The Escape Room

I had a blast out with the MOPS tonight at the Escape Room.  We were put in a room to figure out the mystery and escape in 60 seconds.  It was hilarious and so much fun!  Needless to say, we didn't make it out in time, and we had tons of clues.  

We all had fun and lots of laughs, so it was a great night!

Masterpieces with MOPS

Some of my MOPS group met for dinner and painting tonight.  I really enjoy the diversity of this group.  Some of us have multiple children and some only have one.  Some are older, while some are younger.  It was a great night of conversation and laughter, all while painting an old tree picture.  

MOPS Buddy

Ridley had a bit of a runny nose, so I chose to keep her out of the church nursery during my MOPS steering meeting.  She loved the attention of all the leadership girls and seemed pretty happy to just hang out with us.

Toe injury

I was eating dinner and catching up with my MOPS mommas at our first Third Thursday of the year, when I got a text from John Chris.  He stated that his toe was hurting even worse than earlier today, and he was about to drill a hole in it to relieve the pressure.  I took a few minutes to think about what he is about to do, and I realized that I just didn't feel comfortable not being at home while he operated on himself.  I told the girls that I should probably call it a night. I could only imagine that he was at home with the electric drill, and the boys are his surgery assistants. 

I made it home in time to supervise, and the boys were already in bed.  The electric drill was plugged in and ready to go.  Gosh, I know him too well.  It all ended well, and he was able to finally ease the pain.

 

MOPS & DOPS

The last event of the MOPS year was the MOPS & DOPS party.  We had a great time visiting, eating, drinking, and playing a little corn hole.  It was the perfect night to relax and laugh, even though the wind was trying to blow us away.

 

MOPPETS Performance

 

The older MOPPETS showed off their musical talents after our meeting.  The children sang and did choreographed hand movements for all the moms to see what they have been learning.  It was pretty much organized chaos but adorable.  Ryland really wasn't interested in participating, and I don't think Broadway will be calling anytime soon.  On the way home, I asked why he didn't participate, and he said his arms were just too tired. 

Makes complete sense to me. 

MOPS & DOPS

We had an awesome turnout for this year's MOPS & DOPS.  About 30 couples enjoyed visiting and getting to know one another at our house.  We had the best time, and the party ran late into the early morning.  Great times with great friends!

 

Jewelry with Julie

It was time for my Third Thursday with MOPS.  This month we had a wonderful lesson on jewelry making.  The very talented Julie had a private class for us on dangle earrings.  Once again we had an awesome night visiting and laughing together. My earrings are beautiful too.

Hall's Pumpkin Patch

My MOPS group planned a play date at Hall's Pumpkin Patch, and I was excited to take the boys.  It was a sunny, warm afternoon, so the fall outfits wouldn't work.  I snapped a few photos that I absolutely love - red faced and nappy hair.

The kiddos loved to climb in and out of the antique truck and took turns driving and riding.

 

One of the favorite highlights of the pumpkin patch is the miniature tractors.  

Even though the tractors were a little big for Reed, he didn't give up.  He pushed the tractor around circle.

As we were getting ready to leave, some of the kids were all sitting on the hay bails with the pumpkins.  It was a picturesque moment, so us moms grabbed our cameras.  The kids immediately got up and got back to playing.  We should have known.

MOPPETS craft

 

While I enjoyed my meeting this morning, Ryland worked on a fall craft in MOPPETS.  He stuffed a bag, painted it orange, and attached a leaf tag.  The leaves were pre-printed with the words "I am thankful for..."  The kids' answer were added to the tag.  I was so pleased to see Mommy on Ryland's pumpkin leaf.  What a wonderful surprise!

Bunco

After a pretty rough day, I decided to go Bunco with my MOPS group.  I was back and forth all day, but I just knew these girls could cheer me up.  My close friends have respected my wishes not to spread my sad news, and they realize that I will talk about it when I am ready. 

 

It was a fun filled night of laughs, stories, and Bunco.  Even though we don't play regularly, it was fun to do something different. I love these ladies!



MOPS begins

I am so happy that MOPS has started!  I never thought I would look forward to the Wednesday meetings as much as I do.  The meeting went great, and I was able to meet the new members.  It is a wonderful group of moms that continues to grow and evolve each year.  We were only able to add 8 new moms, and the tables are really clicking.  This year is going to be great!

LNO at Sunshine Glaze

 

I met the girls from my MOPS steering committee at Sunshine Glaze for a little creative fun.  I had a wonderful time visiting with the girls and making a new treasure.  I came home feeling so lucky to have such an awesome group of friends.

 

Ladies Night

I had a fantastic night out with a wonderful group of ladies.  This was the first night out for the new MOPS steering team, and we had a blast.  We enjoyed the beautiful sunset on the outdoor patio at Glass Cactus, and we all had a blast laughing and chatting.  I am so excited for the upcoming year!

Creative Canvas

What an awesome night!  I had a blast hanging out with my MOPS chicks.  We enjoyed a painting class at Creative Canvas followed by drinks and live music.  I had to laugh when I saw the picture of our group and our peacock paintings.  Every one's painting had their own interpretation and style, but Leah's is the best.  The Yo Gabba Gabba is sure to be a hit with her kiddos.  When I showed the picture to Ryland, he immediately spotted it and started screaming.

MOPS & DOPS

I was so excited to attend the second MOPS & DOPS night out.  John Chris and I had a wonderful time visiting with friends and enjoying Cinco de Mayo.  We had a wonderful dinner at a local authentic Mexican restaurant and then enjoyed a Carlos Santana cover band around the corner.  Fun times!



New MOPS steering committee

After a fabulous year with an awesome group of ladies, it was time to kick off my first meeting with the new group of leaders.  I was more than a little anxious because it is a new beginning, and I am one of those dorks that love a fresh start and a change.  I was excited at how quickly the steering committee filled, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to get to know the group better.  I was also a bit sad to not see some of my gals from last year.  I only hope that we can continue the growth and developement and continue to have fun!  Here is to change!

Stamp

Thanks WCUMC MOPS! Just what every 3 year old wants - their very own stamp. Ryland had a great time assembling a foam Easter wreath and playing with his MOPPET friends. He was even more excited about his new stamp. He was sitting at the table while I made lunch, and I turned around to see a stamped face, front teeth, tongue, and both arms. I had to laugh, because he sat there so proud of himself. After we ate, he took a peak in the mirror and smiled from ear to ear. Too bad it wouldn't wash all the way off...

Night with the girls

My MOPS group had a fun night at Let's Makeup for a makeup demonstration and personal shopping. We watched a makeup application and were taught all about brushes, contouring, and colors. It was a clear reminder that me applying makeup in the truck on the way to something or somewhere needs to stop. I was inspired to pull out my makeup brushes and eyeliner.
After the makeup class, me and some of the girls went for drinks at Coal Vines. It was nice to sit and chat while enjoying a mimosa and decadent chocolate mousse. Amazing! I absolutely love this group of ladies!

MOPS

I am really enjoying my MOPS group this year. I have met so many great women, and I look forward to our bi-weekly meetings. I am thankful for the awesome steering committee that graciously give their time to create a fun, relaxed, and spiritual environment. At times I feel a bit overwhelmed with the responsibility I have taken on, but I am somehow always reminded of the impact we have. Today was one of those special days. I continue to look forward to where this group is going, and I treasure the friendships I make along the way!