. Stir once halfway through. Cool; stir in the raisins or cranberries before storing in an airtight container.
Connie Smith
Almond Crust Quiche
This is a wonderful quiche.

Crust:
1 ½ C blanched almond flour ½ t sea salt
½ t baking soda ¼ C grapeseed oil (I’ve used olive oil)
1 T minced scallions, white and green parts (I find these optional)
1 T water
In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, salt, baking soda, and scallions. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil and water. Stir the wet ingredients into the almond flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Press the dough in a 9 ½-inch pie pan. Bake at 350 for 12—15 minutes. Cool before filling.
Filling:
3 eggs 2 T grapeseed oil
1 medium onion, chopped 2 C broccoli, small spears
1 C mushrooms ½ t sea salt
¼ C finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes ½ C shredded cheese
Whisk the eggs. Heat oil and sauté the onion, broccoli, mushrooms, salt, and tomatoes for 15-minutes. Add eggs and cheese and pour into the crust. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Note: I have also done a combination of four pieces of cooked bacon, cut up in pieces, black olive slices, and broccoli pieces with the 3 eggs and loved it.

Judy Taylor
30 DESSERTS, COOKIES, CANDY

Easy Blackberry Cobbler
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

4 C fresh blackberries 1 T lemon juice
1 egg 1 C flour
1 C sugar 6 T butter, melted

Place blackberries in lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish; sprinkle with the lemon juice. Stir together the egg, flour, and sugar in a medium bowl until mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle over fruit and lemon juice mixture. Drizzle butter over top. Bake at 375 for 35-minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. Let stand 10-minutes before serving.

Alee Fairris
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
These are gluten free, but please don’t let that scare you away from making them! I make these as my staple peanut butter cookie even though no one in the family is gluten intolerant. The Fleur De Sel salt makes a huge difference, but is totally optional. You can get it at Whole Foods in bulk (it is in the containers that you scoop from and weigh). You only have to buy a little, and of course you don’t have to use organic peanut butter, but it is better to use peanut butter without sugar added so as not to make them too sweet!

1 C organic unsalted peanut butter ¾ C sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten ½ t baking soda
1 t Kosher salt ¾ C dark chocolate, chopped
1 C peanuts, chopped Fine grain Fleur de Sel salt to finish

Line cookie sheets with parchment. In a large bowl, stir peanut butter, sugar, egg, baking soda, and Kosher salt. Stir in chocolate and peanuts. Drop in teaspoon size balls onto prepared cookie sheets, two-inches apart. Bake on middle shelves at 350 for 12-minutes or so. Remove from oven and quickly sprinkle on the Fleur de Sel salt (sparingly).

Mary Ann Page

Haystacks
Butterscotch chips Chow Mein noodles Nuts of choice

Melt the butterscotch chips until smooth (either in the microwave or stovetop). Add in the chow mein noodles and nuts until you reach desired coating of butterscotch. Separate by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Allow to cool. If not using until next day, store in refrigerator to help keep haystacks from falling apart or family member helping themselves to a snack.J

Lari Moix
31

Peanut Butter Fudge
My kids LOVE helping make this and it disappears quickly!

2 lbs powdered sugar 2 cans (13-oz) evaporated milk
½ C butter or margarine, melted 7-oz marshmallow cream
1 (18-oz) jar of peanut butter

Into a large, heavy saucepan place the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter or margarine; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until ingredients melt. Continue cooking to soft ball stage, 235 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove, and quickly stir in marshmallow cream, and peanut butter. Pour into 2 (8” x 8”) greased pans. Cut into squares when cool.
Tara Ross

Pumpkin Cupcakes
These are the perfect treat this time of year, and the pumpkin makes them a little more nutritious than other sweets, so you don’t have to feel too guilty giving them to your kids!

4 eggs (or Egg Beaters, or combo of both) ½ C oil
½ C unsweetened applesauce 1 (15-oz) can pure pumpkin
2 C sugar (can use Splenda) 2 C flour
½ t salt 1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda 1 t cinnamon

Place 24 paper cupcake wrappers into muffin tins. Beat together eggs, oil, applesauce, pumpkin, and sugar. Stir in other ingredients until well mixed. Fill each cupcake about ¾ full. Bake at 350 for 25-minutes, or until done. Frost lightly with cream cheese icing once cooled.
Mandy Osborne

Easy Crunchy-Nut Pie Crust
The New York Times called this, “Heaven in a pie pan.” It’s simple and a much easier than a dough crust.

1 ½ C grated pecans 3 T sugar 2 T butter, softened

Mix all ingredients together and press into a 9” pie plate. Bake at 400 for 6—8 minutes.

Jeri Steinfeld

32
Easy Coconut Cake
This is rich and delicious—if you like coconut cake. Store in refrigerator.

1 box white cake mix, baked in a 9” x 13” pan, according to directions on box
1 can Crème de coconut (sometimes found near Eagle Brand milk section of store or in specialty section)
1 small container cool whip 1 can shredded coconut

Prick cake with fork when it comes out of the oven. Pour crème de coconut over cake while hot. When completely cool, spread with cool whip and then sprinkle coconut over it.

Bette Calloway

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Bottom layer:
2 C crushed pretzels 1 T sugar ¾ C butter, melted

Pour melted butter over the pretzel and sugar and press into a 9” x 13” dish. Bake at 400 for 8-minutes.

Middle layer:
1 (8-oz) cream cheese, softened 1 C sugar 8-oz cool whip

Mix together and spread over pretzel layer

Top layer:
6-oz strawberry gelatin 2 C boiling water 2 C frozen sliced strawberries

Mix the gelatin with the boiling water until dissolved. Let cool and then stir in the frozen strawberries. Pour mixture over the cheese layer and chill dessert until ready to eat.

Tara Ross

Best and Easiest Apple Dumplings
Even “hot-fruit haters” will love this one! Perfect for the holidays!

1 can crescent rolls 1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced
1 can Mountain Dew 1 stick butter, melted
1 ½ C sugar cinnamon

Roll one or two thin slices of apple into each crescent roll, place in baking dish. Mix together the Mountain Dew, butter, and sugar and pour over the rolls. Sprinkle with lots of cinnamon. Bake at 375 for 13-15 minutes.
Danielle Davis
33

Chocolate Cake
This is easy, but requires three containers!

2 C flour 2 C sugar
1 stick butter or margarine ½ C shortening
1 C water 4 T cocoa
2 eggs
½ C buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, you can add 1 t vinegar to regular milk)
1 t baking soda 1 t vanilla

Put the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Place the butter, shortening, water, and cocoa in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour this mixture over the flour and sugar. Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix all together and bake in a 11” x 13” greased baking pan, at 400 for 25-30 minutes.

Frosting:
½ stick butter or margarine 4 T cocoa
1 box powdered sugar 6 T milk (maybe more)

Melt the butter in a saucepan (can use the original saucepan from cake). Add the rest of the ingredients, beating until smooth, and adding more milk if needed for desired consistency. Frost cake while it is still warm, leaving it in the baking pan. I wait about 15-minutes before frosting.

Bette Calloway

Four Layer Delight
It’s usually best to make this the night before you’re going to serve it, so it can be nice and cool.

1 stick margarine 1 C flour
½ C chopped pecans 1 (16-oz) carton cool whip
1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1 C powdered sugar
2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding 3 C 2% milk

Melt margarine, and add to the flour and pecans. Press into a 9” x 13” pan. Cook at 350 for 10-minutes; cool. Mix 8-oz cool whip, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread mixture over the crust. Mix chocolate pudding with the milk. Stir about 10-minutes. Spread on top of the second layer. The rest of the cool whip is the top layer (8-oz). Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Kristen McConnell

34
Apricot Bars
A definite husband pleaser!

Filling:
¼ C pecans ½ C chopped dried apricots
½ C water ½ C sugar
Cookie Dough:
1 C sifted flour ½ t baking soda
¼ t salt 1 C quick-cooking oats
½ C butter or margarine, melted 2/3 C brown sugar

Chop the pecans in a blender and empty into a mixing bowl. Put apricots and water into the blender – liquefy until smooth. Add sugar and liquefy until smooth. Pour the apricot mixture over the pecans and mix. In another bowl, sift together the flour, soda, and salt. Add the oats. Put butter and brown sugar in the blender, mixing until smooth. Add the butter/sugar mixture to the flour mixture and mix well. Spread 2/3 dough evenly in a pan (8” x 10”). Top with the filling. Sprinkle remainder of dough over filling. Pack lightly. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
Jamie Keathley

Rachel Ray’s 5-Minute Fudge
A wreath of fudge for Christmas

1 (12-oz) bag semisweet chocolate morsels 9-oz butterscotch morsels (¾ of a 12-oz bag)
1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk 1 t vanilla
1 (8-oz) can walnut halves ½ C currants
Candied cherries, red and green, for garnish (optional)

Place a heavy pot on the stove and preheat it over low heat. Add chips and milk, and stir until chips are melted and milk combined. Save the empty condensed milk can. Stir in vanilla and remove fudge from heat. Add nuts and currants, and stir in immediately. Cover empty condensed milk can with plastic food wrap and center it in a greased 8-inch cake pan. Spoon fudge into pan around the can, making sure to re-center can if it drifts. The fudge will set up almost immediately. The garnish can only be added in the first minute to the fudge in the pan, so work quickly. Decorate your wreath with “holly” made from cut candied red and green cherries. A wreath left plain can be garnished with a pretty fabric bow when serving. Chill covered in the refrigerator and slice fudge very thin when ready to serve—a little goes a long way.

Note: Usually, I omit the nuts & currants and add marshmallows instead (they seem to cut down on the intensity of the chocolate). I pour the fudge into the greased 8-inch cake pan, but skip making a wreath formation. I’ve experimented with add-ins--pecans & marshmallows for Rocky Road is a family favorite. Dried cranberries are a hit with some adults. Semisweet chocolate is very rich and chocoholics love it. Can also mix half chocolate and half peanut butter chips. The butterscotch is a key ingredient for how the fudge sets. Sweetened condensed milk can be regular or fat free.

Lari Moix
35

Mrs. Patty’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are my mom’s famous cookies. I’m pretty sure I made most of my elementary and junior high school friends because of these cookies! J

1 ½ C white sugar 1 ½ C brown sugar
2 C Crisco 4 eggs
4 ½ C flour 1 t salt
2 t baking soda 2 t vanilla
One bag (12-oz) of chocolate chips or 2 ½ Cups

Cream together the sugars and Crisco. Add the eggs and cream the mixture together. Mix the flour, salt, and baking soda together, and add to the creamed mixture; add vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for about
10-minutes.

Kara Gilmore

Mrs. Patty’s Ice Cream Cake
I still request this cake for my birthdays!

84 Oreo cookies, crushed ½ C butter, melted
½ gallon ice cream

Mix the cookies and butter together. Pat into bottom of a 9” x 13” pan. Soften the ice cream. Pat on top of the cookie crust. Freeze.

Sauce:
1 bar of German chocolate ½ C butter
1/8 t salt 2/3 C sugar
2/3 C evaporated milk (5.33-oz can) 1 t vanilla
1 (8-oz) carton of cool whip chopped nuts, optional

Melt the chocolate and butter together in a saucepan; add the salt, sugar, and evaporated milk. Cook until thick, approximately four-minutes. Add vanilla. Let cool. Spread this on the ice cream and top with cool whip and nuts. Freeze.

Kara Gilmore

36

No-Bake Cookies
These are the classic no-bake cookies, the first thing I ever learned to cook. I taught my kids to make them when they were in elementary school. They are quick, easy, and yummy! This recipe is from my grandmother, Sis Baldwin, and she called them “Peanut Butter Delight.” Yields about 5-dozen (depending upon your spoon size).

2 C sugar 3 T cocoa
½ C milk ½ C butter
1 t vanilla 1 C peanut butter
3 C quick-cooking oats, uncooked

Combine sugar, cocoa, milk, butter, and vanilla in a heavy sauce pan; mix well. Bring to a boil, and let boil one-minute, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter. Add oats and mix well. Quickly drop by heaping spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cool.

Alternate use: Bake your favorite chocolate cake. When you take it out to cool, make the above recipe LEAVING OUT THE OATS. With the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over your cake and pour this recipe (except for the oats) all over the cake. This is my family’s most requested cake!

Stacey Hammons

Quick and Delicious Brownies
I always bake these when unexpected company is coming. They are quick and delicious AND homemade!!

¾ C flour ½ t baking powder
½ t salt 1 C sugar
½ C shortening 2 eggs, unbeaten
1 t vanilla 2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 C chopped pecans, optional

Sift together in a bowl the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the shortening, eggs, and vanilla and beat on #4 speed for one-minute. Add the chocolate and beat ½ minute longer until well blended. Stir in the pecans. Pour batter into an 8” x 8” square, greased pan. Bake at 350 for 18 minutes, and check to see if they are done. If not, continue baking until toothpick inserted into the middle of the pan comes out clean. You may cut brownies into squares while they are still warm.
Cindy Eoff

37

Chocolate Torte
3—4 oz squares of German chocolate 1 ½ C sugar
¾ C brewed coffee 1 stick butter
6 eggs whipped cream

Line a springform pan with foil. Cook the chocolate, sugar, coffee, and butter in a saucepan over low heat until all are melted. Cool slightly. Add a small amount of chocolate mixture to the eggs. Beat in remainder of the chocolate mixture. Pour into a springform pan. Bake 350 for 45 minutes. Ice with whipped cream.

Carolyn Stowers
Paula Deen’s Blueberry Casserole
The measurements for the oats and sugar aren’t exact – just do what looks right!

1 can home-style biscuits 1 stick butter, melted
½ C – ¾ C brown sugar 1 container frozen or 2 C fresh blueberries
1—2 t sugar
½ C – ¾ C quick cooking oatmeal

Quarter biscuits, dip in butter, and then dredge in brown sugar. Place in casserole dish. Sprinkle biscuits with half of the oatmeal. Sprinkle the blueberries with the granulated sugar, and then pour half of the blueberries over the biscuits. Sprinkle with rest of the oatmeal, and top with the rest of the blueberries. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Jennifer Glasgow

38

A GOOD GIFT IDEA

Make Your Own Café Mocha Mix
This is a gift idea to give with a travel mug!

Five good reasons for a cup of something warm and wonderful:
1. Saves money
2. Saves time
3. Saves the environment when you use your own travel mug
4. Warms you up on a cold day
5. Best of all—you feel loved

When I make my own Café Mocha, I have a drink that is much cheaper than a cup of Café Mocha from a coffee shop, plus I treat myself to something special every morning. Sometimes, I take a little with me so that I can make some more for the drive home in the afternoon. Nothing says “I love you” like a cup of something warm and wonderful.

Café Mocha
1 C instant coffee, (I like Tasters Choice best)
2 C Nestles Nesquik
3 C Carnation Instant milk (I have tried other brands, but they don’t taste as good)

Mix together and store in airtight container.

To make your cup of Café Mocha; boil water, pour into cup and add 3 tablespoons of the Café Mocha mix. If you have a big mug you will have to adjust the number of tablespoons you add to it.

Jackie Kolstad

A GREAT RECIPE
From Jackie Kolstad

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate
anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes/day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statements:
“My purpose is to ________________today. I am thankful for ________________.”
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in
plants.
5. Drink green tea, and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, and walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
14. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”
17. Forgive everyone for everything
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. God heals everything – but you have to ask Him.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick, but friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements:
“I am thankful for ____________________. Today I accomplished____________.”
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings, and you’ll be smiling before you know it!

Addendum
I mistakenly left the following recipes out of the original cookbook. Also, there are two mistakes which have been found so far. They are:
1) Under Chocolate Torte on page 37, the chocolate squares should read 3-4 oz squares of German chocolate.
2) The Hong Kong Hamburger recipe on page 13 was not submitted by Bette Calloway but by Kristina Keller
I am very sorry for these mistakes!
~Connie

Cranberry-Apple Salad
A great recipe from my friend, Mary Jane Riggan

1 pkg of dried cranberries (1 ½ C—2 C) 2 T fresh lime juice
½ C sugar 2 t Dijon mustard
2 apples chopped (I use red delicious) ½ C olive oil
1 C toasted walnuts or pecans 3 T sugar
¼ C chopped green onion

Toss the cranberries with the ½ cup of sugar, and then add the apples, nuts, and onion. Whisk together the lime juice, mustard, olive oil, and 3 T sugar, and add to the cranberry/apple mixture. Toss to coat; cover and chill for at least 2-hours. It is great tossed with Romaine lettuce, but any crisp lettuce would work great.
Note: You can put the cranberry-apple mixture in the refrigerator overnight before tossing with lettuce.

Robbie Schuchard

Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is called breakfast pizza by our family, because that was how we got Scott to eat it when he was two-years-old.

1 ½ pork sausage 1 t salt
9 eggs, slightly beaten 3 slices of bread (cut into ¼-inch cubes)
3 C milk 1 ½ C sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 ½ t dry mustard

Cook sausage over medium heat; stir to crumble and drain well. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl except for the bread; stir in cooled sausage. Spray a 9” x 13” baking dish with cooking spray. Layer bread on bottom of dish. Pour egg mixture over the bread. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 for one-hour.

Robbie Schuchard

Addendum , page 2
Cheese Grits
2 t salt 2 eggs, well beaten
5 C boiling water ½ stick butter (¼ C)
1 C grits 1 t prepared mustard
¾ lb grated sharp cheddar cheese

Put the grits into the salted boiling water and let cook 10-minutes until thick. Stir in the cheese, eggs, butter, and mustard. Spray a tw0-quart casserole with cooking spray and pour in the grits. Bake at 350 for 25-minutes or until set.

Robbie Schuchard

Chili Egg Puff
10 eggs ½ lb grated Monterey Jack Cheese
½ C flour 1 stick butter, melted
1 t baking powder 1 (4-oz) can chopped green chilies
1 t salt 1 pint small curd cottage cheese
½ lb grated pepper or Jalapeno Monterey Jack Cheese

In a large bowl, mix eggs until light colored. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, cottage cheese, grated Monterey Jack cheeses, and melted butter. Blend well, and then add the green chili peppers, un-drained. Pour into a greased 9” x 13” baking dish. Bake at 300 for
40-minutes or until lightly browned and set in the center. (Sometimes takes longer)

Note: to make ahead, mix everything except for the baking powder the night before and add the baking powder just before cooking.

Robbie Schuchard

Praline Grahams
½ C butter ½ C brown sugar
6 whole graham crackers (unbroken rectangles) ½ C chopped walnuts

Line a 15” x 10” x 1” baking sheet with aluminum foil. Break the crackers into small rectangles by indentions and place on pan with all crackers touching. In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Bring to rolling boil over medium heat for two-minutes. Remove from heat, add nuts. Pour over crackers. Bake at 350 for 8—10 minutes.

April Russum

Addendum, page 3

Pear or Apple Cake
This pear cake was what my husband’s mother (Gladys) was always known for.

¾ C cooking oil (canola) 1 t cinnamon
2 eggs ¼ t salt
2 C sugar 2 T vanilla
2 C flour 4 C finely chopped pears or apples
1 t baking soda 1 C chopped pecans or walnuts

Prepare a tube pan by lining the bottom of it with brown paper, greased and floured well, including the tube. Sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Peel and chop the fruit. Beat eggs until foamy and add oil and vanilla. Add this egg mixture to the dry ingredient/flour mixture – spoon mixing is sufficient. Stir in the nuts and fruit. Bake at 350 for one-hour and 20-minutes. (Check at one-hour because mine took one-hour and
10-minutes). Glaze with one of the following:

Robbie’s glaze:
1 C brown sugar ¼ C milk 1 stick of butter
Boil these ingredients together and pour over hot cake. When cool, remove from pan.

Gladys’ glaze:
Powdered sugar and water (no amounts given)
Mix these together and pour over hot cake.

Robbie Schuchard

Banana Pudding
1 large pkg Jello instant vanilla pudding mix
3 C milk
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 carton (8-oz) cool whip
5 bananas

Mix the pudding mix and the milk together. Line a large bowl with vanilla wafers, cover with a layer of sliced bananas, then a lot of pudding, keep layering until all are used. Top with cool whip. Refrigerate until firm.
Note: This is best if you refrigerate for at least 12-hours.

Robbie Schuchard

Addendum, page 4

Margarita Pie
Makes 8 servings. One serving = 4 points on Weight Watchers

1 C graham cracker crumbs (12 squares) 3 T powdered sugar
¼ C frozen margarita mix 1/3 C margarita mix
1 pint (2-cups) softened lime sherbet 3 T tequila (optional)
1 pint (2-cups) vanilla yogurt or vanilla ice milk, softened

Mix cracker crumbs and powdered sugar, stir in ¼ C margarita mix until crumbled. Press into bottom and sides of a 9” pie plate. Mix sherbet, 1/3 C margarita mix, and tequila (if using) in a large bowl. Gently swirl in vanilla ice cream and spoon mixture onto crust. Cover and freeze 4—6 hours.

Robbie Schuchard

Tiramisu
6 egg yolks 1 ¼ C sugar
2 (8-oz) mascarpone cheese or cream cheese 1 pint whipping cream, whipped
1 C espresso or very strong coffee 6 oz Kahlua (optional)
4 packages Lady Fingers (frozen) cocoa powder for dusting

In top of double boiler, beat together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and lemon colored. Bring water to boil, reduce to low and cook 10-minutes. Stir constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese beating well. Let cool to room temperature. Fold cheese mixture into whipped cream. Combine Kahlua (if using) and espresso and brush this mixture onto the ladyfingers until they are saturated but not falling apart. Line sides and bottom of a
3-quart soufflé dish or trifle dish with the ladyfingers. Pour in half of the filling. Layer remaining ladyfingers and cover with remaining filling. Smooth top and dust with cocoa powder. Chill overnight.

Note: may use sponge cake instead of ladyfingers, but if so, use a rectangular pan and cut into squares.

Robbie Schuchard

Handout for Myth #9

2009-11-04T10:08:00.000-06:00

Myth #9

God Approves of Only One Family Design

“We must not worship one family model. We are called to worship God alone.” (Fields, page 199)

Every Family is Unique

“As I look at families around me, I see an amazing divergence from the ‘ideal.’” (page 191)
“We celebrate families with a husband and wife who love each other and their children. But we must not privilege a narrowly defined model of the Christian family, punishing all others. When we recognize the beautiful, redeemed variety of families in God’s kingdom, we are free to embrace what God is doing in our own homes.” (page 201) “Our earthly families will be formed in a variety of ways, across cultures and generations, with this one constant: we will always be imperfect.” (page 204)

Some examples of different family designs (there are many more):
1. Dad, Mom, child
2. Mom and child
3. Dad and child
4. Dad, Mom, adopted child
5. Dad, Mom, child born outside of marriage
6. Blended families
7. Large families, small families
8. Married, no children
9. Dads who are breadwinners, Moms who are breadwinners
10. Families with handicapped children, mental illness, or chronic illness
11. Extended families who live close by, extended families who live far away

Some examples of backgrounds that you as a Mom may come from, and may therefore bring a history of a different family design:

1. A broken home
2. Abusive parents
3. A very poor family, or a very wealthy family
4. An alcoholic parent

Does a non-traditional family design limit worship or service to God?

The family design itself is not the cause of limited worship and/or service to God. Thankfully, we have a Savior who looks directly at each one of us, seeing us as we are and valuing us as His own prized creation. From the moment we know Jesus, He can change everything. He enters our families and provides hope for our homes, no matter what family design is present. Our children can learn about belonging, thanksgiving, joy, trust, love, and forgiveness because of Him, not because we have a ‘perfect’ family design.

The traditional family design, (husband and wife who love each other and their children), has great potential to be a secure and positive place for children. It allows faith and love to grow without the existence of some of the “obstacles” that other, less traditional families encounter. However, non-traditional family designs can also provide unique opportunities for children to learn and grow.

Single motherhood can be a challenge for both Moms and children; however, through the single Moms’ faithfulness, many positive things can happen:

· Strong character
· Strong bonds between Mom and child
· Strong lessons
· Strong faith

“There is no way to know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you’ve got.” (Hutchcraft, 5 Needs your Child must have Met at Home, page 184)

A family with a handicapped child may learn:
· Compassion
· Acceptance
· Valuing others for who they are and not what they can do
· Patience

A family with many children may learn:
· Sharing
· Cooperation
· Selflessness

A Mom who has come from an abusive home may learn:
· Forgiveness
· Strength
· Healing

The lessons these families learn through their experiences often lead them to help others, and it can uniquely equip them for this task. Their worship and service to others may happen because of their different family designs. “The family is vitally important, and it is one means among others that God uses to shape His people and direct His purpose.” (page 203)

Our family designs may not be the same, but God’s promises are. These promises made by God are not because of our family design, but because He loves us: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Scriptural promises:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 20:11-12

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

QUESTIONS:

1. Have I felt insecure because of my past or present family design?

2. Has my family design had an impact on my spiritual life?

3. Have I been able to see the positive side of being a part of a non-traditional family design?

4. Do I feel God’s love through His promises?

Bible Verses included in Chapter:

Chapters 27 and 45 of Genesis and Genesis 41:53—42:3

1 Corinthians 12:20 But Now there are many members, but one body.

Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

Revelation 21:3, 7 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

Tips for Keeping Your Quality Timer's Love Tank Full

2009-11-01T22:36:00.000-06:00

1. Maintain eye contact when your spouse is talking.

2. Don't listen to your spouse and do something else at the same time.

3. Listen for feelings. Ask yourself, "What emotions is my spouse experiencing?"

4. Refuse to interrupt. Such interruptions indicate, "I don't care what you are saying; listen to me."

-Gary Chapman

Handout for Myth #8

2009-10-28T13:25:00.000-05:00

Myth #8

Successful Parents Produce Godly Children

REPLACING MY MYTHS WITH TRUTHS
Do I suffer from a flawed belief system? Do I believe that:
· I must be a perfect Christian.
· Everyone should love me and demonstrate their approval of me.
· If I am a good Christian, life will be fair.
· It’s sinful to feel depressed because, if I have God within me, I’ll always be a happy person.
· If I am living in fellowship with God, I will not feel anger towards Him or towards other people.
· It’s my job to meet everyone’ needs.
· If I feel worried, I’m not being a good Christian.
· If God loved me, bad things would simply not happen to me.
· God will bless me with health and happiness if I believe in Him and work hard to serve Him.
· When there is so much real tragedy in the world, it’s wrong for me to feel such grief over all these relatively small things.
(Carol Kent, Secret Longings of the Heart, page 75)
· If I’m a successful parent, I’ll produce Godly children (Fields, Chapter 8)

The apostle Peter said, “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.” (1 Peter 4:12) “It is not a sin to be overwhelmed; it is simply recognition of the responsibility God has given us.” (Fields, page 180) “Who can I trust more than God? Before Him, I can release my powerless clutch on my children and myself and return what has belonged to Him all along. I can rest—we can all rest—secure in His hands. These are the hands of the One who has fearfully and wonderfully made every one of us.”(Fields, page 183)

So, as I attempt to replace myths with truth, I can develop a Godly desire to mother without fear and guilt, and have peace knowing that I am not in control of whether my children are Godly or not. The following quotes from Leslie Field’s book support this point:

1. “We know, then, that there is serious error in our assumptions. We have made far too much of ourselves and far too little of God. We have adopted our culture’s belief that we are the primary shapers of our children and that we have control over who they are and who they will become.” (page 174) “We are so focused on ourselves—our own need for success and the success of our children—that we have come to view parenting as a performance or a test.” (page 181)

2. “ Parents with unbelieving children, friends with children in jail, and the faith heroes in Hebrews 11 are all powerful reminders of this truth: our children will make their choices, God will be sovereign, and God will advance His kingdom.” (page 182)

3. “God will use every aspect of my human parenting, even my sins and failures, to shape my children into who He desires them to be, for the sake of His kingdom.” (page 172)

4. “We needn’t try to take the Holy Spirit’s place. Our job is not to judge and convict, but to love and encourage children—and their parents—all along the way, wherever they are in their faith journey.” (page 178)

Consider these key statements, and their implications:
Good mothering is foundational for my children.
My children are hungry for my love.
I may be one of the best teachers my children will ever have.
There is no more important time in my children’s lives than now (first 5—7 years of life). There will NEVER be a better time to impact their lives.
The previous four statements are true; but it does not mean that Mothers are responsible for their children’s choices. So, since I cannot control my children’s choices, what can I do?
I can make time for, and strive to become a Godly Mother and leave the rest up to God.
Do I make time to be a Godly Mother?

Consider the following truths:
· How I live each day demonstrates what I really value: choices, TV programs, the way I treat others, obeying the law, and the words I use in my conversations.
IS THERE CONSISTENCY BETWEEN MY WALK AND MY TALK?
If not, is there something I can do to enhance or improve my consistency?
· I know that I must base my home’s foundation upon the Lord.
HOW SOLID IS MY FAMILY’S SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION, AND WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE IT?
Pray for my children and read them Bible stories. Pursue my own spiritual growth through daily prayer and Bible study.
· I realize that the best approach is to be firm but fair.
AM I AVOIDING MOTHERING EXTREMES LIKE EXAGGERATED SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY OR UNBIBLICAL SERVITUDE? (myth #6)
Offer my children the freedom to think, and ask questions. Allow my children to express their feelings (e.g. anger, frustration, sadness, and fear) in appropriate ways.
· Ask and give respect. Respect is a two-way street.
AM I DEMANDING RESPECT WITHOUT OFFERING IT?
Make a conscious effort to treat my children as I would want to be treated.
· Learn from mistakes; practice active forgiveness (forgive seventy times 7).
DO I HOLD MY CHILDREN ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS? (older children)
Be available to help children learn from their mistakes while offering forgiveness and love.
· What you see is what you get.
AM I ABLE TO BE TRANSPARENT AND ADMIT THAT I AM NOT PERFECT?
Apologize to my children when necessary and attempt clear and open communication
· Real love includes limits.
DO I INVOKE LIMITS WITHOUT MAKING MY CHILDREN FEEL UNLOVED?
Communicate love for my children by being kind and compassionate, but firm and fair.

(Adapted from Leman, Becoming the Parent God Wants You to Be)

Why is it so difficult to trust God with the outcome?
· The outcome may not match my expectations of what I think God should do
· I may have to deal with disappointment and/or confusion
· I may need to deal with the issues that are really at the heart of my discouragement
· I will need to surrender to God’s Will, and surrender doesn’t come naturally for me
· I want life to make sense, and God’s way sometimes doesn’t
· I want life to be on my own terms and timetables (I want what I want, and I want it now)
· I must truly believe that God loves me fully and has my best interests at heart, and I sometimes have trouble believing that

What might be the results of trusting God with the outcome?
· Allows me to put my relationships above my fears
· Frees me to love my children no matter what, and to value their unique design
· Decreases the pressures my children may feel to perform well
· Avoids the tendency to frantically pack every single “Godly” activity into my family’s life
· Permits me increased freedom to enjoy my children
· Discourages me from making comparisons between my children
· I don’t have to force situations just because I feel pressure to make myself look good
· I can focus on God, rather than what I want Him to do, and find comfort from God Himself rather than from an outcome that I desire
· My love for God and trust in Him is strengthened
· Realization that God will not fail me “He will not fail you or forsake you . . . (1 Chronicles 28:20)

There are questions that you may want to discuss in your small groups included in this handout (and in capital letters) under the heading “Do I make time to be a Godly Mother.”

Additional questions:

1. Have I ever fought against a certain outcome, feeling as if God just can’t be in favor of what seems to be happening?

2. My children are very young, and I really don’t know if I am “producing” Godly children. What can I do now to resist the temptation to try to take control of the outcome?

Bible verses from this chapter:
Hebrews 11:32-38 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mocking and scourging, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
2 Kings 21:20 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father had done.
2 Kings 23:25 And before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him.
Exodus 4:22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says the Lord, Israel is My son, My first-born.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.
Ezekiel 2:3-8 Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. And I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children; and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.
Ezekiel 3:7 Yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to Me. Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn and obstinate.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.

Handout for Myth #7

2009-10-22T19:47:00.000-05:00

You Will ALWAYS Feel

Unconditional Love for your Children

IF YOU WERE LOOKING FOR A JOB,
WOULD YOU ANSWER THIS WANT-AD?

MOTHER WANTED. Position:

Job Description:
• Challenging work in an often chaotic environment.
• Communication and organizational skills necessary, and willingness to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends, and frequent 24-hour shifts on call. In other words, FLEXIBILITY and no rest.
• Permanent position – for the rest of your life
• Priorities need to be service, humility, and love
• Involves lots of physical activity, and must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule
• Workable knowledge of psychological theories, and child-rearing techniques
• Trained in medical emergencies
• Working knowledge of small engines, heat/air systems, basic plumbing, automobile service, garage door openers, and washer/dryer operations
• High level critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary
• Fluent in beginning language, nonverbal communication, and interpretation of gesturing behaviors
• Sharp and intuitive empathic and sympathetic skills
• Personality must be serious yet fun, disciplined yet spontaneous, poised yet affectionate, compassionate yet not too emotional
• God-fearing, Christian female preferred
Responsibilities:
• Must integrate and maintain many calendars
• Must know all group food preferences, and buy and prepare all meals accordingly
• Must have the ability to plan and organize social gatherings for “clients” of all ages, mental outlooks, and abilities
• Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, and left out the next
• Must perform all clothes and linen service -- laundry, folding, dry cleaning, changing sheets on cribs and beds
• Must always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst
• Must assume some accountability for the quality of the end product
• Must do floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the entire facility
• Must deal with the possibility of family members or co-workers coming in the front door and leaving their brain on the entry-way table
• Must always be on top of the latest fashion for children, babies, and Moms, plus be aware of innovative interior decorating techniques for nurseries, playrooms, house in general (like choosing colors that “pop”)
• Must be prepared to not freak out with sudden loud noises like slamming doors, breaking dishes, dropping silverware and toys, and cries of anger, joy, or injury
• Must manage all service calls for home maintenance and repair
• Must be on top of all housekeeping chores like dusting, scrubbing, bathrooms, windows
• Must be able to drive a car and a van
• Must possess financial skills—budgeting, check balancing, online accounts and banking

People who accept this position must possess more than just a willingness to do the right thing – they must meet the requirements of this ad repeatedly, with little positive feedback, and without formal training. And Moms do . . . all the time.
Dirty diapers, endless errands, sleepless nights, changes in body image, etc. –what is it that makes Moms do this? Could it be unconditional love?

TRANSFERRING MY HEART-FELT LOVE TO MY CHILDREN

The discussion about this myth, “you will always feel unconditional love for your children,” needs to begin with clarification about the difference between Mothers making a choice in favor of: unconditional love vs. consistently showing feelings of love. This is not a conflict. The two are different. We can have unconditional love yet not always consistently show (or even have) feelings of love.
Explanation: I believe that, as Moms, we love our children because of who they are, not what they do. This means that we unconditionally love our children. Our love doesn’t “disappear” when we are having a bad day, or when our children are having a bad day. That unconditional love, however, is manifested in many different ways. When we have difficulty with our children we feel confused, frustrated, fatigued, fear failure, experience lack of feedback and loneliness. These emotions can and often do drown out our “love feelings.” Furthermore, we think we observe “perfect” Moms who seem to always be calm, loving, and patient-- which make us feel even more alone. We could ask ourselves: “are those Moms truly that way, are we just not seeing everything, or are they Moms who cannot risk being real?” What do you think?
What can unconditional love for my children “look like?”
• A desire for my children’s highest good even though it may not look or feel that way
• Perseverance through hardships
• Not dependent upon reciprocity
• Full of conflicting emotions like disappointment, fear, affection, anger, hurt, joy, confusion, peace, sadness, lament, excitement
• A range of responses like protection, guilt, denial, euphoria, tenderness
• Not indifferent
• Not always an emotional high
• Drawing me near to my children even when they are rebellious
• A choice that continues even though emotions may not support
• Challenging
• Never ending

Story of unconditional love:
THIS IS LOVE by Renee Swope

I was driving my son to school one morning when out of the blue I started wondering what makes him feel loved. I assumed it was when I buy him something, or when I make his favorite food, or when I let him have a friend over. Basically, I figured he feels most loved when I give him what He wants.
I decided to ask him. “Andrew, what makes you feel loved?”
He sat there quietly, thinking. Then he blurted out a surprising answer.
“THIS!”
“This?” I asked.
“Yeah, Mom. This. You being with me. You driving me to school and talking to me about my day. You telling me you’ll be there when I get home. That makes me feel loved. Thanks, Mom. I love you, bye!” And he hopped out of the car.
This is love?
You mean I don’t have to run out and buy something? Me being there for him is love? Even after I was harsh with my words yesterday prompting him to ask if I was mad about something. Still, this is love?

As I drove away, I wondered if God were to ask me what makes me feel loved, what would I say? Immediately my heart whispered, “Lord, this is love. You asking and caring. You being there. You keeping Your promises like You said You would.”
This is love.
A promise that is kept.
A place that is certain.
Someone who asks.
Someone who listens.
Someone who is present again and again. Forever.
We are loved. We don’t have to wait for God to show it. He already has! He sent His Son so that we could know Him in an intimate relationship. Then He promised He’d always be there for us, and He is. He is present and listening. Asking and caring. No matter what we are going through today, we can live in His love. And we can love from the overflow of being loved. We can know and rely on God’s promises and presence, and be made complete in Him.

QUESTIONS:
1. Have I been surprised by my Mom job description?

2. Has being a Mom been a big adjustment for me?

3. What do I do with the negative emotions I feel like guilt, anger, and hurt during the times when I believe that I should be feeling only positive emotions about my children?

4. How do I feel when I admit: mothering is hard work and it’s a job I can’t quit. Once I have a child, there is no longer the option to stop being a Mom.

5. Do I question whether or not I feel unconditional love for my child?

Matthew 5:48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Malachi 3:6 “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Matthew 10:34-36 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of this household.”
Isaiah 65:2 “I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts.”
Matthew 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like white-washed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Matthew 10:22, 38 “And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. 38: And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”
Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.”
Isaiah 63:9-10 In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His mercy He redeemed them; and He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; therefore, He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them.
Deuteronomy 32:19-20, 23-24 And the Lord saw this, and spurned them because of the provocation of His sons and daughters. Then He said, I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a perverse generation, sons in whom is no faithfulness.
Jeremiah 12:7-8 “I have forsaken My house, I have abandoned My inheritance; I have given the beloved of My soul into the hand of her enemies. My inheritance has become to Me like a lion in the forest; she has roared against Me; therefore I have come to hate her.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Deuteronomy 32:15, 18 But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked—you are grown fat, thick, and sleek—then he forsook God who made him, and scorned the Rock of his salvation. “You neglected the Rock who begot you, and forgot the God who gave you birth.”
Deuteronomy 32:10-11 He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye. Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions.
James 1:7 For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord
Luke 10:27 And he answered and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
1 John 4:8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

women's ministries announcements

2009-10-16T16:56:00.000-05:00

Click below to view:

Handout for Myth #6

2009-10-16T16:14:00.000-05:00

PRESENTING JESUS

TO MY CHILDREN

Being a Mom is a wonderful gift from God. It isn’t always easy but in the end, I know that my commitment to being a Mom has been well worth the effort. I want to treat my children like the really special blessings from God they are. However, in my quest to be a good Mom, I think that I sometimes go overboard. Sometimes, I come across as too much of a spiritual authority. At other times, I behave on the opposite end of the spectrum, being overly permissive and serving their every need or whim.

Two “Parenting” extremes are presented by Fields in her Myth Book: 1) parents who display an exaggeration of spiritual authority and omniscience, and 2) parents who show an unbiblical and imbalanced servitude. These are displayed on this continuum:

E S A / O ≤-------------------------------------------------------------------≥ U/ I S

GROUP DISCUSSION/REFLECTION: Where on this continuum do I place my Mothering style? Does that placement change depending upon the situation/stress/how I feel/what is going on?

I believe that one of my greatest callings in life is to pass my faith on to my children. Jesus is the foundation of our marriage and our home. I pray for my children, and I so desperately want them to learn to pray for themselves and learn how to face everyday life challenges walking hand in hand with Jesus. If I desire to pass on faith to my children, I need to stay away from the extremes that risk leaving God out of the picture. The blue and the green print are examples of extremes.

Examples of parenting on various points of the continuum:

Exaggeration of spiritual authority/omniscience:
*My children are to obey me or else: no discussion. I set the rules and they follow. When decisions need to be made, I make them because I do the best job. Children shouldn’t have a say.
*I am responsible for these children and they will learn to follow my Godly example.
*When I think about my children, I focus on whether they are doing right or wrong, and what I must do about it.
*It’s so important to be away from my children so that I have plenty of time for myself. They just have to learn to follow what I have taught them while I’m away.

Somewhere in the middle:
*I treat my children like what they are – special blessings from God.
*When I think about my children, I thank God for blessing me with them.
*When I think about my children, I smile.
*After being away from my children, I look forward to going home and spending time with them.

Unbiblical/imbalanced servitude:
*I try very hard to make sure everything is perfect for my children. I want only positive things in their lives.
*God gave me these children to show them that I can be everything to them, that they can be happy if they rely on me.
*When I think about my children, I become fearful and feel inadequate so I try harder to make their life complete.
*I won’t leave my children. It’s just too hard. I need to always be there so that nothing bad happens.

If I see myself at either extreme on the continuum, what can I do? It may be by committing to parenting as God “parents” me:
1. Love – I experience unchanging and unending love from God.
2. Precious – I know that I am precious in His sight.
3. Availability – God is always accessible to me.
4. Guidance – God gives me guidance and direction.
5. Discipline – God disciplines me out of love, not anger, and with my best interests at heart.
6. Patience – God is patient with me.
7. Integrity – God is honest, keeps His promises, and has proven Himself trustworthy.
AND, by believing these facts about my child:
1. My child was known by God intimately even when he was still in the womb.
2. My child’s personality was carefully crafted by God intentionally.
3. My child was commissioned by God with an individual mission for his life.

Key Point:
When I concentrate on presenting Jesus to my children (and not trying to be Jesus), I communicate not only that I need Jesus, but that I long for my children to see their need for Him. If I stay at either end of the continuum, I jeopardize developing my child’s ability to deal with life. If my child sees me as his omnipotent/spiritual authority, or as a Mom who solves all his problems by always serving him to the exclusion of all else, then he will look to me and not to God when things go wrong.

“It is not Jesus’ authority and omniscience that we are called to imitate but His humility, His servant hood, and His sacrifice.” (Fields, pg 136) “This is how we live out Jesus to one another. Not by stealing Jesus’ authority or assuming His omniscience, but by humbly serving.” (Fields, 142) My children need to see me serving others (and not just them), so that they can, in turn, learn to serve.

A Radical Result:
Sometimes, we will catch a glimpse of a servant’s heart in our children. Even when our children are very young, we may have the opportunity to be humbled and encouraged as they serve others.

Examples:
· I have observed my two-year-old putting his arm around my one-year-old when he was crying.
· I have observed my four-year-old give my two-year-old the toy they both want.
· I have observed my 9-month-old completely stopping her play and babble when she heard me cry.
· I have observed my extremely handicapped child look at others with a pure love.
· I have observed my three-year-old moving over on the couch to make room for his one-year-old brother when we all sat down to read a book.
· I have observed my three-year-old say a prayer of thanksgiving for his family.

QUESTIONS:
1. Have I had the opportunity to observe my child loving or serving others?

2. In what ways have I been able to let go and allow God to enter the picture as I raise my children?

BIBLE VERSES FROM CHAPTER:
Matt 25:40 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’”
Psalm 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; these who speak lies go astray from birth.
Matt 18:2-4 And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14-15 But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” And after laying His hands on them, He departed from there.
Matthew 20:28 “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Philippians 2:7 But emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
1 Peter 2:16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-slaves of God.
Ephesians 5:22-25 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.
Luke 10:38-42 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. And she had a sister called Mary, who moreover was listening to the Lord’s word, seated at His feet. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken from her.”
Luke 11:27-28 And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed.” But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it.”

Recipes

2009-10-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

We are collecting family-friendly recipes for a Moms & More recipe booklet! Please send as many recipes as you like to constanceks@aol.com or Morgan at morganann00@hotmail.com or bring your recipes on Tuesday. DEADLINE 10/27.

What's my child's love language?

2009-10-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

5 observations

that will help you

figure out your child's

LOVE LANGUAGE

1. How does your child express love to you?
2. How does your child express love to others?
3. What does your child want most often from you?
4. What does your child most frequently complain about not getting?
5. Give your child a choice between two different examples of the languages.

PUMPKIN PATCH DAY!

2009-10-07T21:41:00.000-05:00

Friday, October 23rd

9:30am at the

Bo Brooks Farm Pumpkin Patch

about 3 miles past Pinnacle Mountain

Cost:

adults $2

*includes hayride only

children $6

*includes hayride, hay maze, corn maze, hay pyramid, and

picking your own pumpkin (either a sugar pumpkin or 3 mini pumpkins)

Group hayrides can be scheduled.
Picnic are available, so bring a blanket to sit on.
Snacks & drinks available from 50 cents to a dollar.
Photographer available on Fridays ($10)
Talk to your small group about meeting up or going together!

http://www.bobrookfarms.com/

Handout for Myth #5

2009-10-07T21:28:00.000-05:00

If You Find Parenting Difficult,

You Must Not Be Following the Right Plan

Giving Up My Quest to Discover the Best Formula for Raising my Children

Pursuing a Genuine Relationship with God

“The hardest, most real work of parenting is done when I give up my own agenda and seek God’s, when my heart asks to be molded to God’s will and character.” (Fields, pg 116) So, what does it mean to give up “my agenda” to seek God’s? Do I pursue God and let “the village” raise my child?

If having children meant that Moms would find themselves having to ignore their relationship with God, I doubt that God would give us the gift of children. God designed within every Mother the necessary tools to parent our children, and I know that God wants me to attend to my child’s needs. Some of the most basic needs are:

Nutrition – breastfeeding and/or infant formula, introduction of solids and nutritious food
Development - milestones with an emphasis on the individuality of each infant
Connecting - bonding and how this varies for each individual
Communicating – listening to baby, development of language
Behavior - you cannot spoil a newborn, teachable moments, positive reinforcement
Sleep – adequate amount, SIDs safety
Health and care - signs of illness and what to do, immunizations and hygiene

But, there is more to raising children than just being attentive to these basic needs. Sometimes, however, I think that the current parenting programs, formulas, and books paradoxically increase my fears and concerns. I know that being a Mom is not easy. The demands are constant; I cannot sit back and coast. The tasks are never-ending, and there is much to learn. But how can I put it all together to be the best Mom I can be? What is my first step? Do I need to take an inventory? Is my life so caught up in trying to be the best Mom that I’ve forgotten my relationship with God? Is my life sending my children a message of hypocrisy and spiritual indifference? Is my own commitment to Christ what I hope to see in my children’s lives? How do I integrate being a good Mom with putting my relationship with God as a priority?

What does the Bible say about being a Mom?

1. Children are blessed gifts from God Psalm 127:3-5: “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them”

2. Children are a joy, not a burden Proverbs 29:17: “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.”

3. Raising children is a “full-time” responsibility Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

4. Children need to be taught about God Ephesians 6:4: “Do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
So, because of what God says, I know I am on firm ground as I work diligently to be a good Mom. God has given me a gift, and has inspired a new kind of commitment – a “blueprint” that comes from Him and flows through me to my children.

Scenario for Discussion:

I am feeling isolated and alone. I’ve asked God to please help me feel better about my life. I am a young Mom, with one child, and my husband works long hours. We do not live close to family. I’m trying to be a good Mom, and I think I’m doing most things right, but I still feel insecure in this new role. It’s been a big adjustment, and that has surprised me. I’ve always wanted to be a Mom and I thought that all of this would come easily for me. When I begin to wonder if I’m doing things right, I read more books written by child care experts, but sometimes the books cause confusion. I love my child so much, and am disappointed that my days sometimes feel long and not a lot of fun, particularly if the baby doesn’t nap, or my husband doesn’t come home until late. Is there something else I could do? Am I missing something? I want to be able to say at the end of the day, “I’m a Mom, and I love it!” It’s not that I can’t say that, but everything has changed for me, and I don’t know how I feel!

QUESTIONS:

1. Have I ever felt like this?
2. What helps me most when I feel insecure about being a Mom?
3. Does God understand my frustrations, longings, hurt?
4. What are God’s promises to me when I feel lonely and insecure?

GROUP DISCUSSION:

God chose me to be the Mom. How can my relationship with God help me with any of the following statements?

· The verb that most accurately describes the management of my life is “to juggle.” Motherhood is one of the balls I am trying to keep in the air.

· Now that I am a Mom, I am feeling a mismatch between expectation and experience, between what I “ought” to be feeling and how I do feel.

· Motherhood is more than I bargained for.

· I have been given a child to be loved, cherished, cared for, and protected. I feel so blessed, but also fearful at times. I love my child so much!

· I think that sometimes I’m being judged by other Moms. I observe some “competitive mothering” and sometimes have trouble coping with “know-it-alls,” “finger-pointers,” and others who try to “out-Mom” me.

Bible Verses in Chapter:
Ephesians 6:4 And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.”
Proverbs 13:24; He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Psalm 34:11 Come you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Psalm 78:4-6 We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children.
Luke 18:16-17 But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.
Matthew 18:6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Matthew 10:37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”
Mark 3:35 “For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”
Ephesians 6:1-4 Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
Judges 13:8 Then Manoah entreated the Lord and said, “O Lord, please let the man of God whom Thou hast sent come to us again that he may teach us what to do for the boy who is to be born.
Psalm 128:3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine, within your house, your children like olive plants around your table.
Galatians 2:16; Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.
Isaiah 29:13 Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote.

Handout for Myth #4

2009-09-29T12:52:00.000-05:00

Myth #4 –Good Parenting Leads to Happy Children

IS HAPPINESS THE GOAL?

THE MYTH OF HAVING IT ALL

The myth that “having it all will lead to happiness” is epidemic and helps to create unhappy people. There’s an assumption that we should all be happy, and we become discontent when we don’t feel that way. We wonder why we don’t feel happy because, when we observe others, they all look like they are happy. And, we wonder why we feel left out.

Unhappiness is epidemic.

• 1 adult in every 5 need psychiatric care
• 1 marriage in 2 end in divorce
• 1 adult in 4 needs medication to relax
• Unhappiness is present in all income groups; no amount of money solves this problem
Some children’s unhappiness is programmed by their unhappy parents
• Stressed out parents can pass on unhappiness by saying things to their children like: “you’re a nuisance”, “you’ll be sorry”, “you’re selfish”, “you silly idiot”, “don’t be such a pest”, “you’ll slip and fall and then think how I’ll feel”, “why don’t you ever do what you’re told”, “you’re bad.”
• Pushy parents make childhood a stress-filled time of striving and competing-- no time for play-- “you’re not an okay person unless you excel at . . . ”
• Parents often mistakenly believe that extravagant birthday parties, expensive clothes, and up-to-date toys for their children are necessary and will make them all happy.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BEING HAPPY?

Things happen, and circumstances change. I can feel happy about one thing and unhappy about another at the same time. There is no command in the Bible that I should always be happy.

Possibly, one of the great misunderstandings of modern society is the belief that Christians should be happy all the time. “God rejected this formulaic theology: If we obey God, He will bless us here and now, and we’ll lead wonderful, prosperous, and joy-filled lives all our days”. (Fields, page 82) Scripture does not say, “Don’t worry, be happy.” Scripture does say, “Don’t worry, and rejoice.” The Bible is saying that although I may not feel happy, I can nonetheless experience joy.

There is a world of difference between happiness and Joy. Happiness is the great feeling that I get when everything is going smoothly. Joy is what God gives me in the midst of trouble as long as I place it in God’s hands. Happiness is because of my situation, I have joy in spite of my situation. The following Bible verses talk about joy:

Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Psalm 30:5 “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.”
2 Corinthians 4:17 “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”

Keeping these Bible verses in mind, I see that God desires that I find joy, and that man’s selfish brand of happiness is insufficient.

Therefore, the quest for happiness and/or the avoidance of unhappiness can be superficial compared to the joy found when I pursue holiness.

“The most blessed among us are not those who are fully satisfied, content, and spiritually self-sustaining, but those who are broken, who want, who need, who long for what is promised.” (Fields, page 91) “God’s first concern is always his children’s holiness, not their happiness. “ (Fields, pg 86) “I am learning that it does not serve my children’s good to attempt to fulfill all their desires—most of which are not about pursuing God but about pursuing other things.” (Fields, pg 93) Key Point: Therefore, whether my child is happy or unhappy is not the most important thing, and is not an indicator of whether I’m a good parent. As I pursue holiness, and acknowledge God’s presence in my own life, I can show my children that life is not about “being happy,” but in feeling the joy that God is always with me.

WHAT IS HOLINESS?

Holiness comes from God alone and is a result of the relationship I have with him. Because of my relationship with Him, I am more likely to:

• Pray
• Study my Bible
• Love God
• Do God’s Will
• Live a life of faith
• Show humility, mercy, and benevolence towards others
• Be willing to sacrifice for others
• Possess the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22)
Being “Holy” sometimes seems impossible for me to achieve, as if it is reserved to describe great religious people. However, the choice to pursue holiness is for everyone. It is a continuing process. It does not involve making a hierarchy of my life by putting God at the top and ignoring all of my other responsibilities. It is knowing that God is with me in everything that I do. He will guide my path as I acknowledge Him.

HOW CAN I TEACH MY CHILDREN JOY IN A PRACTICAL WAY? (some possibilities):

1. Lose the sophisticated, reserved, and “proper” ways to relate to babies and toddlers (“calm down, son,” “not here, dear,” “you can’t do that”), and be spontaneous with laughter, delight, excitement, and enthusiasm. Life can be fun despite hardships and stresses.
• Games
• Blowing bubbles, finger paint, water play, dance, music
• Surprises, silly gifts, treasure chest
• Outside activities, nature, animals
2. Attempt to see the world through the eyes of my child. Provide activities that my child shows delight and an intense interest in, and share that joy!
3. Give liberal encouragement, and praise – feel the joy of setting “goals” and working together (baby touching nose on command, clapping hands, learning to walk, saying first words, etc.). Remember that my child’s confidence is delicate.
4. Teach the joy of sharing, and serving by incorporating those into my life

Discussion Questions:

1. Is it wrong to desire happiness for my children?

2. What things are keeping me from joy this morning? Are there things in my life that I am anxious about, things that I’m still trying to find some way to control? How much of my life am I willing to give over for God to use?

3. If people were holier, would they be happier?

4. Do I ever use “God wants me to be happy” to justify my actions?

5. Do I often miss blessings because of my personal quest for happiness?

6. Does the pursuit of happiness get in the way of experiencing joy?

Bible Verses included in the chapter:

Job 36:4 “For truly my words are not false; One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.”
Job 36:11 “I they hear and serve Him, they shall end their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.”
Job 42:7 And it came about after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has.”
Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
Psalm 13:1 “How long, O Lord? Wilt Thou forget me forever? How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?”
Hebrews 12:28, 29 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.
Leviticus 19:2 Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
Matthew 5:48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:29 “And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 5:3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Love Language Quiz for Children

2009-09-28T13:24:00.000-05:00

http://highlandchristian.com/relationships/forms/ll_children_quiz.pdf

Handout for Myth #3

2009-09-28T12:23:00.000-05:00

Love Language Quiz

2009-09-28T12:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.speakingaboutyou.com/relationship-quizes/the-five-love-languages-quiz.html

Handout for Myth #3

2009-09-27T20:12:00.000-05:00

MYTH #3 – Parenting is your Highest Calling

PUTTING MY FAITH AND MY COMMITMENT TO FAMILY IN THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

Our Highest Calling

God can make my “ordinary Mom life” into an extraordinary one when I ask Him to live in me, and through every circumstance. Could it be, then, that my highest calling is wherever God places me, following Jesus through all my circumstances? For young Moms, that is mostly being with babies and children. Therefore, I am called to show my children what it “looks like” to know and love God in a practical way. I may feel like I consistently drop everything to do things for my children. If my child needs me, I am sure God does not want me to ignore them. But, I can also show them how to give, love, and worship by sacrificing my desire to meet some of my own needs first and to demonstrate a Christ-like approach in my life. This highest calling is not a ministry outside my life, it is how I live. It is not something I do, but who I am.
Setting a good example for my children – what I say will influence my children only if it is supported by action. By accepting my highest calling, I want to provide a solid framework not only for the children to live up to, but for me, as a Mom, to live within. This is not a rule book, or a “to do list.” I am not a failure if I make mistakes. These examples can be integrated into my life no matter what my circumstances.

1. Count blessings rather than troubles
2. Judge self rather than others
3. Prize good character rather than personal gain
4. Serve rather than be served
5. Praise rather than criticize
6. Pray for enemies rather than retaliate against them
7. Give praise to others rather than seek it for myself
8. Be positive rather than negative
9. Forgive rather than hold a grudge
10. Be patient rather than intolerant
11. Give rather than receive
12. Be quick to listen and slow to anger
13. Seek spiritual rather than worldly values
14. Be humble rather than proud
15. Be God-centered rather than self-centered
16. Be honest rather than tricky or conniving
17. Display faithful living: hospitality, understanding, hope, responsibility, integrity, grace, caring, thanksgiving
18. Provide a healthy home atmosphere that helps teach my children about God, an environment that provides a foundation where my children can experience joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control, (Galatians 5:22,23).

Bringing these principles to the “Real World”:

Sometimes the previous examples seem overwhelming in light of the demands upon me as a Mom. They provide more of a big-picture attitude than the nitty-gritty stuff that goes on day to day. So, what can I do if I think that the big picture is getting lost in my life? (The following suggestions are in the context of Moms and children, and do not address other roles like wife, friend, daughter, etc.)

Review the previous 18 examples/statements and evaluate whether I am trending in a positive direction, or whether I need to change regarding some of the ways I am influencing my children. Does my life show my children that I know and love God?
• Sometimes it is best not to react on the spur of the moment to my children. Instead, I could ask myself, “what do I want to accomplish over time, and is this likely to produce that result?”
• Pray to God and ask Him how I can best serve Him by how I interact with my children today. Don’t try to tackle my days in my own power, but rely on God’s power to help me be a faithful Mom.
• Take time to thank God that He is with me wherever I am and in whatever I am doing. Thank Him for the opportunity to serve my children.
• Sing Bible songs, play worship music, and pray with my children (get “basic” and “practical”).
• Be selective with TV watching; read appropriate books to my children.
• Show my children tenderness and affection through eye contact, physical contact, and focused attention.
• Handle conflicts without blaming; accentuate the positive.
• Trust God with my fears, and doubts. It is the only way to be free to be the best Mom I can be. • Remember that if I love my children first, and then pursue my love for God after that, I am choosing to make my children my god. If my children disappoint me (and they will), then I am stuck. It is important for me to offer my children freedom from fulfilling my dreams.
• Be kind to myself – Moms are not perfect. There will be isolated instances of “stressful times,” and times when I really “blow it” as a Mom. These lapses will not destroy the positive foundation I have laid for mothering my children.
Hopefully, the above lists do not suggest that there is a formula for Mothering, and if I work through the steps correctly, everything will be great. Joy and contentment are found when I persevere in setting good examples for my children, and in making it clear that my highest calling is living out my faith in any circumstance in which God has placed me. Many people believe that if I do everything right and follow all of the rules, I will experience the full joy of Motherhood. But, the deeply felt joy of being a Mom will likely only come after I have experienced the pain of failure, frustration, isolation, and many other trials. Moms are going to have difficult days. It is not easy being “on-call” 24/7. But, God has placed me here, and because of His love and strength, I can accept His calling.

QUESTIONS for DISCUSSION:
• What do you think about the author’s (Fields' Myth book) belief that we can love our children too much? In what ways do you agree or disagree?
• Does the Mom role ever feel like a balancing act between pursuing God, and being an attentive Mom? And, if married, how does all of this fit in with my wife role?
• How can I continue to set a good example for my children when I feel myself spiraling down during a difficult day?
• What values and assumptions are my children picking up from our home environment? How do my children see me dealing with challenges, frustrations, and disappointments?

BIBLE VERSES included in the Chapter, Myth #3; Parenting is your Highest Calling:

Matthew 20:20-23 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, bowing down, and making a ‘request of Him.’ And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left. But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”
Matthew 20:26-28 “It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 10:37-39 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.”
Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
Luke 10:27 And he answered and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Titus 2:4 That they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.
Deuteronomy 5:16 Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God gives you.
Matthew 19:19 “Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Exodus 34:14 For you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God
Genesis 22:2 And He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.”
Genesis 21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named.”
Hebrews 11:19 He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead; from which he also received him back as a type.
Galatians 3:6 Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.
Genesis 17:4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.”
Matthew 25:23 his master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter in the joy of your master.”
Exodus 10:3 And Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, how long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”
Deuteronomy 5:7 “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Book: Myth 3

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http://www.scribd.com/doc/20129155

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Your turn to bring refreshments?

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WHO?
Check the schedule for your group's assigned date. Your co-leader will organize what your group is bringing, by passing around a sign-up sheet during small group time or by e-mail.

WHAT?
Refreshments usually include (preferably) homemade breakfast casseroles & dishes, breads & pastries, fruit, soft drinks, & juice. You may be asked to bring one food item and one drink.

WHEN?
Drop food off by 8:50. If you will be absent, please make arrangements for your food to be there.

WHERE?
Drive up to the cart under the covered drive-through (near playground). Someone will take it into the Warehouse for you.

HOW MUCH?
Approximately 85-90 people will be eating, so double your recipe.

DON'T FORGET!
Pick up your dishes in the Warehouse after small group time.

Looking for the Book?

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The Fellowship Bible Church bookstore should receive a shipment of books for the Moms & More study by this Sunday, September 20th.

If you choose to order it on-line, your book may not arrive until the first week in October.

We'll continue to post the chapters on this blog until everyone has had an opportunity to purchase it (see below).

Book p.24-32 Myth 2

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http://www.scribd.com/doc/19893369

Book p.9-23: Myth 1

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http://www.scribd.com/doc/19893104

Handout for Myth #2

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http://www.scribd.com/doc/19894999

Materials

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"Parenting Is Your Highest Calling"

and 8 Other Myths That Trap Us in

Worry and Guilt

by Leslie Leyland Fields

Video "Childcare Check-in"

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Untitled from Danielle Davis on Vimeo.

Hey new moms, remember that our first Tuesday will be different than the rest. After childcare check-in at Fellowship, we'll have our first class at the Family Life Building. Because there are other events at Fellowship that morning, it's important that we check-in at the South Entrance by the playground.

Calendar

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HW (homework): the day the assignment should be completed.
Small groups alternate providing morning refreshments.
Each small group has 2 luncheons per semester during Mom's Tyme (11:30-2).

Sept. 15th
Family Life
Luncheons: Leaders

Sept. 22nd
HW: Myths 1 & 2
Refreshments: Leaders
Luncheons: Groups 2 & 7

Sept. 29th
HW: Myth 3
Refreshments: Group 5
Luncheons: Groups 1 & 3

Oct. 6th
HW: Myth 4
Refreshments: Group 7
Luncheons: Groups 6 & 4

Oct. 13th
HW: Myth 5
Refreshments: Group 2
Luncheons: Groups 5 & 8

Oct. 20th
HW: Myth 6
Refreshments: Group 1
Luncheons: Groups 2 & 7

Oct. 27th
HW: Myth 7
Refreshments: Group 6
Luncheons: Groups 1 & 3

Nov. 3rd
HW: Myth 8
Refreshments: Group 3
Luncheons: Groups 4, 5, 6, & 8

Nov. 10th
HW: Myth 9
Refreshments: Group 8
Luncheons: Leaders

Nov. 17th
Brunch
(All groups provide refreshments)

Nov. 24th
No Class - Thanksgiving Week

Dec. 1st
Free Shopping Day

What did they mean by...

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Team Leadership/Co-Leadership
One older/wiser leader teaming up with a younger/wise Mom, sharing in the role of serving the young moms in a group.

The Warehouse
the location where the lecture takes place.

Large Group
9-10:25 a.m.
all groups meet together for refreshments, announcements, "More" (snippets), prayer, and the lecture.

Small Group
10:30-11:25 AM)
10-15 women led by a leader and co-leader meet to discuss the weeks’ homework and lecture from the current study and to build relationships with each other and the Lord.

Refreshments
Each small group is responsible once a semester to bring morning refreshments for the entire group (110 people) and table decor. See the calendar for your group's assigned date.

Childcare
Fellowship Bible Church Children’s Ministry provides a program for children while their mother attends Bible study. (8:45-11:30 AM). Reservations are required.

Childcare Volunteer Rotation
Each Mom is assigned to volunteer one morning in childcare. Occasionally, volunteers are not needed and will be released to their class.

Small Group Luncheons
Each small group has scheduled luncheon dates to allow additional time to build relationships. Luncheons take place from 11:30am-2pm (see Mom's Tyme). Locations of the luncheons are determined by each smallgroup.

Mom’s Tyme
Additional childcare is available from 11:30am-2pm. The cost is $8.50 for 1 child, $17 for 2 or $20 for 3 or more. Mothers provide lunch for their children.

Registration Fee
This $10 fee is collected during the first month of class. It covers some of the resource overhead and the semester study.

Materials
Books are purchased through the bookstore at Fellowship.

Brunch
The end of each semester is celebrated with food, music, a guest speaker, and more.

Baby Basket
The first Tuesday of each month, any mom who would like to share the exciting news of an upcoming or new addition to their family is invited to come up front and choose something from the basket. This is a fun way to announce pregnancies and adoptions.

'More'
formerly known as "snippets," these 15-20 minute talks are designed to address common needs and interests of moms. They are usually unrelated to lesson. Topics might include Cooking for Kids, Decorating for the Holidays, Toys all Kids Enjoy, etc. Class members and non-class members will be invited to be speakers. Also included as "more" are skits, special music, video clips, announcements, and prayer.

BLOG
New this year, our blog - http://www.fbcmomsandmore.blogspot.com/ - will be updated weekly to include any information that previously would have been in a notebook (calendar of events, outlines, and additional resources).

Suggestions/comments?
See your co-leader!

Small Group Etiquette

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Be Committed
Attend regularly so you can build relationships with your small group and get the most out of the lessons.

Be Prepared
Do your homework so you’ll be ready to participate in the small group discussion.

Be On Time
Plan to arrive a little early so you can enjoy the food and visit with friends before class begins. After the lecture, quickly transition to your small group room.

Know Who You Are
Actively participate in your small group by talking AND listening. If you tend to be a talker, avoid dominating the conversation. If you tend to stay quiet, look for opportunities to share your thoughts with the group.

Support Your Group Members
Find ways to encourage and build up the women in your group, especially if one of them is going through difficult life circumstances. Avoid controversial topics, such as politics, religious traditions, or cultural differences.

Don’t Gossip
If you have a concern, please share it with your group leader, co-leader, or the ministry leader. We are always looking for ways to improve and appreciate your feedback.

Small Group Rosters

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Group 1
Leader: Ellen H.
Co-leader: Kelly S.
Rebekah B.
Magen F.
Hannah F.
Jennifer G.
Mary H.
Mary Kathryn N.
Shannon N.
Mandy O.
Amy P.
Morgan S.
Courtney V.

Group 2
Leader: Bette C.
Co-leader: Tara R.
Courtney C.
Alee F.
Meghan G.
Michelle Ke.
Jackie K.
Rebecca L.
Jill M.
Lari M.
Jennifer M.
Amber S.
Becky T.
Amber W.

Group 3
Leader: Starr B.
Co-leader: Allison H.
Tracy B.
Beaura C.
Crystal D.
Tammy F.
Darcy F.
Kristina K.
Marci K.
Elizabeth K.
Rebekah L.
Lavonne M
Jill N.
Michele M. P.

Group 4
Leader: Joan H.
Co-leader: Danielle D.
Sulan C.
Stacie C.
Christy C.
Amy D.
Fritzi H.
Laney M.
Norma O.
Kerri S.
Tammy S.
Christina S.
Qiujuan Z.

Group 5
Leader: Robbie S.
Co-leader: Courtney H.
Heather B.
Sara F.
Michele J.
Jamie K.
Lindsay K.
Sarah L.
Gretchen M.
Vada M.
Callie R.
Carol S.
Julie W.

Group 6
Leader: Jeri S.
Co-leader: Kristen M.
Christina B.
Andrea C.
Stephanie E.
Sarah K.
Jenny M.
Julie M.
Mary Ann P.
Tracy R.
Krysta R.
Micaiah S.
Candace S.

Group 7
Leader: Judy M.
Co-leader: Brooke V.
Kelly B.
Natalie F.
Elizabeth G.
Christy K.
Laura M.
Layla R.
April R.
Melissa R.
Rachel S.
Akina T.
Jennifer W.

Group 8
Leader: Cindy E.
Co-leader: Emily M.
Deanna A.
Brandy B.
Morgan C.
Dinah D.
Sarah H.
Jennifer K.
Michelle Kn.
Amy M.
Jenny M.
Adrienne R.
Kathy S.

Welcome to our new blog!

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On this blog, you'll find:

semester schedule
calendar of events
lecture outlines
additional resources
pictures & videos
ideas from other moms, including you!

more to come...