Sweet & Savory Award

Savory Dish - Hashbrown Casserole - Sonya Moore

1 bag (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns

2 cups chedder chesse
1 (16oz) container sour cream
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 stick of butter3 cups of crushed corn flakes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine hashbrowns, cheese, sour cream and soup. Pour into a lightly greased 9x13 pan.
Next, arrange the crushed corn flakes over all in the dish. Melt the stick of butter and pour this evenly over the corn flakes.

Bake at 425 degrees for 1 hour. You might want to cover with foil for most of the cooking time so that the corn flakes don't burn.Unlike




Sweet Dish - Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake - Jayshree Watkins

For detailed instructions just follow the link here :) 

Ingredients:
9x13 pan (I used a foil pan since I was worried I would possibly drop this while chasing/carrying a toddler and didn't want to shatter my glass pan-but either works!) 1/4 cup margarine, melted (I used butter) 2 cans of cinnamon rolls with icing4 eggs1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (I used milk instead)2 teaspoons vanilla2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:1. Gather all of your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350.2. Melt your butter and pour it in the pan.3. Open and chop up the cinnamon rolls. The recipe I used said to cut them into 4 pieces, but I made them smaller.4. Once both cans are chopped up and spread out evenly in the pan, combine the eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla together in a bowl and pour them over the chopped rolls.5. Pop the tray into the oven for 25-30 minutes.6. Once they're done (resist the urge to take a bite) melt the icing that came with the rolls a little bit so it is easier to pour- and pour that sugary delicious treat over the rol

How Do you Sweet Frog?

Be You, Bravely Drinkware

They Have Arrived! Be You, Bravely Drinkware! 

They come in these straw with lid versions, as seen above ($12.00), or you can order a tevis-like version (with the tevis-like lid - $14.00). Simply click on this Square link, or the Square link on the side bar,  to place your order. They are made to order, taking 7-10 business days to arrive. 

Our Arts & Crafts Steering Team member, Jennifer, will also have some to sell at the meeting. It’s first come, first serve, but she will order more for the next meeting. So if you would rather use cash or check, please see her :) 

* Please note that the Square links were provide here are directly to our Mt. Ararat MOPS Store Front. Here is how it works...  In the virtual world of the world wide web, there are many “virtual” store fronts for various business, etc. So as you are strolling along all the shops at the Square "virtual super mall", you need to be at the Mt. Ararat MOPS store front to have square work for you. Thus, be sure to check out at these direct links :) 

Make It, Bake It, Grow It

MOPS GIFT SHOPPING!

MAKE IT, BAKE IT, GROW IT!

Calling all Bakers, Crafters, Handyladies, & Creative Women!!

This is one of our all time favorite events. We do Make It, Bake It, Grow It once a semester and it is here!

Make It - Bake It - Grow It is just as it sounds. Every one who is interested in participating brings in something they have made, baked/cooked, or grown. We have seen a number of fun things over the years come to the tables from stationary, to meals, to wood working,  to blankets, to scarves, to plants & herbs.

NOVEMBER 14th - Regular MOPS meeting

We do a silent auction of these items throughout the meeting, with a last call just for those items that are being battled over. The proceeds go towards our MOPPETS Program. It is a great way to get something you really wanted, or gifts for the fast approaching holidays.

MOPS Take The Farm Pumpkin Patch & Dinner

Braehead Farm is our MOPS Pumpkin Patch Event this year! I am so excited!! (Maybe I am always “so excited”? I do like !!!!! a lot.)

Come join us for an afternoon of fun at Braehead Farm! 

The Fall pumpkin patch field trips are $7.00 per person and includes a pumpkin to take home and hayride! (2 and under are free.)

Then, on the way home, either stop in or take home Pizza for the family. Proceeds go towards our MOPPETS program :)

Spirit Night At Cici’sPizza

Make Wednesday pizza night this week and help support your local MOPS group, Mount Ararat MOPS!

This Wednesday, October 15^th

Dine-in or Carry Out at Cici’s pizza 

5:00PM until 8:00PM 

12% will go to supporting MOPS.

50 Dunn Dr #123, Stafford, VA 22554

Adults: $5.69 Adult Drinks: $1.39

Kids 10 & under: $3.99

Kids 3 & under eat FREE with $0.99 drink

Habitat For Humanity Service Project

CANCELLED

  Due to a lack of participation (by just a few) this event has had to be cancelled. We are hoping to try again in the Spring. So be sure to put a post-it note on your calendar as a reminder.

  A big shout out, THANK YOU VANESSA for bring this service project to us & organizing a wonderful opportunity.

Tater-Tot Bake Recipe

Sweet & Savory Award! 

We voted & this weeks spotlight dish was brought by Shawna Mollet: 

Tater-Tot Bake

2 bags "Ore-Ida" Tater tots (partially thawed)
8 oz. Sour Cream
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 Stick Margarine or Butter (melted)
Grated Cheddar Cheese (amount to liking)

Mix together all ingredients in large bowl; pour into lightly greased 9x13 dish. Sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top before baking. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

Thank You Shawna for sharing a great dish with us!  

Mt. Ararat MOPS Habitat for Humanity Service Project

Come show us your BRAVE! 

October 11, 2014 - Habitat For Humanity Mt. Ararat MOPS Service Day (Ladies ONLY!) 

Just how BRAVE are you?

Are you BRAVE enough to sling a hammer,  or work a drill, or maybe even landscape?

Are you BRAVE enough to put your skills to the test, or learn new skills?

Are you BRAVE enough to give back to our community?

Are you BRAVE enough to help build a home with Habitat for Humanity?

What a great opportunity to show your BRAVE and do it with a group of supportive women just like yourself! Our mission at Mt. Ararat MOPS is not only to share the love of Jesus Christ with moms by building relationships and supporting one another in a nonjudgmental atmosphere that is fun, uplifting, and encouraging, but to be doers & showers of those words.

Jesus Christ was not only a savior for all our sins, but he was also a carpenter & the son of a carpenter. It was customary in those days for a father to pass on the knowledge & skill of his trade to his son. Today, we as women, especially moms, also pass down a lot of our knowledge & skills to our own children.

Christ calls us to love, care, and do for those who cannot. He also does not place judgement, but paves a way for change.

Scripture also calls us to not only love our neighbors, but that is the second greatest commandment:

Matthew 22:37-39Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 

³⁷ He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.^[a] 38 This is the greatest and most important^[b] command. ³⁹ The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.^[c]

Whether you want to join just to work off some of that pent-up mommy stress, or you have a stirring of a deeper calling, we can’t wait to see you there! What a great day we will have serving through Christ.

We need at least 15 volunteers total (14 now, because I am going!). You can bring a girlfriend, a neighbor who needs a girl’s night, or even your sister... or your mother! It’s a first ever women’s weekend, but men are welcome too..  "No previous experience is necessary, just a willing heart!"


EVERYONE ATTENDING MUST REGISTER & SIGN-UP.

• STEP ONE: Follow the link below to register! Be sure to choose Mt. Ararat MOPS!!
• http://www.volunteerup.com/Login.asp?w=i&o=253
• You do NOT have to click any skills or interests, or you can chose “none” for them all. 

• STEP TWO: Sign Up! 
• There will be a calendar. Look for the date - October 11, 2014 & click on Mt. Ararat MOPS. 
• It will take you to the sign up page - BE SURE TO TYPE IN MT. ARARAT MOPS in the first blank. 
• Select the shift (9:30am-3:30pm)
• The location will be listed on the sign-up page, it will NOT be posted here for any privacy restrictions that may occur. But it is in local here in Stafford. 
• Click Submit at the bottom... and mark your calendar! 
• If you didn’t sign-up right after you registered, when you sign back in the group you will need to find on the list is: Greater Fredericksburg Area. 

It’s a bring your coffee, they provide a 45 minute pizza lunch, and bring your work boots kind of day.  If you have work gloves of your own, feel free to bring them, or they will provide the items necessary. You can even borrow the hubs tool belt, if you like :)

LET’S BE BRAVE & STRONG TOGETHER! 

Dollar Dinner!

Hey Ladies!!! 

$$$   Dollar Dinners start this Friday!!   $$$

  We are so excited to offer you this wonderful opportunity for a cook free evening. Yes, you read that... COOK FREE EVENING! 

Here is how it works:

You come to our Friday MOPS meetings with your ice cream money... err...   I mean your $1.00 bills & buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a pre-made homemade meal/dinner.

Let’s recap...

• Cook Free evening with a pre-made meal/dinner...
• $1.00 per raffle ticket - OR- $5 for 6 tickets. 

Winner goes home to relax 
& throw her feet up for the evening!!! 

*There may be one meal to raffle or multiple meals depending on availability. 
**Each meeting will bring you a chance to win a cook free evening/dinner.
***Allergies have been taken into account & will be noted, & information made available to all of those who are interested. 

Waiting List

WE ARE CURRENTLY FULL 

& 

CREATING A WAITING LIST! 

 God has truly blessed our small group this year and has shown us there is a true need for fellowship with other moms. If you are interested please, feel free to send a request for the wait list. 

  Our waiting list is created first come first serve. It is based on space availability for MOPPETS (Child Care). If you don’t need a space in MOPPETS (child care) because your children are in preschool, or have other means of being care for during our meeting, we can still find a place for you amongst our MOPS moms. 

  We pray that you are not discouraged from continuing to reach out to other moms, including our moms. We will continually be working hard to create new MOPPETS spaces as our facility allows and you will be the first to know! 

HOPE TO MEET YOU SOON!! 

UPDATE: Please continue to fill out the registration information & forms, and mail them in to secure your spot on the waiting list & to verify we have a way to contact you as soon as availability becomes possible. Thank You!

The Brave Feather

  This year you will see feathers everywhere! Our theme this year is about courage & bravery to step out of our ordinary lives; to love deeper, to live more passionately, to face our fears for a greater purpose.

  Many Native Americans have used the feather to represent bravery for years. A Brave was a very spiritual individual who was a peaceful defender of his/her land & family. A Brave was almost not human because of his/her great deeds. The feather a Brave earned was difficult to earn because it represented the deed itself in which it was earned. Thus a feather isn’t just a symbol of bravery, but of the amazing courage it took to complete the brave deed.

  A feather also comes from the wings of a bird. A bird who can spread those wings & take flight. A feather also represents the freedom of living with courage & bravery; life without reservations, but rather a life with faith.

  So I ask, what better represents bravery and courage than a feather? Who is braver than a mom? Even if your only accomplishment is living in survival mode due to any number of circumstances, YOU DESERVE A FEATHER!





  God has called us all to be more like Christ in our daily lives. To be courageous in our walk of faith. He also promises us protection and strength to endure the calling He has laid upon us,... even motherhood. Being a mom is the greatest blessing we can receive and the most challenging adventure we may ever endure. Today we want you to know, you are brave; you are courageous.

He will cover you with His feathers; 

you will take refuge under His Wings. 

His faithfulness will be a protective shield.  

Psalm 91:4 - Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

YOU DESERVE A FEATHER!

Come Visit us (MOPS) at:

 Mt. Ararat Baptist Church

1112 Garrisonville Road

Stafford, VA 22556

2nd & 4th Fridays of each month (September - May)

9:30AM - 11:30AM

Be You, Bravely!

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 

See, I am doing a new thing! 

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wastelands. 

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

  We are so excited to introduce to you our new 2014-2015 MOPS theme: Be You, Bravely. 

  Often times we get so comfortable in our own day to day lives, that stepping out of that comfort zone is more challenging than middle of the night feedings, or leaving the house without spit up on your third outfit of the day. We will often put off things that seem to take too much time, require us to take a risk that we don’t know how to calculate, or to be more than the mom & wife. Let’s face it! Sometimes anything else outside our comfort zone is just too taxing on our already exhausted lifestyle.  Taking care of ourselves can even be too challenging. Sometimes, we may find ourselves wandering through a desert in our lives, just waiting... patiently... for God to show us the way. What if He has, and we are in need of taking some action?

  This MOPS year we are going to be rewriting how brave we are, how much courage we can muster up, and how much faith we can find to walk in our extraordinary paths that God uniquely designed for each of us.

  This year you may find yourself challenged to find: 

• Courage to Be Honest
• Courage to Be Significant
• Courage to Love People Extravagantly
• Courage to Forgive and Be Forgiven
• Courage to Be Generous
• Courage to Be Passionate
• Courage to Face Your Mom Fears
• Courage to Tell Your Story
• Courage to Raise Brave Kids
• Courage to Be Intentional

  And you can do it!! You can do it with the help of so many other moms just like yourself and  through Christ. This year we will be developing some deep friendships in an uplifting environment with no judgement, because at MOPS we know how valuable you are and how challenging it is to me a mom, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, ....

We cannot wait to kick off this new year! Don’t miss it!

  Be sure to register with us by August 30th so that you can secure a MOPPETS (childcare) position for your little one(s), and come join us! Our first meeting is September 12, 2014, 9:30 AM at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, 1112 Garrisonville Road, Stafford, VA 22554

WELCOME!!!!

Welcome to Mount Ararat Baptist Church Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS).

  We hope you have made your way to this site because a friend recommended you, you looked us up on the MOPS website, did a google search, or heard about us at Mt. Ararat and are in need of a supportive group of moms! Our leadership team (aka steering) is hard at work preparing for what is sure to be our best MOPs year yet. We provide you with amazing speakers, wonderful child care program, and above all, God's love to each and everyone of you. So come on in and catch a break from day to day mothering ... you will not be disappointed.

  MOPs is for any mom with children from expecting through kindergarten. MOPs is a supportive group of moms just like you, walking through motherhood just like you, who love being a mom just like you. There is no age restriction, no belief restrictions or prerequisites, and no limitations to the fun we will have. 

  A normal meeting will include brunch with other wonderful moms like yourself while your child(ren) are taken care of by very wonderful certified caregivers, a craft, a speaker, or just a laid back activity. There are also other opportunities and events throughout the year to also meet up and socialize. 

  We meet on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Fridays of each month from 9:30-11:30, starting September 12, 2014 through the end of May. We meet in the sanctuary of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, 1112 Garrisonville Road Stafford, VA.

Our Fees:
International Registration Fee: $24.95 for the year, paid once in the beginning.
Moms without a need for child care (MOPPETS) due to other reasons like preschool or grandparents: $35 per semester ($70 a year). 
1-2 MOPPETS: $45 a semester ($90 a year)
3+ MOPPETS: $55 a semester ($110 a year)  

Your MOPS membership includes: 

• The first copy of a one-year subscription to MOMSense Magazine (a mom magazine that will make you feel better about yourself)
• A super cute reusable shopping bag (seriously, can you have enough cute bags?), with a MOPS logo
• A DVD for your kiddos from BOZ, our favorite green bear.
• 16 - 2 hr meetings with other moms (KID FREE) , sharing in the joys, trials, and comedy that is this season of mothering
• All of your craft supplies/meeting supplies
• LOTS OF LAUGHTER
• Friendships that will last a lifetime!  

Seriously, what a worthy investment in YOURSELF!! And you deserve this!!! 
To register, simply download the forms below and send an email to:
Mtararatmops@gmail.com to inquire about space availability. 

2014-2015 MOPS Registration Form
2014-2015 MOPPETS (Childcare) Registration Form

 Due to limited MOPPETS (child care) availability, we will be closing registration on August 30th and will not open again until Spring semester UNLESS space in MOPPETS permits. Please list only children needing MOPPETS on your MOPPETS registration form. Depending on the response we may have to open up a waiting list for childcare.

  Please checkout the links to the right to give you more information about our group.

  We cannot wait to share this MOPS year with you,

  Audrey Braman & Dana Mills
  Coordinators

  If you THINK MOPS is for you (Trust, us, it is!!  It's for EVERY MOM Expecting thru Kindergarten!), but would like to know more, please follow this link:

MOPS International Website

We can't wait to meet you!!! 


Update! Update! Update! - September 7, 2014
WE ARE CURRENTLY FULL 
& 
CREATING A WAITING LIST! 

God has truly blessed our small group this year and has shown us there is a true need for fellowship with other moms. If you are interested please, feel free to send a request for the wait list.