But just not sure how you would be able to go? Maybe Finances? Maybe trying to figure out a good time to talk with your husband about possibly going, in between the kids yelling? Whatever the reason is...if God want's you there. He will find a way! There's no such thing as coincidence!
We have been given 1 ticket to give to one of YOU Olive Knolls MOPS Moms at
NO COST!
Someone wants to give you the gift of 2 days to focus just on God and His love. Two days filled with laughter, music, and stories that will make you chuckle even as you wipe away a knowing tear.
Don't miss this opportunity!
Join me and some other familiar faces for this AMAZING Women of Faith Conference! Sept. 10-11th. We will leave that Friday afternoon. The conference is Friday evening and Saturday (we will be home by Saturday night). This will be my 3rd time going and each time I leave filling Re-fueled, refreshed and most of all re-connected with our loving God!
He knows as women, and especially Moms, we typically don't make the time for US!
Take this time to focus on YOU.
In return will result in you being a better wife, better mom and better woman.
Here's how it's going to work. If you are interested in this FREE ticket ($89.00 Value)
Women of Faith Ticket
here's what you need to do:
Email me your MOPS testimony. Your journey from how you got started in MOPS and how it has affected you as a Wife, Mother and/or your relationship with Christ. Something that I can share with other moms who are interested in joining MOPS but maybe are unsure if it's right for them. Your story could be a deciding factor of whether or not a Mom will make this first step.
Email it to: Bradshaw4@SBCglobal.net
Subject: Women of Faith
Include your name with the testimony. However when I share your testimony with others: either in a flyer, email or on the blog it will be anonymous or just have your first name. Whichever you prefer.
Emails MUST be received by next Friday July 2nd
After July 2nd I will have either our MMs or steering do a random drawing.
has been in childcare for 7 years and is looking to fill a morning spot. She lives in the northwest and will provide transportation to school if they are in afternoon kindergarten.
Here's a little something that Danice, one of our MOPS moms shared
that I thought was also perfect for this day!
Happy Father's Day!! Whether you had an incredible Dad, a Dad who was there but not what you needed him to be, or a Dad who wasn't there at all, may you know that God will never leave you or forsake you! He is good! "The God who is in His holy dwelling place is the Father of the fatherless and the defender of widows."~ Psalms 68:5
So as I was taking a quick look at one of my favorite blogs (and I have many) I saw this idea she had of "Cut off Jeans" and it made me think of our MOPS mom, Mary. Last summer she taught some of you moms how to take the pants that your children either out grew or put holes in the knees (those boys you know) and turn them into shorts. How great right? Well for those of you who have little girls check out what Secrets of a Super Mommy did as well...
Cut Off Jean Shorts and a Fun Way to Use Up the leftover Legs!
My friend, Celeste, and I got together to make our little girlies some cute summer cut-offs with the hole-y jeans. We just made them the way I did the denim aprons, with a cute piece of ruffled fabric folded over and then sewn to the hemmed edge.
Here is a little tip though...use clear thread so you dont have to switch it out for each pair!
I think they turned out oh-so cute! And I am so happy to check the first unfinished project off my list! But before I cleaned up the jeans scraps the throw away, I noticed how cute the legs under the holes were and I thought I would attemp to make a little skirt with those, instead of throwing them away.
These shorts have a black and white polka dot ribbon wrapped in a strip of tulle and then sewn onto inside of the hem. I always tuck little folds in as I sew instead of gathering it in a gathering stitch.
These shorts just have ribbon folded over and sewn to the bottoms. I happened to have some ribbon that matched the flowers that were already on them!
These shorts are my favorite! Celeste and I both made some like this for our girls.
The Jean Leg Skirt!
This is the Jean Leg Skirt! I cut the legs of the jeans off below the holes and then I cut the seams of the jeans about 1/2 inch outside of the topstitched side. That way the cute topstitching on the jeans still showed on the skirt after it was sewn together. I also tried to alternate the washes light and dark. The pink knit ribbing was purchased by the inch at Jo-Ann fabric. This skirt is perfect for her to pull on with a swimsuit and wear to the pool!
This makes for a great prayer calendar. Just pick one virtue each day of the month to pray over your child/children..
If you want to pray more for your children, but aren't sure what to pray or how to pray for them, then use this list of virtues as your guide. Next to each virtue is a prayer based upon Scripture that you can pray, with the reference to where in the Bible the prayer was inspires.
Salvation - "Lord, let salvation spring up from within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10
Growth in grace - "I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18
Love - "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them." Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:2
Honesty and integrity - "May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection." Psalm 25:21
Self-control - "Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do." 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Love for God's Word - "May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb." Psalm 19:10
Justice - "God, help my children to love justice and You do and act justly in all they do." Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8
Mercy - "May my children always be merciful, just as their Father is merciful." Luke 6:36
Respect (for self, others, authority, etc) - "Father, grant that my children may show proper respect to everyone, as your Word commands." 1 Peter 2:17
Biblical self-esteem - "Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God's worksmanship, creating in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:10
Faithfulness - "Let love and faithfulness never leave my children, but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts." Proverbs 3:3
Courage - "May my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their action." Deuteronomy 31:6
Purity - "Create in them a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions." Psalm 51:10
Kindness - "Lord, may my children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Generosity - "Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age." 1 Timothy 6:18-19
Peace-loving - "Father, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace." Romans 14:19
Joy - "May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Perseverance - "Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them." Hebrews 12:1
Humility - "God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all." Titus 3:2
Compassion - "Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion." Colossians 3:12
Responsibility - "Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load." Galatians 6:5
Contentment - "Father teach my children to the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength." Philippians 4:12-13
Faith - "I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them." Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40
A servant's heart - "God, please help my children develop servants' hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men." Ephesians 6:7
Hope - "May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Willingness and ability to work - "Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heat, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
Passion for God - "Lord, please instill in my children a soul that follows hard after You, one that clings passionately to you." Psalm 63:8
Self-discipline - "Father, I pray that my children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair." Proverbs 1:3
Prayerfulness - "Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Ephesians 6:18
Gratitude - "Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20, Colossians 2:7
A heart for missions - "Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all people." Psalm 96:3
by Bob Hostetler, excerpted from Pray! Magazine issue #4
I'm feeling a little generous today...so instead of having a tie breaker, I'm going to abide by similar rules as the World Cup soccer game-the USA vs. England! So....with that being said we have 2 winners!
El Alhambre Tacos and White Bean Chili had the most votes!
So Julia Schaefer with the "El Alhambre Tacos" and Sarah Botts with the "White Bean Chili" are our
WINNERS
Each will receive 1 FREE appetizer from RJ's Restaurant (The "Avocado Egg Rolls" are one of my favorites...if you want my opinion) along with some other special goodies! Thank you to everyone who entered!
Then I need you to vote on which one is either your favorite or
if you've never tried it, which one you are most excited to try!
The way you will be able to vote and help me choose a winner will be
by casting your vote on the left side of the page. I will close out the voting Monday morning.
Ok drumroll pleeeeease......
Tortilla Soup
The recipe will vary based on the size of your crock pot.
-1-2 pounds of cooked boneless chicken breast shredded
-1 can of diced tomatoes with chili peppers
-1 can of Enchilada Sauce (mild, unless you like really spicy)
-Small onion chopped/diced
-1 packet of taco seasoning
-1 bag of frozen corn(10oz I think)
-Chicken broth - this varies depending on the size of your crock pot, I think I usually use 2 large containers and I use the fat free to save the fat/calories
You just throw everything in the crock pot stir it up and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4. I sometimes will make up a package of spanish rice and put a spoonful in every bowl to make it a little heartier, it is good without it but really makes it a meal with it.
4-6 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 smal can of chopped mushrooms
about a can or two of chicken broth
1/2 to a cup of rice, I started with half a cup but added more
put it all in the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours. __________________________________________________________________
El Alhambre Tacos (Our fav restaurant in San Diego!)
Ingredients:
1 pork loin
1 bottle beer (a good one, not keystone light!)
salt
pepper
toppings:
tortillas
crushed or finely chopped pineapple
cilantro (fresh,chopped)
favorite salsa
Recipe:
Place pork loin in crockpot
Season both sides with salt and pepper. Pour beer over pork loin.
Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 5-6 hours.
Remove pork loin from crock pot and shred with fork.
Lightly crisp meat in skillet with fresh cilantro and juice in crock pot.
Assemble tacos with tortilla and crushed pineapple and salsa.
Enjoy
___(Make sure you click "Read More" to see the last recipe!)_______
Last chance to enter our blog contest!! You can still email in your recipe/s until 8:00pm this evening! Check out below for details. Open to anyone. You don't have to be a MOPS mom to enter. We've received some great recipes but want you to send in more!!
Make sure you check out below to be entered in our first "blog contest"! It's open to anyone so check out all the details! We've received some great recipes so far but want more!!
Also, I hope you can join us for our first summer pool party! It's this Wednesday the 9th 10:00-11:30 at Brooke's house. If you did not receive an email from me with all the details leave me a comment so I can make sure you get it!
Can't wait to see you all and catch up! It's been too long!
With busy lives these days the question of "What am I going to make for dinner tonight" can be overwhelming at times. Crockpot dinners help to take a lot of the stress and work of getting dinner on the table out of the equation.
Crockpot recipes to be entered into the contest can be:
full meal in the crockpot
side dish
dessert
sauce
you name it! We want to hear about it!
How to Play:
Email your recipe to: Bradshaw4@sbcglobal.net by Monday June 7th.
In the "subject" filled of the email put "Blog Contest"
Bonus points if you email a picture too!
I will post the recipes on our blog by Tues.
People will be able to leave a comment to vote on which recipe is the most appealing to them, and therefore would like to try the most. The recipe with the most comments WINS! In case of a tie I will ask our MOPS steering to help decide on the winners!
Who can enter?
Anyone can enter! You don't have to be a MOPS mom to enter this contest. However I hope to hear from alot of you MOPS mom.=)
The PRIZE!
The winner of our 1st MOPS blog contest will receive a goody basket filled with:
1- FREE appetizer at RJs Restaurant (off of Hageman)
A Menu Planner
and some more basket goodies and local coupons!
All recipes must be received by Monday June 7th to be entered in the contest.
Julia is great about keeping us uptodate with fun activities to do with our kiddos. Her and Pastor Debbie put together this great list. Enjoy!
Summer Family Fun stuff
*Bakersfield Blaze Games:
Family Sundays on June 6, July 18, August 15. Enjoy $1 hotdogs, sodas, kids can run the bases after the game.
Kids eat free nights: June 16, July 14, August 25. Kids receive a food voucher for a hot dog, chips, and a soda.
*North of the River Fun
June 26-Movies in the Park at North Meadows Park. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” showing at 8. Free to all.
Open Swim at NOR Pool on Galaxy Ave. $1 per swimmer. Or Go to Family Swim Nights every Monday in the summer. 8-9:30 p.m.
*City Parks and Recreation
Family Swim Nights at the McMurtrey Center. Luau theme on June 25th, Pirates Cove on July 23rd. Events take place from 6-9, cost is $10 for groups of 4-6.
Free swimming at Silver Creek Pool July 11-July 17th. 1:00-5:00 p.m.
*CALM Zoo
Kids free last Sunday of every month.
Twilight hours at CALM (5:30-8) every Saturday in July and August.
*Kern County Museum
Carnival Fun Day June 17th, 9:00-1:00
Splish Splash Fun Day, August 12th, 9:00-1:00.
Each event costs $3 per person, members free! Each ticket includes 6 ride/game tickets to use at booths, and rides around the museum.
*Rabobank Arena
Sesame Street Live June 8-9. See Vallitix for ticket prices.
*Summer Reading Programs
Borders
Double Dog Dare Readathon. For every 11 books your child reads, they receive 1 book from the store.
Toy Story 3 Release Party June 18th, 11-12. Enjoy games, stories, prizes.
Barnes and Noble
Summer Kick-off Party June 1st, 7-8:30.
Preschool Story-time every Wednesday from 10-11:00
Pajamarama Story-time, June 4 from 7-8:30
*Marketplace Concerts
Enjoy live bands every Thursday in the summer from 7-9:00 around the fountain.
*Maya Cinemas
Family Days on Tuesdays. All seat $5.50
$1 popcorn on Mondays
*Pump it Up!
Family Jump Nights on Wednesdays, 4-5:30. $7 per child, $5 each additional sibling.
I wanted to tell you about something that is coming up in September. Sept. 10-11th is the Women of Faith "Imagine" Conference in Anaheim at the Honda Center. I have been able to go the past 2 years and have had the best times! Something so special and so moving! It really is a weekend to refresh and recharge your batteries as a woman, wife and mother. Patti King is a "Group Leader" for this Women of Faith event. She still has some tickets available. The price is $89.00. This price does not include the price of the room. We cram as many of us girls in together as possible to cut down on costs. I think last year it cost about $20.00 per person. It turns out to be a fun girl's night sleepover. We bring tons of snacks and drinks. Staying up talking and laughing and just having a wonderful time of fellowship together! Let me know if you are interested in going and I can send you more info. I am trying to find people who want to share a room with me. So let me know!=)
Here are some pictures from last year's conference.
Click hereto check out more info on the Women of Faith conference. Then send me a message if you want info. on the tickets.
It's a girl's weekend you don't want to miss! God uses this weekend in so many ways~ A chance to connect, a chance to grow spiritually and most of all a chance to laugh and have fun all for God's glory!
Thank you for taking the time to check out our blog. We hope you enjoy our posts about MOPS activities, friendship, motherhood and life. Whether you are an Olive Knolls MOPS member or just curious about what Olive Knolls MOPS might have to offer you, please contact me for more information: Michele Wilbert- Olive Knolls MOPS Coordinator at MicheleWilbert1@gmail.com
Cut Off Jean Shorts and a Fun Way to Use Up the leftover Legs!
I wanted to tell you about something that is coming up in September. Sept. 10-11th is the Women of Faith "Imagine" Conference in Anaheim at the Honda Center. I have been able to go the past 2 years and have had the best times! Something so special and so moving! It really is a weekend to refresh and recharge your batteries as a woman, wife and mother. Patti King is a "Group Leader" for this Women of Faith event. She still has some tickets available. The price is $89.00. This price does not include the price of the room. We cram as many of us girls in together as possible to cut down on costs. I think last year it cost about $20.00 per person. It turns out to be a fun girl's night sleepover. We bring tons of snacks and drinks. Staying up talking and laughing and just having a wonderful time of fellowship together! Let me know if you are interested in going and I can send you more info. I am trying to find people who want to share a room with me. So let me know!=)
